Abstract: A cooling block is provided for mounting a transducer or other electronic component on a test object which typically becomes heated during use or testing. The cooling block receives a flow of cooling gas and distributes the gas to flow outwardly past the transducer and maintain the transducer in relatively stable, constant temperature conditions. The cooling block also functions as a heat absorber. The block may be mechanically or magnetically attached to the object under test.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe housing has at least one air bubble trap disposed therein and configured to facilitate movement of air bubbles away from a window thereof and also configured to resist movement of the air bubbles back toward the window. Preferably, two air bubble traps are utilized, one proximate the ultrasound transducer and the other proximate the motor thereof, so as to facilitate isolation of the ultrasound transducer and motor from air bubbles. The air bubble traps are preferably configured as funnels having a narrow end thereof oriented away from the window and having a wide end thereof oriented toward the window such that air bubbles easily enter the wide end thereof but do not easily enter the narrow end thereof. The air bubbles preferably move to a fluid expansion compensation chamber wherein they become captured and provide compensation for thermal expansion of the ultrasound transmissive fluid contained within the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: A vortex flowmeter employs a differential pressure transducer converting an oscillation in a differential pressure to an alternating electrical signal, which differential pressure transducer is dynamically isolated from a structure including a flow passage in a relationship preventing the transmission of the mechanical vibrations of the structure including the flow passage to the differential pressure transducer, and receives two fluid pressures respectively existing at the two opposite cylindrical sides of a vortex generating bluff body disposed across the flow passage respectively through two small diameter tubings having a low stiffness, wherein the velocity of fluid moving through the flow passage is determined as a function of the frequency of the alternating electrical signal generated by the differential pressure transducer.

Abstract: An oscillatory pressure sensor providing an alternating electrical signal representing an oscillation in differential pressure comprises a piezo electric transducer contained within a cavity included in the sensor body in a compressed relationship between two opposite thin side walls of the cavity, which two opposite thin side walls are respectively connected to deflective portions of two thin deflective partitioning walls respectively constituting a planar barrier between two fluid pressures, wherein the combination of deflective motions of the two thin deflective partitioning walls produced by the differential pressure thereacross induces an alternating stress in a piezo electric disc included in the piezo electric transducer and generates an alternating electrical signal from the piezo electric transducer.

Abstract: A mounting assembly is provided for use with a vehicle measuring system where the point to be measured is transferred, within the measurement system, to an accessible location measurable by the system. The mounting assembly couples a measurement device to a vehicle to be measured and maintains the precise alignment of a coupler at its attachment point to the vehicle during the measurement procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting contact between a contact detection member and a rotating body such as a grinding wheel rotably carried on a wheel head which is movable toward the contact detection member in a grinding machine for example. The apparatus comprises an AE sensor, a rectangular pulse generator, a sampling circuit and a processing device such as a microcomputer. The AE sensor generates an electric signal in response to vibration of the contact detection member. The rectangular pulse generator outputs a rectangular pulse whose duration corresponds to that of vibration. The sampling circuit delivers to the processing device an output indicating the duration of the rectangular pulse. The processing device processes the output delivered thereto so as to decide the occurrence of an actual contact between the rotating body and the contact detection member.

Abstract: An apparatus for acoustically inspecting a workpiece has a tubular member with a membrane sealing an end of the tube to form a first chamber. An acoustic transducer assembly is mounted in the tubular member. An adapter secured to the tubular member is adapted to contact the workpiece and space the membrane from the workpiece and form a second chamber. In operation, the transducer generates an acoustic wave that travels through coupling fluid disposed in the chambers to strike the workpiece. The acoustic wave is reflected from the workpiece, received by the transducer assembly, and a corresponding electrical signal is sent to a processor for evaluation. Additional features include a fluid conduit providing the independent coupling fluid, a spacer that accommodates workpiece surface variations while maintaining acoustic coupling with the workpiece, and a vacuum housing that removes excess coupling fluid from around the inspection apparatus and workpiece mating surface.

