Abstract: A control system for a seatbelt retractor for a seatbelt retractor is to perform the operating performance test of the retractor mounted on a holder structure with at least one sensor and a locking device cooperating therewith throughout a wider range of tilt angle using a PLC, in which the control system includes a motor control portion connected to the PLC to control the rotation of motors at a tilt angle to be inputted in advance; a rotary cylinder control portion for controlling the rotating of a rotary cylinder in order to rotate a spool of the retractor; a stamping control portion for controlling the operating timing of a stamping portion; a memory for enabling various control operations of the PLC; a data register for storing digital data code values corresponding to a plurality of tilt angles; and a multi-axle motion controller for computing the digital data values, therefore enabling the tilt angle of the retractor to be tested with the holder structure being slanted.

Abstract: A uniformly preset spring force pre-load among a number of identical solenoid actuated valve assemblies (28) by uniquely adjusting the spring pocket length (L) of each respective plunger (12) to accommodate a respective spring (20) which is uniquely mated thereto. This adjustment is accomplished using a two-component plunger (12) consisting of a plunger body (14) having a central bore (22) and a rod (18) slidably located within the central bore. The rod (18) is press-fit into the central bore (22), and the spring pocket includes a portion of the central bore unoccupied by the rod. By pressing the rod (18) a selected distance into the central bore (22), a precisely set spring pocket is obtained which is uniquely correct for a selected spring (20), in that the selected spring is compressed to a precisely preset spring force pre-load.

Abstract: An adjustment tool is provided, having a probe, a head, an arm and a micrometer attached to the head. With the probe inserted into a spacer cell opening, the micrometer handle is rotated to a predetermined setting to pivot the arm. The opposite end of the arm from its engagement with the micrometer drive head engages and displaces the spring of the spacer cell to adjust its spring force. In one form, the arm is housed within the probe and the micrometer drive head displaces the distal end of the arm outwardly to correspondingly displace the spring outwardly, thereby decreasing the spring force. In another form of the spacer tool, the arm is spaced from the probe and has pivotal contact surfaces to straddle the spring. Movement of the drive head by rotating the micrometer handle to a predetermined setting causes the spring to be displaced inwardly of the spacer cell opening to increase the spacer spring force.

Abstract: A uniformly preset spring force pre-load among a number of identical solenoid actuated valve assemblies (28) by uniquely adjusting the spring pocket length (L) of each respective plunger (12) to accommodate a respective spring (20) which is uniquely mated thereto. This adjustment is accomplished using a two-component plunger (12) consisting of a plunger body (14) having a central bore (22) and a rod (18) sidably located within the central bore. The rod (18) is press-fit into the central bore (22), and the spring pocket includes a portion of the central bore unoccupied by the rod. By pressing the rod (18) a selected distance into the central bore (22), a precisely set spring pocket is obtained which is uniquely correct for a selected spring (20), in that the selected spring is compressed to a precisely preset spring force pre-load.

Abstract: A leaf spring test apparatus, generally comprising a frame constructed and arranged to support a first end and a second end of a leaf spring, a force applicator disposed on the frame for applying a force to a predetermined area of the leaf spring, a force measurement gauge connected to the force applicator to gauge the amount of force applied to the leaf spring by the force applicator, and a distance measurement gauge connected to the leaf spring to gauge movement of the leaf spring upon the application of force by the force applicator to the leaf spring. A method for testing and measuring the spring rate of leaf springs, comprising the steps of installing a leaf spring on a leaf spring test apparatus, zeroing a leaf spring test apparatus, pumping a jack on the leaf spring test apparatus to raise the leaf spring a desired distance, and reading a force measurement gauge.

Abstract: A device which can be used to test heavy coil springs, which is of simple low-cost construction, but which is so designed that the spring can be readily mounted thereon for testing and can be readily removed when testing is completed, and will effectively retain the spring in proper position during testing, using: two containment plates, a cage made of 5 rods that pass through equi-distributed holes in the plates to contain a spring under test, and a central push rod which passes through the center of the assembly to move the containment plates together or apart as required to test the spring. A conventional spring test gauge may be fixed to either the push rod of one of the containment plates to measure the pressure generated by the spring during the test. The containment rods form a cage that expands as the containment plates compress the spring to permit the testing of long springs, and for safe testing of all springs.

