With Hydraulic Or Pneumatic Actuation Patents (Class 73/825)
  • Patent number: 11879794
    Abstract: Described is a compression apparatus for a testing system having a load cell. The disclosed compression apparatus ensures proper seating relative to the load cell to yield accurate compression friction (CF) measurements. The disclosed compression apparatus includes a compression rod and at least one mechanical fastener. The compression rod has a first portion at a distal end and a second portion that defines a threaded bore at a proximal end. The first portion is configured to contact a specimen and the second portion is configured to couple to the load cell. The mechanical fastener is configured to mate with the threaded bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian Riddick, Daniel Chouinard, Brian Salem, Christopher Hines
  • Patent number: 11385150
    Abstract: A double-layer concentric loading frame structure suitable for a true triaxial testing machine includes an inner-layer frame, an outer-layer frame and a base. A square slot hole is formed in a middle part of the inner-layer frame. The inner-layer frame is mounted on the base through a support platform. Actuators are mounted at a top end and a bottom end of the inner-layer frame. The outer-layer frame sleeves the inner-layer frame concentrically. Four actuators are distributed on an outer periphery of the outer-layer frame. A support plate is mounted at the top end of the inner-layer frame, and two lifting driving cylinders are mounted on the support plate. Piston rods of the lifting driving cylinders extend below the support plate and are connected to an upper surface of the outer-layer frame. A guide post is mounted on the upper surface of the outer-layer frame and extends above the support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Xiwei Zhang, Xiating Feng, Donghui Ma
  • Patent number: 10816448
    Abstract: A device for measuring strength and strain softening parameters of a saturated clay sample based on full-flow penetration belongs to the technical field of geotechnical, geological and environmental research. The device mainly comprises two parts: an overlying pressure loading system and a full-flow penetration system. The present invention mainly aims at the problem of incomplete backflow of the soil in the measurement of soil strength and strain softening parameters with a full-flow penetrometer for saturated clay, and applies the working principle of a traditional consolidometer to vertically pressurize a soil sample to ensure the backflow of the soil, thereby improving the applicability of the full-flow penetrometer in the measurement aspect of the soil strength and the strain softening parameters and having important practical value for test research and marine engineering design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: DALIAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Long Yu, Yunrui Han, Qing Yang, Zhongtao Wang
  • Patent number: 10710750
    Abstract: A refueling hose tool kit for repairing or replacing air refueling hose end fittings may include a collapsible work stand configured to secure the hose end fitting when in a deployed extended orientation; a removal adapter ring; a hydraulically powered assembly clamp fixture; a hydraulically powered insert removal tool fixture; a wrench; a hydraulic pump; and a ruggedized case configured to receive the work stand, removal adapter ring, clamp fixture, insert removal tool fixture, wrench and hydraulic pump for storage and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Cobham Mission Systems Davenport LSS Inc.
    Inventors: Don Dowd, Joe Beitelspacher, Brent Meeker, Lee Brandt, Max Gehl
  • Patent number: 10549331
    Abstract: A press brake has a lower table arranged at lower part of left and right side frames, an upper table arranged at upper part of the side frames and facing the lower table, one of the upper and lower tables serving as a ram to be moved vertically, and left and right vertical driving units arranged on the side frames, respectively, to move the ram vertically. Strain detecting sensors are arranged on inner and outer side faces, respectively, of each of the left and right side frames, to detect strain of the side frames in such a way as to cancel horizontal deflection of the side frames and detect vertical deflection thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: AMADA HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaki Kurihara, Masahiro Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 9162318
    Abstract: A friction stir processing apparatus comprises a tool, a processing head retaining the tool, a support table retaining the workpiece, and a cylinder unit biasing the support table toward the tool. The tool having a probe projecting from a shoulder surface, for performing friction stir processing on a workpiece made of a metal material. The processing head is pressing the tool against the workpiece so as to relatively shift the tool in a processing direction. The friction stir processing apparatus comprises load control means for controlling to constantly keep the bias force of the cylinder unit so as to constantly keep pressurizing force of the tool pressing the workpiece. It is thus possible to perform friction stir processing with excellent quality even when the workpiece has a different thickness or is made of a different material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: ISEL CO., LTD
    Inventors: Sachio Oki, Kiichi Kakei, Tomotake Hirata, Takayuki Takasugi, Yasuyuki Kaneno, Noboru Mochizuki, Takanori Uchida
  • Publication number: 20130283925
