Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that includes a frame, an impact delivery unit for delivering an impact force and at least one head form. The head form is adapted to be mounted to the frame such that the impact delivery unit can deliver an impact force to a designated location on the head form. The head form is configured to have a helmet installed thereon. The head form is selectively rotatable about each of a plurality of different axes of rotation, wherein movement of the head form is constrained to be able to move only in rotation and in rotation about only one axis of rotation of the plurality of axes at any time. A measuring system provides an indicator of the rotational acceleration of the head form when rotated about each of the plurality of axes. Also disclosed are methods for comparing the degree of protection afforded by first and second helmets.

Abstract: A method for testing internal differences in reinforced flexible composites including placing a flexible composite on a rigid support structure, tapping the composite with a tapper of predetermined mass, determining a value representative of the impact duration of the tap and/or computing a value representative of the local stiffness of the composite. The composite may be a power transmission belt or portion thereof with tensile cord reinforcement. The method is useful for comparing the degree of penetration of elastomer into the tensile cord, for example in a cast polyurethane toothed belt.

Abstract: A sled carriage is configured to move in a direction of an axis. A platform is attached with the sled carriage and a sled buck is attached with the platform. Upon acceleration of the sled carriage, the sled buck and platform move relative to the sled carriage.

Abstract: There is provided a fall detector for detecting falls of a user or an object to which the fall detector is attached, characterized in that the fall detector comprises an air flow sensor for providing measurements indicative of vertical velocity and/or changes in altitude of the fall detector.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a utility meter includes an accelerometer, a processing circuit, and a source of power. The accelerometer is configured to detect impact force on a utility meter housing. The processing circuit is operably coupled to receive information representative of detected shock events from the accelerometer, and is configured to store information regarding detected shock events in a non-volatile memory. The source of power is independent of a main meter power supply, and is operably connected to the processing circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data recorder for munitions. The data recorder includes a power source, a processor, and an acceleration sensor. The data recorder further includes a trigger validation feature which is operably coupled to the data recorder to verify the occurrence of a secondary environmental/input event. This envisioned data recorder can contain a digital or analog device as a primary or secondary trigger. Data from an accelerometer is stored in FRAM memory.

Abstract: An impact detection sensor is attached to a packaging container. When the packaging container is subjected to impacts downward in a vertical direction twice, i.e., a bottom surface of the packaging container is subjected to impacts twice, a weight moves downward in the vertical direction by the application of the first impact, and is seen through a weight indicator unit located on the bottom of an impact detection sensor. At the time of the application of the second impact, the weight moved downward in the vertical direction is prevented from moving back to. an initial position by a pressing portion, and seen through the same bottom weight indicator unit.

Abstract: An adjustable head tool (AHT) is configured for positioning a free motion headform (FMH) having a regulated FMH backoff requirement prior to an impact between the FMH and a target surface having a target point. The AHT has a built-in or a variable backoff angle relative to the position of the target point, and includes a cranial portion and an adjustable facial template. The cranial portion encloses a linkage assembly, and the facial template has one or more facial features. A rotary dial translates the facial template with respect to the cranial portion to maintain the regulated FMH backoff requirement. The cranial portion includes a forehead impact zone having a first set of demarcations, and the rotary dial has a second set of demarcations corresponding to the first set of demarcations. The dial is set so the second set of demarcations matches the first set during positioning of the AHT.

Abstract: For displaying impact, impulse, acceleration, and/or pressure effects on a part of the body of a living thing, having a covering element for covering the part of the body that is to be monitored, said element having sensors for detecting the impact, impulse, acceleration and/or pressure effects, and a transmission device for transmitting the impact, impulse, acceleration and/or pressure values detected by the sensors, a receiving device for receiving the transmitted impact, impulse, acceleration and/or pressure values, and a display device for the transmitted impact, impulse, acceleration, and/or pressure values, wherein a plurality of sensors are arranged within the covering element, at a spatial distance from each other, for detecting the location and the intensity of the impact, impulse, acceleration and/or pressure effects, and information about the location of the impact, impulse, acceleration, and/or pressure effects and/or for identifying the detecting sensor is transmitted, together with the detected

Abstract: An impact monitoring apparatus that includes a support member made of an elastic material capable of being attached to or worn by a user and at least one force measuring element attached to the support member. The force measuring elements may be easily removed from the support member. The force measuring element may include an indicator capable of indicating the amount of force or impact sustained by the user. If the force measuring element does not include an indicator, then the apparatus may further include an indicator that is associated with the force measuring element.

