Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for conducting a hardness test on test specimens (7, 7′, 7″, 28, 28′), specially tablets. The direction in which the hardness test is conducted by pressing a pressure piston (3, 3′, 3″, 26, 26′) and a thrust bearing (4, 4′, 4″, 27, 27′) against each other, is actively adjusted to the preferred axis (12, 2′, 12″) of the test specimen (7, 7′, 7″, 28, 28′). This enables measurement errors to be avoided, specially in relation to asymmetrical test specimens, resulting from variations in the direction of testing (13, 13′). The position and orientation of the test specimen (7, 7′, 7″, 28, 28′) are detected by means of a position signaling device (10).

Abstract: A method for evaluating the compaction, by means of a vibrator compaction device having mass Mvib and a bearing area F, of a preselected soil layer, for which a predetermined degree of compaction is desired, at a preselected depth l in a soil base having at least one layer disposed between an exterior upper surface and a hard bottom layer, thereby defining a vibrator-soil-base system, which includes the steps of: evaluating a desired volumetric mass &ggr;st of the preselected soil layer corresponding to the desired degree of compaction, which may be performed by measurement or by calculation using standard soil data; calculating a mass per unit area msoil of the preselected soil layer as a function of the desired volumetric mass; calculating the effective vibrating mass M of the vibrator-soil-base system as a function of the mass per unit area of the preselected soil layer and the mass of the vibrator; determining the natural oscillation frequency &ohgr;o of the vibrator-soil-base system when the preselected

Abstract: A harness indicator is highly reactive to a trace amount of Ca2+, and is slow to degrade in a high temperature environment of greater than 50° C. In one embodiment, the hardness indicator contains EBT, a pH buffer, and a masking agent as main components, and an admixture of Mg-EDTA. In another embodiment, the hardness indicator contains EBT, a pH buffer, and a masking agent as main components, and an admixture of anhydrous Mg-EDTA. In another embodiment, the hardness indicator contains EBT, a pH buffer, and a masking agent as main components, and an admixture of anhydrous Mg-EDTA and potassium sorbate. In a further embodiment, the hardness indicator contains EBT, a pH buffer, and a masking agent as main components, and an admixture of Mg-EDTA and potassium sorbate. In a further embodiment, the hardness indicator contains EBT, a pH buffer, and a masking agent as main components, and an admixture of potassium sorbate.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring the rigidity of flat items with the aid of a conveying path in which the items are transported separately by means of conveying belts, wherein the conveying path has a straight section and a curved section and wherein the conveying belts are made of an eleastic material in the region of the curved section and at least one rigidity sensor is provided for measuring the deflection of the conveying belts caused by the item passing through a predetermined position of the curved section, and further including at least one thickness sensor in the region of the straight section, and an evaluation device is provided for determining the rigidity of an item passing through from the values obtained by the thickness and rigidity sensors.

Abstract: A system for estimating a velocity of a stress wave induced in a log or tree stem is used to maximize the value of wood products produced. An accelerometer is placed against the log while the log is struck with a pneumatic hammer. By monitoring the signals received at the accelerometer, the velocity of stress wave can be determined. Based on the velocity, an estimate of the modulus of elasticity (MOE) for the wood in the log is made. A price table is selected that relates different sizes of lumber having the determined modulus of elasticity to a current market value. The log is then cut such that the value of the lumber produced is maximized.

Abstract: A process for checking the tablet parameters weight, height and hardness by weighing and measurement, and to a device for carrying out the process as an individual device and preferably as a rotary tabletting press for permanently complying with preset tablet parameters. A process and a device for rapid, reliable, reproducible, and distortion-proof checking of optionally all parameters or selected parameters on one tablet and the overall checking of the weight on a plurality of tablets are guaranteed. This is accomplished so as to carry out individual and/or overall checks with a receiving container (1) provided for tablets (2), and the receiving container (1) is connected to stations (3, 10, 11) for the optional determination of the weight, the height, and the hardness of a single tablet (2), and from the receiving container, an individual tablet 2 and/or a plurality of tablets (2) are fed fully automatically to and removed from the individual stations (3, 10, 11) for determining the tablet weight.

