Abstract: A measuring element for registering forces includes a first measuring arm extending in a longitudinal direction of the measuring element, a second measuring arm extending in the longitudinal direction, a deformation section connecting the first measuring arm and the second measuring arm to one another in an elastically deformable manner, and a transformer unit arranged on a first side or a second side of the deformation section. The first measuring arm and the second measuring arm can be deflected relative to one another in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The transformer unit responds to deformation and is situated fully within the deformation section.

Abstract: A tensile test fixture for quick testing of materials with low transverse strength and relatively high longitudinal strength. After the tensile test fixture is loaded into a universal testing machine, such as a two-part load frame, a first test specimen is aligned and tensile tested. Alignment of the first test specimen ensures that all consecutive test specimens are aligned within the tensile test fixture without further alignment required.

Abstract: An extensometer structure includes a first extension arm having a first mount configured to support a first specimen engaging member and a second extension arm having a second mount configured to support a second specimen engaging member. A connecting member extends between the first and second extension arms and pivotally connects to each of the first and second extension arms between each corresponding mount and a remote end of the extension arm. A rear coupling assembly connects remote ends of the extension arms together.

Abstract: This disclosure presents a method of measuring the strain response of a test material remotely by optical devices using a thin multi-layer assembly, called an optical strain gauge, which is attached directly to the test specimen by pair of adhesive patches built into the assembly. The optical strain gauge assembly attaches quickly and easily by just pressing it onto the specimen by virtue of the two pressure-activated adhesive patches. There is typically no surface preparation necessary for the test specimen. The spatial separation between the two patches adhered to the specimen surface serves to establish an initial gauge length for calculating strain by measuring the stress induced changes to this separation when a load is applied to the test specimen.

Abstract: A device and method of simple design for measuring displacement between a first part and a second part that are substantially coaxial, preferably mounted on one another by an annular linear link. The device includes a structure for mounting the device on the part, blades secured to the structure and bearing on an outer surface of an intermediate member, the member being mounted around the part, at least one strain/deformation sensor associated with each blade, the sensors configured to transmit output signals dependent on the levels of deformation of the blades, and a conversion unit configured to deliver, from the output signals, at least one datum corresponding to the relative position of the parts, preferably out of an azimuth angle, an elevation angle and an axial displacement.

Abstract: A pressure measuring and flow-rate controlling device includes: a flattening plate including a fluid cavity in the flattening plate; a flexible contact membrane provided on said flattening plate; a support member configured to secure the flattening plate against a sample; a pressure adjuster; an inlet tube connected to the pressure adjuster at a first end of the inlet tube, the inlet tube connected to a first end of the fluid cavity at a second end opposite to the first end of the inlet tube; and an outlet tube connected to a second end opposite of the first end of the fluid cavity, where the pressure adjuster is configured to control a flow rate of a fluid passing through the fluid cavity based on cell pressure of the sample.

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: 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: A workpiece positioning apparatus comprises two sets of jaws mounted on a rigid elongate bar, the jaws being adjustable to provide repeatable spacing of any arbitrary distance between the jaw sets. When two pieces of lumber, such as wall studs, are inserted into the two jaw sets, they are positioned at the specified spacing along a stringer such as a wall bottom plate. Indicia are provided on the strip indicating the English or metric measure of the distance between corresponding parts of the jaw sets, as well as enhanced indication of typical, e.g., 16-inch and 24-inch centerings used in American homebuilding. 15¼ and 23¼ inch indicia are also provided for shorter spans needed at stringer ends and corners to accommodate 4-foot-wide panels. The gap between jaws on one or both of the jaw sets is further adjustable to fit the thicknesses of the lumber being used. Longer jaws can be used to assure perpendicularity of wider workpieces to the elongate edges of the supporting construction members.

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: 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: 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: An extensometer measures strain on a test specimen subjected to tensile, compression or fatigue tests. The extensometer has a pair of members that are connected together preferably with at least two spaced-apart flexible plates. The members are coupled to move with the specimen when the specimen is subjected to the foregoing tests. A measuring device measures a change in distance of the members relative to each other in order to measure elongation or compression of the test specimen.

Abstract: An extensometer for measuring strain in a test specimen is disclosed. The extensometer includes a frame and a flexible support structure, preferably, a loop, mounted to the frame. A measuring device is mounted to the flexible support loop at a position spaced apart from the frame and engages a surface of the specimen with a selected amount of contact force. The measuring device provides an output signal proportional to the measured strain.

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: A material testing apparatus is shown that uses one free swiveling alignment coupling and one alignment coupling which can be used in a free swiveling mode or a fixed alignment mode. These couplings and an alignment extensiometer are used to reduce sample bending. First and second pull rods (4,8) removably connected to the alignment couplings (5,9) are at opposite ends thereof removably coupled to the sample (1) being tested via sample couplings (3,7).

