Abstract: A support jig for use with a testing machine applying loads, the support jig includes a frame and a pair of spaced apart supports joined to the frame to provide an alignment axis. Each support is configured to releasably hold a test specimen holder on the alignment axis in a fixed spatial relationship with ends of the test specimen holders mountable to the test machine facing in opposite directions. A test specimen support is located between the holders holds the test specimen on the alignment axis so that the holders can be attached to the test specimen. The support jig allows the holders to be easily and correctly attached to the test specimen so as to maintain alignment of the holders and the test specimen on the alignment axis. The support jig also maintains the fixed spatial relationship of the holders and test specimen while the holders are mounted to the test machine.

Abstract: A tensile testing machine comprising a test specimen whose elongation is to be measured along a tensile axis, slide plates, an intermediate plate, and first and second parallel guide rods, which freely guide the slide plates axially past them.

Abstract: A vehicle including a housing, and a vehicle seat disposed in the housing. The vehicle further includes at least one radial slit disc energy attenuation assembly having an upper end coupled to the vehicle seat and a lower end coupled the housing. The radial slit disc energy attenuation assembly includes a slit disc stack having a plurality of deflectable discs configured to deflect in response to realizing a force applied by the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A monolithic precursor test coupon includes a first grip portion, a second grip portion, and an intermediate portion, interconnecting the first grip portion and the second grip portion. The monolithic precursor test coupon also includes runners, directly interconnecting the first grip portion and the second grip portion and not directly connected to the intermediate portion. The first grip portion, the second grip portion, the intermediate portion, and the runners are composed of a substance that comprises metal powder and that is in a green state.

Abstract: A universal materials testing machine is disclosed. In one embodiment, the machine comprises a plurality of grips holding a circular material specimen sheet; the grips being capable of pulling the material specimen radially outward. Each grip is connected to a force measurement sensor such as a load cell. The grip and the load cell assembly is connected to a linear actuator assembly. The linear actuator assembly comprises a motor connected to an arm that can move along a straight line. The actuator pulls or pushes the load cell and grip assembly. A camera module captures images of the specimen while being stretched or released. A data processing system gathers camera module images along with force measurements from the load cells. An analysis module running on the data processing unit computes stress and strain measurements and fits them to user selectable material model.

Abstract: A tensile testing machine has a jaw which includes a unitary ‘H’ section member having a cross piece and two uprights. The cross piece is mounted to a cantilever beam which is supported on the test machine and has force measuring elements. A pneumatic actuator applies tensile forces to the first ends of the uprights via strands to urge the first ends apart. When first ends of the uprights are urged apart, their oppositely disposed second ends are urged together to grip a sample deposit to be pulled off a substrate in a tensile test. In use, the jaws can be moved at speed, in the order of 500 mm/s to pull the deposit off of the substrate. The force required to pull the deposit off the substrate in this tensile test is measured by the force measuring elements on the beam.

Abstract: A tensile testing machine has a jaw which includes a unitary ‘H’ section member having a cross piece and two uprights. The cross piece is mounted to a cantilever beam which is supported on said test machine and has force measuring elements. A pneumatic actuator applies tensile forces to the first ends of the jaw via strands to urge the first ends apart. When first ends of the uprights are urged apart, their oppositely disposed second ends are urged together to grip a sample deposit to be pulled off a substrate in a tensile test. In use, the jaws can be moved at speed, in the order of 500 mm/s to pull the deposit off of the substrate. The force required to pull the deposit off the substrate in this tensile test is measured by the force measuring elements on the beam.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring snap member detaching force, the snap member detaching force measurement device includes a cloth holding unit for holding cloth on the periphery of the snap member attached to the cloth; a snap chucking unit for chucking the snap member from its side portion by a plurality of chucking portions of the unit; a torque gauge for applying torque to the snap member chucked by the chucking portions; a tension unit for relatively pulling the snap member from the cloth; and a tensile force gauge for measuring tensile force provided by the tension unit. The snap chucking unit includes turning arms which can lock, with constant chucking force, the state of the snap member chucked by the chucking portions.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring snap member detaching force, the snap member detaching force measurement device includes a cloth holding unit for holding cloth on the periphery of the snap member attached to the cloth; a snap chucking unit for chucking the snap member from its side portion by a plurality of chucking portions of the unit; a torque gauge for applying torque to the snap member chucked by the chucking portions; a tension unit for relatively pulling the snap member from the cloth; and a tensile force gauge for measuring tensile force provided by the tension unit. The snap chucking unit includes turning arms which can lock, with constant chucking force, the state of the snap member chucked by the chucking portions.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring snap member detaching force, the snap member detaching force measurement device includes a cloth holding unit for holding cloth on the periphery of the snap member attached to the cloth; a snap chucking unit for chucking the snap member from its side portion by a plurality of chucking portions of the unit; a torque gauge for applying torque to the snap member chucked by the chucking portions; a tension unit for relatively pulling the snap member from the cloth; and a tensile force gauge for measuring tensile force provided by the tension unit. The snap chucking unit includes turning arms which can lock, with constant chucking force, the state of the snap member chucked by the chucking portions.

