Abstract: A modified atomic force microscope (AFM) is used to perform contact resistance and/or current-dependent stiction measurements for conductive thin films at controlled values of applied force. The measurements are preferably performed under conditions approximating the operation of the thin films as electrodes in microswitch array fingerprint sensors. A first, planar thin film is contacted with a second, curved thin film deposited over a round ball having a diameter of a few microns to a few tens of microns. The second film is preferably a coating deposited over the ball and over the arm controlling the ball motion. The coating deposited over the arm provides an electrically conductive path to the contact surface of the ball.

Abstract: A device implements a method of determining a cut resistance of a sample. The device includes a blade wherein the blade and the sample are relatively movable and a first apparatus that transfers energy to at least one of the sample and the blade to cause relative movement thereof in a direction parallel to a surface of the sample such that the blade contacts and cuts the sample until the imparted energy is expended and relative movement is terminated. A second apparatus measures a parameter of the relative movement to obtain an indication of the cut resistance of the sample.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for predicting a score-line cracking propensity of a multi-ply substrate. The method includes the steps of: bending the multi-ply substrate; acquiring tensile load data from the multi-ply substrate during bending; and computing a material property of a top ply of the multi-ply substrate based on the acquired tensile load data. The material property must show a strong correlation to the score-line cracking propensity of the multi-ply substrate. The material property which is computed is the energy consumed in plastic deformation of the top ply during the fracture process. The measurement results can be used to predict score-line cracking propensity in multi-ply board systems, such as multi-ply paperboard.

Abstract: Novel methods for measuring the soothing attributes of personal care compositions are disclosed. The methods disclosed are particularly suitable for measuring and comparing the soothing attributes of facial tissue to determine which facial tissue is most soothing to damaged skin. The methods include damaging the skin of a test subject to a predetermined amount, contacting a test facial tissue with the damaged skin, and rating the soothing attributes of the facial tissue. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of skin damage on the skin is determined by the test subject.

Abstract: Rolls of paper comprise individual layers of paper under differing degrees of tension, lying on top of each other. The aim of the invention is to measure the resulting winding tension, which varies along the radius, whereby physical interactive effects can be measured. Said aim is achieved, whereby ultrasound is irradiated in the region of the top face of the roll of paper and the resulting ultrasound recorded, after interacting with the laminated paper sheets. The interactive effects are a criterium for the winding tension. The corresponding device is an ultrasound measuring system provided with at least one ultrasound transmitter (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 110) and at least one ultrasound receiver (10, 20, . . . 120), which may be placed upon and moved along the top face (2) of the paper roll (1).

Abstract: A method for evaluating a test fluid as a fabric care composition or as a component thereof. The method includes providing a test sheet of fabric comprising a plurality of test regions and simultaneously contacting each of the plurality of test regions with a different test fluid. The method further includes screening the plurality of test regions or the contacted test fluids for a fabric property of interest to evaluate the relative efficacy of the different test fluids.

Abstract: A test tumbler in a color test machine has an outer cylinder, a cloth wound device, at least a knock rod, and an upper cap. The outer cylinder has a hollow chamber, and an open end and a closed end. The cloth wound device has a piercing circumference, and a sample cloth is wound on the outer surface or on the inner surface. At least a knock rod is received in the cloth wound device. The upper cap is detachably blocking the open end of the outer cylinder. Once the cloth wound device with the wound cloth and the knock rod is placed in the outer cylinder together with a dyestuff, the test tumbler is put in a receiving recess of the color test machine after the upper cap blocking the open end of the outer cylinder. The test tumbler can be rotated as soon as the color test machine starts to run such that the knock rod can strike the cloth wound device to perform a dyeing operation on the wound cloth evenly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elastomeric material thickness test fixture. The test fixture comprises a cylinder having an interior space for receiving at least one sheet of a material to be tested, and a piston movable relative to the cylinder for applying a holding force to the at least one sheet. The piston has a through hole to allow a test medium to be used to study chemical attack to come into contact with the at least one sheet. A process for allowing assessment of chemical attack on thick elastomeric materials using the test fixture is also described.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting foreign fibers in a moving textile material, in particular in moving threads, yarns or slivers, include providing a probe for picking up triboelectric signals from the moving textile material and comparing the output of the probe with a reference value to provide a signal representative of detection of a foreign fiber in the textile material. The apparatus may be used in a card, a drawing bench, a ring spinning machine, an air-jet spinning machine, an open-end spinning machine, a chemical spinning machine, a bobbin winding machine a doubling machine, a combing machine, a bobbin frame, a texturing machine or a loom.

