Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and a device for producing a product and to a computer program product. The product is produced in at least one production step. A quality control check is optionally carried out after at least one of the production steps to determine a quality index of the product in question. To save on the quality control check, a quality indicator of the product in question is determined using production data. The production data are advantageously provided by sensors. The quality indicator of the product in question may be calculated using an adaptive algorithm. The adaptive algorithm may be taught and/or improved using quality indices of a quality control unit and the corresponding production data. The adaptive algorithm may be taught with the aid of a further computing unit, in particular in a cloud.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods are disclosed for characterizing a tested superabrasive element, such as a polycrystalline diamond element. In an embodiment, a method of characterizing the relative strength of a superabrasive element is disclosed. A first superabrasive element and a second superabrasive element are positioned upper surface to upper surface, including an area of overlap between the upper surfaces. A load is applied while the first and second superabrasive elements are overlapped until failure of one or both of the first or second superabrasive elements fail. A relative strength is determined using at least the load during failure as a parameter.

Abstract: A gyratory compactor apparatus adapted to interact with a mold that defines a mold axis is provided. The gyratory compactor apparatus includes a frame defining a frame axis, a pivoted support carried by the frame, and a mold-engaging device carried by the pivoted support and having a carriage plate spaced-apart from the pivoted support for receiving the mold. The carriage plate is movable relative to the frame axis by rotation of the pivoted support. At least one actuator is in engagement with the carriage plate for imparting translation to the carriage plate relative to the frame axis.

Abstract: An integrated machine for making, in laboratory, slabs made of a controlled-compaction bituminous mix in a mold and for making wheel tracking tests on the same, the compaction is performed by two idle disks which slide and press the side extensions of an array of vertical plates overlapping the mix, the wheel tracking test is performed by a wheel located between the disks; after having removed the array of plates, the wheel can be presented to the mix, since the disks are located at a distance greater than the mold width.

Abstract: A fatigue test system for repetitively deforming a substantially tubular implant structure which is within a radial range and within an axial range expandable and contractable and which has at least a first and a second end, wherein the system comprises at least a first and second part which are controllably moveable relative to each other, and a first and a second fixture assembly for fixing the first end to the first part and the second end to the second part, so that the system controls in use the position of each of the first and second end of the tubular implant structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for test pressing tablets with at least two layers.

Abstract: A gyratory compactor apparatus adapted to interact with a mold that defines a mold axis is provided. The gyratory compactor apparatus includes a frame defining a frame axis and having a first mounting plate and a pivoted support carried by the frame and capable of rotation in at least a first and a second rotational degree of freedom. A mold-engaging device is carried by the pivoted support and includes a first carriage plate proximal the pivoted support and a spaced-apart second carriage plate that defines a space therebetween for receiving the mold. The second carriage plate has at least one clamping rod in communication with an actuator for translating the second carriage plate about the mold axis to thereby secure the mold in the space between the first and second carriage plates. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A test fixture for use with a Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) restrains a hollow cylindrical tube for purposes of performing either a tensile or transverse/bending load test. The fixture includes a clamp that is configured to restrain the tube without imparting a preload or changing a mechanical property of the tube.

Abstract: A gyratory compactor apparatus is provided that is adapted to interact with a mold that defines a mold axis. The gyratory compactor apparatus includes a frame that defines a frame axis and has a first mounting plate and a spaced-apart second mounting plate. A pivoted support is carried by the frame and capable of rotation in at least a first and a second rotational degree of freedom. A mold-engaging device is carried by the pivoted support and has a first carriage plate proximal the pivoted support and a second carriage plate axially spaced-apart from the pivoted support for receiving the mold therebetween. At least one actuator having a first end is carried by the frame and a second end is carried by the second carriage plate for imparting lateral translation to the second carriage plate relative to the frame axis. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: An edge-strength measuring device for measuring the compressive strength of a foam matrix along the edges thereof, the device comprising at least one measuring implement having one or more contacting elements for engaging with the edges of the foam matrix, and at least one measuring device in communication with said contacting elements for measuring the resistance imparted by the foam matrix when said contacting element is engaged with the edge.

