Abstract: Servicing database requests using canonicalized tables including receiving, from a client computing system, a request for a table from a database; determining that a canonical version of the requested table matches a canonicalized table in a canonical table repository; and providing, to the client computing system, the matching canonicalized table that is transformed based on the received request for the table.

Abstract: A tester for evaluating pullout load capacity and bond quality of anchor bolts embedded in concrete includes a Schmidt hammer for measuring a rebound number and an ultrasonic pulse velocity tester for measuring the transit time of a pulse transmitted through concrete surrounding an anchor bolt. The rebound number and the transit time are combined and matched against a database record which identifies the pullout load capacity and the bond quality. The transit time is matched to thresholds of transit times associated with porosity, internal cracking, air voids, and water pockets located around the embedded anchor bolt. The Schmidt hammer is further modified by the incorporation of a digital level for measuring the vertical and horizontal angles of inclination of the plunger with the concrete surface, a guide tube for supporting the plunger, and by using a convex plunger tip for improved registration with anchor bolt head.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a holder to support an indenter relative to a sample, a depth sensor, and a controller. The operations include applying a first force on the sample with the indenter and determining a first depth of the indenter based on data generated by the sensor, moving the indenter from the first depth to a greater predetermined depth, then applying the first force on the sample with the indenter and determining a second depth of the indenter based on second data generated by the sensor, and determining a value indicative of hardness of the sample based on a difference between the first depth and the second depth. The apparatuses described can use a single scale for hardness that enables hardness values for different materials to be compared to one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for cable inspection, which inspects an aerial cable used in electric power transmission, the apparatus including: first and second plates spaced apart from each other; a lower clamp disposed on the first plate; an upper clamp disposed on the second plate to face the lower clamp and having a through hole in a vertical direction; a distance adjustment unit configured to adjust a separation distance between the first and second plates; an indenter indented in a coating of the cable through the through hole; a first load cell configured to measure an indentation force of the indenter and to output a signal corresponding to the measured indentation force; a second load cell disposed under the lower clamp and configured to measure pressure applied to the cable and to output a signal corresponding to the measured pressure; and an indenter moving unit configured to control movement of the indenter.

Abstract: The instrumented indentation measurement system includes an indentation device, a loading mechanism, a table for the sample, an analog-digital converter and a computer. Inside a housing of the device there is arranged a holder for a displacement sensor, rigidly connected to the housing. Slidably positioned rod passing to the displacement sensor is arranged in the holder in the axis of the indenter. A pushing segment is equipped with supports engaging with a central pressure plate arranged slidably in the housing a lower pressure plate is arranged slidably in the housing and connected with the holder of the indenter. A first resilient member, a central pressure plate and the lower pressure plate are provided with holes for passage of the rod to the holder.

Abstract: A portable testing apparatus for a Brinell test meeting the load time requirements of the ASTM E10 standard. The apparatus incorporates a hydraulic accumulator acting on a cylinder which is connected to an indenter. The accumulator keeps a constant force on the indenter for the period of time of the test despite hydraulic leakage or creep of the indenter into the material that would cause a reduction in pressure if not for the accumulator. Usually, the test time length is 10 seconds. Pressure is set using springs usually in a settable sequence valve.

Abstract: A modular hardness testing machine has a measuring component and a set of frames. The measuring component includes a housing and locating slot. The measuring component has a locating slot configured to receive a frame. The locating slot allows a user to modularly interchange the frame. The measuring component's housing encloses a presshead, which encloses a load cell having through-holes holding transmission pins. The first end of each transmission pin contacts a displacement measurement sleeve, and a second end contacts a transmission plate. A motor is mounted to the housing. The motor is connected to a reduction drive. The reduction drive reduces speed and drives a lead screw mounted on a bearing mount, and a moveable presshead is driven by the lead screw.

