Abstract: The apparatus comprises an actuator (23) that can be pushed from an extended position to a depressed position. When doing so, the actuator (23) first releases an impact body (32) to impinge against the sample (2), and then a catcher (40, 42) to be moved to the released impact body (32) for bringing it back. The passage of the impact body (32) is detected by a reed switch (28), which wakes up the processing circuitry and switches the same between two modes of operation. In the first mode, the circuitry displays a device status, and in the second mode a measuring result.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes micromechanical devices and methods for using such devices for characterizing a material's strength. The micromechanical devices include an anchor pad, a top shuttle platform, a nanoindenter in movable contact with the top shuttle platform and at least two sample stage shuttles. The nanoindenter applies a compression force to the top shuttle platform, and the at least two sample stage shuttles move apart in response to the compression force. Each of the at least two sample stage shuttles is connected to the top shuttle platform and to the anchor pad by at least one inclined beam. Methods for using the devices include connecting a sample between the at least two sample stage shuttles and applying a compression force to the top shuttle platform. Application of the compression force to the top shuttle platform results in a tensile force being applied to the sample. Measuring a tip displacement of the nanoindenter is correlated with the sample's strength.

Abstract: A method and apparatus using a sample test container filled with beverage, a penetrator holder, a penetrator and release means is disclosed. In the method a sample, is drawn into the test container and the penetrator dropped into the sample, and a reading of the stiffness of the sample is made based on the depth of penetration of the penetrator onto the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting demonstrations of the softness properties of consumer products and other materials, plus a method for conducting such demonstrations, is provided. A sample of paper towels, toilet tissue, or facial tissue, or other consumer products is placed in the apparatus. The apparatus drops an egg or other fragile object onto the sample, or the egg may be dropped from an operator's hand into the apparatus and onto the sample. By displaying the egg or fragile object as it either lands safely on a sample or is destroyed on impact, the operator can visually demonstrate to an average consumer either the softness properties of the sample, or the lack thereof. A method of preparing samples in a consistent manner is also provided to ensure that results are as fair, uniform and repeatable as possible.

Abstract: A target cylinder and a method for testing a superhard component thereon. The target cylinder includes a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending from the first end to the second end. At least one of the second end and the sidewall is an exposed portion that makes contact with the superhard component to determine at least one property of the superhard component. The exposed portion comprises at least one synthetic material having at least one of a compressive strength raging from about 12 kpsi to about 30 kpsi, an abrasiveness ranging from about 1 Cerchars to about 6 Cerchars, and an iron content ranging from about 5 percent to about 10 percent. Optionally, the exposed portion further comprises a second material interveningly positioned between or within the synthetic material in a predetermined and repeatable pattern.

Abstract: A target cylinder and a method for testing a superhard component thereon. The target cylinder includes a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending from the first end to the second end. At least one of the second end and the sidewall is an exposed portion that makes contact with the superhard component to determine at least one property of the superhard component. The exposed portion comprises at least one synthetic material having at least one of a compressive strength raging from about 12 kpsi to about 30 kpsi, an abrasiveness ranging from about 1 Cerchars to about 6 Cerchars, and an iron content ranging from about 5 percent to about 10 percent. Optionally, the exposed portion further comprises a second material interveningly positioned between or within the synthetic material in a predetermined and repeatable pattern.

Abstract: A target cylinder and a method for testing a superhard component thereon. The target cylinder includes a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending from the first end to the second end. At least one of the second end and the sidewall is an exposed portion that makes contact with the superhard component to determine at least one property of the superhard component. The exposed portion comprises at least one synthetic material having at least one of a compressive strength raging from about 12 kpsi to about 30 kpsi, an abrasiveness ranging from about 1 Cerchars to about 6 Cerchars, and an iron content ranging from about 5 percent to about 10 percent. Optionally, the exposed portion further comprises a second material interveningly positioned between or within the synthetic material in a predetermined and repeatable pattern.

Abstract: A sensor is described for detecting the force applied to or by soft material, and that is thus able to measure the stiffness of a soft material. The sensor comprises a sensor body into which is supplied a fluid under pressure. At least one sensor members are provided that are arranged to project from the sensor body under the pressure exerted thereon by the fluid. A sensor member displacement detection system is also provided, that is preferably optically based using optical fibres to illuminate the sensor member and that measures the modulation of the light reflected from the sensor member as the member is displaced against the pressure of the fluid to detect and measure the displacement. From the measured displacement an estimate of the force being applied to the sensor member can be obtained. The sensor is of a small size suitable for use during MIS or catheterisation procedures. Preferably the sensor is constructed of non-metallic material such that it is MRI compatible.

