Abstract: A testing device applies a load controlled bending moment which is constant along a length of an elongated member. The testing device also includes a drive system which rotates the elongated member while the bending load is applied to rapidly find defects which may only appear at a particular rotational position to determine whether the bending stiffness is uniform about the entire diameter of the elongated member.

Abstract: A convexo concave amplifying device for exhibiting a convexo concave by amplifying a sense of a convexo concave of an object, comprising a sensing member and an exhibiting member. The sensing member 101 comprises a flexible sheet able to contact with the surface of the object O and to deform along the surface of the object. The exhibiting member 120 that is formed on a surface of the flexible sheet and has a deformation resistance smaller than that of the flexible sheet in at least one of directions orthogonal to a direction of thickness of the flexible sheet. With such construction, the object convexo concave can be amplified and exhibited. A deformation sensing device for sensing a deformation thereof comprising a capsule deformable by stress, a viscous fluid F contained in the capsule, and a relative movement sensing member that is disposed inside of the capsule and senses a relative movement against the viscous fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bending sensor for detecting function parameters for the characterization of motion sequences at the human or animal body. The bending sensor comprises a fixing element 20, in particular a fixing plaster, for fixing the bending sensor on the skin of the human or animal body. Furthermore, a bending-sensitive detector 10 for detecting bending parameters of the bending sensor is provided. The detected bending parameters such as, for instance, the bending angle, the bending rate, and/or the bending acceleration are stored in a data memory 30. The fixing element is extensible and comprises an extensible cavity for accommodating a measuring sensor of the detector. The measuring sensor is fixed at a reference point of the fixing element in the cavity.

Abstract: A method for inspecting characteristics of bended flexible unit is disclosed, which comprises steps of: (a) providing a clip unit, an observing unit, a characteristic-inspecting unit and a controlling unit; said clip unit, observing unit, and characteristic-inspecting unit are electrically connected to said controlling unit which stored a predetermined radius; (b) the clip unit clips a flexible unit and bends the same; (c) the observing unit gets the lateral profile of the flexible unit and sends it to the controlling unit which calculates the bending radius thereof accordingly; and (d) the controlling unit determines if the bending radius is the same to the predetermined one; if positive, the clip unit stops and the characteristic-inspecting unit inspects the characteristic of said flexible unit; if negative, the procedure returns to step (b).

Abstract: Methods for determining appropriate span lengths for a given piece of lumber for use as a joist and conveying that information to a user are provided. The appropriate span length may be a function of load type, amount of load, bending stiffness, joist spacing, or the like. The span lengths may be conveyed via, for example, printing of a table onto the lumber piece itself. A user may then review the table and determine into which applications the lumber may be implemented. Accordingly, the method of the present invention enables more efficient allocation of lumber towards building needs.

Abstract: A bed for a medical treatment system. The system has a medical treatment device, such as a CT scanner or radiation therapy system, oriented in a spatial relationship with the bed. The bed has an elevation member, a support member for a patient subject, one section of the support member being mounted on the elevation member and the remaining section of the support member being cantilevered from the elevation member, a mount arranged to the support member, an attachment member arranged at the remaining section of the support member, a deflection member connecting the mount and the attachment member, and a sensor arranged on the deflection member. The sensor is in communication with a deflection calculation apparatus that correlates deflection measured by the sensor with the spatial relationship between the bed and the medical treatment device.