Abstract: A real time differential asphalt pavement quality sensor of the present invention is adapted to measure asphalt density in real time using a differential approach. Two sensors, one in the front of a roller and another behind the roller, measure reflected signals from the asphalt. The difference between the reflected signals provides an indication of the optimal compaction and density of the asphalt pavement. The invention looks at the change in variance over successive passes to determine when the optimal level of compaction has been reached.

Abstract: In compacting an asphalt layer which is continuously deposited by a paver machine, a compacting machine reciprocates behind the paver. With the aid of signals from sensors (3) for temperature, sensors (5) for movement velocity of the compacting machine, sensors (7) for change of path, and sensors (9) for static/vibratory compacting operation, a processor (1) determines the position of the compacting machine continuously in relation to the paver, and other variables for each area segment passed by the compacting machine. The position of the compacting machine is displayed symbolically on a monitor (19) and the variables measured and determined for each passed area segment are stored in a memory (17). For each passed area segment, a total index number can be determined for this area segment, which on the monitor (19) is displayed as a field having a color or light intensity which is proportional to this total index number.

Abstract: A method for measuring the strength of a cavity surface (2a) of a mold (2) and for simultaneously pressing one or more marks (21a, 21b) in the cavity surface (2a) is disclosed. Such marks (21a, 21b) formed in a cavity surface of a mold are transferred to a cast when it is produced from the mold, and the transferred marks appearing on the surface of the cast display some information. The method includes the steps of pressing one or more marks (21a, 21b) in a cavity surface of a mold by using a press member (14) that has a pressure sensor (15), and measuring the strength of the mold (2) by detecting a reaction force by the pressure sensor (15) that acts on the press member (14) when the press member presses the mark in the cavity surface of the mold.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the mar resistance of a material test specimen includes a frame, a platform positioned on the frame, and a bar slidably mounted on the frame for vertical movement above the platform. The bar defines a lower end configured for holding a contact block at a predetermined angle relative to the platform, and an upper end configured for receiving and holding a mass of material. The test specimen is positioned on the platform, and the bar is moved downwardly toward the surface of the test specimen until the contact block comes to rest on the surface of the specimen. The specimen is then moved across the platform, the surface of the specimen is examined for mars, and the mar resistance is determined for the predetermined angle as the maximum amount of force, or pressure, which may be applied through the contact block to the surface of the specimen without marring the surface thereof.

Abstract: A method of estimating mechanical hardness of a steel by the measurement of a plurality of magnetic parameters of the steel, comprises the steps of estimating for each parameter one or more probable hardness ranges by reference to a stored set of hardness ranges and associated parameters and combining these estimates to provide an estimate of the hardness range. Preferably three parameters are measured and these may be coercivity, power loss and permeability. These parameters may be measured simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring hardness of an ultraviolet curing transformation agent comprising a stain of the present invention comprises a light source device for emitting beams including ultraviolet rays, an optical filter member through which the ultraviolet rays having a predetermined wavelength among the beams emitted from the light source device pass, and a measuring device for measuring electric conductivity of the ultraviolet curing transformation agent comprising the stain, provided at a location where the ultraviolet rays having the predetermined wavelength irradiate. Further, the measuring device comprises an electrode portion including electrodes on which the ultraviolet curing transformation agent is applied, and the electrodes are connected through a power supply and a measuring device for measuring the electric conductivity.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the flexure of a surface includes an array of bistable dome shaped switches within the surface which change their state or position depending on the direction and degree of local flexure of the surface. A flexible sheet parallel to the surface carries wiring for detecting the state of the bistable switches and carrying this information to a computer. A second parallel sheet may be used to detect the second position of the bistable switches for extra accuracy. The bistable switches may be linked, meaning the perimeters of the bistable switches overlap, or unlinked. The two stable positions may include two oppositely protruding positions, or one protruding position and one flat position.

