Abstract: A test device comprises a base and a first fixture coupled to the base. The first fixture holds a first portion of an electronic device mounted in the test device. The test device includes a second fixture rotatably coupled to the base and a lever coupled to the second fixture. The second fixture holds a second portion of the electronic device mounted in the test device. The test device also includes an actuator that forcibly moves the lever to rotate the second fixture and apply a torsion stress on the electronic device mounted in the test device. The test device may be used to test the functionality of electronic devices, such as small form-factor disc drives, while under torsion stresses.

Abstract: A test device comprises a base and a first fixture coupled to the base. The first fixture holds a first portion of an electronic device mounted in the test device. The test device includes a second fixture rotatably coupled to the base and a lever coupled to the second fixture. The second fixture holds a second portion of the electronic device mounted in the test device. The test device also includes an actuator that forcibly moves the lever to rotate the second fixture and apply a torsion stress on the electronic device mounted in the test device. The test device may be used to test the functionality of electronic devices, such as small form-factor disc drives, while under torsion stresses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing shear stiffness in board is disclosed. The board sample (6) is placed into stationary jaw (2) and jaw (3) which is rigidly connected to inertial mass (7). The mass (7) is twisted around the sample axis with an initial twist chosen to ensure the sample is within the elastic region, and then allowed to freely oscillate. The oscillation frequency is then measured to evaluate the torsional stiffness of the sample.

Abstract: An adjustable, torque-limiting driver for a tool having a radially extending handle that houses a cam member and a pair of plungers. The plungers are biased against the housing and provide variable resistance for the cam member. The arrangement of the cam member and the plungers reduces the wear on the various parts of the driver and extends the life of the driver.

Abstract: An adjustable, torque-limiting driver for a tool having a radially extending handle that houses a cam member and a pair of plungers. The plungers are biased against the housing and provide variable resistance for the cam member. The arrangement of the cam member and the plungers reduces the wear on the various parts of the driver and extends the life of the driver.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the integrity of a flexible pipe used for transporting a pressurized fluid in a terminal end-fitting. The pipe includes an internal pressure sheath, plies of tensile armor wires and an outer sheath fastened to the end-fitting. A device monitors the change in a phenomenon associated with a failure of the armor plies as a result of a fracture of several tensile armor wires inside the end-fitting. The device detects an increase in the twist in the pipe near the end-fitting, which twist is a phenomenon of a fracture of tensile armor wires inside the end-fitting.

Abstract: A device for measuring torsional distortion of a body comprises first and second clip portions each having a central part and two legs depending from the central part, each leg having adjacent the free end thereof a groove or projection for engaging a respective projection or groove (14) provided in the body (16) to mount the clip portion the body rotationally fastened therewith. A bridge interconnects the clip portion. The bridge is less stiff than the clip portions whereby relative rotational displacement of the clip portions caused by torsional distortion of the body will cause proportional deflection of the bridge. Means, for example a SAW device (15), are provided for measuring the deflection of the bridge to provide an indication of the torsional distortion which produces the deflection of the bridge. Also (20) for the interior all of a hollow body.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying torsional vibration to a rotating machine is provided. In one exemplary embodiment the apparatus includes a permanent magnet machine (12) connected to the rotating machine (22) and configured to generate a three-phase AC output voltage. A converter (36) may be coupled to receive the three-phase AC output voltage from the permanent magnet machine to supply a DC load current. An electrical load (44) (or exciter) may be coupled to the converter to receive the load current. An oscillator (42) is connected to the converter to provide an oscillation signal for modulating the load current from the converter. Modulated load current causes variable loading of the permanent magnet machine thereby creating an oscillatory torque in the permanent magnet machine (12). The oscillatory torque causes torsional vibration in the rotating machine. Various components of the apparatus for applying torsional vibration may be part of a field-deployed power generating system.

