Abstract: An apparatus for direct shear stress testing of a sample includes a base plate, a supporting member, a fixing member, and a sliding member. The supporting member includes a supporting plate. The fixing member includes a stationary shear plate having a first receiving hole. The sliding member includes a movable shear plate interposed between and in sliding contact with the supporting plate and the stationary shear plate. The movable shear plate has a second receiving hole. The movable shear plate is slidable relative to the stationary shear plate to align the first and second receiving holes so as to receive the sample therein, and to misalign the first and second receiving holes so as to cause the sample to yield. The direct shear stress of the sample can thus be tested accordingly.

Abstract: An apparatus for orienting tablets on a measuring station includes a horizontal transfer table, two rollers provided in the support plane of the transfer table and arranged parallel side by side, with the upper generators of the rollers being flush with the support surface or projecting slightly beyond it, and a drive device for driving the two rollers in opposite directions so that a test tablet transferred onto the two rollers is automatically oriented according to the axes of the two rollers; and a tablet tester including the apparatus.

Abstract: A multipurpose utility mounting assembly for a handheld field maintenance tool is disclosed. The assembly includes a number of features that allow effective use of the handheld field maintenance tool for a wide variety of mounting techniques that may be encountered in the field. Specifically, the mounting assembly includes features that facilitate handheld use, benchtop use and temporary hanging use. In some embodiments, the multipurpose utility mounting assembly is detachably mountable to a handheld field maintenance tool.

Abstract: A block test stand includes a body having a base and two rods each having a first end secured on the base and a second end having a barrel laterally secured on the two rods. A bearing member is partially slidably received in the barrel. The bearing member includes a piston cap slidably received in the barrel, and a piston is received in the piston cap and extends through the barrel. A connector is secured on a distal end of the piston. A bearing seat is connected to the connector. The bearing seat includes a block and a spheroid secured on the block. The spheroid is partially universally received in the socket in the connector and a concentric ring is sleeved on the connector and secured on the block to hold the block in place.

Abstract: A load cell alignment apparatus for aligning a load cell during an axial tension test of a brake cable. The apparatus includes a mounting structure, an alignment structure, a biasing device, and the load cell. The alignment structure is connected between the mounting structure and the biasing device. The biasing device is connected to the load cell and applies a tension preload to the load cell, and the alignment structure, in response to the tension preload, properly aligns the load cell with an axis for subsequent measurement of applied tension on the brake cable. The alignment structure permits only linear axial tension to be applied to the load cell in response to application of a further tension load on the load cell.

Abstract: A portable electro-hydraulic test bed apparatus with analog control station and methodology for performing hands-on materials and components testing. A portable test bench is provided having a hydraulic pump and a reservoir of hydraulic oil. The pressurized hydraulic fluid flows through a pressure relief valve, filter, and ball valve to a servo control valve. The servo control valve controls the action of the hydraulic ram. Any return hydraulic fluid flows through check valve, filter, and heat exchanger back to the reservoir. The servo control valve with the hydraulic ram may be moved to the location where the test is to occur. Whenever the hydraulic ram is moved to a different location displacement interlock is also required. The hydraulic ram is anchored at one end and the test is performed on the test item with the other end of the ram. A displacement sensor is included to determine how much the test item is being displaced.

Abstract: Providing strain relief for a test lead comprises passing the test lead through a housing that includes a generally elongate tubular member having a longitudinal cavity therein for retaining the test lead and maintaining a connection between the test lead and an electrical probe. A plurality of slots is formed in sidewall portions of the tubular member near an end thereof to provide flexibility, thereby providing strain relief for the test lead.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying the unknown parameters of a non-linear dynamic system model that has one or more system inputs. The governing state equation is derived from the non-linear dynamic system model. An adjoint equation is determined from the governing state equation, and a perturbation cost function is determined, based at least in part on the determined adjoint equation. Changes in the perturbation cost function that result from incremental changes in one or more of the system inputs and from arbitrarily chosen values of one or more of the unknown model parameters are iteratively determined to thereby identify the unknown model parameters.

