Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for measuring tire forces wherein the force contributions of the test machine may be separated from the force contributions of the tire. The invention achieves the separation of the forces by equipping the test station with a plurality of accelerometers that allow the forces and the moments of the components of the measurement station to be calculated and accounted for in the overall force measurement. In one embodiment, the test station uses a slip ring disposed between the rotating rotor to which the tire is mounted and the stationary bearing housing to allow data to be easily gathered from the accelerometers mounted on the rotor. The slip ring also allows tires to be easily mounted and dismounted.

Abstract: A creep testing fixture and method for applying a precise amount of constant tensile stress to a creep test specimen to allow for precise measurement of creep in the test specimen. The fixture includes first and second mounting grips for holding opposite ends of a test specimen. A frame supports the mounting grips for relative reciprocal movement toward and away from each other. A tensile spring is connected between the first and second mounting grips. The frame subjects a test specimen held between the mounting grips to tensile stress in response to axially inward force that the tensile spring applies to the frame.

Abstract: A machine, and operating procedures for a machine, for automatically threading, swaging and packaging surgical needles. A first mechanism is used to suture the needles and to pull test the needles to determine if certain maximum and minimum pull test requirements are met. The sutured needles are then transferred to packages on a second mechanism, and that mechanism indexes the packages through a series of stations to complete the packaging of the needles. Various checks are made at the packaging mechanism before that mechanism is operated to index the needle packages; and different items at the station used to pull test the needles, are monitored to determine if they return timely to predetermined positions. Also, check are made at the station at which the needles are transferred to the packages, to be sure that those items are in preferred positions before the packages are moved.

Abstract: A force-sensing mechanism (20) comprising: a housing having first (22) and second (24) housing members; a slidable plate positioned between plate portions of the first and second housing members and moveable thereto; various spacers located between the first housing member and the sliding plate to space and stabilize the plate relative to the first and second housing members; a magnetic sensor stationarily mounted between the first and second housing members, a magnet moveable with the sliding member in response to forces applied to the first and second housing members and to the sliding plate; a spring assembly (250) having one end in operative engagement with the sliding plate and another end in operative engagement with the housing while biasing the sliding plate within the housing.

Abstract: In a dynamic mechanical analysis, a test specimen (2) is coupled to an excitation device (4) by means of a holder device (3). The excitation device (4) applies an excitation force comprised of a static pre-tensioning force component and a time-variable force component to the test specimen, and a deformation of the test specimen (2) is measured by means of one or more displacement sensors (5).

Abstract: The present invention is a novel method for reducing tensile zones in the surface of a part comprising the steps of selecting a region of the part to be treated and programming a control unit of a burnishing apparatus to perform a burnishing operation, the burnishing operation being performed such that the density of burnishing and the magnitude of compression are varied to reduce the high tensile stress along the boundaries of the selected region. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the burnishing operation induces a deep layer of compression within the surface having associated cold working of less than about 5.0 percent.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring tension and stress, which is capable of adjusting an angle of measurement. The apparatus includes a base plate, a supporting member, and a body for measuring tension and stress. The supporting member is mounted on the base plate. The supporting member further includes a revolving spindle supported by a bearing so that the body for measuring tension and stress can be attached to the supporting member in a way that the body for measuring tension and stress is capable of turning on the revolving spindle. In this way, the user can adjust the angle between the body for measuring tension and stress and the base plate, fulfilling the purpose of doing measurement for an object in an arbitrary angle of measurement.

Abstract: A strain testing apparatus which places tensile forces on a sheet, a film, or the like samples in at least two axes and generally in a radial direction. The multi-axial strain testing apparatus comprises a clamping assembly having at least two clamping members, and a sample securing portion arranged in a substantially radial manner about a point. The multi-axial strain testing apparatus can advantageously be employed to test crack growth propagation and flex fatigue in rubber polymer and elastomer samples.

Abstract: A impulsive propelling system includes a stationary base member, a movable frame body, an energy storing member and a pushing device. The movable frame body is disposed adjacent to one side of the stationary base frame and is movable in an advancing direction away from the stationary base frame. The energy storing member has a first end secured to the stationary base member, and a second end secured to the movable frame body. The energy storing member resists movement of the movable frame body in the advancing direction. The pushing device has one end secured to the stationary base frame, and an opposite end abutting against the movable frame body. The pushing device is operable to push the movable frame body in the advancing direction, thereby subjecting the energy storing member to a tensile stress.