Abstract: A relative vibration sensor includes a transducer container vessel including a cavity surrounded by two parallel deflective walls on two opposite sides and rigid walls on other sides, a piezo electric disc element disposed within the cavity intermediate the two parallel deflective walls, at least two electrodes respectively belonging to two opposite halves of the piezo electric disc element respectively located on two opposite sides of a reference plane intersecting with the two parallel deflective walls of the cavity in a substantially perpendicular relationship, and a pair of elongated vibration sensing members respectively extending from the two parallel deflective walls of the cavity towards an approximately common direction perpendicular to the reference plane, wherein vibrations of two mechanical members respectively transmitted to the pair of elongated vibration sensing members generate two alternating electrical signals respectively from the two opposite halves of the piezo electric disc element, whic

Abstract: A support device for a probe for the detection and location of possible faults within a bore. The device forms a simple structure enabling a nonspecialized operator to perform reproducible measurements. The device incorporates a probe-holding spindle equipped at one end thereof with a mechanism for fixing a measuring probe and a spindle support having a longitudinal guidance mechanism for the spindle and a mechanism for angular positioning thereof. The device makes it possible to inspect the bores of a rotor shaft.

Abstract: An improved vibration warning device is disclosed for monitoring rotating machinery, and signaling the occurrence of an unsafe condition. The apparatus includes a one or more mercury wetted resonating reed gauge switches tuned to a critical frequency that lies within a predetermined range of the critical frequency of the rotor. An imbalance force imposed by the rotor is transmitted to the device and if the imbalance force exceeds a predetermined threshold, the mercury wetted reed gauge switch/switches will conduct an appropriate electrical warning signal.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for mounting a vibration transducer such as an accelerometer with a hand grip and probe for hand-held vibration data gathering. By the simple maneuvering of plugging in a transmission cable and accelerometer connector, following which a forward retainer is screwed down upon the accelerometer and probe assembly, a hand grip based device is provided. Conversely, a configuration utilizing an accelerometer alone or with a permanent magnet becomes available with a simple demounting procedure involving merely the untightening of the forward retainer and the plugging in of a transmission cable. This affords the technician a simple opportunity for using a desired hand grip and hand grip based entry switch as well as a convenient technique for utilizing an accelerometer in stand-alone fashion or with a permanent magnet connector feature.

Abstract: A probe transducer subassembly for a rotational speed sensor assembly is provided. A probe body (1) has a transducer portion (14) extending through an opening (19) into the interior of housing for electromagnetic cooperation with an exciter rotor, a distal portion (15) carrying connection devices extending therefrom and an enlarged diameter intermediate portion defining inwardly and outwardly facing shoulders. The shoulders cooperate with the exterior surface of the housing surrounding the opening and a shoulder in a shroud member (2) to axially position the probe in the housing and allow the probe to be clamped between the housing and the shroud.

Abstract: A method of detecting breakage or breakage of a continuous bead of fluid material, for example, a coating material, during the discharge thereof from an applicator nozzle, which comprises the steps of providing the applicator nozzle with a vibration sensor operable to detect vibrations occuring in the applicator nozzle and to generate a vibration signal, indicative of the detected vibration. The vibration signal undergoes a change in level when the vibrations are actually detected by the vibration sensor and the change in level of the vibration signal is compared with a reference amplitude level. Only when the amplitude level of the vibration signal exceeds the reference amplitude level, the change in amplitude level of the vibration signal provides an indication of the actual occurrence of the vibrations in the applicator nozzle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a three dimensional coordinate measuring machine which is used to measure a workpiece. The machine has a probe containing a piezoelectric crystal which is capable of detecting the shockwave generated when the probe stylus contacts the surface of the workpiece, in order to provide a trigger signal. In order to reduce the risk of the piezoelectric crystal not triggering satisfactorily upon receipt of this shockwave, the workpiece is vibrated so that immediately upon contact the vibrations travel up the probe stylus to trigger the piezoelectric crystal. The vibrations are introduced by a vibration transducer which is bolted to the bed of the coordinate measuring machine.

Abstract: The movement of a rotating part of a machine is monitored by deriving a signal representing the motion of the rotating part, at least temporarily storing the derived signal, and analyzing the stored signal, with temporary storage being performed only on portions of the signal derived during spaced time intervals during each revolution of the rotating part.

