Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for maturing a biopolymer tissue construct in vitro prior to use as a replacement construct in vivo as, for example, a graft, implant, or prosthesis. The tissue is seeded with specific cells, exposed to a maturation fluid, such as a synovial-like fluid containing hyaluronic acid, and subjected to selected conditioning and maturation forces, which can include frictional forces, shear forces, and compressive pressure. The tissue is mounted on a first support element and a second surface applies a selected force to the tissue. This maturation process occurs within a maturation chamber. The resultant matured replacement tissue construct is intended to provide a replacement tissue that is more readily integrable in vivo to produce a more durable and functional replacement tissue.

Abstract: A pressure gauge for tennis balls and the like, comprising a rigid clamp arm pivotally connected to a flexible clamp arm for squeezing a ball between them. The rigid clamp arm has a socket for holding the ball. The flexible clamp arm preferably has a probe which extends into the socket and depresses the ball when said two clamp arms are rotated toward each other in a clamping action. A pointer arm is journalled to the fulcrum of the clamp arms and is attached to the flexible clamp arm near the fulcrum with a screw, which can be loosened for calibration. A scale adjacent the free end of the pointer indicates the pointer displacement when the two clamp arms are pivoted together. The pointer provides high sensitivity to distinguish small differences in ball pressure.

Abstract: A spring tester has a hydraulic ram which urges a bearer plate towards a load cell to achieve a predetermined fixed spacing D between them. A replaceable spacer allows adjustment of the distance D to a distance d. A spring to be tested is compressed to the length d and the load indicated by the load cell. Under test, the spring is laid in a cylindrical channel in a carriage to simulate the operation of the spring in an aircraft braking system.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a pressure sensor array, data acquisition circuit, and a microprocessor are mounted in a hand held pad. Detection of nodules is achieved by analyzing the dynamic and spatial features of the pressure pattern while the probe pressed to the breast is periodically moved transversely to the ribs. The ribs play a role as an amplifier of the measured effect. The device will be able to objectively detect the presence of lumps in a breast and provide a warning signal. Another embodiment of the invention is a clinical device for imaging the mechanical structure of the examined breast and diagnosing diseases accompanied by changes in the elasticity of breast tissue. This embodiment is made up of an electronically controlled mechanical scanning unit incorporated into a patient support bed. The mechanical scanning unit includes a compression mechanism and positioning system, a local pressure source located opposite a pressure sensor array, and electronic control and interface circuitry.

Abstract: A portable combined gyratory compactor and extruder for compacting a specimen of material in a mold held in a mold gyration assembly and gyrated about a longitudinal axis as a compaction ram is driven into the mold, and for extruding compacted material from the mold without removing the mold from the mold gyration assembly. The mold gyration assembly is suspended from a spherical bearing pivot positioned lateral to the longitudinal axes of the mold and the compaction ram. The compaction ram is drivingly insertable up into the mold through the bottom of the mold to compact material in the mold as the mold is gyrated by the mold gyration assembly. When the gyratory compaction is completed, a top cap assembly over the top of the mold is removed to allow the compaction ram to be driven farther upward into the mold to extrude compacted material through the open top of the mold while the mold is held in the mold gyration assembly.

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 pressurized ball testing device for determining the relative pressure of tennis balls or other inflated balls whose internal pressure cannot be directly measured comprises a housing having two half shells, attached along a common axis so that the two half shells are movable along the central axis relative to each other. The interior of each half shell has a ball support centered on the central axis. The ball to be measured is placed between the two ball supports so that when the two half shells are pressed together, the ball is simultaneously compressed and held in place. The pressures are relative to a new ball or reference ball, allowing the balls to be sorted for suitability of play. Two methods of measurement are described, one using constant force and the other using constant displacement. In either case the ball to be tested is squeezed from opposite sides by finger-like protrusions to enhance the displacement of the side of the ball for a given force.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing the collapsibility of a plastic container, the container having a bottom, a peripheral side wall and an upper opening, the side wall formed with at least one peripheral fold line which, upon compression, facilitates telescoping of one portion of the container side wall into another portion of the container side wall, the apparatus comprising a base supporting a platform sized to receive a bottom portion of a container; a tool platen supported above the platform for reciprocating movement toward and away from the platform, the platen mounting a tool sized and shaped to engage the upper opening of the container; and a force gauge operatively attached to the platform for measuring force required to move the container from an upright, extended condition to a collapsed condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a pellet of resin to determine its age comprises preheating the pellet and subjecting it to a deformation force in a measurement fixture for a predetermined time period. At the expiration of the predetermined time period, the deformation of the pellet is measured and compared to an expected deformation of the resin as a function of the resin age to determine the age of the pellet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the force-displacement diagram of pairs of punches in a rotary pelleting machine involving measuring and storing the course of compression of punch pairs for each individual angle step, storing said data and preparing a correction table in a computer which is compared to the theoretical values of displacement.