Abstract: The method and apparatus employ a resilient element having end definition points that are constrained between stops spaced apart at a separation S. The separation S is less than a free length L between the end definition points when not constrained, causing the resilient element to bow and resulting in a displacement m of a central region of the resilient element. The displacement m changes responsive to the net change in the separation S and the free length L. When the geomtery is set such that the displacement m is very small, a relatively large change in displacement m results from small net changes. The change in the displacement m can be monitored to provide a micro strain gauge. The stops can be mounted to a substrate which differs from the resilient element in its response to a selected environmental stimulus to provide a sensor for the environmental stimulus.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing deflection/curvature of underwater riser pipes comprises a metal tube which is strapped to the pipe, with the tube being parallel to the length of the pipe. The tube is fitted internally with strain gauges which measure the deflection of the tube and thus of the pipe on which it is mounted. The tube is filled with oil and is connected to a plastics tube which can deform to recta to hydrostatic pressure at different water depths.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an electrolyte membrane which retains durability even after having undergone a dimensional change accompanying chemical deterioration caused owing to radicals having high oxidizing ability such as hydroxyl radicals (.OH) or peroxide radicals (.OOH), and the selecting method thereof. An electrolyte membrane has an amount of dimensional change in a plane direction between dimensions obtained in a dry state before and after carrying out the Fenton test, the amount of dimensional change before and after the Fenton test being smaller than an amount of maximum elastic deformation in a plane direction obtained in dry state before carrying out the Fenton test, provided that the Fenton test is carried out under the following condition, and the selecting method of the same. <Condition of Fenton test> (1) iron ion (Fe2+) concentration: 4 ppm, (2) hydrogen peroxide concentration: 3 wt %, (3) boiling temperature: 80° C.

Abstract: A work holder capable of measuring the amount of distortion occurring in a part as the part is machined, processed, treated, or otherwise operated upon and methods of using the same for quality control and process monitoring purposes. Indirect measurement of the distortion occurring in the part eliminates the need to individually strain gauge each part.

Abstract: A tool for multi-axis mechanical testing of medical implant devices includes a plurality of pins arranged to form a contacting surface with a sample holder. The pins maintain rolling contact with the sample holder during a bending phase of a fatigue cycle and reduce the effects of friction and localized differential strain on the sample holder.

Abstract: A bend sensor according to one aspect of the present invention is a bend sensor for sensing a bend of a base member in a longitudinal direction comprising: the base member; and a plurality of strain sensitive elements which are disposed at different positions in a width direction on an one side surface of the base member and are disposed at two or more different positions in a thickness direction of the base member.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing bending strength is provided. The apparatus includes a frame, a load-supporting platform, a motor, and a control part. The load-supporting platform is mounted on the frame. The load-supporting platform includes a vessel configured for receiving a hand-held device. The motor includes a piston. A piston head is mounted on one end of the piston for impacting the vessel. The piston head includes a convex face oriented to face the vessel. The control part is configured for controlling the piston to move up and down repeatedly. The apparatus can be used to test a hand-held device's bending strength conveniently.

Abstract: A bending-detection apparatus includes a sheet-shaped substrate having flexibility and a bending-detection mechanism including a sensor which measures a potential difference to detect bending deformations of the substrate and two bending-detection sections which are arranged on a surface of the substrate at different areas respectively. Each of the bending-detection sections has a piezoelectric layer provided on a surface of the substrate; plurality of first electrodes which are conducted with each other and each of which extends on a surface of the piezoelectric layer along a direction; a plurality of second electrodes which are arranged alternately with the plurality of first electrodes. An electrode-extending direction in which the first and second electrodes extend is different between the two bending-detection sections. Consequently, a bending-detection apparatus capable of detecting bending deformations in the substrate in various directions is provided.

Abstract: A wearable system of one or more body position or motion sensors can include a flexible sensing element to be coupled to or worn on a body. When straight, the flexible sensing element defines a longitudinal axis. It includes a lumen carrying a flowable substance, such as a liquid, gas, or gel. A measurable parameter of the flowable substance, such as pressure, volume, or flow, provides an indication of a longitudinal axial bending, twisting, or elongation, such as due to movement of at least one body part to which the sensing element is coupled. The lumen is coupled to a transducer by at least one conduit for the flowable substance. The transducer converts the measurable parameter of the flowable substance into a transducer output signal indicative of the longitudinal axial bending, twisting, or elongation of the sensing element, from which body part position or movement information can be derived.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis tester (10) for inducing stresses upon a vascular prosthesis (22) having a channel extending through the vascular prosthesis is disclosed. The tester includes a pump (18) adaptable to pressurize a fluid disposed within the channel to induce a radial stress upon the vascular prosthesis. The tester may further include a bend applicator (16) operable to induce a bending stress, a torque applicator (12) operable to induce a torque, a linear force applicator (52) operable to induce a linear force, and/or a stop (28) for inducing a lateral push stress upon the vascular prosthesis. A method of fatigue testing a vascular prosthesis contained within a fluid conduit is also disclosed. The method includes injecting a fluid within the inner channel and inducing a torque, bending stress, linear stress, and/or later push stress upon the vascular prosthesis.

