Abstract: A technique for imparting direct resistance heating to a gauge length of a conductive metallic specimen under test and which can be used to add an independent dynamic thermal capability to a mechanical material test system. Specifically, a pair of, e.g., conductive collars, each of which encircles and abuts against a corresponding portion of the external surface of the specimen near an opposing end of its gauge length and inward of a corresponding grip. Each collar imparts additional self-resistive heat to the specimen along a circumferential collar/specimen interface. This additional heat appreciably reduces or cancels thermal gradients otherwise arising from self-resistive heating across the gauge length as well as compensates for thermal losses in each specimen end section. Through this arrangement, each specimen end section and the grips are not appreciably heated as the gauge length heats.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the alignment and location of a sample (7), such as pills or tablets, for carrying out a further method step, such as a hardness test, with the aid of two opposing jaws (2, 3, 21), which may be moved relative to each other, the movable compression jaw (2) of which displaces the sample (7) along a guide track on to the fixed counter-jaw (3, 21), in order to begin the further method step with the sample (7). The forward movement of the movable compressing jaw (2), along with the sample (7) towards the fixed counter-jaw (3, 21) is continuously interrupted, the compressing jaw (2) being drawn backwards and driven forwards, such that the sample oscillates about the rest position thereof and then the compressing jaw (2) continues the movement towards the counter-jaw (3, 21) until the sample (7) reaches said counter-jaw (21).

Abstract: Pile testing apparatus and method apply static compressive forces on a pile to be tested for load bearing capacity. Retractable and reusable reaction anchor assemblies are installed into the ground for pile testing and then are retrieved from the ground after completion of the pile testing and are reused from one pile test site to another. The invention operates to receive an equal and opposite reaction force on an I-beam and provide at least two retractable and reusable reaction anchor assemblies installed into the ground at a depth significantly less than required with conventional pile testing methods. The I-beam is braced by the two retractable and reusable reaction anchor assemblies and held stationary in counter-action against the opposite reaction force on the I-beam. The pile testing apparatus and method of the present invention reduce costs considerably and can be used immediately as contrasted to conventional methods using concrete.

Abstract: A method for the analysis of the properties of a test specimen comprises: arranging a test specimen between contact surfaces; continuously reducing the distance between the contact surfaces; measuring the diameter of the test specimen when the test specimen makes contact with the contact surfaces; further displacing the contact surfaces in a direction towards each other during the compression of the test specimen until the test specimen disintegrates; storing and continuously recording the force that is applied to the test specimen and the time; recording the maximum forces at all the points of disintegration of the test specimen; increasing the distance between the contact surfaces; and removing the test specimen.

Abstract: A method for the analysis of the strength of a test specimen of reducible material that contains iron during the use of an arrangement comprises: a) arranging a test specimen between adjacent contact surfaces of first and second devices of the arrangement; b) continuously reducing the distance between the contact surfaces; c) compressing the test specimen between the contact surfaces while a measurement value that comprises at least the force that is applied to the specimen is collected; d) storing the measured value in a memory; e) increasing the distance between the contact surfaces; and f) removing the compressed test specimen. An arrangement for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A spatial pressure distribution sensor comprises a sensor array and a processor. The sensor array comprises an array of pressure sensors. Each of the pressure sensors is operable to generate a respective pressure signal in response to pressure applied to it. The pressure signal quantifies the pressure with greater than single-bit resolution. The processor is operable in response to the pressure signals to generate an information signal representing the spatial distribution of pressure applied to the sensor array.

Abstract: A force detection device of the present invention is for detecting an operation force of an operator applied in a uniaxial direction, and includes a force receiving part for receiving the operation force, a force detection part placed on a support for detecting the uniaxial force, a force propagation body disposed reciprocatably along the uniaxial direction on the support for propagating the operation force received by the force receiving part to the force detection part, a guide provided on the support for guiding reciprocation of the force propagation body, a preload receiving part pivoted to the force propagation body and capable of swinging within a plane along the uniaxial direction, and a pair of coil springs coupled to both sides of the preload receiving part with a pivot axis thereof held therebetween for giving a preload to the force detection part.

Abstract: A surface texture measuring instrument includes a force sensor (1), an actuator (11) and a detector (12).