Abstract: A creep tester for a precise and accurate creep test includes a movable actuator capable of loading corresponding to change in length of a specimen, a cam actuator operated in association with the movable actuator, and a self weight actuator. The movable actuator includes upper and lower spherical adjusting seats to hold upper and lower portions of the specimen, a spring disposed on the upper spherical adjusting seat to correspond to a minute deformation of the specimen, upper and lower movable tables respectively contacting the spring and the lower spherical adjusting seat, a load cell and a stationary table disposed on the upper movable table, and a movable loading table disposed below the lower movable table to apply a predetermined load to the specimen. The creep tester can perform a precise creep test by continuously applying a constant load without supplementation of hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for evaluating the properties of material used in the manufacture of pulling rolls. In one embodiment, a method is provided for aligning plates comprising the material along an axis and compressing the plates to form a cartridge. The plates can be compressed by a piston. The cartridge can be rotated by a motor. In one embodiment, the cartridge, while rotating, is contacted with a cutting surface to produce a surface finish on the cartridge. Properties such as compressibility, recovery and resiliency, and hardness can be measured.

Abstract: A gripping fixture suitable for use in stent securement testing is described. The gripping fixture includes a housing having a chamber, a rigid perforated tubular member positioned within the chamber, a multiplicity of radially extending pins arranged to slide in the perforations in the tubular member, and an elastic sheath that circumscribes the outer ends of the pins and surrounds the tubular member. A pressure chamber is formed between the housing and the elastic sheath. The gripping fixture also includes a pressure controller for controlling the pressure within the pressure chamber. The pressure applied in the pressure chamber acts on the elastic sheath and may be used to cause some of the pins to engage a stent during the stent securement test to hold the stent in place relative to the gripping fixture while the tensile force required to dislodge the stent from a catheter is measured.

Abstract: Relocate the abstract to the last page of the application and replace the abstract with the following new abstract: A mill configured for a thermo-mechanical simulating test system includes a stand with a strip entry disposed thereon for feeding strips; an upper roller and a lower roller disposed on the stand; devices for axial and radial positioning of the upper roller and the lower roller; a pressure sensor for testing rolling force disposed between the stand and at least one of the upper roller and the lower roller; a strip clamp disposed corresponding to the strip entry, wherein the strip clamp is removeably connected to a first coupling head of the thermo-mechanical simulating test system; a coupling mount connected to the stand and disposed generally oppositely to the strip entry on a side of the stand, wherein the coupling mount is removeably connected to a second coupling head of the thermo-mechanical simulating test system.

Abstract: In method and a device for determining the compression properties of crop material in an agricultural working machine, a compressing device is capable of being filled with a material sample during the working process, the compression of the material sample is determined based on at least one defined precompression of the material sample carried out by the compressing device, and at least one compressing element assigned to the compressing device applies a load on the material sample and moves relative to it, to provide an improved compression effect in crop material.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system performs analysis on a construction material mixture includes accessing a server located on a wide-area-network; sending information collected from the material mixture to the server; applying one or more test methodologies to the collected information; generating one or more reports from the test methodologies; and sending the one or more reports to a project manager.

Abstract: A gyratory compactor apparatus is provided for interacting with a sample within a generally cylindrical mold having a flange. Such an apparatus comprises a frame defining an axis and an offsetable member engaged with the frame for engaging one end of the mold. The offsetable member is displaceable from the axis and is concurrently movable in an orbital motion thereabout. A pressure ram is movable along the axis and a mold-engaging device is engaged with the frame for receiving the mold such that the mold and frame axes are coaxial. The pressure ram is axially movable within the mold to apply a compaction pressure on the sample, and thereby maintains a portion of the mold at a gyration point along the frame axis. The mold-engaging device axially moves the mold into engagement with the offsetable member.

