Compressional Patents (Class 73/818)
  • Patent number: 11656161
    Abstract: A bending apparatus for a sample is disclosed. The bending apparatus includes a translation mechanism that translates a vertical displacement/force into a horizontal displacement/force for bending. Components of the bending apparatus are fabricated from a strong, radiolucent material. In these ways, the bending apparatus is compatible with micro-CT imaging, and as such, may be used to bend a sample during imaging. In a particular application, the bending apparatus may be used to measure biomechanical properties of a bone, such as bone strength, bone material properties, fracture toughness, and fracture propagation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ohio State Innovation Foundation
    Inventors: Kyle Anthony Bodnyk, Richard T. Hart, Alan S. Litsky
  • Patent number: 11628756
    Abstract: A sensor disposition structure in a seat includes a cushion pad and a board-like member which is disposed under the cushion pad. A concave is formed in an upper surface of the board-like member, and a sensor is disposed in the concave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Soichiro Kamei, Hiromi Taniguchi, Koji Onuma
  • Patent number: 11618530
    Abstract: A cleat adapter system is provided for a cycling shoe. The cleat adapter system comprises a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, an actuator, a communicator and a controller. The first connecting portion is configured to be connected to a cleat. The second connecting portion is connected to the first connecting portion. The actuator operatively is coupled to one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. The second connecting portion is configured to adjust a relative position between the first connecting portion and the second connection portion. The communicator is configured to receive at least one of bicycle information and user information. The controller operatively couples the actuator and the communicator. The controller is configured to control the actuator to adjust the relative position based on at least one of the bicycle information and the user information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Aoki, Kaoru Ouchi, Kadunori Iuchi, Shota Nishijima
  • Patent number: 11539086
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting and compensating for expansion of rechargeable batteries over time. An expansion detector may be coupled to or positioned proximate a rechargeable battery to monitor for expansion thereof. After expansion exceeding a selected threshold is detected, the expansion detector may report the expansion to an associated processing unit. The processing unit may undertake to arrest further rechargeable battery expansion by modifying or changing one or more characteristics of charging and/or discharging circuitry coupled to the rechargeable battery. For example, the processing unit may charge the rechargeable battery at a lower rate or with reduced voltage after detecting expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Jarvis, David M. DeMuro, Hongli Dai, Julian Malinski, Julien Marcil, Meng Chi Lee, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Rishabh Bhargava, Steven D. Sterz, Richard M. Mank, Soundararajan Manthiri, Vijayasekaran Boovaragavan
  • Patent number: 11494525
    Abstract: A method for analyzing a heat exchanger includes a structural model creation step (S1) of creating a structural model of a heat exchanger; a iron-linear model creation step (S4) of creating a iron-linear model in which a non-linear spring element in an out-of-plane direction, in which a load is generated only at me time of contact between a heat transfer tube and an anti-vibration member, is applied to an opposing portion between the heat transfer tube and the anti-vibration member in a structural model, and a load distribution acquisition step (S5) of performing analysis in which a load in the out-of-plane direction is applied to the non-linear model to acquire load distribution of the heat exchanger from a value of the load in each opposing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Masatsugu Monde, Naoki Ono, Tomohito Nakamori, Masaaki Katayama, Ryoichi Kawakami, Masahito Matsubara, Tomonori Mineno
  • Patent number: 11486801
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mounting press for hot mounting a sample, comprising: a mounting cylinder for receiving the sample, having a main cylinder axis and a cylinder opening, the main cylinder axis extending inside the mounting cylinder and out through the cylinder opening, a sliding closure with a sliding carriage, an upper piston and a closing lever that is operatively connected to the upper piston, wherein the sliding carriage is configured so as to be displaceable in a direction transverse to the main cylinder axis, for example by means of the closing lever, and wherein in a position of use of the sliding carriage the upper piston can be driven to or into the cylinder opening of the mounting cylinder, wherein the closing lever has at least one open position and one closed position and can be transferred from the open position into the closed position, and wherein the closing lever cooperates with the upper piston such that the upper piston closes the cylinder opening when guiding the closing
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: ATM GmbH
    Inventor: Jochen Bongartz
  • Patent number: 11486690
