Abstract: Subject of the invention is a method to measure the compaction properties of soil and other similar masses. A mass specimen is placed in a cylinder. The mass specimen is then pressed with standard pressure between an upper platen and a lower platen, and the height of the specimen is measured. Also subject of the invention is a device to measure the compaction properties of soil and other similar masses. Characteristic to the method and apparatus according to the invention is the fact that there is a specimen cylinder (2) attached to the frame (1) to be rotated mainly with respect to its central axis.

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: Brittleness of a coating substance such as a coating film that is too brittle and/or too thin to be independently removed or handled is rated on the basis of an outcome of detection of acoustic emissions which are produced when a test film piece prepared by laminating a support with the coating substance is deformed by a compression transverse test device and detected by an AE sensor attached to the test film.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus (LCPA) for measuring a load applied to a quantity of material. The LCPA includes a load cell assembly sandwiched between an inner plate and an outer plate. The load cell assembly measures the load applied to the quantity of material when a force is exerted against the outer plate. Preferably, the load cell assembly includes three equally spaced apart load cells. In one aspect, the LCPA is a part of a gyratory compactor such that the LCPA measures the load applied to a paving material test specimen when a ram exerts a force against the outer plate during the compaction and gyration process. In one aspect, the location of the resultant force exerted by the ram on the specimen is calculated so that the performance of the test specimen may be evaluated.

Abstract: A container for storing sport balls incorporates a device for testing the playing condition of the balls. The test device is in the form of a disk with a base portion supported within the container and an indicator arm. A ball to be tested is placed into the container where it rests on the indicator arm with a portion of the ball protruding out of the open end of the container. The exposed portion of the ball is pressed against a flat surface. This deflects the indicator arm and provides a visual indication of the playing condition of the ball.

Abstract: The device comprises a corer (1, 4) fitted with a flexible diaphragm (2) on its inside face, means (10) for driving the corer into the soil (11), means for breaking up the soil leaving the top orifice of the corer, means for applying axial forces on the diaphragm (2) and on the top face of the soil sample (12) contained in the corer, and means for measuring stresses and deformations to which the sample (12) is subject. While a measurement is being performed, the corer is held stationary in the soil (11).

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 present invention is directed to a method of producing a container for holding a columnar member in a cylindrical housing with a shock absorbent member wrapped around the columnar member.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for testing the residual seal force of the closure of a container, particularly a container for parenteral pharmaceutical products. An automated and instrumented press collects stress and strain data for a closure of a container for parenteral pharmaceutical products. An algorithm is automatically applied to the resulting data set, determining candidate residual seal forces for several data smoothing spans. Confidence levels are determined for each of the candidate residual seal forces. The candidate residual seal force corresponding to the highest confidence level is selected. The process is repeated and the results averaged to determine a final residual seal force.

Abstract: A single fabric testing apparatus is capable of measuring mechanical and thermal characteristics of a specimen previously carried out in separate testing apparatuses. The single apparatus is provided with a plurality of mechanical and temperature sensors and a heatable top plate. In use, a ram moves the top plate vertically downwards to press a fabric specimen against a bottom plate. The plate is surrounded by a fixed upstanding peripheral skirt against which an outer periphery of the specimen is bent to enable shearing and bending characteristics to be measured. The bottom plate is biased upwards by a spring which is compressed until the top plate is arrested by a fixed frame member. Further downward movement of the ram enables compressibility of the specimen to be determined. A rotatable section of the top plate can be turned by a stepping motor to determine the surface friction characteristics of the specimen.