Abstract: The spring force measurement system includes a draw rod standard, an insertion tube and an extension tube, together with a cable received through the tubes connecting the standard and a load cell, in turn connected by the cable to a winch. The draw rod standard is located in the fuel bundle below the spacer having a spring whose spring force is to be measured. By drawing the standard through the spacer cell, the spring force is computed using the measured tension in the connecting cable as the standard is withdrawn and the known values of the coefficient of friction between the spacer spring projection and the draw rod standard and the combined weight of the cable and draw rod standard. The measuring process is repeated for next higher spacers.

Abstract: An apparatus for on head testing of a valve spring that biases a rocker arm assembly. The testing apparatus includes a trunnion body portion that is pivotally connected to a main body portion. A biasing member is movably mounted to the main body portion and abuts a first rocker arm of the rocker arm assembly during use. A latch member engageable with a second rocker arm of the rocker arm assembly is adjustably mounted to the trunnion body portion to permit different spacings with the biasing member to be furnished to accommodate different sized rocker arms. When a tester handle is used to drive the biasing member toward the first rocker arm during valve spring testing, the force applied by the biasing member to compress the valve spring is measured by the sensing of the movement of the biasing member relative to the main body portion, and is displayed on a gauge mounted on the main body portion.

Abstract: A torsion spring tester incorporates a microprocessor based data acquisition/control package and special tooling. The tooling makes calibration of the tester very easy. The combination of the tooling and control package permits acquisition, storage and transfer of test data that is accurate, absolute and repeatable.

Abstract: A method of operating an electromagnetic actuator for actuating a setting member wherein the actuator includes at least one electromagnet supplied with current by a control device, and an armature that is operatively connected with the setting member to be actuated and which can be brought out of a first set position, counter to a force of a restoring spring, into a second set position, in which the armature is in contact with the pole face of the electromagnet, when the electromagnet is supplied with current. The change in the setting force of the restoring spring is detected, at least during part of the armature motion, and the respective position of the armature and/or its moving speed is or are derived from this. The derived value is used to check and/or influence the actuation of the electromagnet.

Abstract: A digital compensation circuit for calibrating a sensor is described. The compensator circuit includes a serial communication circuit for receiving data relating to a plurality of parameters and a compensation circuit coupled to serial communication circuit for providing piece-wise linear compensation of a temperature coefficient (TC). In one embodiment, the compensation circuit further includes a detector for detecting a threshold for a digital temperature and providing an output and a plurality of registers coupled to the detector and the serial communication circuit, a first plurality of registers for providing a first value if the digital temperature is above the threshold, a second of the plurality of registers for providing a second value if the digital temperature is below the threshold.

Abstract: Torsion springs (1) are graded by both winding and unwinding them in a test fixture (20) having a central arbor (52a) and ledges (54,58) functionally corresponding to the use of the springs. This takes hysteresis into account. Data obtained at a known location is approximated as separate straight lines for winding and unwinding. The rotation at the predetermined base or preload torque is determined from the straight lines, and the two values are averaged. To this average value a large predetermined amount (70 degrees) of rotation is added, the torque at that value of rotation is determined from the straight lines, and the two values are averaged. The spring is graded as acceptable when that average torque is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A spring tester has a hydraulic ram which urges a bearer plate towards a load cell to achieve a predetermined fixed spacing D between them. A replaceable spacer allows adjustment of the distance D to a distance d. A spring to be tested is compressed to the length d and the load indicated by the load cell. Under test, the spring is laid in a cylindrical channel in a carriage to simulate the operation of the spring in an aircraft braking system.

Abstract: Measuring the force of a spring (28) in a spring brake actuator (10) comprising a housing (14) having an end wall (46), a spring plate (30) within the housing (14), the spring (28) being disposed between the spring plate (30) and the housing end wall (46) and a caging bolt (34) extending from the spring plate (30) through the housing end wall (46) and having a nut (44) thereon with a gauge between the caging bolt nut (44) and the housing (14). The gauge comprises a pressure-responsive element which detects the compressive force between the nut (44) and the housing (14) and generates a signal responsive thereto. An indicator (86) is coupled to the pressure-responsive element and visually displays the force on the spring (28) as a function of the compressive force signal. An embodiment of the gauge (50) comprises a body (52) having a bore (58), a piston (64) received within the bore (58) defining a chamber (74) between the piston (64) and the body (52) and a fluid (72) in the chamber (74).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a spring pack of a valve operator, the apparatus including a hollow housing with a coupling for attaching to the valve operator. A slider is received within the housing and moves therein when driven by a bolt that extends through a threaded aperture in the housing. A load sensor is attached to the slider and extends through the coupling and engages a valve operator component that is connected to the spring pack. As a technician turns the bolt, the apparatus compresses the spring pack within the valve operator and the load sensor produces an electrical signal that indicates how much force is exerted by the spring pack. At the same time, a transducer produces another electrical signal indicating the displacement of the spring pack.