Abstract: A slit for probe-changing is provided above an opening for changing a test piece on a side of a test piece tube for installing test pieces. Probes are then taken out and inserted via this slit. Probes can therefore be changed without taking out the test piece tube or a thermocouple. This improves work efficiency and means that the work can be carried out in a confined space because the probes are pulled forward towards an operator and inserted in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Method and device for determining the tension or the tensile stress in a metal strip between two roll stands, between a roll stand and a coiler, in a breakdown stand or in front of or behind a deflection roll, the excursion of the metal strip being measured, and the natural frequency of the metal strip being determined on the basis of the excursion of the metal strip.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor is attached to a seat belt in a vehicle. The seat belt tension sensor includes a housing attached between the vehicle and the seat belt. A limit structure is located in the housing. A sensor is attached to the limit structure for generating an electrical signal in response to the sensor being placed in tension. The electrical signal changes as a function of tension on the seat belt. The limit structure moves between a first position in which the limit structure transfers the seat belt tension to the sensor and a second position in which the limit structure transfers the seat belt tension to the housing.

Abstract: A sample of normal tissue specimens obtained from a subset of a population of subjects with shared characteristics is profiled in order to generate a plurality of structural indices that correspond to statistically significant representations of characteristics of tissue associated with the population. The structural indices include cell density, matrix density, blood vessel density and layer thickness. Alternatively, the sample of normal tissue specimens obtained from the subset of the population of subjects with shared characteristics can also be profiled in order to generate a plurality of cell function and/or mechanical indices that correspond to statistically significant representations of characteristics of tissue associated with the population. Structural, mechanical and/or cell function indices for a plurality of tissue populations are determined and then stored in a database, and subscribers/users are granted access to all or part of the database based on a subscription fee.

Abstract: Two groups of test weights are stacked on a horizontal base frame transported to an aligned position underlying a crane to be tested for loading capacity. Such base frame is loaded with the test weights stacked thereon after assembly into a test apparatus by removable attachment through intermediate lift beams to an upper main lift beam through which such loading is transmitted directly to the crane.

Abstract: In a fiber splicing device, an adjustment apparatus for moving a first fiber-section perpendicular to its end face is designed such that it is composed of at least one piezo-actuator and a drive. After the splicing of the two fiber ends, the piezo-actuator is charged to a preset electrical voltage and the electrical voltage at the piezo-actuator is subsequently measured while the first carriage is moved away perpendicular to the fiber end face and is compared to the preset values. As a result thereof, the tensile stress acting on the fiber can be identified dependent on the movement of the first carriage, so that the drive can be arrested after a preset tensile testing stress has been reached.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the fatigue of a sample of cord or filament (12) by bending it over a fixed surface (19). The apparatus comprises a tensioner (14), a fixed bending surface (19) and a driving mechanism (24), whereby the driving mechanism (24) causes a non-twisting bending of cord or filament (12) over bending surface (19) while tensioner (14) maintains a constant tension on cord or filament (12). In a method of the invention, a cord or filament (12) is attached to a tensioner (14), the cord or filament (12) is mounted on fixed bending surface (19) and attached to non-stationary roller (20), and driving mechanism (24) is activated to cause a back and forth movement of roller (20), thereby causing filament or cord (12) to bend back and forth over fixed bending surface (19) until it breaks.

Abstract: A method to estimate the tensile properties of HIPed cast IN718 components at various grain sizes and different operating temperatures by using transfer functions to estimate ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly is provided for testing the peel strength between an outer layer and an adjacent inner layer of a tubular laminate. The assembly includes a cylindrical mandrel rotatably mounted to a clamping bracket. The mandrel has a retaining surface on its outer periphery which frictionally retains a sleevedly mounted sample of the laminate. The mandrel is attached to an axle by a pair of rotational bearings. The axle is fixedly attached to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is generally L-shaped and has a radial leg radiating from the axle and a clamping leg for being clamped into a testing machine. Testing the peel strength of the laminate includes mounting a test sample onto the mandrel assembly, mounting the assembly in a conventional tensile testing machine, attaching a starting end of the outer layer of the sample to the testing machine, starting the machine and measuring the force required to peel the outer layer from the inner layer.

Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor is attached to a seat belt in a vehicle. The seat belt tension sensor includes a housing attached between the vehicle and the seat belt. A limit structure is located in the housing. A sensor is attached to the limit structure for generating an electrical signal in response to the sensor being placed in tension. The electrical signal changes as a function of tension on the seat belt. The limit structure moves between a first position in which the limit structure transfers the seat belt tension to the sensor and a second position in which the limit structure transfers the seat belt tension to the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for biaxial load deformation testing of textile and other membrane materials including a first pair of spaced-apart segmented clamping systems for detachably engaging a membrane test material along opposing sides in the X direction. A second pair of spaced-apart segmented clamping systems is provided for detachably engaging a membrane test material along opposing sides extending in the Y direction. Each of the first pair and each of the second pair of spaced-apart segmented clamping systems are interconnected by a pantograph so as to be slidably extendable and slidably contractible with respect to each other and proportional to strain in the membrane test material in the X and Y directions, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrodeposited copper foil which solves problems of electrodeposited-copper-clad laminates to which the foil has been incorporated, such as bow, twist, and poor dimensional stability, and a method of inspecting an electrodeposited copper foil so as to assure the quality of the foil. In the invention, there is employed an electrodeposited copper foil which recrystallizes by heating at low temperature during production of a copper-clad laminate employing an electrodeposited copper foil and which exhibits an elongation as high as 18% or more in an atmosphere of 180° C., wherein the maximum rate of decrease in maximum tensile strength falls within the aging time ranging from 5 to 10 minutes in a process in which tensile strength decreases as time elapses during aging in an atmosphere at 170° C., and the change in tensile strength in a knick portion shown in a {tensile strength} vs.

Abstract: A method to estimate the tensile properties of HIPed cast IN718 components at various grain sizes and different operating temperatures by using transfer functions to estimate ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation.

Abstract: A force-sensing mechanism (20) comprising: a housing having first (22) and second (24) housing members; a slidable plate positioned between plate portions of the first and second housing members and moveable thereto; various spacers located between the first housing member and the sliding plate to space and stabilize the plate relative to the first and second housing members; a magnetic sensor stationarily mounted between the first and second housing members, a magnet moveable with the sliding member in response to forces applied to the first and second housing members and to the sliding plate; a spring assembly (250) having one end in operative engagement with the sliding plate and another end in operative engagement with the housing while biasing the sliding plate within the housing.

Abstract: A creep testing fixture and method for applying a precise amount of constant tensile stress to a creep test specimen to allow for precise measurement of creep in the test specimen. The fixture includes first and second mounting grips for holding opposite ends of a test specimen. A frame supports the mounting grips for relative reciprocal movement toward and away from each other. A tensile spring is connected between the first and second mounting grips. The frame subjects a test specimen held between the mounting grips to tensile stress in response to axially inward force that the tensile spring applies to the mounting grips.

Abstract: A system is provided for testing a propulsor having a first end that can attach to a payload and a second end at which thrust is generated. A bulkhead is sealed to the first end of the propulsor. The bulkhead with the propulsor coupled thereto is suspended vertically by a support that is placed in tension when thrust is generated at the second end of the propulsor. A load cell coupled to the support measures tension therein as a measure of thrust.

Abstract: The present device, generates external force tending to open the O-ring formed by the thumb and another finger of the examiner and composed of a pair of artificial finger sections including two artificial fingers 8A and 8B. The artificial fingers 8A and 8B include two slender tubes 12 and 14 having corrugated wall faces, core members 16 for maintaining the parallel arrangement of the tubes 12 and 14, and thin bag-like covering members 18 consisting of a high polymer for covering the outer periphery of the tubes 12 and 14. Pump sections 10 for controlling movement of low viscosity hydraulic oil serving as a fluid sealed in fluid chambers 12a and 14a are integrally connected to base ends of the artificial fingers 8A and 8B.

