Abstract: An apparatus (10) and methods for testing the quality of foundry green sand. The apparatus includes three testing stations where filling (60), compaction (80), weighting (94), gas permeability testing (120), moisture testing (40), fracture testing (160), and shear testing (180) occur. Each station is automated and controlled by a computer programmed control system or controller (200). Known foundry sand testing formulas are entered into the system or controller which in turn receives input from each of the testing stations. The condition and quality of the foundry sand is output. A method for testing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A construction and a method for measuring the clamping force exerted by a fastener securing together two bodies. The construction includes a piece of material the same as that of a first of the bodies and a stack of at least two pieces of the same material as the second body. The overall height of the stack is equal to the thickness of the second body. A fastener secures all the pieces together. By measuring the force required to move a piece of the stack relative to the other pieces of the stack, an indication of the force exerted by the fastener is provided.

Abstract: A material testing apparatus for applying selected force and moment loads to a test specimen includes a base assembly coupleable to the test specimen. The base assembly includes a support member and a first load generating mechanism adapted to apply a first load to the test specimen. A reaction structure reacts the first load applied to the test specimen. The reaction structure includes a reaction support joined to the support member. A moveable head is coupleable to the test specimen and is moveable relative to the reaction support. A second load generating mechanism is coupled to the moveable head and the reaction support. The second load generating mechanism is adapted to apply selected loads to the test specimen in at least two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the damping force of vibration dampers includes a frame, a drive and a clamping device for receiving the vibration dampers. One part of the clamping device is fixed in place and the other part is axially movable. The axially movable part of the clamping device is connected to the drive with a force transducer and a drive element. The drive is controlled by a control system.

Abstract: A multi-functional test machine is provided.

Abstract: A test specimen holder for holding a test specimen in a material testing machine that applies force loads to the test specimen includes a base member having a first end coupleable to the material testing machine and a second end remote from the first end. A longitudinal axis extends from the first end to the second end. A body member extends from the second end to the first end and includes an aperture disposed on the longitudinal axis for receiving the test specimen. A displacement device displaces the body member relative to the base member substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention is a machine for the cyclic load testing in tension, compression, torsion, shear, or any combination thereof of any one of a number of different sizes, types and configurations of test specimens at a fixed or adjustable predetermined load and cycle rate and comprising a machine frame in which is mounted a drive shaft, any number of intermediate shafts as required, and a camshaft or crankshaft. At the workstation of the machine, appropriate fixtures and tooling are either fixed, rotating, or in motion, as required to conduct the particular test to be performed. When the test specimen is to be in motion, the motion may be derived from a driving source separate from the primary mover or camshaft, for instance but not limited to an independent motor or cylinder. This source of motion may also be taken through a drive train or any suitable means from the same driving source as the camshaft or from the camshaft itself or from any other moving member in the system.

Abstract: A new apparatus and method for applying a biaxial load to a flat plate test specimen is disclosed. A rhombus-shaped four-bar linkage is attached at one vertex to a fixed attachment point and a uniaxial tensile force is applied to the opposite vertex. The test specimen is placed inside the four-bar linkage and is attached to the four bar linkage by load transfer members connected at one end to the links of the four bar linkage and at their other end to grips holding the test specimen. In one embodiment, load transfer members parallel to the applied uniaxial tensile force are attached to test specimen grips adjacent to the link attachment points of the load transfer members and perpendicular load transfer members are attached to test specimen grips opposite their link attachment points. Application of the uniaxial tensile force then produces a biaxial tensile force in the test specimen.

Abstract: An in vitro tissue testing system especially useful for testing blood/tissue interactions. The system includes a tissue holding frame which forms a chamber between two flat pieces of tissue with a spacer plate therebetween. The spacer plate includes a reservoir aperture bordered on both sides by the opposed tissue pieces, and a mechanism for depressing portions of the tissue pieces inwardly into the chamber to propel blood from one side of the chamber to the other. The flow created simulates actual blood flow in a host system. The reservoir aperture may be hourglass shaped with circular end portions and a middle blood passageway. The actuating mechanism may include pistons for alternating contact with the tissue within the confines of the opposite reservoir end portions, thus propelling blood from one end portion to the other. The pistons may be driven by a plurality of eccentric cams on shafts coupled to a common drive motor.

