Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a elongate article and a plurality of elongate piezoelectric elements provided to the elongate article. Each of the piezoelectric elements is configured so that when a load is applied in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the piezoelectric element, a short axis direction of the piezoelectric element becomes a sensitivity direction in which a voltage is generated, and a major axis direction becomes a non-sensitivity direction in which a voltage is not generated.

Abstract: In a crimped hose, a length of rubber tubing is crimped into a blind-ended ferrule. To determine whether the tubing has been fully inserted, a dimple is pressed into the ferrule. The force needed to produce the dimple is small or large, depending whether the rubber is inserted properly, and the difference is large enough to serve as a detector. Measuring the dimple-force provides a commercially-useful test for proper insertion.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive displacement sensor comprises: (A) a contact portion (11) which includes: a semi-conductive matrix layer (14) containing conductive materials with a predetermined density, wherein the semi-conductive matrix layer is formed with a soft material having elasticity and has a resistance (Rx) under a normal condition without subjecting to a contact pressure, and when the semi-conductive layer is pressed, a density of the conductive materials in the semi-conductive matrix layer is increased due to compression of the soft semi-conductive layer, which results in reduction of the resistance (Rx); a first conductive layer (12) disposed on a first surface of the semi-conductive matrix layer; and a second conductive layer (13) disposed on a second surface of the semi-conductive matrix layer; (B) a first resistor (19) having one side connected to the first conductive layer and the other side connected to a power source; (C) a second resistor (21) having one side connected to the second conductive layer

Abstract: A forming speed determination method for determining a forming speed of a press-processing device with a plurality of measurement points on a sheet material to conduct press-forming of the sheet material with a press-processing device at a predetermined forming speed. Strain states at respective points on the press-formed sheet material are plotted on a forming limit diagram including the forming limit curve of a sheet material to produce a strain distribution chart. Subsequently, the closest point to the forming limit curve among the points is defined as a specific measurement point. When this specific measurement point is located in the bulge region, the forming speed of a press-processing device is decreased to be slower than the above-mentioned predetermined forming speed. Meanwhile, when this specific measurement point is located in the draw region, the forming speed of a press-processing device is increased to be faster than the above-mentioned predetermined forming speed.

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

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

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for testing a microscale or nanoscale sample. A testing stage comprises a frame having first and second laterally opposing ends and first and second side beams. At least one deformable force sensor beam is disposed near the first opposing end and extends laterally between the first and second side beams. A first longitudinal beam, having a free end, bisects the at least one force sensor beam, and a second longitudinal beam has a free end facing the free end of the first longitudinal beam to define a gap therebetween. A support structure comprises a plurality of laterally extending beams disposed such that the second longitudinal beam bisects the plurality of laterally extending beams. Each of a pair of slots disposed at each of the free ends of the first and second longitudinal beams comprises a tapered portion leading to a generally longitudinal portion aligned with the central longitudinal beam. The slots provide a seat for a dogbone-shaped sample.

Abstract: A process and a device for measuring the mechanical compaction in the depth of an agricultural material, wherein measurement is made with a density sensor of the density of the agricultural material continuously or discontinuously online during the ongoing compacting of an agricultural material.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to systems and methods for measuring power output, as in an athletic activity such as cycling. One embodiment relates to a force sensing device configured to be mounted on the bottom surface of a shoe as part of a mechanical linkage through which force is exerted. For cycling, the force sensor is mounted on the bottom surface of a cycling shoe and fitted with a cleat that interlockingly engages a bicycle pedal. To measure both positive and negative pressures on the pedal, the force sensor is pre-stressed with a compressive load to an intermediate point in its dynamic range. Strains that further compress or decompress the force sensor can thus be measured. The computing module mathematically converts the measured pressures, positive and negative, to a measurement of total power exerted by the rider. In addition, the computing module may utilize cyclical regularities in the signal to compute the rider's cadence (pedal revolutions per unit of time).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an automated testing system that tests for physical properties of golf balls or golf ball cores. The apparatus includes an on-load magazine wherein golf balls or cores are loaded for pick and place feeding to holding nests defined in a rotary indexing table. The nests are removable and/or of multiple size accommodations to accept balls and cores from 1.00 to 1.72 inches. The system includes a diameter measuring station, a compression measuring station, and a weight measuring station. Through the rotary indexing table, the golf ball or core may be selectively dialed to one or more of the stations for testing. A computer analyzes the properties of each ball or core tested and correlates the data so that each ball is subsequently either passed to an off-load magazine or rejected.