Abstract: A gyratory compactor apparatus is provided for interacting with a sample within a generally cylindrical mold having a flange. Such an apparatus comprises a frame defining an axis and an offsetable member engaged with the frame for engaging one end of the mold. The offsetable member is displaceable from the axis and is concurrently movable in an orbital motion thereabout. A pressure ram is movable along the axis and a mold-engaging device is engaged with the frame for receiving the mold such that the mold and frame axes are coaxial. The pressure ram is axially movable within the mold to apply a compaction pressure on the sample, and thereby maintains a portion of the mold at a gyration point along the frame axis. The mold-engaging device axially moves the mold into engagement with the offsetable member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring the crushing strength of an abrasive, comprising particles, used in a lapping process. Embodiments include a crushing strength tester having a cup for holding the abrasive; a first motor for rotating the cup in a first direction; a piston having a face for rotatably fitting within the cup and contacting the abrasive; a second motor for rotating the piston in a second direction opposite the first direction; and a press for pressing the piston against the abrasive and crushing the particles while the first and second motors are rotating. An initial particle size distribution for the particles is determined, then the abrasive is subjected to a crushing force approximately equal to that of the lapping process using the crushing strength tester. A post-crushing particle size distribution for the particles is determined, and the initial and post-crushing particle size distributions are compared.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for asphalt mix design by predicting properties associated with a mix of volumetric properties; verifying properties of the mix by digitally collecting data for each gyration from a gyratory compactor; selecting an optimum mix based on the gyration data; determining a percentage of maximum theoretical density; testing properties of the optimum mix with an ignition process; and determining gradation of the optimum mix.

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

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

Abstract: A method for determining the circumferential properties of a tubular product, especially nuclear fuel cladding, utilizes compression of a polymeric plug within the tubular product to determine strain stress, yield stress and other properties. The process is especially useful in the determination of aging properties such as fuel rod embrittlement after long burn-down.

Abstract: A gyratory compactor apparatus is provided for interacting with a sample within a generally cylindrical mold having a flange. Such an apparatus comprises a frame defining an axis and an offsetable member engaged with the frame for engaging one end of the mold. The offsetable member is displaceable from the axis and is concurrently movable in an orbital motion thereabout. A pressure ram is movable along the axis and a mold-engaging device is engaged with the frame for receiving the mold such that the mold and frame axes are coaxial. The pressure ram is axially movable within the mold to apply a compaction pressure on the sample, and thereby maintains a portion of the mold at a gyration point along the frame axis. The mold-engaging device axially moves the mold into engagement with the offsetable member.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automating asphalt mix design by running one or more tests on the mix design using computer controlled equipment; digitally collecting data for each run using the computer controlled equipment; and selecting an optimum mix based on the collected data.

Abstract: A packaging process line that compacts rolled products as they are packaged is disclosed. A firmness measuring device is used to measure the firmness of the rolls as the rolls, for instance, enter the process line. The roll firmness device is placed in communication with a controller, such as a microprocessor. The microprocessor is configured to receive information from the roll firmness device and control one or more elements within the process line that apply a compressive force to the rolls. In particular, the controller is configured to adjust any packaging equipment that applies a compressive force to the rolls so that a substantially uniform amount of force is applied to the rolls throughout the system. In this manner, the system is capable of automatically making adjustments based upon any variation in the product. Misfeeds, miscounts and the like are minimized for improving process efficiency and minimizing process downtime.