Abstract: A fixture for positioning and supporting parts for measurement on a measuring machine, the fixture including a number of reconfigurable supporting elements, each having a base positionable automatically on a reference surface of the measuring machine by a head of the machine itself, and a column, which is adjustable in height by means of a reference tool, and is subsequently fitted to a respective base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixture for supporting an elongated specimen for crush testing. The fixture comprises a base plate, four guiding rods, a sliding plate, four support rods and two collars. The guiding rods connect to the base plate and extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base plate. The sliding plate has linear bearings which encircle the guiding rods and enable translation of the sliding plate along the axis of each guiding rod. The four supporting rods mount to the base plate and also extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base plate. Each support rod has a keyway for a wedge which contacts the elongated specimen and holds the specimen in place during crushing. Each collar lies above the sliding plate and holds a pair of support rods on their ends opposite the ends connected to the base plate. A spherical bearing sits on top of the sliding plate and transfers an applied load to the sliding plate, which moves downward and crushes the elongated specimen.

Abstract: A tensile test fixture for applying constant tensile forces to a tensile test specimen comprises two mounting grips, each mounted to one of two lever arms in a pivoted lever arm frame structure. One end of each lever arm is pivotally attached to a compression column while the other end of each lever arm is attached to one end of a force-applying assembly. The mounting grips are pivotally attached to their respective lever arms between the compression column and the force-applying assembly and are designed to hold opposite ends of a tensile test specimen. The force-applying assembly comprises stress and strain modules that are interchangeably installable into the force-applying assembly to selectively subject tensile test specimens to constant strain and constant stress.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the pluck resistance of snap-members has a presser for pressing the fabric of a garment to which a snap member is attached, securely around the member and a plurality of jaws for constraining the sides of the snap member. A tensile force pulls the snap member away in the direction at right angles to the fabric surface to which the snap member is attached and a gauge measures the tensile force.

Abstract: A tool and a method for attaching a strain gauge to a test specimen by maaining alignment of, and applying pressure to, the strain gauge during the bonding of the gauge to the specimen. The tool comprises rigid and compliant pads attached to a spring-loaded clamp. The pads are shaped to conform to the specimen surface to which the gauge is to be bonded. The shape of the pads permits the tool to align itself to the specimen and to maintain alignment of the gauge to the specimen during the bond curing process. A simplified method of attaching a strain gauge is provided by use of the tool.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for holding an object includes a first clamp member having a first grip portion and a second clamp member having a second grip portion disposed opposite said first grip portion. A first guide member restricts the first clamp member to movement along a first axis and a second guide member restricts the second clamp member to movement along a second axis, the second axis being disposed so as to cross the first axis at a crossover point.

Abstract: A load module for use with a uniaxial materials testing apparatus includes a module frame defining a rectangular opening therein defined by two opposed first sides and two opposed second sides, and a floating bracket disposed within the rectangular opening for movement between the first sides. A fixed grip for holding a first end of a test sample is rigidly attached to one of the first sides. A floating grip is rigidly fixed to the floating bracket on a side of the bracket facing the fixed grip. The floating grip for holding a second end of the test sample is axially aligned with the fixed grip. Linear bearings disposed between the second sides and the floating bracket are configured and located to constrain motion of the floating bracket to a single axis.

Abstract: A confined capping system provides a simple approach for compressive strength testing of high performance concrete specimens. The test specimen ends are capped with a conventional capping compound confined in steel rings larger in diameter than the specimen. The capped rings are compression tested in a conventional way. This method thus employs standard concrete laboratory testing equipment. An inexpensive customized capping apparatus may be used for preparing the specimen ends. The method ensures that confinement is provided to the cap without having to place tight controls on specimen end roughness prior to capping and on the cap thickness itself.