    Abstract: A digital sensor for pre-warning of multistage breakage-triggered deformation threshold includes first tension rods, second tension rods, an RFID chip, and a brittle fracture module; the brittle fracture module includes a bottom plate and a plurality of resistors, where two ends of the bottom plate are fixed to the first and second tension rods, and the plurality of resistors forming a lumped parallel circuit are parallelly arranged on the bottom plate; the RFID chip is connected to two ends of the lumped parallel circuit. Strength of the middle cross section of the bottom plate is reduced in the way. The bottom plate will be fractured by being tensioned when the first tension rods and the second tension rods move away from each other with the deformation of the tension members. The resistors are connected into the lumped parallel circuit through brittle wires with different preset slack amounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: TONGJI UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Wei Wang, Yan Zhang
  • Patent number: 11260680
    Abstract: A printing system for printing images onto a medium supplied as feed-stock, said system comprising a printer, a control computer and data inputting means, a printer head, a cutter, at least one rewinder and a taper; the print head for printing individual work-pieces onto the medium; the cutter for cutting the medium into individual work-pieces, and the at least one rewinder for rewinding the work-pieces into coreless-rolls, and the taper comprising a tape dispenser and printer for printing identifying data onto a piece of tape applied to fasten each coreless roll closed wherein the cutter and the printing of the tape is controlled by the control computer, wherein the cutter is configured to section the work-piece from the feedstock after it has started to be fed into the rewinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventors: Hanan Yosefi, Dani Barel, Dan Kalati, Roman Gorodetzky
  • Patent number: 11199483
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for experimentally determining the influence of acid liquor on the Young modulus of compact carbonate rock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST PETROLEUM UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Bo Gou, Jianchun Guo, Zhuang Liu, Xiao Li, Mingyong Zeng, Li Zhan
  • Patent number: 11125665
    Abstract: Some materials desired to acquire mechanical characteristics and fatigue characteristics are difficult to make in a large-size bulk material for a test piece. The invention provides a test jig which includes a primary jig which fixes both sides of a test piece, which is a test object, an upper jig which includes a load portion to load a weight on two places of an upper surface and two places of a lower surface of the primary jig, and a lower jig which includes a load portion to load a weight on two places of the upper surface and two places of the lower surface of the primary jig. The upper surface and the lower surface of the primary jig disposed on both sides of the test piece are on almost the same flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Tanie, Makoto Kitano
  • Patent number: 10918008
    Abstract: A method for controlling a work vehicle towing an agricultural implement across a field during a tillage operation includes receiving one or more soil compaction parameters of the field, the work vehicle, and/or the implement. The method also includes determining one or more soil compaction levels for the field based on the one or more soil compaction parameters. Further, the method includes determining an estimated yield loss for each location in the field based on the one or more soil compaction levels. Moreover, the method includes generating a prescription map for the field based on the estimated yield loss for each location in the field. In addition, the method includes actively adjusting at least one tillage parameter of at least one of the implement or the work vehicle based on the prescription map during the tillage operation to reduce an actual yield loss of the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Scott Shearer, Andrew Klopfenstein, Brittany Schroeder
  • Patent number: 10809170
    Abstract: A dynamic mechanical analysis system provides an actuator that imparts expansion and contraction forces (e.g. shear force) to a viscoelastic material at high frequencies. Such high frequency analysis allows for the direct and accurate measurement of the characteristics of the material at high expansion/contraction frequencies directly, without the use of additional predictive analysis techniques, such as time-temperature superposition. The system also utilizes a clamping system, whereby two different sections of the viscoelastic material are held in place between by a pair of fixed clamps and a force member that is moved by the actuator. As such, the system is able to subject the viscoelastic material sample to simulated “road” conditions to identify various performance properties associated with the material sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
    Inventors: Siamak Farhad, Roja Esmaeeli
  • Patent number: 10684202