Abstract: There can be obtained a handlebar stem ensuring that a speed indicator provides a readily observable indication and in addition thereto capable of achieving a reduction in size and weight. A handlebar stem attaching a bicycle's handlebar includes a rod attaching the handlebar stem to the bicycle; a speed indicator receiving a signal from a speed sensor to display speed; and an indicator housing located at a front protrusion extending in a forward direction to traverse the rod to house the speed indicator, the indicator housing, as seen along the rod, overlapping or being adjacent to the rod.

Abstract: An outer casing having an opening, an operating lever pivotably supported by a stick controller disposed in the outer casing, encoders for detecting the amount and the direction of the pivotal movement of the operating lever, motors for imparting a desired external force to the operating lever, and a monitor for displaying various menus and the current position of the operating lever are provided, a plurality of key switches arranged on the outer casing projecting from the opening of the outer casing so as to surround the operating lever, and the selecting operation of equipment selected from equipment menu options displayed on the monitor is determined by pressing the corresponding key switch.

Abstract: A jaw contact tester and conditioning apparatus for measuring push-in and pull-out forces between a blade terminal and a jaw contact mounted in an electrical power service apparatus. The jaw contact tester is provided in multiple aspects providing, in one aspect, a simple go/no-go pull-out force indication, in a second aspect providing a push-in and pull-out force indication on separate scales carried on the tester and, in a third aspect, allows a force measurement gauge to be attached to the blade terminal holder for measuring blade push-in and blade pull-out forces relative to a jaw contact.

Abstract: A precision clamp accurately measures force over a wide range of conditions. Using a full bridge or other strain gage configuration, the elastic deformation of the clamp is measured or detected by the strain gages. The strain gages transmit a signal that corresponds to the degree of stress upon the clamp. The strain gage signal is converted to a numeric display. Calibration is achieved by zero and span potentiometers which enable accurate measurements by the force-measuring clamp.

Abstract: A protective membrane is disclosed for an electronic device that has a touch screen. The touch screen is protected with a membrane adapted to the specific contour and profile of the electronic device and allows the user to use the touch screen interface with no shortcomings. The protective case is further adapted to allow infrared and other communication signals while the device is secured inside the case. Further, electrical connections can be made through the case without affecting the protection afforded the electronic device inside.

Abstract: An attachment structure installs a load sensor between a seating portion of a vehicle seat and a vehicle body through an attachment structure unit. The attachment structure unit includes a first attachment bracket for holding one end of the strain unit, and a second attachment bracket for holding the other end of the strain unit. At least a pair of attachment structure units are arranged at right and left portions of a front side, right and left portions of a back side, or right and left portions of the front and back sides of the seating portion relative to the vehicle seat and the first attachment brackets of the attachment structure units of the right and left are connected to each other through a connecting rod.

Abstract: A solid weight load testing system is disclosed for testing the load capacity of a crane. The apparatus includes a holder that includes a platform and a post, the post having upper and lower end portions and being structurally connective at its lower end portion to the platform. A plurality of weights are selectively placed upon the holder by a user in order to arrive at a selected capacity. Each weight has a central opening that is sized and shaped to fit the post as the weight is lowered to the platform. A pair of lifting eyes are provided on each plate, the lifting eyes being mounted to the periphery of a weight on a line that intersects the center of the weight opening. An attachment portion on the top of the post enables a connection to be perfected between the holder and a crane to be load tested. A crane lift line is rigged to the attachment portion after a selected plurality of weights have been added to the holder.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a cylindrical test body with one or more spherical cavities for testing the function and defect recognition quality of systems for the automatic recognition of defects in castings and method for the manufacture thereof. All the prior art testing possibilities are not in accordance with practice and suffer from different advantages. The invention surprisingly obviates this problem by the use of a cylindrical test body with one or more spherical cavities for testing the function and defect recognition quality of systems for the automatic recognition of defects in castings and which is fixed on or in the casting to be tested. Thus, the invention has created test bodies or objects, which better approximate the shape of natural defects and which are simple and inexpensive to manufacture in reproducible manner. These test bodies contain one or more spherical cavities optionally having different sizes and positions.