Abstract: A confined capping system provides a simple approach for compressive strength testing of high performance concrete specimens. The test specimen ends are capped with a conventional capping compound confined in steel rings larger in diameter than the specimen. The capped rings are compression tested in a conventional way. This method thus employs standard concrete laboratory testing equipment. An inexpensive customized capping apparatus may be used for preparing the specimen ends. The method ensures that confinement is provided to the cap without having to place tight controls on specimen end roughness prior to capping and on the cap thickness itself.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a force, displacement, or both to specimens, components, or systems by using a remote variable load/deflection device. The method enables testing of materials under actual in-service conditions. A displaceable container with a heating or heating and cooling element inside is provided. As heat is applied to the element, it expands thermally and causes the container to displace and apply force to specimens, components, or systems. The load/displacement of the container is modified by heating or cooling the element material. The container may be attached to in-service specimens, components, or systems and used to study the material behavior during in-service operation.

Abstract: A portable ball testing device for testing inflated sport balls such as tennis balls, racquet balls and the like that includes a tubular element with an entrance port and an exit port that are sized to enable the a ball to be placed within and removed from the respective ports of the tubular element. A restricted region is disposed within the tubular element between the entrance port and the exit port. A ramrod element is provided that extends into the tubular element. A ram head is provided at the end of the ramrod element within the tubular element. As the ramrod element is advanced into the tubular element, the ram head abuts against the ball and pushes the ball through the restricted region. A handle is coupled to the ramrod element via a spring. When a manual force is applied to the handle, the spring compresses and the force is transferred to the ramrod element by the spring.

Abstract: A deflecting roller for sensing the distribution of stress along the roller while the roller deflects a strip of sheet material, and in particular, a deflecting roller having a plurality of stress sensors disposed around the roller such that the stress sensors sense the radially acting force on the roller, without contributing any interfering forces thereto. The roller has a plurality of measuring locations defined about the circumference of the roller. Each measurement location includes a recess in the roller; a stress-responsive sensor disposed in the recess; and a sensor cover positioned within the recess so as to cover the stress-responsive sensor. The sensor cover has the same cross sectional shape as the recess so that the sensor cover is guided by the wall of the recess for radial movement with respect to the roller. The sensor cover does not rest on a shoulder in the recess.

Abstract: A gyratory compacting and mold extruding apparatus for compacting a specimen of material within a mold as the mold is gyrated includes a frame for supporting a mold, a mold gyrating carriage, a compaction ram and ram driving assembly, and a mold specimen extruder. The mold gyrating carriage receives a cylindrical mold having a cavity for holding material and an external peripheral flange about which the mold carriage is guided and driven to gyrate the mold while the ram is drivingly inserted through the open top of the mold. The ram driving assembly is supported by a flexible portion of the frame which flexes in reaction to force transferred by the ram. Strain gauges on the flexible portion of the frame provide feedback control data on ram force to an integrated computer control system which selectively controls the ram driving assembly to control the force transferred by the ram at least partially according to data generated by the strain gauges.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for evaluating the stability of a disperse solid material against caking. The apparatus includes a chamber for storing a sample of the disperse solid material, the chamber having a diverging cross sectional area along a line of action of a compression load compressing the sample so as to cake a portion of the sample and an opening for enabling separation of the uncaked portion of the sample from the caked portion of the sample, a shutter for selectively sealing the opening during partial aggregation of the sample and a compression load mechanism for applying the compression load. The method includes the steps of providing a known weight of a sample of a disperse solid material, applying a compression load so as to cake a portion of the sample, separating an uncaked portion of the sample from a caked portion of the sample after partial aggregation of the sample and computing an index for the stability of the disperse solid material against caking.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for visualization of internal stresses in solid mrials by an acoustic microscope (10) connected to an (5) having a circular or spherical transmitting and receiving surface (8) for transmitting ultrasonic waves to and receiving reflected waves from a sample (3) to be examined in a body of liquid (2), such as water, a motor drive unit (7) having a movable arm thereon (6) connected to the acoustic lens (5) for supporting and moving the for scanning the sample, the motor drive (7) being connected to the (10) for being operated thereby to perform the scanning, a computer (16) having a visual display unit (18), and an oscilloscope (20) for indicating the reflected waves.

