Abstract: A device and a method for performing a measurement on a rotating part (11) of rotating machinery includes a measurement device (1), which is mounted at the rotating part (11), for measuring at least one parameter of the rotating part (11), a sender (2) for receiving measuring data from the measurement means (1) and including at least one radio frequency module (22), particularly a Bluetooth® module, for the wireless transmission (8) of data based on the received measuring data, a receiver (5) including a radio frequency module, particularly a Bluetooth® module, for receiving the data transmitted from the sender (2), and a processing unit (4) connected to the receiver (5) and provided for processing measuring data contained in data received from the receiver (5). The device can be applied for particularly long term online monitoring of rotating machinery like steam turbines, gas turbines, or generators.

Abstract: A high suction double-cell extractor includes an outer cell defining an outer chamber, and an open-ended inner cell defining an inner chamber. The inner chamber is bottle-shaped and has a neck. The high suction double-cell extractor also includes a vertical loading system for applying axial force on a soil specimen during extraction. The high suction double-cell extractor also includes a port for introduction of pressurized air supply into the outer and inner cells. The introduced pressurized air can apply cell pressure on the soil specimen during extraction. The high suction double-cell extractor also includes a relative humidity control system and a differential pressure detector system. The high suction double-cell extractor can be used to measure stress-dependent soil-water characteristics curve (SDSWCC) under various stress states three-dimensionally and more accurately, and under total suction up to 8,000 kPa.

Abstract: A specimen grip assembly which can be used with a relatively light-weight jaw in a materials testing system. The specimen grip assembly illustratively contains a grip shell and a pair of wedge-shaped specimen grips. The shell has a truncated, frusto-pyramidal exterior shape with two outwardly facing inclined surfaces, both inclined at an angle and which matingly abut and slide against complementary inclined interior surfaces of the jaw. The grips are oriented in a recess within the shell such that inclined surfaces of the grips abut against interior complementary surfaces of the shell. The shell, containing the grips and specimen, is suitably positioned within the jaw, with the shell and grips then jacked into a fixed position. The shell substantially eliminates any noticeable compliance from the specimen grips that might otherwise arise from tensile and/or compressive forces applied to the jaw and specimen grip assemblies during a test program.

Abstract: The invention provides a load sensor which is driven by a low electric power consumption, can measure at a high precision, and has a high reliability without being broken. The load sensor is structured such that a detection rod for detecting a strain is provided in an inner portion of a hole formed near a center of a pin via a shock relaxation material and a semiconductor strain sensor is provided in the detection rod, in a load sensor detecting a load applied to the pin from a strain generated in an inner portion of the pin.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for testing shafts, such as golf club shafts. In one embodiment, the invention can be characterized as a shaft tester comprising: a frame; a first shaft support supporting a first portion of a shaft at a first fixed position; a second shaft support supporting a second portion of the shaft at a second fixed position; and a third shaft support supporting a third portion of the shaft at a third fixed position. An actuator couples to the third shaft support to displace the third portion relative to the first and second portions to deflect the shaft. A sensor couples to one of the first, second and third supports outputting a signal corresponding to a force exerted by the shaft due. A controller controls displacement of the shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft is rotated while being deflected.

Abstract: A rotational testing system for a test article includes a rotational test stand. The rotational test stand includes a rotating element having a drive end capable of being mechanically coupled with the test article. The rotational testing system also includes a non-isolating torsional damper attached to the rotating element.

Abstract: A material testing machine is provided, in which a motor is used as a driving source of a loading mechanism, and the material testing machine can always perform a material test accurately, without requiring skilled operators, trial and error, or a longer time when setting control gains. A ratio K(t) of an inspection value F(t) of a control quantity to a displacement ?(t) of a motor 21 is calculated sequentially, and a value proportional to a value obtained by dividing a deviation {FD(t)?F(t)} by the calculated ratio K(t) is taken as a rotation angle command and supplied to a servo amplifier 36. The servo amplifier 36 supplies a current to the motor 21. Therefore, as the test proceeds, appropriate gains are automatically calculated and set, a gain setting operation before test is not necessary, and the material test can be always performed accurately.