Abstract: A slit for probe-changing is provided above an opening for changing a test piece on a side of a test piece tube for installing test pieces. Probes are then taken out and inserted via this slit. Probes can therefore be changed without taking out the test piece tube or a thermocouple. This improves work efficiency and means that the work can be carried out in a confined space because the probes are pulled forward towards an operator and inserted in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A method tests a ceramic socket insert of a hip joint endoprosthesis in which, in use, a spherical head articulates against a functional inner surface of a ceramic socket insert which is anchored in a pelvic bone by means of a socket housing. The method includes providing the ceramic socket insert in a holding arrangement, applying a predetermined pressing force to a predetermined sub-area of the functional inner surface of the ceramic socket insert, and applying a supporting force to a sub-area of an outer surface of the ceramic socket insert to counteract the pressing force. The predetermined sub-area of the functional inner surface symmetrically surrounds a pole of the inner surface of a ceramic socket insert. The predetermined force is such that stresses generated in the ceramic socket insert are higher than stresses generated in the case of a physiological load.

Abstract: Subject of the invention is a method to measure properties of compaction of masses of the soil and other masses of the kind. A mass specimen in a cylinder is pressed with standard pressure between an upper platen and a lower platen and the height of the specimen is measured in this method. Subject of the invention is also a device to measure properties of the compaction of masses of the soil and other masses of the kind. Characteristic to the method according to the invention is the fact that the mass and the compaction occurs. Characteristic to the device according to the invention is the fact that there is a specimen cylinder (2) attached to the frame (1) to be rotated mainly with respect to its centre axle.

Abstract: In order to precisely and unambiguously measure braking forces, measurements must be carried out as close as possible to the location where the force is directly introduced onto the brake lining (18). To this end, the invention provides that the deflection &Dgr;Z of the actuator bottom (2) is used as a measured variable for the braking force and that the actuator bottom is correspondingly designed for this purpose. The supporting ring (3) of the actuator (1) rests in an annular manner on the brake lining (18). The braking force (F) is centrically applied to the actuator bottom (2). Various measures are taken in order to eliminate, to the greatest possible extent, the influences of temperature and hysteresis effects as the braking force (F) is converted into a proportional deformation &Dgr;Z.

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: A profile sensor and method for mapping the variability in soil compaction and soil characteristics with respect to depth. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a tine with a plurality of cutting elements supported by a plurality of independent load cells configured to measure the force exerted on the cutting elements as the tine is pulled through the soil of a field. Soil cutting forces through the soil profile are preferably measured to a depth of 63 cm in increments of 7.5 cm. The profile sensor showed that the cutting force is influenced by soil moisture content, depth of operation of the tine and vertical location of the cutting element.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to high pressure cells used for high pressure and spectroscopic studies. More particularly, the present invention is directed to the use of moissanite in a high pressure cell or a high pressure press as the anvil and/or gasket material. Additionally, the invention relates to the methods of applying pressure to a sample in a high pressure cell and the method for applying pressure to multiple samples in a high pressure cell.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for testing the residual seal force of the closure of a container, particularly a container for parenteral pharmaceutical products. An automated and instrumented press collects stress and strain data for a closure of a container for parenteral pharmaceutical products. An algorithm is automatically applied to the resulting data set, determining candidate residual seal forces for several data smoothing spans. Confidence levels are determined for each of the candidate residual seal forces. The candidate residual seal force corresponding to the highest confidence level is selected. The process is repeated and the results averaged to determine a final residual seal force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing bituminous concrete mixes to predict the likelihood of early rutting is disclosed. A test head designed to be used in a gyratory compactor uses the compaction provided by the gyratory compactor to analyze bituminous mixes to determine whether they are likely to prematurely rut. A test specimen of bituminous mix is prepared to a specified air void content and then heated to a constant temperature and placed in the gyratory compactor. The test head, which consists of a hard rubber block in the shape of a truncated cone mounted in the direct center of a flat, metal circular disk, is placed on top of the specimen in the gyratory compactor with the rubber head down and engaging the test specimen. Once compaction is completed, mix specimen compaction data is analyzed to ascertain the degree of mix deformation for a specified number of gyrations, to thereby predict whether the mix is likely to prematurely rut.