Abstract: Attempts to determine compression properties of materials from specimens having a thin cross-section or even specimens that have relatively large cross-sections and correspondingly large slenderness ratios, i.e., length-to cross-sectional-thicknesses, are thwarted, became failure will occur due to Euler buckling prior to the realization of the objective. The same problem exists when testing columns of various cross-sections and thin-walled cylinders as structural components, depending upon their slenderness ratios, or in situ specimens cut out of thin structural components. This invention presents an improved, but simple way to increase the critical buckling force while mechanically testing in compression laboratory specimens, in situ test specimens taken from structural components, or even structural components having large slenderness ratios.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imaging a portion of the body tissue comprises support for a portion of the tissue, and a force applying member that tends to deform the tissue relative to a reference position, while at the same time a pressure pattern distribution is generated indicating areas of greater pressure which are a function of the amount of deformation and localized portions of the tissue being deformed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for determining the diametral changes in a substantially cylindrical member produced by axial loads imposed on the cylindrical member, such as the valve stem in a motor operated valve assembly. The device is a clamp assembly comprised of a first jaw member and a second jaw member rigidly connected to each other and to the portions of the periphery of the cylindrical member by a pair of studs. The second jaw member has a flexure with a contact surface contacting a peripheral portion of the cylindrical member and a projection extending away from the contact surface to transmit compressive forces representative of diametral changes in the cylindrical member against a compression load cell housed in the second jaw member. The device is useful in the field of valve diagnostics.

Abstract: A device for compressing a specimen which includes a fixed support assembly supporting the specimen and a mobile piston assembly which compresses the specimen. The support assembly and the piston assemblies have respective first and second planar faces in contact with and supporting the specimen. The specimen is compressed between the first and second planar faces. Each of the supported piston assembly include a swivel joint and a part of the mobile piston assembly has the first planar face slidably engaging a part of the fixed assembly having the second planar face.

Abstract: A gyratory compacting apparatus for compacting a specimen of material subjected to pressure while gyrating the material includes a frame for supporting a mold, a mold gyrating carriage, a ram, and a ram driving assembly. The mold gyrating carriage receives a cylindrical mold having a cavity for holding material and an external peripheral flange about which the mold carriage is guided and driven to rotate to gyrate the mold while the ram is drivingly inserted through the open top of the mold. The ram driving assembly is supported by a flexible portion of the frame which flexes in reaction to force transferred by the ram. Strain gauges on the flexible portion of the frame provide feedback control data on ram force to an integrated computer control system which selectively controls the ram driving assembly to control the force transferred by the ram at least partially according to data generated by the strain gauges. The energy required to rotate the mold gyrating carriage around the mold is measured.

Abstract: A biaxial compression testing device formed by two modified beams joined ether to form an X-shape with the support structure, such as webs and upper flanges, removed in the region of the X intersection, thereby leaving a rectangular opening. The rectangular opening has dimensions slightly greater than the widths of the beams and is open from the upper surfaces downward to the lower surfaces which are joined together forming an X-configuration. This configuration has a flexing characteristic in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the joined beams. A test specimen support plate is attached to the underside of one of the upper surfaces and is located so as to slide below the opposing upper surface during flexing of the x-beam assembly. Each beam is supported by a roller pin. Additional roller pins are located on the specimen support plate between each beam upper flange and a specimen to be tested. These roller pins prevent any torsional load from reaching the test specimen.

Abstract: A nondestructive method for determining the amount of deformation induced in a material by a compressive force is provided that includes the steps of uniformly dispersing a quantity of a particulate tagging substance in the material whose presence and distribution is detectable by a form of radiant energy, applying a compressive to the material, and then determining the extent to which the material is compressively deformed by transmitting the appropriate radiant energy through the material to determine changes in the density and distribution of the particulate tagging substance. The method may advantageously be applied to determine the extent to which a granular material such as asphalt concrete has been compacted over a roadbed, as well as to determine strain and wear patterns in gaskets formed from elastic materials.