Abstract: In a method for detecting free fall, a first acceleration parallel to a first axis, a second acceleration parallel to a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a third acceleration parallel to a third axis perpendicular to the first axis and to the second axis are measured. A sum of a first value of the first acceleration, a second value of the second acceleration, and a third value of the third acceleration is calculated, and the free fall is detected as a function of the sum.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for recording information about an event resulting in application of a force to a body. The apparatus comprises data recording means for recording the information, sensor means for sensing a parameter which enables a predetermined source of force to be distinguished from another, different source of force, and control means responsive to the sensed parameter for controlling the data recording means. The sensor means may comprise a pressure sensor for sensing shockwaves resulting from an explosive force and the resulting signal used to distinguish from other events, such as blunt impacts. The pressure signal may be used to control the storage of acceleration data for injury analysis.

Abstract: A method for sensing a force applied to an aircraft includes receiving a derivative of the acceleration of a motion of a portion of the aircraft, determining whether the derivative of the acceleration of the motion of the portion of the aircraft exceeds a threshold, and outputting an indication that a force has been applied to the portion of the aircraft responsive to determining that the derivative of the acceleration of motion of the portion of the aircraft exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: An impact detector includes a first determination unit operable to determine whether or not an absolute value of an acceleration in a direction of Y axis exceeds 1G, and an impact determination unit operable to output a predetermined impact detection signal which indicates detection of impact in a direction of Z axis in response to an absolute value of an acceleration in a direction of X axis exceeding 1G within a predetermined time period T after the first determination unit determines that the absolute value of the acceleration in the direction of Y axis exceeds 1G.

Abstract: A method for designing clothing and equipment for protecting law enforcement officers comprising the following steps: equipping a dummy with cinematic and/or load sensors, —positioning an impact application device to apply impacts on a target zone of the impact dummy, and the apply these impacts without the protection and the recording of the resulting measurements, the mounting of a form of protection on the target zone of the dummy, —the application of these impacts on the protected dummies, and the reading of the ensuing measurements, —the deduction of the energy absorbed from the measurements the value and/or attenuation of the impact force by the protection, —if the value(s) are superior to the threshold values, the clothing or equipment can be tagged as acceptable, —otherwise, structural modifications must be made to the protective clothing or equipment with the purpose of improving these values.

Abstract: A method for crash testing a motor vehicle is disclosed. The method provides a crash test routine where an inflatable restraint is deployed using a single deployment pattern throughout at least one government regulation zone. This helps to prevent overlap of a transition zone and can help make the deployment of the inflatable restraint more predictable. This can increase occupant safety and simply testing.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a positioner. The apparatus includes a striker axially movable in the positioner. The striker includes a striker inner end. The apparatus includes a force gauge axially movable in the positioner. The force gauge includes a force gauge inner end. The force gauge inner end is in communication with the striker inner end. Optionally, the striker defines at least one fluid passage axially therethrough.

Abstract: A projection device is configured by connecting a projectile supporting part to a spring supporting frame with multiple coil springs. The projectile supporting part is pulled while deforming the coil springs; a projectile is projected by accelerating the projectile supporting part, supporting the projectile, with restoring forces of the coil springs; and the projectile is collided with a test piece supported by the test piece supporting base. Thereby, it is possible to check a state of collision of the projectile with the test piece or how the test piece is damaged thereby. Since the projectile is projected with the restoring forces of the deformed coil springs, the collision test apparatus is simple and compact in structure, low-cost, and easy-to-handle in comparison with projection of a projectile with compressed air.

Abstract: A device for investigating a collision between a test body and a physical structure, wherein the device comprises a mounting unit for mounting the test body, an electric drive unit adapted for mechanically driving the mounting unit and the test body mounted thereon, and a control unit adapted for controlling the electric drive unit to accelerate the test body mounted on the mounting unit and for controlling release of the test body from the mounting unit to direct the accelerated test body towards the physical structure for collision, wherein the device is adapted so that the mounting unit and the test body mounted thereon are mechanically driven exclusively by the electric drive unit.