Abstract: In a torsion angle measuring method and device for a magnetic-disk suspension, a datum surface of the suspension is fixed to a fixture under pressure, the fixture being provided with a smooth criterion surface having known torsion angles set for the suspension datum surface. A roll angle and a pitch angle of a slider loading surface of the suspension to the datum surface when the suspension is fixed to the fixture are measured.

Abstract: A testing stand for a helicopter transmission is arranged in a testing stand (20) capable of swiveling deflection around a rotor shaft (4) with one output side rotor shaft (4) and at least one drive side input shaft (6, 8). Actuators (28, 30) are provided around the rotor shaft axis (4) for swiveling deflection of the helicopter transmission (2) to equalize shifts on connection couplings (14, 16, 22) occurring under load. It is suggested that the helicopter transmission (2) be clampable in the testing stand (20) by connection elements (24, 26) elastic with respectable to swiveling deflection.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the displacement of visco-elastoplastic media below a surface thereof comprises an upper plate mounted such that a displacement force exerted on the top surface thereof will move the upper plate a displacement distance downward toward a base. Guides maintain the upper plate and the base in alignment such that movement is along a displacement axis. A calibrated bias element exerts a calibrated bias force resisting movement of the upper plate toward the base. A displacement measuring device measures the displacement distance, and is operative to generate a movement signal corresponding to the displacement distance. A data acquisition system is operative to receive and record the movement signal, and calculate the displacement force exerted on the top surface of the upper plate required to move the upper plate the displacement distance against the calibrated bias force.

Abstract: A torque wrench is provided having body and a handle that is rotatably mounted to the body for adjusting the torque setting, and an axially movable sleeve operable to selectively lock the handle. The sleeve includes a rigid member and an elastomeric member, such as an O-ring, and the sleeve is configured to act against a locking ball held in a bore of the handle. The sleeve is selectively movable between two positions: (a) a locked position wherein the rigid member firmly retains the locking ball seated in one of several detents in the body, thereby preventing rotation of the handle; and (b) an unlocked position wherein the elastomeric member biases the locking ball inwardly, deflecting when the locking ball unseats from the detent to permit handle rotation. When the sleeve is in the unlocked position, the locking ball can incrementally “click” over the detents during handle rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for screening combinatorial libraries of materials by measuring the response of individual library members to mechanical perturbations is described. The apparatus generally includes a sample holder for containing the library members, an array of probes for mechanically perturbing individual library members, and an array of sensors for measuring the response of each of the library members to the mechanical perturbations. Library members undergoing screening make up a sample array, and individual library members constitute elements of the sample array that are confined to specific locations on the sample holder. During screening, the apparatus mechanically perturbs individual library members by displacing the sample array (sample holder) and the array of probes. Typically, all of the elements of the sample array are perturbed simultaneously, but the apparatus also can also perturb individual or groups of sample array elements sequentially.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the spring rate of a torsion bar for an automotive vehicle includes a frame having two channels which cross between the ends of the frame. Each channel is configured to receive a torsion bar—one when a bar is to be twisted clockwise and the other when a bar is to be twisted counterclockwise. Mounted on the frame at its head end is an adjustable pneumatic cylinder having a piston which exerts a torque on the torsion bar through a long torque arm. At the tail end of the frame is a measuring unit against which a short torque arm that is connected to the opposite end of the bar bears, thus resisting the torque applied by the pneumatic cylinder and registering a force derived from the torque. A key engages the piston of the pneumatic cylinder to hold it in a predetermined extended position and the piston can be set to extend no farther than that position as well, all so that a known deflection corresponds to a force measured by the display.