Abstract: A test fixture and method for mechanical testing of production samples of semiconductor chips that have been packaged and mounted on a printed circuit board. The sample is isolated and attached to a loading arm using an adhesive. The test fixture includes at least four plates disposed in a spaced-apart relationship along a testing axis. At least six rods are used to maintain this alignment. A first rod set of at least three rods is fixed in a first direction along the testing axis. The first rod set extends parallel to the testing axis through openings formed in a second plate to the third plate, to which the first rod set is fixed in at least a second direction along the testing axis, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. Similarly, a second set of at least three rods are fixed in the first direction to a second plate, extend along the testing axis through openings formed in the third plate, and are fixed in a second direction to the fourth plate.

Abstract: A specimen holding apparatus includes a main body, a specimen supporting surface provided on the main body, and a restraining element movable along the main body in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main body from a first position in which the restraining element is removed from the specimen supporting surface to a second position in which the restraining element encroaches over the specimen supporting surface. An alternate specimen holding apparatus includes a main body, a specimen supporting surface provided on the main body in a first horizontal plane, and a restraining element attached to the main body that is rotatable in a second horizontal plane substantially parallel to the first horizontal plane between a first position in which the restraining element is removed from the specimen supporting surface and a second position in which the restraining element encroaches over the specimen supporting surface.

Abstract: This invention provides a pluck-resistance measuring instrument for fastener members comprises a holder for pressing the fabric of a garment to which a fastener member is attached, securely around the member, a plurality of clamp members capable of clamping the fastener member and moving at right angles to the place where the fastener member is affixed to the fabric, and a tension detector for measuring the tensile force that is applied to the clamp members, wherein the holder is supported by a lift, the tension detector comprises a member providing a fulcrum, a mass lever pivotally supported at the fulcrum and a tension detector, the lever being coupled at one end to the clamp members and acts on the tensile detector at the other end as a tensile detector and a method for measuring the pluck resistance using the above instrument comprises the steps of (1) starting the lift to lower the holder.

Abstract: A method for monitoring abnormality of a mold-clamping mechanism of a molding machine and for estimating the amount of abrasion in the toggle mechanism without disassembling a mold-clamping mechanism in the molding machine to allow manual inspection. The timing and content of maintenance to be performed is determined based on measurements of stress at the toggle mechanism, from which the amount of abrasion in the toggle is calculated. This method makes it possible to operate the machine until the time just before a product quality deficiency occurs, thereby allowing maintenance to be performed with a minimum of machine disassembly for manual inspection.

Abstract: A creep testing fixture and method for applying a precise amount of constant tensile stress to a creep test specimen to allow for precise measurement of creep in the test specimen. The fixture includes first and second mounting grips for holding opposite ends of a test specimen. A frame supports the mounting grips for relative reciprocal movement toward and away from each other. A tensile spring is connected between the first and second mounting grips. The frame subjects a test specimen held between the mounting grips to tensile stress in response to axially inward force that the tensile spring applies to the frame.

Abstract: A configuration for checking the clamping force to which the supporting and haulage cable is subjected by the coupling configuration for a transport assembly of a cableway system. The coupling configuration has a clamping lever which is subjected to the action of a spring-energy storage device and on which is mounted an actuating roller which rolls along a running surface of a guide rail. The running surface is formed with an elastically deformable region which is assigned a measuring configuration with which it is possible to measure the deformation of the running surface on account of the compressive force which is produced by the spring-energy storage device, acts on the guide surface via the actuating roller and corresponds to the clamping force. In this case, the measuring configuration is formed by at least two measuring units that function in different ways.

