Loading Means Intermediate Stationary End Holders Or Supports Patents (Class 73/852)
  • Patent number: 11092525
    Abstract: A method and device for performing a bending test on a display panel are disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a fixing member, a pressure exerting member and a driving device, and forming a space in the fixing member; fixing the display panel vertically onto the fixing member, wherein the display panel matches with the space to provide a corresponding space for deformation of the display panel; and driving the pressure exerting member to move in a direction perpendicular to the display panel to exert a pressure onto the display panel. If the pressure exerted onto the display panel is equal to a predetermined pressure for a predetermined time, the driving device controls the pressure exerting member to stop exerting the pressure onto the display panel. The predetermined pressure is a pressure required to drive the display panel to deform and reach a predetermined curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignees: HKC CORPORATION LIMITED, CHONGQING HKC OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chung-Kuang Chien
  • Patent number: 10557781
    Abstract: A bending test device and system for a flexible display device is provided. The bending test device has a bending device. The bending device has a bending shaft, an upper bending plate, and a lower fixing plate. An upper clamping plate is disposed on a surface of the upper bending plate. The upper clamping plate is configured to slide along the surface of the upper bending plate. A lower clamping plate is disposed on a surface of the lower fixing plate. The lower clamping plate is configured to slide along the surface of the lower fixing plate. A first tension measuring element connects to an end of the upper clamping plate. A second tension measuring element connects to an end of the lower clamping plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS SEMICONDUCTOR DISPLAY TECHNOLOY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wen Han, Rong Ma, Jichuan Liu
  • Patent number: 10371611
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a material testing system for use in testing material strength of various gas turbine engine components. The material testing system provides a load force onto portions of gas turbine engine components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc., Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Walston, David J. Thomas, Ted J. Freeman
  • Patent number: 9304057
    Abstract: A device and a method for testing the rigidity and non-linear relationship of the coupling interface for cylindrical fitting including an axial loading assembly which is provided along a horizontal central line within a side wall of a frame test bench and contacting with the test-piece shaft via a steel ball, a radial loading assembly downward provided along a vertical central line of top board of the frame test bench, a tip of a perpendicular loading part of the radial loading assembly extending into the outer housing of the test-piece housing fixed on an upper plane of a bottom wall of the frame test bench, with the test-piece shaft and the test-piece housing fitted and connected to each other via a coupling interface for cylindrical fitting; a plurality of displacement sensors fixed on the test-piece housing, and test heads of respective displacement sensor assembly aiming at the test-piece shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: XI'AN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Yumei Huang, Yao Liu, Ye Hui, Guangpeng Zhang, Chuang Gao
  • Patent number: 9228907
    Abstract: Monitoring deformation of a flexible electronic apparatus. Changes in space within the apparatus between at least two measurement points are detected; and degree of deformation of the apparatus is determined based on the detected changes in the space within the apparatus between the at least two measurement points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Antti Salo, Matti Kosonen
  • Patent number: 9103751
    Abstract: A device for the transverse retention of a longitudinal test specimen and apparatus for the mechanical characterization in bending of such a test specimen. The test specimen includes a web and at least one main flange connected to one end of said web. The device includes a body in which there is formed a housing which is shaped to house said test specimen transversally and which has a main bearing face against which one face of said web is intended to press; and a mobile clamp formed so as to press said web against said main bearing face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (SAS)
    Inventors: Manuel Negro, Victor Combes, Laurent Huquet, Marc Hell
  • Publication number: 20140224034
    Abstract: A method, and apparatus, for determining bend resistance of a sample includes applying a weight to a sample and measuring an amount of deflection of the sample caused by applying the weight. The sample is provided on a sample holder and an initial position of the sample is measured with respect to the sample holder. A weight is applied to the sample and a change in position from the initial position to a deflection position of the sample due to the weight applied to the sample is measured. An amount of deflection of the sample is determined by dividing the change in position by the basis weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: APPLETON PAPER INC.