Abstract: A system and method for testing at least one joint in a linkage includes a platform system, a torque system, an articulation assembly and a fault detection system. The platform system receives a first shaft connected to a first joint in the linkage and the torque system applies torque to the first joint without substantially rotating the first shaft or joint, a second shaft connected to a second joint in the linkage or the second joint. The articulation assembly receives the second shaft and moves the second joint in a substantially circular path without substantially rotating the first shaft or joint and the second shaft or joint. The fault detection system determines the condition of the linkage based upon detected signals emitted from the linkage while the first joint is torqued and the second joint is moved.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the characteristics of curing polymers. The apparatus and method utilize cantilever beam technology to determine characteristics of polymers during the curing process, including but not limited to, stress-related forces that develop during the polymer curing process. The apparatus and method also provide for controlling and monitoring environmental conditions during the curing process.

Abstract: A hole center detecting apparatus for positioning the hole of a spool and a cord accurately by determining the coordinates of two points of intersection between the inner circumference of the spool hole and a virtual straight line to compute the coordinates of the center of the hole and by moving the cord according to the computed coordinates of the hole center. A straightness measuring apparatus for measuring the curvature of a cord automatically by detecting the coordinates of three longitudinal points of the cord. A measurement apparatus for measuring a residual torsion automatically by measuring the rotation angle of the end portion of the cord before and after clamped, electrically.

Abstract: A method of testing athletic shoes is provided. The testing subjects athletic shoes to different temperature conditions in one test or different kinetic forces in another test. After undergoing the stressor (temperature, kinetic forces, other) the axial resistance exhibited by the shoe is measured by placing the shoe in the shoe testing device. The device ascertains the amount of torque required to rotate or twist each shoe to a standard amount. These results permits the different models and brands of athletic shoe to be independently categorized and grouped based on their performance with relation to the different stressor placed on the shoe. This would then permit the consumer, health professional and/or consultant to choose an athletic shoe which would assist in correcting pain caused by various degrees of motion in the foot or lower leg. By utilizing the categorizations, along with the needs of the individual, one may select an athletic shoe which can treat the effects of pronation and improper gait.

Abstract: A device for determining a coefficient of friction is disclosed. The device entails means for applying a normal force to a test piece via a die, means for subjecting the test piece to a torque and means for measuring the torque transmitted to the die via the test piece. Also disclosed is a multi-steps process for determining the coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for predicting a score-line cracking propensity of a multi-ply substrate. The method includes the steps of: bending the multi-ply substrate; acquiring tensile load data from the multi-ply substrate during bending; and computing a material property of a top ply of the multi-ply substrate based on the acquired tensile load data. The material property must show a strong correlation to the score-line cracking propensity of the multi-ply substrate. The material property which is computed is the energy consumed in plastic deformation of the top ply during the fracture process. The measurement results can be used to predict score-line cracking propensity in multi-ply board systems, such as multi-ply paperboard.

Abstract: The invention concerns a position sensor, designed in particular for detecting a steering column torsion, consisting of a first magnetic structure including a plurality of magnets and a second magnetic structure including two ferromagnetic rings (6, 7) having a plurality of teeth (11, 12) and defining an air gap wherein is placed at least a magneto-sensitive element (15), the two magnetic structures being respectively integral with two parts in relative rotation. The invention is characterised in that the two ferromagnetic rings (6, 7) are nested and have each a substantially tubular part forming axially oriented teeth (11, 123) connected by a flux-closing zone (13, 14), the detecting air gap being delimited by said flux-closing zones.

Abstract: A novel MEMS assembly and testing system that utilizes a scanning electron microscope (SEM) having 5 axes of freedom as the imaging instrument. Microgrippers or other tools mounted at the end of a linear motion feed through device having a motion resolution of about 10 nanometers are used as the manipulator. All of the assembly features are located inside of a vacuum chamber to permit operation of the SEM imaging system. A variety of other auxiliary devices that support the MEMS assembly and testing system are also included to enhance the capabilities thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a miniature rheometer, a parallel rheometer, and improved force sensor elements which may advantageously be used in combination with the miniature rheometer and the parallel rheometer. The miniature rheometer is adapted to determine rheological characteristics of materials which are provided in the form of small quantity samples. The miniature rheometer comprises an actuating element, a sensing element and a feedback circuit to provide rebalance of the shear force applied by the sample to the sensing element, which insures an exceptional stiffness in determining the shear strain so as to allow measurements of high accuracy. The parallel rheometer of the present invention allows simultaneous measurements of a plurality of samples so as to allow of a plurality of samples within a short time period. The force sensor element according to the present invention allows simultaneous measurement of a shear force and a normal force applied to the sensor element.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for measuring anchoring strength of liquid crystal through measurement of magnetic-field-induced torque, which, unlike the strong electric-field method or the like, uses a strong magnetic field, is therefore based on a clear principle, does not require bias correction, and enables measurement for liquid crystal of an arbitrary shape, as well as a measurement system for the measuring method.