Abstract: A method for mounting an electronic component. In one example of this method, the electronic component is an integrated circuit which is placed against an element of a carrier, such as a frame of a carrier. The electronic component has a plurality of elongate, resilient, electrical contact elements which are mounted on a corresponding first electrical contact pads on the electronic component. The electronic component is secured to the carrier, aNd the carrier is pressed against a first substrate having a plurality of second electrical contacts on a surface of the first substrate. In a typical example of this method, the electronic component is an integrated circuit which is being tested while being held in a carrier. The integrated circuit has been singulated from a wafer containing a plurality of integrated circuits.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring tension and stress, which is capable of adjusting an angle of measurement. The apparatus includes a base plate, a supporting member, and a body for measuring tension and stress. The supporting member is mounted on the base plate. The supporting member further includes a revolving spindle supported by a bearing so that the body for measuring tension and stress can be attached to the supporting member in a way that the body for measuring tension and stress is capable of turning on the revolving spindle. In this way, the user can adjust the angle between the body for measuring tension and stress and the base plate, fulfilling the purpose of doing measurement for an object in an arbitrary angle of measurement.

Abstract: A method for monitoring abnormality of a mold-clamping mechanism of a molding machine and a molding machine for estimating abrasion amount without disassembling a mold-clamping mechanism in the molding machine for inspection, and making it possible to be operated until the time just before a quality deficiency of a product occurs, perform maintenance with minimum disassembly for inspection, and improve productivity.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the structural integrity of a hand rail structure. The hand rail having a plurality of substantially horizontal parallel rail members. The apparatus has an elongate lever arm and a mounting portion on the lever arm. The mounting portion is sized to span at least two rail members. A receptacle on the mounting portion opposite the lever arm receives one of the rail members and vertically supports the lever arm and mounting portion. A force is applied through the lever arm and transmitted to the hand rail. The force is measured by a torque wrench on the lever arm.

Abstract: Wafer holders disposed in the target chamber of an ion implantation apparatus, with each of the wafer holders comprising a wafer mount and an electrically conductive elastic body that is laid on the wafer mount and has a surface for holding a wafer thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a plurality of samples comprises a carousel, means for indexing the movement of the carousel, an environmental chamber, and means for positioning the sample for viewing and measuring the results of the testing. The environmental chamber makes possible testing at elevated or reduced temperatures, and testing in a variety of atmospheres. The sample positioning means and the viewing means are automated.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining a vibrational characteristic of a golf club shaft. The apparatus includes a table having a clamping structure for clamping the golf club shaft thereto. A multi-dimensional accelerometer is coupled to a tip end of the golf club shaft. The multi-dimensional accelerometer is also coupled to a computer. When the golf club shaft is vibrated, the multi-dimensional accelerometer converts the vibrational signal into an electrical signal which is transmitted to the computer. The computer conditions the electrical signal and outputs a signal indicative of the frequency of vibration of the golf club shaft. The stiffness of the golf club shaft is determined from the vibrational frequency of the golf club shaft.

Abstract: A test specimen holder for holding a test specimen in a material testing machine includes screw operated actuators with removable blocks of material. Preferably, a plurality of blocks of material is provided with a varying degree of compliance. Alignment guides indicating the relative position of jaw plates are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring clamp loads used to clamp production pallets in position in a transfer machining line is disclosed. The steps include substituting a test pallet for a production pallet during a production cycle. The test pallet includes at least one load cell located at a respective clamp portion. The next step is to detect when the test pallet is at the machining station and ready to be clamped. The test pallet is then clamped at its clamp portion having the load cell. Clamp load data is collected and stored in a data collector located on-board the test pallet. This data may be downloaded at the end of the cycle in a readable format.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly is provided for testing the peel strength between an outer layer and an adjacent inner layer of a tubular laminate. The assembly includes a cylindrical mandrel rotatably mounted to a clamping bracket. The mandrel has a retaining surface on its outer periphery which frictionally retains a sleevedly mounted sample of the laminate. The mandrel is attached to an axle by a pair of rotational bearings. The axle is fixedly attached to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is generally L-shaped and has a radial leg radiating from the axle and a clamping leg for being clamped into a testing machine. Testing the peel strength of the laminate includes mounting a test sample onto the mandrel assembly, mounting the assembly in a conventional tensile testing machine, attaching a starting end of the outer layer of the sample to the testing machine, starting the machine and measuring the force required to peel the outer layer from the inner layer.