    Abstract: An integrated mobile test system and methods for characterizing in situ stress or strain/deflection—dependent stiffness and bearing capacity enables the testing of engineering properties of natural, compacted, stabilized, and reinforced soils and geo-materials. The mobile test system and associated methods (1) prepare the ground for testing and (2) apply static or cyclic loading to one or more bearing plates of various geometries positioned at the ground surface or below the ground surface to determine both stress and deflection dependent stiffness relationships and the bearing capacity of the soil or geo-material. Optionally, the mobile test system and associated methods (3) apply ground confining stress conditions independent of the bearing plate loading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: David Joshua WHITE, Robert Frank STEFFES, Ells Thomas CACKLER
  • Patent number: 8561474
    Abstract: The invention relates to a triaxial cell for testing geomaterials on specimens. The triaxial cell has at least one piston for subjecting a specimen to stress directed along the longitudinal axis of the specimen. Hydraulic means are provided for subjecting the lateral wall of the specimen to a stress, under the pressure of a fluid. The cell has at least one sealed test chamber-in which the specimen is placed, and a circuit for the controlled pressurization of said test chamber with a fluid, called the pressurizing fluid, and for the controlled draining of said fluid therefrom. The cell has mechanisms for subjecting the specimen to a tensile force, which are configured for removably fastening it between two attachments intended to move apart or closer together under the action of the piston so as to subject said specimen to longitudinal stress or on the contrary to remove the load therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Universite des Sciences et Technologies de Lille
    Inventor: Jean Secq
  • Patent number: 8479591
    Abstract: Gripping claws and pairs of arched angular profiles are arranged along the perimeter of a cylindrical surface segment so as to grip the edges of a fuselage panel, closing the opening of a pressurizable chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Alenia Aeronautics S.p.A.
    Inventors: Pietrantonio Cerreta, Angela Natale, Paolo Ruggiero, Domenico Cozzolino
  • Patent number: 8465295
    Abstract: A fluid percussion system for modeling penetrating brain injury includes a fluid percussion device that takes inputs in the form of pressurized gas and electrical signals from a computer and outputs a single hydraulic pulse, or multiple hydraulic pulses in quick succession. The fluid percussion device may include a pneumatic cylinder assembly and a hydraulic cylinder assembly that is actuated by the pneumatic cylinder assembly to produce the hydraulic pulse(s) of pressurized fluid. Each pulse may be used to rapidly inflate and deflate an attached balloon (representing a brain penetrating device). The balloon may be inserted in a test specimen, and the rapid inflation and deflation of the balloon creates a lesion that simulates a penetrating brain injury. A calibration system that employs an optical sensor may be used to determine maximum balloon diameter achieved during rapid inflation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: The MITRE Corporation
    Inventors: Steven M. Taskovics, Brett H. Kobelin, Marc S. Pepi, Steven R. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 8443679
    Abstract: The invention relates to a testing device for the static and dynamic testing of workpieces, comprising a first clamping device and a second clamping device for the workpiece, and a drive for the cyclical displacement of the second clamping device, wherein the drive has a rocker arm on which the second clamping device is pivotably mounted and the two ends of the rocker arm are connected in each case to a pivotably mounted link, and the free ends of the links are coupled in each case to a crank drive, wherein the links protrude from the ends of the rocker arm in the same direction in the basic position of the testing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Frank Thilo Trautwein
  • Patent number: 8082801
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis D. Caulfield, Raffaello Verna, Thomas Brovold, Francois J. Malassenet
  • Patent number: 8008941
    Abstract: A polishing head is tested in a test station having a pedestal for supporting a test wafer and a controllable pedestal actuator to move a pedestal central wafer support surface and a test wafer toward the polishing head. In another aspect of the present description, the test wafer may be positioned using a positioner having a first plurality of test wafer engagement members positioned around the pedestal central wafer support surface. In another aspect, the wafer position may have a second plurality of test wafer engagement members positioned around an outer wafer support surface disposed around the pedestal central wafer support surface and adapted to support a test wafer. The second plurality of test wafer engagement members may be distributed about a second circumference of the ring member, the second circumference having a wider diameter than the first circumference. Additional embodiments and aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Schmidt, Jay Rohde, Stacy Meyer
  • Patent number: 7946182