Abstract: A method for determining fracture toughness KIC of materials ranging from metallic alloys, brittle ceramics and their composites, and weldments. A cylindrical specimen having a helical V-groove with a 45° pitch is subjected to pure torsion. This loading configuration creates a uniform tensile-stress crack-opening mode, and a transverse plane-strain state along the helical groove. The full length of the spiral groove is equivalent to the thickness of a conventional compact-type specimen. KIC values are determined from the fracture torque and crack length measured from the test specimen using a 3-D finite element program (TOR3D-KIC) developed for the purpose. In addition, a mixed mode (combined tensile and shear stress mode) fracture toughness value can be determined by varying the pitch of the helical groove. Since the key information needed for determining the KIC value is condensed in the vicinity of the crack tip, the specimen can be significantly miniaturized without the loss of generality.

Abstract: A novel MEMS assembly and testing system that utilizes a scanning electron microscope (SEM) typically having 5 axes of freedom as the imaging instrument. Microgrippers or other tools mounted at the end of a linear motion feed through device having a motion resolution of about 10 nanometers are used as the manipulator. All of the assembly features are located inside of a vacuum or operating chamber to permit operation of the SEM imaging system. A variety of other auxiliary devices that support the MEMS assembly and testing system are also included to enhance the capabilities thereof.

Abstract: A beam-type torquing and measuring tool having two telescoping members rotationally attached together at a first end of each, and they are relatively rotatable at the other end. One member transmits torque to the workpiece and has a pointer thereon, and the other member has a scale readable relative to the pointer to measure the torque being applied. The members have a central opening extending axially therethrough for canalization, and there may be adapters threadedly attached to the tool ends, and the scale and pointer can be read in their two diametrically opposite locations.

Abstract: A method for determining fracture toughness KIC of materials ranging from metallic alloys, brittle ceramics and their composites, and weldments. A cylindrical specimen having a helical V-groove with a 45° pitch is subjected to pure torsion. This loading configuration creates a uniform tensile-stress crack-opening mode, and a transverse plane-strain state along the helical groove. The full length of the spiral groove is equivalent to the thickness of a conventional compact-type specimen. KIC values are determined from the fracture torque and crack length measured from the test specimen using a 3-D finite element program (TOR3D-KIC) developed for the purpose. In addition, a mixed mode (combined tensile and shear stress mode) fracture toughness value can be determined by varying the pitch of the helical groove. Since the key information needed for determining the KIC value is condensed in the vicinity of the crack tip, the specimen can be significantly miniaturized without the loss of generality.

Abstract: A spindle characterization system for characterizing performance of a spindle used in an industrial machine includes a machine base for providing a mounting and support surface and having a recessed portion. The spindle characterization facility includes a table base assembly for supporting the spindle disposed within the recess portion and the table base assembly has a table top and height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the table top. The spindle characterization system also includes a spindle mounting mechanism having a top portion mounted to the spindle and a bottom portion mounted to the table top, and a spindle forcing assembly operatively connected to the spindle, and the spindle forcing assembly generates an axial load, radial load and a torque that is applied to the spindle to simulate a machine tool load.