Abstract: The invention relates to a moveable working device, particularly an auto concrete pump, comprising an undercarriage (10) provided with two front and two rear supporting extension arms (22,24) which can be extended from a travel position into at least one support position, which can be supported on a foundation (36) and which are respectively provided with a supporting leg (28), also provided with a respective measuring member (38) for determining the support load acting upon the supporting legs (28). If the telescopic supporting legs (28) with the telescopic member (30) fixed to the extension arm are coupled to a support leg casing by means of a coupling bolt (32), it is possible to configure the coupling bolt as a measuring member (38) in order to determine the support load, using particularly simple means. The measuring members can be incorporated into a stability monitoring device comprising a computer-assisted evaluation electronics system (68,74).

Abstract: Tape overlays for use in laser bond inspection are provided, as well as laser bond inspection systems and methods utilizing tape overlays.

Abstract: Tension monitoring is described using a sensor which may exhibit an offset for which compensation may be provided to produce a zero voltage amplified output or to increase dynamic range. An arrangement determines whether a power reset is responsive to a battery bounce such that an initially-measured system start-up parameter can be retained. The start-up parameter is automatically saved at start-up if the power reset is responsive to a start-up from a shut-down condition. The start-up parameter may be a zero tension amplified output responsive to the sensor offset at zero tension. Protection of a tension data set is provided such that no opportunity for altering the data set is presented prior to transfer of the data set. A housing configuration forms part of an electrical power circuit for providing electrical power to an electronics package from a battery.

Abstract: A weld inspection device is disclosed. The weld inspection device comprises a first annular engagement portion surrounding a central axis and a second annular engagement portion. The first annular engagement portion has a first holed segment extending circumferentially around an outer edge of the first annular engagement portion and having a first hole adapted to receive a threaded member and a standoff segment extending in a first direction along the central axis from the first holed segment, the standoff segment having a concavity. The second annular engagement portion surrounds the central axis and has a second holed segment extending circumferentially around the central axis and having a second hole adapted to receive and threadedly engage a threaded member, and a retaining flange extending radially inward toward the central axis.

Abstract: A method for measuring the force necessary to dislodge a stent from a balloon catheter to which it is mounted. The balloon catheter with a stent mounted thereon is encased in a mass of gel material. The force necessary to pull the catheter from the gel is measured.

Abstract: A shear stress sensor for measuring the shear force of a fluid flowing along a wall. A floating member, flush with the wall, senses a shear force of the flowing fluid. The floating member is mounted by support means to a base element that is placed in the wall, so that the floating member is flush with the wall and a shear force, sensed by the floating member, is translated via the support means to a micro-resonator. The force acting on the micro-resonator changes the shape and the refractive index of the micro-resonator, thereby changing the resonant frequency of the micro-resonator and causing a shift in the spectrum of wavelengths of light that is introduced to the micro-resonator. This shift in the spectrum of wavelengths is representative of the shear force of the flowing fluid.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring torque in a shaft of a drive line including a disc coupling component such as a flexplate 1 or a flanged coupling 13, as well as a drive coupling system for carrying out the method. The disc coupling component 1, 13 is connected between a drive input 4 and a drive output so that all torque transmitted between the input and output passes through said component. The disc coupling component 1, 13 has a radially extending portion, which may include a plurality of spokes 7, to which is attached a SAW based strain sensor which communicates with a stationary coupler 3 fastened to an engine block 5 for wireless transmission of data from the sensor, the strain sensor measuring the strain in the disc coupling component 1, 13 from which the torque carried in the input shaft 4 may be calculated.

Abstract: A system for preloading piezoelectric actuators includes a fixture, a preloading mechanism configured to apply a mechanical force to a piezoelectric element supported by the fixture, and a sensor configured to sense an electrical property induced by the mechanical force in an electrical circuit having the piezoelectric element therein. A control device is coupled with the sensor and configured to generate a signal based on the sensed electrical property. A method of setting or testing preload includes applying a mechanical force to a piezoelectric element, and correlating an electrical property induced by the mechanical force with a magnitude of the mechanical force. Closed loop control allows preload to be set highly accurately.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring bending moments on a joint (12) wherein the joint (12) is formed at least from two joint sections (11, 13), which are flexible relative to each other at least about a bending axis (14, 15).