Abstract: A system is provided for determining the tensile characteristics of a sample under dynamic conditions. The system includes an apparatus adapted to accelerate the sample to a desired test velocity and maintain the test velocity through a predetermined test run, and a microprocessor for controlling the apparatus, data collection and data evaluation. The apparatus is formed with two movable clamping jaws for engaging the sample and sensors for measuring characteristics necessary to determine the stress-strain characteristics of the sample. During the course of the test, a sample is accelerated to a predetermined test velocity and one end of the sample is caused to be instantaneously fixed. The other end of the sample is then translated away from the fixed end at the test velocity. A closed loop between the microprocessor, a linear encoder measuring velocity, and a linear motor can be formed to accordingly adjust and maintain the desired test velocity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the degree of cleanliness of a substrate surface, particularly an inorganic surface used in the manufacturing of electronic components. A soft metal, eg., indium, probe is pressed against the substrate surface to be tested and then withdrawn. A tensile force, caused by the surface energies of the two materials, opposes the separation. If the inorganic surface is contaminated by any organic material, this force will be greatly affected. The tensile force is measured with a load cell and the displacement from the expected value will indicate the degree of contamination of the substrate surface.

Abstract: A hollow cylindrical tester uses an inflatable membrane to apply hoop stress to a hollow cylindrical sample. The compact device includes a frame that holds a sample around the inflatable membrane. The membrane is preferably inflated via fluid pressure and the fluid pressure preferably is monitored to determined pressure at critical points in testing procedures. Pressures of fluids within the membrane are also monitored. In a preferred structure, a piston and cylinder pressure injector operatively connected to the membrane is monitored for amount of piston travel and a pressure meter monitors fluid pressure. The preferred structure includes shaped opposing platens to seal the membrane within a cylinder sample being tested, a post failure restraint cylinder, and a cooling fluid bath.

Abstract: A system for determining whether sutures and/or bone anchors satisfy some minimum strength threshold. The system includes a handle that contains a sensor for measuring forces or loads (e.g., a strain gauge), an indicator, and a controller. The controller is coupled to the sensor and the indicator. During use, a surgeon installs an anchor into a patient's bone. To test the strength of the anchor, the sensor is connected to the anchor preferably by some mechanical linkage, such as a rod or shaft. The surgeon then pulls on the handle. By pulling on the handle, a corresponding force is applied to the anchor through the mechanical linkage. As the surgeon pulls, the controller receives a signal from the sensor that is proportional to the force or load being applied to the anchor. The controller compares the sensor signal with some pre-determined threshold.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrodeposited copper foil which solves problems of electrodeposited-copper-clad laminates to which the foil has been incorporated, such as bow, twist, and poor dimensional stability, and a method of inspecting an electrodeposited copper foil so as to assure the quality of the foil. In the invention, there is employed an electrodeposited copper foil which recrystallizes by heating at low temperature during production of a copper-clad laminate employing an electrodeposited copper foil and which exhibits an elongation as high as 18% or more in an atmosphere of 180° C., wherein the maximum rate of decrease in maximum tensile strength falls within the aging time ranging from 5 to 10 minutes in a process in which tensile strength decreases as time elapses during aging in an atmosphere at 170° C., and the change in tensile strength in a knick portion shown in a {tensile strength} vs.

Abstract: In order to measure in situ the residual tension F1 of a pre-stressed bar braced between two anchorages, the two-way propagation time T1 of an ultra-sonic wave between the two ends of the bar is measured, and F1 is evaluated by the formula

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber testing apparatus which permits creep and strength testing of one or more fibers in a controlled environment, including a vacuum, at high temperatures. Components of the fiber tester provide for accurate measurement of the effects on the fiber(s) being tested when exposed to a chosen environment. The fiber tester includes a furnace system, fiber testing system, a fixed sample, a environmental control system, a mass flow control system, a Computer Data Acquisition and Control (CDAC) system, and a support system. Most of these systems are contained in a test chamber which is part of the environmental control system. These systems of the fiber tester allow various types of mechanical tests to be performed on one or more fibers under a variety of environmental conditions not previously achievable.

Abstract: To enable accurate yarn tension measurement by the elastic substrate in a yarn tension detecting apparatus including an elastic substrate 3, a yarn guide support 4 attached to the elastic substrate 3 approximately perpendicularly, a yarn guide 7 fixed at a free end of the yarn guide support 4, a strain measuring member 8 for measuring strain in the elastic substrate 3, and a resistor 9 that corrects effect of the temperature of the elastic substrate 3 from having a biased temperature distribution, a synthetic resin spacer 5 is interposed between the yarn guide 7 and the yarn guide support 4 and fixed thereto by a synthetic resin fixing member.

