Abstract: A high-speed rotation testing apparatus includes a spindle 11 holding a test object S at its lower end, a driving motor 20 for applying torque to the spindle 11, and a frame 30 for supporting a rotor shaft 21 of the driving motor 20 so that the shaft is arranged toward the vertical direction of the apparatus, wherein the spindle 11 is driven directly by a driving motor 20 by inserting the spindle 11 into a through-hole 21a that penetrates the center of the rotor shaft 21 and coupling the upper ends of the rotor shaft 21 and the spindle 11 together, and the through-hole 21a has an inner diameter set so as to form a clearance in which the lower end of the spindle can swing, and further, a damping mechanism 40 that restrains swing is arranged in the vicinity of the lower end of the spindle 11, which projects from the lower end of the rotor shaft 21.

Abstract: Agglomerates 20 in a mixed phase container 1 are detected by measuring strain in a detecting rod 50 disposed in the mixed phase container 1 in which a mixed phase of gas and powders is formed. The detecting rod 50 is disposed at an insertion angle &thgr; in the range from 20 degrees to 70 degrees with relation to the flow of gas and powders.

Abstract: An ECP sensor includes a tubular ceramic probe having a closed tip at one end packed with a metal and metal oxide powder. A metal support tube receives an opposite end of the probe, and is joined thereto by a braze joint therewith. An electrical conductor extends through the support tube and probe, and has an end buried in the powder for electrical contact therewith. A ceramic band bridges the probe and tube at the joint for sealing thereof.

Abstract: An ECP sensor includes a tubular ceramic probe having a closed tip at one end packed with a metal and metal oxide powder. A metal support tube receives an opposite end of the probe, and is joined thereto by a braze joint therewith. An electrical conductor extends through the support tube and probe, and has an end buried in the powder for electrical contact therewith. A ceramic band bridges the probe and tube at the joint for sealing thereof.

Abstract: A force sensor assembly for use in peristaltic pumps includes a housing and a load cell at least partially disposed within the housing. A plunger, pivotable about an axis, has an upper surface and an underside surface distal from the upper surface. The underside surface cooperates with the load cell. The force sensor further includes a mechanism to reduce the load cell's sensitivity to the positioning of an applied force on the upper surface.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus has a torque sensor which, if the torsion of a torsion bar is within a predetermined angle, linearly outputs a detection signal converted by a first conversion ratio with respect to the torsion, and if the torsion has exceeded the predetermined angle and is within a limit angle, the torsion sensor outputs a detection signal converted by a second conversion ratio which is lower than the first conversion ratio. Further, if the detection signal has exceeded an upper threshold or dropped below a lower threshold, which thresholds being set outside the range of the detection signal outputted from the torsion sensor in its normal state in which the torsion of the torsion bar is within the limit angle, a determination is made that an abnormality has occurred in the torsion sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of measuring the stress on a work machine is disclosed. A work machine includes a frame, a plurality of ground engaging devices, an operator compartment, an implement having a linkage, an engine, and a stress measurement control system. The stress measurement control system includes a strain gauge sensor, a memory, an electronic controller, and an operator interface. The strain gauge sensor assembly is mounted to the frame or the implement and provides a stress signal indicative of the stress acting upon the frame or the implement. The memory stores a stress signal value and stress limit value. The electronic controller receives the stress signal and the stress limit value, determines whether the stress signal is greater than the stress limit value, and responsively stores the stress signal value in the memory and provides an associated message. The operator interface receives the associated message and provides it to the operator in the operator compartment.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for adaptively controlling a muscle tissue specimen in order to emulate its in vivo environment. The system includes at least one stimulator for stimulating the muscle tissue specimen based on an initial control signal, wherein the stimulation preferably includes electrical and/or mechanical stimulation. A response signal is generated based on a response of the muscle tissue specimen to the step of stimulating. The response signal preferably represents force production of the tissue specimen. A controller is provided for modifying the initial control signal based on the response signal to obtain a final control signal, wherein the final control signal is used to elicit a desired response from the muscle tissue specimen. Advantageously, the system and method of the present invention can be used to adaptively control the stimulation of a muscle tissue specimen in a tissue culture environment.