Abstract: A hardness tester capable of facilitating positioning of a sample even when the hardness tester includes a manual XY stage. The hardness tester includes an XY stage displacing a sample stage in a horizontal direction; a CCD camera capturing an image of a sample surface via an objective lens; a monitor displaying the image of the sample surface captured by the CCD camera; an operator specifying a test position at which an indentation is to be formed, the test position being specified on the image displayed on the display; and a CPU calculating, in conjunction with displacement of the XY stage, an amount of offset in the XY direction between the test position and a center position of the indenter when forming the indentation, then displaying the calculated amount of offset on the display.

Abstract: Indentation tester capable of adjusting vertical-direction positioning drift due to individual differences of an indenter when indenters are switched includes an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism adjusts relative vertical-direction positions of a displacement sensor movable portion and a displacement sensor fixed portion. The adjustment mechanism includes a first hollow disk having a spiraling surface formed on a bottom surface; and a second hollow disk having a spiraling surface formed on a top surface. The spiraling surface of the second hollow disk has a thread equal to that of the spiraling surface of the first hollow disk. The first hollow disk rests on the second hollow disk such that the bottom surface of the first hollow disk is overlaid on the top surface of the second hollow disk. The first hollow disk and the second hollow disk are capable of rotation on a center axis of an indenter column.

Abstract: For selecting suitable bonding parameters for forming wire bonds onto bond pads of a substrate, one or more indentations are made onto at least one bond pad of the substrate with an indentation tool by applying a series of predetermined forces onto the at least one bond pad with the indentation tool. A depth-force profile of the substrate is measured comprising a relationship between each predetermined force that is applied and a resultant depth of the indentation made by the indentation tool. An appropriate set of bonding parameters suitable for forming wire bonds on the substrate is determined based on the measured depth-force profile.

Abstract: Provided is an in-line hardness inspection apparatus, which can perform total inspection of hardness of work in a non-destructive manner in a manufacture line. Also provided are an in-line hardness inspection method and a robot. An in-line hardness inspection apparatus of the present invention has: a robot having a hardness inspection unit that inspects hardness of work; a work transfer means, which constitutes a part of a manufacture line, and transfers, to the robot, the work to be inspected; and a control means, which makes the robot perform the hardness inspection with respect to the work transferred by means of the work transfer means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing workpiece overcoats is described.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a hardness tester capable of measuring hardness accurately without removing a surface layer and also provide a hardness testing method. [Solution] An initial test load which is arbitrarily changed from a reference value is applied to the surface of a sample by an indenter 11, a major test load obtained by adding an additional test load to the initial test load is applied thereto, and the load is returned to the initial test load. The difference in depth of penetration of the indenter between the first and second two initial test loads is referenced to determine test hardness of the sample based on a Rockwell hardness computing equation. Correction is made for deviation of hardness from the thus determined test hardness due to a change in the initial test load from the reference value.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide field test devices and methods for testing the compressive gradient strength of installed vehicle arresting systems, such as those installed on airport runways. Current methods of testing such arresting systems are conducted on sample materials in-house, and these methods are not applicable or useful when tests need to be conducted on currently-installed systems in the field.

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 meat tenderness tester is a hand held tool that includes a rotatable elongate shaft, which can be stuck into meat at a precise depth and rotated by a motor disposed in the tool. The shaft has various configurations that allow it to be inserted into the meat and withdrawn without destroying the meat being tested. Fin-like members disposed on the shaft create a measurable resistance to rotation that is measured by a torque sensing part of the motor. A digital display on the housing body reads out this mechanical resistance (torque) in a calibrated measurement of the shear forces encountered by the rotating shaft; the measurement indicating a degree of tenderness of the meat cut being tested. The shaft has a tapered, pointed end that allows it to be inserted and withdrawn without damaging the meat product under test.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method allows a determination of the degree of hardness of semisolid materials with a higher accuracy and a simultaneously lower sensitivity with respect to electronic and mechanical disruptions. An adjusted force value (FBer) is determined prior or during a downward movement of a force/path sensor (20) and the force difference (?F32??F51) is determined between the adjusted force value (FBer) and respective measured force value (?F32??F51) and a zero time (t41) is determined, wherein the position (21, s41) of the measuring body (5, 8) at the zero time (t41) is used as the exact starting position (21, s41) of the surface of the material to be measured (22).