Abstract: A method of diagnosis utilizing a diagnostic locator for detecting sources of electronic circuit malfunction caused by fractured solder connections or other kinetically locatable electronic circuit malfunctions comprises a diagnostic locator using kinetic energy at sonic frequencies which is discriminately applied to particular circuit areas to reveal mechanical intermittance on an accurate basis. The locator includes an elongated non-conductive test probe which is mounted within a housing at one end containing a transducer for kinetically activating the probe. An operator may adjust the kinetic energy being released at the probe tip for greater or lesser propagation upon electronic circuitry being diagnosed. This diagnosis of mechanically malfunctioning electronic circuitry is accomplished while monitoring the output of the circuitry in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A proximity sensor has a metal case with a sensing coil at one end and a coaxial cable extending out the other end for placement in proximity to rotating machinery to sense imbalances by position change of, for example, a shaft. The sensor includes a cylinder integrally molded with a plastic bobbin which carries the coil on its end. This unitary assembly then has inserted in it the coaxial cable and the typically wire braided outer conductor is soldered onto the cylinder to provide a permanent interlock resistance against axial and torsional forces. A plastic insulating cap is placed over the entire assembly including the sensing coil and epoxied thereto. A sleeve over the junction between the cable and cylinder prevents unwanted epoxy from filling the coaxial cable. Finally, this permanent affixing of the cap allows the metal casing normally having a nut and thread to be crimped onto a notch in the cap. Moisture proofing is also provided by injection of silicone rubber in the cavity of the bobbin.

Abstract: Grain-destroying insects, and those which may infect other types of particulate matter, when feeding and moving about, induce vibrations in the grain or particulate material affected which is modified and amplified to an audible level. The detection is performed using a crystal with piezoelectric properties directly and physically connected to a vibratory receiving structure such as an elongated probe, a thin, flat diaphragm or the like which mechanically amplifies the vibrations to the crystal. The vibratory sounds are then analyzed, such as by comparison with other records of known destructive insects to determine the probable species of insect and its location.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting blade passing times includes a sensor for producing an input signal each time a blade passes the sensor. A zero crossing detector produces an output signal each time the input signal crosses a reference axis. A phase shifter shifts the phase of the input signal to produce a gating signal coinciding with the expected arrival time of the blade at the sensor. A gating device is responsive to the gating signal for conducting output signals which occur during the expected arrival time of the blade at the sensor.

Abstract: Wood and other article destroying insects, when feeding, induce vibrations in the article being destroyed which is monitored and amplified to an audible level. The vibratory sounds are then analyzed as by comparison with other records of known destructive insects to determine the probable species of insect and its location.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe 1 for non-destructive material testing of slotted or hollowed pieces of material 2 and comprising a carrier 3 and a probe part 4 connected to said carrier, which probe part is formed with one or several piezo-electric crystals 5 provided at or adjacent the tip thereof and mounted at an angle to the longitudinal plane of the probe of between 45.degree. and 50.degree. and rotated around its own axis over an angle of about 45.degree.-47.degree.. The probe can be formed with two or several symmetrically arranged piezo-electric crystals for allowing a complete testing of the piece of material by one single docking operation in that the different crystals are connected in turn after each other. Further the probe may also be formed with one or several straight scanning piezo-electric crystals 6 mounted in the carrier 3.

Abstract: A method of testing piezo-electric transducers includes locating one end (11) of a rod (10) of solid material over the active head (20) of the transducer, the rod (10) simulating the normal acoustic impedance presented to the transducer by the normal medium, in which the transducer is intended to operate, energizing the transducer and detecting the acoustic wave propagated through the rod at the other end of the rod. A loading rod for use in testing a piezo-electric transducer is an elongated solid body so dimensioned as to simulate the normal operating acoustic impedance presented to a piezo-electric transducer to be tested.

Abstract: A probe assemblage for vibration meters of the hand-held variety which exhibits a substantially flat frequency response through 1,000 Hz. The probe structure includes a flat contact surface at its tip for hand-held engagement with the vibratory surface being monitored. The tip is spaced from an articulated ball and socket-like joint which provides for vibration transfer to an associated transducer such as an accelerometer. A compliant material such as Teflon or the like may be positioned intermediate the curved vibration transfer and receiving surfaces of the articulated joint within the probe.

