Abstract: To induce fracture under test conditions for a tool bit configuration held in a laterally restrained condition, but with freedom to move up and down, a series of members (hardened steel ball bearings) are selected as to size, butted together, and constrained so that such members make tangential point contact with a constrained bit at locations close to the corners of one end surface supported on the members. When a centralized load is imposed on the opposite end surface of the bit, stress forces can be set up on the bit to result in a body bend fracture or an edge chip fracture, depending on how close the point contacts are to a curved sector. Each point contact is located along a radius bisecting a corner sector, the location being spaced from the sector a distance either (a) of at least one-half the sector radius, but within 0.01875-0.0312 inch, to induce edge chip fracture, or (b) of at least the sector radius, but no less than 0.0625 inch, to induce bend strength fracture.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for determining loading capacity of coating elements for structures has a pressure generating element, a force bar to be placed on the coating element to be tested, a two-armed lever with an axle supported on the force bar, one arm articulately connected with the pressure generating element, and the other arm on which a moment opposite to the moment on the one arm acts, and a free end of the other arm actuates a switching device for the pressure generating element.

Abstract: A damping device for use with acoustic information generation machines for isolating a generation portion of the generation device from contamination by extraneous acoustic emissions. A metal isolation piece consisting of a shape-memory alloy is disposed between an extraneous noise source and the generation portion of the device. Acoustic information generation devices in accordance with the present invention include phonograph record playing devices and testing devices for recording acoustic signals generated upon stressing a test piece. Thus, the present invention provides improved phonograph record playing devices and an improved testing device.

Abstract: A limpness detector for examining documents at high speed. A pair of rollers having star-like cross-sectional configurations comprised of substantially V-shaped projections and interspaced V-shaped grooves are cooperatively arranged so that the projections of one of said rollers at least partially enter into the grooves of the other. The rollers are rotated in a synchronous manner. One swingably mounted roller is preferably yieldably urged toward the other. Documents to be examined are fed between the rollers and, depending upon their relative limpness or stiffness, serve to "lift" the swingable roller such that the amount of displacement between the rollers is a function of document limpness. Sensor means is utilized to detect the amount of displacement. Threshold detection circuitry is provided to facilitate calssification of the documents into limp, moderately stiff and stiff documents, for example. The apparatus may also be utilized to detect the presence of overlapping and/or multiply-fed documents.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the presence or absence of a predetermined minimum flexural strength and stiffness of a relatively rigid material, said apparatus comprising:a frame, a pair of flexure means, each flexure means affixed on opposite sides and ends of a support means affixed to said frame, and equidistant from a fulcrum means for said support, said fulcrum means affixed to said frame with a pivot point at the midpoint thickness of the material to be tested, a pair of guide means, each guide means affixed to said frame equidistant from said fulcrum means and positioned on opposite sides of and apart from said flexure means whereby the material to be tested is guided between the flexure means and guide means in a substantially horizontal path, a load means affixed to said frame for applying a predetermined force to said support means whereby the flexure means deflects the relatively rigid material, and sensor means affixed to said frame for detecting the amount of deflection of said material.

Abstract: A hot deformation tester to determine the ability for a sand and binder combination to withstand high ambient temperature without deforming excessively. An insulated chamber receives an elongated core sample on two spaced supports, and applies a weight to the center of the sample. The sample is subjected to ambient temperature of about 600.degree. F. A deflection probe in engagement with the bottom of the sample measures the deformation of the sample.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of stress grading timber lengths. The minimum stiffness and clear stiffness of the timber lengths are measured and the timber lengths are classified using both the minimum stiffnesses and clear stiffnesses as predictors to predict the load bearing ability of each timber length when loaded as a simple beam.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the mechanical strength of a solderless electrical connection having a clamp deformable to retain a bundle of wires against a pin has a double-T-shaped cross piece over which a clamp to be tested is slided. The cross piece has a vertical bore therein for receiving a pressure-applying die for subjecting the clamp to a test pressure. The die is actuated by a motor-driven spindle and a transducer transforms the applied pressure to a voltage for display. Pressure is applied following a pre-determined curve corresponding to worst cast configurations of a wire bundle which may result in failure of the clamp to securely retain the bundle.

Abstract: In a testing machine a test piece and a reference piece having a known spring constant are superposed with fulcrums interposed between the opposite ends thus establishing a mirror image relationship. A load is applied to the center of the assembly by means of an elastic ring thereby creating a definite relative displacement between the test piece and the reference piece and the relative displacement is measured to determine the bending stiffness of the test piece. According to modified embodiments the torsional stiffness and tension can be measured.

Abstract: The level of heat treatment of metal strip in a process line is determined by first strain gauge producing a voltage proportional to longitudinal strip tension; selective means deflecting the strip in a lateral direction without materially effecting tension; second strain gauge producing a voltage proportional to lateral force and an amplifier means combining such voltages; setable means coupled to amplifier means output for establishing a predetermined output signal for a specific strip size; means producing voltage proportional to the lateral deflection; means differentiating between a voltage indicative of a gradual strip difference and a voltage resulting from sudden strip deflections; and means combining differentiated signal and latter voltage to produce a combined signal indicative of heat treatment level.