Abstract: A fixture for testing the strength of a resistance spot weld connecting two test strips comprises two identical clamping frames, each having releasable clamps for gripping and holding one of the test strips. A pull bar is mounted on each clamping frame in any one of several selected angular positions. The pull bars are aligned with one another and then grasped by a pulling mechanism to apply a separating force on the two strips. The arrangement is such that the line of the separating force passes through the weld.

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: A hydraulic grip suitable for use in both tensile and compressive loading of a specimen comprises generally a main body and an outer housing to form a pair of annular chamber thereinbetween. Hydraulic fluid under pressure alternately introduced into the chambers forces the outer housing to move up or downward relative to longitudinal axis of the main body. A cooling circulation may be established between the grip and a compressor so that the testing can be performed in high temperature. This grip also facilitates a rapid replacement of different grip jaws.

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: Attempts to determine compression properties of materials from specimens having a thin cross-section or even specimens that have relatively large cross-sections and correspondingly large slenderness ratios, i.e., length-to cross-sectional-thicknesses, are thwarted, became failure will occur due to Euler buckling prior to the realization of the objective. The same problem exists when testing columns of various cross-sections and thin-walled cylinders as structural components, depending upon their slenderness ratios, or in situ specimens cut out of thin structural components. This invention presents an improved, but simple way to increase the critical buckling force while mechanically testing in compression laboratory specimens, in situ test specimens taken from structural components, or even structural components having large slenderness ratios.

Abstract: A holder for a corrugated paperboard test specimen is designed to orient the specimen in a vertical plane so that the specimen can be subjected to an edgewise compression test. The holder includes upper and lower clamps that grip the upper and lower surfaces of the specimen, leaving an intermediate section of the specimen unsupported; the specimen will experience a buckling action in the unsupported section as a response to progressively increased vertical loads. Each clamp includes a spring-biased clamping pad that can be retracted manually to permit insertion of a test specimen into the clamping space.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the strength and performance of various building structures, such as doors, windows, storm shutters and panels, under hurricane type conditions, the apparatus including a vertically supported wall and a movable test structure mounting and support assembly including a frame for supporting a building structure to be tested. The frame is movably attachable in sealed engagement to a front face of the wall, such that the test structure is disposed in close, spaced relation to the wall, creating an air tight cavity between the building structure and the front face, wherein airflow is selectively delivered to or removed from the cavity by a diverter valve along an airflow conduit connecting between an air passage hole in the wall and to a high volume, low pressure blower. A computer controls the diverter valve and monitors pressure in the cavity to selectively control and rapidly change the cavity pressure through a range of predetermined positive and negative pressure levels.

Abstract: An alignment extensiometer is shown which attaches to a material testing sample by means of a hinged split cross head and a movable split insert. The extensiometer is used to reduce sample damage and set up time.

Abstract: The improved sample holder comprises a cylinder portion 5 having a center hole through which a test piece is inserted, a reciprocating ram rod 7 that is inserted into said hole and which is vertically slidable under hydraulic pressure to push down the test piece, and a test piece fixing plate 6 that is inserted under the cylinder portion 5 as it is slid horizontally from either right or left, with the thicker part of the test piece being held between the fixing plate 6 and the working end of the hydraulically operated pushing rod 7. The holder permits a fatigue test piece to be mounted and fixed on a testing machine by remote manipulation so that a fatigue test can be performed in either a hot vacuum or inert gas atmosphere.

Abstract: A tensiometer engages an elongated test member at three spacially displaced points, the intermediate point being defined by a fulcrum about which the member is bent by application of a known spring force to the member at one of the other points. The spring force is coupled to the test member via a movable member which moves in a substantially frictionless manner.

