Abstract: A containment force apparatus and method a containment force apparatus for measuring containment force on a load, the apparatus comprising a first element configured to contact the load; a second element configured to engage at least a portion of a packaging material on the load and move between a first position associated with the first element to a second position perpendicular to the first position and spaced from the first element a measured distance; an actuator configured to urge the second element to move between the first position and the second position; and a force sensor configured to measure a force exerted on one of the first element or the second element.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of measuring a gap between exterior structures and interior structures. The method comprises directing a transmitted m-wave signal from an exterior surface of the exterior structure into the exterior structure and the interior structure. The transmitted m-wave signal is generated by a gap sensing device that comprises an electromagnetic dual-tuned resonant coil sensor. The method also comprises measuring a received m-wave signal with the gap sensing device. The received m-wave signal comprises the transmitted m-wave signal influenced by the assembly. The method further comprises determining a size of the gap between the exterior structure and the interior structure based at least partially on at least one measured characteristic of the received m-wave signal.

Abstract: Provided is a conversion mechanism that can be applied to a surface analyzer, etc., the mechanism being capable of smoothly converting a movement direction using a ling mechanism. The moving mechanism is composed of: a link mechanism including a first block, a second block, and a link member pivotally supported by the first block and the second block; a slide mechanism configured to reciprocate the first block in a first direction; and a contact member configured to come into contact with the second block or link member to guide a lifting and lowering movement of the second block in a second direction. The link member is pivotally supported by the first block and the second block so that it can be pivoted about a rotation axis in the third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The contact member has a circular cross-section when viewed from the third direction.

Abstract: A belt tension measurement device includes a sleeve with an opening in at least one end, a shaft insertable into the opening where at least a portion of the shaft protrudes from the opening when in a zero position, and a first securing component configured to couple the sleeve to a surface of a power transmission belt and an additional securing component configured to couple the shaft to the surface of the power transmission belt. The shaft includes one or more sets of marks. A set of the one or more sets of marks includes at least one mark. The at least one mark corresponds to at least one shaft position where the power transmission belt is tensioned a pre-determined amount via an extension force generated by an elongation of the power transmission belt. The shaft is moveable between the zero position and the at least one shaft position.

Abstract: An electronic feeler gauge comprises a sensor blade, a transmitting system, and a receiving system. The sensor blade comprises transmission induction coils, reception induction coils, and measurement sites, spaced in two dimensions about the sensor blade. Each of the measurement sites is associated with at least one of the transmission induction coils and at least one of the reception induction coils. The transmitting system is configured to drive modulated signals across the transmission induction coils to produce transmitted probe signals from the transmission induction coils. The receiving system is configured to receive response signals from the reception induction coils due to the transmitted probe signals.

Abstract: A cable tie having a strain sensing device incorporated therein. In one embodiment, the strain sensing device is a fiber Bragg grating (FBG), which is preferably molded within the strap. In this case, the cable tie further includes a socket in optical communication with the fiber Bragg grating for coupling of the cable tie to an external light source. In another embodiment, the strain sensing device is a mechanical fuse that activates in the presence of a predetermined amount of strain on the cable tie. The mechanical fuse is preferably disposed on the strap and is made of a fuse material having a mechanical strength lower than a mechanical strength of the material of the strap so that the mechanical fuse will fracture or deform earlier than the material of the underlying strap when both the fuse and the strap experience the same increasing strain.

Abstract: A sample gripping and heating assembly includes an assembly housing and first and second heating grips coupled with the assembly housing. The first and second heating grips each include a gripping surface, and the gripping surfaces of the first and second heating grips are opposed to each other. Each of the first and second heating grips further includes a heating element adjacent to the gripping surface. Optionally, the sample gripping and heating assembly is included in a heating system including a probe heater having a probe heating element for heating of a probe. The heating system is included with a testing assembly having a stage coupled with the sample gripping and heating assembly, and a transducer assembly coupled with the probe heater.