Abstract: A device for measuring the force exerted by a spring of a supporting grid on a fuel rod passing through the grid has an elongate body connected by two flexible blades that are parallel to the long direction to two respective beams insertable in a cell. At least one of the beams carries a force sensor designed to be pressed against the spring. A unit is slidable in the body along the body between a position in which it moves the beams apart while keeping them parallel to give them a spacing that corresponds to the nominal diameter of a fuel rod, and a position in which it allows the flexible blades to move the beams towards each other. The unit is movable at will between the two positions.

Abstract: An apparatus, for testing a spring pack of a valve operator, includes a hollow housing with a coupling for attaching to the valve operator. A slider is received within the housing and moves therein when driven by a bolt that extends through a threaded aperture in the housing. A load sensor is attached to the slider and extends through the coupling and engages a valve operator component that is connected to the spring pack. As a technician turns the bolt, the apparatus compresses the spring pack within the valve operator and the load sensor produces an electrical signal that indicates how much force is exerted by the spring pack. At the same time, a transducer produces another electrical signal indicating the displacement of the spring pack.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing, installing and/or testing valve-spring retainer assemblies of internal combustion engines and the like employ an existing spark plug opening to mount a tool which is designed to depress a valve spring and thereby disengage an associated valve-spring retainer assembly. Once it has been disengaged, at least a portion of the valve-spring retainer assembly can be removed from a cylinder head of the engine through the tool.

Abstract: A compensation system for a spiral spring hysteresis selectively provides a reactive compressive force to the spring after retractive movement of the outermost spring end relative to a fixed axial center of the spring. Such reactive compressive force reflects what, otherwise, would be the difference between the reactive forces of extension and retraction of the spring and along an axis of greatest transmissibility of force to the spring. The spring constants of extension and retraction of the spring are resultingly compensated.

Abstract: A device for measuring force of bending of a head-flexure assembly by a given amount characterized by the distance between a clamping surface for one end of the flexure and the plane (recording surface) in contact with the head at at the other end of the flexure. The device includes a load cell with a cell reference surface adjustably supported on a cell base which is slidably mounted on a main base. Adjustment of the location of the cell reference surface with respect to the clamp surface is achieved by a shaft threaded into the load cell with a first thread and threaded into the main base with a second thread so that by turning the shaft, the distance between the two reference surfaces can be very accurately adjusted. When the load cell is deformed by application of the head loading force to the cell reference surface, a signal from the load cell actuates a mechanism maintaining the cell reference surface in its initial location thereby maintaining the initial flexion of the flexure.

Abstract: A fixture for testing the withdrawal force of a male projection from a receptacle terminal of an electrical connector. The fixture includes a frame, with a weight supported on the frame. The weight has a male projection protruding upwardly therefrom. The weight has a value corresponding to a desired withdrawal force. The projection has a shape corresponding to that of the terminal. A positioning member is supported above the male projection for positioning the electrical connector with the receptacle terminal thereof in alignment with the male projection. The positioning member is movably mounted relative to the frame for moving the electrical connector and receptacle terminal toward the male projection to interconnect the projection in the receptacle terminal and for moving the connector in an opposite direction to test if the interconnection between the male projection and the receptacle terminal is sufficient to lift the weight.

Abstract: A device for measuring force of bending of a head-flexure assembly including a load cell with a cell reference surface slidably mounted on a base having a reference surface, a shaft threaded into theload cell with a first thread and threaded into the base with a second thread so that by turning the shaft, the distance between the two reference surfaces can be very accurately adjusted providing that the device can be calibrated to an accuracy of less than ten milligrams.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an automated method of testing the spring pack found in motor operated valves. It includes the steps of compressing the spring pack in a test stand while the compressive load applied and the vertical displacement occurring as a result of such loading is measured. This data is sent to a computer that records selected load measurements which correspond to pre-selected displacement values. Afterwards, this data is reported such as by a graph or other report that provides a comparison of the pre-selected displacement values with its respective compressive load.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method and apparatus for testing the spring pack of a motor operated valve. It incorporates a test stand into which the spring pack is inserted. A horizontal reference plane is attached to the spring pack afterwhich the spring pack is compressed with the vertical displacement of this reference plane being measured. Also measured is the force applied to the spring pack such that afterwards, a comparison of the vertical displacement versus the load applied can be made.