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to strength test porous ceramic honeycomb bodies. The apparatus includes an interlayer between at least one platen and a surface of the high porosity honeycomb body to be tested. The method includes disposing at least one interlayer between at least one platen and an end face of the body, applying a force to the high porosity ceramic honeycomb body and monitoring a result of applying the force. The interlayer comprises a surface weight of about 350 g/m2 and a thickness in a direction N between facing surfaces load platens of at least about 20 mm. Axial and radial localized stamping tests also strength test porous ceramic honeycomb bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Yassine Kilali, Khaled Layouni
  • Patent number: 10488309
    Abstract: A test specimen is provided. The test specimen includes a coupon. The coupon includes a test portion and grip portions. The grip portions are located on opposite axial ends of the coupon. The test portion is located between the grip portions. The coupon further includes a void extending into the coupon from at least one of the axial ends. The void is defined by a wall having a surface thickness at the test portion that corresponds to a predetermined surface thickness of interest. The coupon is configured to be secured to a test machine for conducting load tests on the coupon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Victor Blakemore Slaughter, Rigoberto Perez
  • Patent number: 10337963
    Abstract: A method is provided for determining a characteristic of a flexible surface and determining a performance parameter of the flexible surface is disclosed. The method comprises providing a test device and pressing the test device into a flexible surface, measuring the pressures at the sensing points, and determining an envelopment parameter of the surface based on the pressures. The test device comprises a plurality of sensing points extending from a bottom of the test device upwardly along a side of the test device. A test indentor comprising a shell, wherein a least a portion of the shell is generally round in shape and has an exterior, with sensing points extending along the side of the shell, each sensing point is capable of detecting pressure at its location and an elastomeric material is on the exterior of the shell and adjacent the sensing points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Sauser, Charles A. Lachenbruch, Jon C. Tekulve
  • Patent number: 10317323
    Abstract: Systems and methods of operating a test apparatus to simulate testing a production aircraft component include assembling a test assembly having a test specimen and a wear protection material disposed on opposing sides of the test specimen, an outer plate disposed on each side of the test specimen in contact with the wear protection material, and a bolt disposed through the test specimen and the outer plates and applying a preload against the wear protection material. The test assembly is secured in a test machine, and the test machine is operated to provide a predetermined displacement of the test specimen relative to the outer plates at a predetermined frequency at a determined frequency of displacement cycles. The preload, the predetermined displacement, and the predetermined frequency of displacement cycles are determined through finite element analysis of an analytical model of the production component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Paul Haldeman, Ramesh Thiagarajan, Suvankar Mishra
  • Patent number: 10184866
    Abstract: A testing device for testing the mechanical integrity of a hollow breakable item includes a squeezable element to radially abut with a sidewall portion of the breakable item. The testing device further includes a sleeve extending in an axial direction to receive the sidewall portion of the breakable item and having a first contact surface to axially engage with the squeezable element. The testing device also includes a plunger displaceable in axial direction relative to the sleeve and having a second contact surface to axially engage with the squeezable element. The squeezable element is axially squeezable by a relative displacement of plunger and sleeve to increase the squeezable element's radial expansion and to apply radially directed pressure to the breakable item's sidewall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GMBH
    Inventors: Hanno Juhnke, Jan-Peter Spengler, Jasmin Groeschke, Michael Fischer, Matthias Scharf, Michael Schrack, Olaf Zeckai
  • Patent number: 9939931
    Abstract: A position indicator includes a chassis, a core body, and a variable capacitance capacitor. The capacitor includes a dielectric, a first conductor disposed on a first surface of the dielectric, a first terminal coupled to the first conductor, forming a first electrode, a second conductor disposed on a second surface of the dielectric, an electrically-conductive member disposed opposed to the second surface of the dielectric, a second terminal that forms a second electrode of the capacitor with the second conductor and the electrically-conductive member, and an elastic member. In operation, the elastic member applies a biasing force to separate the electrically-conductive member from the second surface of the dielectric. The electrically-conductive member contacts the second conductor on the second surface of the dielectric in response to the force applied through the core body, and, in response to the contact, a capacitance of the capacitor changes to a determined capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Wacom Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Fujitsuka
  • Patent number: 9910494