Abstract: A method for test pressing tablets by means of a rotary tabletting machine, a rotationally driven rotor which has a series of upper and lower rams, a die-plate with dies with which the rams interact, a control cam system for said rams, and a filling assembly to continuously fill said dies with said rotor rotating, further by means of at least one pressure station at which the material located in said dies is compressed into a tablet, and a measuring device having a plurality of measuring positions which measures at least the compression force applied by said rams and the number of revolutions of said rotor, comprising the process steps of, a pair of rams selected for a single compression procedure is automatically moved to a filling position, a die or limited number of dies is filled with material with said filling assembly removed at least in part and said rotor at stoppage, said rotor is set into rotation subsequently and is sped up such as to have the desired production speed in said pressure station, and

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automating mix design by estimating volumetric properties for one or more mix designs; running one or more tests on the mix design using a gyratory compactor; digitally collecting data for each gyration from the gyratory compactor; selecting an optimum mix based on the gyration data; and testing a sample of the optimum mix using an ignition process.

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

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for testing, in a destructive or non-destructive manner, femoral head prosthesis having a blind hole for receiving the end of a femoral prosthesis rod. The device includes a frame provided with a shaft projecting from the frame, said shaft having a substantially complementary shape to said bore and being associated with means for applying a pressure onto the inner bore wall when a femoral head is fitted onto said shaft. This device is characterised in that the shaft includes a sealed jacket having at least one deformable lateral wall portion, and a socket fitted onto said jacket and provided with elastic fingers that extend substantially facing said deformable wall portion of the jacket, and in that said jacket defines an inner chamber in communication with means supplying a pressurized fluid, such that the fluid pressure is transmitted to the inner bore wall via the deformable wall and the elastic fingers.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is provided with two supporting bodies (10,11) with plane supporting surfaces (12,13) between which a hose (14) is compressed or flattened. For measuring the internal pressure of the hose (14), pressure transmission means (17 or 22) is displaceable in a gap (16) that is arranged at a supporting body (10 or 11) adjacent to the compressed of flattened hose (14). The pressure transmission means (17 or 22) presses against the plane surface of the flattened-hose (14) and is supported on a force sensor (19). Thus, the deformation forces generated upon compressing the hose are eliminated for the measurement of pressure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automating mix design by estimating volumetric properties for one or more mix designs; running one or more tests on the mix design using a gyratory compactor; digitally collecting data for each gyration from the gyratory compactor; selecting an optimum mix based on the gyration data; and testing a sample of the optimum mix using an ignition process.

Abstract: A method for test pressing tablets by means of a rotary tabletting machine, a rotationally driven rotor which has a series of upper and lower rams, a die-plate with dies with which the rams interact, a control cam system for said rams, and a filling assembly to continuously fill said dies with said rotor rotating, further by means of at least one pressure station at which the material located in said dies is compressed into a tablet, and a measuring device having a plurality of measuring positions which measures at least the compression force applied by said rams and the number of revolutions of said rotor, comprising the process steps below:

Abstract: A gyratory compactor apparatus is provided for interacting with a sample within a generally cylindrical mold having a flange. Such an apparatus comprises a frame defining an axis and an offsetable member engaged with the frame for engaging one end of the mold. The offsetable member is displaceable from the axis and is concurrently movable in an orbital motion thereabout. A pressure ram is movable along the axis and a mold-engaging device is engaged with the frame for receiving the mold such that the mold and frame axes are coaxial. The pressure ram is axially movable within the mold to apply a compaction pressure on the sample, and thereby maintains a portion of the mold at a gyration point along the frame axis. The mold-engaging device axially moves the mold into engagement with the offsetable member.

Abstract: A golf ball testing apparatus for testing whether a golf ball is usable for competitive use. The golf ball testing apparatus includes a housing having a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall of the housing defines a orifice through the housing. The orifice is designed for receiving the golf ball. A plurality of alignment assemblies are coupled to the housing. Each of the alignment assemblies is designed for abutting against the golf ball for maintaining alignment of the golf ball in the orifice. A compression assembly is coupled to the housing. The compression assembly is designed for engaging the golf ball. A measurement assembly is coupled to the housing opposite the compression assembly. The measurement assembly is designed for engaging the golf ball for measuring compression of the golf ball when the compression assembly compresses the golf ball.

