Abstract: A fatigue bending and folding test device for an ultra-thin metal strip, including: a first driver module, a first folding module, a first diameter adjustment module, an expansion module, and a frame. The first driver module, the first folding module, the first diameter adjustment module, and the expansion module are all disposed on the frame. The first driver module includes a servo motor, a coupler, and a drive gearbox; the drive gearbox includes a driving gear shaft, a driven gear shaft, a plurality of output end covers, and a plurality of bearings. The first folding module includes an upper folding member, a lower folding member, and a first mounting base. The first clamping member includes a sliding block, a lower clamping plate, an upper clamping plate, a rotating shaft, an intermediate pressure plate, and a plurality of fixing bolts.

Abstract: An example flexible substrate testing system includes: a first substrate support structure configured to hold stationary a first portion of a flexible substrate under test; a second substrate support structure configured to hold a second portion of the flexible substrate; an actuator configured to move the second substrate support structure to fold the flexible substrate and to unfold the flexible substrate; and a load cell configured to measure a load on the flexible substrate.

Abstract: An example hinged device flexible substrate testing system includes: a first plate comprising a first surface configured to hold stationary a first side of a hinged device under test; a second plate comprising a second surface configured to hold a second side of the hinged device under test; a first cam follower coupled to the second plate; a first drive arm configured to move the first cam follower to cause the second plate to rotate about a hinge pivot axis of the hinged device under test; an actuator configured to rotate the drive arm; and a load cell configured to measure loads on the first plate while the actuator moves the second plate.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur comprises a base member, a movable member, a pulley assembly, a rotational-force adjustment structure, an electric actuator, and a controller. The rotational-force adjustment structure is at least partly disposed between the movable member and the pulley assembly so as to apply resistance to rotation of the pulley assembly relative to the movable member. The electric actuator is configured to operate the rotational-force adjustment structure. The controller is configured to control the electric actuator based on a driving-force related information.

Abstract: A test apparatus includes: a stage having a planar surface extending in a first direction and a second direction crossing the first direction; a mounting portion that is disposed on the stage to place a test member thereon; an angle adjusting portion adjusting a first angle of the mounting portion to incline the mounting portion with respect to the planar surface of the stage; and a pressing guide disposed on the stage and moving a pressing member in the first direction, the second direction, and a third direction normal to the planar surface of the stage.

Abstract: The present grip design includes a two-piece clamp with an interior space which forms a mold for the sample material. The two-piece clamp further includes undercut apertures which engage complementary tapered portions of upper and lower grips. The sample material can be poured to fill the mold formed within the two-piece clamp. The interior of the upper and lower grips includes a pattern, such as, but not limited to, a threaded pattern, in order to more firmly engage the sample. The samples may include soft materials, liquids, gels, compounds, powdered or similar materials. The grip may be used in connection with bioreactor or materials testing applications.

Abstract: A system for evaluating integrity of a cutting blade includes at least one stress wave generator for generating at least one stress wave in a cutting blade under test. A sensor detects a signal generated by the at least one stress wave. An integrity analyzer coupled to the sensor determines an indication of integrity of the cutting blade based on at least one characteristic of the signal.

Abstract: A device for inspecting a moving metal strip includes a first electromagnetic acoustic transducer having an ultrasonic wave emitter. The waves emitted from the emitter are emitted to be incident on a first edge of a surface of the strip, and the emitter is not in contact with the strip. A second electromagnetic acoustic transducer is provided and includes an ultrasonic wave receiver. The waves received emerging from an area of the strip surface toward the receiver, the receiver is not in contact with the strip. A processing unit is coupled to the second electromagnetic acoustic transducer to provide an inspection criterion using a signature of the ultrasonic waves measured. The area is located on the strip such that a wave path between the first edge of the strip and the area is aligned in a linear direction mainly transverse to the direction of movement of the strip.

Abstract: A method for use in determining hydrogen embrittlement in a plated sample is provided. The method includes positioning the plated sample between a first holding member and a second holding member, moving the second holding member towards the first holding member to bend the plated sample, and applying a static load to the plated sample for a predetermined duration of time. The static load is applied by bending the plated sample to a distance between the first and second holding members that is a predetermined percentage of a baseline ultimate failure distance of the plated sample.