Abstract: A force sensor assembly particularly suited for use in an electronic stylus that senses the contact force on its nib for recording pen strokes and handwriting recognition. The sensor assembly has a housing in which force sensing circuitry is mounted. The force sensing circuitry is configured for receiving an input force to be sensed and converting the input force into an output signal indicative of the input force. A coupling transmits the input force to the force sensing circuitry. The coupling has an inner section that applies the input force to the load bearing member, an outer section that receives the contact force on the nib and a collapsible section that allows the outer section to move relative to the inner section when the contact force exceeds a threshold. The relative movement of the outer section is limited by an abutment on the housing so that the input force on the force sensing circuitry never exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: A gripper and a driving method using the same are disclosed, wherein an actuator has a configuration combined with a piezoelectric operating unit and a bending structure, whereby an amount of variation of a gap between fingers are amplified more than that of the piezoelectric operating unit by generating a movement of the fingers perpendicular to a movement direction of the piezoelectric operating unit, and wherein the gripper having arms including a strain gauge sensor can precisely measure a force applied to a micro object.

Abstract: A portable multi-axis load confirmation tool having a rotating ball on the end thereof follows a three-dimensional weld program path therewith. The ball reacts to an internal load cell for verifying weld program path dynamics before an actual program is run with friction stir welding tools. The load cell is connected to instrumentation electronics converting a load cell signal to a digital readout and comparing the load cell signal to weld program load requirements. The tool integrates into a tool holder loaded on a friction stir welding spindle for simulating an actual friction stir welding tool.

Abstract: A test machine for testing the tension or compression properties of a test specimen is provided. The test machine utilizes magnetic force to prevent the fixture of the machine from rotating while placing the test specimen in tension or under compression, which accordingly prevents the test specimen from rotating as well as the source of such rotation. Unintended forces are thereby minimized, enabling a user to obtain more accurate test results.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for loading a cell for testing crush-resistance of a proppant or other granular material. The apparatus includes a rod valve and one or two screens selected to allow proppant to pluviate into the cell. Stress may be applied to the cell and the amount of proppant crushed by the stress may be measured. Measurements may be repeated to produce mean and variance values. Screen sizes may be varied to select sizes to minimize variance of measurements.

Abstract: A gripping fixture suitable for use in stent securement testing is described. The gripping fixture includes a housing having a chamber, a rigid perforated tubular member positioned within the chamber, a multiplicity of radially extending pins arranged to slide in the perforations in the tubular member, and an elastic sheath that circumscribes the outer ends of the pins and surrounds the tubular member. A pressure chamber is formed between the housing and the elastic sheath. The gripping fixture also includes a pressure controller for controlling the pressure within the pressure chamber. The pressure applied in the pressure chamber acts on the elastic sheath and may be used to cause some of the pins to engage a stent during the stent securement test to hold the stent in place relative to the gripping fixture while the tensile force required to dislodge the stent from a catheter is measured.

Abstract: A test device for an electronic product comprises a vertical pressing pole having a pushing end. The test device also comprises a movable platform with a sticking point, wherein upward movement of the movable platform moves the vertical pressing pole upwards by the sticking point. The vertical pressing pole passes through a balance weight which rests on the sticking point. A pressurized platform bears pressure from the pushing end, when the pushing end is pushed onto the pressurized platform. A load-bearing platform supports the pressurized platform and the electronic product located below the pressurized platform. The product is pressed between the pressurized platform and the load-bearing platform due to the pressure from the pushing end lying on the pressurized platform. When the movable platform is further moved downwards after the pushing end is on the pressurized platform, the sticking point bearing the balance weight is separate from the movable platform.

Abstract: A device, with piezoresistive detection comprising at least: a proof body on which an effort to be measured is exerted, means of detecting a strain exerted by the proof body under the action of the effort, comprising at least one suspended piezoresistive strain gauge, a strain amplifier cell comprising at least two rigid arms mechanically linked to each other by at least one link element at the level of a first of their ends, a second end of a first of the two rigid arms being mechanically linked to the proof body, a second end of a second of the two rigid arms being fixed to the substrate, the link element being mechanically linked to a first end of the suspended piezoresistive strain gauge.

Abstract: A golf ball compression testing apparatus has a main body with a ball receiving chamber and pistons movably mounted in aligned bores in the body and extending into the chamber to engage opposite portions of the ball. The first piston is spring loaded into an advanced position engaging the ball, while the second piston is spring loaded away from the ball and urged by a handle operated actuator into an extended position engaging the ball. A pressure gauge associated with the first piston measures a compression rating of the ball when the second piston is moved into the advanced position. Rotation of the handle away from a test position retracts the actuator and allows the second piston to move away from the ball. In one embodiment, a clutch assembly associated with the actuator resists the tendency of the handle to snap back into the inoperative position under the action of the piston return spring.

