Abstract: A fatigue sensor for monitoring the health state of structural members is disclosed. The sensor has multiple parallel beams, each sensitive to different levels of fatigue, that are designed to fail prematurely but progressively as the sensor goes through the same fatigue cycles as the structural member it is attached to. Whenever fatigue levels on a particular beam of the sensor exceed the engineered number of fatigue cycles, that particular beam fails and sensor electronics can detect that failure and transmit this information wirelessly when interrogated by an external interrogator. Having multiple beams that fail after different numbers of fatigue cycles enables the health state of the structural member to be monitored, in that unlike normal fracture sensor that sense failure of the structural members after the actual fracture event, the present invention is capable of sensing imminent failure of the structural member before the actual failure occurs.

Abstract: A method of determining a wrap force or payout percentage at which to wrap a load with packaging material may include dispensing packaging material. The method may also include forming a tear in a portion of the packaging material. The method may further include identifying a first payout percentage at which the tear exhibits a first behavior. The method may also include identifying a second payout percentage at which the tear exhibits a second behavior. The method may further include selecting a third payout percentage between the first payout percentage and the second payout percentage, for wrapping the load.

Abstract: The present invention relates to self-retaining (“barbed”) systems for surgical procedures, methods of manufacturing self-retaining systems for surgical procedures, included their uses and testing. In various embodiments of the invention, a device and method for barbing sutures uses a laser to cut the suture under appropriate temperature and tensile strength conditions. In various embodiments of the invention, a device and method tests the tensile strength and elasticity of a barbed monofilament or multifilament suture. In various embodiments of the invention, a potting material can be used to retain one end of the suture for manufacture or testing.

Abstract: A constraining device comprises a plurality of jaws 34 adapted to constrain the sides of an object of constraint, support shafts 35 rotatably supporting the respective jaws so as to allow the jaws to spread and become closed, first biasing means 36 adapted to bias the respective jaws to become closed, a jaw opening/closing drive member 62 arranged at the center of the jaws so as to move close to and away from the object of constraint and press the base end portions of the jaws to drive the jaws when moved in a first direction, a second biasing means 63 adapted to bias the jaw opening/closing drive member in the first direction in order to close the jaws and a temporary holding section 66 arranged at the jaw opening/closing drive member and adapted to be engaged with the base end portions of the jaws to block the jaw opening/closing drive member against moving in the first direction but allow the jaw opening/closing drive member to move in the first direction when force exceeding a predetermined level is appli

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the penetration depth of a blunt object before failure of a film sample, such as a glove. Failure occurs when a film sample secured to a column ruptures from the force applied by a stylus. The penetration depth of the blunt object is equal to the distance traveled by the stylus under the method of the invention. With the measurement of the penetration depth and the force applied by the stylus, a quantitative measurement of the rupture strength of the film sample is obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus for proof testing an optical waveguide fiber includes a first capstan defining a first outer diameter and a continuous first capstan belt under tension and in contact with the first outer diameter of the first capstan. The contact between the first capstan belt and the first capstan defining a first arc of contact, and the first capstan belt defining a first width, a first thickness and a first length. The apparatus further includes a second capstan defining a second outer diameter and a continuous second capstan belt under tension and in contact with the outer diameter of the second capstan. The contact between the second capstan belt and the second capstan defining a second arc of contact, second capstan belt defining a second width, second thickness and a second belt length. The first arc of contact being equal to or greater than about 105° and the second arc of contact being at least 20° greater than the first arc of contact.

Abstract: This invention provides a pluck-resistance measuring instrument for fastener members comprises a holder for pressing the fabric of a garment to which a fastener member is attached, securely around the member, a plurality of clamp members capable of clamping the fastener member and moving at right angles to the place where the fastener member is affixed to the fabric, and a tension detector for measuring the tensile force that is applied to the clamp members, wherein the holder is supported by a lift, the tension detector comprises a member providing a fulcrum, a mass lever pivotally supported at the fulcrum and a tension detector, the lever being coupled at one end to the clamp members and acts on the tensile detector at the other end as a tensile detector and a method for measuring the pluck resistance using the above instrument comprises the steps of (1) starting the lift to lower the holder.

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: The invention relates to a proof testing method and a proof testing apparatus for optical fibre where a fibre (1) is guided to a first pulling device (2) and further to a second pulling device (3) and then onto a reel (11, 12), whereby the pulling devices subject the fibre to a desired amount of tensile strength, as a result of which the fibre breaks if the fibre (1) strength is insufficient. To achieve a continuous pulling and proof testing process, the fibre end is guided in the case of a fibre break between the first and the second pulling device (2, 3) by means of a first channel section (5), which guides the fibre to the second pulling device (3). After the second pulling device (3) the fibre end is guided into a second channel section (8) which is off the normal fibre track and along which the fibre (1) is guided into a scrap fibre processing system. At a desired moment the fibre (1) is guided from the second channel section (8) to the normal track, along which the fibre is guided onto a reel (11, 12).