Abstract: The present invention relates to spring conductors used within modular jack assemblies. The spring conductors electrically connect with conductors residing on a multi-connector plug to connect communication equipment, digital or audio, to a transmission line. The spring conductors maintain connection with the conductors on the plug by a spring force inherent in the spring conductor. The present invention measures this spring force with a probe inserted into the modular jack assembly. The output of the probe being proportional to the spring force.

Abstract: A system for rapid, easy testing of elastic components under compression or tension is disclosed. The system comprises a force measurement apparatus having a device which applies either a compression or tension force to the elastic component. The device measures the force applied to the component and transmits this information to an interface unit. A transducer, which is detachably connected to the component, measures the deflection in the metal and transmits this information to the interface unit. The interface unit comprises computer hardware and software which changes the analog signals it receives to digital signals and transmits these to a personal computer. The computer controls the test and displays the test results.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the normal force (F.sub.n) exerted on a pin by a receptacle contact. The normal force measuring transducer (20) has a support beam (34) and a sensing beam (50). Sensing beam (50) has a monocrystalline silicon element (30) and may include beam element (40). Piezoresistive elements (E.sub.1, E.sub.2, E.sub.3 and E.sub.4) are atomically bonded to element (30) using techniques of solid state diffusion. Fine lines (76) of conductive material interconnect the piezoresistive elements to connection pads (GP.sub.1, GP.sub.2, GP.sub.3 and GP.sub.4). The support beam (34) and sensing beam (50) have a deflecting space (70) therebetween and two supports (56,58) therealong. Normal force applied to the beams causes a change in the resistance of the piezoresistive elements indicative of the magnitude of the normal force.

Abstract: A spring failure detection and safety system comprising detection devices for continuously monitoring the life of a spring, and detecting and signalling its imminent or actual failure. The system also may comprise warning devices that have sensory outputs capable of informing a human operator of a spring failure. It may also comprise a memory device that would receive and store the failure detection signal, for example, for the purpose of informing maintenance personnel of the failure, or to serve as part of a test or failure evaluation system. The invention may also comprise a safety feature consisting of one or more springs to operate redundantly with the first spring, to protect against spring failure.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for testing spring elements includes supporting at least one first spring element between first arms of a pair of lever beams, each having a stationary bearing, and at least one second spring element, between second arms of the pair of lever beams, and cyclically oscillating at least one of the lever beams at a frequency which essentially corresponds to the first resonant frequency of the oscillatory circuit formed by the lever beams and the spring elements, and the lever beams being oscillated in phase opposite to each other.

Abstract: A force gage (10) for measuring normal forces (F) is comprised of a silicon element (12) having diffused in an edge surface (14) thereof a piezoresistive sensor area (16) which changes resistance responsive to applied stress caused by (F) acting in compression on the said silicon element.

Abstract: A portable bow press for facilitating repair and adjustment of an archer's compound-type bow is disclosed which includes a first elongated member having a threaded aperture formed centrally therein and removable structure at each end for engaging the ends of each of the bow limbs. A second elongated member is threaded through the threaded aperture to engage the handle of the bow and apply a force against the handle to remove tension from the bow string and tension cable to allow needed repairs to the various elements of the bow. A sleeve member is mounted on the second elongated member for travel therealong and includes a hook member to hold one end of a scale while the other end of the scale is attached to the center of the bow string.

Abstract: A tape cassette has a reel provided with a flange the outer periphery of which is toothed so that top lands and bottom lands are alternately formed. A brake mechanism includes a brake lever which can be swung between an engaging position in which its engaging portion abuts against one of the bottom lands and a retracted position in which the engaging portion is away from the teeth, and an urging spring which urges the brake lever toward the engaging position.