Abstract: A device for measuring torsional couple on a mechanical element, which includes two magnetic field generators attached in a first plane of the mechanical element and two magnetic field detectors arranged in a second parallel plane offset with respect to the first plane. The magnetic field detectors are attached on a support having two housings facing the magnetic field generators and which receive sensor elements on which the magnetic field detectors are attached. The shape of the housings is suited so as to allow movement of the sensor elements in such a way as to make possible an adjustment of an initial position of a sensitive element of each magnetic field detector on the support.

Abstract: A single open ended testing cylinder which is attached to wireline probe instrumented head is positioned at the lower end of a conventional hollow-stem drilling auger which is penetrated into the soil therebelow. During testing cylinder is rotated in the soil while torsional loading is measured and axial loading bypassed.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus has a torque sensor which, if the torsion of a torsion bar is within a predetermined angle, linearly outputs a detection signal converted by a first conversion ratio with respect to the torsion, and if the torsion has exceeded the predetermined angle and is within a limit angle, the torsion sensor outputs a detection signal converted by a second conversion ratio which is lower than the first conversion ratio. Further, if the detection signal has exceeded an upper threshold or dropped below a lower threshold, which thresholds being set outside the range of the detection signal outputted from the torsion sensor in its normal state in which the torsion of the torsion bar is within the limit angle, a determination is made that an abnormality has occurred in the torsion sensor.

Abstract: A torsional sensing load cell, particularly for mounting at support locations of an automotive seat in order to determine weight and sitting position of an occupant of a motor vehicle. The load cell has the shape of a tuning fork, with one arm fixed to a foot attached to a chassis and a second parallel arm, not contacting the first arm, arranged to support a quadrant of a seat by means of a flange on the side of the second arm, causing torsion in the arm. The two arms are connected at one end by means of a bridge section through which torsion is transmitted arising from twisting in the second arm. Torsion is measured by transducers on the bridge section with torsion signals converted to weight signals. The weight signals are used to control deployment of an air bag or other safety apparatus.

Abstract: A torsion tester incorporates a microprocessor based data acquisition/control package and special tooling. The tooling makes calibration of the tester very easy. The combination of the tooling and control package permits acquisition, storage and transfer of test data that is accurate, absolute and repeatable. In addition, torsion tester provides a zeroing pin and a zeroing slot on opposing tooling members for calibration. Further, the torsion tester provides an interchangably mounted load cell.

Abstract: A testing and indexing apparatus and method for shoes is disclosed. A block is inserted into the interior of the shoe and clamps the heel portion of the sole fixed flat in relation to a plate. This plate is moved on rails until the ball or widest part of the shoe is set between laterally disposed clamps. The clamps are tightened on the ball of the shoe and the plate is fixed in position on the rails. Both the lateral clamping mechanism and the heel block clamp mechanism are attached to a generally rectangular base, however they are separate and the lateral clamping mechanism is axially rotatable along the axis of the clamped shoe and is attached to a torque wrench type device. Thus the shoe may be twisted axially to a pre-desired point and a reading taken to index the flexibility of the shoe in this dimension.

Abstract: An object is to enable accurate measurement of dynamic torsional characteristics of a damper assembly. A measuring device measures an angular speed (d&thgr;1/dt) of an input rotary member, an angular speed (d&thgr;2/dt) of an output rotary member and a torque (T1) transmitted to the input rotary member. A torsion angle (&thgr;) of a damper unit is calculated by integrating the angular speeds (d&thgr;1/dt) and (d&thgr;2/dt) of the input and output rotary members. A torque (T) acting on the damper unit is calculated by subtracting a product of an angular acceleration (d2&thgr;1/dt2) of the input rotary member calculated by differentiating the angular speed (d&thgr;1/dt) of the input rotary member and a moment of inertia (I1) of the input rotary member from the torque (T1) transmitted to the input rotary member.

