Abstract: This invention relates to the field of signal transit time sensors, in particular sensors based on ultrasonic transit times. Existing electronic control circuits for such transit time sensors for measurements on medical liquids, in particular blood, are extremely complex or their time resolution is limited. However, the present invention makes use of a simple measurement technique which cannot be used directly at first for the time resolution to be achieved. In this method, an ordinary sampling method is used to detect the received signal (12). An oscillator-like received signal (12) generated by an emitted step-like signal is first sampled during a half-period (14, 15) and is checked with the help of a selection criterion.

Abstract: A method to inject a slurry into a subterranean formation includes measuring characteristic data from a well in communication with the subterranean formation, estimating downhole properties of the slurry using the measured characteristic data, measuring surface properties of the slurry with a measurement apparatus, determining optimal surface properties for the slurry from the estimated downhole properties, comparing the measured surface properties with the determined optimal surface properties, modifying the slurry until the measured surface properties are within tolerance values of the determined optimal surface properties, and injecting the modified slurry into the subterranean formation through the well.

Abstract: The device for determining the center of gravity of an object measures the moments of the object (e.g., golf club head, or other irregularly shaped object) as it is positioned in three mutually orthogonal axes. As the weight of the object is known, the moments may be divided by the weight to determine the precise arm from the scale to the center of gravity of the object. A line is marked across the exterior surface of the object along each orthogonal axis, with the intersection of the lines defining the center of gravity of the object. A programmable electronic scale is preferably used, but other mechanical and electronic scales may be used as well. The knowledge of the precise location of the center of gravity of the object enables a technician to add or remove weight in precise amounts and locations to adjust the center of gravity precisely.

Abstract: The high aspect ratio atomic force microscope (AFM) probe has a cantilever element with a crystalline growth surface at one end. The AFM probe additionally has a semiconductor nanowire extending substantially orthogonally from the growth surface. The AFM probe is made by covering the cantilever element with sacrificial material, leaving at least part of the growth surface exposed; depositing catalyst metal on the exposed growth surface; removing the sacrificial material leaving the catalyst metal on the growth surface, and growing a semiconductor nanowire extending from the growth surface using the catalyst metal left on the growth surface. The catalyst metal remains at the distal end of the nanowire during the growing.

Abstract: The nanoscale FET probe comprises a cantilever element and, at one end of the cantilever element, a nanowire that extends from the cantilever element. The nanowire is electrically connected to the cantilever element at at least one of the ends of the nanowire. The nanowire is capable of being coated with molecules of a capture agent along at least part of its length.

Abstract: The functionalizable nanowire-based AFM probe comprises a cantilever element, a semiconductor nanowire and a catalyst nanoparticle. The cantilever element comprises a crystalline growth surface at one end. The semiconductor nanowire extends substantially orthogonally from the growth surface and, hence from the cantilever element. The catalyst nanoparticle is located at the distal end of the nanowire, remote from the growth surface. The catalyst nanoparticle comprises a material having a greater tendency to bond with a functionalizing molecule moiety than the semiconductor material of the nanowire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor arrangement (8), comprising a flange component (9), for external fixing of the sensor arrangement (8) and a sleeve (1), for housing electrical components, which is firmly secured to the flange component (9). The invention also relates to a method for producing a sensor arrangement. The air of said invention is to simplify the manufacturing of said sensor arrangement (8). Said air is achieved, whereby the sleeve (1) is arranged in a recess (10) of the flange component (9) and secured to the flange component (9), by means of a friction weld (11).

Abstract: An ice-processing device is configured to test a consequence of ice on an aircraft engine component by simulating an effect on the ice upstream of the component.

Abstract: An abnormality determination device and an abnormality determination method of a vehicle that includes a stepped type automatic transmission capable of forming a plurality of speed change steps are provided. The presence/absence of an abnormality of an element related to formation of a predetermined speed change step is determined in a state of the vehicle where the predetermined speed change step is formed. Information about the abnormality determined to be present is then stored. If the information about the abnormality is stored when the vehicle is to newly start to run, the predetermined speed change step where the abnormality stored occurred is established, and the presence/absence of the abnormality of the element related to the formation of the predetermined speed change step is re-determined.