Abstract: Touch probe including a fixed part (250), designed to be fastened onto a measuring machine or a machine tool, and a contact feeler (30) that is mobile and orientable on two independent axes (211, 212) along a multiplicity of directions indexed in space. An actuator (300) comprising antifriction rollers and a ball bearing allows the rotation axes (211) to be unlocked and any orientation to be selected with minimized friction. In locked position, the actuator (300) withdraws under the action of return springs (336) so as not to influence the indexing accuracy.

Abstract: A test device for a foldable object is provided. The device comprises a frame, an external balloon and an internal balloon. The external balloon is disposed on the frame, and the internal balloon is disposed on an inner surface of the foldable object. When the internal balloon expands, it provides a first thrust to unfold the foldable object, and when the external balloon expands, it provides a second thrust to fold the foldable object. A folding test on a foldable object is performed accordingly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device, comprising a housing having two opposing measuring surfaces, to each of which there are assigned a phototransmitter and photoreceiver disposed in the interior of said housing, each measuring surface having an opening which is transparent to light of at least one wavelength and at least one of the two measuring surfaces is in the form of a dynamometer.

Abstract: A toner evaluation method that enables accurate evaluation of fixation performance of toner such as low temperature fixability and offset resistance, and a toner cartridge and an image forming apparatus adopting the toner positively evaluated by the evaluation method are provided. Toner is formed into a disc-shaped pellet. After preserved at a predetermined temperature, the pellet is compressed by a predetermined amount at a constant speed. If the maximum load (compression resistance) measured during the compression is a predetermined value or below, the minimum fixing temperature of the toner is relatively low.

Abstract: An online roll firmness measurement system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a contact element is placed in a fixed position. A roll of material is placed in between the contact element and a support surface. Based upon the amount of force exerted on the contact element, the firmness of the roll of material may be measured. In an alternative embodiment, the contact element applies a predetermined amount of force on the roll of material but is displaced when a roll of material is placed in between the contact element and the support surface. In this embodiment, the amount of displacement of the contact element is measured which allows for the calculation of roll firmness. In one embodiment, a roll firmness device made in accordance with the present invention may be placed in a system for winding rolls and used to maintain rolls of material being formed within preset roll firmness ranges.

Abstract: A universally adjustable tool for measuring the force required to throw the lever of a lever-type, two-part, electrical connector. The tool comprises a handle, a base bar to which the handle is slideably attached, and a pair of legs having adaptors to permit the tool to be mounted to the lever pivot of the connector. A load cell adjustably depends from the free end of the handle and is operably connectable to the lever by means of a catch in the form of a hook or other desired shape. Various joints and a slide bracket, along with connector adaptors, provide a universal tool adaptable for use with a wide variety of two-part matable lever type connectors.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for testing the mechanical properties of a material. The apparatus comprises a sample container (10) adapted to be filled with a sample of the material, and a housing (20) within which the sample container (10) is, in use, fixedly mounted. The sample container (10) has a first, open face via which a compressive load can be applied to the sample and a second face (19) disposed orthogonally to the first, open face. At least a portion of the second face (19) is resiliently displaceable, outwardly of the sample container (10), in response to deformation of the sample brought about by application of the load.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a surface sheet whose front side is an operating surface and a substrate sheet that includes a plurality of switches and that is disposed below the back side of the surface sheet at a predetermined space therebetween. When the operating surface is depressed, the surface sheet is deformed toward the substrate sheet and a switch of the plurality of switches is turned into an input state, and a resolution of a switch signal from each of the switches varies in accordance with the amount of a pressing force applied on the operating surface. Therefore, an electronic device, such as a cellular phone, installed with the pressure sensor can have various functions realized by a variation in the resolution.

Abstract: A tool is evaluated in response to a member of the tool being moved from a first position to a second position. In this evaluation, a first force is applied to the member. The first force is operable to move the member from the first position to the second position. In addition, a second force is sensed. This second force results from a resistance of the tool to the first force. Furthermore, it is determined whether the second force exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for in vitro testing of catamenial tampon-and-applicator systems are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an in vitro receptacle for accepting tampons deployed during the testing procedure. The in vitro receptacle comprises a sleeve with a tampon-deflecting zone, representing an in vivo vaginal channel with a frontal area of a cervix.

