Abstract: An auto-collapsible pore pressure probe device, including a support system, a penetration system and a measurement system. The support system includes a first support frame, a second support frame, a separation mechanism, a ring clamp, a fixing nut, a fixing bolt, support legs, slots, a support base, and a third support frame. The penetration system includes a rod storage wheel, a motor, a tightening mechanism, a penetration drive motor, a gear, a fixing bracket, a fixing bolt, and a friction wheel. The measurement system includes a pore pressure probe, a control cabinet, a CPTU probe, a pore pressure sensor, a probe connector, an external thread, an internal thread, a fastening strip, a connecting bolt, a connector, a data transmission and power supply cable, a displacement sensor, and a deck unit. An operating method of the pore pressure probe device is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems of monitoring and controlling a longwall mining system. One system includes a shearer including a cutter drum and a sensor mounted to the shearer. The system also includes an electronic controller including a processor and a memory, the electronic controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The electronic controller is configured to receive vibration data from the sensor and determine a current vibration level experienced by the cutter drum. The electronic controller is also configured to compare the current vibration level to a target vibration threshold associated with a target material seam. The electronic controller is also configured to provide a visual output to an operator of the longwall mining system when the current vibration level exceeds the target vibration threshold, where the current vibration level exceeds the target vibration threshold when the cutter drum of the shearer cuts outside of the target material seam.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a concrete strength testing system includes a core drill having a core barrel, a press associated with the core drill that is configured to drive the core barrel into concrete to be tested, a force sensor associated with the core drill that is configured to measure a force with which the core barrel is driven into the concrete by the press, and a depth measurement device configured to measure a depth into the concrete to which the core barrel is driven by the press.

Abstract: A multiple degree of freedom sample stage or testing assembly including a multiple degree of freedom sample stage. The multiple degree of freedom sample stage includes a plurality of stages including linear, and one or more of rotation or tilt stages configured to position a sample in a plurality of orientations for access or observation by multiple instruments in a clustered volume that confines movement of the multiple degree of freedom sample stage. The multiple degree of freedom sample stage includes one or more clamping assemblies to statically hold the sample in place throughout observation and with the application of force to the sample, for instance by a mechanical testing instrument. Further, the multiple degree of freedom sample stage includes one or more cross roller bearing assemblies that substantially eliminate mechanical tolerance between elements of one or more stages in directions orthogonal to a moving axis of the respective stages.

Abstract: An instrumented indentation apparatus and instrumented indentation method, for use in instrumented indentation, employ a flat-ended indenter (punch). Force-displacement data of a loading operation, in which a sample is indented using the indenter, and the known value of the effective radius of the end surface of the indenter, are used to calculate values of stress and strain. The entire stress-strain curve for the sample may be produced from these values.

Abstract: A measuring head, intended to be fitted to a dynamic penetrometer, and attached to a drill string provided with a tip, includes a driving head intended to receive an impact to be transmitted, via the rest of the measuring head, to the drill string; and a central rod for transmitting the impact from the driving head to the drill string, the central rod having a first end turned towards the driving head, and a second end opposite the first end, and suitable for engaging with the drill string, the central rod being provided with at least one deformation sensor. It includes at least one absorption member interposed between an impact receiving end portion of the driving head and the second end of the central rod and which is suitable for filtering the wave transmitted to the drill string when the end portion of the driving head receives an impact.

Abstract: A method and apparatus using a sample test container filled with beverage, a penetrator holder, a penetrator and release means is disclosed. In the method a sample, is drawn into the test container and the penetrator dropped into the sample, and a reading of the stiffness of the sample is made based on the depth of penetration of the penetrator onto the sample.

Abstract: A dual aerial-drop penetrometer system includes a high-velocity (>30 m/s) penetrometer aerial unit combined with a low-velocity (<10 m/s) penetrometer aerial unit. The primary penetrometer is formed as an outer shell having the secondary penetrometer received in telescoping fashion within, which is ejected by a spring ejection mechanism upon impact of the outer shell. Both penetrometers provide deceleration information as they penetrate the soil of interest. The data from the two penetrometers, after analysis, can be used to assess soil strength as well as trafficability for the deployment of remotely-controlled vehicles, for example.