Abstract: A dual mode contact sensor for an automotive vehicle includes an impact-responsive tubular sensing member, and a first linear contact which is closed with the outer surface of the tubular sensing member. A second linear contact is mounted within the tubular sensing member such that a higher force impact, sufficient to cause plastic deformation of the tubular sensing member will cause a circuit to be closed with the second linear contact.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the pressure of motor vehicle tires is provided. In the method, a tire pressure value of the filling pressure and a tire temperature value are determined. While taking into account the tire temperature values, the determined tire pressure value is compared with a stored nominal value and the comparison result is used to determine whether the motor vehicle tire is at an incorrect tire pressure, in particulars, a low tire pressure. If the tire pressure is incorrect, when a characteristic change in the tire pressure occurs, the stored nominal value is replaced by a new nominal value, and the comparison result is used to determine the new nominal value of the determined tire pressure value.

Abstract: A receiving antenna RA of a receiving unit RU is positioned at an inner diameter side of a rotation locus of a transmitting unit TU when a tire T rotates. Consequently, it shortens a reaching distance of electromagnetic waves and lessens its change, thereby making it easy to keep a stable receiving sensitivity state. Moreover, the receiving antenna RA is made of a wire of a predetermined length that is made integral inside a wire harness WH connected to the receiving unit RU. Consequently, it becomes easy to make the receiving antenna RA in a length of ?/4 of a wavelength ? of the electromagnetic waves in use, a length of an integral multiple thereof, or 5/8 ?. As a result, the receiving sensitivity can be improved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to regulate the inflation of objects. To start inflation, the apparatus couples a fluid source to the object via a plenum. Concurrent with inflation, the apparatus substantially continuously measures pressure within the plenum using a sensor sufficiently proximate the object such that pressure measured by the sensor is substantially similar to pressure within the object. When measured pressure exceeds a target pressure by a prescribed margin, the apparatus stops inflating. While inflation is stopped, the apparatus reads pressure measured by the sensor and deflates the object as needed to reduce measured pressure to the target pressure.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring apparatus includes a pressure transducer and a valve stem. A spring member connects the pressure transducer to the valve stem. The spring member facilitates relative movement between the pressure transducer and the valve stem.

Abstract: An aerodynamic or hydrodynamic test apparatus that permits all air to be evacuated from the test enclosure, such that no free liquid surfaces remain. This permits more accurate testing of structures, particularly at low Reynolds numbers. The apparatus includes a seal that allows the elimination of a liquid free surface. The seal is disposed in a slit on an upper surface of the enclosure and can include one or more inflatable sealing members. The upper surface of the enclosure is preferably sloped upwardly towards the seal to prevent the entrapment of air bubbles within the enclosure. A method of testing using such an apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Measurement of petrophysical and geophysical data of formations in a wellbore using a long gauge bit having at least one sensor therewith. The at least one sensor may be installed in at least one flute of the long gauge bit and/or in the long gauge portion thereof. Data for creating images of the formations are obtained at or near the bottom of the borehole and proximate to the long gauge bit used for drilling the borehole. Orientation of the long gauge bit is also available on a real time basis. Magnetic and/or gravitational sensors may be used in determining bit orientation. The flutes of the long gauge bit and the long gauge portion thereof may have standard inserts to accommodate various types of different sensors and electronic packages therefor.

Abstract: Fluid column weight correction using discrete point and fiber optic temperature measurement. A method for determining pressure at a distal end of a fluid column in a well includes the steps of: dividing the fluid column into multiple segments; determining a temperature of each segment; and determining a pressure and density for each segment. Another method includes the steps of: determining the temperature of each segment by measuring a temperature in the well near a proximal end of the fluid column, and using the measured temperature in conjunction with a thermal wellbore model to generate a temperature profile of the fluid column. Another method includes the steps of: causing a pressure change in the fluid column; recording multiple pressure measurements during the pressure change; and generating a temperature profile of the fluid column for each of the pressure measurements.

Abstract: A wind sensor device consisting of a plurality of light weight, flexible, high tensile strength filaments attached to and depending from a malleable elongated body structure, such as a wire. The filaments are blown by the wind, thus indicating direction. The flexible body structure is used to attached the device to a hunter's rifle, gun, bow, tree, or other nearby object such as a branch, thus freeing the hunter's hands for other tasks.