Abstract: The device comprises a rod (28) on which is mounted a means (30, 32, 33) for support and displacement which is movable in an axial direction of the rod (28) and in two directions perpendicular to this axial direction. The support (33) of the means for displacement carries a device for pushing axially on a longitudinal end of the pencil, which may be activated by a control means (35), one end of which is located in a control station (25) disposed above a fuel assembly storage pool. Means for measuring the axial pushing force on the pencil and the length of axial displacement of the pencil under the effect of the pushing are disposed in the control station (25). A video camera (34), carried by the support (33), makes it possible to provide an image of a zone in the vicinity of the end of the pencil.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining a given preload on a spring for use in a device which requires a given spring setting or preload. A receptacle is provided for containing the spring and including at least one member positionally movable in response to the spring setting. First shims are placed between the receptacle and the spring for adjusting the spring setting outside the device while the positiion of the movable member is fixed at the given preload. Second shims are placed between the receptacle and a portion of the device for readjusting the spring setting inside the device at the given preload. An access opening through the device affords observation from outside the device of the position of the movable member inside the device to compare the readjustment with the first adjustment.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for functional testing of a suspension device for a load, is used in combination with a suspension device such as a spring hanger or a constant support hanger holding a pipe run on a building structure and having at least one mechanical spring. The load is released from the suspension device and held with other devices. A hydraulic device is connected to the suspension device to be tested instead of the load for stretching the spring of the suspension device. The pressure necessary for stretching the spring and therefore the spring constant of the spring based on the operating travel of the spring, are ascertained and recorded with a pressure pickup and a recorder connected to the hydraulic device.

Abstract: A normal force measuring assembly for measuring the normal force exerted by a female receptacle. The force measuring assembly uses a conventional force gauge in which a pair of anvils are used to effect the measurement itself. One of the anvils is fixed. The remaining anvil is movable according to the force exerted by the force gauge and its position is sensed by an optical detector.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the normal force exerted on a pin by a receptacle contact comprises a pair of beams profiled as the pin and having inward facing deflecting surfaces defining a central space. A thin film integrated circuit bonded to one of the beams includes a pair of strain gages at each end of the deflecting surface and leads extending to solder pads remote from the probe.

Abstract: A grid cell spring force measuring apparatus includes a pair of elongated bars being pivotally connected together at their respective mid-sections and having a set screw for presetting the displacement between the lower end portions of the bars and a rotatable shaft with a knob for applying a separation force to the upper end portions of the bars. When the displacement of the bars and thereby their cross sectional dimension is preset and the bars have been inserted into a grid cell, the shaft is rotated using the knob and the upper end portions of the bars are gradually forced apart. Once the force being applied at the upper end portions and transmitted to the lower end portions of the bars overcomes the spring force, the spring deflects and the bars separate enough to open electrical contacts mounted on the bars. At the instance the contacts are opened, a readout connected to a strain gauge fixed on one of the bars records the level of force being imposed by the bar on the cell spring.

Abstract: A valve spring testing and replacement tool device having a multiple of attachment members to facilitate and accommodate working on a number of different types of internal combustion engines. The valve spring tool, generally speaking, comprises a base member, one or more anchor members, one or more spring compressor members and a torque wrench means.

Abstract: A test fixture operative to simulate seat belt assembly installations. An articulated arm assembly, comprising a primary arm and a secondary arm, has its primary arm lower end mounted by a dual pivot of a support base at the origin of X and Y axes of an X, Y and Z coordinate system. The anchor position of the seat belt retractor is adapted to be releasably fixed on the support base relative to the X and Y axes. The seat belt webbing pillar turning loop is pivotally and linearly adjustably supported on the secondary arm. A motorized load transducer, located on the primary arm, extracts the seat belt webbing from its stowed position on the retractor providing measurements of the forces required to perform this action. The test fixture allows various changes in vehicle seat belt system components to be measured thereby readily determining the optimum installation geometries for a seat belt system that is comfortable and easy to use.

Abstract: A force measuring system for measuring the deflection force of spring-mounted magnetic reading and writing heads, and other parts, includes a capacitive type pressure transducer, of the type having two spaced insulating plates wherein at least one of the plates is a flexible diaphragm; a standardized pivoted force transmitting arm having one rounded end thereof engaging the center of said flexible diaphragm; a movable carriage for holding the magnetic head or other part to be tested under predetermined levels of deflection; guide plate arrangements for controlling the movement of the carriage so that the magnetic head or other part is brought into engagement with the end of the force transmitting arm; micrometer arrangements for providing a controlled amount of deflection of the reading head assembly or other part when the magnetic head engages the force transmitting arm; and measuring and display arrangements for indicating the force applied to the diaphragm at the predetermined level of deflection.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying and measuring a variable bending load to a fiber reinforced plastic test specimen under desired temperature and humidity conditions. The apparatus comprises a frame member including means for holding the ends of the test specimen while applying a bending load to the center of the test specimen.