Abstract: The present invention includes: a pair of columnar members 12 disposed on both sides of a specimen piece SP; a crosshead 15, bridging the pair of columnar members 12, that applies a load to the specimen piece SP by moving in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the columnar member 12 and; a movable member 31 disposed at a side of the columnar member 12, extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis and elastically supported so as to be movable in the direction of the longitudinal axis; a striker 35, integrally attached to the movable member 31 so as to be displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal direction, that is allowed to be pushed by a movement of the crosshead 15 to a position where the striker is attached; a position sensor 38 that detects a movement of the movable member 31 by being pushed by the striker 35; a limitation member 34 that limits the position where the striker 35 is attached; and an elastic member 36 that supports the striker 35 so that the striker 35 is capable of relative

Abstract: A test piece for mechanical property testing, the test piece is generally elongate having two opposing surfaces. Each surface comprises at least one integral loading land. Preferably there are two lands on one surface and one or two on the other for three- or four-point bending testing.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for calculating the residual stress equilibrium of two elastoplastic cylinders coldworked by expansion to obtain interference fit. The deformation state due to an internal expansion load applied to an inner cylinder that will result in interference of the inner cylinder with the outer cylinder can be calculated. The deformation state due to an unloading of the internal expansion load that will result in assembly of the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder can be calculated. The residual stresses, residual displacement and residual strains in the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, whether they are eventually interference fitted or not, can all be calculated and recorded.

Abstract: A disclosed stress-distribution detecting semiconductor package group includes multiple stress-distribution detecting semiconductor packages each formed by resin-encapsulating a stress detecting semiconductor chip of the same size using an identical resin encapsulation structure. Each stress detecting semiconductor chip includes a piezoelectric element for stress detection and at least two electrode pads electrically connected to the piezoelectric element to measure an electrical property of the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric elements of the stress detecting semiconductor chips are respectively disposed on the corresponding stress detecting semiconductor chips to be located at different positions from one another when superimposed on a single imaginary semiconductor chip plane having the same plane size as that of the stress detecting semiconductor chips.

Abstract: The bands and corners of rectangular or other geometric shapes for binary code symbols are used to measure non-linear and non-uniform strain in a material with an anomaly such as a crack in the area of strain measurement. In particular, they can be used to evaluate differential strains in the regions of the bands and corners; and the external and internal boundaries can be used to measure differentials in strain between the external boundaries and internal boundaries.

Abstract: A method of measuring the retention force of a biomedical specimen coupled to a carrier includes the measurement of the force required for magnetically decoupling the specimen from the carrier. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing the specimen with an electrically conductive structure; creating an external alternating magnetic field near the specimen; increasing the amplitude and/or frequency of the magnetic field; detecting the start of the movement of the specimen on the carrier; and calculating the retention force of the specimen by determining the applied magnetic force on the basis of the parameters of the magnetic field. In other embodiments, the magnetic field may remain constant and the biomedical specimen may be moved through the field at varying speeds.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring radial strain on powder or other granular material while the powder is subject to compressive axial and radial loading. The powder is contained within a pliable sleeve. As pressure is applied to the powder, the sleeve changes diameter. An optical emitter emits a beam of light, which is intersected by the entire diameter of the sleeve. An optical sensor receives the intersected beam, and generates a response signal that indicates the diameter of the sleeve. This change in diameter can be related to a constitutive property such as strain.