Abstract: Methods and instruments for assessing bone, for example fracture risk, in a subject in which a test probe is inserted through the skin of the subject so that the test probe contacts the subject's bone and the resistance of the test bone to microscopic fracture by the test probe is determined. Macroscopic bone fracture risk is assessed by measuring the resistance of the bone to microscopic fractures caused by the test probe. The microscopic fractures are so small that they pose negligible health risks. The instrument may also be useful in characterizing other materials, especially if it is necessary to penetrate a layer to get to the material to be characterized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for determining the mechanical properties of the surfaces of materials including thin films. Generally, the method is comprised of laterally scanning the surface of the film with an array of cantilever tips varying temperature, load and time to obtain a measurement of mechanical properties, such as hardness and glass transition temperature. The method can be used to obtain mechanical properties of films that would otherwise be unobtainable using standard methods.

Abstract: A device and method for assessing the machinability, particularly the drillability, of epoxy resin laminates by reproducible indentation and analysis of the delamination area of a laminate sample thus provoked.

Abstract: The invention is an indenter tip that is modified to permit both compression testing and tensile testing on samples having dimensions smaller than approximately 1 ?m. The modified indenter tip has both a surface that can be used to apply compressive forces, and tines that can be used to engage a free end of a specimen to be tested in tension. The apparatus used to perform the tests includes elements of a scanning electron microscope that permit visualization of the specimen to be tested and the modified indenter tip, so as to permit appropriate alignment and engagement of the same. The apparatus also includes elements of a microindenter that provide mechanical manipulation of the relative position and orientation of the modified indenter tip and of the specimen to be tested, as well as the necessary controls and instrumentation to perform the test and to collect, record and manipulate data.

Abstract: To provide a sheet material identifying apparatus for identifying the kind of a sheet material, including an adjusting assembly for dehumidifying or humidifying a predetermined region of the sheet material and adjusting the moisture content of the predetermined region, external force applying means for applying an external force to the predetermined region of the sheet material whose moisture content is adjusted and detecting means for detecting an external force propagated through the sheet while the external force is applied by the external force applying means; wherein an external force is applied to the predetermined region whose moisture content is adjusted through the adjusting assembly by the external force applying means and the kind of a sheet material is identified in accordance with the external force propagated through the sheet detected by the detecting means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tip indenting apparatus for testing a block of material, characterized in that it comprises: a holder for the tip and a holder for a block of a material to be punched or scratched, said tip holder and said block holder each comprising a solid body made of heat conducting material; securing means for removably securing the tip or the block in thermal-conducting contact to said solid body; an annular sheath having a shape corresponding to that of said solid body and in which said solid body is provided; heating means comprising at least one electric heater; and means for assembling the solid body and the heating means; wherein, during a test, the tip can be heated at a predetermined temperature, in particular a temperature essentially equal to that of the block of material to be tested.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises an actuator (23) that can be pushed from an extended position to a depressed position. When doing so, the actuator (23) first releases an impact body (32) to impinge against the sample (2), and then a catcher (40, 42) to be moved to the released impact body (32) for bringing it back. The passage of the impact body (32) is detected by a reed switch (28), which wakes up the processing circuitry and switches the same between two modes of operation. In the first mode, the circuitry displays a device status, and in the second mode a measuring result.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical (MEMS) nanoindenter transducer including a body, a probe moveable relative to the body, an indenter tip coupled to an end of the moveable probe, the indenter tip moveable together with the probe, and a micromachined comb drive. The micromachined comb drive includes an electrostatic actuator capacitor comprising a plurality of comb capacitors configured to drive the probe, together with the indenter tip, along a displacement axis, including in an indentation direction, upon application of a bias voltage to the actuation capacitor.

Abstract: A method for measuring toughness of interfacial adhesion including applying a normal force with a probe to a surface of a coating joined to a major surface of a substrate, wherein the surface is substantially parallel to the major surface, and applying a lateral force to the coating with the probe by laterally moving a position of the probe relative to the major surface such that the probe forms at least one delaminated region in the coating as the position of the probe moves laterally across the major surface, the delaminated region having a starting point and an ending point. The method further includes measuring a magnitude of the lateral force over time, and determining a toughness of interfacial adhesion between the coating and the major surface based on changes in magnitude of the lateral force as the position of the probe moves from the starting point to ending point.

