Abstract: A specific measured volume of a molding compound is placed within a cavity having a certain geometry and a compacting pressure is applied thereto until a predetermined measured pressure is reached on a side of said molding compound opposite the side where the pressure is applied in order to produce a test piece, with the volume of the test piece at the point at whcih the predetermined pressure is reached being determined so that the test piece may be subsequently used for determining other mechanical properties of the compound.

Abstract: Welds in plastic pipe are tested by compressing the welded portion in a generally radial direction.

Abstract: A device and method for determining a tension factor in grids such as tennis rackets and the like, which have different sized string areas, the device including a frame structure defining a fixed, predetermined test area within a larger size racket string area and having a mechanism for relating two measurement components, a deflection component and a force component, an element for applying a first measurement component to the grid test area and an element for sensing the other component resulting from the application of the first component, and determining from the two components a tension factor in the strings forming the grid, the method including defining a predetermined test area within a larger grid area, applying one of two measurement components to a portion of the grid test area, determining the other component resulting from the application of the one component to the grid test area, and determining a tension factor in the strings forming the grid from the values of the two components; the apparatu

Abstract: A Miniaturized Bend Test (MBT) capable of extracting and determining mechanical behavior information from specimens only so large as to have at least a volume or smallest dimension sufficient to satisfy continuum behavior in all directions. The mechanical behavior of the material is determined from the measurements taken during the bending of the specimen and is processed according to the principles of linear or nonlinear material mechanics or both. In a preferred embodiment the determination is carried out by a code which is constructed according to the finite element method, and the specimen used for the determinations is a miniature disk simply supported for central loading at the axis on the center of the disk.

Abstract: A device for the remote checking of the characteristic of a spring includes a system of known masses or weights displaceable in translation in a vertical direction, each of the masses forming said system being vertically displaceable within certain limits with respect to the other masses in such a way that, upon lowering them, their weights are successively supported by the spring and are consequently summated. A dynamometer determines the moment when, during the descent of the system, a given mass rests on the spring. The device then measures the deflection of the spring by measuring the displacement of the mass resting on the spring relative to a reference point fixed with respect to the spring.

Abstract: To impart prevailing torque to a nut, it is squeezed between two jaws. The moment that the nut contacts both jaws is determined by monitoring the relative acceleration of the jaws. The displacement of the jaws at this time gives the dimension across the flats of the nut. From this is subtracted the desired degree of deformation giving a target displacement. When this has been reached and sensed, the jaws are stopped and then opened.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting concrete testing samples comprising providing closely machined aluminum, steel, or suitable molded plastic caps for the respective circular ends of a cylindrical concrete testing sample and removable, reusable flanged molded elastomeric pads which are inserted in a recessed cavity in each cap prior to positioning of the cap on the respective end of the concrete cylinder. Each pad has a space between the bottom and the side to provide at least an equivalency between sulfur capped cylinder compression load strengths and those generated by the above system over the wide range of compression load values normally occurring in this particular test.

Abstract: A method for controlling parametric variations in processes where one variable is subject to an exponential change with time. One application is particulary advantageous in underground mine roof bolting using mechanical anchors where a device utilizing the method can be employed to install mine roof bolts at varying initial tensions in such a manner that the bolt tensions found among a population of roof bolts converge to one tension value within one or two hours after installation due to individual differences in tension decay rate. Since roof bolt tension decay bears an exponential relationship to time, variability in bolt tension which develops after mentioned convergence has taken place is small for a long period of time, in marked contrast to a conventional installaton which is characterized by bolt tension variability which grows rapidly into a far wider range immediately after installation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for stressing a deformable material specimen. The apparatus consists of top plate 11 and bottom plate 12 sandwiching a guide cylinder 13. The specimen 14 is positioned on the bottom plate 12 and attached to a load piston 20 (FIG. 2). Force is applied through top plate 11 into guide cylinder 13. Once specimen 14 has been loaded, the stress is maintained by tightening tie bolt nuts 17.

Abstract: Apparatus for compressive testing of a test specimen may comprise vertically spaced upper and lower platen members (1 and 2) between which a test specimen (T) may be placed. The platen members are supported by a fixed support assembly (3, 5, and 6). A load indicator (14) is interposed between the upper platen member (1) and the support assembly (6) for supporting the total weight of the upper platen member (1) and any additional weight which may be placed thereon. Operating elements (8 and 17) are provided for moving the lower platen member (2) upwardly toward the upper platen member (1) whereby an increasing portion of the total weight is transferred from the load indicator (14) to the test specimen (T).The testing apparatus may include limit devices (20 and 22) for limiting the movement of the lower platen member (2) toward the upper platen member (1) to prevent permanent deformation in the test specimen (T).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the closing and holding force on the moulding die or tool (6, 7) of a pressure diecasting or injection moulding machine of which the closing device comprises a toggle lever mechanism. Measurement of the closing and holding force takes place by way of measuring a deformation of that end plate (4) on which the bars (1) and the toggle lever mechanism (10) are supported. The bars (1) and the toggle lever mechanism (10) transmit to the end plate (4) forces which produce a bending moment. The bending moment leads to a comparatively large deformation which is therefore readily measured by a measuring device (14, 24) associated with the end plate. By arranging the measuring device (14, 24) at the end plate (4), one also avoids damage to the measuring device (14, 24) by the movable parts of the closing device and access to the pressure diecasting or injection moulding machine by the operator is not impeded (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A tubular piece part (10) is tested to determine the rupture strength of the part when subject to lateral expansion (F) with respect to a bore (11) of the part. In one example, a tubular segmented collet (21) is placed in the bore of the part, and a tapered pin (23) is forced a predetermined distance into the collet (X) so as to expand the collet and part radially outward by a predetermined amount. The peak force required to so expand the collet is measured (57) so as to provide an indication of the rupture strength of the part, and particularly of the weld strength of a molded plastic tube having a radial weld line (W). In particular, this method provides an indication of the likelihood that the part will fail prematurely in the field, after subsequent assembly of the part with an insert member (17) that is force fit into the bore.