    Abstract: The present application is related to a computer for providing output to a user. The computer includes a processor and an input device in communication with the processor. The input device includes a feedback surface and at least one sensor in communication with the feedback surface, the at least one sensor configured to detect a user input to the feedback surface. The processor varies a down-stroke threshold based on a first factor and varies an up-stroke threshold based on a second factor. The down-stroke threshold determines a first output of the computing device, the up-stroke threshold determines a second output of the computing device, and at least one of the first factor or the second factor are determined based on the user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne C. Westerman, Duncan Kerr, Avi E. Cieplinski, Jeffrey T. Bernstein, William M. Vieta, Julian K. Missig
  • Patent number: 9869649
    Abstract: Examples of nano-level evaluation of kerogen-rich reservoir rock are described. A micro-scale beam is formed from kerogen-rich reservoir rock. The beam has reservoir rock and kerogen, which has polymeric properties. A maximum dimension of the micro-scale beam is at most 1000 micrometers. A mechanical experiment that includes a tension test or a compression test is performed on the micro-scale beam. The mechanical experiment is imaged using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A material parameter of the kerogen in the micro-scale beam is determined based on results of the mechanical experiment and images obtained responsive to the imaging. The material parameter includes a behavior of the kerogen in response to the mechanical experiment. The behavior of the kerogen can be used to determine, among other things, the energy required to break kerogen in a kerogen-rich shale to improve hydraulic fracturing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Katherine Leigh Hull, Younane N. Abousleiman, Sebastian Csutak
  • Patent number: 9790682
    Abstract: A pre-fabricated construction panel for use on an external surface and/or as part of a budding or construction is provided. The panel comprises at least a first layer which is at least partially provided from thermally insulating material having a first surface, the panel comprising at least a second layer, the at least second layer being provided from fiber cement board, the second layer having a second surface facing the first surface. The first surface is profiled having recessed surface zones and heightened surface zones, the first and second layers being connected one to the other at least along the heightened surface zones of the first, the recessed surface zones provides at least one interspace between the first and second surface. This at least one inter-space has at least two openings to the external of the panel for enabling air to flow into and out of the interspace towards the external of the panel. Less than 25% of the total surface of the first surface is connected to, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Etex Services NV
    Inventor: Bobby O'Neill
  • Patent number: 9651465
    Abstract: A hand-held compression-tester for golf balls applies a biasing force to the golf-ball, loads it, and then releases the load so that only the biasing force remains. Based on the evolution of a loading curve during these intervals, the compression-tester estimates a compression value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Golftek, LLC
    Inventors: John Donahue, Matthew S. Kressy, Paul Sabin, Emily Batt, Jeffrey Tyler, Joseph E. Jalbert
  • Patent number: 9551639
    Abstract: Device and method for measuring true triaxial creep of a geotechnical engineering test block, including a supporting structure; the device includes four confining pressure-plates and upper-and-lower compression-plates forming an enclosed cavity for the test block; confining pressure-plates include two long confining pressure-plates and two short-confining pressure-plates, upper-and-lower compression-plates are rectangular top and bottom steel-plates, two L-shaped long confining pressure-plates bent towards the outer side lapped on two adjacent side faces of the bottom steel-plate, two L-shaped short-confining pressure-plates bent towards the outer side lapped on remaining two-side faces of the bottom steel-plate, and bottom ends of the short-confining pressure-plates are placed on the bottom steel-plate; top ends of long confining pressure-plates lapped on the top steel-plate, and top steel-plate leans against inner side faces of two short-confining pressure-plates; vertically pressure sensors corresponds to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: SHANDONG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Shucai Li, Liping Li, Hongliang Liu, Qinghan Wang, Shaoshuai Shi, Qianqing Zhang, Zhenhao Xu, Zongqing Zhou, Jing Wang, Cong Hu
  • Patent number: 9463358
    Abstract: A pedaling state detecting apparatus is basically provided with a communication unit and a controller. The communication unit is configured to receive left and right crank arm data relating to a pedaling force applied to left and right crank arms. The controller is configured to output a non-visual notification command indicative of a left-right crank arm balance based on the left and right crank arm data received from the communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Etsuyoshi Watarai
  • Patent number: 9310283