Abstract: A method and equipment for assessing the suitability of support surfaces such as mattresses and chairs is disclosed. The method comprises applying a load to each of two such support surfaces with a first indenter having a given profile and a substantially rigid form and measuring the interface pressure, applying the same load to each said surface with a second indenter having substantially the same profile as said first indenter, but having a viscoelastic form and measuring the interface pressure and deriving information as to the characteristics of the supporting surfaces by comparing said measurements.

Abstract: A pressure force sensor has two oppositely located connectors for a force introduction to an inside located force sensor module which emits an output signal as a function of an external pressure force, a fork arm attached to each of the connectors and having two fork ends which are offset by 90° and enclose the force sensor module, and pressure elements located between respective bases of the fork arms and a force introduction surface of the force sensor module, the pressure elements being also laterally enclosed by angled sections of the fork ends, so that pressure forces as well as tensile forces can be passed from the connectors to the force introduction surface of the force sensor module.

Abstract: The system provides frame means, mechanical loading means, electronic control means and perfusion chamber means in which an accurately cut human or animal trabecular bone sample can be maintained in a viable state for an extended period. A chamber is provided which permits perfusion of the trabecular bone sample with suitable media. Mechanical means are provided for loading of the sample under controlled specified conditions. Second messenger and growth factors may be collected from the perfusion chamber effluent to enable study of samples under a wide variety of perfusion and loading conditions. The system allows viability of the sample to be maintained for in excess of 14 days and permits the study of rate of bone formation and the rate of resorption of trabecular bone.

Abstract: A structure for attaching a sensing element for measuring load on a vehicle to a slide plate can reduce the number of components and gives good detection sensitivity. Mounting holes are made at an angle of about 20.degree. at both ends of an internal curved surface of the slide plate. Sensing elements each is secured in each the mounting holes. A wiring plate is placed centrally on a concave portion of the internal curved surface of said slide plate and is used to integrate lead wires from the sensing elements and extend them externally. The wiring plate and lead wires are molded.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for adaptively controlling a muscle tissue specimen in order to emulate its in vivo environment. The system includes at least one stimulator for stimulating the muscle tissue specimen based on an initial control signal, wherein the stimulation preferably includes electrical and/or mechanical stimulation. A response signal is generated based on a response of the muscle tissue specimen to the step of stimulating. The response signal preferably represents force production of the tissue specimen. A controller is provided for modifying the initial control signal based on the response signal to obtain a final control signal, wherein the final control signal is used to elicit a desired response from the muscle tissue specimen. Advantageously, the system and method of the present invention can be used to adaptively control the stimulation of a muscle tissue specimen in a tissue culture environment.

Abstract: The measuring platform according to the invention, for recessing into road surfaces, consists of a base plate and cover plate supported in cross section on two supporting points fitted with piezoelectric shear crystals, enabling the shear force of an overrunning wheel to be measured. If the supporting points are equipped with piezoelectric pressure crystals, it is possible to measure the axle load with the same platform arrangement. This offers new possibilities, especially on or after gradients, for verifying the functional efficiency of braking and ABS systems and taking out of service vehicles with defective braking equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) has a vehicle seat frame (30), a weight sensor apparatus (22, 22, 22, 22), and a vehicle occupant protection device (102) responsive to the weight sensor apparatus (22, 22, 22, 22). The seat frame (30) has a bottom portion (32) and a back portion (34) which together bear a vehicle occupant weight load. A deflectable seat cushion (38) covers the bottom portion (32) of the frame (30). The weight sensor apparatus (22, 22, 22, 22) measures the entire magnitude of the vehicle occupant weight load acting on the frame (30) independently of deflection of the cushion (38).

Abstract: A devised strain meter detects displacement on the lateral side of the receptacle after magnification of the displacement by a lever in the receptacle. A cavity exists near the middle of the receptacle with a lever and a detector along the lateral side of the receptacle of the strain meter. Wires for signal and power lines of other strain meters are easily passed through this cavity. This mechanism with a cavity near the middle of the receptacle is very useful for an array observation of strain in the ground and/or in a solid construction.