Abstract: A fray tester for evaluating fray resistance of surgical sutures is provided, which comprises a first and a second pulley rotatably adapted in a spaced relation to each other, a tensioning weight, and a reciprocity driver. A suture having a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion is mounted in the fray tester such that the first end portion is subject to the tensioning weight, the intermediate portion is mounted to the first and second pulleys and defines a wrapped portion, the second end portion being connected to the reciprocating driver to cause the suture to rub against itself at a wrapped portion. The reciprocating driver includes a rotating wheel connected to a motor for providing the reciprocating movement to the suture to be tested. The tester may further include a revolution counter for counting and displaying the number of reciprocating cycles at the time the suture breaks or seizes.

Abstract: A method and sheet-like sensor for measuring stress distribution including a grid of members which change in resistance when subjected to strain, the members intersecting at internal nodes and intersecting at boundary nodes at the periphery of the grid defining a plurality of legs. An analyzer is electrically connected only to the boundary nodes and configured to calculate any change in resistance in all of the legs based solely on the measured resistance of the legs between the boundary nodes.

Abstract: Methods and systems for ascertaining the roughness of a print media surface are described. In one embodiment, a print media roughness detection mechanism comprises a surface-engaging member that is configured to physically engage a print media surface. A reflective member is provided and is joined with the surface-engaging member. One or more light sources are provided in operable proximity to the reflective member and are configured to project light energy toward the reflective member. A position detector is mounted in operable proximity to the reflective member and is configured to receive light energy that is reflected from the reflective member. The surface-engaging member is configured for displacement by the print media's surface in accordance with variations in the roughness of the surface sufficiently so that light that is reflected by the reflective member and received by the position detector can be utilized to ascertain a measure of the print media's roughness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for verifying thickness modulations, in particular watermarks, in or on sheet material. To diminish the influence of disturbances from the surroundings and reduce the adjustment effort during production and maintenance of corresponding measuring systems, the sheet material is subjected to sound, in particular ultrasound, the sound transmitted through the sheet material and/or reflected on the sheet material is measured at a plurality of places on the sheet material, at least one value characteristic of the transmitted and/or reflected sound is generated for each of the places, and the thickness modulations are verified by comparing the values with predetermined reference values.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for verifying roll roundness of a cylindrical object and more particularly for verifying the roundness of rolls of papers used for newspaper printing. According to the present invention, a roll rotator is configured with a plurality of ultrasonic sensors, which are activated when a roll of paper is lifted and rotated by the roll rotator. The roll of paper is rotated an entire revolution and a plurality of distance measurements are taken at each sensor. As the readings are taken, a filter algorithm may be applied to remove values that are too far out of range, such as values which are representative of a torn wrapper or other defects in the covering surface of the roll. Once the readings have been taken, an average of the readings is calculated and the roundness algorithm compares each reading with the average for each of the sensors.

Abstract: A web is passed over a surface (11) which is at least partly curved in the running direction of the web, which extends across the web in the cross direction, and which is placed at a distance from the web, in which connection an air cushion is formed between the moving web and the curved surface. The temperature and moisture of the web are measured indirectly by measuring the temperature and moisture of the air cushion by several detectors (41) which are in communication with openings (40) formed in the curved surface in spaced relationship with one another in the cross direction of the web.

Abstract: A method for measuring the film thickness with the help of a measuring head (12), which is held with a holding device (14) against the film (10), so that the latter is deflected, wherein the reaction force (F), exerted by the film (10) on the measuring head (12), is measured and controlled to a specified nominal value by the movement of the measuring head.