Abstract: Shear test apparatus for gold and solder balls of a semi-conductor substrate comprises a support element (21) on which is provided a piezo electric crystal (24) in the direct shear load path. The crystal (24) may have a shield (25). The interface between shield and crystal, and crystal and support element may include an epoxy resin layer to distribute force and retain the components as a unit.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a design structure of a circuit design, and more particularly to a design structure of a delamination sensor for use with low-k materials. A delamination sensor includes at least one first sensor formed in a layered semiconductor structure and a second sensor formed in the layered semiconductor structure. The at least one first sensor is structured and arranged to detect a defect, and the second sensor is structured and arranged to identify an interface where the defect exists.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting and storing a number of rounds fired from a gun includes a microcomputer; a non-volatile memory connected to the microcomputer; and at least one piezoelectric transducer connected to the microcomputer and mounted on the gun, the at least one piezoelectric transducer comprising a power source that generates power during operation of the gun. The piezoelectric transducer may also sense the firing of the gun.

Abstract: A load sensor-equipped operation apparatus. An operational member is movably operated. A reaction force member receives an operating force from the operational member, and a reaction force corresponding to the operation force. At least one pivotal connecting portion is interposed between the operational member and the reaction force member, pivotably connecting a pair of a first member and a second member relative to each other to transmit the operating force. A load sensor, which electrically detects the operating force, includes a shaft-like member, a main body member disposed to be relatively displaced in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the shaft-like member, a deformable member bridging the shaft-like member and the main body member, and a strain detecting element secured to the deformable member, which detects deformation of the deformable member. A transmittal link connects the first member to one of the shaft-like member and the main body.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing switches of a vehicle audio system includes contact bars. In use, a front end of each contact bar contacts either one of the switches, or a portion of the surface of the audio system. A front end of an extension bar is connected to a rear end of each contact bar. A gear unit is connected to a rear end of each extension bar, to move the extension bar forward and rearward. A motor is mounted to each gear unit, to rotate the extension bars. A piezoelectric sensor is mounted to each motor, to measure the pressure applied to the contact bars. A control unit compares the pressures measured by the piezoelectric sensors with set values, and diagnoses the switches.

Abstract: An industrial robot including a tool flange at an end of an outer arm of the robot. A tool is secured to the tool flange. A sensor is configured to sense forces and/or torques applied to a tool secured to the tool flange. The sensor is built into the structure of the robot in the region of the tool flange.

Abstract: A device comprising at least one cantilever comprising at least one piezoresistor is described, where the cantilevers comprise silicon nitride or silicon carbide and the piezoresistors comprise doped silicon. Methods for making and using such a device are also provided.

Abstract: A biodegradable test cylinder mold is used for testing concrete specimens. The mold comprises a cylindrical wall connected to a bottom wall to define a hollow, unitary cylindrical container for receiving concrete to form a test specimen. The cylindrical container is formed of a biodegradable material comprising corn starch or a blend of corn starch and plastic.

Abstract: A method and a device are described for influencing the mechanical load-bearing capability and/or loading of a technical structure. The method of the comprises: detecting at least one loading-correlated characteristic of the structure; determining a loading state of the structure on the basis of the at least one detected characteristic; assessing the loading state of the structure; and generating at least one signal on the basis of the assessment of the loading state and on the basis of at least one target function, which is designed at least to optimize the lifetime of the structure, which signal is sent to at least one actuator, which is integrated within the structure or is applied to the structure, to activate said actuator for influencing the loading state.

Abstract: A method of evaluating material properties of polymeric materials includes making one or more material samples or slabs, with each of the samples or slabs having a pair of material layers in contact with one another. The layers are layers of organic matrix polymer material that have different characteristics from each other, for example having a difference in composition and/or cure characteristics. Characteristics of the test slabs and the interface between the layers can be determined by examining curvatures of the test slabs. A number of samples may be made up having the same material in a first layer, and range of different materials in the respective second layers. The range may cover a range of various material compositions and/or cure characteristics.

Abstract: A sensor adapted to be embedded in a layer of cement material of a pavement to detect pressure thrusts acting on said pavement. The sensor includes: a plate-like transducer; a base structure including a container fitted with a chamber such as to house said transducer and a layer of protective material defined between a surface in contact with said transducer and an opposite free surface; a pressure plate including a force transferring portion and a force receiving portion which projects compared to said force transferring portion, the force transferring portion including one end portion facing the force receiving portion and one opposite end portion. The force transferring portion is such as to distance the force receiving portion from the free surface so as to define between the force receiving portion and the free surface a region which can be filled at least in part with the cement material of the layer of cement material.