Abstract: A method for modeling material behavior includes using empirical three dimensional non-uniform stress and strain data to train a self-organizing computational model such as a neural network. A laboratory device for measuring non-uniform stress and strain data from material includes an enclosure with an inclusion in it. As the enclosure is compressed, the inclusion induces a non-uniform state of stress and strain. A field testing device includes a body having a moveable section. When the body is inserted in a material and the moveable section moved, a non-uniform state of stress and strain can be characterized.

Abstract: A force sensor particularly suited for use in an electronic stylus that senses the contact force on its nib for recording pen strokes and handwriting recognition. The sensor has a housing for a load beating member for receiving an input force to be sensed and associated circuitry for converting the input force into an output signal indicative of the input force. A coupling transmits the input force to the load bearing member. The coupling has an inner section for transmitting the input force to the load beating member, an outer section for receiving an applied contact force and a collapsible section for allowing the outer section to move relative to the inner section when the contact force exceeds a threshold. This protects the force sensor from damage by sharp impact loads such as dropping the stylus on its nib.

Abstract: A tensile strength testing machine comprises a frame assembly that defines a test zone. The frame assembly includes a frame member that has first and second opposed ends. The ends have inner sides that generally face one another across the test zone, and outer sides that are generally opposed to one another and the test zone. An arbor element is mounted for generally axial movement relative to the first end. The arbor element is slidably mounted in the first end. The arbor element projects inwardly into the test zone and outwardly from the outer side of the first end. The arbor element is adapted to being attached to a test specimen, which mounted in the test zone. A portion of the arbor element that projects outwardly from the outer side of the first end is generally surrounded by an array of jack bolts. The jack bolts are threadably mounted in a collar member that is substantially axially fixed relative to the arbor element.

Abstract: Relocate the abstract to the last page of the application and replace the abstract with the following new abstract: A mill configured for a thermo-mechanical simulating test system includes a stand with a strip entry disposed thereon for feeding strips; an upper roller and a lower roller disposed on the stand; devices for axial and radial positioning of the upper roller and the lower roller; a pressure sensor for testing rolling force disposed between the stand and at least one of the upper roller and the lower roller; a strip clamp disposed corresponding to the strip entry, wherein the strip clamp is removeably connected to a first coupling head of the thermo-mechanical simulating test system; a coupling mount connected to the stand and disposed generally oppositely to the strip entry on a side of the stand, wherein the coupling mount is removeably connected to a second coupling head of the thermo-mechanical simulating test system.

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

Abstract: A device and method for applying controlled compression to a composite bat includes a plurality of opposing rollers adapted to apply compressive force to a bat's barrel. Application of controlled compressive force to the barrel breaks-in the bat providing greater flexibility and improved performance. The barrel is drawn through a plurality of opposing rollers, rotated as needed, and redrawn through the rollers until the entire circumference of the barrel is affected by the controlled compression break-in process. Also, a composite bat barrel broke in using controlled compression rolling.

Abstract: A single drive shaft simulator and method is disclosed that allows up to four independent actions to be imposed on a test specimen such as an artificial joint specimen. These motions about mutually orthogonal axes are provided, and a constant compressive force and/or dynamic force may also be applied. The mechanical simulator is simple, accurate, and robust. The simulator assures synchronous movement where amplitude and profiles of the motion can be independently adjusted.

Abstract: A quality evaluating apparatus has an inspection table for placing a first or second metal separator, and a light-permeable plate for applying a predetermined pressure to a ridge of the first or second metal separator to deform the ridge and allowing a deformed state of the ridge to be inspected through the light-permeable plate while the predetermined pressure is being applied to the ridge. The quality evaluating apparatus also has an image capturing mechanism for capturing an image of the deformed state of the elastic member through the light-permeable plate, and a comparing mechanism for comparing the captured image with a preset image to evaluate the quality of the ridge.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring constitutive properties, such as radial strain, on a specimen of power or other granular material while the specimen is subject to compressive axial and radial loading. The specimen fills a pliable sleeve that has a conductive band around its circumference. An eddy current coil is placed around the sleeve, and used to provide a response signal that indicates the diameter of the sleeve, which in turn indicates radial strain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling an exhaust treatment device such as a catalytic converter employs post calibration to achieve a desired bulk gap density of a support mat surrounding a substrate in the device housing. The mat is gauged under pressure to a thickness yielding the target bulk gap density and the pressure is saved for use in comprising the device housing against the mat after soft stuffing of the mat/substrate subassembly into the housing.