Abstract: A testing apparatus receives a test component between a force introduction table and a pressure plate, which apply a compressive load to the component therebetween. First and second shear beams are secured to opposite vertical edges of the component to respectively introduce upwardly and downwardly directed shear forces into the component. The upwardly directed shear force is generated by a first hydraulic cylinder that is arranged above the pressure plate in a horizontally adjustable manner on a head frame, and that is connected to the first shear beam through two tension rod assemblies including tensile force measuring transducers. The downwardly directed shear force is generated by two second hydraulic cylinders that are arranged under the pressure plate and that are connected to the second shear beam by strut assemblies including compressive force measuring transducers. High shear loads can be applied in the same vertical plane as the compressive load.

Abstract: Apparatus and an accompanying method for use in a conventional dynamic material testing system to advantageously provide enhanced self-resistive specimen heating. Specifically, a fixture (400) is added to the system. The fixture has two supporting arms (201, 451), each holding one of two opposing and conductive anvil assemblies (200, 453). The fixture applies adequate force to each arm sufficient to hold a specimen (466) in position between the anvil assemblies and establish a good abutting electrical contact between the specimen and each assembly but without exerting enough force to deform the specimen as it is being heated. Separate opposing and existing coaxially-oriented shafts (406, 408) controllably strike both arms and move the anvils together, hence squeezing the specimen and generating each deformation therein.

Abstract: An online roll firmness measurement system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a contact element is placed in a fixed position. A roll of material is placed in between the contact element and a support surface. Based upon the amount of force exerted on the contact element, the firmness of the roll of material may be measured. In an alternative embodiment, the contact element applies a predetermined amount of force on the roll of material but is displaced when a roll of material is placed in between the contact element and the support surface. In this embodiment, the amount of displacement of the contact element is measured which allows for the calculation of roll firmness. In one embodiment, a roll firmness device made in accordance with the present invention may be placed in a system for winding rolls and used to maintain rolls of material being formed within preset roll firmness ranges.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a conventional dynamic material testing system to advantageously provide uniform self-resistive specimen heating with enhanced temperature uniformity. Specifically, an anvil stack (300) in an anvil assembly (200) has a foil interface (242) with a composite layer (320A, 320B, 320C) containing, e.g., a concentrically oriented multi-component arrangement formed of an inner high strength and insulating disk (315, 325, 335) and an outer ring-shaped resistive region (313, 323, 333), situated between an anvil base (241) and an anvil top (240). An insulating member (243) electrically and thermally insulates all sides of the anvil stack from its supporting structure.

Abstract: A device for simulating the various forces a load of hot asphalt mix places on the inside of a gyratory compactor allows the calibration of the compactor without requiring actual asphalt to be used. Obviating the need for asphalt during calibration significantly increases the accuracy of the calibration and provides an opportunity for more data to be obtained. The device is capable of being heated to hot asphalt temperatures for more accurate calibration.

Abstract: A metal ring inspection method of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) V-belt for inspecting end face defects in a belt laminated band composed of a plurality of metal ring stacked layers in which a first process is executed which grasps the outer periphery surface of the belt laminated band from both sides to firmly touch the inner periphery surface and removes crowning from the metal rings; a second process is executed which applies a sliding force in the width direction relative to each metal ring constituting the belt laminated band to expose the belt laminated band end face in a different tiered shape; and subsequently a third process is executed which inspects the belt laminated band end face defects exposed in the different tiered shape.

Abstract: A high-sensitivity pressure conduction sensor is presented. The present invention includes a pair of locally resilient conductive layers and a locally resilient pressure conduction composite disposed between and contacting both conductive layers. Alternate embodiments include at least three locally resilient conductive layers and at least two locally resilient pressure conduction composites, each having a critical percolation threshold. Each composite is disposed between and contacting two conductive layers in a multi-layer fashion. Other embodiments include a locally resilient pressure conduction composite, a flexible substrate completely surrounding the composite so as to seal it therein, and a pair of electrical leads contacting the composite and terminating outside of the flexible substrate. Pressure conduction composites are composed of a plurality of conductive particles electrically isolated within a non-conductive matrix.