Abstract: A method for measuring dynamic hardness of elastic materials is applied particularly to determining the state of tonal quality for a piano hammer. The method includes selecting a piano hammer of predetermined type from a set of piano hammers, causing the selected piano hammer to strike against an impact surface having the form of a piano string or string grouping appropriate to a piano hammer of the predetermined type, measuring one or more elements of force and motion of the piano hammer striking the impact surface, e.g. force, determining, e.g., the cut-off frequency of the power spectrum for the selected piano hammer striking upon the impact surface, and comparing the determined cut-off frequency of the power spectrum for the selected piano hammer against a predetermined range of cut-off frequencies of power spectrum acceptable for piano hammer of the predetermined type. An apparatus for testing is also described.

Abstract: A device and method for determining the radial pressure profile of a wound roll of material uses internal and external sensors to measure the time of flight of an acoustic wave induced within the roll by sharply impacting the surface, or by impacting a member in contact with the surface. The wave measurements are then fed to a computer which uses a modification of Hakiel's model to compute the radial pressure profile.

Abstract: A testing device for surfaces subject to impact, comprising a transducer module and an electronics module cooperatively connected together. The transducer module includes an impact head for impact generally in the z-axis of a surface defined by an x and y-axis, and a transducer including an accelerometer aligned with the x, y and z axes for producing a voltage output proportional to the acceleration in each of the axes upon impact by the impact head on a surface. The electronics module includes a voltage source for supplying electrical energy and computer powered by the voltage source for vectorially adding the voltage output to determine the peak acceleration upon impact independent of the actual orientation of the impact head on the surface.

Abstract: A test apparatus includes an optical displacement transducer for sensing deformation of the cigarette filter responsive to a predetermined load applied transverse to the filter during simulated smoking of the cigarette, and a barcode laser scanner for sensing relative movement of a charline along a tobacco rod of the burning cigarette during simulated smoking. The optical displacement transducer thus produces a filter hot collapse signal, while the barcode laser scanner produces a tobacco consumption signal. A processor, such as a microprocessor operating under stored program control, samples the hot collapse signal and the tobacco consumption signal to generate a series of respective data points. A display is operatively connected to the processor for generating a graphical representation of at least one of the hot collapse signal and the tobacco consumption signal as a function of time, based upon the respective sampled data points.

Abstract: A tool for measuring the mechanical properties of a formation through which a borehole has been drilled, comprising a tool body capable of being lowered into a borehole, the tool body having pads mounted on movable arms, each pad carrying a PDC type cutter which is urged against wall of the borehole so as to cut into the formation; transducers are provided for determining the depth of cut made by the cutter and for determining the resistance of the rock to cutting. The tool is connected to a wireline, enabling the cutter to be moved through the formation and the data from the transducers to be returned to the surface for analysing the depth of cut and resistance to cutting to determine the mechanical properties of the rock.

Abstract: A method for evaluating performance of an aluminum alloy wiring film includes the steps of forming a first aluminum alloy film on a substrate, forming a second aluminum alloy film on another substrate, measuring hardness of the both films, and evaluating the superiority of stressmigration of the aluminum alloy films by comparison between the films in hardness.

Abstract: The durability of extruded, uncured animal feed pellets is measured by disintegrating the pellets in a test chamber by means of a rotating blade powered by an electric motor. During the test, the rotating blade is maintained at or near a constant rate of rotation and the time over which an increase of power is necessary to drive the blade at constant rotation is sensed to determine the durability of the pellets.

