Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with a mechanism with a plurality of sub-mechanisms that generate relative motions between the portions of orthopedic devices, such as spinal disc implants. The sub-mechanisms are configured to be nested so as to place the sub-mechanism with the highest required performance closest to the specimen.

Abstract: An orthopedic simulator including a holder assembly and a slide table is disclosed. The holder assembly is configured to hold a test specimen to supply test loads. In the embodiment shown, the slide table is coupled to the holder assembly and includes a plurality of translation plates movable along a plurality of axis. As shown, the plurality of translation plates include a first translation plate movable along a first axis and a second translation plate movable along a second axis generally transverse to the first axis. In illustrated embodiments, an adjustable screw lock is configured to provide a positive lock to restrict movement or stroke of the first or second translation plates along the first or second axis. As disclosed, movement of the first or second translation plates is biased via a spring assembly for example to simulate the effect of soft tissue.

Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with an integral central manifold that provides internal routing of pressurized hydraulic fluid, compressed air, or electrical power to the actuators of the orthopedic simulator. The integral manifold is structurally coupled to support elements and resist and transfer bending and shear forces to the support elements.

Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with a plurality of test stations for each holding a test specimen. A plurality of load actuators are provided, with a respective load actuator for each of the test stations. The load actuators are substantially frictionless and configured to apply loads to the test specimens at the test stations.

Abstract: A transmission for torque transfer with axial compliance and a test machine employing the transmission has a flexible connector that provides high torsional stiffness and high axial compliance while inducing no frictional forces. The transmission includes an axial portion allowed to translate freely along its axis due to a high axial compliance of the transmission while the transmission simultaneously facilitates rigid torque transfer.

Abstract: A testing system and a method for obtaining drive files for the testing system for wheel rim testing, includes providing a wheel assembly in contact with a drum surface, the wheel assembly being rotatable about an axis defining a lateral axis, and wherein a vertical axis extends through a drum surface in contact with a tire of the wheel assembly and is orthogonal to the lateral axis, and a longitudinal axis is defined orthogonal to both the lateral and vertical axes. A parameter is measured indicative of an overturning moment applied to the wheel rim about the longitudinal axis. A camber angle of the wheel rim relative to the drum surface is adjusted to obtain a desired overturning moment on the wheel rim about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A rolling wheel testing apparatus includes a spindle assembly adapted to support a tire and wheel assembly for rotation. The spindle assembly includes an output shaft end having a plurality of holes extending into the shaft end substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the spindle assembly. A plurality of signal wires are provided in particular. A signal wire is disposed in each of the holes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of operating a rolling wheel testing apparatus includes driving a tire and wheel assembly about an axis of rotation with a tire in rolling contact with a rotatable drum. Torque is sensed about the axis of rotation and rotation of the drum is inhibited so as to develop a selected amount of torque about the axis of rotation as the tire and wheel assembly is rotated.

Abstract: A spherical swivel includes a base assembly having a clevis and a ball joined to the clevis. A swivel eye is movably joined to the ball. An elastomeric band positioning device includes an elastomeric band that is secured at opposite ends to the base assembly and is further secured to the swivel eye.

Abstract: A loading assembly for a vehicle spindle test fixture includes a belt crank that pivots on a first axis to differentially displace two vertical struts which are attached to a wheel adapter housing in order to apply a braking moment to the vehicle spindle. A lever pivotally supported about a second axis is pivotally joined to the bell crank and is used to displace the bell crank, the vertical struts and the wheel adapter housing to apply a vertical force. A control link controls rotation of the bell crank about the first axis and is pivotally joined to the bell crank about a third axis. A second lever is pivotally supported for movement about the second axis and is pivotally joined to an end of the control link about a fourth axis. When a trailing arm suspension is to be tested, the bell crank, the first lever, the control link and the second lever are arranged to form a non-parallelogram linkage in order to induce a brake axis rotation when a vertical displacement is applied.

Abstract: A loading assembly used to apply selected forces and moments to a vehicle spindle includes a wheel adapter housing mounted to the vehicle spindle. In a first embodiment, the loading assembly reduces crosstalk between application of lateral forces and unintended braking moments, and lateral forces and unintended longitudinal forces. In a second embodiment, a second loading assembly is adjustable so that braking moments are induced when a vertical force is applied when the loading assembly is used on trailing arm suspensions.

Abstract: Apparatus for reinforcing or attaching composite structural materials by chain-stitching. A reciprocating head is powered to alternate between outward and return motions. A needle is mounted for outward and return movement with the head, the needle having a material piercing end and a notch adjacent the material piercing end. A cast off has a first portion configured to overlie the notch, to maintain a thread within a notch, and a second portion configured to expand a loop in the thread on release of the thread from the notch. The needle pierces the material on outward motion of the head and withdraws through the material, with the thread in the needle notch, during the return motion of the head. The cast off first portion overlies the needle notch during a part of the needle return movement and moves in trailing relation to the needle during a part of the needle outward movement. A pressure foot may also be commonly driven, with the needle and cast off, by the head.