Abstract: A fixture and technique for testing a coil spring selected from a supply of springs. Each spring has an unstressed generally helical configuration and the test determines an excess departure from the helical configuration of a spring under a compressive load. The first end of a selected spring is radially fixed in a first guide while a second end of the spring end is axially retained in a movable second guide that is supported on rollers to allow omni-directional transverse radial motion of the second end. An axial compressive force is applied to the selected spring while allowing the second end relatively free radial motion. When compression induced radial motion of the second end exceeds a predetermined threshold, the second end the selected spring closes a normally opened electrical circuit to inform an operator that the selected spring is excessively out of square and should be rejected.

Abstract: A ground reaction force measuring module for a walking robot includes a housing installed at a predetermined portion of the walking robot facing the ground, a moving unit installed capable of moving with respect to the housing according to the presence of a pressing force to the ground transferred from the ground to the walking robot, and a compression sensor installed in the housing to measure a reaction force of the ground from the presence of the pressing force transferred through the moving unit. Thus, a change in the ground reaction force in a wide range can be stably coped with and the installation position of the robot foot can be easily changed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the non-destructive detection of pits and pit fragments found in dried fruit has been developed. It utilizes a force transducer and a signal processor to determine whether or not pit or pit fragments are present in a fruit specimen, and is able to automatically separate specimens testing positive from the product stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for determining characteristics of products of generally unequal size, e.g. apples, which are conveyed on product carriers, such as rollers of a conveying apparatus, and pass the system, the system comprising a detection device, arranged at some distance from the products, having a transmitter section and a receiver section, as well as a signal processing unit for processing signals to and from the system, including the signals of the receiver section for determining the characteristics, the system further comprising: a sensor which, prior to the passage of a product, scans the size of each passing product and produces a corresponding scanning signal, and a displacement device, for positioning, in accordance with each scanning signal, at least the receiver section of the detection device at a well-defined distance during the passage of each product.

Abstract: A device for testing, measuring and indexing shoes is disclosed. The device measures the capacity for vertical support of the midsole which is located directly under the heel of the foot. A base value is established for a specific brand and model of shoe. This permits the consumer to compare the amount of cushioning and shock absorption during the heel strike phase of running or walking activities of any of a plurality of different brand and models of shoe. Further, one may determine the value of a shoe which has been used to determine whether it should be replaced. The device employs a heel ram which would be inserted into the shoe directly above the midsole where the heel of the foot would reside. The ram is then forced into the midsole material. When a specific amount of pressure is achieved (PSI), a sensor measures the depth of penetration into the material. The less depth that is reached with the predetermined pressure, the more structure there is in the midsole.

Abstract: A force-adjustable hand-held coffee/espresso tamping device is used to uniformly pack grounds and replicate espresso quantity and quality from one cup to the next. The user is provided with an adjustable, calibrated method for setting the tamping force desired, and the device emits a signal when this predetermined force is achieved. The hand-held nature of the device allows the espresso machine operator great flexibility in fine-tuning the overall operation.

Abstract: A tool is evaluated in response to a member of the tool being moved from a first position to a second position. In this evaluation, a first force is applied to the member. The first force is operable to move the member from the first position to the second position. In addition, a second force is sensed. This second force results from a resistance of the tool to the first force. Furthermore, it is determined whether the second force exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A mechanical test method prescribes compressing brittle balls in spherical conforming opposing platens producing equatorial bulging, tensile stresses, and resulting indentation crack growth that is imaged for providing direct measurement of the fracture toughness of brittle balls, such as, silicon-nitride balls used in hybrid bearings as well as conventional steel ball bearings, with measurement errors being immune to characterizing the dimensions and positioning of the precrack indentations, so that, the test method is accurate, repeatable, and robust.