Abstract: A device for the remote checking of the characteristic of a spring includes a system of known masses or weights displaceable in translation in a vertical direction, each of the masses forming said system being vertically displaceable within certain limits with respect to the other masses in such a way that, upon lowering them, their weights are successively supported by the spring and are consequently summated. A dynamometer determines the moment when, during the descent of the system, a given mass rests on the spring. The device then measures the deflection of the spring by measuring the displacement of the mass resting on the spring relative to a reference point fixed with respect to the spring.

Abstract: Apparatus indicating the linear movement of a member includes a pulley and a spring disposed on the pulley and having characteristics of producing a force substantially linearly related to its speed of movement with respect to the pulley. A motor produces a displacement of the spring relative to the pulley. A transducer produces a signal related to the speed of movement of the spring relative to the pulley at each instant and provides a signal linearly related at that instant to the distance of the spring movement at that instant. A cam may also be included for converting the movement of the spring into a non-linear function having particular characteristics. Such cam may have a particular non-linear relationship on its external periphery relative to its axis of rotation. The cam and the pulley may be coupled to opposite ends of the spring to provide a conversion between the linear movement of the spring and the particular non-linear relationship provided by the cam.

Abstract: An instrument used by surgeons to determine the suitability of an aneurysm or vascular clip just prior to its implantation. The primary component of the instrument is a test strip which comprises a first compartment, second compartment, and a tapered channel connecting these two compartments. The first compartment contains a colored fluid and means for forcing the fluid from the compartment into the tapered channel. The clip selected is attached to the test strip over the tapered channel. As the fluid is forced into the tapered channel and reaches the clip, the clip's effectiveness in impeding the pressurized fluid flow is observed. The pressure at which the clip fails is indicated on gauge means.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the contact force of a terminal mounted in a multi-terminal circuit board connector, the measured force being applied normal to the surface of a circuit board received in the connector, has a transducer employing four strain gauges connected in a bridge arrangement with pairs of the gauges being positioned at opposite ends of a fully supported beam. The strain at the end points of the beam are averaged by the strain gauges so that no matter where the forces are applied normal to the beam by the terminal being measured, the deflection is always negligible and the area of the beam upon which the contact force is applied is not critical.

Abstract: A machine for calibrating clips used for clamping blood vessels during surgery. First and second heads are arranged in a frame in opposed relation for relative separating movement from a start position in which the heads are bottomed together. The presented adjacent ends of the heads have registering hooks oriented transversely and parallel to one another, each of the hooks having an adjacent clearance opening for receiving the jaw of an inserted clip. An insertion stop is positioned behind the hooks for limiting the degree of insertion. A drive is interposed between one of the heads and the frame for separating the heads by a predetermined increment thereby to spread the jaws of an inserted clip by a reference amount. A force transducer is interposed between the remaining head and the frame for producing an electrical signal which depends upon the reaction force corresponding to the reference separation.

Abstract: Device for measuring the spring-force of resilient spacer projections set into spacer grids of nuclear reactor fuel assemblies to push fuel rods surrounded by spacer meshes against at least two oppositely disposed rigid spacer projections, including a force measuring plug having a diameter equal to the diameter of a fuel rod to be fixed in the spacer grid, and a flexible beam integral with the force measuring plug, the flexible beam having a free end in contact with a first resilient spacer projection to be measured, and another end firmly connected to the force measuring plug and having at least one wire strain gage disposed thereon.

Abstract: A portable spring tester adapted for use in testing spring strength for spring assemblies mounted on automobiles and the like. The tester includes a mounting arm for coupling and removably locating the tester in fixed position on the spring assembly. An actuating arm extends from the mounting arm in position to engage with the spring assembly and be shiftable to bias the spring. Engagement surfaces are on the tester for removably mounting a strength indicator thereon so that when the actuating arm is shifted to bias the spring the strength indicator will provide a reading to indicate the spring strength.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing compression and tension springs, comprising a base member having an anchor end with fixed means adjacent thereto to orient one end of a spring to be tested and an actuation end with movable means for orienting the other end of the spring, a pressure system including a fluid pressure cylinder connected to the movable means for effecting longitudinal movement thereof away from the anchor end means, valve means for establishing fluid pressure communication between a pressure source and the pressure cylinder and a pressure gauge responsive to such pressure fluid communication, shut-off valve means for limiting movement of the movable means, and other valve means for releasing pressure from the pressure system; and a method for the comparative testing and mating of springs into matched sets.