Abstract: A bend testing apparatus for simulating free vibrational flexing at high speeds and frequencies in a test specimen, said apparatus comprising a cam having a narrow circumferential profile or linear profile wherein at least one portion of the profile of said cam comprises at least one waveform, a specimen holder that holds the test specimen on opposite ends of the test specimen in a default position, a light-weight deformation member operable to deflect at least one point on the test specimen from the default position, a follower with one end in operable contact with the cam and its other end connected to the deformation member, such that a displacement of the follower is according to the profile of the cam, to actuate the deformation member correspondingly and to deflect the at least one point on the test specimen from said default position upon movement of the cam.

Abstract: A tool for multi-axis mechanical testing of medical implant devices includes a plurality of pins arranged to form a contacting surface with a sample holder. The pins maintain rolling contact with the sample holder during a bending phase of a fatigue cycle and reduce the effects of friction and localized differential strain on the sample holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring bending moments on a joint (12) wherein the joint (12) is formed at least from two joint sections (11, 13), which are flexible relative to each other at least about a bending axis (14, 15).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for testing shafts, such as golf club shafts. In one embodiment, the invention can be characterized as a shaft tester comprising: a frame; a first shaft support supporting a first portion of a shaft at a first fixed position; a second shaft support supporting a second portion of the shaft at a second fixed position; and a third shaft support supporting a third portion of the shaft at a third fixed position. An actuator couples to the third shaft support to displace the third portion relative to the first and second portions to deflect the shaft. A sensor couples to one of the first, second and third supports outputting a signal corresponding to a force exerted by the shaft due. A controller controls displacement of the shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft is rotated while being deflected.

Abstract: A force measurement element measures an introduced force by means of a double flexural beam and a displacement sensor. The double flexural beam makes possible a double spring shape that makes possible an optimization with regard to elongation distribution.

Abstract: A testing device applies a load controlled bending moment which is constant along a length of an elongated member. The testing device also includes a drive system which rotates the elongated member while the bending load is applied to rapidly find defects which may only appear at a particular rotational position to determine whether the bending stiffness is uniform about the entire diameter of the elongated member.