Abstract: A testing device which makes structure of equipment simple, achieves dwarfing and lightening and can improve precision of measurement of tested material. And method to implement test of strength of fracture, fracture temperature, strain at fracture, viscosity and stress relaxation (relaxation modulus) and so on of test piece handily.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compression tester which is designed to simulate as closely as possible the low temperature conditions a cable is subjected to in an outdoor environment. Axially aligned composite sample members are compressed longitudinally while fitted in a cylindrically enclosed space in a specially designed sample die assembly. Testing may take place in an environmental chamber.

Abstract: A thermomechanical analyzer including a vertical probe secured to a probe holding bar. The probe and the probe holding bar are coupled to a force generator for supplying a force in the vertical direction, a differential transformer for detecting the degree of movement in the vertical direction, and two supports each composed of a pair of wires and a coil spring in the horizontal direction. The force generator is located between the two supports. Thus, the movement of the probe holding bar in a radial direction is controlled. The size of the instrument becomes compact. As the movement of the probe holding bar in a radial direction is controlled to be very small, the moving range of the probe becomes broader and a large sample deformation can be measured with precision.

Abstract: A machine for squeeze testing glass containers comprising a test station, including a fixed pad having a curved container engaging surface and an opposed wheel selectively spaced from the surface, rotating at a predetermined surface speed and in the direction required to roll a container delivered to the station along the curved surface until it is released therefrom. A conveyor delivers containers to the test station and carrys released containers away from the test station. A roller is rotatable about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel and defines with the wheel a path through which released containers will pass. The roller is biased forward to a selected location whereat the distance between the roller and the wheel is less than the outer diameter of a released container, and the roller is rotated at a surface speed selected to reduce the rotation of a released container, which passes between the wheel and the roller.

Abstract: The field of the invention is that of manufacturing non-destructive measurement equipment suitable for fitting to devices for handling and conveying objects on a continuous basis, e.g. for the purpose of monitoring the ripeness and/or the dimensions of fruit and vegetables. The invention provides apparatus for non-destructive measurement in real time of fragile objects moving continuously on a conveyor system of the type including object-receiving cells in which said objects are placed and conveyed one by one along a given directional plane. The apparatus includes at least one support arm hinged at one end and carrying a shoe at its other end, with the bottom surface of the shoe being cylindrical in shape having generator lines that are perpendicular to said plane. Each of said objects rolls beneath and against said surface with relative rotary motion, and at least one sensor performs a non-destructive measurement of a parameter of each of said objects.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for visualization of internal stresses in solid materials by an acoustic microscope (10) connected to an acoustic lens (5) having a circular or spherical transmitting and receiving surface (8) for transmitting ultrasonic waves to and receiving reflected waves from a sample (3) to be examined in a body of liquid (2), such as water, a motor drive unit (7) having a movable arm thereon (6) connected to the acoustic lens (5) for supporting and moving the lens for scanning the sample, the motor drive (7) being connected to the acoustic microscope (10) for being operated thereby to perform the scanning, a computer (16) having a visual display unit (18), and an oscilloscope (20) for indicating the reflected waves.

Abstract: An improved gauge for measuring the thickness and construction of a compressible material, such as gasket material, is disclosed. The gauge includes a pneumatic cylinder maintaining an upper probe at a first vertical position. The cylinder is selectively opened such that the upper probe may fall vertically against a compressible material to be tested. A predetermined weight is attached to the upper probe such that the upper probe is biased vertically downwardly by the weight. An electronic gauge measures the amount of deformation of the compressible material due to the predetermined weight, and an indication of the thickness and quality of the compressible material is made based on the amount of measured deformation.

Abstract: Apparatus for stabilizing a test specimen in a compression/tension testing machine. The apparatus supports the test piece along its lengthwise edge or edges to prevent unwanted Euler buckling, however in a manner so as not to prevent sublaminate buckling. In one embodiment the apparatus supports the test piece along both of its lengthwise edges while engaged between the grips of the test machine. In a second embodiment, the apparatus supports the test piece along only one of its lengthwise edges. In a third embodiment, the apparatus includes grip plates which are mounted to the test machine and which engage a portion of the test specimen while the remainder of the specimen is supported along its lengthwise edges by stabilizer plates.