Abstract: An impact generator and an impact testing platform applying the impact generator are provided. The impact generator comprises a magnetic device, a coil, and an elastic device. The coil has a first receiving space for receiving the magnetic device, and the elastic device biases the magnetic device to an initial position. While a current is directed into the coil, a magnetic field is induced in the first receiving space to actuate the magnetic device to generate an impact to the ambience. While the current is blocked, the magnetic device returns to the initial position via the elastic device.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for recording information about an event resulting in application of a force to a body. The apparatus comprises data recording means for recording the information, sensor means for sensing a parameter which enables a predetermined source of force to be distinguished from another, different source of force, and control means responsive to the sensed parameter for controlling the data recording means. The sensor means may comprise a pressure sensor for sensing shockwaves resulting from an explosive force and the resulting signal used to distinguish from other events, such as blunt impacts. The pressure signal may be used to control the storage of acceleration data for injury analysis.

Abstract: A measuring device for detecting and evaluating an impact, jolt or the like is formed with an impact face, against which the impact, jolt or pulse which is to be evaluated strikes. A sensor, for example a force sensor, detects values of the force which act on the impact face as a result. A sensor, for example an acceleration sensor, detects values of the acceleration which act on the impact face as a result. An evaluation unit processes the determined force and acceleration values.

Abstract: A sled carriage is configured to move in a direction of an axis. A platform is attached with the sled carriage and a sled buck is attached with the platform. Upon acceleration of the sled carriage, the sled buck and platform move relative to the sled carriage.

Abstract: Method for conducting crash sled tests, in particular for simulating the impact of a motor vehicle on an obstacle, whereby the deceleration forces of a real collision are simulated by accelerating a crash sled in a manner corresponding to the real deceleration curve, and whereby, for an improved simulation of the movement of the test object upon impact, the pitching motion in a collision is additionally simulated by moving the test object in the vertical direction. Also, a device for applying said method.

Abstract: A parachute opening shock emulator including a seat structure and a catching mechanism. The seat structure includes a seat for holding a manikin, the seat is movable such that the manikin can be pulled from the seat simulating the parachute opening shock phase of an ejection. The catching mechanism is for catching the manikin after it is pulled from the seat.

Abstract: A guide release system for use in an impact test of a motor vehicle includes a first guide releasably coupled to a first portion of the motor vehicle to guide the first portion of the motor vehicle towards a test barrier. The system also includes a second guide releasably coupled to a second portion of the motor vehicle to guide the second portion of the motor vehicle towards the test barrier. The second guide is displaced a distance from the first guide. The system further includes an actuator that releases the first guide and the second guide substantially simultaneously to enable the motor vehicle to freely contact the test barrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conducting crash tests in which an object, in particular a motor vehicle or part of a motor vehicle, is typically mounted on a test slide which is accelerated, the acceleration force being generated by means of a pressurized-gas reservoir and specifically applied to the acceleration object via a piston and a push rod, while for reducing the cycle times, the desired gas pressure in the pressurized-gas reservoir is generated by moving a piston, itself exposed to a hydraulic fluid, so as to apply pressure on the gas. The invention also relates to a correspondingly implemented system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for testing a helmet comprising the steps of: placing a strike helmet on a first headform; placing a target helmet on a second headform, colliding the strike helmet against the target helmet; and measuring the acceleration of the second headform caused by the collision. In a second embodiment, an apparatus for testing a helmet comprising: a strike helmet placed on a first headform; a target helmet placed on a second headform; a motion device for moving the strike helmet to collide with the target helmet.

Abstract: An apparatus provides a linearly decreasing force. The apparatus includes a plurality of links, which can be referred to as swing, seat, fixed, and input/output links. A spring is coupled to each of the seat links, and a rod is positioned in proximity to each spring and through each of the seat links. A load applied to the input/output link will experience a linearly decreasing resistance.

Abstract: A method of venting a refrigerant from an air conditioning system of a vehicle during a crash to mitigate leakage of the refrigerant into a cabin of the vehicle by crashing a test vehicle under a first set of predetermined conditions a number of crash events and measuring deceleration and determining the existence of leakage. The number of crash events in which leakage existed is divided by the number of crash events to establish a probability of leakage ratio. The test vehicle is crashed under a second set of predetermined conditions to determine a second probability of leakage ratio. A probability of leakage relationship is established correlating the probability of leakage ratios and the predetermined conditions. A deceleration relationship is established correlating the deceleration measurements and the predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A method for designing clothing and equipment for protecting law enforcement officers comprising the following steps: equipping a dummy with cinematic and/or load sensors, —positioning an impact application device to apply impacts on a target zone of the impact dummy, and the apply these impacts without the protection and the recording of the resulting measurements, the mounting of a form of protection on the target zone of the dummy, —the application of these impacts on the protected dummies, and the reading of the ensuing measurements, —the deduction of the energy absorbed from the measurements the value and/or attenuation of the impact force by the protection, —if the value(s) are superior to the threshold values, the clothing or equipment can be tagged as acceptable, —otherwise, structural modifications must be made to the protective clothing or equipment with the purpose of improving these values.