Abstract: A portable handheld consistometer that includes a probe having a shaft and a probe tip attached to a first end of the shaft. In an embodiment, the probe tip has a cross-sectional area greater than that of the shaft, the probe configured to be inserted into a material to measure the consistency thereof. In an embodiment, a force sensor is attached to a second end of the shaft opposite the first end. The force sensor is coupled to processing circuitry, and is configured to measure the force with which the probe tip penetrates the material. In an embodiment, a distance sensor is coupled to the processing circuitry. The distance sensor is configured to measure the distance that the probe tip penetrates into the material. Further; the handheld consistometer includes a display screen coupled to the processing circuitry and configured to display the results of consistency measurements.

Abstract: The present invention provides an instrument and a method for examining the condition of column-shaped or cylindrical sections of objects. It comprises a drive device having a drill chuck, which holds a drill needle that can be driven by the drive device, and a guiding device for guided insertion of the drill needle into the object to be examined. The guiding device is a telescopic tube that comprises a shorter inner tube section that is arranged in a longer outer tube section such that it is axially displaceable, and has a longitudinally arranged measuring scale on its outer circumference. The telescopic tube is placed on the drive device in non-rotating manner via the inner tube section. The inner and the outer tube sections have guiding means for centrally-axially guiding the drill needle, which extends in central-axial direction from the drill chuck through the inner tube section and through the outer tube section.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for measuring mechanical properties of materials using an indenter which has a predetermined geometry, a device for generating force permitting the indenter to penetrate into a material sample surface of an object of measurement, and a device for measuring the penetration depth, wherein, arranged between a force application portion on which the device for generating force is applied and a shaft with an indenter tip facing towards the material surface of the object of measurement, the indenter has at least one micro-mechanical motion actuator by which at least one radial deflection of the shaft with respect to the force absorption portion of the indenter is capable of being activated or detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus using a sample test container filled with beverage, a penetrator holder, a penetrator and release means is disclosed. In the method a sample, is drawn into the test container and the penetrator dropped into the sample, and a reading of the stiffness of the sample is made based on the depth of penetration of the penetrator onto the sample.

Abstract: A hydrostatically compensated soil resistance probe includes a cylindrical body having a distal tip for insertion into a material, a plurality of load gates for transitioning an axial load on said cylindrical body to a shear load, and a plurality of shear load sensors to measure a transverse loading on said probe due to an axial loading. The axial loading can be the result of the resistance on the probe tip to the insertion of the probe in the soil, or the frictional forces acting on a friction sleeve as the probe passes through the soil.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device and method for more particularly evaluating the compaction of soil by automating the use of a prior art dynamic cone penetrometer such that user error and error caused by field conditions are eliminated. Recordation of penetrometer data previously not recorded is made more precise by the present invention such that standardized measurement results. The device further includes means for facilitating the determination of compaction of soils through keyhole openings and a means for automating the collection and processing of the generated compaction data.

Abstract: A measuring head for a nano-indentation instrument capable of positioning a sample relatively to the measuring head, which includes a measuring axis, a reference axis and a component for detecting a depth of penetration of an indentor into the sample. The measuring and reference axes are attached to a frame for connection to the instrument. The measuring axis incorporates an actuator and includes the indentor, the reference axis incorporates an actuator and includes a reference tip, and the measuring and reference axes each have a component for detecting a force applied by its actuator. Penetration depth is detected by measuring a displacement of the indentor relatively to the reference tip.

Abstract: A hardness tester of a relatively large “cantilevering” and/or designed for permitting application of relatively large loads to the indenter may be constructed in a much slander and lighter manner by employing a loading mechanism based on the use of a second or auxiliary loading arm pivotally anchored to the frame of the tester and therefore completely independent of the stress structure of reference contained in the frame of the tester, which mechanical connects the anvil, on which the test object is placed, to the indenter. The load, applied to said second auxiliary arm is transmitted to the indenter carrying arm of the reference stress structure of the tester by unrestrained abutment of a rolling bearing solidly mounted on one of the two arms on a surface of the other arm. Along the trajectory of movement of the tip of the indenter toward the anvil.