Abstract: A device for mounting an accelerometer thereon including a base plate with an annular portion integral with the plate on one side and an elongated portion integral with the plate on the other side. The elongated portion mounts to an apparatus such as a motor or pump and the annular portion attaches to a housing member such as a conduit for enclosing the accelerometer. The base plate contains a threaded opening for receiving a threaded stud attached to an accelerometer. The accelerometer is enclosed from the environment and protected from corrosive elements or weather conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for aligning and securing a blade vibration sensor about a selectable position along an inner surface of a turbomachine. The apparatus comprises a first rotatable member adapted to eccentrically secure the sensor, a second rotatable member eccentrically coupled to the first member and a ring clamp for mounting the rotatable members on the inner surface. The method includes the steps of securing the sensor to the first member, mounting the rotatable members on the inner surface, rotating the first and second members until the sensor is in a selected position and securing the first and second members against rotation.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for determining and evaluating data representative of the condition of a machine provided with measuring points is provided with a test data probe, incorporating a test data receiver and an evaluation circuit with memory for picking up and evaluating the test data received from the relevant measuring points, and with an identifying data sensing probe incorporating a sensing unit for sensing identifying data at the measuring points. The memory includes storage positions for data specific to the measuring points which are activated by the corresponding identifying data from the measuring points. The test data probe and the identifying data sensing probe are provided in a common housing. Within the common housing there is a measuring chamber which is open towards the forward end of the measuring head of the instrument, the chamber accommodating a machine-side data transfer component which is also the carrier for the identifying data specific to the measuring points.

Abstract: A device for determining a mechanical fault in an automotive vehicle by determining mechanical vibrations comparatively between two like points on the vehicle to determine which of two automotive devices is in need of repair or replacement. The device includes two piezoelectric devices operatively secured to a pair of mechanical clamps capable of being attached to two like points on the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transmit-receive probe is disclosed which is capable of effectively protecting an internal structure of the probe against leaked steam so as to ensure stable and positive operation of the probe over a long period of time. The probe includes an enclosing tube arranged in a probe housing. The enclosing tube is sealedly connected at one end thereof to an oscillator housing receiving an oscillator therein to communicate therewith and sealedly fitted at the other end thereof on a plug received in the other end of the probe housing so as to outwardly project therefrom, thereby sealedly protecting the oscillator and plug against the atmosphere in the probe housing.

Abstract: A transducer in the form of a long cable for producing electrical signals in response to mechanical vibration of the cable. The cable comprises an elongate magnetic member and an electrical conductor extending alongside the magnetic member, the electrical conductor being loosely mounted in the magnetic field of the magnetic member so that mechanical vibration of the cable causes the electrical conductor to move relative to the magnetic field whereby an e.m.f. and hence an electrical signal is induced in the conductor. The transducer may be used in monitoring or security apparatus.

Abstract: A composite analyzer probe, for use with a composite analyzer tester instrument for nondestructively testing and analyzing the physical properties and gaging the thickness of a test material. A cylindrical probe housing has a generally flat end surface designed to be placed flat against the surface of the test material. An annular magnetic induction coil is positioned against the end surface, a piezoelectric element having a hollow cylindrical casing is positioned within the annular magnetic induction coil, and an eddy current coil is positioned within the piezoelectric cylindrical casing. The single improved probe allows four different measurements to be taken at one location on the test material without any required movement or replacement of the probe.

Abstract: A single composite analyzer tester instrument capable of nondestructively analyzing and testing several different properties of graphite-resin materials, such as the thickness, sonic velocity, relative sonic amplitude and relative electrical conductivity thereof. The instrument incorporates therein a magnetic induction circuit for measuring the thickness of the test material, which includes a magnetic induction probe with a magnetic induction coil which is placed adjacent to the outer surface of the material. The instrument also includes an ultrasonic pulse-echo circuit for performing two separate but related tests, a measurement of the ultrasonic velocity of the test material, and also a measurement of the relative change in amplitude of an ultrasonic pulse as it traverses the test material from an outer surface thereof to an inner surface, where it is echoed back to the outer surface for detection.