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the penetration depth of a blunt object before failure of a film sample, such as a glove. Failure occurs when a film sample secured to a column ruptures from the force applied by a stylus. The penetration depth of the blunt object is equal to the distance traveled by the stylus under the method of the invention. With the measurement of the penetration depth and the force applied by the stylus, a quantitative measurement of the rupture strength of the film sample is obtained.

Abstract: A method, technique, and apparatus proof test an optical fiber interconnect by applying an ends off-set stress on the optical fiber until the optical fiber fails or breaks, either immediately (short-term strength), or as a result of the delayed-fracture/"static-fatigue" phenomenon for the given off-set, and, hence, for the given stress (long-term strength), imposed for the measured period of time. If, for instance, the short-term strength is addressed, the off-set is measured at the time of the failure, and the corresponding critical strain of the optical fiber is then predicted. In predicting the critical strain, the method and apparatus iteratively determine the total strain, including non-linear components thereof, for an optical fiber interconnect experiencing the measured ends off-set. The analytical model/method includes the steps of iteratively processing characteristic parameters associated with the optical fiber, and determining the non-linear strain associated with the optical fiber.

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: A fixture for use with a wire pull tester that tests the strength of a bond between an electrical contact of a semiconductor device and a wire affixed to the electrical contact. The fixture comprises a device support, a mounting surface provided on the device support, and a port provided at the mounting surface. The device support may include a height adjustment mechanism. The mounting surface may be configured to engage a surface of the semiconductor device and includes a port with which an air pressure differential is produced to maintain engagement between the mounting surface and the semiconductor device surface.

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 instrument for measuring the pluck resistance of snap-members has a presser for pressing the fabric of a garment to which a snap member is attached, securely around the member and a plurality of jaws for constraining the sides of the snap member. A tensile force pulls the snap member away in the direction at right angles to the fabric surface to which the snap member is attached and a gauge measures the tensile force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-destructively proof-testing the integrity of the bond between an integrally-molded disc brake pad assembly metallic backing plate element and its adhered molded friction material pad element advantageously tests the bond by tensile stressing rather than by conventional shear stressing.

Abstract: The method for measuring the tearing strength of fibers, especially of textile fibers, comprises the following steps:A) the fibers to be measured or part regions of such fibers are treated to form a single-layer planar fiber tuft (1);B) the fiber tuft (1) is clamped in the fiber plane (13) perpendicularly to the fiber direction along two parallel lines (18, 19) having a predetermined clearance;C) the cross-section of the class (12) of fibers clamped between the two lines (18, 19) is determined individually and summed to form the total cross-section;D) the fiber tuft (1) is pulled apart to tear by the application of a force in the fiber plane (13) in the direction of the arrow (14) between the two lines (18, 19);E) the tearing strength is determined from the tearing force occurring and the total cross-section determined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for testing tensile strength of microfilaments. Fibers as small as 0.001 inch in diameter and 0.04 inches in length have been tested, although the method and apparatus of the invention are capable of testing fibers of smaller diameter and length. The invention utilizes a method wherein one or both ends of a microfilament is gripped using resin which is softened sufficiently to accept an end of the microfilament and then allowed to harden. The invention also employs the use of a translation stage capable of controlled three-dimensional movement suited to facilitating gripping of the microfilament.

Abstract: A testing machine includes a pair of spaced side-by-side rails spanned by a carriage and opposite thereto a piston/cylinder mechanism between each rail and an associated crosshead. A wire cable, sling or the like is connected between the carriage and the crosshead and when the pistons of the piston/cylinder mechanisms are forcefully extended from the cylinders the sling is brought under tension loading upwardly to 3,000,000 lbs. Each side rail is formed of a plurality of sections with each section being defined by relatively long metal rail members joined by tubes and carrying studs and a first series of rebars. A second series of rebars spans a joint between adjacent rail sections. The metal rail members of adjacent sections are spaced from each other to define a gap therebetween. Concrete is poured into the sections to eventually surround, embed and unitize the sections upon subsequent solidification of the concrete.

Abstract: Method and apparatus wherein continuous indexed lengths of optical fiber are automatically measured for load at failure for each failure below a predetermined maximum stress. A predetermined length of optical fiber is indexed. The optical fiber is clamped at one or more clamp points along its length. Increasing tension is applied to a first indexed length of optical fiber between at least one clamp point and a tension application means. Increasing tension is applied between an initial value and the predetermined maximum load. The increasing tension is measured during its application. If failure occurs, the actual load at failure is detected while the increasing tension is being applied. When failure does not occur, the first length of optical fiber is released and a second length of optical fiber is indexed to the position where increasing tension is applied to the second length between at least one clamp point and the tension application means.