Abstract: A tensile strength tester feasible of the present invention is feasible for automation and includes a rotating member and a pulling member connected to each other. A torque is transferred from the rotating member to the pulling member with a counterforce being absorbed at the position where the two members are connected. Such a connecting portion is prevented from becoming loose. The tester is capable of measuring a tensile strength when a screw member fitted in a base material is pulled out of the base material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring ligand binding to DNA or protein uses changes in the mechanical properties of strips of the DNA or protein to detect the formation of ligand complexes. Samples strips are prepared by pouring protein solution onto a glass surface, drying the solution, and causing the protein to be cross-linked; the cross-linked film is scraped off, cut into strips, and mounted in the stress/strain measuring apparatus, which includes force and strain transducers. The sample is held by arms and can be immersed into solutions. The arms are attached to transducers. The apparatus includes a sample holder. The sample films may include end reinforcements and may be pinned or glued to the arms.

Abstract: An extraction force tester which measures the force necessary to remove header pins from the sockets of a cable connector in a steady straight line motion, the extraction force tester includes: a base, a tensile force gauge slidably mounted to the base and a pin assembly slidably mounted in relation to the base such that the pin assembly may slide independently of the tensile force gauge. The pin assembly has a specified number of pins, e.g., twelve, for engaging the sockets of a connector. The extraction force tester further excludes a coupler for coupling the pin assembly to the tensile force gauge such that the force gauge may push the pin assembly in a first direction, to allow the pins of the pin assembly to engage the sockets of the connector, and pull the pin assembly in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, to disengage the pins from the sockets, thereby allowing the force gauge to measure the extraction force necessary to disengage the pins from the sockets.

Abstract: A compound testing machine for testing mechanical properties used for an optical connector does not additionally have each testing machine for each of mechanical properties (such as a tensile force including both a straight pull and a side pull, a flex, a twist and an impact) in testing a mechanical property between optical connectors and other mechanical property between optical fibers of the optical connectors, and includes only one testing machine for simultaneously testing various mechanical properties in order to enhance a test machine's efficiency.

Abstract: An impact and a vibration are applied to a portion of a piston ring on which a belt body is wound, and a vibration is also applied to the belt body. A position where a desired tension can be obtained is obtained by using a master gauge having an outer diameter equal to the inner diameter of a cylinder, and the like. When measuring the tension, a measuring mechanism is moved to this position. The frictional force between the piston ring and the belt body can be considerably decreased, and a closed gap need not be measured every time measurement is performed. Accordingly, the tension of the piston ring can be stably measured at high precision within a short period of time.

Abstract: A material test specimen design is taught for the determination of critical train and stress states for multiaxial fracture. The objective of the specimen is to increase the amount of data obtained per specimen while retaining simplicity in testing procedure by using standard tension testing machines to generate the primary deformation of the specimen. The specimen, in conjunction with analytical or computational simulation, uses nonuniform deformation fields produced by secondary and tertiary strain concentrations to generate and track these multiaxial strain states to fracture. Typically, the primary deformation is uniaxial tension of a panel, the secondary strain concentration is a circular hole in the panel and the tertiary strain concentrations are areas of reduced thickness within the deformation field of the circular hole. Multiaxial strain ratios from -0.50 to -0.10 and control over fracture initiation sites may be generated by a test specimen design of the type taught by this invention.

Abstract: A device for the testing of single fibers (1), comprising a testing zone (2) for tensile testing between a stationary measuring clamp (3) and a movable draw-off clamp (4), is characterized in that at least one measuring head (8) of a further measuring device for at least one further testing process to be performed simultaneously or successively, is arranged in or adjacent the testing zone (2).

Abstract: A gage for measuring a force at which hooks of couplers used to couple passenger transit type vehicles together are biased when such vehicles are coupled together by such hooks. Such gage including a bracket member having at least one guide pin disposed thereon. Such at least one guide pin being sized and located to seat in at least one guide hole disposed in a railway transit coupler. An elongated tubular housing member is mounted on such bracket member. There is a main coil spring disposed within such elongated tubular housing member. A shaft member is disposed along a longitudinal axis of such main coil spring.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided for measuring one or more properties, such as thickness and tension profiles of a thin object, especially a fabric. The measuring device includes an upper mobile member adapted to be placed on the top side of the thin object, a lower mobile member adapted to be placed on the bottom side of the thin object, directly below the upper mobile means, magnets for holding together the upper and the lower mobile members with the thin object in between without damaging the thin object, and a measuring device provided on at least one of the mobile members for measuring the properties of the thin object. The mobile members are moveable together or separately across the surface of the thin object.