Abstract: A portable multi-axis load confirmation tool having a rotating ball on the end thereof follows a three-dimensional weld program path therewith. The ball reacts to an internal load cell for verifying weld program path dynamics before an actual program is run with friction stir welding tools. The load cell is connected to instrumentation electronics converting a load cell signal to a digital readout and comparing the load cell signal to weld program load requirements. The tool integrates into a tool holder loaded on a friction stir welding spindle for simulating an actual friction stir welding tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weight sensor comprising strain gauges which are deposited in thick films on a support (2). The support is made from an electrically-insulating material which is intended to be applied to a metallic body (1) that is essentially subject to bending. According to the invention, the support (2) comprises a ceramic material which has a Young's modulus E2 that is equal to or less than that E1 of the biased metallic body (1) and which is applied to the latter by means of gluing.

Abstract: An automatic keyboard inspection apparatus, adapted for inspecting a keyboard, is disclosed, which comprises: a retractable device, a pressing part, a path control unit and a dual-axial platform; wherein, as the automatic keyboard inspection apparatus is enabled to operate in a first mode, the retractable device will activate a linage rode to move axially so as to trigger the pressing part to drop by the gravity and thus press upon a specific key of the keyboard; and as the automatic keyboard inspection apparatus is enabled to operate in a second mode, specifying a route of a specific traveling distance, the pressing part is direct to travel and fall following the specified route to press upon the specific key; and the dual-axial platform, being adapted for carrying the keyboard, is able to perform a bi-axial movement with respect to a 2-D Cartesian coordinates of X, Y axes so as to enable the pressing part to drop and press on four different corners of the specific key for testing the same.

Abstract: A method for measuring inflation pressure of a vehicle tire involves measuring a compressive stress. The tire includes a rubber mass, referred to as an interior rubber, delimited by an internal surface in contact with air inside the tire and an external surface in contact with a carcass ply of the tire. The compressive stress in the interior rubber of the tire, between the internal and external surfaces of the interior rubber, is measured and the inflation pressure is deduced from this compressive stress.

Abstract: The apparatus for testing of a fuselage structure having longitudinal and circumferential curvature includes an assembly for applying forces to the fuselage structure. It includes a central shaft that extends in the longitudinal direction at the center of the fuselage structure and that is capable of being interlocked with the fuselage structure. The assembly for applying the forces is mounted between the fuselage structure and a support interlocked with the central shaft. The apparatus can be used to perform tests on an airplane fuselage.

Abstract: Footwear comprises a sole and a plurality of sealed cavities contained within the sole. The sealed cavities can be incorporated as deformable containers within an elastic medium, comprising the sole. A plurality of micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) pressure sensors are respectively contained within the sealed cavity plurality, and can be adapted to measure static and dynamic pressure within each of the sealed cavities. The pressure measurements can provide information relating to the contact pressure distribution between the sole of the footwear and the wearer's environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor (10) for sensing the interface pressure between two bodies, the sensor having at least two intercommunicating detection zones (11), each detection zone being formed inside an inflatable envelope (12) for interposing between said bodies and having two opposite regions whose spacing apart depends on the interface pressure between said bodies, each detection zone including a detector (15a, 15b) arranged to deliver information associated with the spacing between the opposite regions (12a, 12b).

Abstract: The apparatus for testing a fuselage structure having longitudinal and circumferential curvature includes an assembly for applying forces to the fuselage structure. It includes a support capable of supporting the fuselage structure and the assembly for applying forces. The assembly for applying forces is mounted between the support and a force-introduction mechanism interlocked with the fuselage structure, and is capable of applying collinear forces to the fuselage structure. The apparatus can be used to perform tests on an airplane fuselage.

Abstract: A test machine for testing the tension or compression properties of a test specimen is provided. The test machine utilizes magnetic force to prevent the fixture of the machine from rotating while placing the test specimen in tension or under compression, which accordingly prevents the test specimen from rotating as well as the source of such rotation. Unintended forces are thereby minimized, enabling a user to obtain more accurate test results.

Abstract: A method and system for directly measuring the compression of a ripple spring (23) in a dynamoelectric machine through a corresponding wedge (27). A compression-assessment tool (3) is provided that includes a carriage (32) for supporting a proximity sensor (34). The carriage (32) enables the proximity sensor (34) to be passed over the length of the ripple spring (23), which produces an output signal that is representative of the compression of the ripple spring (23).