Abstract: A foreign matter detecting apparatus includes a detecting device for detecting foreign matter by measuring smoothness of a surface of an object undergoing measurement, a marking device for providing a dent on the surface of the object with a predetermined horizontal distance from the foreign matter detected by the detecting device, and a mass spectrum measuring device for irradiating and scanning a small area with a primary ion beam, as a part of the object, including the foreign matter and the dent, so as to measure a mass spectrum of secondary ions emitted from the foreign matter located at a position within a predetermined horizontal distance from the dent.

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: Embodiments of the present invention provide field test devices and methods for testing the compressive gradient strength of installed vehicle arresting systems, such as those installed on airport runways. Current methods of testing such arresting systems are conducted on sample materials in-house, and these methods are not applicable or useful when tests need to be conducted on currently-installed systems in the field.

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 foreign matter or abnormal unsmoothness inspection apparatus is constituted by a detecting member for detecting a foreign matter or abnormal unsmoothness by measuring smoothness of a surface of a substrate-like measuring object, a marking device for providing an dent on the surface of the measuring object with a predetermined horizontal distance from the foreign matter or abnormal unsmoothness, and a mass spectrum measuring device for measuring a mass spectrum of secondary ion emitted from a position with a predetermined distance from the dent by detecting the dent through impact and scanning of the surface of the measuring object with a primary ion beam.

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

Abstract: In a method for determining the radial modulus of elasticity of paper or a corresponding web-like material that can be reeled or wound on a reel, the connection between the force and deflection of a material arranged in layers is measured. The measurements of force and deflection necessary for calculating the radial modulus of elasticity are performed on a reel of paper or corresponding material outside the reeling or winding position by loading the reel with a press member.

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: The hardness measuring device (18) is provided with a) a penetration body (20), which penetrates a workpiece (28) along a penetration vector (58) during a measuring process, b) a housing (30) which embodies a guide track (32) for the penetration body (20) which moves along said guide track (32) between a rest position and a measuring position and with a mechanical drive (spring 40, 62), which engages with the penetration body (20), at least in the rest position and which fixes the test force or the test impulse for a measuring process and c) an electronic control circuit (48), which controls the measuring process and which determines a hardness value from the movement and/or the penetration action of the penetration body (20) into the workpiece (20). The hardness measuring device (18) comprises an acceleration sensor (54), which produces an angular signal, depending on the angle which the penetration vector (58) makes with the local gravitational vector (56).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the values of stiffness and dampening, in particular of surfaces for sports fields. The invention furthermore relates to a device for carrying out the aforesaid method. The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a device for determining the values of stiffness and dampening of an artificial grass lawn which provide a reliable measuring result in a quick and efficient manner, which device is furthermore user-friendly and easy to transport.

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

Abstract: 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 fretting fixture accessory for a_test machine (10) that induces high-cycle fatigue (at kilohertz vibration rates) in a specimen of a material under test. The fretting fixture (20) is clamped to the test specimen (21), for the purpose of testing for fretting damage. The fixture (20) is designed to provide both the normal and shearing forces that result in fretting damage.

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 device for testing a specimen for the purpose of ascertaining strength of an edge or hardness of a surface employs a pivoted rocker arm whose two extremities are interactive with voice coils that impart a controlled torque and velocity to the rocker arm. A diamond indenter and a linear variable differential transformer displacement gauge (LVDT) are also attached to the rocker arm, The torque produces a corresponding force on the indenter. A holder positions the specimen opposite the indenter, The degree of indentation produced in the specimen at two different force levels is measured by the LVDT.