Abstract: A portable fastener tester system for measuring the pullout strength of a fastener that is comprised of an electronic processing unit electrically coupled to a load cell, an optical reader, an opto chopper disc, and a display, a motor having a shaft coupled to a small drive gear which engages a large drive gear, and a tester assembly comprised of a driving member, a case housing, a power nut assembly and a captured nut retained within the power nut assembly. The captured nut is forceably rotated by the motor and engaged small and large drive gears so to foreceably translate the driving member upward through the power nut assembly thereby applying a pulling force on a fastener being tested. The load cell being utilized to transfer the pulling force from the driving member to the fastener, electrically sense the applied force and transmit data to the electronic processing unit for being displayed to the user.

Abstract: A torque actuated tensile tester for proof loading anchors includes: an actuator, a left hand square nut, a right hand jam nut, an anchor head carrier, a housing, a slip gauge, and a keeper clip. The actuator has a cross-threaded portion and a portion engageable by a torque applying member. The housing has first and second ends, with the first end positionable circumjacent the anchor to be proof loaded and that is engageable with the structure to which the anchor is affixed. The left hand square nut is internally threaded with a single left hand thread that is engageable with the threaded portion of the actuator. The right hand jam nut is internally threaded with a single right hand thread that is engageable with the threaded portion of the actuator. The anchor head carrier is internally threaded with a single right hand thread that is engageable with the threaded portion of the actuator. The anchor head carrier has a flanged slot for receiving the head of an anchor for engagement.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring a dimensional change, such as a change in the periphery of a test object, is an elastomeric tube filled with an electrically conductive fluid such as mercury. The gauge can be formed into a loop around the test object. Thereafter, any change in, e.g. the circumference of the test object is monitored by measuring the change in resistance (or voltage) between the ends of the tube.

Abstract: A method or an apparatus for enlarging the range of measurement of speckle measuring systems for elongation measurement on a sample in a testing machine employs a speckle sensor, the sample in the testing machine being loaded in a loading device and the speckle sensor being moved jointly therewith on loading of said sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for single-axis examinations of micro samples in a tensile testing machine having opposite pull rods between which the apparatus is mounted for the application of tensile forces to a micro-sample includes a load frame for the connection to the pull rods which load frame comprises two parallel spring frame structures in the form of serially arranged cantilever beams defining multiple S structures interconnecting a bottom and a top frame part, sample mounting means mounted on one of the parts, a force measuring element mounted on the other frame part and including hydraulic sample mounting means and flexible means which bend depending on the pulling force applied thereto and which have tension measuring means to measure the bending extent and means for sensing the movement of the second mounting means relative to the one frame part.

Abstract: An extraction force tester which measures the force necessary to remove header pins from the sockets of a cable connector in a steady straight line motion, the extraction force tester includes: a base, a tensile force gauge slidably mounted to the base and a pin assembly slidably mounted in relation to the base such that the pin assembly may slide independently of the tensile force gauge. The pin assembly has a specified number of pins, e.g., twelve, for engaging the sockets of a connector. The extraction force tester further excludes a coupler for coupling the pin assembly to the tensile force gauge such that the force gauge may push the pin assembly in a first direction, to allow the pins of the pin assembly to engage the sockets of the connector, and pull the pin assembly in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, to disengage the pins from the sockets, thereby allowing the force gauge to measure the extraction force necessary to disengage the pins from the sockets.

Abstract: An extensometer structure for an extensometer includes a first extension arm, a second extension arm and a rigid support. A first hinge assembly joins the first extension arm to the rigid support. The first hinge assembly has a first pivot axis that allows the first extension arm to pivot relative to the rigid support about the pivot axis. A second hinge assembly joins the second extension arm to the rigid support. The second hinge assembly has a second pivot axis allowing the second extension arm to pivot relative to the rigid support about the second pivot axis.