Abstract: A test system for performing a test of strain gauge resistors used on a pointing stick. The test system has a mechanical load applicator that holds the resistor and applies a mechanical force to the resistor. An electrical contactor makes and breaks an electrical connection with the resistor. An electrical tester is connected to the electrical contactor to measure electrical parameters of the resistor with and without the mechanical force. A calculator is connected to the tester and calculates several resistor parameters. The resistor parameters are indicative of the operation of the pointing stick.

Abstract: A seat occupant sensing system has a plurality of variable resistance force sensors located between a rigid seat support member and the floor of the vehicle. The force transferred from the rigid seat support member to the floor of the vehicle passes through said variable resistance force sensors which sense the magnitude of the force transferred therethrough and generate a signal which is indicative of the force transferred therethrough resistance force sensors interposed between a rigid seat support member and a rigid seat pan member such that the weight supported by the seat pan member is transferred from the seat pan member to the seat support member via said at least one variable resistance force sensor which senses the magnitude of the weight transferred therethrough. A device, such as a microprocessor, processes a signal from the variable resistance force sensors to determine the weight that the rigid seat pan member is bearing.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the damping force of vibration dampers includes a frame, a drive and a clamping device for receiving the vibration dampers. One part of the clamping device is fixed in place and the other part is axially movable. The axially movable part of the clamping device is connected to the drive with a force transducer and a drive element. The drive is controlled by a control system.

Abstract: An assembly for testing the rolling contact fatigue of a test element for evaluating the differences in the fatigue life between like materials manufactured by different manufacturers or the fatigue life of different bearing materials, heat treatments, surface coatings, lubricants, operating variables, etc. The assembly is configured to rotate load balls around a track in contact with a stationary test element. By allowing the test element to remain stationary during the test, sensors can be installed directly onto or into the element. It is possible to configure the present assembly so that sensors may be placed within millimeters of the rolling contact test track effectively eliminating outside noise and error signals and increasing the accuracy of the sensor measurements. The stationary mounting of the test element also facilitates control of the temperature of the element.

Abstract: (Purpose) A construction for mounting a load-sensing element for use with a vehicle, in which construction no measurement error is resulted even if the slide plate contacts the leaf spring at different contacting points.(Construction) The sensing element 21 is composed of opposed walls forming a substantially U-shape in both front and side views thereof and having a hollow portion therein, and a plate-like member made of a magnetic material, which plate-like member being inserted into the hollow portion and threaded by a coil to be held therein, wherein the mounting location 15f of the slide plate 15 is a groove into which said sensing element 21 is fitted; wherein the construction further includes a lid which fits over the sensing element and a wedge-like key inserted under the sensing element for fixing the sensing element. The output of the sensing elements are added together so as to output a sum of the outputs of the sensing elements.

Abstract: A shock measuring method for detects shocks during transportation by a sensor and stores such detected shock data. The shock measuring method in goods transportation being characterized in that measuring conditions 1, 2, . . . n whose sequential order is pre-established are progressively fed in accordance with the sequential order for each transportation section, and shock data for each transportation section measured under each measuring condition 1, 2, . . . n for each transportation section are stored in accordance with the sequential order.

Abstract: A vehicle load measuring device includes a sensing element for detecting a strain to measure the load of a vehicle, in which the sensing element is formed in a pin shape, and a device for supporting a suspension of the vehicle, in which a hole is formed in the supporting device and the sensing element is fitted into the hole, wherein the load of the vehicle is measured based on the strain detected by the sensing element produced in response to the load supported by the supporting device, and a positioning groove being formed on a surface of the device for supporting a suspension, wherein when the device for supporting a suspension connects a suspension with a bracket on the vehicle the device for supporting a suspension is positioned by use of the positioning groove, thereby determining the direction of the load to be applied to the sensing element and preventing the device for supporting a suspension from moving in a predetermined direction with respect to the bracket.