Abstract: Combination is disclosed for deriving and displaying the full complement of nine dynamic parameters associated with a mechanical motion transmission system; the parameters comprise: (1) angular displacement, (2) angular velocity, (3) angular acceleration, (4) moment of force (i.e. torque), (5) kinetic energy, (6) work, (7) power, (8) momentum and (9) impulse. Quasi-instantaneous, absolute measurements are derived from elapsed-time measurements between successive sensing of fixed, equal, position events such as electric pulses generated by an incremental shaft encoder. The parameters are displayed on the X and Y axes of a Cartesian or other suitable graph where the X-axis (i.e. the independent axis) indicates the angular displacement of the encoder expressed as a succession of fixed, equal position events in the units of radians. The Y-axis (i.e. the dependent axis) indicates the absolute value of the parameters.

Abstract: A multiple degree of freedom displacement transducer and body thereof is used to measure linear displacements along and/or rotational or pivotal displacements about up to three orthogonal axes. In one embodiment, a displacement transducer body includes a first pivoting assembly and a second pivoting assembly. Each pivoting assembly has a support member pivotable relative to another portion about two orthogonal axes. A structure joins said another portion of each pivoting assembly together. In another embodiment, a displacement transducer includes a first support member, a second support member, and a cross flexure assembly joining the first support member to the second support member. The cross flexure assembly is arranged to allow the first support member to pivot relative to the second support member about two intersecting orthogonal axes.

Abstract: The preferred orientation, or planar oscillation plane, of a golf club shaft is located by measuring the oscillation of the shaft when an impulse is applied. Preferably, the out-of-plane oscillation is measured at a large number of angular positions about the shaft axis, and the principal planar oscillation plane is identified by that pair of opposed angular positions in which the out-of-plane oscillation is smallest. The location of the preferred orientation may be marked on the shaft and used to assemble a golf club with the planar oscillation plane in a predetermined orientation. The straightness of the shaft can also be determined by deriving its spring constant from its oscillation frequency and then measuring the restoring force when the shaft is deflected by the same nominal amount at different angular positions; differences in restoring force can be attributed to differences in actual deflection distance resulting from lack of straightness.

Abstract: A dynamic balance-testing method for a golf club shaft in accordance with the present invention comprises steps of: fixing a first end of a golf club shaft; measuring reacting forces of a constant displacement of a second end of the golf club shaft in a plurality of predetermined angular directions with respect to an axis of the golf club shaft; calculating a minimum difference of reacting force of any two opposite directions; and determining a preferred balance direction according to the minimum difference of reacting force and thus selecting a preferred striking direction perpendicular to the balance direction of the golf club shaft for assembling.

Abstract: A sensor for pedalling force and/or chain tension is mounted on a bicycle frame bottom bracket axle. An intermediate element that can pivot relative to the bottom bracket axle can pivot relative to the frame about a ring offset relative to the bottom bracket axle. A deformable retainer counters pivoting of the element. The element signals a stiffness controller with an indication of pedaling force and/or chain tension in response to the element being rotated in opposition to the holder.

Abstract: A device for detecting one or more parameters of a rotary member angular displacement, includes: and instrumented roller bearing (1) provided with a non-rotating part including a non-rotating ring (2) and a sensor block (8), a rotating part including a rotating ring (2) and a coding ring (15) mounted opposite the sensor block (8) and at least a row of rolling elements (4); and elements for processing signals transmitted by the sensor block. The sensor block (8) comprises at least two sensing elements (9, 10) co-operating with the single coding ring, signals transmitted independently by each sensing element corresponding to the same parameter of angular displacement, so as to supply to the processing elements a redundant information on the parameter of angular displacement.

Abstract: The preferred orientation, or planar oscillation plane, of a golf club shaft is located by measuring the oscillation of the shaft when a horizontal impulse is applied and from those measurements determining an orientation in which the oscillation would be substantially planar. In a preferred embodiment an iterative process is used to converge on the preferred orientation. The location of the preferred orientation may be marked on the shaft and used to assemble a golf club with the planar oscillation plane in a predetermined orientation. The assembly of the golf club can be done manually—e.g., in a refitting situation—or automatically—e.g., in a new club manufacturing setting.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring the flexural characteristic of a golf club shaft. The apparatus includes a table having a clamping structure for clamping the golf club shaft thereto. A data collection system having a computer coupled to an image recording device measures the amount of deflection of the golf club shaft before and after a bending moment is applied to the golf club shaft. The stiffness of the golf club shaft is determined from the amount of deflection.