    Inventors: Kelly John CARON, Ruth Monica Prasetio
  • Patent number: 8513020
    Abstract: A system for sulfide stress cracking testing comprises an enclosed testing chamber including a fluid bath comprising a liquid saturated with hydrogen sulfide gas. In addition, the system comprises a test fixture disposed in the testing chamber and at least partially submerged in the fluid bath. The test fixture includes a housing having an internal chamber in fluid communication with the fluid bath and a test assembly disposed in the internal chamber. The test assembly comprises a first upper support and a second upper support, a first lower support and a second lower support, and a first platen engaging each of the upper supports and adapted to transfer an applied vertical load to the upper supports. Further, the system comprises a test specimen mounted in the test assembly between the upper supports and the lower supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Lucien Hehn, Kevin J. Wyble, Kenneth E. Casner, Jr., Kenneth E. Casner, Sr., Joseph Casner, George M. Waid
  • Patent number: 7966891
    Abstract: A fatigue test apparatus for thin workpiece includes a supporting module, a driving mechanism, a first connecting module, a second connecting module, a first holding post, a second holding post and a computer system. The first and second connecting modules are respectively fixed to two sides of the supporting module. Ends of the first holding post and the second holding post are fixed to the first and second connecting modules. The computer system electronically connects with and controls the driving mechanism. The first holding post and the second holding post are drive to rotate by the driving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaigong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Lei Li, Ping Chen, Zhi-Qiang Jiang, Chun-Ying Wang, Xue-Liang Zhai, Li-Ping Huang, Zhi Cheng, Chang-Fa Sun, Xian-Cui Du
  • Patent number: 7926359
    Abstract: A device and a method are provided for checking whether when an object has a sufficiently. The object to be examined extends in an object plane. A force exertion device exerts a force on the held object such that the force includes a force component at right angles to the object plane. A fan generates a flow of a fluid which hits a movement area of the object. A holding device holds the object so that the object is held flat in a holding subsurface of the object plane and is movable in a movement area located outside the holding subsurface at right angles to the object plane. A measuring device tests whether the force produced by the force exertion device causes the movement area of the object to be deflected by a distance at right angles to the object plane which is greater than a predetermined limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Knispel
  • Patent number: 7624695
    Abstract: The invention relates to a testing device for hull shells, wherein the test specimen is joined to a complementary structure with legs, having a U-shape in cross section, and at the ends of the legs there are provided lengthwise flanges in the lengthwise direction of the complementary structure with means of attaching the hull shell to the complementary structure and of applying and absorbing corrective forces, while at the borders of the complementary structure in the lengthwise direction there are provided transverse flanges for applying and absorbing of test forces in six degrees of freedom. The complementary structure (1) is formed as a soft box of composite materials and the U-shaped cross section of the complementary structure (1) consists of a horizontal straight segment (11) and two ellipsoidal segments (12) adjoining each side, forming the legs (3) of the U-shaped complementary structure (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: IMA Materialforschung und Anwendungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Götze, Mirko Sachse, Roald Best, Udo Berthold, Georg Grötzschel
  • Publication number: 20090260451
    Abstract: A fatigue test apparatus for thin workpiece includes a supporting module, a driving mechanism, a first connecting module, a second connecting module, a first holding post, a second holding post and a computer system. The first and second connecting modules are respectively fixed to two sides of the supporting module. Ends of the first holding post and the second holding post are fixed to the first and second connecting modules. The computer system electronically connects with and controls the driving mechanism. The first holding post and the second holding post are drive to rotate by the driving mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventors: LEI LI, PING CHEN, ZHI-QIANG JIANG, CHUN-YING WANG, XUE-LIANG ZHAI, LI-PING HUANG, ZHI CHENG, CHANG-FA SUN, XIAN-CUI DU
  • Patent number: 7591189
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatuses for testing the structural integrity of glass. Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for testing glass by applying one or more stresses to the glass in a controlled manner. Embodiments of the invention may hold a sheet of glass and may subject the glass to a variety of stresses by flexing, twisting, vibrating, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Glas-Weld Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy L. Mackey, Christopher M. Boyle, Michael P. Boyle
  • Publication number: 20090019942