    Abstract: A device for measuring the spring rate of a golf ball is disclosed. The device receives a golf ball between a first anvil and a second anvil. A force gauge is provided on one anvil. A displacer is provided on another anvil. Each anvil defines a ball receiving depression that is larger than the dimples of the golf ball to be measured for negating measurement effects due to golf ball dimples when measurement of the golf ball is conducted. The displacement an anvil is determined. From the force data and displacement data, a spring rate of the golf ball can be calculated and a compression scale value may be calculate and displayed on the device for informing a golfer that is operating the hand held device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Compression Matters Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Henry Niemeyer, III
  • Patent number: 9239236
    Abstract: An alignment apparatus for aligning a test panel with a testing machine may include a laser measuring system and an adjustment mechanism. The laser measuring system may include at least one laser measuring device coupled to a test fixture and/or a testing machine. The laser measuring system may generate laser measurement data representative of an orientation of a test panel relative to a platen and/or a loading axis of the testing machine. The adjustment mechanism may adjust, based on the laser measurement data, a location and/or orientation of the test panel relative to the platen and/or the loading axis in a manner such that the test panel is moved into substantially alignment with the platen and/or the loading axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth H. Griess, Jack J. Esposito
  • Patent number: 9182330
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for compression testing. The apparatus has a base assembly having an end load element attached to the base assembly, the base assembly being rigid. The apparatus has a support assembly attached to the base assembly, and having a plurality of window portions. The apparatus has a core assembly installed within the support assembly, the core assembly being crushable and configured to protect the support assembly and the base assembly from fracture loads generated during compression testing. The base assembly, the support assembly, and the core assembly together form an apparatus for compression testing of a test specimen having a notch portion. The apparatus is configured for use with an optical strain measurement system. When the test specimen is installed in the support assembly, the test specimen and the notch portion are visible to the optical strain measurement system through the plurality of window portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Max U. Kismarton, Kenneth H. Griess
  • Patent number: 9121777
    Abstract: A threaded member has an axial direction. A thread is formed on the threaded member in the axial direction. At least one receiving recess is formed on a circumferential surface of the thread of the threaded member. At least one sensor member is disposed in the receiving recess for detecting tension applied to the threaded member in the axial direction. When a tightened article is tightened by the threaded member, an extension force/tension is applied to the threaded member in the axial direction. The sensor member is positioned in adjacency to the thread of the threaded member so that the sensor member can precisely detect the extension extent of the threaded member for precisely obtaining the tightening force applied to the threaded member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: KABO TOOL COMPANY
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20150137569
    Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension mat (10) comprises one or more suspension springs (16) for supporting a seat cushion (22) and an occupancy sensor module (24) supported by at least one suspension spring. The module includes a first plate (26) having a switch element (38) arranged thereon and a second plate (28) mounted in a cantilevered manner to the first plate, in such a way that the first and second plates form together a pair of jaws, which the switch element is arranged between. The first and second plates are configured so as to move closer together against their resiliency in response to compressive forces acting on the first and second plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Guenter Goedert
  • Publication number: 20150128718
    Abstract: A system and method for verifying the operational condition of a rectangular baler having a baling chamber equipped with a reciprocating plunger, the plunger moving between a fully retracted position and extended position, the baler further equipped with a load sensor suitable for determining the reaction force on the plunger as said plunger is compressing crops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Dirk A.R. Vandamme
  • Patent number: 9003892
    Abstract: A testing fixture includes a driving component, a supporting component, a first resilient component, a plurality of connecting components and a plurality of testing components. The driving component includes a board and a sleeve. A guiding slot is formed on a lateral wall of the sleeve. The supporting component includes a base, a bridging pillar and a guiding pin. The base includes a plurality of pivot hole structures. The bridging pillar is disposed on a surface of the base and movably disposed inside the sleeve. The guiding pin is disposed on a lateral surface of the bridging pillar and slidably passing through the guiding slot. The first resilient component is disposed on the bridging pillar and contacts against the sleeve, so as to move the base relative to the board. The connecting components pivot to the pivot hole structures, and each testing component is disposed on the corresponding connecting component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Jian-Wu Hou, Shou-Lun Chang