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring the strength of solar cells. The apparatus includes a shell, a flexible element, a fastener unit, an inlet valve and a vent valve. The shell is used to cover the solar cells. The flexible element is disposed in the shell, thus dividing the interior of the shell into a first chamber and a second chamber. The fastener unit is used to firmly attach the flexible element to the shell. The inlet valve is in communication with the first chamber. The vent valve is in communication with the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Atomic Energy Council—Institute of Nuclear Energy Research
    Inventors: Bor-Shiun Huang, Chii-Neng Ou Yang, Yi-Ru Hsu, Yao-Tung Hsu, Tsung-Te Lin
  • Publication number: 20110107844
    Abstract: The invention relates to a triaxial cell for testing geomaterials on specimens. The triaxial cell has at least one piston for subjecting a specimen to stress directed along the longitudinal axis of the specimen. Hydraulic means are provided for subjecting the lateral wall of the specimen to a stress, under the pressure of a fluid. The cell has at least one sealed test chamber-in which the specimen is placed, and a circuit for the controlled pressurization of said test chamber with a fluid, called the pressurizing fluid, and for the controlled draining of said fluid therefrom. The cell has mechanisms for subjecting the specimen to a tensile force, which are configured for removably fastening it between two attachments intended to move apart or closer together under the action of the piston so as to subject said specimen to longitudinal stress or on the contrary to remove the load therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: Universite des Sciences et Technologies de Lille é
    Inventor: Jean Secq
  • Patent number: 7895901
    Abstract: A pressing head structure (100) for testing key durability includes a pressing mechanism (10), a rubber head (40), a connecting mechanism (20) and a balance mechanism (30). The pressing mechanism includes a sliding rod (12) and a first spring (16). The first spring is placed over the sliding rod. The connecting mechanism connects the pressing mechanism and the rubber head. The balance mechanism is rotatably fixed to the connecting mechanism. The balance mechanism engages with the pressing mechanism. When the sliding rod moves down, the first spring and the balance mechanism together supply an unaltered resultant resistance in the moving direction of the sliding rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Lei Li, Zhi-Qiang Jiang, Hai-Ri Huang, Yong Wang
  • Publication number: 20110016983
    Abstract: The invention relates to a testing device for the static and dynamic testing of workpieces, comprising a first clamping device and a second clamping device for the workpiece, and a drive for the cyclical displacement of the second clamping device, wherein the drive has a rocker arm on which the second clamping device is pivotably mounted and the two ends of the rocker arm are connected in each case to a pivotably mounted link, and the free ends of the links are coupled in each case to a crank drive, wherein the links protrude from the ends of the rocker arm in the same direction in the basic position of the testing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Frank Thilo Trautwein
  • Publication number: 20110005330
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring the strength of solar cells. The apparatus includes a shell, a flexible element, a fastener unit, an inlet valve and a vent valve. The shell is used to cover the solar cells. The flexible element is disposed in the shell, thus dividing the interior of the shell into a first chamber and a second chamber. The fastener unit is used to firmly attach the flexible element to the shell. The inlet valve is in communication with the first chamber. The vent valve is in communication with the first chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL-INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH
    Inventors: Bor-Shiun Huang, Chil-Neng Ou Yang, Yi-Ru Hsu, Yao-Tung Hsu, Tsung-Te Lin
  • Patent number: 7750657
    Abstract: A polishing head is tested in a test station having a pedestal for supporting a test wafer and a controllable pedestal actuator to move a pedestal central wafer support surface and a test wafer toward the polishing head. In another aspect of the present description, the test wafer may be positioned using a positioner having a first plurality of test wafer engagement members positioned around the pedestal central wafer support surface. In another aspect, the wafer position may have a second plurality of test wafer engagement members positioned around an outer wafer support surface disposed around the pedestal central wafer support surface and adapted to support a test wafer. The second plurality of test wafer engagement members may be distributed about a second circumference of the ring member, the second circumference having a wider diameter than the first circumference. Additional embodiments and aspects are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P Schmidt, Jay Rohde, Stacy Meyer
  • Patent number: 7624646
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventor: Dean Veral Neubauer
  • Patent number: 7591188
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system comprising a structure, from 1 to 10 dynamic tension sensors, adapted to monitor a dynamic tension level of at least one point along a length of the structure, and a controller adapted to calculate a dynamic bending stress or strain level at a plurality of points along the length of the structure as a function of time. In some embodiments, the system also includes a vessel connected to the structure, wherein the vessel is floating in a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Li Lee, Clay Douglas McMullen
  • Publication number: 20090223301