    Abstract: A device and a method are provided for checking whether when an object has a sufficiently. The object to be examined extends in an object plane. A force exertion device exerts a force on the held object such that the force includes a force component at right angles to the object plane. A fan generates a flow of a fluid which hits a movement area of the object. A holding device holds the object so that the object is held flat in a holding subsurface of the object plane and is movable in a movement area located outside the holding subsurface at right angles to the object plane. A measuring device tests whether the force produced by the force exertion device causes the movement area of the object to be deflected by a distance at right angles to the object plane which is greater than a predetermined limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Knispel
  • Publication number: 20080229844
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatuses for testing the structural integrity of glass. Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for testing glass by applying one or more stresses to the glass in a controlled manner. Embodiments of the invention may hold a sheet of glass and may subject the glass to a variety of stresses by flexing, twisting, vibrating, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: GLAS-WELD SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Randy L. Mackey, Christopher M. Boyle, Michael P. Boyle
  • Patent number: 7225681
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a method for evaluating a material such as low-k dielectric, by a stress-generating test tool such as a needle. The evaluation object is shaped as a stack of adhering layers: low-k dielectric, first metal (preferably copper), barrier metal (preferably tantalum nitride), and second metal (preferably aluminum). A numerical correlation is established between a cracking in the barrier metal layer caused by probing and a damage in the layer of insulating material-to-be-tested. A predetermined number of locations of the top metal layer is selected for the probing step comprising touch-down, applying force, and lifting is repeated so that the number of repeats provide a pre-determined statistical confidence level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel J. Stillman, Nancy R. Ota, Cheryl Hartfield
  • Patent number: 7194916
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing stiffness characteristics such as modulus of elasticity E of an article such as a piece of lumber moving in a conveying direction transverse to the testing axis, comprises a bearing unit capable of contacting the piece of lumber at two spaced apart portions thereof. There is provided a first deflecting unit including a first working element being normally disposed in a first static position relative to the conveying path for applying a first thrust against a loaded area on the article at an intermediary portion thereof located between the spaced apart portions, to produce an article deflection of a first magnitude. Each working element defines a loading surface extending substantially parallel to the article-conveying path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Centre de recherche industrielle du Quebec
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Ouellet, Jean Campagna, Danick Dupont, Gratien Beauchemin, Jacques Labbé
  • Patent number: 7181979
    Abstract: A system for inspecting a flexible device is provided, which is used for performing a performance inspection on a flexible device in a bending state, or after the flexible device has finished bending test so as to obtain a mechanical reliability. The inspecting system includes: at least one bending unit with at least one curvature; a conveyor unit used for conveying the flexible device so that a portion of the flexible device is passed through the bending unit and is bent into a bending portion; an inspecting unit performs a performance inspection on the flexible device. The performance inspection includes electrical, optical, or opto-electric inspection, and an inspection result can be recorded, displayed or both. The inspected flexible devices may be a flexible display device with complete or incomplete electrode thereon. In addition, a method for inspecting a flexible device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Yan-Rung Lin, Shie-Chang Jeng, Chi-Chang Liao, Jyh-Wen Shiu
  • Patent number: 7047156
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Kierstat Systems LLC
    Inventors: Friend K. Bechtel, Ning Wang, Timothy C. Hanshaw, Chin S. Hsu
  • Patent number: 6988417
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: University of Saskatchewan
    Inventors: R. Lal Kushwaha, Louis Roth, James Schnaider, Tyrel Lloyd, William C. Roberts, Wayne Morley, Denise Stilling
  • Publication number: 20030192385
    Abstract: A panel testing device includes a frame, a first roller assembly pivotally mounted to the frame including a first roller and a second roller spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the first roller. The panel testing device also includes a second roller assembly pivotally mounted to the frame having a third roller and a fourth roller spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the third roller. The device is configured such that the first and third rollers may be engaged with a first side of a test panel and the second and fourth rollers may be engaged with a second side of the test panel. The first and second roller assemblies are pivoted in opposing directions to bend the panel. A deflection sensor mounted on a movable manipulator measures the deflection of the panel as the panel is bent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Timberco, Inc. d/b/a TECO
    Inventors: Joseph R. Uhlik, Paul Knuteson, Darren J. Robertson
  • Patent number: 6619137
