Abstract: A soil or snow probe which incorporates a load cell in the probe head and also an accelerometer so that a vertical strength profile of the snow or soil can be established. The device does not need to be driven at a constant speed and can be manually driven into the soil or snow. The resistance to penetration is measured using a load cell which incorporates a low duro polymer selected for its ability to behave like a non compressible fluid. The device is portable and provides data quickly.

Abstract: In a method for evaluating a fixing member to fix a toner having a surface layer, a hardness test is carried out by applying a pressure deformation from the surface side of the fixing member, and when a deformation of the surface layer by the pressure deformation is within an elastic range, the fixing member is regarded as a standard product.

Abstract: A process for checking rod-like articles, in particular cigarettes (12), and an apparatus which is suitable for carrying out the process, a moveable testing element (20), with mounted push rods (21) displaceable in the axial direction being moved in the direction of the articles, and each push rod (21) being displace as it strikes against an article and an electrically evaluable signal—actuating signal (31)—being generated as a result and, upon generation of the actuating signal (31), the position of the testing element (20) is determined, and the determined position is evaluated

Abstract: A system and method for the analysis of AFM data is provided. The system and method can be used in conjunction with an atomic force microscopy (AFM) system including a cantilever with a tip used to analyze a sample, the AFM outputting an AFM data file. An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a computer readable medium storing computer readable program code for causing a computer to receive user input regarding an analysis to be performed and analysis parameters; parse the AFM data file based on the user input to obtain a deflection of the cantilever; determine an indentation depth of the tip into the sample based at least in part on the deflection; select a model of contact mechanics based on the user input; solve the selected model of contact mechanics based on the input analysis using the determined indentation depth; and determine a residual error.

Abstract: For assessing ground quality, such as a condition of a racetrack, a handheld device has a shaft, a plate mounted to its bottom end, and a sensor body also mounted to the bottom of the shaft, independently of the plate. A tine tip projects below the sensor body. The sensor body has compression sensors and shear sensors. The user pushes down on the shaft. The tine tip penetrates the ground until the plate abuts the surface. Continued pushing leads to a compression reading. The user then pushes the top of the shaft so that it tilts, pivoting about an edge of the plate. Shear forces are sensed by the shear sensors. The compression and shear data pass to a data processor that computes a single value indicative of the ground quality.

Abstract: The invention involves an apparatus and method for calculating characteristics of materials, such as equivalent strain, using an indenter where the method used is independent of indenter geometry. The method includes performing a scratch test to calculate the strain for each of a plurality of indenter shapes, such as a theoretical sphere and cone, using known equations. The strain of a composite indenter, such as a cone with a rounded tip, can then be determined taking into account contributions from each of the plurality of theoretical shapes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for measuring elastic modulus of a sample object. This invention also relates to a method for correcting creep effects in the modulus measurement. The error due to creep in the apparent contact compliance is equal to the ratio of the indenter displacement rate at the end of the load hold to the unloading rate. Determination of this error term and deduction of it from the measured contact compliance can be easily done at a low cost by modifying the data analysis software in any commercial depth-sensing indentation system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing an endurance of an optical disc, whereby the reliability of the test is enhanced, is disclosed. The method includes fixing the optical disc on a rotation plate, and rotating the optical disc along with the rotation plate, supplying a predetermined pressure to the scratcher, while the optical disc rotates for a predetermined number of rotation turns, so as to produce a scratch on a surface of the optical disc, resulting from a contact with the scratcher, and determining the endurance of the optical disc based on the scratch produced on the surface of the optical disc.

Abstract: An automated indentation system based on finite element solutions or performing a non-destructive compression test by loading a compressive indentation load (P) and calculating a elastic modulus (E) and a yield strength (&sgr;0), and a hardening exponent (n) from measured indentation depth (ht) and indentation load (P), and unloading slope (S). The system comprises a stepmotor control system (1), a measurement instrumentation (2) having a load cell (15), laser displacement sensor (17) for measuring the indentation depth and ball indenter (18), a data acquisition system (3) having an signal amplifier for amplifying and filtering signals from the load cell (15) and laser displacement sensor (17), and a control box (4) pre-stored computer programming algorisms for adjusting and controlling the moving speed and direction of stepmotor (12).