Abstract: The extensometer comprises a basic body (18) which carries two tap legs (12) which abut a specimen (16) to be measured so as to be frictionally locked thereto. Due to the frictional contact, the tap legs (12) move relative to each other when the specimen is subjected to external stresses. Via a signal transmitter (24), this movement of the tap legs (12) is detected. The extensometer (10) is floatingly supported by introducing gas in the clearance between a baffle body (36) connected to the extensometer (10) and a stationary support member (28) toward the baffle body (36). On the one hand, the upbuilding gas cushion presses the extensometer (10) with its tap legs (12) against the specimen (16) so as to be frictionally locked thereto and, on the other hand, permits pivoting of the extensometer (10) corresponding to the movement of the measuring points.

Abstract: A force sensor is disclosed in which strain is measured exclusively by shear strain gages mounted on L or T-shaped legs. Each such leg has at least two arms which are orthogonal to one another. That is, the arms of the L or T each have a lengthwise or longitudinal axis, and two of these longitudinal axes are oriented at approximately 90.degree. with respect to one another. Each leg also has at least two shear strain gages mounted on orthogonal arms to measure forces in orthogonal directions. Three or more of these L or T shaped legs are integrated in a generally cylindrical and hollow body defining the force sensor. The shear strain gage outputs from the arms of this structure are sent to a digital signal processor which determines the magnitude and direction of any force/moment applied to the cylindrical body. Further, the shear strain gages are mounted in pockets sized to hold the strain gages and provide increased sensitivity to shear strain.

Abstract: An extensometer for measuring strain in a test specimen is disclosed. The extensometer includes a frame and a flexible support structure, preferably, a loop, mounted to the frame. A measuring device is mounted to the flexible support loop at a position spaced apart from the frame and engages a surface of the specimen with a selected amount of contact force. The measuring device provides an output signal proportional to the measured strain.

Abstract: In a pumping well, oil is normally lifted to the surface by a rod which extends from the surface to a downhole pump. A transducer is attached to the rod at the surface to sense the deformation, i.e., the change in diameter or circumference of the rod to determine change in rod loading. The transducer includes strain gauges which produce output signals proportional to the change in the diameter or circumference of the rod which occurs due to changes in load on the rod. The transducer may also include an accelerometer. The change in load on the polished rod over a pump cycle is used in conjunction with data produced by the accelerometer to calculate a downhole card. The downhole card showing change in pump load is adjusted to reflect absolute rod load by determining an appropriate offset. Various ways to determine the offset are available.

Abstract: A sensing element in a load measuring device includes two cylindrical holders, each having a hole along the central axis; and a plate-shaped member provided between the two cylindrical holders, the plate-shaped member having protrusions at both ends, a coil being provided on a center portion of the plate-shaped member, wherein the cylindrical holders is welded to the plate-shaped member with the protrusions engaged with the holes in the two cylindrical holders.

Abstract: Limit switch control of crosshead materials testing machine movement in which a rod carrying slides selectively fixedly mounted thereon moves an actuator in a base, the actuator including camming surfaces and the base carrying limit switches actuatable by the camming surfaces, the actuator being slidable in the base between a neutral position to which it is biased and other positions to which the actuator is urged by the slides through the rod and slides pursuant to crosshead imposed forces.

Abstract: A percussion system including at least one force transducer developing a variable resistance output based upon a force exerted upon its surface, an interface providing an interface output based upon the analog output of the force transducer, and a digital processing system coupled to the interface. The analog input is preferably a variable resistance, and the interface output is preferably a pulse having a width related to the variable resistance. The interface preferably includes a capacitive member to form an RC circuit with the force transducer, and circuitry responsive to the RC circuit to produce a digital output. The digital processing system stores the digital output of the interface in memory and processes the digital output with other digital outputs of the interface to perform a computer implemented process such as producing a synthesized drum sound.