Abstract: An instrument is provided with several sensing elements to enable several parameters of a processed yarn to be measured or determined. In order to minimize the total sensing element/guide contact with the yarn within the complete process threadline, the yarn is guided through the instrument by contact only with the inlet and outlet guiding elements of the instrument and contact operative sensing elements. One particular instrument consists, in succession, of an interlace sensing device, a tension sensing device and an oil content sensing device. The electrical resistance of the yarn is measured between two pins of the oil content sensing device and in this case, the first pin is also a tension sensing pin of the instrument, and the second pin of the oil content sensing device is also the outlet guide of the instrument.

Abstract: A method for determining structural inhomogeneities in sheet material including exposing sheet material to ultrasonic waves, measuring ultrasonic waves transmitted through the sheet material and ultrasonic waves reflected from the sheet material at a plurality of predetermined portions located linearly along at least one track disposed on the sheet material and producing at least one value characteristic based on at least the transmitted or reflected ultrasonic waves from each of the predetermined portions on the at least one track. The method further includes forming a first mean based on the at least one value characteristic and a second mean based on the first mean to determine the structural inhomogeneities in the sheet material representative of the at least one track.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elastomeric material thickness test fixture. The test fixture comprises a cylinder having an interior space for receiving at least one sheet of a material to be tested, and a piston movable relative to the cylinder for applying a holding force to the at least one sheet. The piston has a through hole to allow a test medium to be used to study chemical attack to come into contact with the at least one sheet. A process for allowing assessment of chemical attack on thick elastomeric materials using the test fixture is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the instability index in a moving web is provided. The apparatus includes an air pulse for applying a pulse of fluid to the web to create a wave in the web. At least two laser displacement transducers are present. The laser displacement transducers measure the displacement of the web as the wave moves through the web. A computer is present which obtains signals from the at least two laser displacement transducers. The computer calculates the instability index in the web based on the speed of the wave in the web and the speed of the web.

Abstract: A process for determining the tension in a moving web is provided. The process includes the step of providing a web that is moving at a determined speed. The speed has a determined basis weight. A wave is created in the moving web. The speed of the propagation of the wave is determined. Also, the tension on the moving web is determined through a mathematical relationship between the wave speed, the basis weight of the web, and the speed of the web. The instability index of the web is greater than or equal to 0.5.

Abstract: A method and a device for tracking the position of the edge of a moving web (12), such as a fabric or a web of a paper machine, in which method a pressure-sensitive sensor element (14) is disposed in/onto the surface of the roll (10) guiding the web (12), which sensor element reacts to the pressure applied to it by the moving web (12) by producing an electric signal, on the basis of which it is possible to determine the exact position of the edge of the web (12) on the roll (10). The band-like sensor element (14) comprises one single sensor strip or several sensor strips (141 . . . 14n) disposed successively in the band.

Abstract: An in-vitro method is provided for determining an optimal combination of materials with respect to a particular menstrual flow condition for use in a feminine care absorbent article. The method involves using a simulated menstrual fluid at a controlled subject flow rate that corresponds to an actual menstrual flow condition, and observing the performance of different material combinations in the in-vitro test as an indication of their respective performance in actual use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring substrate bending stiffness and thereby basis weight on a real time basis. Provided is a corrugator having a plurality of parallel ribs, with one or more sheets of the substrate provided below the corrugator wherein a predetermined gap exists between a topmost sheet of the sheets and the corrugator. A vacuum is applied between the corrugator and the topmost sheet, wherein the vacuum is sufficiently large to raise the topmost sheet, thereby deflecting and bending it into a profile corresponding to the arrangement and size of the corrugator ribs and bending stiffness of the substrate. One or more sensors are provided for measuring the deflection of the topmost sheet. The vacuum, an air knife output and/or a fluffer output are then adjusted according to predetermined rules and the measured deflection.

Abstract: Laminates are tested for the presence of small holes. For example, when a laminate is moving through a processing machine in a direction along a length of the laminate, a vacuum is applied to a surface of the laminate and the surface of the laminate is inspected to detect liquid that has penetrated from another surface of the laminate through small holes to the inspected surface.