Abstract: A nano-indentation ultrasonic detecting system for detecting mechanical properties of a target material. An indentation device, disposed on a surface of the target material, generates an indentation on the surface, obtaining the relation between the Young's modulus and the Poisson's ratio of the target material. An ultrasonic generator is movably disposed on the surface of the target material, generating at least two different ultrasonic signals thereon. An ultrasonic receiver is disposed on the surface of the target material and separated from the ultrasonic generator, receiving the ultrasonic signals. The result of a nano-indentation experiment are applied in the ultrasonic theory and iterated by the ultrasonic experimental data and theory, obtaining the Young's modulus of the target material. The obtained Young's modulus of the target material is substituted back in the result of the nano-indentation experiment, obtaining the Poisson's ratio of the target material.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the breakage properties of a particulate material, the apparatus including: a support; a rotor mounted relative to the support and including at least one guide channel through which a particle of the particulate material is guided in use, the guide channel having an inlet and an outlet; a drive associated with the rotor; a feed channel for feeding particles of the particulate material to the inlet of the guide channel; a stator associated with the rotor and including an impact surface that is radially spaced from a circumferential edge of the rotor; and a collector for collecting pieces of the particulate material following impact; wherein the apparatus is provided with a control system for accurate control and adjustment of impact velocity of the particulate material with the impact surface.

Abstract: Methods and instruments for characterizing a material, such as the properties of bone in a living human subject, using a test probe constructed for insertion into the material and a reference probe aligned with the test probe in a housing. The housing is hand held or placed so that the reference probe contacts the surface of the material under pressure applied either by hand or by the weight of the housing. The test probe is inserted into the material to indent the material while maintaining the reference probe substantially under the hand pressure or weight of the housing allowing evaluation of a property of the material related to indentation of the material by the probe. Force can be generated by a voice coil in a magnet structure to the end of which the test probe is connected and supported in the magnet structure by a flexure, opposing flexures, a linear translation stage, or a linear bearing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of evaluating the fracture toughness of a material using the continuous indentation technique. In the method of this invention, the stress coefficient, strain hardening modulus and yield stress of the material are determined using the continuous indentation technique and, thereafter, the reduced elastic modulus (Er) of the material is calculated. The effective elastic modulus and the initial elastic modulus are calculated and, thereafter, the damage parameter is calculated using the void volume fraction. The critical elastic modulus and the characteristic fracture initiation point of the indentation depth are determined using the damage parameter and, thereafter, the fracture toughness of the material is evaluated. The present invention is advantageous in that the fracture toughness of a brittle material can be evaluated precisely using a nondestructive evaluation technique.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for detecting mechanical features of materials, in particular metal materials, comprising an indenter (10) adapted to be pushed against a sample material (15) in which it penetrates for a depth (h) and responsive to the hardness of the materials same. The apparatus (1) provides means for generating a measured force (F) and a transmission gear (35) which changes the rotational motion of shaft (40) of motor (30) into a linear reversible movement. The force generated is then amplified in a hydraulic way and transmitted to the indenter (10). This solution allows to lighten and to reduce the size of the mechanisms for generating the force, reducing also wear and mechanical backlash, as well as costs and overall dimensions. An advantage is also to measure with precision the stroke of the indenter with corresponding control in precision of the penetration (h) of the indenter in the sample material.

Abstract: A micro-hardness measurement method for calculating the hardness of a test sample by pushing an indenter in the test sample and forming an indentation thereon, including: a loading step for extracting load data showing the relationship between load L applied to the indenter and a depth ? to which the indenter is pushed in from the surface of the test sample; an unloading step of extracting unloading data showing the relationship between the load L applied to the indenter after the load is unloaded and the depth ?; a first step of judging, by comparing the unloading data with the load data, the load fluctuation amount from the maximum depth ?0 when unloading the load; and a second step of judging the load at the depth ?1(?1<?0) when unloading the load or the load fluctuation amount in the vicinity of the depth ?1.

Abstract: Blast pressure gauges and methods for detecting blast pressure during a blast test. The gauges operate independently of power sources, are portable, and are used in harsh environments including test ranges. Each embodiment is constructed to detect blast pressures as required in the circumstances of a particular blast test.