  • Publication number: 20150090046
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for testing sediment submerged in liquid and manufacturing the apparatus. The apparatus and methods of the present embodiment can provide for nano/micro characterization of mechanical properties of materials submerged in liquid, facilitating specimen preparation and installation, and can provide hydrated materials. The apparatus can include cell walls with optical magnifying lenses so that the materials can be viewed without the aid of a microscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Allen Hagerman Reed, Hang Yin, David C. Young, Guoping Zhang
  • Patent number: 8984957
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for testing sediment submerged in liquid and manufacturing the apparatus. The apparatus and methods of the present embodiment can provide for nano/micro characterization of mechanical properties of materials submerged in liquid, facilitating specimen preparation and installation, and can provide hydrated materials. The apparatus can include cell walls with optical magnifying lenses so that the materials can be viewed without the aid of a microscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Allen Hagerman Reed, Guoping Zhang, Hang Yin, David C Young
  • Publication number: 20150068317
    Abstract: A test apparatus for performing compression tests on catheters. In order to perform the compression tests in a controlled manner and without the risk of causing damage to the catheter, the test apparatus in accordance with the present invention has a gimbal, to which a mount for the catheter is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Joerg Feldmann, Heinrich Widdecke, Gernot Kolberg
  • Publication number: 20150053017
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed relating to the assessment of fatigue damage in objects that include for example, subjecting a fatigued object to a cyclic mechanical stress, measuring a rate of temperature rise in the fatigued object, and assessing a degree of fatigue of the fatigued object based on the rate of temperature rise in the fatigued object. Methods of measuring internal structural characteristics and methods of correlating fatigue damage to results from excitation tests are also taught.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Michael M. Khonsari, Mehdi Amiri
  • Publication number: 20150050893
    Abstract: Damage to conductive material that serves as bridging connections between conductive structures within an electronic device may result in deficiencies in radio-frequency (RF) and other wireless communications. A test system for testing device structures under test is provided. Device structures under test may include substrates and a conductive material between the substrates. The test system may include a test fixture for increasing tensile or compressive stress on the device structures under test to evaluate the resilience of the conductive material. The test system may also include a test unit for transmitting RF test signals and receiving test data from the device structures under test. The received test data may include scattered parameter measurements from the device structures under test that may be used to determine if the device structures under test meet desired RF performance criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua G. Nickel, Chun-Lung Chen, Tseng-Mau Yang, Nicholas G. Merz, Robert W. Schlub, Boon W. Shiu, Erica J. Tong
  • Patent number: 8950267
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting cross-linking in a polymer, wherein, in some exemplary implementations, the polymer may constitute an encapsulation layer for a photovoltaic module. In one example, a polymer sample is physically deformed, and sample information relating to a relaxation or a recovery of the polymer sample in response to the deformation is obtained. The sample information is then compared to reference information relating to cross-linking of the polymeric material so as to determine a degree of cross-linking in the tested polymer sample. In one aspect, such a determination of polymer cross-linking is achieved without adversely affecting a relevant functionality of the polymer/encapsulation layer (e.g., without destruction to the polymer/encapsulation layer).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Fraunhofer USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Doble, Rafal Mickiewicz, John Lloyd, Marco Jaeger, William F. Hartman
  • Patent number: 8950269
    Abstract: Generally, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to testing pillar bumps formed on a semiconductor chip so as to detect the presence of anomalous stiff pillar bumps. One illustrative method disclosed herein includes positioning a test probe adjacent to a side of a pillar bump formed above a metallization system of a semiconductor chip, and performing a lateral force test on the pillar bump by contacting the side of the pillar bump with the test probe while moving the test probe at a substantially constant speed that is less than approximately 1 ?m/sec.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.