Abstract: A hardness testing apparatus has an indenter shaft having an indenter at a top thereof, a force motor for moving the indenter shaft in its axial direction and applying a predetermined test force to a sample through the indenter, an external force detection section for detecting an external force applied from outside of the hardness testing apparatus to the indenter shaft when the indenter shaft is moved by the force motor, and an external force adjustment and control section for controlling the force motor to apply the predetermined test force to the sample while deadening the external force detected by the external force detection section.

Abstract: An ultra micro indentation testing apparatus comprises: a lever stand provided with a center lever having a silicon probe and a diamond indenter disposed therein; a moving mechanism for moving the lever stand in a triaxial direction; in indentation mechanism for pushing the diamond indenter in a sample; a displacement gage for measuring a displacement of the silicon probe or the diamond indenter; and an optical picture device for positioning the silicon probe or the diamond indenter and observing the surface of the sample. The apparatus has, in combination, a hardness measuring function based on the measurement of the force and depth of the diamond indenter pushed in the surface of the sample, an atomic force microscopic function of acquiring the shape of the surface of the sample based on a displacement of the diamond indenter or the silicon probe, and an optical microscopic function of observing the surface of the sample by the optical picture device.

Abstract: An indentation hardness test system includes a frame having a movable turret, a movable stage for receiving a part, a camera, a display, a processor and a memory subsystem. The turret includes an objective lens of a microscope and an indenter and the movable stage is configured for receiving the part to be tested. The camera captures images of the part through the microscope, which can then be provided on the display. The processor is coupled to the turret, the movable stage, the camera and the display, as well as the memory subsystem. The memory subsystem stores executable code that instructs the processor to capture and store a series of real-time images of the part using the camera, store associated stage coordinates provided by the stage for the images and display a composite image, which includes the series of real-time images assembled according to the associated stage coordinates, of the part.

Abstract: A device for testing the scratch resistance of a surface of a test specimen by means of a gas stream charged with solid particles, comprising:

Abstract: A hardness testing apparatus comprises a sample table mounting a sample thereon, a loading arm having an indentor at its free end, a loading arm operation controlling unit, an electromagnetic brake. When the same is elevated and brought into contact with the indentor, the loading arm is moved upwardly. The loading arm operation controlling unit calculates a predetermined force to be applied to the sample in response to a displacement from a reference position of the loading arm when and after the sample is brought into contact with the indentor. The loading arm is moved upwardly such that a predetermined force calculated by the loading arm operating controlling unit is applied to the sample. The electromagnetic brake controls an elevating operation of the sample table. A direction of a current supplied to the electromagnetic brake is inverted at a predetermined timing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for measuring mechanical properties of a deformable material specimen. The system includes a first gripping device for removably securing a first end of the specimen, a second gripping device for removably securing a second end of the specimen and an image acquisition device for producing image data reflective of a specified area of the specimen. Either the first gripping device or the second gripping device is movable in a first direction and in communication with the displacement measurement mechanism, which produces displacement data. The first gripping device or the second gripping device is also in communication with the load measurement mechanism for producing load data. Also disclosed is a method for measuring the mechanical properties of a deformable material specimen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for indentation test, for measuring mechanical properties in the field. The present invention provides an apparatus which is suitable for measuring mechanical properties without compensative experimental constant for the analysis of measured data. The present invention provides an apparatus which is safe for testing the materials by utilizing a sensor for controlling indenter movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring adhesion of a gelled polymer to a surface comprises a support having a low friction contact surface spaced apart from a clamp used to hold a blade. The blade has a knife-edge aligned in a horizontal plane with which the blade makes an angle of less than 25°. A block, having a planar contact face in the horizontal plane, is adapted for sliding contact with the low friction contact surface of the support. An adhered layer of the gelled polymer has an adhesive bond to the planar contact face to form an interface therewith. The apparatus includes a connection, such as a wire or string, from the block to a motion generator to produce vertical motion of the connection. A force-measuring gauge is included with the motion generator. Use of a motion converter, such as a rotary pulley, alters the vertical movement of the connection to a horizontal movement to move the block along the support towards the clamp.

Abstract: A hardness testing apparatus comprises a sample table mounting a sample thereon, a loading arm having an indentor at its free end, a loading arm operation controlling unit, an electromagnetic brake. When the sample is elevated and brought into contact with the indentor, the loading arm is moved upwardly. The loading arm operation controlling unit calculates a predetermined force to be applied to the sample in response to a displacement from a reference position of the loading arm when and after the sample is brought into contact with the indentor. The loading arm is moved upwardly such that a predetermined force calculated by the loading arm operating controlling unit is applied to the sample. The electromagnetic brake controls an elevating operation of the sample table. A direction of a current supplied to the electromagnetic brake is inverted at a predetermined timing.