Abstract: A method and apparatus wherein a material or object to be tested is placed on a base support. A stopper assembly having a stopper tip on one end in contact with the test material or object, and a washer on the opposite end attached to a rod. A projectile is propelled with a selected level of force along the rod and impacts the washer, which transmits the force of impact through the stopper tip to the test material or object. The level of propelling force, the mass of the projectile, the construction of the stopper assembly and the location of impact on the test material or object may be precisely adjusted to simulate real-life impacts.

Abstract: Blast pressure gauges and methods for detecting blast pressure during a blast test. The gauges operate independently of power sources, are portable, and are used in harsh environments including test ranges. Each embodiment is constructed to detect blast pressures as required in the circumstances of a particular blast test.

Abstract: An instrument (“artificial athlete”) for characterizing, from the biomechanical standpoint, a treading surface, such as natural grass cover or synthetic grass flooring, is configured for: dropping a weight from a given height on the surface, producing the conversion of kinetic energy of falling of the weight into deformation energy of the surface, the deformation energy being able to be restored by the surface to the weight, bringing about its return/bouncing back upwards; and detecting at least one parameter representing the process of restitution of the deformation energy by the surface to the weight, the parameter identifying the characteristics of tread of the surface.

Abstract: A hardness tester for measuring hardness of a sample by applying a predetermined test load to the sample with an indenter attached to an indenter attaching member so as to form an indentation on the sample, comprises: the indenter attaching member to which the indenter is attached detachably; the indenter which comprises an identification member with identification information to identify the indenter; an indenter information storing member to store indenter information and the identification information of the indenter, where the indenter information is matched with the respective identification information; an identification information acquiring member to acquire the identification information from the identification member when the indenter is attached to the indenter attaching member; an indenter information acquiring member to acquire the indenter information corresponding to the identification information acquired by the identification information acquiring from the indenter information storing member.

Abstract: A hardness tester includes a supporting frame having a guiding channel, a driving axle slidably disposed in the supporting frame, and a penetrating pin, having a pin head, coaxially disposed in the guiding channel in a slidably movable manner to coaxially align with the driving axle for the pin head to penetrate on a testing surface of a tested object. A linear displacement device includes a transmission shaft movably disposed in the supporting frame at a position universally contacting between the driving axle and the penetrating pin, and a displacement sensor supported at the transmission shaft, wherein when the driving axle is driven for applying a penetrating force to the penetrating pin through the transmission shaft, the linear sensor detects a linear displacement of the transmission shaft with respect to the penetrating pin for measuring the hardness of the tested object.

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

Abstract: Drive hammer assembly with a drive hammer and rod is used with dynamic cone penetrometer tests. A rod end is attached to a cone penetrometer used to measure strength and density of soil. The assembly has no exterior impact zones, eliminating any chance of user injury. A casing loosely fits around a rod. A casing upper end is fitted with a top plate and lower end is fitted with an end plate through which the rod passes. Upper end of the rod is flared with a shoulder which may be welded to the top of the rod. Lower end of the rod is threaded to connect the rod to standard rod and cone assemblies. The hammer is raised to the shoulder on the upper end of the rod. The hammer slides along the rod until the top plate impacts upon the shoulder and drives the DCP cone into the ground.

Abstract: A drop test apparatus for determining the resiliency of playing surface comprising a missile for impacting the surface including a guide for providing substantially unrestricted free flight of the missile, a pair accelerometers carried by the missile for producing signals in response to impact with the surface, a converter adapted to receive the accelerometer signals, convert them into computer readable signals and a computer receiving the signals from the converter and producing a graph of the surface hardness.

Abstract: A material strength measuring and evaluating method for measuring and evaluating of at least one of a peel strength and a fragility breaking strength of a fragile thin film. The method includes pressing an indenter into a test object and measuring an indentation load and an indentation depth, while at the same time detecting charged particles emitted from a peel starting point or a breakage starting point, specifying a peel occurring time and a fragility breaking time when charged particles are increased, and measuring the at least one of peel strength and the fragility breaking strength.

Abstract: A method of objectively evaluating a surface mark provides an objective test methodology for the optical quantification of surface marks. The method may include the steps of reproducibly producing a surface mark on an object and optically evaluating the surface mark. The surface mark may be reproducibly produced by loading a stylus, contacting a surface on the object with the loaded stylus and moving the object and the surface thereon relative to the loaded stylus so as to thereby produce a mark on the surface. Any surface mark is optically evaluated by optically producing images of the surface mark, electronically capturing the optically produced images and measuring selected parameters of the captured optically produced images.