    Abstract: In a system for inspection of wood-board thickness, displacement sensors (2(21U, 22U, 23U, 21L, 22L, 23L)) are disposed at three positions with respect to a width of a wood material (1) being conveyed thereto for measurement of the thickness thereof. A programmable controller (6) determines the pass/fail of the board thickness based on the extent of portion having a board thickness deviated from the range of allowance extending along a conveyance direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Meiken Lamwood Corporation
    Inventor: Jiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6413275
    Abstract: Heart valve leaflet selection methods and apparatuses which subject individual leaflets to loads and measure the resulting deflection to more reliably group leaflets of similar physical characteristics for later assembly in prosthetic heart valves. The deflection testing may be accomplished using a variety of test set ups which are designed to impart a load on the leaflet which simulates the actual loading within a heart valve. The results from a number of deflection tests are used to categorize individual leaflets, which data can be combined with other data regarding the characteristics of the leaflet to better select leaflets for assembly into a multi-leaflet heart valve. In one embodiment, the deflection test is combined with an intrinsic load test, and leaflets having similar deflection and intrinsic load values used in the same heart valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventors: Than Nguyen, Hung Ly Lam, Jianbo Zhou, Carlos M. Romero, Ralph Kafesjian, Xiaoming G. Guo, Van Le Huynh
  • Patent number: 6053052
    Abstract: The invention is a performance testing system for wood-based panels. The testing includes performance of a material under a load concentrated in a single area, performance of edge support systems under a concentrated load and performance of a material under static bending conditions. The system is computerized and automatically applies a load to a panel to be tested, reads and records deflection of the panel without operator involvement, and provides a printed test report.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Timberco, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Starostovic
  • Patent number: 5804738
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the stiffness or strength of wood panels while the panels are moving along a production line, in which the panels are moved lengthwise through a tester having lower rollers which are situated to support side or end marginal portions only of the panel while central upper rollers contacts a central region of the panel and subjects the panel to longitudinal or lateral bending. The forces corresponding to the bending are measured and used to obtain a measure of the stiffness or strength of the panel. Preferably, both a longitudinal and a lateral tester are provided, and each have two testing stations each applying a different amount of lateral bending, all of these amounts being in the substantially linear portion of the load deflection curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Alberta Research Council
    Inventors: Lars Bach, Jung-June Cheng
  • Patent number: 5699274
    Abstract: The invention is a performance testing system, i.e., performance of a material under a load concentrated in a single area. The system is computerized and automatically applies a load to a panel to be tested, reads and records deflection of the panel without operator involvement, and provides a printed test report.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Timberco, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Starostovic, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5583298
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for testing the quality f pultruded material by measuring a load applied to the material as it is being pultruded and measuring the load associated with a fixed displacement of the pultruded stock material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Shawn Walsh
  • Patent number: 5503024
    Abstract: Improved apparatus is described for measuring bending stiffness of dimension lumber. Innovative details are introduced that make the measurement more accurate and repeatable as well as making the apparatus simpler, more robust and easier to maintain than the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Metriguard Inc.
    Inventors: Friend K. Bechtel, Ronnie K. Byers, James D. Logan, James R. Allen, Michael G. Strevy, Daniel A. Uskoski
  • Patent number: 5431061
    Abstract: A testing fixture for investigating the effects of pressure loadings on marine hull and other plate panels in a testing machine includes a liquid-filled bladder adapted to be received on the machine platen, a fixture supported by the machine frame incorporating edge movement restraint members for receiving the panel to be tested and contacting it around its perimetrical edge on both sides, and a measuring element supported by the fixture for measuring the deflection of the panel as the bladder is moved with the platen and pliantly conforms to the surface of one side of the panel to apply a distributed load imposing a bend in the panel inboard of its restrained edges in two dimensions along two axes simultaneously over a substantial area of its surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Gougeon Brothers, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Bertelsen, Robert H. Monroe
  • Patent number: 5231882