Abstract: A convexo concave amplifying device for exhibiting a convexo concave by amplifying a sense of a convexo concave of an object, comprising a sensing member and an exhibiting member. The sensing member 101 comprises a flexible sheet able to contact with the surface of the object O and to deform along the surface of the object. The exhibiting member 120 that is formed on a surface of the flexible sheet and has a deformation resistance smaller than that of the flexible sheet in at least one of directions orthogonal to a direction of thickness of the flexible sheet. With such construction, the object convexo concave can be amplified and exhibited. A deformation sensing device for sensing a deformation thereof comprising a capsule deformable by stress, a viscous fluid F contained in the capsule, and a relative movement sensing member that is disposed inside of the capsule and senses a relative movement against the viscous fluid.

Abstract: A thermal liquid flow sensor and method of forming same. The sensor has a substrate and one or more sensing elements, disposed on the substrate, for sensing a property of a liquid. The liquid flow sensor, which can be for example a microsensor having a microbrick® structure, has a hydrophilic layer which is disposed on the substrate and covers the sensing element(s). The hydrophilic layer is preferably formed from a spin on glass material, such as for example a silicate or phosphosilicate. A silicon nitride layer can be disposed on the sensing element(s) and interpose the substrate and the hydrophilic layer. The silicon nitride layer can be oxidized, for example, by means of plasma oxidation or oxygen ion implantation so to form the hydrophilic layer thereon. A variety of other hydrophilic compounds can be utilized to form the hydrophilic layer such as, gold, palladium and diamond like carbon.

Abstract: A combined utility meter and meter register assembly (10) is disclosed in which a housing (11, 13, 31) for both a utility metering element and a meter register has no visual readout or display of metering data. Metering data is signaled through a data port (33) or an antenna (36) to external equipment. The meter register is provided by electronic circuitry (29a, 29b) that is placed in an upper cavity (27) in the housing part (13) that is then closed by a cover (31) or a body of sealing material. A label (32) can be placed over the closure informational purposes. An additional embodiment of the housing is also disclosed.

Abstract: Fuel-, ballast-, utility- or freight-tanks of ships are frequently equipped with an open sounding tube, which serves for the mechanical sounding of the fill level of the medium in the tank. In the case of fill level measurements in the sounding tube with measuring devices, which work with microwave signals, it has been found that the wanted signals can be superimposed in a lower region of the sounding tube by strong disturbance signals, which come from the tank floor. In order to be able to determine reliably the fill level of the medium reliably in a tank equipped with such a sounding tube also by means of a microwave fill level measuring device, an arrangement is provided which includes a deflecting device for deflecting the microwave signals in an end region of the sounding tube. So that it will still be possible to perform sounding measurements in such tank using a mechanical sounding device, a microwave-transmissive support is provided for the plumb device in the region of the deflecting device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibratory limit switch configuration and to a process for operating such a configuration, with a fork (2); a transmitting and/or receiving device (3) for generating a vibration (w(fr)) for the fork as dependent on an exciter signal, and for receiving a vibration from the fork and for generating a reception signal (e) as dependent on the received vibration; and a control device (4) for providing the exciter signal and/or for processing the reception signal, where a device (8, 8*) is provided for detecting the temperature (T) of the fork or the temperature (T) of a space adjacent to the fork.

Abstract: A fuel level measurement device has a fuel level sensor carried by a fuel level float at the distal end of a pivoting float arm of the device which is preferably part of a fuel pump module located inside of a fuel tank preferably for automotive applications. Preferably a sealed arcuate chamber of the float is defined between an electrically conductive cover and a variable electric resistor which preferably is a generally non-conductive ceramic substrate that carries an electrically resistive ink strip. A track exposed in the arcuate chamber has a concave shape that generally faces upward so that a rolling member changes position due to the forces of gravity within the chamber as the float arm pivots generally up and down with changing fuel levels in the tank. The rolling member is electrically conductive and completes the circuit between the electrically conductive cover and the variable resistive ink strip.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to system and method for determining a fluid level. The system comprises a sensing rod assembly comprised of releasably connectable rod segments. Each rod segment carries a processor and a plurality of inductors. Each inductor generates a position signal responsive to a float signal. A float assembly comprises a housing containing a circuit having an integrally formed coil periodically energizable by a processor to emit the float signal. A control assembly receives the generated position signals and determines the fluid level. The method comprises providing releasably connectable rod segments with inductors that generate a position signal responsive to a float signal, determining a sensing rod assembly length, forming the sensing rod assembly, disposing it within a container, providing a float assembly periodically actuated to generate a float signal, generating position signals responsive to the float signal and analyzing those signals to determine the fluid level.