Abstract: A sensor array is configured based upon capacitive sensor techniques to measure stresses at various positions in a sheet simultaneously and allow a stress map to be obtained in near real-time. The device consists of single capacitive elements applied in a one or two dimensional array to measure the distribution of stresses across a mat surface in real-time as a function of position for manufacturing and test applications. In-plane and normal stresses in rolling bodies such as tires may thus be monitored.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method for defining elastic deformations and integral angle between of the most important parts of a gyratory compactor, in which method the angle of gyration of a gyratory compactor is measured during the use of the gyratory compactor. The object of the invention is also a device in accordance with the claim 1, which device includes measuring elements (13, 20, 27, 28) for measuring the angle of gyration of a gyratory compactor. Characteristic to the method in accordance with the invention is the fact that a loading device (1) is adjusted in the place of mass specimen, the loading of which on the gyratory compactor is earlier known and that the gyratory compactor will be in use while the loading device (1) is inside the gyratory compactor. Characteristic to the device in accordance with the invention is the fact that the device includes at least one loading device which can be placed inside the specimen cylinder mold of the gyratory compactor.

Abstract: A gyratory compacting apparatus and data capture and display system for compacting a specimen of material within a mold as the mold is gyrated, and capturing and displaying data on an internal angle of gyration during mold gyration, the apparatus and system having a generally cylindrical mold for holding a specimen of material to be compacted, at least one plate in the mold in contact with material in the mold and which moves relative to the mold as the mold is gyrated, and at least one sensor which measures an internal angle of gyration between the mold and a mold plate and captures internal gyration angle data for real-time display of internal gyration angle data during gyration and compaction. Alternative arrays of internal gyration angle sensors are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to interact with a cylindrical mold for a gyratory compactor so as to determine a property of the gyratory compactor is provided, wherein the mold is adapted to contain a sample therein. Such an apparatus comprises a rigid disk-shaped plate defining an axis and a periphery, with the plate being adapted to be disposed within the mold. At least one sensing device is operably engaged with the plate, wherein the at least one sensing device is configured to measure a proximity of the at least one sensing device with respect to a reference member and to produce a corresponding signal indicative of the property of the gyratory compactor. In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to determine the gyration angle of the mold, while in another embodiment, the apparatus is configured to determine the pressure exerted on the sample within the mold. The property of the mold may be determined either statically or dynamically. Associated apparatuses, devices, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: An in-plane shear and multi-axial tension or compression testing apparatus having four-bar linkages pivotable to two sleeves on an opposite vertices with the sleeves of each vertex rotationally attached to each other. Lateral links of each linkage are pivotally attached to load transfer plates in which the plates secure a test specimen. Each linkage is rotatable to the other linkages while the vertices are subjected to a compression or tensile load. The vertices are also capable of rotation by a testing machine for shear testing. During compression or tension of the vertices of the apparatus, the plates respectfully move toward or away from each other thereby applying compression or tension to the specimen. The bars of one linkage can be rotated with respect to the other, thereby applying torsional loading to the specimen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring the compressibility of a hot powder. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of measuring the compressibility of a polymer hot powder, preferably a polyethylene hot powder.

Abstract: The invention is a composite of interdependent engineering methods for earthen fill engineering and construction. The invention includes the development, utilization, and correlation of actual, cumulative field compaction energies, unique to and based on field combination-specific variables of any combination but including all of the following: soil type, compactor type, lift thickness, moisture content, and soil amendment type and mix.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for measuring a pedal-pushing force applied to a pedal of a vehicle. The device comprises a robot having a robotic arm that moves according to a moving track of the pedal while the posture of the robotic arm is controlled, and a load cell attached to the end of the robotic arm for detecting a pedal-pushing force applied to the pedal. To the end of the load cell is fixed a roller for minimizing frictional force generated at the measured surface of the pedal. The device further comprises a connection bracket fixed to the pedal, a rod having one end fixed to the load cell and the other end inserted into the connection bracket, and a pin for connecting the connection bracket and the rod such that the rod is rotated relative to the connection bracket, whereby a reverse load generated at the pedal is measured. According to the present invention, the pedal-pushing force applied to the pedal is accurately measured, as well as a reverse load generated at the pedal.

Abstract: For acquiring characteristic data of a pack (10), in particular of a cigarette pack, the latter is compressed between a pressure plate (26) and a bearing plate (27). The latter is connected to a load cell (28) in order to determine the applied force as a function of the distance traveled. The characteristic deformation data or change in force at a precise, constant downward movement of the pressure plate (26) yield a reproducible, characteristic image of the pack (10) in question.