Abstract: A bottom strength-inspecting apparatus for bottom-closed hollow pipes is disclosed. This apparatus includes an air chuck 2 for holding an outer peripheral surface of the bottom-closed hollow pipe W, and a pressing elements coaxially provided with the air such as elastic pressing element 8 adapted to contact a bottom surface 9 of the bottom-closed hollow pipe W from an axially outer side of the hollow pipe and press the bottom surface by given forces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the tactility of a zipper of a reclosable thermoplastic zippered bag of the type described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,584, including an opposed pair of mechanical fingers defining a gap therebetween through which the zipper is made to pass, means associated with the opposed pair of mechanical fingers for continuously measuring the resistance of the male and female profiles to being interlocked by such fingers as the zipper passes through the gap defined between such fingers, and means for recording, graphing, displaying and/or analyzing these measurements.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating the tensile and compressive properties of material samples at very low or cryogenic temperatures employs a stationary frame and a dewar mounted below the frame. A pair of coaxial cylindrical tubes extend downward towards the bottom of the dewar. A compressive or tensile load is generated hydraulically and is transmitted by the inner tube to the material sample. The material sample is located near the bottom of the dewar in a liquid refrigerant bath. The apparatus employs a displacement measuring device, such as a linear variable differential transformer, to measure the deformation of the material sample relative to the amount of compressive or tensile force applied to the sample.

Abstract: A lateral displacement measuring apparatus by which the circumference of an extrudable solid specimen may be continuously measured while the specimen is subjected to compressive forces along an axis. In a preferred form, the apparatus includes a pair of platens, one fixed and one movable, adapted to compressively load the specimen to its functional or performance limit. A first end of a tensile member is coupled to a displacement transducer, the tensile member being in contacting lateral engagement with the specimen, the other end of the tensile member being secured rigidly to an adjustable but fixed support. As the platens are loaded together, thereby squeezing the specimen, the transducer produces a signal corresponding to the magnitude of lateral expansion of the specimen.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the thickness of wads of papers (A) in connection with their binding within a cover, comprises an automatically released compressing device (2), which indicates, on a display, a required thickness value. The apparatus can be entirely mechanical, but is preferably provided with an electronic control circuit and an electric solenoid drive circuit. On insertion in a receiver (1), the wad of papers (A) actuates an electro-optical switch (D2, Q2) which energizes the solenoid (9), the armature (10) of which compresses the wad of papers (A). During the compressing movement, pulses received from two reading device (6, 13) are counted, the total number of pulses representing a measure of the required thickness value.

Abstract: This invention is a box-like device to reproducibly roll a soil sample into a 1/8 inch thread while at the same time drying the sample and comprises a flat base with 1/8" high side rails and a slideable top plate that slides on these rails. About a 2 gram soil sample moistened so that particles of the soil adhere to each other is rolled on water absorbent paper on contact surfaces of the unit and at the point that sections of the rolled thread break apart the percent water is determined and this percentage is the soil plastic limit.

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

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining rock compressive strength of a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore. A mathematical model of a drill bit and an estimate of rock ductility of a particular subterranean formation in conjunction with weight-on-bit (WOB), bit rotational speed RPM, and rate of penetration (ROP) are used as inputs. From the above inputs, the rock compressive strength can be determined while the wellbore is being drilled or afterwards. A depth correlated log can be generated of rock compressive strength that can be compared to other logs obtained from adjacent wellbores to obtain a refined estimate of the depth of a particular subterranean formation feature. Further, the above method can be utilized for obtaining an indication of bit wear or bit damage while the bit is drilling a wellbore by comparing a first rock compressive strength log of a wellbore to a rock compressive strength log being generated while the drill bit is actually drilling a second wellbore.

Abstract: A device for allowing deformation measurement of a jacketed specimen when the specimen is loaded includes an elastomeric specimen container or jacket surrounding a specimen while the specimen is being loaded by a test apparatus. The specimen jacket wall is compressible, and the wall follows and allows deformation of the specimen. The jacket wall of compressible material is provided with at least one opening and a thin layer or shim of substantially non-compressible (metal) material covers and seals this opening. An extensometer is then positioned with its specimen engaging contact members engaging the substantially non-compressible material to measure the deformation of the specimen when the specimen is loaded, without compressibility effects of the jacket.