Abstract: A golf club shaft includes a first strain gauge attached to a first side of the shaft facing the striking direction, a second strain gauge attached to a second side of the shaft facing the address direction at right-angles to the striking direction, and a third strain gauge which is capable of measuring the twist of the shaft. Detection signals from the strain gauges are used to classify a shaft into four types according to the swing type of a golfer in accordance with at least torque or kick point.

Abstract: A method of detecting an overcoating rubber flowed in a space between a core member and a securing metal fitting of a polymer insulator having the core member, the overcoating arranged around the core member and the securing metal fitting fixed to at least one end of the core member, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: applying a torque in a circumferential direction to the securing metal fitting, after forming the overcoating rubber but before fixing the securing metal fitting to the core member; deforming an index provided on a surface of the overcoating; and detecting whether the overcoating rubber is existent or not in the space between the securing metal member and the core member in response to a deforming extent indicated by the index.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for maturing a biopolymer tissue construct in vitro prior to use as a replacement construct in vivo as, for example, a graft, implant, or prosthesis. The tissue is seeded with specific cells, exposed to a maturation fluid, such as a synovial-like fluid containing hyaluronic acid, and subjected to selected conditioning and maturation forces, which can include frictional forces, shear forces, and compressive pressure. The tissue is mounted on a first support element and a second surface applies a selected force to the tissue. This maturation process occurs within a maturation chamber. The resultant matured replacement tissue construct is intended to provide a replacement tissue that is more readily integrable in vivo to produce a more durable and functional replacement tissue.

Abstract: A method for non-destructive determination of a fatigue limit for a component includes two sub-methods which may be performed separately, or in any order. A direct-deformation sub-method includes measuring micro-plastic deformation corresponding to each of a plurality of different known values of stress applied to the component, and identifying a critical value of stress corresponding to a change in the relationship between stress and micro-plastic deformation. An internal-friction damping method includes initiating torsional oscillations in the component, measuring an initial angular amplitude of oscillation, A.sub.0, and a final angular amplitude of oscillation, A.sub.n at the end of the number, n, of oscillations. This process is repeated a number of times and, for each pair of measurements, a corresponding measure of damping is calculated. A critical value of initial angular amplitude corresponding to a change in the relationship between amplitude and damping is then calculated.

Abstract: This invention comprises an improved rotational displacement apparatus for measuring accurately the twist induced in an extension-twist coupled specimen in response to application of an axial load. The apparatus has an internal cylinder within which a piston rides. A piston rod extends from the piston through a pair of radial ball bearings in the base of the cylinder block to a free end outside the cylinder block. The piston is sized to be slightly smaller in diameter than the cylinder to provide a small space between the piston and the cylinder walls. Means for supplying compressed air to the region of the cylinder below the piston and means for venting air from the region of the cylinder above the piston are provided. An optical encoder is coupled to measure rotational motion of the piston within the cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for remotely positioning a probe, such as an examination or repair probe, in a tubular member. The tubular member may be a nuclear steam generator heat transfer tube to be examined or repaired by the probe. The probe is connected to a conduit which supports the probe as the probe advances along the inner diameter of the tube to the location of the tube requiring examination or repair. The conduit has a portion thereof wound about a take-up reel. As the probe and conduit advance in the tube, it unwinds from about the take-up reel. However, as the conduit unwinds from about the take-up reel, it may tend to develop a "kinked", twisted or contorted region therein inducing torsional stress in the conduit. Such torsional stress may be severe enough to break the conduit. The apparatus of the invention includes a gripper capable of gripping the conduit and also includes a rotator connected to the gripper for rotating both the gripper and the conduit gripped thereby.

Abstract: A torsion tester for circuit board assemblies (boards) clamps opposite edges of the board and cyclicly twists the board to provide substantially pure sheer stress in interconnection joints to SMT components for replicating failure modes due to thermal cycling. The boards are automatically centered in the clamps, the distance between the clamps is automatically measured, and the machine rotates one of the clamps to produce out-of-plane deflection which repeat within 0.01 degree per inch of the distance to provide repeatable results. During testing the maximum deflection and torque of each cycle and the location and cycle count at each failure is automatically recorded until a large population of failures is obtained. The population of failures is automatically compared to a statistical database of previous populations to identify any unusual deviations and for determining the reliability of the production process.