Abstract: Interfacial strength of a composite material between its fibers and matrix is measured by observing a sample material through a microscope, measuring the diameter of selected one of the fibers by moving indicators in the field of vision of the microscope, applying pressure on the selected fiber by means of an indentator and measuring both the displacement of the indentator and the load on the fiber, and thereby obtaining a curve between the indentator displacement and the square root of the load. The curve has a straight portion and the point at which the curve begins to deviate from the straight portion is determined. The load value corresponding to this point is used to calculate debonding and sliding interfacial shear strengths of the material according to given formulas.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the determination of the filling capacity of tobacco and the hardness of cigarettes includes a container containing tobacco compressed by a test plunger driven in a pre-set manner by a motor, such that the force exerted on the tobacco is measured and passed to a computer. The length of the tobacco column is also measured. After the compression movement of the test plunger and while it rests in its end position for a relaxation period, the force acting on the tobacco is measured at pre-set time intervals and signals indicative thereof are passed on to the computer. The temperature and the moisture of the tobacco are determined, enabling the measured values to be adjusted to reflect standard conditions. The apparatus for determining the hardness of cigarettes differs from the apparatus for the determination of the filling capacity of tobacco only in the construction of the test plunger and the sample holder.

Abstract: A hair nature measuring instrument comprises a hair catching portion, a rotational handle portion for rotating the hair catching portion, a rotation transmitting element having a restoring resilient force and interconnecting the hair catching portion and the rotational handle portion, and a grip portion for loosely circumscribing the rotation transmitting element. The nature of hair (hardness) is measured based on a correlation between the amount of rotation of the rotational handle portion and the amount of rotation of the hair catching portion when the hair catching portion already catching hair is rotated by the rotational handle portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring grindability of a powder material comprises a chute for feeding particles to be measured one at a time, a pair of opposed rolls arranged under the chute so as to receive the particle from the chute in a gap between the opposed rolls, one of the opposed rolls having a stationary shaft which is rotatably supported at a fixed position and the other roll having a movable roll shaft which is rotatably supported on the upper end of an L-shaped arm which is pivoted at the corner thereof to a frame, a rigid base opposed to the other end of the L-shaped arm, a device for adjusting the level of the rigid base, and a load cell interposed between the other end of the arm and the rigid base.

Abstract: A sectioning method is described for accurately and objectively classifying individual wheat kernels as hard or soft wheat. A kernel is cut to obtain a section having a thickness in the range of about 1.3 to 4.8 microns; if the section remains intact, the kernel is classified as hard, and if the section does not remain intact, the kernel is classified as soft. The method finds particular use for detection of lots of wheat where hard and soft varieties have been intermixed and for classifying breeding selections.

Abstract: A method for predicting and controlling the strength development of concrete includes placing test concrete having the same composition as the subject concrete in a vessel which may be temperature regulated. The temperature inside the vessel is measured and recorded in a data memory and a data processor. The data is transmitted either in real time or from the data memory and data processor by way of a data transmission line to a temperature regulator for regulating the temperature inside the vessel. The temperature history of the test concrete can then simulate the temperature history of the reference concrete. The strength of the test concrete is measured at different times and the strength data of the test concrete is collected, processed and interpreted. A vessel for receiving the test concrete, a temperature regulator, a temperature controlling unit, a data recorder, a data transmitter and a computer are included.

Abstract: A microscratch-test method for measuring adhesion between a first material and a second material adhered to one another at an interface and forming an article. The method involves polishing a planar surface of the article generally normal to the interface and exposing the interface and the first and second materials. A static load of predetermined mass is applied to a starting point on the first or second material in a direction generally normal to the planar surface, using a load means of a third material harder than the first and second materials. The load means is moved across the planar surface from the starting point in a straight line generally toward and across the interface at an angle relative to the interface of between 90.degree. and about 20.degree.. These steps are repeated, varying the mass. The starting point for each repetition is spaced apart from other starting points but is approximately equidistant with other starting points from the interface.

Abstract: An automated grain characterization system includes grain crushing apparatus; a means for singulating kernels of grain and feeding them into the crushing apparatus; a means for measuring kernel size; a circuit for measuring kernel conductance; and a data acquisition and analysis subsystem for correlating crushing force, size, and conductivity to grain hardness. The output is a profile of the grain characteristics which can be compared to reference samples. This system is especially useful for grading and classifying wheat and predicting its end-use functional properties.