Abstract: A hardness tester generally comprises a tester assembly is supported on a frame assembly. The tester assembly has a tester housing that supports a motor drivingly connected to a load cell and an indentor. The frame assembly includes a vertically oriented plate having a general C-shape defined by upper and lower arms connected by a main body. The plate is fabricated from a unitary sheet of metal to provide rigidity in the vertical direction. The tester assembly is selectively attachable to the frame assembly, and may be remotely employed as a stand-alone unit. A unique ball screw assembly is also provided for applying the testing load.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for indentation test, a method for measuring data of indentation test and mechanical properties using the apparatus, and recording means for storing the method for measuring mechanical properties. It relates to the apparatus for making the indentation testing continuously attached to the tested materials and evaluating tensile properties directly in field through analyzing the measured data using notebook computer connected to interface system, method for measuring data of indentation test and mechanical properties using the apparatus, and recording means for storing the method for measuring mechanical properties. The present invention provides an apparatus which is easily attached to the structures/facilities by miniaturizing of the apparatus and is used for materials irrespective of its size or kinds by adopting diversified attaching means for indentation test.

Abstract: The invention involves an apparatus and method for calculating characteristics of materials, such as equivalent strain, using an indenter where the method used is independent of indenter geometry. The method includes performing a scratch test to calculate the strain for each of a plurality of indenter shapes, such as a theoretical sphere and cone, using known equations. The strain of a composite indenter, such as a cone with a rounded tip, can then be determined taking into account contributions from each of the plurality of theoretical shapes.

Abstract: An electronic intelligent indenter system that determines the hardness and the case depth of a hardened portion of a test part in a non-destructive manner. The system employs an electronic indenter tool having a tip. To determine the depth of the case hardened portion of the part, the indenter tip is placed in contact with the surface of the part, and a laser emits a laser beam pulse that impinges the surface of the part proximate the tip. The laser beam generates ultrasonic waves that propagate into the part. The ultrasonic waves reflect off of a transition between the case hardened portion and an unhardened portion of the part. A detector in the indenter system detects the reflected ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic waves cause the detector to generate a signal identifying the time between when the laser pulse is emitted and when the reflected wave is received.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for screening combinatorial libraries of materials by measuring the response of individual library members to mechanical perturbations is described. The apparatus generally includes a sample holder for containing the library members, an array of probes for mechanically perturbing individual library members, and an array of sensors for measuring the response of each of the library members to the mechanical perturbations. Library members undergoing screening make up a sample array, and individual library members constitute elements of the sample array that are confined to specific locations on the sample holder. During screening, the apparatus mechanically perturbs individual library members by displacing the sample array (sample holder) and the array of probes. Typically, all of the elements of the sample array are perturbed simultaneously, but the apparatus also can also perturb individual or groups of sample array elements sequentially.

Abstract: A test measurement of the universal hardness is carried for a fixing belt (20) formed by sequentially coating an elastic layer (22) and a separation layer onto a base element (21), in which case, the universal hardness is determined for each of indentation depths of 1 &mgr;m and 4 &mgr;m from the surface side of the separation layer (23). The fixing belt (20) can be regarded as a standard product, when the universal hardness HU for the indentation depth of 1 &mgr;m satisfies the relation, HU≦30 [N/mm2], and, at the same time, when the universal hardness HU for the indentation depth of 4 &mgr;m satisfies the relation, HU≦12 [N/mm2].

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for noninvasively diagnosing limb compartment syndrome by measuring a quantitative modulus of hardness. In the preferred embodiment, a nonmovable pressure probe mounted in the center of a movable spring loaded platform is applied against a limb compartment. Force is gradually applied to the probe and the platform, compressing a limb compartment. Pressure on the probe is measured as the probe pushes into the limb. The spring loaded platform displaces, and the distance of the probe tip to the platform is measured. This distance is the depth of compression into the limb by the probe. The relationship of incremental pressures in the probe and the corresponding distance of the probe tip to the platform for each pressure is plotted. A linear regression analysis is preformed whose slope forms a quantitative modulus of hardness.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for measuring residual stress, methods of measuring residual stress data and residual stress using the apparatus, and a recording medium for storing software of the residual stress measuring method. The present invention is advantageous for evaluation of a mechanical material property and is non-destructive. Further, the present invention is widely applied to fields ranging from a microscopic area, such as a thin film or micro device, to a large-sized structure, and is not influenced by a microstructure by controlling the range of an applied load. Further, the measuring apparatus of the present invention is minimized in its volume to be easily attached to an actual structure. Further, in the present invention, various attaching devices are employed, thus enabling the apparatus to be attached to various materials regardless of the size and type of object materials to measure residual stress.