Abstract: Provided is a humidity sensor whose electrode is set to have an island-like configuration and is enclosed by a humidity sensitive film. As a result, in the humidity sensor, adhesion property between the humidity sensitive films on the electrode is enhanced and thus high reliability is achieved.

Abstract: A humidity measuring apparatus including: a humidity detecting element whose resistance value changes according to a humidity change; a resistor serially connected to the humidity detecting element; a signal output unit which outputs a clock signal to the humidity detecting element and the resistor; and a measuring unit which detects a voltage of a connecting point of the humidity detecting element and the resistor at predetermined timing from an edge of the clock signal and obtains a humidity based on the detected voltage, wherein an abnormality of the humidity detecting element is detected by detecting the voltage at timing different from the predetermined timing based on the voltage detected by the measuring unit.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for carrying out the method are disclosed for hidden spokes placement of balancing weights on a wheel, having a hub, a rim and the hub and the rim being connected by several spokes, comprising determination of spoke configuration data. Now, it is possible to analyze spoke configuration and width of the spokes in details, enabling the weight splitting behind spokes even if spokes are forked, oblique, not equidistant, or they have different dimension.

Abstract: A vibratory rotational rate gyroscope has a suspended assembly isolated from external vibrations by an arrangement of helical springs. This isolated assembly includes both the active components of the rotational rate gyroscope and a digital processing circuit. The digital processing circuit includes digital storage for both externally determined and internally determined unit-specific calibration values. These values provide seed values for startup processes, which improves loop startup time, and values for unit-specific electronic calibration. The digital processing circuit further converts all data to digital form. A digital communications protocol is used to transmit the calibration information and the outgoing data to and from the isolated assembly on only two conductors. Two additional conductors used for power. Four of the helical springs used in the suspension arrangement are used for these conductors such that no additional wiring is required.

Abstract: The invention relates to a speed measuring device. The aim of the invention is to allow a precise and flexible speed measurement. The aim is achieved, whereby emission components are transmitted through two different paths and detected. A modification to the phase shift between the emission components in both paths, in relation to a non-operating device, represents a rate for the actual speed of the device, for evaluation means. The influence of a rotary motion on a modification to the phase shift is thus prevented or compensated. The invention also relates to a system, provided with such a device, and to a corresponding method of speed measurement.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes at least one permanent magnet, a spring member for supporting the at least one permanent magnet to displace the at least one permanent magnet when an external force is applied, and a magnetic field detection sensor mounted in stationary state to face the at least one permanent magnet. The magnetic field detection sensor has at least one multi-layered MR element that includes a magnetization fixed layer and a magnetization free layer. The magnetization fixed layer is magnetized in a direction parallel to a displacement detection direction. Each permanent magnet has a multi-layered structure of hard magnetic material layers and nonmagnetic material layers alternately laminated each other in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the magnetic field detection sensor and to the magnetized direction of the magnetization fixed layer.

Abstract: A method for non-destructively inspecting a composite structure with a single ultrasonic transducer includes determining a calibration amplitude of ultrasonic transmissions emitted by the single ultrasonic transducer to a reflector in a fluid-filled immersion tank and received back at the single ultrasonic transducer. The method also includes inserting the composite structure into the fluid-filled immersion tank between the reflector and the single ultrasonic transducer. In addition, the method includes scanning the composite structure with the single ultrasonic transducer to measure ultrasonic amplitudes for sound waves traveling through the composite structure, reflecting off the reflector plate and then traveling back through the structure to the single ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: A noise dosimeter with capability to rapidly predict noise exposure over an extended time period based on a measurement of short duration. Either an acoustic or an electrical earphone adapter provides a convenient means to connect the noise dosimeter to an external sound source. A direct input jack operable to receive at least one audio signal provides a signal to an RMS detector, which provides a DC signal to a two-stage amplifier circuit. The outputs of the amplifiers are provided to a processor having multiple A/D channels. The processor calculates accumulated noise doses and drives a display, which in one embodiment includes a panel of light-emitting diodes. In one embodiment, the dosimeter includes functionality for control of external devices such as sound boards.