    Inventors: Vivian W. Ryan, Holm Geisler, Dirk Breuer
  • Patent number: 8931349
    Abstract: The invention relates to a test apparatus and a test method for the testing of samples by mechanical action upon the sample. The test apparatus comprises a sample region and a cylinder, which is movable in relation to the sample region, and at least two linear drives, each with a first drive part, which is fixed in place with respect to an end of the sample region, which faces it, and with a second drive part, which is movable in relation to the first drive part and is driven and which is fixed in place with respect to the cylinder. Advantageously, the movement axes of the linear drives run parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. In a preferred embodiment, a test set-up of the test apparatus has a rigid load frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Thelkin AG
    Inventor: Thorsten Schwenke
  • Patent number: 8915151
    Abstract: Disclosed is an active skin including: a tactile sensor substrate which includes a first film including a dielectric elastic material and formed with a plurality of sensing points, and a pair of first electrodes respectively formed on upper and lower sides of the sensing point; a tactile actuator substrate which includes a second film including a dielectric elastic material and formed with a plurality of actuating points, and a pair of second electrodes respectively formed on upper and lower sides of the actuating point; and an insulating layer which is interposed between the tactile sensor substrate and the tactile actuator substrate and couples the tactile sensor substrate and the tactile actuator substrate. With this, a tactile sensor and a tactile actuator are integrated, so that there is provided an interactive tactile interface to not only feel like a human's skin but also actively move like a muscle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Sungkyunkwan University Foundation for Corporate Collaboration
    Inventors: Hyouk-Ryeol Choi, Hyung-Pil Moon, Ja-Choon Koo, Se-Gon Roh
  • Publication number: 20140366639
    Abstract: A method for detecting degradation of resin film detects whether a resin coated rope having a circumferential portion coated with resin film has the resin film degraded. The method for detecting degradation of resin film includes: winding a wire on a circumferential portion of the resin coated rope; applying tension to the wire to compress the resin film in a radial direction of the resin coated rope; and comparing a first relationship with a second relationship to determine how the resin film is degraded, the first relationship indicating a relationship between the tension of the wire and how much amount the resin film has compressed, as obtained in the applying, the second relationship indicating a relationship between the tension of the wire and how much amount the resin film has compressed, as predetermined as a reference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shinya Naito, Chinatsu Sanda, Masahiko Hida, Michio Murai
  • Patent number: 8904877
    Abstract: A device, inserted in a running shoe is used to track the accumulation of destructive compression cycles within the shoe and to indicate this information to the user through a series of integrated indicators. The device has an advantage of being able to be placed in any shoe without compromising the construction or performance of the shoe. An additional advantage of the invention is the improved accuracy of the information by improving both the stability and longevity of the sensor system and the ability to distinguish destructive, partially destructive and nondestructive compressions. Another advantage of the invention is the reduction of the cost of construction while achieving a lifetime in excess of the shoe. Yet another advantage of the invention is the user interface, which is contained completely within the device allowing the user to view the information within the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: ParaWare LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Burke, Daniel Jannsen, Derk Smid, Andrew Hills
  • Patent number: 8881598
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a pressure point inspection device, able to press on a plurality of pressure points on liquid crystal display panel for inspecting display condition, the pressure point inspection device includes: lateral adjustment board, lateral adjustment board including a first lateral board and a second lateral board; vertical adjustment board, disposed crossly on lateral adjustment board, vertical adjustment board including first vertical board and second vertical board, able to fold separately; wherein lateral adjustment board and/or vertical adjustment board disposed with a plurality of inspection heads, vertical disposition gap between first lateral board and second lateral board adjustable and lateral disposition gap between first vertical board and second vertical board adjustable. As such, the pressure point inspection device can save time of pressing pressure points on TFT-LCD and improve inspection efficiency and avoid missing pressure point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Huifang Duan, Xiaoxin Zhang, Jungmao Tsai, Junjie Huang, Hao Jin, Bingcheng Huang
  • Patent number: 8875591