Abstract: A method for controlling parametric variations in processes where one variable is subject to an exponential change with time. One application is particularly advantageous in underground mine roof bolting using mechanical anchors where a device utilizing the method can be employed to install mine roof bolts at varying initial tensions in such a manner that the bolt tensions found among a population of roof bolts converge to one tension value within one or two hours after installation due to individual differences in tension decay rate. Since roof bolt tension decay bears an exponential relationship to time, variability in bolt tension which develops after mentioned convergence has taken place is small for a long period of time, in marked contrast to a conventional installation which is characterized by bolt tension variability which grows rapidly into a far wider range immediately after installation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the expansion of a mat of fibrous material in which a contact plate is periodically moved vertically into and out of contact with the surface of a mat of fibrous material, contact between the contact plate and the surface of the mat is sensed, and the position of the contact plate is recorded responsive to the occurrence of contact between the contact plate and the surface of the mat.

Abstract: A tennis ball, racquet ball or other gas-filled ball is inflated with air or gas to such a degree that the ball will precisely balance a given applied force on the ball producing a given deflection of the ball. No attempt is made to achieve uniform internal pressure in inflated balls. The method instead attains a uniform and precise stress-strain relationship. The method of manufacturing produces substantially superior balls in terms of uniformity of play characteristics including bounce.

Abstract: A device and method for determining compressive strength of solid matter in situ. One embodiment is particularly advantageous in underground mine roof bolting, where the device can be used to indicate the compressive strength of the rock immediately surrounding the roof bolt anchor. Such compressive strength indication is developed for each bolt installed as it is installed using no machine operator time or effort beyond the time and effort normally used already. The compressive strength indication is developed by monitoring rate of bolt head torque increase with respect to bolt head rotation and relating these to anchor tooth penetration parameters and hence rock compressive strength.

Abstract: Force applied to marginal edge portions of a panel by opposed walls of a groove of curtain wall system is measured by mounting a pair of spaced blocks in the groove. Moveable jaw members are mounted in space between the blocks and moved apart into engagement with walls of the groove until the distance between outer surfaces of the jaw members is approximately equal to the width of the blocks. Thereafter, the force applied to the jaw members is measured.

Abstract: A tool for use in a can closing or seaming machine to adjust the spring pressure exerted by the can holding chuck spring is disclosed. The tool permits chuck spring adjustment in conjunction with a force gage in situ without necessitating the removal of the gage from the machine for each spring incremental adjustment as is necessary in the prior art. The tool is a self-contained unit which includes an axially guidable and turnable wrench member, the tool also serving as an adapter or spacer for positioning the force gage in the machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to the determination of characteristic rheological quantities of viscoelastic materials by measuring specific parameters which permit assertions to be made on the properties of the material owing to their functional correlation with the deformation or relaxation.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing hardness of elastomeric material comprising a pivotally mounted beam assembly for measuring deformation of the material when a calibrated mass is applied thereto. A horizontal anvil member supports the material being tested which is selectively positioned on the anvil member in accordance with a cross-sectional dimension of the material. The calibrated mass or weight is slidably positioned on the beam assembly also in correlation with said dimension. A measuring gauge measures the beam assembly when the test material is gripped between the beam assembly and anvil member, and indicates hardness on a scale correlated to the measured cross-sectional dimension of the material. The gauge and a lateral extension of the beam assembly are magnetically coupled.

Abstract: A conventional strain gage mechanism is mounted within a support bracket having at least an end wall or plate through which the plunger of the strain gage extends. The dial of the strain gage is so arranged and calibrated as to be representative of 25% R.M.A. compression values responsive to a force applied against the free end of the plunger. The end plate insures that the device is applied consistently against different pieces of compressible material.

Abstract: A testing apparatus comprising two platens one of which is a self-aligning pecimen contacting platen which includes an upper portion comprising a first member which contacts the specimen and a second member which is spaced from a base by a plurality of balls. The first and second members are movable relative to each other to pivot the specimen into proper alignment between the platens when the specimen is subjected to compression. The plurality of balls are juxtaposed between and engage the second member of the upper portion and the base and serve to support the upper portion for lateral and rotational movement relative to the base to facilitate alignment.