Abstract: A material test system capable of applying multiple force load components simultaneously includes a first actuator connected in parallel with a spring element. The first actuator and the spring element in turn are connected in series with the test specimen and a second actuator. The spring element is substantially rigid in order to transfer the force load from the second actuator to the test specimen yet substantially compliant in order to allow transfer of the force load from the first actuator to the test specimen.

Abstract: A method for measuring the three dimensional stress in rock surrounding a borehole comprises the steps of cutting slots into the wall of a borehole at different angles relative to the borehole axis so as to effect stress relaxation and strain deformations which are representative of the stresses normal to the angle of the respective slots, and measuring the respective strain deformations adjacent to the slots that are being cut into the borehole wall at a sufficient number of angles to satisfy the mathematical requirement of six independent equations to solve for the three dimensional stress tensors so as to determine the three dimensional stress field surrounding the borehole from measurements in a single borehole.

Abstract: A diametral clamp element includes a body having one end connectable to a clamping device, a contact point located on an opposite end of the body in line with a clamping force vector of the clamping device, and a centering device disposed symmetrically about the contact point for aligning the center of the substantially cylindrical member with the contact point and thus the clamping force vector and holding the alignment thereof during application of the clamping force. In one embodiment, the centering device is a pair of flexures formed symmetrically about the contact point, whereas in an alternative embodiment, the spring centering device includes a pair of spring-loaded pins, each having a rounded head for providing centering contact points.

Abstract: A sensing device for determining the sensory responses of the human skin to evaluate the fiber-receptor nervous system of the human body, primarily in connection with the measurement of the ability to discriminate separate points of touch of the hand. The sensing device includes electronic sensors for determining the displacement, or force, acting on individually mounted prongs or pins which are positioned to engage and apply a load to a human body. The force sensors provide not only the load individually to each of the prongs, but also the average load applied to the surface of the human body by the two prongs.

Abstract: A ballistic test device for simulating propellant and/or bond and/or strain conditions in a high pressure, high strain rate rocket motor. The device uses internal compliant sleeves which allow radial expansion or growth of propellants, liners and insulation or any combination of all three.

Abstract: The invention relates to a force transducer with at least 100 pC/N sensitivity. The piezo elements of this force transducer are connected rigidly to the force introducing elements, and therefore require no mechanical prestressing. A diaphragm may be provided and is then the only force shunt with a maximum proportion of 5%. The main force flow runs in these transducers through the piezo elements themselves, thereby keeping the pseudo-pyro effect, which is frequently brought about by mechanical shunting, within very narrow limits. Because of bottlenecks in the heat guide path to the piezo elements and the symmetrical construction of the supports, heat transients are also prevented from exerting an appreciable effect on the position of the zero point. This provides zero point stability, which allows accurate measurements in the 0 . . . 1 N range, even where the ambient conditions are unfavorable from the point of view of temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus for removably connecting a strain cell to a polished rod of a well pumping unit and for preventing the development of strain cell output signals due to bending of the polished rod. The strain cell is connected to a frame member which can be clamped to the polished rod where strain cell output signals are obtained due to a change in tensile load on the rod. A pair of hinges, between the frame member and the polished rod, minimizes the development of strain cell output signals due to bending of the polished rod. The frame member can be adapted to mount on a variety of sizes of polished rods. The apparatus can be removed or replaced without the use of special skills or special equipment.

Abstract: An isotropic strain sensor having four mounting points interconnected by four legs, two of which are bowed toward each other and two of which are bowed away from each other. A strain sensing element mounted on at least one of the legs provides an electrical indication of the deflection of the leg. As a result, the strain sensor measures isotropic strains in an object to which the strain sensor is attached through the mounting points. Another embodiment of the strain sensor utilizes three mounting points interconnected by legs, two of which are bowed outwardly and one of which is bowed inwardly. Both embodiments of the strain sensor produce outputs that are a nonlinear function of the sensed isotropic strain. This nonlinear characteristic allows the strain sensor to provide an output that is a linear function of the load applied between the center and outer periphery of a freely supported disc that has a strain that is a nonlinear function of the applied load.