Abstract: An eddy current probe is supported against the force of gravity with an air earing while being urged horizontally toward the specimen being examined by a spring and displaced horizontally against the force of the spring pneumatically. The pneumatic displacement is accomplished by flowing air between a plenum chamber fixed with respect to the probe and the surface of the specimen. In this way, the surface of the specimen can be examined without making mechanical contact therewith while precisely controlling the distance at which the probe stands-off from the surface of the specimen.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe jig includes a leaf spring, a support member, a mounting mechanism, and a regulating member. The leaf spring member is brought into contact with the upper surface of an ultrasonic probe to be located on an object to be examined. The support member supports a peripheral portion of the leaf spring member. The mounting mechanism pivotally mounts a support rod coupled to a control device on the support member. One end of the regulating member is mounted to the support rod and the other end thereof is engaged with the support member. The regulating member regulates pivotal movement of the support member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable device for the non-destructive examination of a surface along a line, by means of at least one detection probe displaced along said line and guided by a guide removably fixed on said surface, wherein said guide has a length such that any portion of said line of comparable length presents a negligible variation in curvature, said probe is mounted in a probe-holder adapted to be displaced by hand and connected to said guide in rigid manner parallel thereto and in loose manner transversely to said guide, and means are provided for indicating, at each instant of a displacement of said probe-holder along said guide, the position of the probe-holder on the latter. The invention is particularly applicable to the verification of the riveted joints of aircraft fuselages.

Abstract: The condition of the cutting tool is monitored during a turning operation and the machine is adjusted to compensate for tool condition. The device is also used as an in-process part inspection system. A probe on the cutting tool-tool holder assembly measures the distance to the freshly cut surface and the probe signal is monitored; when this distance changes indicating tool nose wear, the numerical control is alerted to adjust the tool during the chip-forming operation to compensate for wear. A broken or worn-out tool signal shuts down the machine. After a cutting pass the part is inspected by retracting the cutting tool and running the part program. There is an error in the part when the probe signal and thus the measured distance is not constant.

Abstract: In a device for the determination of the vibrations occurring at the internals of a reactor pressure vessel, it is possible to perform the maintenance of the vibration detector located in a housing from outside the reactor pressure vessel. One end of a guide tube is fed through a pipe stub to a receptacle cone connected to the core internals. The end of the guide tube facing away from the reactor pressure vessel is cup-shaped and is sealed with a cover. A flexible rod is connected to the housing and its other end extends into the cup-shaped end of the guide tube. The flexible rod and with it the housing connected to it can be inserted into the receptacle cone, providing good transmission of the vibrations prevailing at the internals, which reach an evaluation unit through the cable.

Abstract: This invention is a fluorescent light testing device. It is difficult to determine which fluorescent light or lights may be weak or on the verge of failing when a plurality of lights are disposed in the same general area. This is particularly true when the lights are of the overhead type and the higher the ceiling, the greater the problem. The present invention is a listening device on an extended boom type member to allow the user therof to readily determine which fluorescent lamp is humming thus indicating weakness or imminent failure so that the same can be replaced both to reduce energy use and to keep the lighting system at peak performance.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for detecting the vibration of a Langevin type electrostrictive ultrasonic vibrator comprising a system made up of an iron core, a coil and a magnet surrounding but not connected to a magnetic projection attached to the rear end of the vibrator. The vibration of the magnetic projection is detected by the system surrounding it and the resulting induced voltage is fed back to a control to maintain the vibration at the desired resonant frequency.

Abstract: A plurality of sensors are disposed equally about a blade row in a turbine with each sensor being operable to provide an output signal in response to a passing blade. A blade is selected for monitoring purposes by designating its degree location relative to a reference position .+-. some angular distance constituting a small window. As the selected blade passes a sensor, its output signal, properly conditioned to form a pulse, is gated during the time period corresponding to the window. The sequential pulses of the sensors form a pulse train which is modulated by any blade vibration. An FM detector is provided for demodulating the pulse train to derive vibration information.

Abstract: A sensor for use on the front end of a flexible, resilient probe for use in an underground duct of the type which contains one or more current-carrying cables. The sensor is provided with a signal generating device for detecting a particular operating condition of a cable in the duct when the sensor moves through the duct adjacent to the cable. In one embodiment of the sensor, acoustical signals are sensed by a crystal when such acoustical signals originate from a leak in the pressurized sheath surrounding the cable. In another embodiment of the sensor, a coil senses the magnetic field surrounding the cable so that electrical shorts occurring in the cable can be monitored. In a third embodiment of the sensor, a heat detector is provided so that the sensor can detect hot spots in a duct.

