Abstract: An extensometer assembly for use in association with a material testing system. The extensometer assembly has a pair of extensometers each of which includes a first arm and a second arm. The arms are pivotally coupled together through a connector, such as a flexure bearing. The extensometers may be positioned on opposing sides of a specimen to be tested. A pair of clips extending between opposing first arms and opposing second arms, respectively, retains the extensometers engaged to the specimen on opposing sides of the specimen.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a bistable hold open mechanism including first and second flexible flat, strip like members positioned relative to each other. The members include opposing first and second ends; an inner mating surface; and an opposing outer bonding surface. One or more pivot members and/or hinges is integrated into the second member separating it into a side seal portion and an operable portion, the side seal portion coupled to the operable portion. Embodiments include flexures which allow the pivot members or hinges to be biased in open or closed configurations. Applying a slight pressure to the members opens the mechanism. When the mechanism reaches a predetermined point, the pivot or hinges lock, maintaining an open configuration. Closing the mechanism only requires a slight pressure be applied to the external surface of the members, resulting in the pivot members or hinges unlocking and rotating towards a closed configuration.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a hold open mechanism including first and second flat, strip-like members. Each of the first and second flat, strip-like members are comprised of a flexible material and have two opposing ends and an edge including two wide sections, one of each of which is located at the opposing ends of the members; a narrow section having a width less than the two wide sections and extending between and coupling the two wide sections; at least one mounting tab extending along at least a portion of the edge and connected thereto via a first pivot member having an orientation parallel with the length of the members. The first and second flat, strip-like members act as a flip tab providing a surface area for a user to access and manipulate between an upwards and downwards configuration relative to the orientation of the mechanism.

Abstract: A load frame assembly comprising a frame assembly, a servomotor, an actuator, a first crosshead assembly, a second crosshead assembly, a load frame and a displacement sensor. The servomotor is coupled to the frame and includes a control system. The actuator is coupled to the first crosshead assembly and provides for moving the first crosshead assembly relative to the frame assembly. The actuator comprises a ball screw assembly having a ball screw and a ball screw nut. The load frame is coupled to one of the crosshead assemblies. The displacement sensor is associated with the frame assembly and is configured to measure displacement by the crossheads relative to the frame assembly.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to an instant closure mechanism comprising first and second flat, strip like sealing structures having a first orientation, first and opposing second ends; first and opposing second edges; a first pivot member dividing the sealing structures into an first and second portions, and a contour including at least one curved portion having a large gradual radius intersecting at least one of the first end and the second end. At least two second pivot members having an orientation perpendicular to the first orientation; a tab member enabled to pivot from a first flat position to a second bent position, and a sealing member coupled to the tab member via the horizontal pivot member. The sealing members are joined, providing a sealing interface, and whereby pivoting the tab member imparts a deformation of at least one of the two sealing structures resembling the contour of the first pivot members.

Abstract: An extensometer assembly for use in association with a material testing system. The extensometer assembly has a pair of extensometers each of which includes a first arm and a second arm. The arms are pivotally coupled together through a connector, such as a flexure bearing. The extensometers may be positioned on opposing sides of a specimen to be tested. A pair of clips extending between opposing first arms and opposing second arms, respectively, retains the extensometers engaged to the specimen on opposing sides of the specimen.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a mixing device including a mixer body and a mixing bowl. The mixer body has a circular housing defining at least one hole therein and contains a drive assembly. The mixing bowl defines a mixing bowl rotational axis and is removably connected to the mixer body, the mixing bowl is adapted to receive a mixing system defining a mixing system rotational axis and is removably connected to the drive assembly, the drive assembly rotates the mixing system about the mixing bowl rotational axis while simultaneously rotating the mixing system about the mixing system rotational axis.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to methods and containers for forming ice units. Embodiments relate to a container for forming ice units, the container including an elongated, enclosed body portion for receiving fluid. The body portion including an exterior wall defining an interior volume; one or more compartments along the length of the body, one or more constricted sections along the length of the body and separating compartments; a first end; and a second end opposite the first end, wherein at least one of the first and second ends are in fluid communication with at least one of the compartments.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a system and method for providing a reclosable snap closure. One embodiment relates to a closure device, including at least one pivot member, a first member and a second member. The first member has a predefined length LS and is pivotally connected to the at least one pivot member. The second member has a predefined length LF such that LF?LS and is pivotally connected to the at least one pivot member and movably engages the first member, the first member creating a spring load, which is transferred through the at least one pivot member to at least the second member, thereby providing a relatively high pressure along a portion of at least the second member engaging the first member.