Abstract: In a testing apparatus used to observe the effects of positive pressure and vacuum pressure on a test specimen, such as the effects resulting from forces created by wind, explosions and water, a clamp system is provided for holding the test specimen against the apparatus in a manner which creates an airtight cavity between the test apparatus and the specimen. The clamp system includes one or more rolling clamp assemblies which are selectively movable in relation to the test apparatus in order to accommodate a range of sizes of specimens to be clamped at various locations on the test apparatus. Each clamp assembly includes an elongate track formed by spaced, parallel rails supported on a rolling trolley. One or more clamp members slidably carried on the track each include a threaded rod extending between the rails and a pivoting foot on the distal end of the rod for engaging the specimen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement device having a cable probe, and to a method for shortening the cable of the cable probe, which measurement device and method allow the cable to be shortened without the housing of the measurement device having to be removed from a container which contains the medium to be measured. The only tools which are required are a conventional screwdriver, pliers for cutting through and cutting off the cable of the cable probe, and/or a cutting tool like a blade for exposing the electrical conductors contained therein.

Abstract: Process and device for controlling force applied on a fuel assembly in a transport container.

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.

Abstract: A load sensor is provided, which prevents defective printing of strain-sensing elements caused by the deflection of a pressure-receiving portion and provides stabilized quality and fabrication yields. The load sensor is provided with the strain-sensing elements printed on the pressure-receiving portion. The tip portion of the strain generating portions having a loading point is allowed to stay in advance below the plane containing the print surface of the strain generating portions in the direction of thickness. The tip portion of the pressure-receiving portion will never stay above the print surface of the strain generating portions even when the pressure-receiving portion is deflected in the heating process during fabrication. Therefore, this makes it possible to avoid defective printing of the strain-sensing elements caused by the deflection of the pressure-receiving portion.

Abstract: A fixing structure for a sensing element, wherein a load sensor is located at the central part of a plate member as a support member of a sensing element in the longitudinal direction. The plate member is attached to a load measuring location so that a length of the plate member when viewed in the longitudinal direction expands and contracts in accordance with a tension force or a compression force applied to the load measuring location, and both ends of the plate member when viewed in the longitudinal direction are welded to the load measuring location.

Abstract: A dynamic-mechanical analysis device has a support with upright longitudinal axis. An electro-mechanical transducer introduces a mechanical force along a linear force transmission path parallel to the longitudinal axis into holder parts of a sample holder for receiving the sample which are deflectable along the force transmission path. The introduced mechanical force is coupled to the first holder part and the reaction force is supported on the second holder part. A measuring device measures the deflection of the holder parts relative to one another. An adjusting device with connector part is connected to the force transmission path and is adjustable transverse to the longitudinal axis along first and second spatial axes perpendicular to one another. It has a first carriage slidable along the first spatial axis, a pivot frame slidable on the first carriage, and a second carriage slidable on the pivot frame along the second spatial axis.

Abstract: A force-reduction mechanism for a force-measuring device is made of a monolithic material block (1) and has a stationary support (8), a plurality of levers (9, 15, 17), and coupling elements (11, 14, 16) connecting the levers. The fulcrum (10a) of at least one lever (17) is movable in relation to the stationary support (8). A movable fulcrum (10a) can, e.g., be located on a preceding lever (9), so that the fulcrum (10a) shares the motion of the preceding lever (9). The concept of a movable fulcrum allows a more space-efficient design of the mechanism.

Abstract: A material testing system includes a base and first and second specimen holders. A first displacement sensor measures displacement of the first specimen holder relative to the base. In addition, a second displacement sensor measures displacement of the second specimen holder relative to the base.