Abstract: By measuring the pressure distribution between fabricating equipment and a product formed in that equipment, and optionally the sequence in which the pressure is applied, the quality of product formation may be optimized. In an illustrated embodiment, pressure sensors are placed between a turn-up bladder and a tire apex in tire building equipment, and the pressure applied by the equipment, and the sequence of pressure application are observed and are correlated with product quality.

Abstract: A single fabric testing apparatus is capable of measuring mechanical and thermal characteristic of a specimen previously carried out in separate testing apparatus. The single apparatus is provided with a plurality of mechanical and temperature sensors and a heatable top plate 10. In use, a ram 9 moves the top plate 10 vertical downwards to press a fabric specimen against a bottom plate 14. The plate 14 is surrounded by a fixed upstanding peripheral skirt 15 against which an outer periphery of the specimen is bent to enable shearing and bending characteristics to be measured. The bottom plate 14 is biassed upwards by a spring 16 which is compressed until the top plate is arrested by a fixed frame member 18. Further downward movement of the ram enables compressibility of the specimen to be determined. A rotatable section 11 of the top plate 10 can be turned by a stepping motor 13 to determine the surface friction characteristics of the specimen.

Abstract: Displacement measuring means (15, 16) are fixed onto the structural element. A hole (20, 21) is pierced in the measurement zone and a supply pressure is applied to a flat actuator introduced into the hole. The displacements measured are analyzed as a function of the supply pressure to determine the stress from a supply pressure which roughly compensates for the deformation of the element due to the piercing of the hole. The measuring means comprise two arms (15) that are fixed to the element at two respective anchoring points (X) aligned parallel to a measuring direction, and at least two displacement sensors (16) mounted on the arms on each side of the anchoring points to measure the variations in separation between the anchoring points. The arms (15) leave between them a gap through which the hole is pierced at a central position with respect to the anchoring points.

Abstract: This invention is a method for determining the compressive strength of cores obtained from concrete or similar materials by applying the load on 4 lines on the core cylindrical surface through a specially designed but very simple apparatus. The four loading lines are uniformly distributed on the circumstance of the test section of the core through using the apparatus so that the core is compressed in two diametrical directions—dual-dual directions orthogonal to each other. The stresses in the test section of cores are in three dimensional compression state and thus the test is of compressive nature. This invention avoids the trimming, capping, and curing operations which the conventional core test has to follow. Moreover, some factors that may result in the reduction in the reliability and the practical benefit of the core test can be greatly restrained or removed.

Abstract: A method of non-destructively testing the adhesion of electrical leads joined to a package comprising the steps of holding the package and a portion of a lead in respective stationary positions, applying a force to the lead proximate an area where it's joined to the package, and measuring the resistance of the lead to the force. An apparatus for holding the package and leads during such testing comprising first and second holding members, each having three arms connected by a transverse member.

Abstract: An angle measuring device for use in a gyratory compactor. The device is a self-contained unit which is placed in the bottom of the mold and the asphalt or other material being compacted is placed on top of it. Inside the device is a carrier which has two vertically aligned probes which project out from it and touch the walls of the mold. One probe is fixed to the carrier; the other can move independently of the carrier. The difference in extension between the two probes is related to the angle of compaction.

Abstract: A tension measurement apparatus for a pogo pin comprising a height adjusting device for adjusting a height to be measured vertically, on which a means for measuring a tension of the pogo pin is mounted to be vertically movable according to the operation of the height adjusting means. The measurement apparatus preferably includes a vertical moving supporter mounted on the height adjusting device, a fixing member disposed to be coupled with or separated from the vertical moving supporter, a moving rail rotatably connected to the fixing member, a coupler mounted on the moving rail to be movable within the range of a given distance, connected to the tension measurement device. The tension measurement apparatus of the present invention can measure the tension of pogo pins under uniform conditions, while the pogo pins remain in a pogo module, thereby preventing inspection errors due to the pogo pins.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a vehicle performance evaluation test by automatically depressing a control member of the vehicle to be depressed by a vehicle operator uses an actuator of a vehicle performance evaluation test apparatus. The actuator depresses the control member, the actuator having a first end and a second end. The first end of the actuator is fixed to a seat of the vehicle The second end of the actuator is engaged with the control member of the vehicle. The actuator is caused to exert a depressing force to depress the control member relative to the seat so as to automatically depress the control member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus conduct a performance evaluation test for a vehicle in which an actuator that applies a depressing force to a control member to be operated by a vehicle operator is controlled by a controller. The controller controls the actuator to automatically apply the depressing force to the control member for conducting a performance evaluation test for the vehicle, and changes control of the actuator in accordance with an actual state of the vehicle.