Abstract: When mounting a grip 10 on a cross head 73, a pin 62 and an adapter 50 are removed from a joint 40. Then, a boss 13 of the grip 10 is inserted into a hollow part 45 of the joint 40, and the pin 62 is inserted into a through-hole 14 formed in the boss 13 of the grip 10 and a hole part 42 formed in a tubular body 41 of the joint 40. When mounting a platen 30 on the cross head 73, the adapter 50 is mounted on the joint 40. In addition, the platen 30 is mounted on the adapter 50. Further, a set screw is inserted into a hole part 52 of the adapter 50.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an extensometer wherein the actuation of the contact arms is performed by a separate rotating bar so as to avoid or minimize placing active mechanics onto the arms. The rotating bar includes a spool about which a metal belt is wound. Rotating the bar, and hence the spool, in the desired direction pulls the metal belt which pulls a spring-loaded wedge with internal camming slots which urges the contact arms apart.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extensometer for measuring high-temperature structural deformations by magnification, the structure of the extensometer is that: two mounting block assemblies are mounted at the planar ends of two extension bars respectively, the top ends of the extension bars are connected tightly with the surface of a test piece, two connecting pieces are mounted at the inner sides of the two mounting block assemblies respectively, a deformation magnifying mechanism and a sensor bracket are mounted on the connecting pieces, a sensor is mounted on the sensor bracket, two connecting pieces are mounted on a same straight line, and the straight line is parallel to a straight line at which the top ends of the two extension bars are located, so as to ensure that the deformation of the test piece is delivered equally to the deformation magnifying mechanism on the connecting pieces.

Abstract: A measuring device for a telescopic handling arm, in which the telescopic handling arm includes at least two elements (1, 2) that are mounted to slide relative to each other, includes measuring elements for measuring the extension of the telescopic arm. The device further includes calculation elements (4) for calculating the extension of the movable portion (2) of the telescopic arm using the hydraulic characteristics of a hydraulic telescoping actuator (3), and the device further includes adjuster elements for adjusting the calculated movements via a signal transmitted by at least one element (5, 6) for contactless identification of the position of the movable portion (2) of the telescopic arm.

Abstract: The telescopic ball bar gauge provides a pair of movable test measuring points that are spaced apart a known distance so that the points may be contacted by a machine probe of a coordinate measuring machine or the like to generate test data. This allows varying inaccuracies within the machine to be detected and accounted for during normal operation of the machine. The telescopic ball bar gauge includes a plurality of telescoping segments forming at least one linear variable differential transformer. The at least one linear variable differential transformer is used to measure the linear distance between two balls mounted on opposed ends of the ball bar gauge. A transmitter in communication with the at least one linear variable differential transformer transmits a measurement signal representing the linear distance between the two balls.

Abstract: A multiple degree of freedom displacement transducer and body thereof is used to measure linear displacements along and/or rotational or pivotal displacements about up to three orthogonal axes. In one embodiment, a displacement transducer body includes a first pivoting assembly and a second pivoting assembly. Each pivoting assembly has a support member pivotable relative to another portion about two orthogonal axes. A structure joins said another portion of each pivoting assembly together. In another embodiment, a displacement transducer includes a first support member, a second support member, and a cross flexure assembly joining the first support member to the second support member. The cross flexure assembly is arranged to allow the first support member to pivot relative to the second support member about two intersecting orthogonal axes.

Abstract: A device to measure minute displacement in rocks, including anchor deployment means, anchor registration means, and frame release means. Further including anchor units comprising a fixed anchor point, a reversible anchor actuator and a deployable anchor face capable of being deployed with a force of up to 2000 lbs.

Abstract: A new extensometer is disclosed that avoids prior art problems of drift and other problems from variations in temperature, humidity and other environmental factors. Two primary extensometer body parts each hold at one end specimen contact rods and at their other ends a displacement measuring sensor, preferably a linear variable differential transformer. A thin hinge area connects the two body parts into a single piece monolithic construction so that relative movement between the two body parts is restricted to a single rotational degree of freedom.