    Abstract: A method for testing tubular objects, in particular paper sleeves in a cylindrical pressure chamber, comprises the following steps: receiving the tubular object to be tested in a pressure chamber, which is comprised of a hollow cylinder with a pressure shell, wherein the pressure shell is supported at the hollow cylinder and wherein an expansion of the pressure shell in radial outward direction and in axial direction is limited; loading the pressure shell with a pressure means, so that the inner surface of the pressure shell is evenly applied to the surface of the object; and providing a pressure increase until the terminal pressure to be tested is reached, or a damage of the tubular object occurs. The invention also relates to an apparatus for testing tubular objects, configured to use the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Andreas Schwab
  • Patent number: 7584671
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing the load bearing strength of an architectural structure includes a top holding assembly, a hydraulic cylinder, a bottom holding assembly, and a bracing member. The hydraulic cylinder is disposed below the top holding assembly, and has a top end. The bottom holding assembly is mounted on the top end of the hydraulic cylinder, and cooperates with the top holding assembly to hold the architectural structure therebetween. The bottom holding assembly includes a peripheral wall. The bracing member has a plurality of bracing rollers disposed around and slidably abutting against the peripheral wall of the bottom holding assembly so as to absorb lateral horizontal stress which may occur during the testing of the architectural structure under compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Architecture and Building Research Institute, Ministry of the Interior
    Inventor: Chiang-Pi Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20080257030
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining petrophysical parameters within a geologic formation pressurizes a geologic sample through a set of predetermined effective pressures, energizes the sample at each predetermined effective pressure with an electric current and/or sonic energy, and measures a conductivity value (electrical conductivity and/or sonic velocity). Permeability and/or porosity are also measured at each pressure through a traditional method and the functions are compared so that permeability and/or porosity can be subsequently derived from a sonic or electrical measurement of a comparable sample under a effective pressure. An apparatus is also described for acquiring the measurements under tri-axial compression, with a computerized interface in one embodiment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: SOROWELL PRODUCTION SERVICES LLC
    Inventors: Vyacheslav I. Slavin, Yury Budansky, Leonid Levitan, Walter Breidenstein
  • Patent number: 7428845
    Abstract: A compression gauge for measuring the compression applied to a test bolt. The compression gauge includes a passive hydraulic cylinder and a piston slidably disposed within the cylinder. The piston and the cylinder define an hydraulic chamber. A threaded test bolt passes through the piston and cylinder to engage a female receiver on the opposite side of the compression gauge. Tightening the test bolt will cause the bolt to compress the piston and cylinder which will pressurize the hydraulic chamber. A pressure gauge measures the pressure achieved in the hydraulic chamber. This pressure can be easily converted to compressive force. When a hydraulic wrench is used to tighten the test bolt, the wrench can be set to apply the same amount of torque to a workpiece bolt and thus apply the desired amount of compression to the workpiece bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventor: Bobby Collins
  • Publication number: 20080202253
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Dean Veral Neubauer
  • Patent number: 7370538
    Abstract: A method for determining the thickness of a layer of insulation comprises the steps of: contacting a top surface of a portion of the layer of insulation, compressing the portion of the layer of insulation until a predetermined compressive load is achieved, measuring a distance through which the top surface is moved during the compressing step, and determining the thickness of the layer of insulation based on the measured distance. Apparatus is provided for performing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: CertainTeed Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Suda, Jeffrey R. Sacks
  • Patent number: 7347104
    Abstract: A method for the analysis of the strength of a test specimen of reducible material that contains iron during the use of an arrangement comprises: a) arranging a test specimen between adjacent contact surfaces of first and second devices of the arrangement; b) continuously reducing the distance between the contact surfaces; c) compressing the test specimen between the contact surfaces while a measurement value that comprises at least the force that is applied to the specimen is collected; d) storing the measured value in a memory; e) increasing the distance between the contact surfaces; and f) removing the compressed test specimen. An arrangement for carrying out the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara AB
    Inventors: Anders Apelqvist, Kjell-Ove Mickelsson, Seija Forsmo, Urban Holmdahl
  • Patent number: 7347105