Abstract: A tensile testing machine has a jaw which comprises a unitary ‘H’ section member having a cross piece (25) and two uprights (26). The cross piece is mounted to a cantilever beam which is supported on said test machine and has force measuring elements. A pneumatic actuator (20) applies tensile forces to the first ends of the jaw (23) via strands (22) to urge them apart. When first ends of the uprights are urged apart, their oppositely disposed second ends are urged together to grip a sample deposit (29) to be pulled off a substrate in a tensile test. In use, the jaws can be moved at speed, in the order of 500 mm/s to pull the deposit off of the substrate. The force required to pull the deposit off the substrate in this tensile test is measured by the force measuring elements on the beam (35).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring tension in a stressed cable wherein the apparatus comprises two clamps, a circuit board and a power source. A transverse acceleration is generated in the stressed cable which is measured by an accelerometer in the apparatus, converted into an analog signal and transmitted to a portable computer programmed with software to calculate the cable tension from the fundamental period of vibration.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring snap member detaching force, the snap member detaching force measurement device includes a cloth holding unit for holding cloth on the periphery of the snap member attached to the cloth; a snap chucking unit for chucking the snap member from its side portion by a plurality of chucking portions of the unit; a torque gauge for applying torque to the snap member chucked by the chucking portions; a tension unit for relatively pulling the snap member from the cloth; and a tensile force gauge for measuring tensile force provided by the tension unit. The snap chucking unit includes turning arms which can lock, with constant chucking force, the state of the snap member chucked by the chucking portions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bond integrity tool, which includes a shoulder housing, a collar shaft, and an end cap. The collar shaft has a neck portion and a mouth portion. The neck portion is disposed within the shoulder housing, and the mouth portion is able to grip a test piece. The end cap communicates with the neck portion, such that when the end cap is initiated the end cap applies force on the shoulder housing, which in turn applies force on the collar shaft, which grips the test piece such that the bond integrity between the test piece and a surface may be tested.

Abstract: A measuring device useful for measuring mechanical properties of highly flexible or limp sheet materials. The device includes a base, a pair of clamping members, with one of the clamping members being movable away from and toward the second clamping member. A load sensor is mounted in one of the clamping means for measurement of the required mechanical properties.

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

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

Abstract: Tensile testing device, which measures the strain for a tensile testing specimen (24) by means of the relative displacement of the fastening means (2, 14), as a result of that the attachment of the tensile testing specimen (24) is performed in such a manner which is independent of the applied tensile testing force. Furthermore, the device provides a contact-free dimension measurement (26, 27) of the tensile testing specimen (24) simultaneous to the tensile testing procedure. The device enables at the same time a compensation of measured values for machine strain and friction forces, and the pulling speed in the tensile testing procedure is controllable, depending in the appearance of the tensile test curve. Moreover, the maximum tensile stress, various standardised strain measures and the fracture area may be calculated.

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

Abstract: Methods and procedures for varying parameters at a work station where different size and/or type needles are automatically sutured to different size and/or type sutures, such as: a method and system for applying a predetermined, given tension to different size and/or type sutures; a system and method for inserting a suture into different size and/or type needles to a predetermined, given depth; and a method and system to cool different size and/or type sutures for a predetermined, given length of time. Values for these parameters may be stored in a supervisor computer and then transmitted to controllers to operate the work station with these parameter values for each of a plurality of different size and/or type sutures and/or needles.