Abstract: A simulation press is provided comprising a fixed main body; a carriage associated with the main body for movement relative to the main body; a first plate coupled to the fixed main body and being adapted to engage a workpiece; and a second plate coupled to the carriage for movement with the carriage. The second plate is also adapted to engage the workpiece. One or more motor apparatus are coupled to the fixed main body and the carriage for effecting movement of the carriage relative to the main body. A drive controller is coupled to the motor apparatus for controlling the operation of the motor apparatus in response to feedback from one or more feedback sensors so as to cause the second plate to move relative to the first plate such that the first and second plates engage at least one point site on the workpiece so as to simulate compression loading of a point site on a workpiece in a nip type process.

Abstract: A device for measuring mechanical properties of an elastic body, comprising: at least two contacts adapted to contact a surface of an elastic body to be measured, at least one of said contacts being a movable contact; a drive section for moving said movable contact; a control section for controlling an action of said drive section; a detecting section for detecting a stress generated by the movement of said contact as an electric signal; and a processing section for processing the electric signal for the stress detected by said detecting section and an amount of movement of said movable contact, wherein the action of said contacts making contact with the surface of said elastic body includes a closing action of the two of the contacts and a stationarily holding action after the closing action.

Abstract: A method and relative working station (SV) for checking the integrity of packages (2), in particular single-dose packages, includes basically the following operation steps:

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing a known resistance load and measuring an internal gyration angle of a mold in a gyratory compactor. A device in one form has a cylindrical body with protrusions through which a known resistance force is applied by the gyratory compactor, and probes which extend from the body to measure an internal angle of gyration of a mold within a gyratory compactor. The device is placed into a cylindrical mold which is placed into a gyratory compactor. Mold end plates may or may not be required depending on the gyratory compactor configuration and construction of the device body. As the mold is tilted on its axis to an operative gyration angle, the protrusions on each end of the body apply a moment force to the mold which produces a known resistance force on the gyratory compactor frame. Measurement of an internal angle of gyration is made while the resistance force is applied to the compactor frame and while the gyratory compactor gyrates the mold.

Abstract: A test kit for a semiconductor package and a method for testing the semiconductor package using the same are provided. The test kit for a semiconductor package includes a pick-and-place tool for picking up and loading/unloading the semiconductor package, a head assembly having a package guider and a socket guider, and a socket which is positioned under the head assembly. The socket guider performs a pre-alignment function for a correct operation of the package guider, before the package guider starts operating. The package guider aligns the semiconductor package.

Abstract: This invention defines improvements in dynamic force measuring instruments, which allow for the acquisition of data, such as depth driven and force applied, from the driven pile with the sensor being designed to make it easier to place the sensor with respect to the pile to be driven. In particular, the invention comprehends the use of a foil sensor, which is covered with insulation. An inductive belt sensor can be wrapped around the pile anytime during the driving of the pile. The signal from the belt sensor in response to stress in the pile from the pile driver is fed to a computer in the same manner as for the coil. The belt consists of a metallic strip of aluminum or copper or other conductive metallic material covered on both sides and ends by insulation material. At one end of the metallic strip an electric cable is connected which leads through a connector to a computer. The metallic strip picks up the magnetostriction signal, which is proportional to the resistance the pile encounters during driving.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing tack of Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSA) and other sticky materials is disclosed to simplify the measurement of bonding and debonding procedures. A modified rolling tack test is applied using a device attached on to an Instron Universal Testing machine. By predetermining the angle (position) of a cylindrical probe-roller hanging down to the Instron's cross-head and leaning parallel to a rotary drum covered with tacky substance, the pressure of the probe and its rolling velocity (as an expression for dwell time) can be controlled independently. The ease of execution and its high reproducibility enable the use of the new method to study the experimental tack of adhesive materials.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for testing the strength of ceramic honeycomb structures are described. The apparatus includes a chamber that utilizes a flexible, generally cylindrical member including integral flanges to apply compressive force to the periphery of the honeycomb structure. According to some embodiments, a portable apparatus with an open chamber is provided to allow for rapid testing of multiple honeycomb structures.