Abstract: A device and procedure for obtaining the mechanical characteristics of coins includes an element onto which coins pass which element is elastically deformable under the weight of the coins. This elastically deformable element has sensors to detect an electric signal corresponding to the deformation of the element from which can be obtained the inherent mechanical characteristics sought after in the coin. From the signals produced by the coin rolling along the aforementioned element, which can be in the form of a beam, the device uses frequency analysis to determine a parameter which is representative of the mechanical elasticity of the coin. This parameter is then compared to various stored data to determine whether or not the coin is authentic.

Abstract: An attachment for placement between a test specimen and a remote clip gage extensometer providing improved fracture toughness tests of materials at elevated temperature. Using a cylindrical tube and axial rod in new relationship, the device transfers the displacement signal of the fracture toughness test specimen directly to a clip gage extensometer located outside the high temperature furnace. Virtually frictionless operation is assured by having the test specimen center one end of the rod in one end of the tube, while the clip gage extensometer arms center the other end of the rod in the other end of the tube. By providing positive control over both ends of both rod and tube, the attachment may be operated in orientations other than vertical.

Abstract: In order to determine a rail's neutral temperature, the length of an unconstrained piece of steel (or "gage") is compared with a similar length of railroad track rail which is constrained and thereby deflected at most temperatures because of the track structure's tie-in to the earth's surface. The gage represents the length that the counterpart piece of rail would be if it were not constrained by the track's connection to the earth's surface. The difference in length is an analog of an associated rail characteristic, such as the number of degrees that the rail's instantaneous temperature (e.g., in degrees F) is above or below the rail's neutral temperature. Length comparisons are made with precision measuring devices configured to directly read out in conventional units the rail characteristic being considered, such as pounds of force or rail neutral temperature in degrees F.

Abstract: Disclosed is a horizontal extensometer for measuring strain on specimens in cryogenic to elevated temperatures with zero frictional and activation forces. The extensometer has first and second elongate hollow arms which are adapted to pivot in relation to one another in response to the increase in length of a test specimen when a strain is applied thereto. An increase between the points of attachment on the specimen produces a corresponding decrease in length at the opposite ends of the two arms, thereby producing movement through a standard linear variable differential transformer. A connecting rod which is highly rigid in the Y-axis but readily flexible in the Z and X-axes is adapted to pass through the center of the linear variable differential transformer to a moveable core and produce a measurement of the differential. The extensometer also employs a unique clamping mechanism which substantially reduces error caused by external forces. The extensometer of the present invention has near zero hysteresis.

Abstract: An extensometer for measuring strain in a specimen on which the extensometer is mounted which has two arms joined together at first ends, and with specimen engaging knife edges at the second ends. The knife edges will engage a specimen at spaced locations, so that when the specimen is subjected to a load, the knife edges will separate, and the amount of separation will be an indication of the strain in the specimen. The distance between the knife edges is known as the "gage length" and the present invention relates to providing for mounting the knife edge contact points in a selected plurality of positions in which the gage length of the extensometer is changed from other of the positions of the knife edges.

Abstract: An extensometric sensor for measuring stresses acting on a drilling element at a bottom of a well, with the sensor including a first measurement zone formed from at least two traction blades, on which are mounted measurement gauges, connected at their ends by uprights so as to form a first deformable parallelogram, with the traction blades being oriented in a first direction. A second measurement zone is formed of at least two torsion blades, on which are mounted measurement gauges, connected by cross pieces so as to form a second deformable parallelogram, with the torsion blades being oriented in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first and second zones are connected and the same is mounted on a drilling element, with the cross pieces and uprights having large dimensions with respect to the torsion blades and the traction blades.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are probes for mounting on an extensometer used in conjunction with a materials testing machine, and can be used in high temperature applications. Each probe includes a probe shaft with a tip and a probe support body mounted to a hollow shield tube over the probe shaft. The probe support body includes a tipped segment which is biased toward the tip of the probe shaft. A longitudinal axis passes through the tips and tipped segment, respectively. The hollow shield tube mounted over the probe shaft is made of a high temperature material having a low thermal conductivity coefficient. The sleeve prevents excessive temperature transients from affecting the probe shaft.

Abstract: Method of precisely positioning a first terminal portion of an elongated tensile rod with respect to a base member coupled to a second terminal portion of the tensile rod which has a threaded portion, involves providing an electrical strain gage measurement device affixed to the tensile rod, a load tube positioned about the rod, having a first terminal portion positioned against the base member, and tightening a nut member over the threaded portion of the rod and against the load tube for producing compression of the tube and tension within the rod until a signal produced by the strain gage measuring device indicates a desired position of a terminal portion of the rod with respect to the base member.