    Abstract: A testing device is provided for performing four-point fatigue strength tests of a sample by applying alternating bending stresses to the sample. The device includes four rotary joints. Each rotary joint includes a pair of individual, spaced-apart rollers so that a sample can be guided between the individual rollers of the respective pairs of rollers. Each roller is rotatable about its own longitudinal axis. First and second plates are adapted to be fixed in a force introducing machine so that they are relatively movable toward and away from one another. Four holders are provided, each for supporting a respective one of the rotary joints. Two of the holders are mounted to the first plate, with the third and fourth holders being disposed between the two holders and being mounted to the second plate. Each holder mounts its rotary joint so that the individual rollers of the rotary joint are rotatable about a common rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Telefunken Systemtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Bertele, Andre Papack, Karl-Heinz Wichmann
  • Patent number: 5187987
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for measuring creep stiffness of a specimen, for example, asphalt cement, or other viscoelastic material, having a flexural modulus greater than approximately 1,000 psi. The specimen and the lower part of a loading mechanism are submerged in a constant temperature coolant thereby providing buoyant support to the specimen, preventing it from deflecting under its own weight, as well as providing means for controlling the test temperature. The coolant temperature is maintained to within approximately +/-0.1.degree. C. of a desired temperature. The specimen, having known dimensions, is supported within the coolant on two spaced apart support members. A loading head actuated by an air bearing/pneumatic piston mechanism engages the specimen midway between the two support members. The deflection of the specimen is measured with an LVDT and the load imparted to the specimen by a load cell provided under at least one of the specimen support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: The Pennsylvania Research Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Anderson, John G. Witzel, Don Christensen, Hussain Bahia
  • Patent number: 5138878
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting directional variations in a physical characteristic of a moving sheet of material is disclosed. The sensor has a support for supporting the moving sheet. The support defines an open region into which the moving sheet is deflected by a deflector. Detectors coupled to the support detect and produce signals indicative of the force exerted on the support by the deflected sheet in at least three different directions. Each signal is processed to determine a physical characteristic, such as extensional stiffness, of the sheet of material in each of the three directions. The directional variations of the physical characteristic may be used to determine the fiber orientation angle and the degree of anisotropism of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: Thierry M. Cresson, Lee M. Chase, Leonard M. Anderson, John D. Goss
  • Patent number: 5127271
    Abstract: A method of non-destructive inspection for resinous automotive bumper beams provides for applying a flexural load to the center of a bumper beam by a pressing jig in a state where both ends of the bumper beam have been pivotably supported to gradually bend the bumper beam, measuring or determining the bending strain and energy absorption of the bumper beam upon the application of the flexural load, said energy absorption being calculated from said bending strain and flexural load, and judging the bumper beam to be good in quality only when the energy absorption of the bumper beam reaches at least a control value of the energy absorption, which is set up in advance, in a state that the bending strain of the bumper beam is at most a control value of the bending strain, which is set up in advance. The control value of the energy absorption is determined by correcting the value of energy absorption upon destruction of a bumper beam, which has been found in a standard destructive test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shoji Sato, Yoji Ushiki, Hisashi Masuda
  • Patent number: 5101661
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting directional variations in a physical characteristic of a moving sheet of material is disclosed. The sensor has a support for supporting the moving sheet. The support defines an open region into which the moving sheet is deflected by a deflector. The support is rotatable to allow detectors coupled to the support to detect and produce signals indicative of the force exerted on the support by the deflected sheet in a number of different directions. Each signal is processed to determine a physical characteristic, such as extensional stiffness, of the sheet of material in each direction. The directional variations of the physical characteristic may be used to determine the fiber orientation angle and the degree of anisotropism of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: Thierry M. Cresson, Lee M. Chase, Leonard M. Anderson, John D. Goss
  • Patent number: 4991446
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for compensating for errors in the measurement of force applied to a load beam interposed between two compliant supports and a load point involves placement of an accelerometer at a selected location on the load beam. Signals produced by the accelerometer are added to a signal produced by a transducer at one of the compliant supports to obtain a composite signal which is compensated for accelerations of the load beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Metriguard, Inc.