Abstract: A plurality of proximity sensors are disposed in a turbine flow guide to measure flow guide-to-turbine blade tip distance at various points around the flow guide. The sensor signals are detected and the peak-to-peak voltage of the detected signals provides an indication of the desired distance measurement. The signals are also monitored and if ambient operating conditions causes the signals to exceed predetermined positive or negative thresholds, corrective signals are generated so as to bring the detected signal back into an acceptable range.A proximity sensor is also provided to measure axial movement of the rotor to which the blades are attached so that the other sensor signals can be modified as a function of the measured axial position.

Abstract: A probe for producing electrical signals in response to the vibrations of the machine is attachable to a stud mounted on the machine by a bayonet fastening. When attached to the machine an accelerometer in the probe is held pressed against the stud by a helical spring within the probe. Spurious oscillations of the coils of the spring are damped out by the use of a polyurethane potting compound in which the spring is embedded. The probe includes an electrical signal amplifier for the signals from the accelerometer. As an alternative to the bayonet attachment, the use of a transverse movement is mentioned.

Abstract: A sensor probe is affixed at an end of a probe adapter which includes an extended portion which is radially flexible but torsionally stiff. A guideway which passes from an accessible location in a machine to the vicinity or the target surface guides the sensor probe to its operative location. Final positioning of the sensor probe is attained by abutment of a forward shoulder on the probe adapter with an abutment shoulder fixed to the machine a predetermined distance from the target surface to be monitored. This permits removal and replacement of sensor probes without requiring final adjustment of the replacement sensor probe. One embodiment of the invention permits final adjustment and locking of the sensor probe in position after full assembly of the bearing housing by providing a star wheel on an adjustment sleeve which, after adjustment is locked in position by a setscrew.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an acoustic plug release indicator system. The acoustic plug release indicator system comprises a microphone, recording system and operator listening device.

Abstract: A fixture for holding a vibration sensing transducer near a vibrating machine part, such as a turbine shaft is provided with a probe tube which holds the vibration sensing transducer. The probe tube penetrates a housing of the machine through an opening therein, the probe tube being slidably held by a collet-type holding arrangement. A setting collar is arranged outside of the collet-type arrangement to prevent the probe tube from slipping through the opening in the machine housing when the collet-type holding arrangement is loosened to permit axial mobility of the probe tube. This prevents the vibration sensing transducer from being damaged by contacting a vibrating machine part within the machine housing. In addition, the setting collar permits the vibration sensing system to be calibrated by permitting a feeler gauge to be used to vary the distance between the vibrating machine part and the vibratoon sensing transducer by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A metallic wave guide having a smooth protected surface is connected at one end to a metal structural member under test and at the other to a metal plate to which a piezo electric crystal transducer of preselected frequency response is attached. The lengths of primary and secondary wave guides are carefully selected to control attenuation and time delay of the acoustical energy transmitted along the wave guides to balance inputs and provide repeatable testing data.

Abstract: This system monitors the operation of ball bearings in rotating machinery by continuously measuring the radial deflections of the outer race of these bearings using a fiber optic proximity probe. A second sensor is used to measure the rate of rotation of the machine's shaft. One of the frequency components in the signal produced by the proximity probe will be equal to the rate at which the balls in the bearing pass by the probe. The ratio of this ball pass frequency to the rotation frequency from the second probe is computed. The ratio of the peak value to the RMS value of the higher frequency noise components from the proximity probe signal is also computed. These two ratios are used to predict oncoming bearing failures and to determine if bearings have been properly installed. The component of the proximity probe output which is at the frequency of rotation of the rotor may be filtered and its phase angle may be measured to determine the angular placement of any unbalanced weight on the rotor.

Abstract: A transducer that combines a noncontacting displacement probe with a self-contained target. The target is held in position against a vibrating surface by a housing which also supports the noncontacting probe. The target vibrates with the surface and the probe senses the vibrations of the target.

Abstract: A novel loading probe for fiber-matrix testing machines is made of diamond and has a truncated cone end for push-in and push-out tests of fibers in a fiber-matrix composite. The diameter of the probe body or shaft is greater than the diameter of the fiber to be pushed and the flat surface where the cone is truncated is at least one-half the diameter of the fiber. The included angle of the truncated cone is in the range of 55.degree. to 90.degree.. A useful compromise included angle is 70.degree..