Abstract: A dual function probe for measuring blade path temperature and for extracting exhaust flow gases from a combustion turbine comprises an elongate tubular member having an open end and a sealed end. An elongate thermocouple element is centrally disposed within the tubular member to provide a thermocouple function. At least a portion of the tubular member is adapted for insertion through the exhaust cylinder and diffuser of the combustion turbine and into the flow path of the turbine exhaust gases. An on-off valve is coupled to the tubular member proximate the sealed end thereof to allow exhaust flow gases that enter the open end of the tubular member to be extracted from the tubular member for analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring hardness of materials has an indentor to be pressed into the surface of material, a rod in the form of a center plate having a shank rigidly secured to one end thereof and the indentor rigidly secured to the other end thereof. The apparatus also has a dynamometric gauge having a first branch thereof with a hole in which the shank of the rod is received. A second branch of the dynamometric gauge supports a spindle of a device for loading the indentor. One of the branches of the dynamometric gauge carries at least one pick-up for measuring the load at the indentor engageable with the other branch of the dynamometric gauge. The apparatus also has a device for measuring the depth of penetration of the indentor into the surface of material in the form of a frame having its opposed bars enclosing the first branch of the dynamometric gauge.

Abstract: A measuring gauge which may be retrofitted to existing hardness testers to replace existing mechanical measuring gauges and which can be installed with minimal assembly expense. The gauge includes a movable feeler pin, a movable tracking member, and a resilient coupling member for securing the pin to the tracking member, whereby the movable tracking member tracks the movement of the feeler pin. An electrical sensor senses the movement of the movable tracking member. An amplifier amplifies the sensed movement of the tracking member and a digital display displays the sensed movement of the tracking member.

Abstract: An automatic tester for the hardness of materials is disclosed in which the operations are automated and in which the possibility of human error is significantly eliminated. Particularly, a linear digital encoder is employed which is attached to the capstan and elevating table arrangement. Pulses are developed according to the movement of the penetrator in the workpiece and are utilized to standardize and measure the time during which the major and minor loads are applied to the workpiece. Additionally, use of a CPU according to certain preset procedures and methods allows for enhanced reliability of the testing procedures. Conversions from different testing scales as well as corrections of certain factors is easily accomplished. Still further, the tester includes the provision to insure that certain ASTM standards are met by testing the device with standard test blocks and comparing results with those preset in the CPU.

Abstract: The surface hardness of material is tested by the extent of penetration of a tool thereinto by moving the tool onto the surface from a low to a high value of compressive force and then back to the low value by reversible rotative movements with the penetration being determined from the difference between the two rotative movements, in which the movement may be related to incremental rotative steps with the difference in the number of steps determining the extent of penetration and in which the movement may be automatically performed. The improvements comprise differential thread means comprising a rotatable part and means for revolving the rotatable part to effect linear movement of the penetrating end, and flexure means allowing free axial motion but preventing rotation of the rod (21) therebetween.

Abstract: A fully automatic penetration hardness tester which includes a penetrator and clamp driven by respective serially-connected pneumatic cylinders for engaging test specimens. Pressure regulators are coupled to the respective cylinders for first applying clamping pressure against the test specimen and then applying a plurality of loads in a predetermined sequence to the clamped specimen through the penetrator, with the total clamping and penetrator pressure against the test specimen remaining constant through the test cycle. A control circuit monitors penetrator position and automatically initiates application of the next load in the test sequence when motion of the penetrator following application of the preceding load has settled such that a predetermined number of sequential position readings fall within a preselected position range. Specimen hardness is determined as a linear function of penetration depth under the various loads.

Abstract: A clamping nosepiece for a hardness tester is disclosed. The clamping nosepiece is removable from the tester and includes means to adjust the position of the penetrator with respect to the clamp. Additionally, the amount of clamping force with which the clamp holds the workpiece is also adjustable. Belleville washers having a stiff gradient are employed to exert the clamping force, and linear ball bearings are employed to minimize frictional hysteresis which can occur in prior clamping nosepieces.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the hardness properties of materials may comprise: a frame for supporting the apparatus and the material to be tested; a test head assembly mounted on the frame for applying predetermined measuring forces to the material and a clamp assembly mounted on the frame for supporting the material and for applying a clamping force to clamp the material against the tester head assembly prior to application of the predetermined measuring forces. The tester head assembly may include a housing; a penetrator assembly carried by the housing, including an axially reciprocal penetrator shaft at the lower end of which is a ball member for contact with the material; an operating assembly for applying a first predetermined force and a second and greater predetermined force to the penetrator shaft for indentation of the material by the ball member, and indicating devices for measuring the difference of indentations of the material by the first and second predetermined forces.

