Abstract: Provided is a system for testing a material, including a testing device configured to apply a physical test to a material and including sensors configured to measure parameters of the material, at least one processor in communication with the testing device programmed or configured to: select a test specimen, automatically set-up the testing device for at least one test, generate test data based at least partially on the parameters measured by the sensors, and communicate the test data to a remote system, at least one server computer remote from the testing device and the at least one processor, the at least one server computer programmed or configured to: send specimen and test parameter data, receive the test data and store the test data in a database in association with at least one identifier that uniquely identifies the testing device, and prevent modification of the test data stored in the database.

Abstract: A hydroforming apparatus includes upper and lower platens that are connected together by tie rods extending through respective compression tubes. An upper die section is carried on the upper platen by a generally C-shaped suspension arm, while a lower die section is carried on the lower platen. The upper and lower die sections have recessed areas formed therein that define a die cavity. Lift assemblies are provided on the lateral ends of the hydroforming apparatus for selectively elevating the lower die section upwardly into engagement with the upper die section. When the lower die section is elevated by the lift assemblies, a workpiece is enclosed within the die cavity. A bolster is then moved between the hydroforming die and the lower platen. A cylinder array containing a plurality of pistons is next hydraulically actuated so as to securely clamp the hydroforming die between the cylinder array and the lower platen.

Abstract: A hydroforming apparatus includes upper and lower platens that are connected together by tie rods extending through respective compression tubes. An upper die section is carried on the upper platen by a generally C-shaped suspension arm, while a lower die section is carried on the lower platen. The upper and lower die sections have recessed areas formed therein that define a die cavity. Lift assemblies are provided on the lateral ends of the hydroforming apparatus for selectively elevating the lower die section upwardly into engagement with the upper die section. When the lower die section is elevated by the lift assemblies, a workpiece is enclosed within the die cavity. A bolster is then moved between the hydroforming die and the lower platen. A cylinder array containing a plurality of pistons is next hydraulically actuated so as to securely clamp the hydroforming die between the cylinder array and the lower platen.

Abstract: A hydroforming apparatus includes an upper platen carrying an upper die section and a lower platen carrying a lower die section. The platens are connected together by tie rods extending through respective compression tubes. The upper and lower die sections have recessed areas formed therein that define a die cavity. When the lower die section is moved to a lowered position, a workpiece can be disposed in the recessed area formed therein. Then, the lower die section and the workpiece are elevated by cylinders such that the workpiece is enclosed within the die cavity and mechanically deformed by the cooperated upper and lower die sections. A support block is then moved between the hydroforming die and the lower platen. A cylinder array containing a plurality of pistons is next hydraulically actuated so as to securely clamp the hydroforming die between the cylinder array and the lower platen.

Abstract: A hydroforming apparatus includes an upper platen carrying an upper die section and a lower platen carrying a lower die section. The platens are connected together by tie rods extending through respective compression tubes. The upper and lower die sections have recessed areas formed therein that define a die cavity. When the lower die section is moved to a lowered position, a workpiece can be disposed in the recessed area formed therein. Then, the lower die section and the workpiece are elevated by cylinders such that the workpiece is enclosed within the die cavity and mechanically deformed by the cooperated upper and lower die sections. A support block is then moved between the hydroforming die and the lower platen. A cylinder array containing a plurality of pistons is next hydraulically actuated so as to securely clamp the hydroforming die between the cylinder array and the lower platen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for shearing logs to form billets includes movable stop at the discharge side of a shear to measure the length of the log passed through the shear. A light beam impinges on a detector when the trailing end of a log passes beyond the light beam to produce a signal concurrently with a signal which is produced by displacement of the movable stop. The concurrent production of these two signals is used to produce a third signal corresponding to a measure of the length of the log. The latter signal is used for determining the sheared length of one or part of a two-piece billet that can be produced from the log-end portion. The log is severed by displacing a movable upper die of the shear beyond a stationary lower die. In one embodiment, a gripper engages and pulls the end of the log from the shear. In a second embodiment, an H-shaped frame extending outwardly at the discharge side of the shear carries a movable stop.