    Abstract: A method for the analysis of the properties of a test specimen comprises: arranging a test specimen between contact surfaces; continuously reducing the distance between the contact surfaces; measuring the diameter of the test specimen when the test specimen makes contact with the contact surfaces; further displacing the contact surfaces in a direction towards each other during the compression of the test specimen until the test specimen disintegrates; storing and continuously recording the force that is applied to the test specimen and the time; recording the maximum forces at all the points of disintegration of the test specimen; increasing the distance between the contact surfaces; and removing the test specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara AB
    Inventors: Anders Apelqvist, Kjell-Ove Mickelsson, Seija Forsmo, Urban Holmdahl
  • Patent number: 7331244
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing a stamping press die that has includes a plurality of mechanical devices. The apparatus includes a plurality of pneumatic connections for supplying pressurized air to each of the plurality of mechanical devices; a plurality of valves for regulating pressurized air to associated connections at a predetermined pressure and flow, so as to actuate the associated mechanical devices; and a control system for selectively controlling the plurality of valves, so as to implement a predetermined sequence of valve actuations. In this way, the control system simulates a predetermined sequence of mechanical device operation while the die is removed from the stamping press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jimmy Little, Chris Current
  • Patent number: 7191664
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for testing the mechanical properties of a material. The apparatus comprises a sample container (10) adapted to be filled with a sample of the material, and a housing (20) within which the sample container (10) is, in use, fixedly mounted. The sample container (10) has a first, open face via which a compressive load can be applied to the sample and a second face (19) disposed orthogonally to the first, open face. At least a portion of the second face (19) is resiliently displaceable, outwardly of the sample container (10), in response to deformation of the sample brought about by application of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Scott Wilson Pavement Engineering Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Howard Thom, Jonathon Paul Edwards
  • Patent number: 7143653
    Abstract: Disclosed is a triaxial system for testing particulate matter under substantially dry triaxial load conditions comprising: a housing means fillable with confining fluid for providing confining pressure on a sample of dry particulate matter to be tested, the housing having a channel for introduction therein and removal therefrom of the confining fluid, a load piston sealingly extends for providing a load on the sample, sample mounting means for mounting the sample within the housing, the sample mounting means including a top end platen for mounting at the top and a button end platen for disposition at the bottom of the sample, at least one flexible, impermeable membrane for enclosing the surface of the sample other than its ends, fluid passage means connecting the housing to a volume change sensor for freely delivering confining fluid thereto, and a volume change sensor adapted to measure the volume of confining fluid delivered thereto through the fluid passage means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Ismail Abdel-Hadi, Nocolaie D. Cristescu
  • Patent number: 7121149
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Raffaello Verna, Dirk Matthew Steckmann, William A. Gowan, Rayvonn Donnell Core, William Matthew Moscrip
  • Patent number: 6952969
    Abstract: A mechanical test method prescribes compressing brittle balls in spherical conforming opposing platens producing equatorial bulging, tensile stresses, and resulting indentation crack growth that is imaged for providing direct measurement of the fracture toughness of brittle balls, such as, silicon-nitride balls used in hybrid bearings as well as conventional steel ball bearings, with measurement errors being immune to characterizing the dimensions and positioning of the precrack indentations, so that, the test method is accurate, repeatable, and robust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Michael James O'Brien, Benjamin Allen Nelson
  • Patent number: 6889558
    Abstract: A gyratory compacting apparatus and data capture and display system for compacting a specimen of material within a mold as the mold is gyrated, and capturing and displaying data on an internal angle of gyration during mold gyration, the apparatus and system having a generally cylindrical mold for holding a specimen of material to be compacted, at least one plate in the mold in contact with material in the mold and which moves relative to the mold as the mold is gyrated, and at least one sensor which measures an internal angle of gyration between the mold and a mold plate and captures internal gyration angle data for real-time display of internal gyration angle data during gyration and compaction. Alternative arrays of internal gyration angle sensors are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Pine INstrument Company
    Inventor: Theodore G. Hines
  • Publication number: 20040134287