Abstract: An atomic force microscope including a cantilever, a transferring device and a displacement detecting device is used for conducting a material test of a test member based on a load amount and a displacement amount. The test member may be fixed to the cantilever or may be entirely replaced with the cantilever. The transferring device, which is normally used for transferring the cantilever or the sample in accordance with a shape of the sample, constitutes a load applying device for applying a load to the test member, and a displacement of the test member is detected by the displacement detecting device. The load applying device can apply slight displacement and load to the test member, so that the material test for the small material can be conducted.

Abstract: A device for measuring the natural bending strength of a sheet material, and for measuring the bending strength of a creased or scored portion of the sheet material, and for dynamically analyzing such test results. The device has a rotatable clamp, a load sensor, a data processing unit, and a data displaying unit. The load sensor is positioned to directly contact the sheet material being held by the clamp. The clamp and sheet material can be rotated so that the sheet material presses against the load sensor, and the data processing unit will then determine the resistance force detected by the load sensor and will determine the amount of rotation associated with that force, and the resulting data are then processed, stored, and can be displayed as output data in a predetermined form.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously measuring strains in a test member includes spatial-position members which are coupled to different portions of the test member and first and second displacement sensors which are spaced apart by a sensor space and coupled to the spatial-position members. Linear and bending deformations of the test member are calculated as functions of the responses of the displacement sensors and of the sensor space.

Abstract: A method for testing motor armature shafts is disclosed. The method includes simulating armature shaft loading conditions to test armature shaft reliability for failure. The shaft has a longitudinally extending axis, which during operation is the axis of rotation of the shaft. In the method the shaft is fixedly supported at two spaced locations a predetermined distance from one of the free ends. A normal force is rotated about the shaft's longitudinal axis. This force is exerted continuously about the circumference of the free end of the armature shaft, so that the armature shaft is continuously offset a predetermined distance from its longitudinal axis. This force is continuously applied for a predetermined number of rotations of the shaft. This simulates loading of the armature shaft in an assembled motor.

Abstract: The inventive fatigue-testing apparatus features a compact orbital mechan which rotates a bending force around a non-rotating test section and a stationary test bed. In addition to applying a bending force, some inventive embodiments apply an axial force and a torsional force, thereby accomplishing full-scale evaluation of test sections under three-dimensional loading; the inventive practice for applying bending, torsional and axial loads compares favorably with conventional practice in terms of reliability and cost. The inventive orbital mechanism increases the reliability of the entire inventive test apparatus by reducing the number of moving parts, component wear, maintenance and complexity. The invention also provides maximum access to the test section for instrumentation, inspection, maintenance and modification. The inventive benefits will permit evaluations of larger test sections and will afford extended evaluations to more accurately determine fatigue limitations of complex joints.

Abstract: A score bend testing apparatus consists of a base having an upwardly facing support surface which supports a scored sheet of material. The support defines a forward edge, and the score is positioned forwardly of the forward edge while the rearward portion of the sheet is clamped against the support by a clamping device. A force gauge assembly is moved downwardly to engage the sheet of material forwardly of the score, and downward movement of the force gauge assembly results in the sheet of material being bent at the score. The force gauge assembly determines the amount of force required to bend the sheet of material. The force gauge assembly is mounted to a cross-member which extends between movable output members associated with rodless pneumatic cylinders.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the crease characteristics of a corrugated paper board sample including a sample location area, a load cell located such that a portion of the surface of the sample overlies the load cell, and a creasing edge which abuts a portion of the sample on the surface opposite the surface which overlies the load cell. Thus the portion of the sample opposite the load cell can be manually lifted to crease the product about the creasing edge, causing the portion of the sample which overlies the load cell to bear against the load cell, and with the force being measured by the load cell.

Abstract: A rising step-load test apparatus for subjecting the notched region of a fracture specimen to tension by applying four-point bending to the specimen, and having an adaptor that can fit into the test apparatus in four-point bending and convert the bending load to an axial tensile load on a second specimen for which the adaptor serves as a fixture. The test apparatus applies four-point bending to either the fracture specimen or the adaptor through two oppositely situated simple supports at one end of the fracture specimen or adaptor and two other oppositely situated simple supports at the other end of the fracture specimen or adaptor. The adaptor employs two pivotally attached linking members attached to the two ends of the second specimen to transfer a pure axial tension to the second specimen for testing in axial-tension mode. A chemical bath is provided for an accelerated test of hydrogen embrittlement.