Abstract: An avalanche probe for locating and rescuing people buried by an avalanche is collapsible, having several probe segments which allow the probe to be folded to a compact unit that can be quickly and easily assembled for use. A connecting cord passes through the probe segments and fastens to a probe tip. Applying tension to the cord draws the segments into alignment. A clamping mechanism maintains the tension on the cord in such a manner that the probe segments are fixedly and securely held against one another. The clamping mechanism provides two interpenetrating elements, an outer element and an inner element having a passage therethrough. At least one clamping element passes into the central passage and is forcibly engaged with the cord as the interpenetration of the elements increases.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for estimating a physical property of a specimen, particularly the specimen strength, are provided. More specifically, a roller indenter comprising an indenting wheel and a force indicator is used to create an elongated trough in a specimen. The width of the trough is measured as a plurality of locations and correlated with a known standard to provide an estimate of the strength of the sample.

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

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

Abstract: A hardness tester for measuring hardness of a sample by applying a predetermined test load to the sample with an indenter attached to an indenter attaching member so as to form an indentation on the sample, comprises: the indenter attaching member to which the indenter is attached detachably; the indenter which comprises an identification member with identification information to identify the indenter; an indenter information storing member to store indenter information and the identification information of the indenter, where the indenter information is matched with the respective identification information; an identification information acquiring member to acquire the identification information from the identification member when the indenter is attached to the indenter attaching member; an indenter information acquiring member to acquire the indenter information corresponding to the identification information acquired by the identification information acquiring from the indenter information storing member.

Abstract: A soil or snow probe which incorporates a load cell in the probe head and also an accelerometer so that a vertical strength profile of the snow or soil can be established. The device does not need to be driven at a constant speed and can be manually driven into the soil or snow. The resistance to penetration is measured using a load cell which incorporates a low duro polymer selected for its ability to behave like a non compressible fluid. The device is portable and provides data quickly.

Abstract: A latching coupling device for material testers is provided. The coupling can be connected and disconnected without the use of tools and includes a housing and interfacer. A spring within the latching coupling device serves to center the interfacer while snapping the interfacer shoulder and end face into compressive contact. The invention is preferably used in conjunction with penetration hardness testers and includes a penetration interfacer with an angled surface.

Abstract: A dual function indenter for use in a nanoindentation system is disclosed. The indenter of the present invention includes an indentation tip having a machined flat at its distal end forming a compression platen. A sharp imaging probe tip adjacent the machined flat extends parallel to the centerline axis of the indentation tip. The sharp imaging probe tip extends beyond the surface of the machined flat for in situ scanning/imaging of the sample surface.

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

Abstract: The invention involves an apparatus and method for calculating characteristics of materials, such as equivalent strain, using an indenter where the method used is independent of indenter geometry. The method includes performing a scratch test to calculate the strain for each of a plurality of indenter shapes, such as a theoretical sphere and cone, using known equations. The strain of a composite indenter, such as a cone with a rounded tip, can then be determined taking into account contributions from each of the plurality of theoretical shapes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for measuring elastic modulus of a sample object. This invention also relates to a method for correcting creep effects in the modulus measurement. The error due to creep in the apparent contact compliance is equal to the ratio of the indenter displacement rate at the end of the load hold to the unloading rate. Determination of this error term and deduction of it from the measured contact compliance can be easily done at a low cost by modifying the data analysis software in any commercial depth-sensing indentation system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for measuring residual stress, methods of measuring residual stress data and residual stress using the apparatus, and a recording medium for storing software of the residual stress measuring method. The present invention is advantageous for evaluation of a mechanical material property and is non-destructive. Further, the present invention is widely applied to fields ranging from a microscopic area, such as a thin film or micro device, to a large-sized structure, and is not influenced by a microstructure by controlling the range of an applied load. Further, the measuring apparatus of the present invention is minimized in its volume to be easily attached to an actual structure. Further, in the present invention, various attaching devices are employed, thus enabling the apparatus to be attached to various materials regardless of the size and type of object materials to measure residual stress.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for indentation test, for measuring mechanical properties in the field. The present invention provides an apparatus which is suitable for measuring mechanical properties without compensative experimental constant for the analysis of measured data. The present invention provides an apparatus which is safe for testing the materials by utilizing a sensor for controlling indenter movement.