Abstract: Phase delay, amplitude and the like of sinusoidal strain (stress) are detected with high precision, and also adverse influences caused by expansion, shrinkage, stress relaxation, and creep of a sample are removed by a simple correction term by way of a mathematical method, utilizing Fourier transformation processing. A digital-to-analog converter is used for converting a signal of a detector for detecting sample strain, or displacement of the sample, a memory is connected for storing a digital output signal from the analog-to-digital converter, and a calculator is used for performing a Fourier transformation calculation on the signal values stored in the memory. Complex elastic modulus M* and loss tangent tan .delta. corresponding to the basic physical amount in dynamic viscoelasticity can be obtained with high precision by processing a response signal derived from the sample by Fourier transformation processing. Also, the measuring range of the elastic modulus can be expanded.

Abstract: A biaxial compression testing device formed by two modified beams joined ether to form an X-shape with the support structure, such as webs and upper flanges, removed in the region of the X intersection, thereby leaving a rectangular opening. The rectangular opening has dimensions slightly greater than the widths of the beams and is open from the upper surfaces downward to the lower surfaces which are joined together forming an X-configuration. This configuration has a flexing characteristic in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the joined beams. A test specimen support plate is attached to the underside of one of the upper surfaces and is located so as to slide below the opposing upper surface during flexing of the x-beam assembly. Each beam is supported by a roller pin. Additional roller pins are located on the specimen support plate between each beam upper flange and a specimen to be tested. These roller pins prevent any torsional load from reaching the test specimen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for testing tensile strength of microfilaments. Fibers as small as 0.001 inch in diameter and 0.04 inches in length have been tested, although the method and apparatus of the invention are capable of testing fibers of smaller diameter and length. The invention utilizes a method wherein one or both ends of a microfilament is gripped using resin which is softened sufficiently to accept an end of the microfilament and then allowed to harden. The invention also employs the use of a translation stage capable of controlled three-dimensional movement suited to facilitating gripping of the microfilament.

Abstract: An end-cap-to-piston coupling, with or without an integral load cell has been developed for triaxial test apparatus. One triaxial test apparatus shown has a housing, sample mounting apparatus in the housing, a load piston opening through the housing through which projects a load piston, and a load transfer coupling, with or without an integral load cell, interposed between the end cap and the load piston. In one aspect the coupling has a coupling body and a channel on one end into which the load piston is inserted to contact a shoulder of the coupling body. Another end of the coupling has a channel which receives a top end cap of a sample mounting arrangement. This channel may be sized and configured to receive a load transfer ball interposed between the coupling and the end cap or between the coupling and the piston. In one aspect a series of interchangeable top and bottom members are provided, each with a different diameter recess, to accommodate load pistons and sample end caps of different diameters.

Abstract: An apparatus is invented that accurately determines the failure or fracture stress of materials that behave in a brittle manner while under static or dynamic loadings that applies a stress to a test specimen in tension, compression, shear, or combination thereof, or in the case of cyclic loading stressing a fatigue sample. The bending and twisting of the test specimen due to the inherent misalignments in conventional test systems are drastically reduced by this device, which utilizes a hollow cylinder, termed a bending moment absorber whose ends are fitted and fixed to the ends of a dumbbell or flat specimen. This assembly, in turn, is clamped at each end by commercially available hydraulically-operated grips within the load train. This device causes the combined cross-sections of the hollow cylinder and the specimen to act in concert so as to markedly increase the moment of inertia of the system and thus reduce both the imposed bending stress and the error during testing.

Abstract: A convertible tensile test machine having a dual capability for selectively testing a specimen in an open environment or in solution including a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion and a central portion therebetween, a support plate on the central portion of the frame, a carriage on the frame above the support plate on the upper portion of the frame, a load cell transducer on the carriage, a drive for driving the carriage toward and away from the support plate, an upper grip on the load cell transducer, a lower grip on the lower portion of the frame below the support plate, an opening in the support plate, a connector member connected to the upper grip and extending through the opening in the support plate for connection to the upper end of a specimen, the lower end of which is connected to the lower grip for open environment testing, a shelf mountable on the lower portion of the frame for supporting a vessel for solution testing, a second lower grip, a carrying member attachable to the support

Abstract: A material test system capable of applying multiple force load components simultaneously includes a first actuator connected in parallel with a spring element. The first actuator and the spring element in turn are connected in series with the test specimen and a second actuator. The spring element is substantially rigid in order to transfer the force load from the second actuator to the test specimen yet substantially compliant in order to allow transfer of the force load from the first actuator to the test specimen.