Abstract: A slow strain rate shear strength tester for a tablet of compressed pharmaceutical powders, which apparatus includes a ram assembly having a reciprocal ram horizontally slidably supported on a housing. The ram projects outwardly of the housing and mounts a compression member on the free end thereof. A head arrangement is removably mounted on a pair of brackets which project from the end of the housing. The head arrangement has opposed holding members which cooperate to define a notch for accommodating a compact therein in position for compression by the ram.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for use in measuring the softness of a fibrous product comprises a piezoelectric polymer film sensor, preferably polyvinylidene (di)fluoride with adhered opposed electrode surfaces, a sample of the fibrous product in direct contact with one of the sensor electrode surfaces, acutation components acoustically activating the fibrous product sample to cause the film sensor to generate an output electrical signal, and a spectrum analyzer for characterizing the fibrous product softness from the output electrical signal.

Abstract: The invention comprises a measuring device and method for the pressing zone width pressure per unit area of this zone and/or additional characteristic variables of a roll of material depending on the pressing surface area. A time interval measured directly or indirectly in which the distance a sensor from the roll of material is either above or below a certain limiting value is obtained by a plurality of sensors positioned on the surface of a roller pressed against the roll. The pressing zone width is automatically computed from this time interval and the speed of the web of sheet material and, if necessary, additional information including the radius of the roll, the weight of the roll of material and the like. The winding of the sheet of material is controlled based upon the ascertained pressing zone width.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the hardness of capsule plugs, granules and pellets, in which a power stand (11) has a base (12) and gear motor (15) for driving a replaceable probe (25) toward a test subject supported on the base. A test subject holder (27) is placed on the base for holding the test subject, and comprises spaced apart first and second support plates (28, 30) fixed relative to one another with a third support plate (29) movable therebetween to define a space variable between zero and a predetermined maximum. Accordingly, a test subject may be held on the support for testing in a selected one of a variety of modes, including crushing, bending and cutting, depending on the spacing of the plates and the probe selected.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for determining the relative hardness and abrasion resistance of industrial film coatings and linings is disclosed. In its preferred form, the apparatus comprises a rigid handle incorporating a pre-set angle between its flat lower surface and a flexible spring blade attached at one end to the handle, and a scoring stylus attached at the other end of the spring blade. By placing the bottom of the handle on the surface of the film coating or lining whose relative hardness and abrasion resistance is to be determined, the spring blade is caused to deflect and thereby exert a constant and predetermined force through the scoring stylus onto the film coating or lining. By drawing or pulling the handle across the surface of the film coating or lining while maintaining the lower surface of the handle in complete contact with the film coating or lining, the scoring stylus creates a scratch on the surface of the film coating or lining.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing an indication of compaction in vibration compacting machines. A signal proportional to acceleration occuring when the working part of a vibrating compaction machine strikes soil is developed by means of an acceleration pick-up and is compared with a stepped sequence of potentials representative of preselected acceleration values. During consecutive observation intervals it is observed which of these potentials are exceeded and which are not exceeded by the maximum acceleration occuring in an observation interval. In one embodiment, a control signal is developed which provides an indication of the compaction. The control signal is used to change the preselected acceleration values dependent upon the degree of compaction. Another embodiment of the invention develops a signal which is used to change the distance between the preselected acceleration values independent of the control signal.

Abstract: In order to evaluate the mechanical properties of steel, empirical equations showing the relationship between each of the tensile strength, yield point and elongation of steel and its hardness, grain size and chemical composition are determined in advance based on experimental results. Then, the hardness, grain size and chemical composition of the steel to be evaluated are determined. The tensile strength, yield point and elongation of the steel to be evaluated are determined by inserting the determined hardness, grain size and chemical composition in the empirical equations. In determining the energy absorbed according to a method of this invention, empirical equations showing the relationship between each of the shelf energy, transition temperature and temperature range of the energy transition region of steel and its hardness, grain size and chemical composition are determined in advance. Then, the hardness, grain size and chemical composition of the steel to be evaluated are determined.