Abstract: A pair of grips for holding a specimen which includes a pair of through openings for receiving tension pins and a pair of spaced apart, parallel edges. Each of the grips includes a pin, a Davis adjustable key, and a housing. The Davis adjustable key includes a key housing, a movable key portion and a mechanism to move the key portion relative to the key housing. The housing includes a bore for receiving the Davis adjustable key, a bore for receiving the pin, and a slot for receiving that portion of the specimen which includes the through opening and the edge. The Davis adjustable key bore and said pin bore are substantially parallel to each other. The slot is substantially perpendicular to and completely bisecting the pin bore.

Abstract: Tensile loading is applied to a notched specimen bar through the base of a fixture grip having a pair of interfitting pieces releasably held assembled in a fixture position in axial abutment with the base and in engagement with the specimen bar by means of a pair of fastener bolts, one of which is loosened so as to act as a hinge accommodating pivotal displacement of the interfitting pieces from the fixture position upon removal of the other fastener bolts.

Abstract: An indicator device is provided for indicating that a set value of a clamping force of a tightenable clamp has been reached. The clamp has an approximately C-shaped clamp strip with first and second circumferential ends facing one another in a circumferential direction of the clamping strip and axial ends extending in the circumferential direction from the first circumferential end to the second circumferential end. The axial ends have radially inwardly projecting end face walls with a radially inner edge. Clamping jaws are connected to the first and second circumferential ends. The indicator device has at least one breakable indicator element for each one of the end face walls, wherein the breakable indicator elements can be placed onto the radially inner edge of the end face wall.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring the breakaway and running forces required to move the plunger from its initial position toward the distal end of the syringe or cartridge barrel.

Abstract: A testing module for testing the strength of the welding area on a PCB is disclosed. The testing module has a plurality of first plates each provided with a plurality of pressing plates adjustably mounted thereon and a plurality of second plates each provided with a plurality of supporting plates securely mounted thereon. Each of the pressing plates are located at the center of two adjacent supporting plates, such that a plurality of PCBs are able to be tested for the strength of the welding area at a time.

Abstract: A multiaxial testing apparatus is shown and described wherein items to be tested are affixed to opposing mounts, and wherein at least one of these mounts defines a constant link of a mobile truss. By varying the lengths of other links within the mobile truss, the pose of the constant link mount is changed, thereby altering the pose and/or loading on the test item affixed between the mounts. In preferred embodiments, the mobile truss includes six variable-length links situated between two constant links, at least one of which is a mount, so that a test item affixed between the mounts may be moved and/or loaded in six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A tool for verifying the wetting of a “Hollow D” gasket adhesive sealing a panel, door or cabinet frame substrate and the like, including a pair of substantially symmetrical gripping surfaces having upper portions fastened together to receive a force gauge for measuring the upwards pulling on the gasket, and also having lower portions with inwardly facing extensions of a thickness equal to or less than that of the adhesive carrier for grasping the gasket when in place, and with a spacing between the facing extensions equal to or greater than the width of the adhesive carrier of the gasket.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of proof testing a planar, brittle materials such as those used for valve leaflets in the manufacture of mechanical heart valve prostheses, in which the material to be tested is placed between two interfitting, spherically-shaped shoes, one convex and one concave, and the shoes are compressed together, causing a biaxial stress force to be applied across the surface of the material. The use of a biaxial force created by the spherical shoe surfaces simplifies the testing procedure over the prior art, allowing a single application of force to test the material for flexure in any direction. The magnitude of the stress which is applied to the material is determined by the radii of the interfitting test shoes relative to the thickness of the material sample being tested. Sufficient force is applied to conform the material to the shoes such that any flaws of a predetermined minimum critical size will be revealed by acoustical monitoring during the test or visual inspection thereafter.

Abstract: Clamp or grip faces used in fiber/fabric tensile testing instruments are coated with an aramid-epoxy composite, thus allowing high-strength fiber/fabric samples to be tested with greater reproducibility at lower applied pressure and without clamp or grip face scarring.