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

Abstract: A torsional tester includes test stations for one or more circuit cards. In each test station, one end of the circuit card under test is held stationary while the opposite end is twisted in a card holder mounted to pivot about an axis, being alternately driven by each of a pair of weights extending downward on a flexible member from opposite sides of a pulley. A rocker providing a platform extending under each of these weights is driven in a reciprocating pivoting motion in which the weights are alternately lifted and allowed to fall. The weight which is allowed to fall provides a torque to the pulley, while the weight being lifted does not provide such a torque. A pair of setscrews limits the angular motion of the card holder to a predetermined level in each direction.

Abstract: An apparatus to measure the bending length and bending rigidity of a piece of fabric comprising a generally planar surface upon which the plate of fabric is moved. The surface terminates at one end with an edge over which a leading end of the fabric passes. An optical device defines a plane extending downwardly from the surface edge at approximately 41.5 degrees. The optical device detects when the plane is intersected by the leading end of the fabric when, after a sufficient length of the piece of fabric has passed beyond the surface edge to cause bending of the fabric piece, the leading edge of the fabric intersects the plane.

Abstract: A device for testing the adherence of a coating to a material includes a cone section and roller for bending the material around the cone section. The bent piece has a sharp bend at one end and a gradual bend at the other end. The proximity to the sharp bend at which flaking of the coating from the substrate occurs is a measure of the adherence of the coating to the material.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for applying 3 or 4 point bending to a specimen of a material. The apparatus comprises bending members to contact the specimen, a drive system coupled to at least one of the bending members to cause relative vertical movement between the bending members to deflect the specimen, and a microprocessor interfaced with the drive system to control the operation of the drive system in accordance with a computer programm. The method is characterized by controlled monitoring of the actual experimental conditions applied to the specimen and varying of the operation of the drive system when the actual experimental conditions diverge from the required experimental conditions.

Abstract: A device for measuring a stiffness of a golf-club shaft comprises a clamp for holding one end of a golf-club shaft so that the golf-club shaft extends in a substantially horizontal position. A pointer member having a tip end and a root portion is detachably attached at the root portion thereof to the other end of the golf-club shaft held by the clamp so that the pointer member extends in a substantially horizontal position perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the golf-club shaft. A counterweight is detachably attached to the tip end of the pointer member and applies a predetermined flexure and torsion load to the golf-club shaft through the pointer member. A vertical displacement measuring instrument is provided to measure the amount of vertical displacement of the tip end of the pointer member produced by torsion and flexure of the golf-club shaft when the predetermined load of the counterweight is applied to the golf-club shaft through the pointer member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of measuring edgewise compressive deformation in sheet material comprises providing a specimen beam having an inner curved layer of the sheet material to be tested, an outer curved strip spaced radially outwardly of the sheet material, an elastomeric spacer between the sheet and strip, and blocks fixing the opposite ends of the sheet material to the opposite ends of the strip. The spacer is fixed to the backing strip and engaged firmly on the outer radial surface of the sheet material. The ends of the curved specimen beam receive a pure torque which causes compression of the sheet material which can be measured. The sheet material is supported so that it does not buckle with the torque being applied by simple weights connected to rotors which in turn are engaged with the opposite ends of the specimen beam.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for measuring the flexural stiffness of a sheet like sample. The sample is placed on an obliquely positioned surface with its upper edge above a horizontal clamping line. The portion of the sample above the clamping line is of sufficient length so that when it is pivoted forward beyond the vertical the top portion of the sample is freely bent outward. The free clamping length of the sample measured between the top edge and the clamping point is then reduced until the top portion of the sample independently pivots back onto the surface. The residual clamping length thereby obtained is a measurement of the flexural stiffness.

Abstract: A torque-testing instrument is disclosed for testing tools such as spanners, wrenches and the like. The instrument comprises a measuring assembly, a reading device and means for transmitting measured values from the measuring instrument to the reading device. The tool is fastened in the testing instrument and subjected to a torque effect. A load cell produces an electrical charge signal constituting measured values proportional to the torque effect being transmitted within the instrument. The load cell comprises a piezoelectric load sensing element electrically connected to an electronic amplifier for the reading device.