Abstract: A grain hardness tester which includes a rotating plate equipped with a plurality of openings arranged in a circle around the plate periphery, a grain feeder adapted to dispense grains singly and sequentially into the openings, the plate being equipped with a peripheral slot communicating with the openings, a disc positioned in the slot and adapted to engage the grains sequentially and a load cell and microprocessor operably associated with the disc for reporting the force of encounter of the disc with a grain kernel.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for measuring the average hardness of a metal. This method capitalizes on the discovery that a longitudinal wave will travel roughly twice as fast as a transverse (shear) wave, the times-of-flight of the two waves are affected to different degrees by hardness, and there is a linear relationship between velocity and hardness. Longitudinal and transverse ultrasonic signals are applied to a first end (face) of the metal. The longitudinal and transverse signals are detected at this same first end of the metal after they are reflected off of the second end (face) of the metal. The time-of-flight for each of the longitudinal and transverse waves is measured. The hardness, H, in the metal is then determined by applying substantially the following equation: ##EQU1## where: H.sub.1 =known hardness for the hard phase of the metal;h=a constant for the metal alloy;R=measured ratio of shear and longitudinal times of transit; andR.sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to an underwater measuring device of the hardness of a vertical wall of the partitioning of the core of a pressurized water nuclear reactor. The device comprises a hollow pole for the manipulation from the edge of the pool of the reactor of the pole in vertical position. A body fast to the pole at its lower end contains a first chamber in which is mounted a movable piston bearing support means intended to come into contact with walls at right angles and a second chamber in which is movably mounted a second piston bearing a hardness measuring head designed to form an impression on the wall opposite one of the walls. Hydraulic fluid supply means for the chambers and conductors pass through the hollow pole. The conductors are connected to a measuring station. The invention is applicable particularly to determining the influence of irradiation on the walls of the partitioning of a nuclear reactor, after a certain period of operation.

Abstract: A measuring device for determining the pressure zone width and/or surface pressure between a web roll for a web and a further roll of a winding apparatus includes at least one reflex sensor emitting a radiation towards the web roll and receiving radiation reflected from the web roll. The reflex sensor is provided with a source emitting the radiation towards the web roll and a receiver which picks up beams reflected from the web roll. Source and receiver are embedded within the peripheral area of the further roll and are arranged adjacent to each other. During winding of the web, the reception of the radiation is interrupted when the web roll covers the source and/or the receiver. This interruption of the reception is a measure for the pressure zone width and in connection with other variables and constants for the roll firmness.

Abstract: A tester of resistance of separate batches of tablets to breakage including a revolvable cylinder revolvable around a central height axis that extends axially of the cylinder, cylindrical space formed therein being divided into separate spaces by dividing walls extending radially across a diameter of the inner cylindrical space and the dividing walls for each space having a radially extending concave surface along one radius and a convex surface along another radius such that in each of the separate spaces there is formed a scoop facilitating collecting and tossing groups of tablets as the cylindrical cylinder revolves, and the revolvable cylinder including an access opening-structure for separate insertion and removal of tablets from the separate spaces before and after tumbling. The revolvable cylinder includes as a part of its combination, a motor mechanism for intermittently revolving the cylinder, and a male-female connection for mounting and dismounting in association with the motor mechanism.

Abstract: An annular bead or other protuberance is provided on the outside of a bearing or other part on a non-critical surface so that the protuberance can be case hardened in the same manner as critical surfaces of the part and provide a degree of hardness at each surface that exceeds the hardness at predetermined depths below that surface. The shape of the protuberance is chosen to permit quantitative testing for hardness depth and hardness gradient. The bead or protuberance is then removed so as to expose at a scar the resulting subsurface structure or property gradient for inspection. Hardness inspection can be utilized to provide Rockwell C hardness indications at spaced points along the scar.

Abstract: A device for measuring the winding hardness of a strip, especially a strip of paper, that has been wound into a reel. The device consists of a mechanism for extracting a slip that has been inserted tight between two coils of the reel of paper with one end extending out of the side of the reel and of a dynamometer that measures the force necessary to extract the slip over a certain distance. To allow winding hardness to be displayed directly rather than in the form of a graph, the slip-extracting mechanism operates at a constant extracting speed, a pulse generator that is supplied with the resulting force, or with a control signal derived from it, by the dynamometer supplies counting pulses to an up-down counter at a frequency that is proportional to the force, and the slip-extracting mechanism is connected to an odometer that, when it detects equal distances, switches the counter from up to down and stops it.