Abstract: An unbonded capping system for strength testing of concrete masonry units (CMUs) comprises a rigid, rectangular foam board of a size to be received on a face of a CMU. A plastic sheet is laminated to the rigid foam board and is engagable by a test apparatus, in use, with the rigid foam board engaging the face of the CMU to provide even load distribution during testing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collar for measuring lateral deformation of a test piece during uniaxial or triaxial compression tests. According to the invention, the collar includes a metal hoop or a hoop that is made from composite materials, which can clasp the test piece. When the hoop is open, the free ends thereof are separated by a distance ?. The inventive collar is also equipped with a measurement device for directly or indirectly measuring the distance ?. Between the free ends of the hoop, the device can be a linear variable differential transformer-type probe. The invention also relates to a protective sleeve for the test piece, which can co-operate with the collar.

Abstract: A stage is adapted to support the test piece. A loading section is operable to apply the compression force to the test piece supported on the stage. A detecting section is operable to detect the compression force applied to the test piece. An elastic member elastically supports the stage so that the stage is movable in an action direction of the compression force.

Abstract: A portable gauge and method are used to determine an as installed property of a loose-fill insulation in a building cavity wherein the cavity has a given depth, an open front, a rear surface, and sidewalls defined by spaced apart framing members. The gauge includes a frame for extending between and overlapping front surfaces of the framing members to position the gauge for determining an as installed property of the insulation; a plunger assembly mounted on the frame for compressing a portion of the insulation in the cavity to a compressed density sufficiently dense to prevent plunger creep and to a compressed thickness less than the as installed thickness of the insulation; and a readout assembly calibrated to indicate an as installed property of the insulation based on the compressed thickness of the insulation.

Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly for measuring the pressure between a windshield and a windshield wiper. The pressure sensor assembly includes a support structure, a strain gage and a bearing member. The support structure supports the wiper spaced apart from the windshield. The strain gage is coupled to the support structure for providing pressure measurement data corresponding to the amount of strain in the support wall due to the pressure applied by the wiper toward the windshield. The bearing member is fixedly secured to the support structure to minimize friction between the pressure sensor assembly and the windshield.

Abstract: The micromechanical device comprises a mobile beam attached via the two ends thereof to a rigid frame comprising two arms each having two ends. The ends of an arm are respectively secured to the two ends of the mobile beam. Each arm has a middle part arranged between the two ends of the corresponding arm. A rear face of the middle part of each arm is attached to a base support. The frame comprises at least one stressed element enabling the state of stress of the beam to be adjusted. The stressed element can be centered between the front face and the rear face of the corresponding arm. The frame can comprise pairs of front and rear stressed elements arranged facing one another respectively on the front face and on the rear face of the arms.

Abstract: A method for producing foam insulation board, the method comprising forming a foam product as part of a continuous process, and monitoring on-line the compressive strength of the foam product.

Abstract: Assembly for testing a panel (11) made of composite material under different combinations of shear-compression loads using an universal tension load machine (16), comprising metallic sheets (12) configured to form, together with the panel (11), a frame of rectangular shape in the same plane than the panel (11), being said metallic sheets (12) able to transmit external loads to the panel (11), two loading parts (19), having translatable lugs (20) to be connected with the universal tension load machine (16), joined at two opposed sides of said frame and a structure (18) to prevent displacements out of the panel (11).

Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly for measuring the pressure between a windshield and a windshield wiper. The pressure sensor assembly includes a support structure, a strain gage and a bearing member. The support structure supports the wiper spaced apart from the windshield. The strain gage is coupled to the support structure for providing pressure measurement data corresponding to the amount of strain in the support wall due to the pressure applied by the wiper toward the windshield. The bearing member is fixedly secured to the support structure to minimize friction between the pressure sensor assembly and the windshield.

Abstract: An acoustical mechanical test method prescribes compressing brittle balls in spherical conforming opposing platens producing equatorial bulging, tensile stresses, and resulting in crack or flaw growth with emissions of acoustical sounds for direct identification of brittle balls having a flaw exceeding a maximum allowable size, such as flaws in silicon-nitride balls used in hybrid bearings as well as conventional steel ball bearings.

Abstract: A method for determining the thickness of a layer of insulation comprises the steps of: contacting a top surface of a portion of the layer of insulation, compressing the portion of the layer of insulation until a predetermined compressive load is achieved, measuring a distance through which the top surface is moved during the compressing step, and determining the thickness of the layer of insulation based on the measured distance. Apparatus is provided for performing the method.