Abstract: In order to provide a turbine blade fatigue life evaluating method for quantitively evaluating the fatigue life of a turbine blade, the turbine blade is determined to be within its fatigue life if the creep elongation strain in the longitudinal direction of the turbine blade is less than 0.5% of an initial length, and is determined to exceed its fatigue life if the creep elongation strain is 0.5% or more than the initial length. A turbine blade creep elongation strain measuring apparatus 20 comprises a first fixed end 21, a second fixed end 22, and a dial gauge 24. A dimension in the longitudinal direction is stamped on the surface of a turbine blade.

Abstract: A telescoping bar includes a track pusher for adjusting and measuring the track on a motor vehicle's wheels. A pneumatic spring, housed within the telescoping bar, functions as an accumulator and applies expansion forces on either the two front wheels or two rear wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A leaf thickness sensing device (1) having mounting apparatus (9, 10) for flexibly mounting the device adjacent a leaf whose thickness is to be sensed, a leaf support element (4) coupled to the mounting apparatus, a displaceable leaf abutting (6) juxtaposed with respect to and biased towards the leaf support element so as to be in firm, non-destructive abutting contact with a leaf to be releasably retained on the leaf support element; a displacement transducer element (11) responsibly coupled to the leaf abutting element and serving to generate a signal corresponding to displacement of the second element relative to the first element.

Abstract: An extensometer structure for an extensometer comprises a flexure assembly, a first extension arm and a second extension arm. The flexure assembly includes a first flexure defining a first plane and a second flexure defining a second plane. The second flexure is coupled to the first flexure so that the first and second planes intersect. The first extension arm is joined to the first flexure and has a first tip engageable with a test specimen wherein a line of force from the first tip extends parallel to the first plane. The second extension arm is joined to the second flexure and has a second tip engageable with the test specimen wherein a line of force from the second tip extends parallel to the second plane.

Abstract: An extensometer structure for an extensometer includes a first extension arm, a second extension arm and a rigid support. A first hinge assembly joins the first extension arm to the rigid support. The first hinge assembly has a first pivot axis that allows the first extension arm to pivot relative to the rigid support about the pivot axis. A second hinge assembly joins the second extension arm to the rigid support. The second hinge assembly has a second pivot axis allowing the second extension arm to pivot relative to the rigid support about the second pivot axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the one-dimensional, highly precise measurement of extension at the surfaces of hot specimens. The working range extends from normal temperature to about 1800.degree. C., but measurements are also possible up to 2300.degree. C. With respect to atmospheric pressure, the application range extends from vacuum up to pressures of several bar. The high-temperature extensometer in accordance with the invention is distinctly more cost-effective than previous extensometers for hot test specimens, despite its considerably larger measurement range.

Abstract: A method for determining an extension of an object with an extensometer, and an extensometer for performing the method, include two legs being movable in a spreading plane and each having one end connected to a joint and another end connected to the object, with the extension spreading the legs apart. The spreading plane is oriented approximately parallel to a surface of the object between the other ends of the legs. Foot-plates, each being carried by a respective one of the legs, being oriented in the spreading plane and having a region projecting beyond the other ends of the legs, are fastened to the object at the region.

Abstract: The extensometer comprises a basic body (18) which carries two tap legs (12) which abut a specimen (16) to be measured so as to be frictionally locked thereto. Due to the frictional contact, the tap legs (12) move relative to each other when the specimen is subjected to external stresses. Via a signal transmitter (24), this movement of the tap legs (12) is detected. The extensometer (10) is floatingly supported by introducing gas in the clearance between a baffle body (36) connected to the extensometer (10) and a stationary support member (28) toward the baffle body (36). On the one hand, the upbuilding gas cushion presses the extensometer (10) with its tap legs (12) against the specimen (16) so as to be frictionally locked thereto and, on the other hand, permits pivoting of the extensometer (10) corresponding to the movement of the measuring points.