Abstract: A sled carriage is configured to move in a direction of an axis and a track is attached with the sled carriage. A platform is attached with the track and a sled buck is attached with the platform. Upon acceleration of the sled carriage, the sled buck and platform move relative to the sled carriage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of evaluating liquid impact are described that included providing a thin layer of an (e.g. atmospheric) liquid, such as water, on the surface of the test sample while being impacted with a (e.g. polymeric) pellet.

Abstract: An impact detector includes a first determination unit operable to determine whether or not an absolute value of an acceleration in a direction of Y axis exceeds 1 G, and an impact determination unit operable to output a predetermined impact detection signal which indicates detection of impact in a direction of Z axis in response to an absolute value of an acceleration in a direction of X axis exceeding 1 G within a predetermined time period T after the first determination unit determines that the absolute value of the acceleration in the direction of Y axis exceeds 1 G.

Abstract: A parachute opening shock emulator including a seat structure and a catching mechanism. The seat structure includes a seat for holding a manikin, the seat is movable such that the manikin can be pulled from the seat simulating the parachute opening shock phase of an ejection. The catching mechanism is for catching the manikin after it is pulled from the seat.

Abstract: An inertial shock bandpass filter for detecting a shock event between first and second acceleration levels. The inertial shock bandpass filter includes a primary inertial element and at least one secondary inertial element supported by respective spring arrangements. The inertial elements include complementary engageable gripping surfaces, which engage in response to an acceleration above the second acceleration level to prevent movement of the primary inertial element and prevent latch engagement. The primary inertial element will, in response to an acceleration between the first and second acceleration levels, engage the latch. An acceleration level below the first acceleration level is insufficient to cause either an engagement of the gripping surfaces or a latching of the primary inertial element.

Abstract: A device for simulating a collision of a motor vehicle by a laterally hitting impactor. The device comprises a seat carriage (3) which can be displaced in the transversal direction of the vehicle and on which a seat (5) is mounted, a lateral part carriage (10) on which a lateral part (13) of a motor vehicle body is mounted, and the impactor (20) that acts upon the lateral part (13) and is provided with an acceleration mechanism (21). The seat carriage (3) and the lateral part carriage (10) can be displaced independently of each other. In order to create a testing device which dispenses with the need for expensive and time-consuming preliminary tests to determine the settings for the tests, the impactor (20) is equipped with an acceleration mechanism (21) which can perform both positively and negatively accelerated movements in a controlled manner while an additional impactor (30) is provided that acts upon the seat carriage (3).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the kinematic characteristics of a golf club head are disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one piezoelectric component selectively positioned within or upon a club head. The piezoelectric component is preferably positioned to the rear of the center of gravity, and near the midpoint of the face of the club head. During a golf club swing, the piezoelectric component determines the acceleration and deceleration of the golf club head. When the club head impacts an object such as a golf ball, the piezoelectric component is also operable to determine the velocity of the club head. It may also be desirable for the piezoelectric component to determine the magnitude of vibration during impact. In this manner, the piezoelectric component may function determine the efficiency of a golf club swing.

Abstract: A helmet includes a head enclosure with an open cavity for the head of a user and a shock detector attached to the head enclosure that provides a signal when the head enclosure is subjected an impact exceeding a predetermined level.

Abstract: By bringing a golf ball into collision with a collisional plate and measuring a coefficient of dynamic friction at this collision, contact force at the time of collision between an actual golf club and the golf ball is analyzed and spin rate of the golf ball is estimated. This invention provides a method for measuring a coefficient of dynamic friction between a golf ball and a collisional plate when the golf ball collides with the collisional plate disposed aslant at a predetermined angle with respect to a flying direction of the golf ball. The method includes concurrently obtaining a time function Fn(t) of contact force in the direction perpendicular to the collisional plate, and a time function Ft(t) of contact force in the direction parallel with the collisional plate; and determining as a coefficient of dynamic friction, a maximum value of a time function M(t) of ratio between Fn(t) and Ft(t) represented by M(t)=Ft(t)/Fn(t).