Abstract: A flexible microbend device for attachment to an optical fiber is provided. The device comprises an upper bending element grid having at least one flexible element and a lower bending element grid having at least one flexible element. The upper bending element grid alternately engages the lower bending element grid. The flexible microbend device is attached to an optical fiber to form a sensor. The sensor may be either embedded in a host material or attached to a structure to detect various stresses or strains.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods for in-line testing for leaks in flexible containers traveling along a production line at high speeds. The apparatus inspects semi-rigid plastic containers at a high capacity by using multiple sensors at fixed displacements along a compression section while analyzing the response of the sensors such that internal pressure decays of leaky containers are readily discernible without interrupting the flow of the production line.

Abstract: A capacitance-type external-force detecting device includes a substrate, a moveable unit which is supported by the substrate via a supporting beam and which can be displaced in the detecting direction, a comb-shaped fixed electrode provided on the substrate and including a plurality of fixed electrode units spaced in the detecting direction, a comb-shaped moveable electrode provided on the moveable unit and including a plurality of moveable-side electrode units provided between the corresponding fixed electrode units so that the moveable-side electrode units are meshed with the corresponding fixed electrode units, and a capacitance-detecting unit for detecting the displacement amount of the moveable part, at the time when the external force causes the moveable unit to be displaced in the detecting direction, as the variation in the ratio of the overall capacitance between the fixed electrode units and the moveable electrode units and for outputting a voltage signal substantially in proportion thereto.

Abstract: A machine for inspecting a ceramic sample by applying a compression thereto, includes an inspecting container including a generally cylindrical container provided with an elastic sleeve therein. An elastic sheet is disposed between the cylindrical container and the elastic sleeve. The cylindrical container and the elastic sleeve and sheet are integrated to form the inspecting container. A ceramic sample provided in the cylindrical container is compressed by injecting a hydrostatic pressure applying medium between the elastic sheet and the cylindrical container.

Abstract: This method of monitoring the compaction of a fill for embedding a pipe includes the steps of applying a force to the fill so as to obtain a resulting deformation of the latter, measuring the deformation of the fill, computing the elastic modulus of the fill, determining the dry density of the fill form the computed elastic modulus and from the nature of the fill, and comparing the computed dry density with a dry density value corresponding to an optimum compaction of the fill. The force applied to the fill is applied via the pipe and the deformation of the fill is obtained by measuring and deformation of the pipe.

Abstract: A portable and manually operated lightweight tennis ball tester with a housing for receiving at least one tennis ball to be tested; a pair of bars disposed in the housing in a substantially parallel relationship, each of the pair of bars being disposed in opposite sides of the at least one tennis ball; force applying system coupled to one of the pair of bars and extending out of one end of the housing to enable applying a force to the at least one tennis ball; and gauge device coupled to the other of the pair of bars to provide an indication of whether the at least one tennis ball meets standard of play established by the United States Tennis Association.

Abstract: A method of estimating the compressive strength of a foam cement sample from a parametric measurement (base cement compressive strength) obtainable from conventional equipment, wherein standard laboratory measurements are used to establish the relationship between the base cement compressive strength, the volume percent entrained gas and the compressive strength of the subject foam cement.