Abstract: Methods and systems for thermal compensation of pressure measurements by a pressure gauge. Errors in pressure values are reduced by utilizing a predetermined correlation between the error in pressure measurements, due to temperature gradient in a pressure gauge, and the temperature gradient caused by temperature at a surface of the pressure gauge and temperature at an inner portion of the pressure gauge. Thermally corrected pressure values are derived based on the correlation between the pressure errors and the temperature gradients in conditions such as due to fast and large pressure variations in oil wells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for achieving nearly perfect temperature compensation of a heat-loss vacuum gauge over its full pressure range. A voltage is measured across a sensor leg, a sensor leg and a temperature compensating leg connected together in series, or a sensor leg and a fixed resistive leg coupled together in series. A voltage is also measured across a subleg of the temperature compensating leg. The temperature compensating leg may include a temperature sensitive subleg and a temperature stable subleg connected together in series. The sublegs may include one or more temperature sensitive and/or temperature stable elements. The measured voltages are combined to produce temperature independent pressure indications over a pressure range. Three-dimensional curve-fitting or similar techniques may be used to combine the measured voltages.

Abstract: A combined pressure and temperature sensor for recording the pressure and the temperature of a medium. A sensor element of the combined pressure and temperature sensor includes a through-hole to a diaphragm and a bore for accommodating a temperature sensor. The diaphragm cooperates with a pressure sensor. At an end face of the sensor element, on the side of the medium, a cover is fastened, in which a hollow space is developed to accommodate the temperature sensor.

Abstract: The inventive pressure transmitting connector, in particular for an endoscopy system includes a fluid transporting channel, a blind compartment which opens towards the transport channels by a pipe and closed by a membrane which is deformable according to a pressure in the transport channels and a device for transmitting a representative quantity of the pressure in the transport channel according to the membrane deformation. The transport channel, the pipe and the blind compartment are embodied in the same rigid part to which the membrane is attached. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane simultaneously closes the blind compartment and a pressure transmitting chamber attached to the rigid part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring a pressure sensor. A homogeneous piece of metal can be provided. A pressure port and a machined diaphragm are integrated onto the homogeneous piece of metal, wherein the machined diaphragm is connected to the pressure port. The machined diaphragm can be configured utilizing Advanced Thick Film (ATF) technology, thereby providing a high-pressure pressure sensor for use in high-pressure sensing application based on the pressure port and the machined diaphragm and related pressure sensor components thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weight sensor comprising strain gauges which are deposited in thick films on a support (2). The support is made from an electrically-insulating material which is intended to be applied to a metallic body (1) that is essentially subject to bending. According to the invention, the support (2) comprises a ceramic material which has a Young's modulus E2 that is equal to or less than that E1 of the biased metallic body (1) and which is applied to the latter by means of gluing.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for and method and medium of adaptively setting a reference sensing boundary of a touch sensor. The apparatus for adaptively setting a reference sensing boundary includes a reference sensing boundary setting unit adaptively setting a reference sensing boundary of a capacitance using a signal generated by a reference touch sensor; a determination unit determining whether or not a value measured by a device control touch sensor controlling a device to which the reference touch sensor is attached is within the set reference sensing boundary, by sensing a change in the capacitance; and an output unit outputting the measured value if the determination result indicates that the measured value is within the reference sensing boundary.

Abstract: A strain gauge (10), comprising a silicon strain sensing element (14) for sensing strain with first and second load points (16) and provided with a pair of piezo-resistors (22) located between said load points such that, when said strain sensing element (14) is subjected to tension or compression at said load points, a first of said pair of piezo-resistors (22a,22b) is subjected to compression and a second of said pair of piezo-resistors (22a,22b) is subjected to tension, wherein a change in relative resistance of said pair of piezo-resistors is induced by subjecting said strain sensing element to compression or tension.