Abstract: A load cell temperature compensation system (10) for accurately measuring a force load applied to an external member (18) during environmentally varying temperature values. The load cell temperature compensation system (10) includes a standard load cell (12) which is rigidly mounted on a load cell mounting plate (20). The load cell mounting plate (20) is fixedly secured to the external member (18) which has an external force load applied thereto. The temperature compensation system (10) further includes a force load application mechanism (40) which transmits a predetermined force load to the load cell (12) responsive to the external force load applied to the external member (18). A mechanism for maintaining a constant reference load force (60) is provided to maintain a substantially constant reference load force on the load cell (12) independent of temperature variations applied to the external member (18).

Abstract: An extensometer is used for measuring axial and diametral strains in a material test specimen. The extensometer comprises an assembly of extensometer sections positioned on diametrally opposite sides of the specimen with specimen engaging points spaced axially along the specimen. The extensometer assembly is arranged so that the two extensometer sections will average the axial strain measured by the two extensometer sections. Also, if desired, the two extensometer sections may provide an indication of the average change in diameter of the specimen at the location of the upper contact points and at the location of the lower contact points of the extensometer sections on opposite sides of the specimen. The support system between the extensometer sections provides for the necessary degrees of freedom to provide measuring only in the axis desired, and sufficient restraint in other axes to insure that accurate measurements are obtained.

Abstract: A device for, and a method of, applying an incremental strain to a test specimen of a solid propellant which is at the stress-free temperature, while simultaneously subjecting the test specimen to an incremental temperature change above and below the stress-free temperature. The device includes a frame assembly in which a captive "strain multiplier" is used to apply the thermally induced loads to the test specimen of the solid propellant that is mounted within the device. Temperature changes, above or below the stress-free temperature, cause volume changes of the rubber members of the "strain multiplier" and result in the "strain multiplier" axially loading the mounted test specimen in simulation of the loading conditions that occur in a case-bonded solid rocket grain. When the temperature is raised, the rubber members expand and exert an axial compressive load on the mounted specimen; and, when the temperature is lowered, the rubber members contract and exert an axial tensile load on the mounted specimen.

Abstract: An extensometer having two spaced-apart mounting bases adapted to be mounted on a load-bearing structure with its axis of sensitivity intersecting the axis along which load-induced strains are generated at 45.degree.. The extensometer includes a pair of parallel links connecting the mounting bases through respective flexure hinges. In one embodiment, one of the links is also connected to one of the bases through an intermediate flexure hinge so that the link deforms responsive to relative movement applied between the bases along the axis of sensitivity. A strain gauge mounted on this link measures the magnitude of the deformation. In a second embodiment, a strain-instrumented measurement beam extends between the two links so that it deforms responsive to pivotal movement of the links as the mounting bases move in opposite directions along the axis of sensitivity. This embodiment of extensometer may be mounted on the load-bearing structure through three or more mounting points.

Abstract: A material testing apparatus for testing physical properties of a test specimen includes an improved crosshead member adjustably supported on spaced vertical columns and adapted to support a grip for a test specimen to be loaded along a load axis. The improved crosshead member includes a load measuring (load cell) section defined by four spaced-apart openings located symmetrically with respect to the load axis. As shown there are two openings on each side of the load axis. The openings extend through the crosshead member. The crosshead is reduced in thickness or cross section between the openings to raise the stress levels in the crosshead so that strain gages are applied directly to the measuring section and can be used to measure the load applied to a test specimen.