    Abstract: Methods of measuring at least one rheological property of diamond particles used in the manufacture of polycrystalline diamond are disclosed. Diamond particles are provided including a plurality of unsintered diamond particles. A rheological property (e.g., a torsional mechanical property or other flow property) of the diamond particles is measured. By comparing the measured value of the torsional mechanical property to that of a baseline known to correlate to the desired target specification, it may be determined whether the diamond particles are within an acceptable range relative to the target specification. Such a method may be incorporated into methods for manufacturing a polycrystalline diamond compact to ensure the quality of a polycrystalline diamond table thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: US Synthetic Corporation
    Inventor: Amy Leigh Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20140305224
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multi-touch testing system and the fixture thereof. The multi-touch testing system comprises a multi-touch testing fixture and a monitoring device. The monitoring device is connected electrically with the multi-touch testing fixture and a device under test disposed at the multi-touch fixture. Thereby, the monitoring device activates the multi-touch testing fixture. The multiple test heads of the multi-touch testing fixture press the device under test simultaneously. Meanwhile, the device under test generates at least a signal. The monitoring device judges if the device under test passes the multi-touch test according to the signal. The pressure of each test head of the multi-touch testing fixture according to the present disclosure is identical to that of any other. In addition, the structure is simplified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: WISTRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xiao-Bao ZHANG, Shou-Lun CHANG
  • Publication number: 20140298917
    Abstract: The invention relates mainly to a test bench (10) for a radial bearing (14) suitable for being interposed between two members (12, 16) that are movable relative to each other in rotation, the test bench being characterized in that it comprises a radial force measurement device (18) for measuring radial forces exerted on said bearing (14), a radial acceleration measurement device (20) for measuring radial accelerations to which said bearing (14) is subjected, and an electronic calculation unit (26) in communication with the radial force measurement device (18) and with the radial acceleration measurement device (20). The invention also relates to a method of establishing a behavior relationship for the radial bearing (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicants: CENTRE NATIONAL D'ETUDES SPATIALES CNES, SNECMA
    Inventors: Philippe NIVET, Fabien Tessier, Laurent Fabbri, Valerie Begin
  • Publication number: 20140290377
    Abstract: A compression testing assembly for compression testing of a test material includes a testing stage with a first surface and a second surface. The test material is disposed between the first and second surfaces. The assembly also includes a thickness detector that automatically detects a thickness of the test material. Moreover, the assembly includes an actuator that moves at least one of the first and second surfaces toward the other of the first and second surfaces to compress the test material to a predetermined percentage of the detected thickness of the test material. Additionally, the assembly includes a load detector that detects a compression load of the test material and that detects a change in the compression load over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan-Pier A. Spampinato, Edward F. Wachtel
  • Publication number: 20140290378
    Abstract: A testing fixture includes a driving component, a supporting component, a first resilient component, a plurality of connecting components and a plurality of testing components. The driving component includes a board and a sleeve. A guiding slot is formed on a lateral wall of the sleeve. The supporting component includes a base, a bridging pillar and a guiding pin. The base includes a plurality of pivot hole structures. The bridging pillar is disposed on a surface of the base and movably disposed inside the sleeve. The guiding pin is disposed on a lateral surface of the bridging pillar and slidably passing through the guiding slot. The first resilient component is disposed on the bridging pillar and contacts against the sleeve, so as to move the base relative to the board. The connecting components pivot to the pivot hole structures, and each testing component is disposed on the corresponding connecting component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Jian-Wu Hou, Shou-Lun Chang
  • Publication number: 20140260656
    Abstract: A destructive testing device includes an upper mold, a lower mold, a pressure gauge, and a lifting module. The lower mold is opposite to the upper mold. The pressure gauge is connected to the upper mold, and is configured for recording a pressure applied on the upper mold. The lifting module is connected to the lower mold, and is configured for moving the lower mold toward the upper mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHIH-HAO CHU
  • Patent number: 8794079
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining a magnitude of a compressive load applied to a piston including a compliant film disposed between first and second elements is provided. The apparatus includes a first part movable with the first element in a movement direction along which the magnitude of the compressive load is to be determined, a second part movable with the second element in the movement direction and a sensor to measure a distance between the first and second parts in the movement direction, the measured distance being related to a deformation of the compliant film as the compressive load is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul F. Bodenweber, Virendra R. Jadhav, Steven P. Ostrander, Kamal Sikka, Jiantao Zheng, Jeffrey A. Zitz