Abstract: The ultimate tensile strength of a test sample is tested in a high speed testing machine having a frame (2), a force measuring device (9A), and a load application mechanism (3, 4) for applying a loading stroke to the test sample after a loading piston has passed through a lead stroke to attain the required testing velocity. A force locking, frictionally effective clamping mechanism clamps the test sample for coupling to the machine frame (2) and/or to the load application mechanism (3) when the loading piston has reached the testing velocity.

Abstract: An alignment coupling is shown which is of chain like construction where one pair of set screws passes through the upper link and engages the top of the lower link so as to adjust its alignment and a second pair of set screws passes through the lower link and engages the bottom of the upper link to adjust its alignment. This coupling is used in a free swiveling mode or a fixed alignment mode.

Abstract: A weld joint test fixture for testing the strength of a weld joining seve members forming a test specimen is provided. The fixture includes a base which supports the test specimen and an attachment for applying a testing force to the test specimen while the test specimen is supported by the base. The fixture further includes holding elements attached to the base for holding the test specimen on the base during the application of the testing force. The holding elements preferably engage one of the members forming the test specimen without engaging another of the members. The fixture may also include the holding elements being designed to oppose the testing force substantially only by forces directed in a plane parallel to the applied testing force.

Abstract: The device comprises a tubular body portion (1) in which are fitted first and second jaws (2, 4) for holding a specimen (3) to be tested. A compression spring (5) or pressure chamber (29), are housed within the body portion (1) and act to urge the first jaw (2) outwards whilst the second jaw (4) is secured to the body portion thereby applying stress to the specimen (3). The device is sufficiently small to enable it to be used in confined spaces, such as the underside of a vehicle or within a vehicle engine compartment, so the tests can be carried out in real-life environments. If hydraulic actuation of the pressure chamber (29) is used, varying stresses can be applied to the specimen (3) which are also dependent upon real-life movements and/or stresses.

Abstract: An alignment device for use with machinery in accurately aligning a machinery device train having a first and a second assembly. The alignment device comprises a central plate that has a curved surface and an opposing flat face. A disc with a curved surface is slideably engaged with the curved surface of the plate and a disc with a flat surface is slideably engaged with the flat surface of the plate. The alignment device is interposed between first and a second assemblies and preload compressive force is applied to the alignment device. Selective sliding movement of the two discs with respect to the plate, independently aligns the lateral and angular relationship of the upper and lower assemblies without the need to unload the alignment device. Maintaining the preload on the alignment device after alignment is accomplished prevents the introduction of alignment errors.

Abstract: A material testing apparatus is shown that uses one free swiveling alignment coupling and one alignment coupling which can be used in a free swiveling mode or a fixed alignment mode. These couplings and an alignment extensiometer are used to reduce sample bending. First and second pull rods (4,8) removably connected to the alignment couplings (5,9) are at opposite ends thereof removably coupled to the sample (1) being tested via sample couplings (3,7).

Abstract: A tension-compression attachment stage for an electron microscope having a ryogenic heat exchanger is provided. The attachment stage has a support assembly for mounting brackets to support a pair of load screws and a load screw drive assembly and for mounting a fixed jaw. A moveable jaw is supported and moved by the pair of load screws. A cryogenic heat exchanger is soldered to the fixed jaw and slideably engages the moveable jaw through heat conducting slider blocks. The combination allows control of test specimen test within 1.degree.-4.degree.F.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for compressing a material in a mold. The apparatus includes a frame having a first portion and a second portion. The apparatus also includes a roller coupled to the first portion of the frame for compressing the material in the mold, and a support plate coupled to the second portion of the frame for receiving the mold thereon to position the mold relative to the compression roller. The apparatus further includes an apparatus for varying the distance between the roller and the support plate so that the roller applies a compressive force to the material. A drive mechanism is coupled to the support plate for moving the support plate relative to the roller in a direction normal to the compressive force applied by the roller.

Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting to a chip and a substrate for testing the bond between a chip and a substrate in a testing apparatus, the connector assembly comprises a pair of connector blocks, each block having a generally square planar connecting face for bonding to oppositely directed faces of a chip and substrate, and a coupling end for mounting in a tensile testing machine, and a swivel connector assembly for connecting to the coupling and mounting in a tensile testing machine for the application of aligned tension to the chip and substrate.

Abstract: A weather-fastness test method utilizing a novel sample holder and constituted by the steps of fixing the sample to the holder which is provided with metal coils the shape of which varies in accordance with the variation in the temperature of the ambient air and the radiation heat from a light source and which are connected so as to apply a force to the sample as the temperature changes, placing the sample under predetermined conditions, e.g. exposing the sample to radiation by light, to air having a temperature and humidity of predetermined levels, and to rain, while the sample is under repeated tension, compressive force and/or bending stress due to the variation of the shape of the coils and imparted to the sample, and then evaluating the weather-fastness resistance of the sample.

Abstract: An self-aligning biaxial loading apparatus for use in testing the strength of specimens while maintaining a constant specimen centroid during the loading operation. The self-aligning biaxial loading apparatus consists of a load frame and two load assemblies for imparting two independent perpendicular forces upon a test specimen. The constant test specimen centroid is maintained by providing elements for linear motion of the load frame relative to a fixed crosshead, and by alignment and linear motion elements of one load assembly relative to the load frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the respective elongations of several sample strips (13), comprises: a vertical frame (51) provided with a fixed upper gripping jaw (27) and a mobile lower gripping jaw (15) to maintain each of the strips (13), the lower gripping jaw (15) stretches the strip by gravity effect; and an electronic displacement sensor (33, 35) associated to each lower gripping jaw (15). Each gripping jaw comprises a sole and a plate articulated on the sole. A magnet (11) is mounted in the sole, flush with a contact surface of the sole, for urging the plate against the contact surface by magnetic attraction.

Abstract: A clamping device for holding a sample to be tested in a testing machine is so constructed that an automatic alignment of the clamping device relative to a vertical load application axis is assured to avoid the introduction of undesirable bending moments into the test sample. Thus, tension and/or compression and/or torsion loads can be applied to the test sample without interfering bending moments. For this purpose a clamping shaft is journalled in a support member for journalling about a first axis (9) and the support member is journalled in a mounting buck for journalling about a second axis (13). The mounting buck is secured to the frame of the testing machine. The two journal axes (9, 13) extend perpendicularly to the load application axis (3) of the testing machine. Further, the two journal axes (9, 13) and the load application axis (3) have a common intersection (21).

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for testing stabilizers (10) which are supported on stationary bearings (16, 17) upon a bench (32) and which are strained via a drive assembly by movement of one stabilizer leg (12) against the other stabilizer leg (13) includes mass elements (18, 19) attached to stabilizer legs (12, 13), the mass elements (18, 19) being movable via the oscillator exciter (27) attached to one side of the mass element (18) in a manner such that the mass-spring system formed by the stabilizer (10) and mass elements (18, 19) oscillates at its resonant frequency.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-aligning axial/torsional loading mechanism for testing the strength of brittle materials which are sensitive to bending moments. Disposed inside said self-aligning loading mechanism is a frictionless hydrostatic ball joint with a flexure ring to accommodate torsional loads through said ball joint.

Abstract: A single-filament specimen preparation fixture for preparing a multiplicity of tensile testing specimens from the same filament. The fixture can be used manually or it can be adapted for use as one element in an automatic testing system.