Abstract: A semi-automated machine for singulating individual surgical needles from an bulk supply and attaching a suture to the surgical needle is described. Each of the surgical needles has a suture receiving opening formed therein for receiving a suture. The machine includes a needle singulation station, a precise positioning station, a suture feeding station, a swage station, a pull-test station and an off-load station. A universal gripper mounted on a rotary indexing device automatically receives each individual needle in a predetermined orientation and conveys the needle for sequential processing from station to station to form the needle-suture assembly. A swage station is provided for swaging the needle to close the suture receiving opening about the suture to secure said suture thereto and form therefrom a needle and suture assembly. The suture pull-test station tests each needle suture bond with a pre-determined pull for quality control. This pull is adjustable via a precision spring tension device.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for measuring the tensile strength of a flat sheet of material with a set of clamping jaw members having respective clamping surfaces. A cylinder is provided for closing the first and second jaw members in a clamped position. Transitional members are provided for transferring the load developed by the cylinder to the first and second jaw members without any bending deflections occurring at the clamping surfaces which secure the sheet sample.

Abstract: A semi-automated machine for singulating individual surgical needles from an bulk supply and attaching a suture to the surgical needle is described. Each of the surgical needles has a suture receiving opening formed therein for receiving a suture. The machine includes a needle singulation station, a precise positioning station, a suture feeding station, a swage station, a pull-test station and an off-load station. A universal gripper mounted on a rotary indexing device automatically receives each individual needle in a predetermined orientation and conveys the needle for sequential processing from station to station to form the needle-suture assembly. A swage station is provided for swaging the needle to close the suture receiving opening about the suture to secure said suture thereto and form therefrom a needle and suture assembly. The suture pull-test station tests each needle suture bond with a pre-determined pull for quality control. This pull is adjustable via a precision spring tension device.

Abstract: Foundry sand testing apparatus, method and system are provided for testing foundry sand. A computer foundry sand testing system includes at least one sensor for sensing predetermined characteristics of the foundry sand and for generating a signal. A processor coupled to the sensor processes the generated signal. A display is operatively controlled by the processor for displaying predetermined test information responsive to the generated signal. Predefined displays for receiving user selections and for displaying of test information are automatically generated. The generated displays of test information include real-time stress-strain curves and multiple calculated values utilizing the stress-strain curves.

Abstract: A hydraulic grip suitable for use in both tensile and compressive loading of a specimen comprises generally a main body and an outer housing to form a pair of annular chamber thereinbetween. Hydraulic fluid under pressure alternately introduced into the chambers forces the outer housing to move up or downward relative to longitudinal axis of the main body. A cooling circulation may be established between the grip and a compressor so that the testing can be performed in high temperature. This grip also facilitates a rapid replacement of different grip jaws.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for measuring the viscoelastic characteristics of polymeric coatings of optical fibers directed on a coated fiber. The ends of the fiber are inserted into a pair of clamps which are shaped in such a way as to hold the coating without tearing it and to allow it to slide longitudinally over the fiber. The clamps impart a relative oscillating motion to the coating creating a longitudinal tensile stress of periodically varying intensity. The clamps and their support are part of a rheometer which measures the opposing stress and processes the stress data to give the desired characteristics.

Abstract: The improved sample holder comprises a cylinder portion 5 having a center hole through which a test piece is inserted, a reciprocating ram rod 7 that is inserted into said hole and which is vertically slidable under hydraulic pressure to push down the test piece, and a test piece fixing plate 6 that is inserted under the cylinder portion 5 as it is slid horizontally from either right or left, with the thicker part of the test piece being held between the fixing plate 6 and the working end of the hydraulically operated pushing rod 7. The holder permits a fatigue test piece to be mounted and fixed on a testing machine by remote manipulation so that a fatigue test can be performed in either a hot vacuum or inert gas atmosphere.

Abstract: The ultimate tensile strength of a test sample is tested in a high speed testing machine having a frame (2), a force measuring device (9A), and a load application mechanism (3, 4) for applying a loading stroke to the test sample after a loading piston has passed through a lead stroke to attain the required testing velocity. A force locking, frictionally effective clamping mechanism clamps the test sample for coupling to the machine frame (2) and/or to the load application mechanism (3) when the loading piston has reached the testing velocity.

Abstract: The present invention includes a can tester having a main body for holding a can, a mechanism for positioning and securing the can, a movable measuring portion and a mechanism for moving the movable measuring portion. The mechanism for moving the slidable measuring portion includes a first component and a second component substantially perpendicular to the first component. The present invention also includes a method for measuring a pressurization of retorted cans.