Abstract: A fastener or other structural component for wireless sensing of applied tensile load. The fastener includes an elongate body with a bore that extends within the body. A grounding pin is positioned within the bore and attached to the body within the bore. The fastener includes a wireless transponder, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder or tag, that is mounted on a head provided at the end of the body and exposed to the bore, such as by positioning the RFID tag in a recessed surface of the head or extending the bore through the head. The transponder generates a response signal with a unique identifier in response to a radio frequency signal from a transmitter. The grounding pin contacts and grounds the transponder to block transmittal of the response signal when a tensile load applied to the fastener is less than a minimum tensile load value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the fatigue of an implantable lead by simultaneously bending and un-bending it at a plurality of successive positions wherein the bending and un-bending positions comprise a substantial length of the lead and wherein the bending radius and sector angle are substantially optional.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, this method encompasses a shaft with a neutral flex point mark and identification mark/sticker of quantitative characteristics that has been achieved by deflecting a shaft, at its tip, a specific distance while resting in a free floating position. Shafts are then sorted by the quantitative measurement of its propensity to bend(flex weight) into sets of shafts to be assembled into golf clubs by aligning the neutral flex point mark on the golf shaft to the neutral point mark on a golf club head.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis tester (10) for inducing stresses upon a vascular prosthesis (22) having a channel extending through the vascular prosthesis is disclosed. The tester includes a pump (18) adaptable to pressurize a fluid disposed within the channel to induce a radial stress upon the vascular prosthesis. The tester may further include a bend applicator (16) operable to induce a bending stress, a torque applicator (12) operable to induce a torque, a linear force applicator (52) operable to induce a linear force, and/or a stop (28) for inducing a lateral push stress upon the vascular prosthesis. A method of fatigue testing a vascular prosthesis contained within a fluid conduit is also disclosed. The method includes injecting a fluid within the inner channel and inducing a torque, bending stress, linear stress, and/or later push stress upon the vascular prosthesis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a cue stick member is disclosed. A stiffness characteristic Sf factor for a series of wood strips can be tested and determined. The wood strips that have matching stiffness characteristic factors Sf can be selected within a predetermined tolerance for laminating together.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of measuring the overall elasticity of skin and determining the portion of the overall elasticity that is due to elastic properties and the portion of overall elasticity that is due to viscoelastic properties of the skin and correlating the results of the measurement to an individual's chronological age. The invention also relates to methods of measuring improvements in a person's skin health by measuring elasticity before, during and after human clinical trials of topical and/or oral treatment compositions. The parameters for determining elasticity are based on areas that are defined on a deformation/relaxation curve and require that an inflection point be determined for each skin sample analyzed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of proof testing a sheet of brittle material such as a glass or glass-ceramic based material. The method comprises bending the glass sheet over at least one arcuate member to detect sheets having a strength greater than a predetermined value. The method includes imparting a bend to the sheet and producing relative motion between the sheet and the bend such that the bend traverses the sheet, and wherein tensile stress induced in a surface of the sheet by the bend corresponds to the predetermined strength value. An apparatus for performing the proof testing is also disclosed.

Abstract: The deflection of decking planks under load is tested using a portable deflection measurement instrument, after installation of the planks over spaced joists. The instrument has a bridge on support legs spaced to rest on the deck at points apart from a span between joists of one or more planks to be tested. The legs can rest on planks laterally adjacent to the plank(s) under test, so the bridge straddles over the plank, or the bridge can be cantilevered or can rest on the tested plank but at points beyond the span to be tested. A contact foot or tup is movably mounted on the bridge and coupled to a platform or similar receptacle by which weight is applied to the plank. The resulting displacement between rest and loaded states is measured using a distance scale, and applied as a function of the span length and loading criteria to assess the deck structure.

Abstract: A detectable indicator (10) formed on a body (18), the indicator (10) comprising a deformable element (12), a safeguard (14) at least partially surrounding the deformable element (12) and an area (16) in the safeguard allowing access to the deformable element (12).

Abstract: A golf club shaft selecting system includes a head speed detecting unit detecting a head speed at impact in a swing of a golfer, a swing tempo detecting unit detecting a swing tempo of the golfer, a chart indicative of a shaft mass and a shaft flex point corresponding to the swing characteristics of each golfer, a selecting unit selecting a golf club shaft suitable for the golfer referring to the chart and based on the head speed and the swing tempo detected by the head speed detecting unit and the swing tempo detecting unit, and a displaying apparatus displaying the golf club shaft selected by the selecting unit.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus serve for determining the deflection of a fastener, especially a screw.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing bending strength is provided. The apparatus includes a frame, a motor, and a control part. The frame includes an impingement board. The motor includes a piston. A piston head is mounted on an end of the piston for impacting the impingement board. The piston head defines a space configured for receiving a hand-held device. The control part is for controlling the piston to move up and down repeatedly. The apparatus can be used to test a hand-held device's bending strength conveniently.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing bending strength is provided. The apparatus includes a frame, a load-supporting platform, a motor, and a control part. The load-supporting platform is mounted on the frame. The load-supporting platform includes a vessel configured for receiving a hand-held device. The motor includes a piston. A piston head is mounted on one end of the piston for impacting the vessel. The piston head includes a convex face oriented to face the vessel. The control part is configured for controlling the piston to move up and down repeatedly. The apparatus can be used to test a hand-held device's bending strength conveniently.