Abstract: A paper quality determining sensor and a faulty paper sorting device capable of detecting reaction forces of paper sheets themselves which vary according to paper quality using a plurality of rollers so as to detect the stiffness (rigidity) of paper sheets accurately without being affected by thicknesses of the paper sheets.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for keeping a measuring device clean, the measuring device being arranged to measure at least one property of a moving web and comprising at least one measuring head with at least one measuring element that is cleaned with cleaning agent during measurement.

Abstract: Devices for measuring a nip width between rolls of a press nip include one or more sensors adapted to be placed in the nip while the nip is stationary. The electrical resistance of each sensor corresponds to the size of the nip width, whereby a nip width or a nip width distribution may be determined by measuring the sensor resistance(s). Methods of measuring a nip width distribution include providing a plurality of force sensitive resistor sensors each of which respond to pressure applied thereto to provide a variable sensor resistance as a function of the amount of pressure and the area of the pressure exerted on the sensor.

Abstract: An improved measuring system used with a process control system provides substantially real time correction of aliasing effects in a system having moving equipment that exhibits periodic parameters while being monitored. The measuring/control system can be used with a rotating equipment process line, such as used in a paper mill, in which a measurement scanner travels in the cross direction of a moving web of material, while that same moving web of material continues to move in a longitudinal direction (the machine direction) transverse to the cross direction. The measuring/control system begins by acquiring data utilizing a time synchronous monitoring system that produces a count matrix and a measurement matrix of readings from the measurement scanner. After a sufficient number of data samples have been acquired, a correction matrix can be built.

Abstract: A method of measuring the liquid retention of absorbent articles (20) of the kind that includes an absorbent body having a top side which lies proximal to the wearer's skin when the article is worn, and a bottom side which is covered by a liquid-impermeable backing sheet, wherein the method comprises the steps of applying a determined amount of liquid to a region on the top side of the article, urging a pressure body (1) against a region of the top side of the article with a given force, and collecting and measuring the amount of liquid pressed out from the top side of the article. The force with which the pressure body (1) is pressed against the top side of the article, is set selectively on a device (2-4) for pressing the pressure body against the top side of the article (20), and the liquid pressed from the top side of the article is transported to a measuring vessel (15) with the aid of sub-pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for monitoring the quality of a strip (37, 44, 50) made of textile fibres which is moved in its longitudinal direction. In order to create a device and a process which allow flaws in a strip to be dealt with in a targeted manner and which facilitate the production of a strip which is as free as possible of variations in the cross-section or mass, variations in the mass of the strip are to be continuously detected and converted into an electrical signal. This signal should also be compared with a plurality of predetermined limiting values, limiting values for variations transverse to the longitudinal direction being provided and limiting values for variations in the longitudinal direction of the strip being provided.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for non-contact and non-invasive characterization of a moving thin sheet and in particular of a paper web on a production line. The method uses a laser for the generation of sonic and ultrasonic waves in the thin sheet and a speckle insensitive interferometric device for the detection of these waves. The generation is performed in conditions to avoid damage impeding further use of the sheet. When the generation and detection spots overlap, the method provides a measurement of the compression modulus. When the generation and detection spots are separated by a known distance and plate waves (Lamb waves) are generated and detected, the method provides a measurement of the in-plane modulus and of the tension applied to the sheet. By detecting waves propagating in various directions, either by rotating the detection sensor head or multiplexing the signals provided by several detection or generation locations, the anisotropy of the in-plane modulus is determined.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for testing permeability of a clean room garment material are described. The apparatus is constructed by a flow regulator, a flow meter, a sample holder and a quantitative tube that is equipped with a fluid reservoir for generating a bubble through the tube. The components of the apparatus can be readily obtained and the apparatus can be constructed at low cost. The method for testing air permeability can be conducted easily by utilizing the present invention novel apparatus in a factory environment without elaborate and expensive equipment.