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

Abstract: A testing device includes a bladder coupled to a pressure gauge, for being squeezed or compressed by users to force air to the pressure gauge, and to measure gripping force of the users. A pumping device may be coupled to the bladder for pumping the bladder to the required pressure. A valve may be coupled between the pumping device and the bladder to control the pumping device. Two pivotal casings may be attached onto the bladder for pressing the bladder, and have flaps to be forced toward each other against the bladder.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automating asphalt mix design by estimating volumetric properties for one or more mix designs; running one or more tests on the mix design using a gyratory compactor; digitally collecting data for each gyration from the gyratory compactor; and selecting an optimum mix based on the gyration data.

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

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for detecting contaminated objects, for example mail pieces, through use of a pinching device that compresses the objects, thereby possibly releasing potential contaminant-containing particles into the air in a closed chamber. Whatever particles are in the closed chamber mix with the air in the closed chamber and form cavity air, which is captured by a detection and alert mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting bio-hazardous particulates in mail handling systems includes an air intake hood 20 that connects to a biohazard sensing suite 24 which, in turn, connects through an outlet duct 26 to a filter, adsorber, or scrubber 28 that removes any bio-hazardous material prior to exhausting the air. An air mover 30 is located in the outlet duct 26 and moves the air into the air intake hood 20 into the biohazard sensing suite 24. The biohazard sensing suite 24 detects the presence of any undesired bio-hazardous material.

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: Systems and methods are disclosed for automating asphalt mix design by estimating volumetric properties for one or more mix designs; running one or more tests on the mix design using a gyratory compactor; digitally collecting data for each gyration from the gyratory compactor; and selecting an optimum mix based on the gyration data.

Abstract: A pressure verification device is provided which is configured to be used with a Superpave gyratory compactor to measure the pressure applied to a specimen of asphalt paving mix during the compaction process. The pressure verification device is positionable within the cylindrical mold of the gyratory compactor for dynamically measuring the pressure exerted upon the sample within the mold. The pressure verification device comprises a rigid disk-shaped plate having opposing surfaces, with at least one pressure transducer being carried by the disk-shaped plate on one of the opposing surfaces.

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: A load sensor 10 is provided with an elastic conductive tube 21, and a first electrode member 22 and second electrode member 23 separated by a distance in the longitudinal direction. The load sensor 10 is further provided with an elongated insertion member 24 to be inserted into the elastic conductive tube 21, and envelope members 25, which are provided at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction to enclose the insertion member 24, and together with the insertion member 24 are inserted into the tube 21 to separate the insertion member 24 from the tube 21. When the tube 21 is bent by the application of a load, the electrode members 22 and 23 contact the tube 21. The load is detected by determining whether the electrode members 22 and 23 have been rendered conductive via the tube 21. The sensitivity of the sensor 10 can be easily controlled by adjusting the interval between envelope members 25 and the thicknesses thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a method for testing the forces experienced by a wearer when donning a tubular article. The method includes securing one end of a tubular hosiery article to be tested to a support, inserting a tension tester head within the tubular body and measuring the force against the article surface as the tester head passes through the article. An apparatus for performing this method is also disclosed. The tester head has a geometric shape that may be advanced by withdrawing the head through the hosiery or the hosiery may be drawn past the tension head.

Abstract: A spindle characterization system for characterizing performance of a spindle used in an industrial machine includes a machine base for providing a mounting and support surface and having a recessed portion. The spindle characterization facility includes a table base assembly for supporting the spindle disposed within the recess portion and the table base assembly has a table top and height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the table top. The spindle characterization system also includes a spindle mounting mechanism having a top portion mounted to the spindle and a bottom portion mounted to the table top, and a spindle forcing assembly operatively connected to the spindle, and the spindle forcing assembly generates an axial load, radial load and a torque that is applied to the spindle to simulate a machine tool load.

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.