Abstract: This document generally describes technology to verify the calibration of a materials testing system, such as a compact tension testing system. The calibration of a materials testing system can be verified based on the results generated from the materials testing system running one or more tests on a calibration specimen with one or more known characteristics.

Abstract: A hollow cylindrical tester uses an inflatable membrane to apply hoop stress to a hollow cylindrical sample. The compact device includes a frame that holds a sample around the inflatable membrane. The membrane is preferably inflated via fluid pressure and the fluid pressure preferably is monitored to determined pressure at critical points in testing procedures. Pressures of fluids within the membrane are also monitored. In a preferred structure, a piston and cylinder pressure injector operatively connected to the membrane is monitored for amount of piston travel and a pressure meter monitors fluid pressure. The preferred structure includes shaped opposing platens to seal the membrane within a cylinder sample being tested, a post failure restraint cylinder, and a cooling fluid bath.

Abstract: A hollow cylindrical tester uses an inflatable membrane to apply hoop stress to a hollow cylindrical sample. The compact device includes a frame that holds a sample around the inflatable membrane. The membrane is preferably inflated via fluid pressure and the fluid pressure preferably is monitored to determined pressure at critical points in testing procedures. Pressures of fluids within the membrane are also monitored. In a preferred structure, a piston and cylinder pressure injector operatively connected to the membrane is monitored for amount of piston travel and a pressure meter monitors fluid pressure. The preferred structure includes shaped opposing platens to seal the membrane within a cylinder sample being tested, a post failure restraint cylinder, and a cooling fluid bath.

Abstract: A two part tool fits into the crankshaft bore of a partially manufactured connecting rod for an internal combustion engine and expands the bore to break the bore housing into two pieces, one of which comprises a bearing cap to permit installation of the rod onto a crankshaft journal. The tool is retracted to fit within the bore for the bearing and a high pressure acts on a piston to provide a high enough force to move two parts of the tool away from each other in direction perpendicular to a bisecting plane that lies along the central axis of the bore and to split the one piece bearing housing into two parts along a place defined by notches which weaken the bearing housing in selected areas. The piston is centered on the bisecting plane of the connecting rod so that the forces are balanced to ensure uniform, repeatable operation.

Abstract: A rotary to linear control for actuating an axially movable spool of a digital rotary input servovalve has a threaded drive between a rotating nut and a threaded shank directly connected to the spool. The threads are hydrostatically preloaded to eliminate thread backlash and provide improved valve-actuator stability. The rotary drive is a digital stepper motor capable of moving at incremental movements about its rotational axis which rotates the nut. The threads provide a preload and a cushioning effect which essentially provides an accurate reference position for the axially movable spool each time the threads are actuated.

Abstract: A selectable depth water retriever including a weighted container having a threaded neck thereon which mounts a threaded cap. The cap has an opening formed in the top thereof. A perforated disc is positioned on the top of the neck of the container, and positioned between the perforated disc and a closure disc upon the cap opening is a coil spring which normally maintains the closure disc upon the cap opening until pressure at a selected water depth forces the closure disc from the cap opening to allow water to enter the container. The threaded connection of the cap upon the container allows for adjustment of the compression of the spring which in turn determines at what depth the closure disc is removed from the opening in the cap.