Abstract: A reliable, repeatable, well-characterized, safe technique for testing the mounting integrity of heat sinks adhered to semiconductor packages is disclosed. Generally, a semiconductor package is secured in a tensiometer, the heat sink is clamped and secured to the spindle of the tensiometer, and a stud-pull type test is conducted.

Abstract: A materials testing grip for tensile testing of small fibers includes a pair of inwardlyconverging surfaces into which a fiber may be easily pressed, and which in fiber tension is characterized by increased gripping force.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the respective elongations of several sample strips (13), comprises: a vertical frame (51) provided with a fixed upper gripping jaw (27) and a mobile lower gripping jaw (15) to maintain each of the strips (13), the lower gripping jaw (15) stretches the strip by gravity effect; and an electronic displacement sensor (33, 35) associated to each lower gripping jaw (15). Each gripping jaw comprises a sole and a plate articulated on the sole. A magnet (11) is mounted in the sole, flush with a contact surface of the sole, for urging the plate against the contact surface by magnetic attraction.

Abstract: The linings of a jaw for traction tests on test piece slivers are made of a moulded material having evolutive hardness and shearing modulus with a variable thickness according to the height of the jaw so as to distribute the clamping forces over this height. This distribution of forces is completed via an excentration of the point of application of the clamping force. Traction tests are performed on test piece.

Abstract: Grip apparatus for tensile strength testing of geosynthetic materials includes a pair of opposing first and second grip bars slidably mounted in a frame. Selectively operable locking elements carried on the frame and the first grip bar enable selective fixation of the first grip bar at a desired position with respect to the second grip bar when inserting or removing or loading test specimens. Various constructions of grip bars, and grip jaws mounted on the bars, are provided, including replaceable high friction surface rods, grip surfaces with alternating grooves and shoulder surfaces, and easily replaceable L-shaped grip jaws that do not require disassembly of the apparatus. A plurality of actuating shafts impart movement and grip forces to each grip bar, with the actuating pumps for the shafts being operable simultaneously, separately, synchronously or asynchronously.

Abstract: A grip for the performance of tensile tests on elongated specimens such as steel wires, wherein at least the face of the grip which has an engagement with the elongated specimen is provided with roughnesses. These roughnesses are virtual pyramids in shape, which at no point show an angle which is smaller than 100.degree.. For preference the roughnesses have the form of truncated pyramids with an upper surface area of at least 0.0025 mm.sup.2. Wear and breakages in the grip are considerably reduced.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an improved alignment assembly is provided wherein when a threaded fastener is the test specimen, the fastener is gripped by a collet made of two longitudinally split, threaded, and tapered pieces held together with a spring. As a load is applied to the specimen, the two collet pieces are locked together by the tapers, assuring thread alignment. The split collar also preferably has different threads per inch at each end of the collet pieces to adapt to different threads of different specimens. Split collars of different geometry are used to test thin, non-threaded specimens. In a preferred embodiment, a reversible washer in which a first face is used to hold the fastener in place and in alignment in a first test, is also used to test the elongation of the fastener in a separate test, through the use of a second tapered face.

Abstract: A grip for a material testing load frame including a grip plate for engaging the end of an elongated sample having a longitudinal axis and a grip body having one end for connecting to the grip plate and another end for connecting to a loading component of the frame, a mechanism for adjusting the concentricity of the plate with respect to the body, and a mechanism for adjusting the angle of the plate with respect to the body, so that when the sample end is engaged by the plate, and the grip body is connected to the loading component, the longitudinal axis and the axis of the loading component can be aligned with respect to the concentricity and angle.

Abstract: A strip specimen is cut from a unidirectional strong, brittle fiber composite material, and the surfaces of both ends of the specimen are grit-blasted. The specimen is then placed between metal load transfer members having grit-blasted surfaces. Sufficient compressive stress is applied to the load transfer members to prevent slippage during testing at both elevated temperatures and room temperatures.

Abstract: In the manufacture of electrochemical cells, the integrity of the mechanical joint between a coiled plate electrode assembly and a terminal conductor welded thereto is tested on the assembly line by applying to the terminal conductor a predetermined minimum tensile force tending to separate the conductor from the electrode assembly, while simultaneously restraining the coiled electrode assembly. Any movement of the conductor relative to the electrode assembly is sensed and, if movement exceeds a predetermined minimum value, the force on the conductor is automatically increased to a value sufficient to separate the poorly-connected conductor from the electrode assembly.