    Abstract: A test station for testing polishing heads for planarizing semiconductor wafers and other substrates has a head positioning control system which can precisely position the polishing head at one of many electronically controlled positions above the test station platform. The test station may also include a lateral carriage assembly which supports the polishing head above a base plate of the station and permits the polishing head to be moved in a gliding motion above the surface of the test station test wafer. A sensor senses when the carriage of the assembly is moved from a load position. In response, the test station controller causes a vertical actuator to lift the head mount in the vertical or Z direction. In this position, there is sufficient clearance for the polishing head being carried by the carriage to slide under the head mount and into position for mounting to the head adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Jian Lin, Volker Geissler, Jens-Michael Wendler
  • Patent number: 6745635
    Abstract: An improved device for proof load testing of bearings comprising of a cylinder body (8) and a piston (3) which are slidably mounted with a male and female internal coupling design, creating an cylindrical type cavity (9) within the body. The cavity is filled with hydraulic fluid. An axial bore hole (10) extends through the center of the piston and cylinder. A threaded enlongated bolt (1) is extended through the axial bore hole and a bearing assembly and into a threaded recessed receiver die (6). The bolt is tightened, forcing the device against the bearing assembly and the forcing the bearing against the recessed area of the receiver die. The pressure created by tightening the bolt is measured by a hydraulic gauge (12) attached to the cylinder body. When predetermined pressure by the tightened bolt is reached on the hydraulic gauge, a mechanical gauge attached to the receiver die is examined to verify or prove the bearing has withstood the load within manufacturer's specified tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald J Glaser
  • Patent number: 6729190
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for testing the strength of ceramic honeycomb structures are described. The apparatus includes a chamber that utilizes a flexible, generally cylindrical member including integral flanges to apply compressive force to the periphery of the honeycomb structure. According to some embodiments, a portable apparatus with an open chamber is provided to allow for rapid testing of multiple honeycomb structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Ronald A. Boyko, Cory F. Guenter, James F. King, Jr., James E. Lyons, Chester P. Tuttle, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040079167
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for testing the strength of ceramic honeycomb structures are disclosed. The apparatus includes a chamber that utilizes a flexible, generally cylindrical member including integral flanges to apply compressive force to the periphery of the honeycomb structure. According to some embodiments, a portable apparatus with an open chamber is provided to allow for rapid testing of multiple honeycomb structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Ronald A. Boyko, Cory F. Guenter, James F. King, James E. Lyons, Chester P. Tuttle
  • Publication number: 20040074308
    Abstract: A testing module for destructively testing the crush strength of objects. Radially arranged fingers are moved against the object by rotation of a cam ring engaged against cam followers on the fingers. A hydraulic cylinder is connected to the cam ring, to rotate the cam ring. A load cell in one of the fingers records the force applied to the object until the object fails structurally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Karl Boecker, Gregg Thiel
  • Patent number: 6612183
    Abstract: A method of regulating the counterpressure in an apparatus for plasticising and quantitatively regulating plastic material by means of a screw which is driven by separate servo motors for the rotary movement and the axial movement, wherein the deviation of the counterpressure from the reference value is detected by at least one sensor, the axial movement of the screw being predetermined and deviations of the pressure from the reference value being compensated by altering the rotary movement of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Engel Maschinenbau Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Wolfgang Steinkellner
  • Publication number: 20030136198
    Abstract: An improved device for proof load testing of bearings. More specifically, it comprises of a cylinder body (8) having formed therein a cylinder cavity (9). The cylinder cavity has a cylinder protrusion (5) at its center forming an “O” type cylinder cavity. A piston (3) having a piston cavity (11) formed in its body creating an “O” type piston wall is slidably mounted and inserted into the cylinder cavity forming a chamber. A threaded cap (2) is placed over the piston and tightened onto the threaded exterior wall of the cylinder body. The chamber formed by the “O” type piston within the “O” type cylinder contains hydraulic fluid. An axial bore hole (10) extends through the center of the piston and cylinder. The cylinder wall and piston wall have “O” rings (4) (7) which prevent the leakage of hydraulic fluid from the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald J. Glaser
  • Patent number: 6539809
    Abstract: A test apparatus is provided for measuring loads applied to an object and for measuring the deformation of the object in response to the loads. The test apparatus includes a stationary work head and a movable arm. The movable arm is selectively movable toward or away from the stationary work head. A load cell has a driven end mounted to the movable arm and a sensing end spaced from the movable arm. A movable work head is mounted to the sensing end and is configured for applying a load to a test object positioned between the stationary and movable work heads. A liner scale also is mounted to the sensing end of the load cell, and a linear encoder or read head is mounted in spaced relationship to the linear scale. The encoder reads deflection in the apparatus in view of loads applied during a test. A controller is provided for moving the movable work head in accordance with test parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Testing Machines, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter W. Weiss, John L. Sullivan, Jeffrey J. Bott, Jacek A. Eubig