Abstract: Yarn tensile textile apparatus contains drawing-off means (11) for continuously drawing-off the test material (G) from a supply, two roller pairs (W, W') at a distance from one another for elongating the test material (G), and a store (12) arranged between the drawing-off means (11) and the first roller pair (W). Each roller pair (W, W') contains a transport roller and a pressing roller (4, 5; 4', 5') arranged so that a periodically opening and closing clamping gap for the test material (G) is formed between the rollers of each roller pair. Each transport roller (4, 4') includes a first circumferential part for bearing against its pressing roller (5, 5') and a second circumferential part at a distance from its pressing roller (5, 5'). The apparatus permits tensile testing according to the principle of constant rate of deformation, and the apparatus is insensitive to soiling and can be used for testing a variety of test materials.

Abstract: A hand tool for tension testing of flexible elongated members and connections thereto comprises a drawn cup roller clutch having a shaft and a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly and the shaft are coupled for relative concentric rotation about an axis through the shaft. First and second plier-like handles are connected for affecting unidirectional rotation of the shaft with respect to the bearing assembly and are arranged in opposed relationship whereby movement of the handles towards one another effects relative rotation of the shaft and the bearing assembly in a preselected direction. A compression gauge is attached to the outer surface of an extended portion of one of the handles disposed oppositely from the handles. The gauge includes a U-shaped compression beam and a dial indicator calibrated to read force as a function of relative displacement between opposed arms of the U-shaped beam.

Abstract: A single-filament specimen preparation fixture for preparing a multiplicity of tensile testing specimens from the same filament. The fixture can be used manually or it can be adapted for use as one element in an automatic testing system.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device having a supporting frame with a slot forming a gap in one leg of the frame. A stationary and a rotatable shaft are positioned in the frame on opposite sides of the gap. A belt sample is attached to the shafts and a ratchet assembly applies progressively greater strain on the belt sample. The level of strain is measured by a load cell placed across the gap in the frame to yield a value for the ultimate tensile strength of the belt being tested. The device is portable and provided with a handle serving as a lever for applying progressively greater strain through the ratchet assembly. The device is used to compare the relative strengths of conveyor belting samples at a field location.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring the static lives of glass optical fibers. The arrangement comprises a number of holders. In each holder a rod with a fiber wound on it can be arranged. The holder surrounds each rod on three sides. Upon rupture of a fiber the broken ends strike the enclosure and eject the rod from its holder. Means are provided for recording the instants of insertion and ejection of each rod in and from a holder.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining the eventual elongation property of a copper wire which has been cold drawn with an intermediate anneal and which is to be subsequently subjected to a predetermined heat treatment by a final in-line continuous anneal. Before a sample length of such wire is elongated to its breaking point in a tensile testing device, a capacitor is discharged through the wire length to produce a heating current flow therethrough of a magnitude and duration that produces a heat treatment of the wire length which approximately simulates that which would be the result of the final in-line continuous anneal. For this purpose, the wire holding devices of the tensile testing device have contact means to establish connection of the wire length in a discharge circuit for the capacitor.

Abstract: In order to determine the fatigue limit of elastic materials, especially rubber, under completely reversed stress by applying a load which alternates between zero and a maximum value and in order to determine the number of load alternations which leads to the breaking of the material, a plurality of strip-shaped rubber samples are clamped between two stationary clamping beams and a rocker. The rocker is approximately parallel to the beams and is moved at one end thereof by means of a crank mechanism. The rubber samples are each positioned parallel to one another in at least one row and are alternately stretched and relaxed to a different extent, depending on their spacing from the fulcrum of the rocker.

Abstract: A centrifugal test apparatus for determining the failure point of a carton for packaging bottles or cans comprises a box mounted on a variable speed drive shaft which is adapted to receive at opposite ends a counterweight and a test carton. The test carton is attached to a force gauge by an attachment means that simulates the gripping of the test carton by a person.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for studying the tensile characteristics of hair or other fibre samples is provided with elements whereby it is possible successively to carry out measurements on a series of samples automatically without intervention by an operator. A stack of pairs of blocks (12A and 12B) is mounted in a loader (23) with a sample (21) connected between the blocks of each pair. The sample blocks are displaceable as a pair from the bottom of the loader across a plate to be engaged by relatively movable clamps (11 and 19) by means of which the sample carried between the blocks can be stretched. A dynamometer (5) measures the tension for a predetermined elongation and a sensor (54) cooperating with an anvil (25) senses changes in transverse dimensions of the sample.

Abstract: A machine for cyclically applying a force to material specimens for testing the fatigue properties thereof. The specimens are positioned between two members, at least one of which moves angularly in a wobble type of action in a cyclic operation. Enclosure members enclose any suitable desired fluid within which the test specimens are tested.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and process are described for measuring linear and non-linear viscoelastic properties of viscoelastic materials such as nylon, polyester tire cord, rubber, rubber-tire cord composites and the like. The properties are determined by subjecting a sample material to a constant-rate strain displacement having a small amplitude high frequency sinusoidal strain displacement superimposed thereon, and analyzing the overall resulting material stress. The obtained properties can be used to predict and estimate actual end use characteristics of the material such as longevity and mechanical loss during performance. In the case of tire cord, this latter characteristic can be surprisingly related to efficiency of fuel consumption in automotive vehicles.