Abstract: A fruit tester provides a motor driven intrusive plunger with associated sensors to determine digital data indicative of plunger position, force resisting plunger intrusion and constant pressure creep. Sensor data is presented to a computer for storage, analysis and feedback control of the plunger. The plunger powering train includes a belt driven ball screw translator to convert rotary to linear motion and an “S” type stress block with plural bridge interconnected strain gauges to sense pressure resisting intrusion to allow accurate measurements. Methods of analysis are disclosed to determine both resistance to plunger penetration and plunger creep at fixed pressure, in each of at least two concentric zones of a fruit, which are related by software for accurate determination of fruit condition as a function of time, both present and future.

Abstract: A hardness tester generally comprises a tester assembly is supported on a frame assembly. The tester assembly has a tester housing that supports a motor drivingly connected to a load cell and an indentor. The frame assembly includes a vertically oriented plate having a general C-shape defined by upper and lower arms connected by a main body. The plate is fabricated from a unitary sheet of metal to provide rigidity in the vertical direction. The tester assembly is selectively attachable to the frame assembly, and may be remotely employed as a stand-alone unit. A unique ball screw assembly is also provided for applying the testing load.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of live testing of the hardness of a target electrical distribution wire having a known gauge, and a tool for same, the method comprising: a) providing a hardness testing tool at the operating end of an insulated tool for manipulating live distribution lines, wherein the hardness testing tool comprises a testing surface of known hardness; b) forcing the testing surface against the target wire; and c) comparing the resultant degree of deformation or lack of deformation on the testing surface with the expected degree of deformation which would occur for wire of that gauge having a specific hardness.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of live testing of the hardness of a target electrical distribution wire having a known gauge, and a tool for same, the method comprising: a) providing a hardness testing tool at the operating end of an insulated tool for manipulating live distribution lines, wherein the hardness testing tool comprises a testing surface of known hardness; b) forcing the testing surface against the target wire; and c) comparing the resultant degree of deformation or lack of deformation on the testing surface with the expected degree of deformation which would occur for wire of that gauge having a specific hardness.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for testing the abrasiveness of paper and other sheet materials. The device comprises a punching module, a feed module for moving the material, a holding module that holds the material while the punching module penetrated the material, and an instrument that records and analyzes the amount of force needed to punch through the material and then calculates the abrasive properties of the material. The punching module comprises a punching instrument for punching the material, a driving mechanism for operating the punching instrument, and a measurement system that measures the amount of the force required to punch the material. A method for using the device is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus (30) and method (80) for predicting electrical property stability of a thin film or conductive substrate (14) prior to multi-probe testing. The present invention utilizes a nanoindenter type device (10) obtaining mechanical properties as a function of displacement depth and applied load into the bond pad surface to accurately predict electrical property stability of the entire substrate or sample under test. In addition, the present invention includes a nanoindenter type device (10) including a second probe (34) having the ability to measure localized electrical properties of the sample while obtaining the mechanical property measurements. This additional electrical measurement is correlated with the mechanical property measurements to accurately predict electrical property stability of the entire conductive substrate, preferably by predicting the presence of an unwanted material surface layer.

Abstract: A method of testing a wooden structural member provides a quantitive estimate of the residual strength of the member. The method includes determining the presence of anomalies in each of a plurality of intersecting transverse paths through the structural member at a tested cross section of the structural member. A unit cross section of corresponding shape to the tested cross section has a plurality of predefined regions. For each region of the plurality of regions a determination is made that the region is suspect if each of the paths intersecting at the region has indicated an anomaly. A residual stiffness property for the cross section is calculated discounting at least some of the suspect regions. The calculated residual stiffness property may be displayed together with a visual representation of the cross section of the wooden structural member with the suspect regions highlighted.