Abstract: A scanner for moving sheet materials such as a paper making machine provides the gauging heads which measure parameters such as basis weight and moisture entirely inside an enclosed tubular beam. Each gauging head is driven in a cross direction perpendicular to the moving sheet direction and includes a seal belt for dust and dirt protection by covering a slot in the beam, except where the gauging is located.

Abstract: A scanner for moving sheet materials such as a paper making machine provides the gauging heads which measure parameters such as basis weight and moisture entirely inside an enclosed tubular beam. Each gauging head is driven in a cross direction perpendicular to the moving sheet direction and includes a seal belt for dust and dirt protection by covering a slot in the beam, except where the gauging is located.

Abstract: A method for screening fabric handle of an array of fabric samples (i.e., a plurality of fabric materials) comprising providing an array of at least two fabric samples, protruding the fabric samples through openings, and monitoring response of said fabric samples to the protrusions.

Abstract: Measuring system and process for determining properties of a running fibrous material web in a drying section of a machine producing the fibrous material web. The system includes at least one upper roll and at least one lower roll. The fibrous material web is arranged to partially wrap the at least one upper roll and the at least one lower roll and to run between these rolls at an angle between about 0 and 45° to a vertical. A sensor guide is arranged crosswise to a web run direction, and at least one sensor is arranged to traverse the sensor guide in the web run direction in a region of the at least one lower roll. The sensor is structured and arranged for determining a web parameter, and is oriented to form a maximum angle of about 60° to a horizontal through an axis of the lower roll.

Abstract: The stickiness of cotton is determined by testing a cotton sample at two or more temperatures. Sticky deposits are recorded at a lower temperature, preferably 27° C. or 34° C., to detect the trehalulose-rich honeydews droplets. Then, the sample is subjected to a higher temperature, preferably 54° C., to detect the non trehalulose-rich honeydew droplets and physiological sugars. By comparing the results at these two temperatures, an accurate grading system for cotton may be produced which can help growers and spinners accurately identify different types of cotton and determine processing problems.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for determination of an irreversible stretch and of a dynamic modulus of elasticity from a paper web (W). In the method, the irreversible stretch and the dynamic modulus of elasticity are determined from h paper web (W) by means of on-line measurement. The invention also concerns a method in which the quantities that have been determined are employed in the control of the papermaking process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining scale in captured images is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rectangular and generally flat frame device for determining scale in captured image. The frame has measurement indicia located along the inside edges and alignment markers located along the outside edges. The preferred embodiment has one measurement scale on two sides of the frame with an origin located at the corner between them and a different scale on the remaining two sides with an origin located at the opposite interior angle of the frame. A method of using the frame in conjunction with a digital camera and a computer is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assessing the effect of yarn defects on textile fabrics, which are to be produced from a given yarn, by simulating an image of the fabric. So that assessment of simulated textile fabrics may be carried out with greater reliability and more easily, a first image (51) of the fabric is generated by simulation based on parameters or measured signals of the given yarn. A second image (52) of the fabric is generated by simulation based on parameters of a reference yarn and finally the first image is compared with the second image.

Abstract: A transfer roll 1 for conveying a strip of substantially flat material from one device to another. The strip passes over the transfer roll as the transfer roll rotates. The transfer roll includes a flat and smooth cylindrical outer skin which comprises at least two cylindrical elements. Between the cylindrical elements is arranged a mean 7 for reducing the mechanical stiffness of the cylindrical skin relative to the stiffness of the remainder of the cylindrical skin 2. Suitable means such as a welded joint 9 of reduced cross sectional thickness compared to the remainder of the cylinder are described. Such means separate the cylinder mechanically into a plurality of measurement areas with a predetermined degree of crosstalk. The transfer roll may be used to measure force or tension in strip material more accurately than with previous devices.