Abstract: Diagnostic imaging methods, methods of detecting the margin of tissue structures and bioresponsive needle systems are disclosed. The methods rely on the use of strain signals provided by a strain gage mounted on the wall of one or more needles as the needle or needles are moved through tissue. The systems employ a strain gage mounted on the wall of the needle and a strain monitor providing feedback to a user.

Abstract: A sand penetrability gauge for golf course bunker sand, having a probe shaft for penetrating into bulk sand, a weight or spring for reproducibly applying force to advance the probe shaft into bulk sand, the probe shaft being movably connected to the weight or spring, and measuring indicia associated with the probe shaft for measuring displacement of the probe shaft, with a cross-sectional area of the probe shaft and the force of the weight or spring selected so that the measuring indicia will provide a displacement measurement when the probe is driven into golf course sand bunker sand.

Abstract: A method and device for testing a metal part for weakness to deformation. The device includes a motor that moves a shaft and a load applicator toward and away from a part being tested. The motor is activated in accordance with a predetermined sequence and in dependence upon pressure sensed by a load cell associated with the shaft. In the method, displacement is measured by a displacement measuring device throughout the testing sequence in order to determine the part's resistance to deformation.

Abstract: In a drill resistance measuring apparatus including a drive unit and an attachment for determining the internal state of trees or wooden structures by determining the torque required to drive a drill into the wood, means for plotting and storing the torque depending on the penetration depth of the drill are included in the drive unit attachment, which includes a coupling portion for coupling to the drive unit and a transmission mechanism exchangeably supported in the attachment to permit an exchange of the transmission mechanism for a change of the transmission ratio for operating the drill at various speeds.

Abstract: An attenuation circuit for a pile driving force measurement device is disclosed. The attenuation circuit allows for measurements to be made of the force being applied to a driven pile at a reduced voltage compatible with a voltage sensitive measurement device, such as a personal computer. The forces measured create measurable electrical impulses via magnetostriction. The attenuation circuit conditions the measured impulses so that no separate electrical power circuit or battery is required to power the sensor. At the same time the attenuation circuit protects the measurement device from voltages which might be overly high and damage the equipment.

Abstract: A tool for measuring the extent of decay in a wooden object, comprising an elongated probe adapted to be inserted in an inspection hole drilled in the wooden object. The tool has at least one barb protruding therefrom adjacent to one end of the probe. The barb is designed to engage a side wall of the inspection hole so as to shear wood fibers in the side wall as the probe is withdrawn. There is indicator mechanically coupled to the probe for measuring the amount of pull-force required to shear the wood fibers in the inspection hole. The indicator includes a deflector mechanically connected to the other end of the probe and adapted to provide a measurable deflection as the pull-force required to shear the wood fibers increases. In use, when the pull-force exceeds a predetermined value, the indicator provides an indication of a transition within the wooden object from decaying wood to sound wood.

Abstract: A conducting tip of a hardness tester for metals, alloys and similar conducting materials is set forth. The tester comprises a resistance measuring circuit for measuring the resistance between the indenting tip and the test specimen when a certain load is applied to the indenter, made of a substantially insulating material with a superficial conducting film, the conductivity of which decreases toward the tip vertex. This contains the error induced by differences in temperature affecting the resistivity of the conducting superficial film. A tip of conical form with an angle which does not exceed 110 degrees increases precision, as compared with indenters constructed to the Vickers pyramid standard or to the Rockwell 120 degree cone.

Abstract: The strength of an upright wooden structure is diagnosed by drawing a pair of spaced apart electrodes into the structure to a predetermined depth. The force of penetration and the moisture content of the structure at the depth of penetration are measured and the measurement data processed to provide an instantaneous readout indicative of the strength of the structure.

Abstract: A pair of arms are pivotally connected with each arm including a hand grip portion and a ball clamping portion. The clamping portions carry ball support members which support and center a ball within the tester. A gauge is mounted on one of the clamping portions and has a plunger which extends through one of the ball support members for engaging the outer surface of a ball. Movement of the clamping portions is limited by engagement of the end surfaces of the clamping portions. A torsion spring normally urges the hand grip portions away from one another. In one embodiment, the spring urges the clamping portions toward one another, and in another embodiment, the spring urges the clamping portions away from one another.