Abstract: A method for determining the adhesion strength of any HVOF-coating/substrate system. This method applies a spherical indentor to the coated part in a loading-unloading cycle. During the loading phase, the substrate deforms plastically. During the unloading phase, the elastic-plastic mismatch between coating and substrate material properties gives rise to a tensile stress normal to the interface. This leads to delamination for a sufficient indentation load. A hybrid numerical-experimental approach calculates the interfacial adhesion. The threshold load for delamination is found experimentally. A finite element model calculates the corresponding adhesion stress for delamination. This method enables the quantitative evaluation of the adhesion for any coating/substrate interface, regardless of bond strength.

Abstract: An apparatus measures residual stress in a sample under test by measuring the penetration of an indenter on a unprocessed sample under test, and after processing of the sample under test, measuring again the penetration of the indenter on the processed sample under test, and deriving from the two penetration measurements the residual stress in a sample under test. The apparatus and method of the preferred embodiments are especially useful in determining residual stress in a printed wiring board. In this manner a direct measurement of residual stress is possible without destroying the printed wiring board.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for measuring elastic modulus of a sample object. This invention also relates to a method for correcting creep effects in the modulus measurement. The error due to creep in the apparent contact compliance is equal to the ratio of the indenter displacement rate at the end of the load hold to the unloading rate. Determination of this error term and deduction of it from the measured contact compliance can be easily done at a low cost by modifying the data analysis software in any commercial depth-sensing indentation system.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for determining the hardness of a vegetable or fruit, wherein the vegetable or fruit is rotated, wherein an impactor element is carried close to the surface of a fruit or vegetable, wherein during rotation of the fruit an impactor element is brought into contact with the fruit or the vegetable a number of times, wherein the impact of the respective impactor element is measured in order to determine the hardness of the vegetable or fruit over at least a portion of the surface thereof. The present invention also comprises a device for determining the hardness of a vegetable or fruit. The present invention further provides a method for determining a property of a vegetable or fruit.

Abstract: There is provided a ultra micro indentation testing apparatus comprising: a lever stand (4) provided with a center lever (3) having a silicon probe (1) and a diamond indenter (2) disposed therein; a moving mechanism (7) for moving the lever stand (4) in a triaxial direction; aindentationg-in mechanism (6) for pushing the diamond indenter (2) in a sample; a displacement gage (10) for measuring a displacement of the silicon probe (1) or the diamond indenter (2); and an optical picture device (11) for use in positioning the silicon probe (1) or the diamond indenter (2) and observing the surface of the sample; wherein the apparatus has, in combination, all of the hardness measuring function based on measurement of the force and depth of the diamond indenter pushed in the surface of the sample, the atomic force microscopic function of acquiring the shape of the surface of the sample based on a displacement of the diamond indenter or the silicon probe, and the optical microscopic function of observing the surface o

Abstract: In a method for determining the hardness of a product, for instance fruit, during a measuring cycle, comprising: supporting the product, tapping the product with a tapping device at least one position of the product, as a result of which the product as a whole is set in its natural vibration and produces vibration signals, sensing the vibration signals with a signal sensor, and processing the vibration signals with a signal processing device, in which the hardness FRi of the product is determined, and further comprising: sensing the signals produced by the tapping device with a second signal sensor, processing the vibration signals with a second signal processing device, the elastic properties of the product being determined in a volume range around the above at least one position, determining the hardness FIi of the product, comparing FIi and FRi and checking the comparison with a pre-adjusted value, the tapping and sensing with the second signal sensor being repeated when the comparison does not satisfy the

Abstract: A sand penetrability gauge for golf course bunker sand, having a probe shaft for penetrating into bulk sand, a weight or spring for reproducibly applying force to advance the probe shaft into bulk sand, the probe shaft being movably connected to the weight or spring, and measuring indicia associated with the probe shaft for measuring displacement of the probe shaft, with a cross-sectional area of the probe shaft and the force of the weight or spring selected so that the measuring indicia will provide a displacement measurement when the probe is driven into golf course sand bunker sand.

Abstract: This invention concerns a test apparatus and procedure used for quantitative and qualitative characterization of scratch and mar behavior of films or coatings, more particularly automotive coatings. The apparatus includes a micro-indentor that penetrates and scratches the coating to be characterized together with interrelated components for measuring the force applied, the length and depth of the indentor penetration, the geometry of the disturbed coating surface as well as a system for measuring, analyzing and comparing test results.

Abstract: A method and device for testing a metal part for weakness to deformation. The device includes a motor that moves a shaft and a load applicator toward and away from a part being tested. The motor is activated in accordance with a predetermined sequence and in dependence upon pressure sensed by a load cell associated with the shaft. In the method, displacement is measured by a displacement measuring device throughout the testing sequence in order to determine the part's resistance to deformation.