Abstract: A tool for the controlled tightening of bolts or other threaded objects comprises an arrangement that indicates when the turning moment attains a certain indication moment that is preset by displacing one of the ends of a spring (21), said end being displaced by rotating a screw (13) connected to the grip of the tool. The indication moment can be read off on a scale (31) on the tool's shaft (24), relative to a movable index (33) situated on a sleeve (30) which is actuated in relation to the grip by a thread (12) with a larger pitch than that of thread of the screw (13). The rotation of the grip (11) can be locked relative to the shaft (24) by a detachable handle (10).

Abstract: A device for measuring a force, a pressure or a torque transmitted in a force path between first and second apparatus components, includes at least three mutually spaced piezo-resistive resistor elements disposed in the force path between the first and second apparatus components such that the apparatus components orthogonally stress the resistor elements.

Abstract: A method for tightening a screw utilizes a power-impact or pulse driver. The prestressing force in the screw to be tightened is increased step-by-step during the tightening operation and evaluated. By detecting the prestressing force in the screw on a step-by-step basis, the step heights pertaining to the increase in the prestressing force and the change in the step heights are used as criteria for the screw-coupling quality and for controlling the screw-coupling operation. In the same way, the number of impacts or pulses is also used as a criterion for the screw-coupling quality and for controlling the screw-coupling operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring interface properties of a composite test specimen includes a first jaw for gripping the specimen. The specimen has a fiber extending through a matrix forming a fiber-matrix interface with a portion of the fiber extending from the matrix. A second jaw grips the fiber extending from the matrix. A motor drive coupled to the first jaw rotates the fiber relative to the matrix. The torque transmitted through the fiber-matrix interface to the fiber is measured with a stationary torque transducer coupled to the second jaw with respect to the angular rotation of the fiber relative to the matrix. From the resulting torque-twist angle plot, composite interface properties such as interfacial fracture energy and frictional traction can be obtained.

Abstract: A chuck for grasping bottle caps is provided for use in machines for torque-testing bottle caps. The chuck comprises a housing having an open-ended cavity, with an annular plate fastened within the housing's open end. The plate provides a seat for a flat elastomeric ring and also constrains the ring against radial expansion. The elastomeric ring defines an opening to accommodate a cap to be tested. The housing further accommodates a metal pusher member which normally engages the inner end of the elastomeric ring. A camming mechanism mounted within the cavity is arranged to apply a force to move the pusher member against the elastomeric ring and this force coacts with the constraining force of the annular plate to cause the elastomeric ring to expand inwardly into tight gripping engagement placed with a cap disposed within the elastomeric ring, whereby torque can be applied to the cap by rotation of the chuck without deforming the cap.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for testing the chew-out strength of paperboard cores. The apparatus of the invention includes a clamping element for clamping a tubular core to prevent rotation thereof; a splined chuck element in the form of an axially tapered member having a plurality of circumferentially distributed splines for insertion into one end face of the core; and a means for applying increasing torque at a controlled rate to the splined chuck element. A measuring means measures the torque applied to the splined chuck element. In operation, increasing amounts of torque are applied by the torquing means until the splined chuck element shears the end face of the tube resulting in chew-out of the core. The maximum torque force applied to the splined chuck element provides an accurate indication of the chew-out strength of the core.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method or apparatus by which comparatively low-voltage electric wires and cables laid at power stations and other locations can be diagnosed for deterioration of their polymer-insulation in a non-destructive way. The method or apparatus comprises applying a torsional force to the electric wire or cable, detecting the resulting repulsion as a torque, and estimating the degree of deterioration of the polymer-insulation in the electric wire or cable on the basis of the detected value of torque.