Abstract: A device for measuring the rate of recovery of a foam sample under compression includes a compression surface engageable with the foam sample and a displacement transducer disposed in mechanical communication with the compression surface. A process of measuring the rate of recovery of the foam sample under compression includes exerting a compressive force on the foam sample such that the foam sample is compressed by a predetermined percentage of its thickness, releasing the compressive force, and measuring the thickness versus time of the recovering foam sample as it returns to its pre-deformed state.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring forces and behavior of a material when subjected to an applied force in a contained vessel or mold in directions not aligned with the applied force. Materials which flow, including mixed materials with an aggregate and a mastic, can be tested within a material vessel or mold by applying a force to the material within the mold and, in addition to measuring resistance of the material to the applied force, resulting forces applied by the material to the mold walls, for example laterally relative to the applied force, are measured and are indicative of flow characteristics and load bearing performance, and shear strength of the material. In a specific testing device, a material testing mold for use with material testing equipment which applies forces to material within the mold, has a mold cavity formed by walls. At least one portion of the wall is configured to deflect or deform in response to material pressure created by a force applied to the material.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a compression stress sensor having a proof body (1) and strain gauges (7) connected together to form a Wheatstone bridge. The proof body (1) is made as a single piece from a monolithic rod which is cylindrical or prismatic with a circular or a regularly polygonal transverse section. This rod (1) is traversed in its median part by at least one pair of passages (3, 4) orthogonal one with respect to the other and located in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) of the proof body (1) to define between them independent measure columns (5). The end faces (2, 2a) of the proof body provide bearing faces receiving the forces to be measured and a strain gauge (7) is fixed to a surface of each independent measure column (5).

Abstract: A method is described for operating an electric press which comprises an electrically actuated press ram, at least one displacement sensor for sensing positions of the displacement of the press ram during its working stroke, at least one force sensor for sensing compressive force applied by the press ram during the working stroke onto workpieces to be processed, and a control system which controls the working stroke in terms of displacement and compressive force. Parameters which indicate a successful course or completion of the pressing operation are dynamically adapted as a function of the profile of the compressive force versus the displacement of the press ram.

Abstract: An adjusting method and apparatus is provided for optimizing the CB of casting sand relative to the deformation properties of a casting mold. The method consists of measuring compactibility of casting sand by compactibility measuring means 4 and a value of compressive deformation of a sample mold 10 corresponding to the compactibility by compressive deformation measuring means 5, repeating the measuring step at least three times, and operating the optimum compactibility, at which the value of compressive deformation of the sample mold 10 is the minimum, by operation means 7.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gyratory shear press of which the compression means are disposed in the lower part of the chassis and of which the gyration means are provided in the upper part of the chassis which is in the form of a casing. The mould is introduced in the casing via an opening provided in the upper wall of the casing and adapted to be closed by a lid. The gyration means comprise two concentric sleeves separated from the casing and the mould by bearings. The inner sleeve is mounted to oscillate in the outer sleeve and is inclined by means of a vernier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of proof testing a planar, brittle materials such as those used for valve leaflets in the manufacture of mechanical heart valve prostheses, in which the material to be tested is placed between two interfitting, spherically-shaped shoes, one convex and one concave, and the shoes are compressed together, causing a biaxial stress force to be applied across the surface of the material. The use of a biaxial force created by the spherical shoe surfaces simplifies the testing procedure over the prior art, allowing a single application of force to test the material for flexure in any direction. The magnitude of the stress which is applied to the material is determined by the radii of the interfitting test shoes relative to the thickness of the material sample being tested. Sufficient force is applied to conform the material to the shoes such that any flaws of a predetermined minimum critical size will be revealed by acoustical monitoring during the test or visual inspection thereafter.