Abstract: A method for the non-destructive, in-situ assessment of a resilient elastic substrate, said method comprising the steps of: applying detector means to a surface of said substrate; urging said detector means into said substrate at a substantially constant speed to a predetermined depth; holding said detector means at said predetermined depth for a predetermined time; releasing said detector means, allowing elastic recovery of said substrate; and processing compressibility and/or elastic recovery of said substrate during said urging, holding and/or releasing steps.

Abstract: A holder for mounting a test strip for measuring the intensity of shot peening in internal cavities includes a receptacle receiving any of multiple inserts configured to form a segment of an internal cavity of a component to be peened. The test strip defines the remainder of the cavity. The shot stream to be measured is introduce into the cavity, after which the test strip is removed and measured in the conventional manner. Accordingly, the intensity of peening in internal cavities may be measured with relative accuracy. By providing multiple inserts, intensity of peening in cavities of varying sizes may be measured by simply changing the insert.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining the resiliency of a road surface include a vehicle (1) that is caused to move along the road surface (3) and that exerts a load on said surface with one wheel (2). A ball of plastic material (16) is shot onto the road surface (3) so as to adhere thereto in the movement path of two measuring arrangements (8, 9; 18, 19) which are separated in the direction of movement of the vehicle (1) and by means of which the vertical distance is measured between the upper side of the ball (16) adhering to the road surface (3) and a vehicle-carried reference in two positions along the vehicle. The distance between the reference and the measuring body can be established in several positions along the vehicle (1), for determining the deflection curve of the road surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for testing the abrasiveness of paper and other sheet materials. The device comprises a punching module, a feed module for moving the material, a holding module that holds the material while the punching module penetrated the material, and an instrument that records and analyzes the amount of force needed to punch through the material and then calculates the abrasive properties of the material. The punching module comprises a punching instrument for punching the material, a driving mechanism for operating the punching instrument, and a measurement system that measures the amount of the force required to punch the material. A method for using the device is also provided.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound palpation device for measuring the Young's modulus and the thickness of a soft tissue layer includes a hand-holdable palpation probe having an ultrasonic transceiver connected in series with a load cell. During a test, the probe is placed on the tissue surface with a bony substratum. As the operator manually loads and unloads the probe on the tissue surface, a program embedded in a microprocessor module continuously causes the ultrasound emitter to emit ultrasound pulses into the soft tissue. The ultrasound echo signal reflected from the bony interface is received and its flight time is used by the program to calculate the original thickness and the deformation of the soft tissue. The corresponding load applied to the tissue is continuously recorded by the load cell, its driver, and amplifier module, and the data collection module.

Abstract: An indenter for microscratch test of durability properties of the materials, including resistance of coating films to delamination. The blade-like indenter has a prism-like body defined by a front side, a rear side, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side. The first lateral side and the second lateral side converge and form at their intersection an edge that extends from the front side to the rear side. An angle between the edge and the front side is sharp, and an angle between the first lateral side and the second lateral side is rounded with a radius. During the test, the blade-like indenter is installed at selected angles of attack to the surface of the test material; a relative movement is created between the indenter and the test material with simultaneous mechanical, electrical, and acoustical measurements.

Abstract: A glass transition temperature Tg measurement system includes a probe point penetrating into a sample under test that has been heated by a heater to a temperature where the sample undergoes a phase change from a solid to a semisolid. A thermocouple is used to measure the temperature while a motion transducer is used to measure the amount of penetration. The penetration amount sharply increases at the glass transition temperature. A portable unit can be used in the field to test the Tg properties of various composite materials used, for example, in structures including buildings and bridges.

Abstract: The invention is directed to indicator inserts for industrial diagnostic gauges and to industrial diagnostic gauges having at least one indicator insert that are utilized in industrial applications such as pressure and temperature gauges utilized in petrochemical plants. The indicator insert preferably includes at least one indicator insert marking having luminescent materials and reflective materials to facilitate accurate reading of the industrial diagnostic gauges in low and no light conditions from distances greater than 4 feet. Broadly, the industrial diagnostic gauges include a housing, a diagnostic member, a face, at least one hand operatively associated with the diagnostic member, a clear window, an indicator insert, and a retaining ring. The indicator insert includes a top surface that includes at least one indicator insert marking.