Abstract: An extensometer includes a first element and second element to be set at a predetermined distance apart, with a coupling for setting and holding the two elements at the predetermined distance apart. The coupling is movable by the action of a biasing force to an engaging disposition in which it engages with the two elements to set and hold the two elements at the predetermined distance apart, and the coupling moves under action of the biasing force to a disengaged disposition in which it no longer holds the two elements at the predetermined distance apart upon removal or sufficient relaxation of the applied force.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting or measuring movements in geological and other formations and capable of carrying out such measurements on a three-dimensional basis. The apparatus has a housing acting as a support and an elongated arm, e.g., a stiff measuring rod of adjustable length, projecting from the housing and acting as a movement following element. One end of the rod is secured within the housing by sliding and pivoting connections so that the remote end of the rod may move freely in three dimensions relative to the housing. Three movement sensors are positioned within the housing. A first one of the sensors measures translational motion of the rod in the axial direction. A second sensor measures rotation of the rod about the pivot in a first plane. A third sensor measures rotation of the rod about the pivot in a second plane which intersects the first plane at right angles. The first movement sensor is preferably a linear potentiometer and the second and third sensors are preferably rotary potentiometers.

Abstract: A system for testing and measuring hole elongation or deformation in a test article. The system includes a frame, a bearing member, and a referencing arm. The frame has a receiving area adapted to receive a portion of a test article. The bearing member is positionable into a hole of the test article. The referencing arm is movably connected to the frame and is adapted to signal the location of a portion of the test article relative to the bearing member. A distance measuring device is wholely supported on the frame and arm to allow the test article to be tested to catastrophic failure without risk of damaging the measuring device.

Abstract: A strata movement indicator includes at least two lengths of suspension wire respectively for remote and near anchors locatable in the same borehole. Each wire carries a cylinder provided with indicator markings, the cylinders being moveable with respect to one another and to a reference tube fixed in the mouth of the borehole. Relative movement of the cylinders with respect to one another and/or to the reference tube indicates the degree of strata movement.

Abstract: Dimensional change in a tire cord (13) under thermomechanical stress is determined by a device (10) including an oven (12) for receiving and controlling the temperature of a preselected length of the cord (13), grips (14,15) for holding and selectively positioning the entire preselected length of cord (13) within the oven (12), and means (16) including an angular displacement transducer (51) for measuring changes in the preselected length of cord (13). Means (16) may also include weights (52,53) for the selective application of mechanical stress to the material. The steps employed in determining such dimensional change include inserting a length of cord (13) into grips (14,15), positioning the entire length of cord (13) (including the portion of grips (14,15) holding the cord (13)) within oven (12), controlling the temperature of the cord (13) in the oven (12), and measuring changes in the length of cord (13).

Abstract: An electronic feeler gauge for measuring the dimension of a gap. A flexible base in the general shape or a shoehorn has a raised shoulder portion of greater thickness substantially along its rear half with a forwardly extending tab that acts as a stop. A strain gauge mounted substantially in line with the tab at the lower portion of the concave curve of the flexible base only measures strain across the width thereof. Electrical signals from the strain gauge are conducted to a strain meter by electrical wires for analyzing the signals and converting them to readings indicating the size of the gap into which the flexible base in inserted.

Abstract: A high temperature extensometer system carries specimen contact rods of substantial length which pass through openings in a furnace to engage a specimen in such furnace. The rods are supported at the exterior of the furnace on a paralleogram linkage support frame made to provide an output indicating specimen strain as the contact rods separate and also made with parallel beams which shift so the rods can move differentially in longitudinally axial direction. The rods shift axially when the specimen and test loading grips shift in position, for example when the grips and specimen are initially heated.

Abstract: An extensometer support system having vibration damping mountings for parts that have substantial mass and which are subjected to external vibrations. Such parts include counterweights for counterbalancing the extensometer and also the mounting for an external support frame for the extensometer. The vibration damping comprises a mounting made of a suitable damping material, such as a silicone foam rubber.

Abstract: An extensometer for measuring strain in a materials test speciment including a frame, a pair of arms each having one end for contacting a portion of the specimen and a remote end, and a noncontact sensor assembly mounted on the arms to measure change in distance between the contact ends, the arms being pivotally supported between the ends by the frame at the centers of gravity of the arms and attached components of the sensor, to permit the arms to be freely pivotal.