Abstract: A multi-sample conditioning system may include a sample chamber for each sample or a sample chamber holding one or more samples. Multiple samples enable replication for statistical analysis and individual sample chambers enable individual nutrient flow profiles for each sample. A mechanical imbalance may be created when a sample chamber is removed or when samples of different stiffness are conditioned together. The mechanical imbalance may result in an undesired alteration of the desired conditioning profile and increase the variation in the conditioning profile applied to each sample. An asymmetric-loading support assembly provides a low friction support to reduce the undesired alteration of the desired conditioning profile applied to the samples and reduce unwanted reaction loads on the conditioning drive mechanisms. The asymmetric-loading support assembly preferably includes a flexure as the low-friction, high-stiffness support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collar for measuring the lateral deformation of a test piece during uniaxial or triaxial compression tests. According to the invention, the collar includes a metal hoop or a hoop that is made from composite materials, which can clasp the test piece and which is open. The free ends thereof are separated by a distance ?. The inventive collar also includes a mechanism for directly or indirectly measuring the distance ?. Between the free ends of the hoop, the mechanism includes at least one strain gauge.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a test head weight compensation device includes at least one constant force spring connected between a test head assembly of the automated test equipment system and a test head supporting structure to apply a constant supportive force to the test head assembly. The at least one constant force spring is mounted to the test head supporting structure with a distal end of the constant force spring is attached to the test head assembly. Alternately, the constant force spring is mounted to the test head assembly with the distal end of the constant force spring connected to the test head supporting structure. The test weight compensation device may include pulleys attached to the supporting structure or the test head assembly with the constant force spring passed through the pulley to multiply the force of the constant force spring.

Abstract: A system to remotely report the load condition of a railroad car including a mechanism to sense the load condition in the form of a switch responsive to load condition to change the state of an electrical circuit, a controller to recognize the state of the circuit and a radio wave transmitter directed by the controller to report the condition to a remote receiver. Load is sensed by recognition of the distance between two components of the car, one which remains relatively fixed regardless of the weight of the car, the other which moves relative to the first component as the car weight changes.

Abstract: A tensile testing apparatus is provided, and generally includes an X-Y automated stage, and a first specimen holder for holding and transferring force to a specimen to a first portion of a specimen. The first specimen holder is operatively supported by the X-Y automated stage. A Z-automated stage, a multi-function nanotensile transducer head assembly, and a second specimen holder for holding and transferring force to a second portion of the specimen is further provided. The second specimen holder is operatively linked to the Z-automated stage via the nanotensile transducer head assembly. Variable displacement modalities, and non-Z alignment assessment and adjustment are enabled by the multi-function nanotensile transducer head assembly, as well as the X, Y, and Z automated stages.

Abstract: A portable test lever including a load arm and a force arm for efficient examination of the tractive capacity and/or an acceleration capacity of a lift. The test lever includes an integrated measuring value sensor, at least one cable receptacle arranged on the load arm and at a distance from the force arm, and a support. A method used to measure the tractive capacity of a lift cable and/or the acceleration capacity of a lift.

Abstract: An image pickup device disposed in a predetermined position relative to a surface of a strained silicon wafer photographs the surface of the strained silicon wafer in a plurality of rotation angle positions on photographing conditions under which bright lines appearing on the surface of the strained silicon wafer can be photographed, in an environment where a light source device illuminates the surface of the strained silicon wafer which is rotating. A composite image in a predetermined angle position is generated from surface images of the strained silicon wafer in a plurality of rotation angle positions obtained by the image pickup device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test lever system (1) for monitoring the traction behavior of a transport system (2), particularly an elevator system, comprising a test lever (8) which consists of a load arm (14) and a force arm (13). A discharge in the form of a monitoring force is introduced by means of the test lever (8), via a carrier cable securing device, into a cable which is to be tested.