Abstract: A method for preparing a motor vehicle for a crash test is disclosed. The method subjects the motor vehicle to a sequence of different tests and provides a system of staged modifications that can be made to help the motor vehicle pass the current test without invalidating test results obtained earlier in the sequence. In some cases, this method can be used to confirm that a particular motor vehicle qualifies for a certain crash test routine.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of evaluating liquid impact are described that included providing a thin layer of an (e.g. atmospheric) liquid, such as water, on the surface of the test sample while being impacted with a (e.g. polymeric) pellet.

Abstract: In a vehicle collision sensing system, a relative pressure sensor senses a pressure difference between a pressure at an inside of a door interior space and a pressure at an outside of the door interior space. An air bag ECU determines the collision of the vehicle based on the pressure difference, which is sensed by the relative pressure sensor.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for simulating attributes of a vehicle during a certain inertial event. The apparatus comprises a rigid shell, an occupant compartment surrounded by the rigid shell, and a carriage supporting the occupant compartment and the rigid shell. The test apparatus transforms the vehicle into a system of reusable components. The rigid body shell eliminates damage to body components by protecting the occupant compartment. The invention also provides a method of simulating a tripped rollover event of a vehicle with the test apparatus and a cart.

Abstract: A method and testing fixture for toughness-testing corrugated high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. The method includes the steps of preparing a test sample, attaching the test sample in the testing fixture, and providing an impact load to the test sample. The test sample is cut from a section of corrugated HDPE pipe so as to have a clamped portion and a loading member extending outwardly therefrom. The clamped portion includes two sidewalls with a trough therebetween. A hole is bored in the loading member near the end of the loading member. The testing fixture includes a vertical clamp which is configured to grip the clamped portion of the test sample so as to retain the clamped portion in a stationary position when the test sample is loaded. The loading member of the test sample projects outwardly from the vertical clamp. A guide rod is attached to the loading member through the bore in the loading member.

Abstract: An endurance calculation device according to the present invention includes: an acceleration sensor measuring acceleration acting on the subject; an impulse calculation unit calculating impulse acting on the subject based on a value of the acceleration outputted from the acceleration sensor; an output unit outputting walking information, which is information prompting the subject to increase walking speed from low speed to a maximum speed; and an endurance calculation unit calculating, based on a value of the impulse calculated by the impulse calculation unit, endurance of the subject corresponding to the value of the impulse after the first walking information is outputted by the output unit.

Abstract: One embodiment of a shock apparatus comprises at least one linear impact object capable of movement along a first substantially linear path; a rotational impact object capable of rotation about an axis of rotation and movement along a second substantially linear path parallel to the first substantially linear path, a mass of the linear impact object being greater than an effective mass of the rotational impact object; and a guide to guide the movement of the linear and rotational impact objects along the first and second substantially linear parallel paths. In one embodiment, the linear impact object comprises an impact portion for impacting the rotational impact object, the impact portion having a selectable position, and selecting the position determining the relative proportion of rotational and linear shock accelerations which an impact between the linear impact object and the rotational impact object provides to the rotational impact object.

Abstract: A sudden acceleration testing apparatus includes a base. A support surface is moveably coupled to the base, wherein the support surface is operable to move relative to the base in order to create a sudden acceleration event. At least one vacuum device is located on the support surface and operable to couple a sudden acceleration test specimen to the support surface. A sudden acceleration test specimen such as, for example, an information handling system, may be coupled to the support surface for sudden acceleration testing by providing a vacuum between the sudden acceleration test specimen and the vacuum device.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods that can provide a high g-force to a test specimen. An exemplary system of the present invention includes a beam, rigidly fixed at one or both ends, on which a test specimen can be mounted. A loading device is preferably provided that can load the beam by using a ceramic column positioned between the beam and the loading device. A flywheel that has a cutter that can be deployed on command while the flywheel is rotating to fracture the ceramic column is also provided. The present invention also provides systems and methods for controllably damping the oscillation of a loaded beam at some point after the load on the beam is released to produce a high g-force event. For example, a damping device of the present invention may be engaged after the completion of the high g-force event. Such damping can prevent subsequent ringing or oscillation of the beam without affecting the magnitude of the high g-force event.

Abstract: A self-contained closed loop system and method for detecting contaminants in, on, and around objects. The system includes an air duct subsystem connecting at least one sensor to a sealed housing containing a rotating container. Air from the sealed housing is circulated past a sensor to detect, for example, biological or chemical contaminants. If a contaminant is detected, an indicator is set and a contaminant neutralizer is optionally injected into the air duct subsystem.