Abstract: A hardness tester for pipes comprising a positioning mechanism that presents the pipe to a multiple purpose testing head having a pre-programmed proportional control configuration that independently engages the pipe and determines the pipes relative position to that of the program controlled testing head which contains independent pre-programmed testing heads. The pipe is prepared for testing by cleaning a small test portion of the pipe, engagement of a load cell assembly to the clean pipe portion determining material hardness.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a measuring apparatus for determining the degree of compaction of material for building dams, roads or the like after the material has been compacted with a suitable compaction machine. The measuring apparatus includes a vibrating drum which is equipped with a transducer for generating signals while the drum is run over the ground surface for which the degree of compaction is to be determined. In order to eliminate factors which impede evaluation of the signals emanating from the signal transducers, the drum is configured so that its contact surface with the ground surface is as restricted as possible. This can be achieved by reducing the width of the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the compressability of golf balls and sorting them in accordance with predetermined compression ratings. The apparatus includes a golf ball movement path having a rotary anvil on one side thereof for driving the golf balls one at a time through a restricted gap between the anvil and a deflectably biased lever. The gap is sized to be smaller than the diameter of the golf balls so that they will deflect the lever an amount determined by their individual compressability. The amount of lever deflection is sensed and transmitted to an electric circuit which operates a golf ball sorting device that directs the golf balls to different outlets in accordance with their sensed compressability.

Abstract: The softness of paper as a function of the number of bonding sites per unit area of the paper is determined by directing ultrasonic energy toward the paper and determining the magnitude of the portion of reflected energy.

Abstract: An improved tablet hardness tester includes a ram and anvil for fracturing a tablet therebetween, a support for holding a tablet in position for fracturing between the ram and anvil, a strain gauge for measuring the force exerted by the ram in fracturing the tablet, and an indicator for indicating the measured force. The support according to the invention is a plurality of spaced-apart elongated member, preferably a pair of parallel wires. A tablet is placed on these wires and then crushed by the ram and anvil so that the pieces of the broken tablet fall beneath the wires into a container, thus eliminating the need for cleaning the support prior to a subsequent tablet hardness measurement.

Abstract: A pellet durability tester is provided which establishes the durability of manufactured pellets by subjecting them to circulation in a closed air re-circulation path and establishing the weight ratio of whole pellets in the sample before and after testing. The tester comprises a cabinet divided by an internal partion into two compartments, with one of these compartments constituting part of the re-circulation path. The pellets to be tested are introduced into the other compartment at its top and, in one embodiment, pass over a sieve to remove lose material from the whole pellets so that only the whole pellets are deposited into a container whose weight can be measured automatically. This container tips the pellet sample into the compartment for circulation around the re-circulation path.

Abstract: This invention discloses a hardness measuring probe making it possible to continuously and quickly measure the hardness around an object position by a simple operation. The pressure around the object to be measured is led from an aperture to one pressure receiving surface and such rotating and contacting means as a roller is contacted with the object and the hardness of the object is measured on the other pressure receiving surface so that the hardness may be continuously and quickly measured by a simple operation.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for testing required properties of the specimen solids such as tablets, pills, granules, capsules, etc. automatically and continuously. After nondestructive tests are performed, then destructive tests are performed automatically and continuously. The data obtained by the tests can be processed to record and display the processed data. The nondestructive tests comprise at least one of the tests of the weight, diameter, thickness, color difference, and surface area, etc. which are performed in order or simultaneously. The destructive tests comprise at least one of the tests of the hardness, disintegration, dissolution, abrasion and chemical analysis. The apparatus consists of supply a mechanism for supplying the solids, nondestructive test mechanisms, destructive test mechanisms and a system for transferring solids from one test position to the next test position.