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

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

Abstract: A touch sensor 10 having a stylus 12 with a tip 12A making contact with a test piece W has an operational control structure including an oscillator 3 which oscillates the stylus 12 in the axial direction; a detecting circuit 4 which detects changes of oscillation of the stylus 12; an adjustor unit 5 which removes noise added to an output signal from the detecting circuit 4; a fine motion mechanism controller 6 which controls the operation of a fine motion mechanism 21 in such a manner that the change of the quantity of state of the detection signal is maintained constant; and a PZT driver 7 which operates the fine motion mechanism 21. The measuring force during surface configuration measurement can be adjusted by adjusting an alternating signal to be applied to the touch sensor or by reducing the noise added to the detection signal without making modifications to a shape or structure of the touch sensor.

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method for quantifying the stiffness of a golf ball or golf ball core under normal use conditions while also measuring the contact time, wherein an air cannon, or the like, is used to shoot an object horizontally against a block while the inbound and outbound velocities of the object are measured by two light gates separated by a given distance and the contact time is measured by optical sensors located at the block, and wherein the measured times and calculated velocities are then used to calculate the coefficient of restitution and contact time of the object.

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

Abstract: An unattended ground sensor for the monitoring of a remote area. The unattended ground sensor comprises a housing that supports a power source, a communications module, at least one sensor module and a mainframe module. Additionally, the unattended ground sensor includes a common electrical bus in electrical communication with the power source, the communications module, the at least one sensor module, and the mainframe module. The common electrical bus is operative to provide a communications pathway between the power source, the communications module, the at least one sensor, and the mainframe module. Accordingly, the mainframe module is operative to control the operation of the unattended ground sensor through the common electrical bus.

Abstract: An accessory device for use with a microhardness tester to position a test surface of a sample in a focal plane of the microhardness tester is disclosed. The device comprises a frame having a base that attaches to a z-stage of a microhardness tester, and upstanding front and rear walls connected by a bridge wall spaced vertically from the base. The front and rear walls of the frame each have an inwardly protruding detent rail defining an engagement surface on an underside of the detent rail, wherein the respective engagement surfaces lie in a common plane that corresponds to the focal plane of an objective lens of the microhardness tester. A swivel stage is provided between the front and rear walls for carrying a test sample. The stage is movable automatically or manually to a test position wherein a test surface of the sample abuts with the engagement surfaces in the focal plane and a released position.

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

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

Abstract: An impression forming mechanism comprises; an arm with an indentor for forming an impression on a surface of a sample, and an arm operating part for operating the arm in order to apply a force to the sample, wherein the arm operating part is disposed below the arm.

Abstract: A testing method is provided for determining the hardness of a micro region, using indentation curves indicating relations between observed penetration depths and indenting forces when an arbitrary shaped indenter is pushed into standard samples of plural types. The method involves (1) measuring relations between observed penetration depths and indenting forces when the arbitrary shaped indenter is pushed into standard samples of plural types, to prepare the indentation curves, (2) determining a reference function indicative of macro hardness, by standardizing the relations between the indenting forces and macro hardness at the same penetration depth as an index, for the indentation curves of the standard samples of plural types, (3) measuring a relation between the penetration depth and indenting force of an arbitrary sample, and (4) determining the hardness of a micro region from the measured value in step (3) according to the reference function as determined in step (2).

Abstract: An impression forming mechanism comprises; an arm with an indentor for forming an impression on a surface of a sample, and an arm operating part for operating the arm in order to apply a force to the sample, wherein the arm operating part is disposed below the arm.

Abstract: A rebound-type hardness tester comprises a tubular member and an indenter hammer for undergoing axial movement therein in forward and rearward directions and for impacting a specimen and rebounding therefrom. A first detecting device detects the indenter hammer during movement thereof in the forward and rearward directions. A second detecting device detects the indenter hammer after detection thereof by the first detection device during movement of the indenter hammer in the forward direction, and detects the indenter hammer before detection thereof by the first detection device during movement of the indenter hammer in the rearward direction. A measuring device measures first and second timing values corresponding to different times elapsed from the detection of the indenter hammer by the first and second detection devices.

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

Abstract: An impression forming mechanism includes; an arm with an indentor for forming an impression on a surface of a sample, and an arm operating part for operating the arm in order to apply a force to the sample, wherein the arm operating part is disposed below the arm.