Abstract: A take up apparatus 10 for drawn optical fiber comprises: a take-up stand 22 supporting a first, storage bobbin 12 about a first axis 20; a motor 32 for rotating this first bobbin about that axis; a supporting means 36 supporting a second, sampler bobbin 14 about a second, different axis 34; a second motor 38 for rotating this second bobbin about the second axis; and means for controlling the relative rates of rotation provided by the motors. In use drawn fiber is guided about the first bobbin to the second bobbin and the bobbins are rotated to wind the fiber about the first bobbin and onto the second bobbin during initial drawing of the fiber. Subsequently the fiber between the bobbins is cut and the drawn fiber is wound onto the first bobbin.

Abstract: A webbing tension sensing unit which includes a base and a cover and an elastically biasing element mounted within the base and cover. The webbing of, for example, a seat belt is operably connected to a sensor also housed within the base and cover. The sensor detects movement in relation to the elastically biasing element and generates electrical signals in proportion to the movement as a function of the tension in the webbing. The signals are used for analysis as part of a system to determine if devices such as an air bag or warning light should be triggered.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing of electrical, mechanical, physical and/or chemical properties of material in sheet form includes a cassette for holding of sheets and sensors rigidly mounted relative to the cassette. The sensors may be mounted adjacent a test location exterior to the cassette. The cassette and the sensors may be so configured and positioned that a suitable end effector may move sheets of material between storage locations in the cassette and test locations adjacent the sensors. A method for testing sheet material includes the steps of placing the sheet material in a cassette, and conducting tests employing one or more sensors rigidly mounted with respect to the cassette. The method may include employing an end effector to remove the sheet from the cassette, to position the sheet stepwise in several positions relative to the sensors, and to replace the sheet in the cassette upon completion of testing.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing of electrical, mechanical, physical and/or chemical properties of material in sheet form includes a cassette for holding of sheets and sensors rigidly mounted relative to the cassette. The sensors may be mounted adjacent a test location exterior to the cassette. The cassette and the sensors may be so configured and positioned that a suitable end effector may move sheets of material between storage locations in the cassette and test locations adjacent the sensors. A method for testing sheet material includes the steps of placing the sheet material in a cassette, and conducting tests employing one or more sensors rigidly mounted with respect to the cassette. The method may include employing an end effector to remove the sheet from the cassette, to position the sheet stepwise in several positions relative to the sensors, and to replace the sheet in the cassette upon completion of testing.

Abstract: Moisture management indexes are determined for a textile sandwiched between two plates. Electrical conductors arranged in concentric opposing pairs are used to measure changes in electrical resistance of the fabric. A quantity of water (or other chosen liquid) is poured down a guide pipe and changes of resistance measured against time. From this data, specific indexes are determined, in a repeatable fashion, and used for determining moisture management characteristics of the fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device for thread-like test samples (3), comprising a measuring slit (2) exhibiting measuring areas (6, 7) for measuring characteristics of a test sample which moves longitudinally, said measuring areas being associated to a measuring device. A coating (8) made of an abrasion-resistant material is applied over the whole measuring slit and its measuring areas (6, 7) in order to define more freely the dimensions of said measuring slit and especially to obtain a narrower measuring slit.

Abstract: A measuring probe in a paper measuring apparatus is kept at a distance from the surface of the paper by feeding medium between the paper and a surface of the measuring probe through a feed hole in the surface of the measuring probe. The pressure of the supplied medium, the dimensions of the feed hole and measuring probe, and the distance of the probe surface from the paper are arranged such that after the medium is discharged from the feed hole, the rate of the flowing medium increases so as to produce an underpressure, which generates a force tending to move the paper and the measuring probe toward each other. The discharge of the medium from the feed hole produces an opposite force urging the paper and probe away from each other, and the measuring probe and paper settle in a state of equilibrium determined by the two forces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for biaxial load deformation testing of textile and other membrane materials including a first pair of spaced-apart segmented clamping systems for detachably engaging a membrane test material along opposing sides in the X direction. A second pair of spaced-apart segmented clamping systems is provided for detachably engaging a membrane test material along opposing sides extending in the Y direction. Each of the first pair and each of the second pair of spaced-apart segmented clamping systems are interconnected by a pantograph so as to be slidably extendable and slidably contractible with respect to each other and proportional to strain in the membrane test material in the X and Y directions, respectively.