    Inventor: Friend K. Bechtel
  • Patent number: 4991432
    Abstract: A sensor for sensing a quality of a sheet, such as a paper sheet, related to elastic modulus and bending stiffness as it is being made including a sheet support in the form of a ring and a free running wheel, which depresses the paper into the center of the ring as the paper passes over it. A force transducer mounted to the wheel senses the force of the deflected paper on the wheel and provides a measure of a characteristic of the paper related to its elastic modulus and being stiffness. Alternatively, or in addition, a displacement sensor may be used to sense the distance that the sheet is displaced by the wheel into the ring. These factors, together with basis weight, thickness and paper velocity may be used to determine the strength of the paper on a continuous basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Measurex
    Inventors: Paul J. Houghton, Lee M. Chase, John D. Goss, Kent M. Norton
  • Patent number: 4986132
    Abstract: A fully articulated four-point-bend loading fixture for MOR and fracture toughness specimens utilizes an upper loading plate in combination with a lower loading plate. The lower plate has a pair of spring loaded ball bearings which seat in V-shaped grooves located in the upper plate. The ball bearings are carried in the arms of the lower plate. A load is applied to the specimen through steel rollers, one large roller and one smaller roller each located on both the upper and lower plates. The large rollers have needle roller bearings which enable a single loading roller to rotate relative to the plate to which it is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Anthony M. Calomino
  • Patent number: 4976152
    Abstract: A sample holder for use with a bending measuring system. A probe shaft is disposed in an elongated tube. A probe tip is removeably mounted at one end of the probe shaft. The other end of the probe shaft is adapted to be fixed to the bending measuring system. A double knife edge platform supports a sample at each end and the probe tip contacts the sample at its center. Proper alignment between the sample and probe tip is obtained by having means which permit radial adjustment of the platform and rotation of the probe shaft about its central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: The Perkin Elmer Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry McKinley, Benjamin Twombly
  • Patent number: 4932267
    Abstract: A flexure coupling includes a backing plate and an adjacent hub, the backing plate being adapted to be mounted to a first machine member and the hub being adapted to be mounted to a second machine member. The hub is supported on the backing plate by a plurality of equiangularly positioned radial springs that permit compliant torsional movement of the hub relative to the backing plate. The springs prevent relative axial or longitudinal translational movement between the hub and backing plate, as well as relative radial movement. Substitution of the flexure coupling for conventional bearings eliminates the problem of false brinelling that results from vibration of stationary bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Metriguard, Inc.
    Inventor: Friend K. Bechtel
  • Patent number: 4875376
    Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for testing the ductility of a weld located within an elongated specimen having means for raising and lowering a ram over the specimen. The apparatus includes a pair of legs, each having a pair of spaced-apart rails for supporting a pair of spaced-apart rollers which define an opening. Each roller of a pair has a width sufficient for supporting the test specimen, and is connected to a corresponding rail pair to extend over the opening. An overarm is provided having a cylindrical bore for guiding a force-powering apparatus having a ram toward and away from the opening. A mandrel having a working surface is connected to the ram by an adapter. The mandrel is located with the working surface above but between the rollers. The specimen may be positioned on the rollers with the weld disposed between the rollers. The mandrel is forced downwardly by the ram, with the mandrel, contacting the specimen along the working surface to bend the specimen into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Inventor: Glenn N. Fischer
  • Patent number: 4852029
    Abstract: An automated method and apparatus for grading pre-cut lumber products according to selected physical properties thereof such as modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) are disclosed. A conveyor transports boards to be graded to an automated lumber feeding mechanism which sequentially rotates each board from a loading to a grading position. In the grading position, an impactor impacts one longitudinal end of the board to generate a compression force and a detector at the opposite longitudinal end converts the compression force to an electrical signal. Data acquisition circuitry samples and stores at least one cycle of the signal and a computer analyzes the samples and assigns values to predetermined parameters which characterize the signal. The computer utilizes the parameter values in one or more predetermined formulas which are optimum statistical predictors of the selected physical properties as a function of the parameters to obtain values for the selected physical parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Accu-Tech Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas A. Pope, deceased, Walter B. Wallin, Mitchell R. Cutrell, James J. Melton
  • Patent number: 4807465
    Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the hardness of capsule plugs, granules and pellets, in which a power stand (11) has a base (12) and gear motor (15) for driving a replaceable probe (25) toward a test subject supported on the base. A test subject holder (27) is placed on the base for holding the test subject, and comprises spaced apart first and second support plates (28, 30) fixed relative to one another with a third support plate (29) movable therebetween to define a space variable between zero and a predetermined maximum. Accordingly, a test subject may be held on the support for testing in a selected one of a variety of modes, including crushing, bending and cutting, depending on the spacing of the plates and the probe selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventors: John E. Botzolakis, Michael R. Harris, Russell U. Nesbitt