Abstract: A unique electrode plaque hardness tester, and a method of testing for the hardness of an electrode plaque specimen, are taught. The hardness tester is of the indentation type, and permits the hardness testing of an electrode plaque that is very thin (e.g., 0.75 mm) and that is made of non-homogenous, sintered material, such as a nickel electrode plaque. A fixed load, comprising a lesser first load and a larger second load, is applied in sequence to a test specimen of the electrode plaque, with two superimposed indentations resulting. The hardness of the electrode plaque, as a result of the use of this tester, is inversely related to the difference in the depths of the two indentations. Data acquired as a result of testing specimens with this hardness tester establishes that the harder the electrode plaque is, the less efficient is the performance of an active battery electrode which includes this electrode plaque.

Abstract: An operating cam for use with a hardness tester may comprise: first and second cylindrical journal portions for respective disposition with first and second cylindrical holes provided through a housing of the hardness tester; a substantially cylindrical cam portion of smaller diameter between the journal portions and the axis of which is eccentric to the axis of the journal portion; an end portion adjacent the second journal portion having a common axis therewith and engageable for rotating the cam member about the common axis between no load, minor load and major load positions; and stop portions adjacent the end portion engageable with corresponding stop portions on the tester housing for limiting rotation of the operating cam between the no load and major load positions.

Abstract: Mounting apparatus for use with a hardness tester which includes a reciprocating penetrator for measuring hardness properties of the materials to be tested. The mounting apparatus may comprise: an elongated base member having parallel upper and lower flat surfaces and provided with a hole substantially midway between the ends thereof; substantially parallel elongated shoe members attached to the base member adjacent its lower surface for contact with the material to be tested; and components for removably attaching the hardness tester to the base member so that its penetrator is disposed in the base member hole for reciprocal movement therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a micro hardness tester (durometer) having a penetration body such as a point or the like penetrating into a sample under load. An electrical means is provided for loading the penetration body and the bearing force of the penetration body is convertible into electrical signals for the purpose of measuring said force. The invention is characterized in that the penetration body is fixed to an arm or spring arranged on a mounting element which spring or arm also carries at least one strain gauge or a micro dynamometer cell for measuring the bearing force of the penetration body.

Abstract: A machine for testing a container such as a paper or plastic cup. The cup rests upon a platform and its stiffness is measured by applying a given load to the side of the cup by means of a motor driven load applying arm. The applied load and the resulting deflection are determined by the direct coupling together of the cores of a force cell and a linear variable displacement transformer. The load applying arm and the coil of the linear variable displacement transformer are coupled together to compensate for an initial preload condition. The ultimate load for the predetermined deflection is monitored by a force cell and the electrical signal thus generated is converted to a direct reading digitally displaced valve.A method for testing a cup-like container by supporting the container on a set of rollers and applying a first small force normal to the side of the container. A second greater force is applied to the side of the container until a preselected overall deflection of the container side is attained.

Abstract: A portable hardness tester including a surface sensing member yieldably mounted for engagement with the surface of material to be tested and a penetrator yieldably mounted adjacent the sensing member for joint contact with the surface; manually applied means for applying minor and major penetrating forces on the penetrator; and electronic means for sensing the differential movement between the penetrator and surface sensing member and translating such differential movement into a hardness indication.

Abstract: A durometer is provided. The durometer includes an indentor point for penetrating under pressure of an applied load a surface being tested for hardness. Also included is a load generator, which may be a hydraulic cylinder. A support structure is provided for suspending the durometer's indentor point therefrom. An articulation joint connects the indentor point to support structure. Due to the use of this articulation joint, this invention avoids the deleterious effects generally accompanying transmission of moment from the support structure to the indentor point.