Abstract: The resolution and the signal-to-noise ration of known force sensors as e.g. capacitive force sensors decrease when scaling them down. To solve this problem there is a solution presented by the usage of a nanostructure as e.g. a carbon nanotube, which is mechanically deformed by a force to be measured. The proposed force sensors comprises a support with two arms carrying the carbon nanotube. The main advantage of this nanoscale force sensor is a very high sensitivity as the conductance of carbon nanotubes changes several orders of magnitude when a mechanical deformation arises.

Abstract: A sensor has a substrate in which a mechanically deformable area is formed. A first magnetostrictive multilayer sensor element and a second magnetostrictive multilayer sensor element are formed in the mechanically deformable area, wherein the first magnetostrictive multilayer sensor element and the second magnetostrictive multilayer sensor element are connected to each other and implemented such that when generating a mechanical deformation of the mechanically deformable area, the electric resistance of the first magnetostrictive multilayer sensor element changes in an opposite way to the electric resistance of the second magnetostrictive multilayer sensor element, or the electric resistance of the first magnetostrictive multilayer sensor element remains unchanged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible, resilient capacitive sensor suitable for large-scale manufacturing. The sensor comprises a dielectric, an electrically conductive detector and trace layer on the first side of the dielectric layer comprising a detector and trace, an electrically conductive reference layer on a second side of the dielectric layer, and a capacitance meter electrically connected to the trace and to the conductive reference layer to detect changes in capacitance upon interaction with detector. The sensor is shielded to reduce the effects of outside interference.

Abstract: Reliable and efficient sensing becomes increasingly difficult in harsher environments. A sensing module for high-temperature conditions utilizes a digital, rather than analog, implementation on a wireless platform to achieve good quality data transmission. The module comprises a sensor, integrated circuit, and antenna. The integrated circuit includes an amplifier, A/D converter, decimation filter, and digital transmitter. To operate, an analog signal is received by the sensor, amplified by the amplifier, converted into a digital signal by the A/D converter, filtered by the decimation filter to address the quantization error, and output in digital format by the digital transmitter and antenna.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a suite of sensors for measuring instant static and dynamic pressure and the speed and acceleration of a vehicle, such as a bicycle. A microprocessor receives data from the sensors and calculates power expended by the rider or other power source by finding the total of all forces impinging upon the vehicle and rider, thereafter multiplying by the speed of the ground vehicle. In some embodiments accuracy is improved by calibration techniques, user input of data, or temperature compensation of certain factors. Other data, such as wind speed, distance traveled, altitude, or surface grade may be presented to the user. In one embodiment data is stored for later analysis.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the measurement of stress-strain relationships in thin films using substantially flat, parallel test surfaces with minimal width. This invention is further directed to the measurement of stress-strain relationships in thin films at controlled temperatures and at high strain rates above 100% per second.

Abstract: An inspection system for removably mounting to a platform movable in relation to a generally upright mast for inspection of the mast has a mounting support assembly removably fixable to the platform. The mounting support assembly for scanning the mast carries a detector device and collecting mast scanned information. A power supply is carried by one or more of the mounting support assembly or the detector device and is connected to the detector device. A communications device is carried by one or more of the mounting support assembly or the detector device and is connected to the detector device for receiving and relaying the collected mast scanned information.

Abstract: An integratable sensor for an airfoil of an aircraft such as an airplane and a helicopter comprises a sensor capsule, in whose inner chamber a measuring element for measuring an environmental parameter is situated. A capsule carrier is implemented to accommodate and removably attach the sensor capsule and is integratable in an airfoil of an airplane or a helicopter. Elastic contact elements are used for secure electrical connection of the sensor capsule to the capsule carrier. The sensor capsule is replaceable, while the capsule carrier is permanently integrated in the airfoil, in particular in a rotor blade. The measuring element is, for example, a pressure sensor.

Abstract: A food bar fragility testing apparatus tests the fragility characteristics of a food bar specimen. The specimen is placed on first and second support rods with one end of the specimen abutting a sidewall of the frame of the tester. The support rods are spaced from the sidewall parallel to each other and the sidewall. A pivotal arm with a force applying surface engages the food bar specimen and bisects distance between the support rods. A press generates a force that is transmitted to the food bar specimen through the arm to determine if the food bar specimen can withstand the force without fracturing. The apparatus can also be used to classify relative fragility among specimens of various compositions. The apparatus is adaptable to allow use of a free weight, to rather than a press, to generate a force to thereby provide a portability feature.