Abstract: The invention relates to a miniature, integrated strain-measuring device with a simple and economical design which can be mass produced at least cost and comprising reliable, reproducible and tamperproof settings. The inventive device can be quickly installed on the structure to be measured without the need for a specialist technician and without altering said structure. The device comprises a deformable element (20) which is mounted between two mounting posts (30, 40) which are intended to be fixed to a structure (1) to be measured, said deformable element (20) bearing strain gauges (61) which are connected to an electronic signal-conditioning circuit (70). The invention is characterised in that it comprises means of prestressing (80) the deformable element (20), said means being provided with at least one prestressing rod (81) which extends between the two mounting posts (30, 40).

Abstract: A force sensor assembly includes a force sensor, a first support member, a threaded portion, an opening made in the first support member, a nut, a restricting member and a spacer. The nut is screwed onto the threaded portion which is inserted through the opening. The restricting member is provided between the force sensor and the nut. The spacer, which is provided between the force sensor and the nut, is deformable in a direction of its thickness. The shape of the spacer is adapted to avoid interference with the restricting member. Before the nut is tightened onto the threaded portion, a summation of thickness for the first support member and the spacer is adapted to be not less than a height of the restricting member. The nut is tightened up with a predetermined fastening torque until the spacer deforms so that the nut strikes the restricting member.

Abstract: A panel testing device, and a method of its use, for flexing and measuring mechanical properties of a panel are provided comprising a panel bending assembly operable to engage a panel and impart a bending force on the engaged panel, and a linear actuator having an output shaft coupled to the panel bending assembly, wherein the output shaft is operable to be movable relative to the panel bending assembly continuously at a constant rate of linear motion regardless of the torque force resisting such motion at the panel testing assembly.

Abstract: An object detecting device can prevent a seizure of an object between an opening and an opening-closing unit for opening and closing the opening. The object detecting device includes a pressure-sensitive sensor disposed at one of the opening and the opening-closing unit, and judging means for judging the contact of the object with the pressure-sensitive sensor on the basis of an output signal of the pressure-sensitive sensor. The pressure-sensitive sensor includes pressure-sensitive means for generating an output signal depending on deformation, and support means for supporting the pressure-sensitive means at the one of the opening and the opening-closing unit, the support means including a vibration damping portion for damping vibration propagated to the pressure-sensitive means.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system operating unit (30) having a column (3) that is attachable by way of at least two supports (9, 10) to different points of a system housing (14). In the preferred embodiment, this column is attached laterally to the housing, the supports serving for attachment to the housing of the system. In addition, a retaining bracket (4) is connected to the column (3) in such a way that a horizontal deflection of the retaining bracket (4) about a vertical axis is possible.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the flexural rigidity in the longitudinal direction of flat items of mail transported one after another on a conveying path includes a control device, a sensor for detecting the edges of the items of mail and signaling the control device when a mail item reaches a selected bearing point, a deflection apparatus that moves into the conveying path under the control of the control device to bend individual mail items and means for determining one or both of the magnitude of the deflection of the items of mail and the magnitude of the deflection force, the control device progressing signals from one or both of the sensor and measuring means to determine the flexural rigidity of the mail item.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining failure of a test component. The apparatus, according to a selected method, is able to determine the embrittlement potential of a selected procedure for a selected material. The apparatus is able to determine the embrittlement potential in a substantially quick and non-human fallible manner.

Abstract: The inherent smoothing in bending stiffness measurement of wood boards as occurs in the machine grading of lumber can mask the effect of knots and other local characteristics affecting structural value. Improved estimates of local (pointwise) stiffness will be useful in decisions about further processing and use of a tested board. Measured compliance is reciprocally related to measured stiffness and is the convolution of local compliance and a “span function”. Span function is specific to the bending span configuration used and can change during measurement of a board. A general procedure for computing span function, which heretofore has been known only for simple bending spans, is disclosed. A Kalman filter uses this and other available information to optimally estimate local compliance from an observed relationship between local compliance and state variables of a state-space model. Method for linear algebraic determination of local compliance also depends on span functions and is disclosed.