Abstract: An apparatus to monitor and record, for an industrial environment, two natural frequencies with respect to a "seated spinal system", namely, approximately 10 Hz and approximately 4 Hz, the natural resonant frequencies of the spine. Raw acceleration signals are amplified, conditioned and filtered to allow only 20 Hz or less to pass. The signals are then divided into two respective channels, namely, below 20 Hz and below 8 Hz, following parallel paths through an amplitude detector and through a zero crossover detector, rectifier and digital filter. In each path the amplitude detector controls a storage flip-flop, which enables an associated decade counter when amplitude criteria are met. The digital filter supplies an output, via an AND gate, to the counter if both amplitude and frequency criteria are met. Thus, a count is stored in the counter if both amplitude and frequency criteria are met. Each channel has an LED display which can be turned on, after exposure, to display the number of events recorded.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring at least one component of the forces applied to a beam comprises supports at a pair of spaced locations along the beam, each support having an arm, the arms extending axially toward each other. One arm carries a displacement sensor and the other arm carries a transmission element coupled to the moveable part of the displacement sensor. Each support represents arbitrary points d and e, and measurement of the component parallel to a straight line through the displacements of the point d with respect to the point e makes it possible to obtain the above-mentioned component. This result is independent of the position of the resultant of the forces applied to the beam with respect to the point of measurement.

Abstract: A piezoelectric strain/force transducer is described, which is attached preferably by only one locking screw to a test specimen or machine part. The force transmitting member of the transducer comprises two bearing surfaces at a distance apart, which bear frictionally on the surface of the machine part and experience a change in spacing in the case of a change in length of the machine part. Due to this, a resilient member, which can be adapted to a desired sensitivity of the gauge, is tensioned and a set of piezoelectric plates held under precompression in the force-transmitting member are subjected to a corresponding shearing force. The piezoelectric plates are cut or polarized so that they respond piezoelectrically solely to shearing forces. The resulting piezoelectric charge is a measurement of the strain or mechanical stress of the machine part and can be used for monitoring or controlling machines or components, in particular those which are subjected to cyclic loads.

Abstract: A myocardial transducer for simultaneously measuring force and displacement within a very small area of myocardium comprising an elongated body forked at one end to form an inverted Y-shaped beam, each branch of the beam constituting a low-compliant tine for penetrating the myocardium to a predetermined depth. Each tine has a transverse indentation formed around at least a part of it. When the tines are inserted into a heart, the surface membrane of the myocardium closes around the indentations to hold the tines in place. Bonded to one of the low-compliance tines is a small piezoresistive element for converting a force acting on the beam into an electrical signal. A third high-compliant tine of the transducer, which measures displacement of the myocardium in a direction in line with the two low-compliant tines, is of a length that just pierces the surface membrane. A small piezoresistive element is bonded to the third tine at its upper end where its bending is greatest.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring or monitoring changes in the periphery of a vessel, especially a pressure vessel for containment of a nuclear-reactor core, comprises a wire which extends around the periphery of the vessel and is held along this periphery by a plurality of mechanical elements establishing a predetermined spaced relationship between the wire and the periphery. The wire extends polygonally around these elements and is provided with a displacement-measuring device responsive to any tendency of the wire to shift from its original position. According to the invention, the connecting elements between the wire and the periphery of the vessel are constituted as sheet-metal plates or vanes lying in planes substantially perpendicular to the axis of the wire and extending radially with respect to the axis of the vessel. The vanes are elastically deformable laterally or shiftable in the direction of the axis of the wire and are retained under tension by the tension applied to the wire.

Abstract: A percussion system including at least one force transducer developing a variable resistance output based upon a force exerted upon its surface, an interface providing an interface output based upon the analog output of the force transducer, and a digital processing system coupled to the interface. The analog input is preferably a variable resistance, and the interface output is preferably a pulse having a width related to the variable resistance. The interface preferably includes a capacitive member to form an RC circuit with the force transducer, and circuitry responsive to the RC circuit to produce a digital output. The digital processing system stores the digital output of the interface in memory and processes the digital output with other digital outputs of the interface to perform a computer implemented process such as producing a synthesized drum sound.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for initiating fatigue related damage on a circumferential surface of a rotatable member resultant from application of a tensile stress condition and a superimposed contact stress condition. The apparatus includes structure for supporting the member for axial rotation, structure for applying a load to the member during the rotation thereof to create a bending moment at a predetermined axial location along the member and a resultant tensile stress condition on a circumferential surface thereof at a corresponding location. The apparatus further includes structure for creating a contact stress on the circumferential surface of the member at the predetermined location.