  • Publication number: 20020066320
    Abstract: A method of regulating the counterpressure in an apparatus for plasticising and quantitatively regulating plastic material by means of a screw which is driven by separate servo motors for the rotary movement and the axial movement, wherein the deviation of the counterpressure from the reference value is detected by at least one sensor, the axial movement of the screw being predetermined and deviations of the pressure from the reference value being compensated by altering the rotary movement of the screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Wolfgang Steinkellner
  • Patent number: 5964445
    Abstract: A load counterbalancing system with a constant load displacement force includes a load element, a position transducer and an actuator element. An environmental force acting upon the load element is counterbalanced by a support force provided by the actuator element. The environmental force is assumed to be a predetermined function of the position of the load element, and the actuator element applies the support force to the load element as defined by the predetermined function. The invention allows an operator to move the load element through its entire range of motion with a constant applied force, and to place the load element statically at any position in the range of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: LTX Corporation
    Inventors: Anatoly Pikovsky, Andrew Roemer, Roger Plante
  • Patent number: 5832817
    Abstract: A paper sample press has a drawer slidably mounted on a base. A plurality of generally vertical guide posts are mounted on the base on opposed sides of the drawer. The drawer has a lower platen mounted thereon for supporting a stack of paper samples. The drawer is slidable on the base from a retracted position between the guide posts to an extended position wherein the lower platen is extended out from between the guide posts, and returnably slidable on the base from the extended position to the retracted position. A vertically selectively actuable press cover is vertically mounted on a piston above the lower platen when the drawer is in the retracted position. The piston is selectively actuable so as to selectively lower and elevate the press cover between a raised position and a lowered paper sample engaging position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: George Bignell
  • Patent number: 5641912
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Michael Peter Manahan, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5490432
    Abstract: A first kit includes a manually operable hydraulic pump, a hose and a fitting for transferring the pressure in the pump to the hose. A second tool kit for bearings of relatively small size includes a fitting for coupling to the hose in the first kit and a C-shaped clamp having a pair of legs movable toward each other in accordance with increases in pump pressure. A third kit includes a receiver die and a driver die movable with the clamp legs to remove a bearing from a housing, an anvil die and a driver die for installing a bearing in a housing and a die set for swaging a prepared lip in a bearing race into a prepared chamfer in a housing. A fourth tool kit for bearings of relatively large size includes a fitting for coupling to the hose in the first kit and an in-line press having a pair of legs movable toward each other in accordance with increases in pump pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Kahr Bearing, a Dover Diversified Company
    Inventors: Larry D. Allard, Richard K. Granowski, Thomas J. Neesley
  • Patent number: 5454260
    Abstract: Non destructive adhesion testing of coatings to substrates. A supersonic jet of water is impinged against the coating. The impingement intensity of the jet is set at a predetermined "failure intensity" determined by testing of a sample having a minimum acceptable level of adhesion. Parts passing through the supersonic jet unscratched pass the test. Parts whose coatings debond when impacted by the jet fail the test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Yucong Wang
  • Patent number: 5450756
    Abstract: A pressing load measuring device including a memory for storing a data map representative of a relationship between the output level of a strain sensor attached to a press frame and the actual pressing load value on the press, and a converter for converting the output of the strain sensor into the pressing load value on the basis of the sensor output and according to the stored relationship. Local pressing load values acting on local portions of a press slide through fluid-actuated cylinders are measured by a method wherein the actual local pressing load values at the local portions of the press slide are measured, and the pressure values of a fluid in the fluid-actuated cylinders independently of each other so that the measured actual local pressing load values at the local portions of the press slide substantially coincide with respective predetermined optimum values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazunari Kirii, Masahiro Shinabe