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

Abstract: The invention concerns a measuring idler-roller for measuring stress distution of flexible bands that are moved in the direction of their length, in which roller force-measuring transducers arranged in recesses or their covers are surrounded by a plastic layer that fills in a gap and prevents the penetration of fine abraded metal particles, and makes easier the installation of the cover and/or the measuring transducer.

Abstract: A device which can be used to test heavy coil springs, which is of simple low-cost construction, but which is so designed that the spring can be readily mounted thereon for testing and can be readily removed when testing is completed, and will effectively retain the spring in proper position during testing, using: two containment plates, a cage made of 5 rods that pass through equi-distributed holes in the plates to contain a spring under test, and a central push rod which passes through the center of the assembly to move the containment plates together or apart as required to test the spring. A conventional spring test gauge may be fixed to either the push rod of one of the containment plates to measure the pressure generated by the spring during the test. The containment rods form a cage that expands as the containment plates compress the spring to permit the testing of long springs, and for safe testing of all springs.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a gyratory compaction apparatus for creating compression and shear forces in a sample material, the apparatus using a single roller to accomplish the gyration comprising a hollow cylinder mold including first and second end plates in slidable engagement with the mold at respective first and second open ends, with a chamber inside the mold for receiving the sample material, a support frame having an interior suitable for receiving the mold therein, a compression mechanism for compressing the sample material, and a gyratory assembly comprising a rotational drive motor having a drive shaft aligned along the longitudinal axis of the support frame interior, a cam mounted at the end of the drive shaft, a gyratory plate having an inner housing for encompassing and operably engaging the cam including a spring biased plunger operably engaging the cam and a first outer angular contact bearing for operably engaging the mold inner surface and a driven plate operably mounted to the suppo

Abstract: A portable foam compression tester for the testing of compressive yield strengths of roofing foam on-site at the point of foam application. The portable foam compression tester system comprises of a foam compression fixture attached to a standard roofing pullout tester common in the industry. The foam compression fixture consists of four support feet which, at one end, fix the foam compression fixture to the standard roofing pullout tester. A lift bar is attached to the pulling mechanism of the standard roofing pullout tester and pulls a moving platen upward as the tester is operated. A foam sample is placed on the moving platen and the sample is compressed against a fixed platen. The force required for compression of the foam sample is indicated on the force readout of the standard roofing pullout tester.

Abstract: A brush pressure control system for a cleaning, sweeping or scrubbing machine includes a machine frame (30) supporting a brush head arrangement (8, 27), an actuator arrangement (1, 10) for raising and lowering the brush head (27) mounted between the frame (30) and the brush head (27), and a resilient member operatively connected to the brush head and arranged to at least partially counterbalance the force exerted on the brush head (27) by the actuator (1, 10) when lowering the brush head (27).

Abstract: An apparatus for generating generally uniform compression forces over a film of a relatively low-viscosity liquid by passing the low-viscosity liquid through a porous plate, from an upstream face to a downstream face of the porous plate. The porous plate has a specified porosity and arrangement of the through holes or other pores that results in forming a uniform pressure through and uniform compression forces over a film of the low-viscosity liquid that is at or near the upstream face of the porous plate. The apparatus of this invention results in homogeneous deformation of a material, such as molten polymer, polymer solution, multiphase polymer systems, asphalts or foods.

Abstract: A firmness measuring method and device for non-destructive testing of objects (such as fruits) is disclosed. The device comprises the following components: a means to affect the size and/or shape of the object(s) through application of a compressive force (such as increased liquid, fluid, or mechanical pressure); or an expansive force (such as decreased liquid, fluid, or mechanical pressure); a means to measure or infer the volumetric change of the object(s) caused by application of the force; and/or measurement of surface deformation; an analyzer to utilize the volume change and/or amount of deformation of the surface caused by the applied force to infer the firmness of the object(s); a controller to coordinate the application of force, the measurement of object(s) response and the inference of firmness or firmness. Inference of firmness may also use additional information on the object(s) such as harvest date, manufacture date, weight, variety, chemical concentration, or water content.