  • Patent number: 4763529
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for static fatigue testing of ceramic material is described wherein a thin plate of ceramic material is supported at opposite ends thereof in a liquid sodium bath inside an enclosure containing a gaseous atmosphere inert to reaction with liquid sodium, the ceramic plate and sodium bath are controllably heated to preselected temperature, known loads are applied to the ceramic plate through a loading head having a pair of contact points on the ceramic plate intermediate its opposite ends within the sodium bath, and displacements of the loading head at corresponding loads are measured to generate output signals characteristic of loads on the ceramic plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: John F. Leonard, Douglas M. Allen
  • Patent number: 4747314
    Abstract: A racket tester includes a flat plate, a support, a knob attached with a screw rod, an pneumatic cylinder including a piston and a pressure gauge, a base, a ring, an indicia marking, a round rod, a stand, and a weighing unit. By properly associating the above-mentioned members, the racket tester of the present invention is capable of testing the tension of the face of the racket netting, the flex of the racket shaft, and the equilibrium point and the weight of the racket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Inventor: Ben T. Huang
  • Patent number: 4730498
    Abstract: A test fixture for use in measuring the forces required to bend a test specimen throughout a range of temperatures includes clamps for gripping the ends of the test specimen while bending forces are applied intermediate the ends of the specimen, the clamps being carried by carriages movable in directions aligned with the test specimen and biased away from one another by constant force springs so that movement of the ends of the test specimen is permitted in response to temperature changes in the test specimen, against the constant bias of the constant force springs, thereby maintaining the test specimen in constant tension during the measurement of bending forces despite the changes in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Rheometrics, Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Blanch
  • Patent number: 4708020
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for testing a panel for strength and stiffness has the ability to handle panels of different thicknesses, and also has a temperature sensor so that panels can be tested hot and the cold end use strength and stiffness correlated. The apparatus moves the panel in an "S" shaped path through a series of rollers, and measures the load to deflect the panel a predetermined distance for different thicknesses of panels. An algorithm is used to correlate the cold end use strength and stiffness values from the temperature and loading figures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Assignee: MacMillan Bloedel Limited
    Inventors: Kenneth K. Lau, Jack T. Yelf
  • Patent number: 4667512
    Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the normal force exerted on a pin by a receptacle contact comprises a pair of beams profiled as the pin and having inward facing deflecting surfaces defining a central space. A thin film integrated circuit bonded to one of the beams includes a pair of strain gages at each end of the deflecting surface and leads extending to solder pads remote from the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: John A. Buddwalk
  • Patent number: 4589288
    Abstract: A non-destructive method and apparatus is provided for testing a wood panel, such as a sheet of plywood, to establish values which may be used in calculating a measure of the modulus of elasticity (MOE) for the panel. The invention involves supporting the bottom surface of the panel horizontally with two spaced parallel rollers and contacting the top surface of the panel with a pivotally mounted loading bar which is adapted to apply linear loading to the panel substantially uniformly across its width, even though the panel may be warped or bent. The loading bar is biased by a double-acting cylinder so as to apply a first load and then, in quick succession, a second incremental load. The two loads are selected so as to fall on the substantially linear portion of the load deflection curve for the panel. The magnitudes of the two loads are measured with suitable means, such as a load cell. The extension or distance moved by the cylinder in applying the incremental load is known or measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of the Province of Alberta, as represented by the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
    Inventors: Andrew W. Porter, Lars Bach
  • Patent number: 4573360
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bending test apparatus comprising a first bending device mounted on a vertically slidable rack. Test piece gripping means are mounted on arms attached to sector gears arranged such that when the first bending device and the rack are moved vertically downward toward the test piece, the rack engages with the sector gears so as to upwardly and inwardly swing the gripping devices. A pair of slidable devices for further bending the test piece are arranged on opposite sides of the first testing device and are adapted to converge on the test piece to further bend it after it has been previously bent by the first bending device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Assignee: Amada Company, Limited
    Inventor: Akiyoshi Yoneda
  • Patent number: 4566335
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying and measuring a variable bending load to a fiber reinforced plastic test specimen under desired temperature and humidity conditions. The apparatus comprises a frame member including means for holding the ends of the test specimen while applying a bending load to the center of the test specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Surendra N. Singhal