Abstract: A resiliency and relative hardness of a golf green is tested by the apparatus having a support base mounting a measuring rod orthogonally oriented relative to the support base and coaxially aligned with a support base bore. A golf ball sphere slidably directed through the bore and its resistance effected by contact with an underlying golf green is measured by relative projection of the sphere within the golf green and simultaneous deflection of a dial indicator foot measuring projection of the golf ball sphere into the golf green.

Abstract: The present invention provides a friction reducing device for an elongate member. The device comprises a friction reducing sleeve removably positionable on a first longitudinal segment of the elongate member. The present invention also provides a method of inserting an elongate assembly into the ground. The method comprises the step of incorporating the inventive friction reducing device in the elongate assembly.

Abstract: An indenter used in hardness testing apparatus to penetrate hard metals and other materials consists of a shank body having at its end a conical frustum with a cylindrical recess extending axially from that end, and a cone of polycrystalline diamond bonded to a hard metal rod which, in turn is bonded in the cylindrical recess concentrically with the axis of the body.

Abstract: The microhardness of a specimen is determined by measuring (1) the penetration depth of an indenter which is forced into the specimen, and (2) the load applied to the indenter. The load which is applied to the indenter is preferably measured by an electrobalance. In order to detect the penetration depth of the indenter into the specimen, an optical detector is integrally connected to cooperate with the indenter. A light beam is directed toward a predetermined position where a mirror reflects the light beam in a manner which varies in response to the penetration depth of the indenter.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process and to a device for determining the internal condition of trees or wooden components, whereby a needle is inserted into the wood, with the aim of hereby obtaining measured results more precise than possible in the past. The solution proposed is to rotate the needle, whereby the diameter of the needle head is greater than the diameter of the needle shaft, and to measure the power consumption of the needle's drive mechanisms.

Abstract: An improved consistometer has a vertically-movable rod for imparting a precisely-measurable amount of energy on initial impact to a dough sample. Simultaneously, a precise measurement of vertical drop is obtained from a cooperating dial displacement indicator. The dial indicator has a vertical arm which is displaced by a horizontal disk fixed to the rod. A collar retains the rod in a first position; removal of the collar permits the rod to drop. After initial impact, further displacement of the rod is measured over a fixed time interval. Comparison of displacement of various dough samples thus indicates their relative consistencies. The rod has interchangeable penetrating rod end elements, to accommodate various types of dough.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in conducting both static and dynamic thermomechanical analysis includes a load member, one end of which is supported by the sample located in a sample receptacle, eventually in a selected gas atmosphere, in heat equilibrium and the other end of which is loaded statically by a weight or dynamically by the armature of an electromagnet.

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

Abstract: A hardness test indenter having a retangular base and four operative plane aces, a first pair of said faces meeting each other in a straight ridge with an included angle in the range from about 60.degree. to about 150.degree.; and a second pair of said faces making substantially equal angles with said straight ridge and so disposed in relation to one another and to said ridge that the first pair of faces have edges substantially symmetrically disposed in relation to said straight ridge; and said second pair of faces having between them an included angle in the range from about 60.degree. to about 150.degree.; the said straight ridge having a length not more than about 0.5 millimeter and not less than about 0.05 millimeter.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the tendency to and degree which a synthetic resinous particulate solid will block or agglomerate. The method comprises the steps of (a) forming a cake of a synthetic resinous particulate solid by compressing the particulate solid between substantially parallel surfaces at an elevated temperature, and (b) measuring the force required to break the cake by an elongated triangular-shaped wedge which is forced into the cake at a constant rate of speed.

Abstract: A holder assembly for a sensitized cutter tool mountable on a cutter head of a mining machine comprises a holder adapted to hold the tool. The holder is pivotal supported abutting a mounting sensor means provided to sense cutting reaction on the tool, the cutting reaction tending to urge the holder to pivot about the mounting.

Abstract: A novel loading probe for fiber-matrix testing machines is made of diamond and has a truncated cone end for push-in and push-out tests of fibers in a fiber-matrix composite. The diameter of the probe body or shaft is greater than the diameter of the fiber to be pushed and the flat surface where the cone is truncated is at least one-half the diameter of the fiber. The included angle of the truncated cone is in the range of 55.degree. to 90.degree.. A useful compromise included angle is 70.degree..