Abstract: A standard reference deformation of a composite material containing a flowable phase and compressible inclusions, such as a prepreg, is measured as the deformation whereat the dominant compressive mode of composite deformation changes from that characteristic of compressible inclusion collapse to that characteristic of resin flow, termed the optimal consolidation deformation. Establishment of this point permits measurement and correlation of physically significant composite properties. For example, material properties of such composite materials are measured under a compressive loading by an ultrasonic transducer at the optimal consolidation deformation. At this point, normally determined to be the deformation at which the second derivative of compressive displacement falls to about zero, compressible inclusions such as voids are eliminated but the flowable phase has not yet begun to flow significantly so as to change the fractions of the phases.

Abstract: A stabilization and gripping device for use with a compression test machine to measure strain vs load characteristics of, in particular composite material uni-directional ply specimens, includes a guide sleeve, two hollow open ended end-blocks adapted to slidably fit within the guide sleeve and to co-operate with parts of the machine for applying compressive forces to the specimen, and two pairs of collets each pair for gripping a separate one of two ends of the specimen, the collets having a planar gripping inner surface, at least one outer surface tapered with respect to the gripping surface and corresponding to a tapered inner surface of the end blocks, and a planar outer surface for co-operation with a substantially planar inner surface of the end blocks so that the collets may be non-rotatably inserted in the end blocks in a position in which the respective inner surfaces are parallel and pairs of the inner surfaces define a location for the specimen ends.

Abstract: A test system for caissons, piles and the like provides an improved way of testing the load bearing capabilities of such inground foundation elements. The test method involves supporting an inertial mass, e.g. of concrete rings, on the upper end of a columnar foundation element that is installed in the ground and generating in a chamber defined between the underside of the inertial mass and the upper end of the foundation element over a limited duration a propellant gas pressure sufficient to accelerate the inertial mass upwards away from the upper end of the foundation element and at the same time to produce a downwards reaction force of a predetermined desired magnitude on the element. The rate of increase of fluid pressure is controlled such that the reaction force does not damage the foundation element. The magnitude of the downwards force and the response of the foundation element are measured by suitable instrumentation.

Abstract: Apparatus for limiting the buckling of an elongate test specimen during a compression test comprises a stabilizer through which the specimen 6 passes when assembled into a testing machine, the stabilizer having a body 1, 4 which is arranged to hold stiff stabilizing rods 2, 3 adjacent to those opposite faces of the specimen liable to buckle. The rods 2, 3 are adjustable to accommodate specimens 6 of different thicknesses. The stabilizer slidably engages the specimen grips 11 of the testing machine and is supported thereby so that premature shear failure of the specimen adjacent to the grips is also prevented.

Abstract: A novel test specimen configuration and modified ring test method for determining the fracture toughness, K.sub.Ic, using rock core is disclosed. The use of a truncated hollow cylindrical specimen under compressive load avoids the development of a large process zone (microcracked region) during testing, thus allowing accurate fracture toughness measurements on subsized specimens. Results using soft sandstones and Indiana limestone validate the procedure.

Abstract: A device for testing the compactibility of a sample of granular material is described including a delivery structure with an invertible riddle, a testing structure with a plunger to compress the sample and an encoder to measure the compactibility of the sample, and a specimen tube mounted on a carriage which traverses between the delivery and testing structures. A wiper levels the sample within the specimen tube. The floor of the specimen tube can be raised to eject the sample after testing and the same wiper cleans the raised floor. A control panel activates and coordinates the operation of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus particularly suited for measuring the shape or contour of a surface under load, such as a mattress, is comprised of a humanoid having body limb extremities which are movable in a manner similar to the movement of comparable human extremities. Sensors are placed at joints, such as the knees and hips, to measure the amount of relative movement, i.e. deflection, that occurs at these joints when the humanoid is placed upon a mattress surface. The sensors provide an indication of the shape or contour of the mattress surface by correlation of the relative movement that occurs at these joints caused by the underlying mattress shape. In its preferred form, a movable frame is provided to raise and lower the humanoid in relation to the mattress surface to be tested. A "spine" is also advantageously provided with associated sensors to measure deflection, and thus surface contour, in the lower torso/abdominal region.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the normal force exerted on a pin by a receptacle contact comprises a pair of beams profiled as the pin and having inward facing deflecting surfaces defining a central space. A thin film integrated circuit bonded to one of the beams includes a pair of strain gages at each end of the deflecting surface and leads extending to solder pads remote from the probe.