Abstract: A optical system and method of measuring a strain on a surface of a band of a sheet of a material. A single line, or an area having a boundary line, is marked on the band before deformation. The line traverses a width of the band at angle. The band is deformed and an equivalent two-dimensional image of the line after deformation is obtained. The line before deformation is compared with the two-dimensional equivalent image of the line after deformation, and the strain on the surface of the band after deformation is determined.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and a machine for testing in pure bending, optionally in alternating bending. Two mutually identical testpieces are subjected to optionally alternating opposing bending movements while conserving mutual symmetry about a point, under drive from two controlled motor assemblies that are free to move relative to each other. Interfering forces induced in the two testpieces during testing are minimized, and the performance of the testpieces in pure bending can be studied with increased accuracy.

Abstract: An object detecting device can prevent a seizure of an object between an opening and an opening-closing unit for opening and closing the opening. The object detecting device includes a pressure-sensitive sensor disposed at one of the opening and the opening-closing unit, and judging means for judging the contact of the object with the pressure-sensitive sensor on the basis of an output signal of the pressure-sensitive sensor. The pressure-sensitive sensor includes pressure-sensitive means for generating an output signal depending on deformation, and support means for supporting the pressure-sensitive means at the one of the opening and the opening-closing unit, the support means including a vibration damping portion for damping vibration propagated to the pressure-sensitive means.

Abstract: An instrument pin member is provided that is capable of measuring bending moments and optionally of measuring bending and axial strain in real or near real time. The instrumented pin member includes a pin member body disposed about a pin member axis, wherein the pin member body includes a bending portion. A sensing device is positioned at the pin member body within the bending portion for sensing a bending strain in the bending portion exclusive of a net axial strain, and for outputting a sensor measurement signal representative of the bending strain. A sensor measurement signal output device is provided for outputting the sensor measurement signal from the sensing device. A related system includes a plurality of pin members, among other things. Related methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for sensing movement comprising an elongate object having a restrained end and an unrestrained end which is free to move in at least two degrees of freedom in response to an applied force, the unrestrained end of the elongated object being configured to move in response to the applied force. An electrically conductive element is disposed on the elongate object and is configured to cooperate with the elongate object in producing a signal usable to determine the magnitude and direction of the movement of the unanchored end due to the applied force. Sensing circuitry is electrically coupled to the electrically conductive element and is configured for processing the signal from the electrically conductive element so as to determine a magnitude and a direction of deformation and produce a signal indicative of the magnitude and direction.

Abstract: An adjustable loading apparatus for supporting a long span beam in a flexure test by a load application device is disclosed. The apparatus includes an upper support structure including an elongated support beam, at least one support bracket adjustably mountable along a longitudinal span thereof, and a saddle member selectively pivotally mounted in the at least one upper support bracket for engaging with a specimen under test. The upper support structure is positioned normal to the load application device and a lower support structure is positioned parallel and co-planar to the upper support structure. The lower support structure includes an elongated support beam, at least one spacing member adjustably mounted along a longitudinal span thereof, a lower support bracket adjustably mounted along a longitudinal span of the spacing member, and a saddle member selectively pivotally mounted in the lower support bracket for engaging with a specimen under test.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring the force (GL) applied by an elastically flexible element (5;71,71?) undergoing a pre-set elastic deformation, more specifically an element that carries a slider (3) and includes a thrust device that applies a force to the flexible element. The thrust device includes, for instance, a pneumatic nozzle (27;57,57?;28) for applying a force (R) to an intermediate portion (4) of the thin plate, at a thrust section (K). A position sensor (30;80) detects the height (z) of the slider—indicative of the deformation of the flexible element. The value (MF) of the moment of the applied torque when the height (ZF) of the slider indicates the pre-set elastic deformation of the flexible element, is utilized for calculating the force to be measured according to the formula GL=MF/L where L is the distance separating the slider from the section of weakness.