Abstract: A device for measuring forces and moments acting on a body comprises a measuring structure (12) made up of one or more elements and provided with a plurality of connection elements or bindings (17, 18, 37) for connecting the elements of the structure (12) and/or a body (11) the stress of which one wishes to measure, such a structure (12) being statically determined or else statically non determined, such a structure (12) also being equipped with means for measuring (14), in one or more locations, the six stress magnitudes from which the force vector and moment vector acting on the body (11) can be worked out mathematically.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and a method for recognizing collision of automatically moveable parts of furniture with obstacles by detecting a change in bend or a change in acceleration. This is carried out by a device for recognizing collisions of automatically moveable parts of furniture with obstacles, comprising a piece of furniture with at least one moveable part (1, 2, 31), wherein this part is a adapted to be moved relatively to the rest of the furniture in a non-manual manner, an automatic driving mechanism adapted to move the moveable part, a controller adapted to control the automatic driving mechanism, and a sensor (4) adapted to detect a collision with an obstacle during the movement of the moveable part and to transmit the collision to the controller, wherein the sensor is adapted to detect a change in bend or a change in acceleration of the moveable part.

Abstract: A method of determining the lift generated by a lift-generating member is presented. The lift-generating member being coupled to a component within the lift load path with the lift load path component experiencing strain as a result of the lift generated by the lift-generating member. The method involves the steps of coupling at least one strain measurement means to the lift load path component, obtaining strain measurements from the strain measurement means, and calculating the lift generated by the lift-generating member from strain measurements.

Abstract: A method for detecting the application of an operator's body part to an operating point of a locking device for a motor vehicle is performed by first detecting the proximity of the operator's body part to the operating point via a proximity sensor. A change in the pressure exerted on the operating point by the operator's body part is detected using a mechanical sensor which is arranged on the operating point. An output signal, which indicates the application of the operator's body part, is generated by an evaluation circuit as a function of the sensor output signals from the proximity sensor and the mechanical sensor. When the evaluation circuit detects the beginning of the application of the operator's body part on the basis of the sensor output signal from the mechanical sensor, a sensor output signal value which is output at approximately the same time by the proximity sensor is detected.

Abstract: A load indicating member is provided with an identifying element which can be accessed and used to determine ultrasonic measurement parameters specific to the load indicating member to provide more precise and more reliable load measurements by compensating for differences resulting from manufacturing variations in individual load indicating members. The parameters specific to the load indicating member can be stored in coding applied to the load indicating member or in a database that can be accessed remotely, for example, using the Internet.

Abstract: A bearing which includes at least one system for determining an amplitude of pseudo-sinusoidal deformations induced during rotation of a fixed ring within a zone, wherein the system includes four strain gauges spaced equally apart from each other within the zone, a device for measuring four signals based on time variations of a signal emitted by each gauge and for forming two signals for the same angle and amplitude, and a device for computing the time-dependent amplitude A of the zone deformations for calculating an expression such that the amplitude is derived therefrom.

Abstract: A test cell and method for stress testing a test specimen including a first platen and a second platen. Each platen having a loading surface, an inclined surface, and a longitudinal axis. The inclined surface being inclined relative to the longitudinal axis at an angle and the inclined surface having a specimen recess formed therein for receiving a portion of the test specimen such that when the inclined surface of the second platen is positioned in a face-to-face relationship with the inclined surface of the first platen, a shear stress is applied to the test specimen when an axial load is applied to the first and second platens. The platens further including fluid ports to subject the test specimen to fluid flow at various pressures and fluid chemistries and ultrasonic transducers to determine acoustic, compressional, and shear wave velocities and in multiple orientations.

Abstract: A tightening method yielding a precise control of the resulting clamping force, in which the tightening operation is performed in two steps, and the stress level is always kept within the limits of the elastic portion of the stress×strain curve. The method employs a single or multi-spindle power wrench controlled by a computer, provided with measuring means for the precise sensing of applied torque and turn angle in real time. The method comprises in a preferred embodiment a first and a second tightening operations, the data collected during the first operation being inputted to the computer which calculates the amount of torque to be applied to the fastener in the second and final tightening operation according to an algorithm which also comprises checking steps to ascertain that the results fall within the preset values, tolerances and scatter limits.