Abstract: A specimen holder and rotary mount in which a semiconductor chip can be arately mounted and presented to a test device for checking the circuitry of the semiconductor chip as well as subjecting the chip to various thermal conditions.

Abstract: A mechanical screw drive loading test frame has a crosshead on the frame with a grip supported from the crosshead, and a second grip for gripping a second end of a specimen on which a second grip is connected to an axially movable shaft which is ragidly supported and guided for axial movement for loading the specimen. The support for the second grip is in a second rigid cross member positioned very close to the second grip to prevent lateral loads from loading the specimen transversly. The loading shaft is loaded from below the rigid cross member by a screw through a coupling and mounting arrangement which isolates load caused by misalignment in the drive screw or drive motor from the movable shaft and second grip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing brittle materials in tension includes a gripping sleeve of a viscous yieldable material placed over a specimen and a pulling sleeve adapted for placement over the gripping sleeve and for attachment to a testing apparatus. The pulling sleeve imparts load to the gripping sleeve which in turn imparts load to the specimen. Elements are provided to minimize elastic rebound.

Abstract: A novel mechanical testing grip is disclosed which accounts for both eccentricity between the load cell and cross head, as well as machining tolerances in the specimen. The device includes a ball and socket joint disposed between two alignment members and secured by connecting members. The connecting members have curved elements for contacting correspondingly curved apertures of the alignment members so that substantially no extra force is exerted upon the test specimen. The grip does not require any heating or excessive waiting periods prior to conducting a mechanical test and can reduce the misalignment of a mechanical test specimen below about 0.02.degree. from the load axis.

Abstract: A tensile test grip for holding a specimen has a pullrod that is mounted in an annular bore, and carries a piston head that fits within a piston chamber, and both the pullrod and piston head are sealed on their outer surfaces with respect to the body forming the piston chamber, to form an enclosed chamber in which hydraulic fluid can be provided to permit swiveling alignment of the pullrod and the piston head relative to the housing that is a function of the direction of loading between the pullrod and the housing. The seal on the pullrod and the seal on the piston head with respect to the respective surfaces on which they seal is on a very short part spherical land to permit the pullrod and piston head to shift with respect to the housing and provide self alignment. The pullrod and piston can swivel freely for a limited amount to provide alignment during tensile loads.

Abstract: In a test sample clamping apparatus for testing machines, having a clamping head or chuck and a force sensor (2) arranged on the chuck, testing forces are measured with a force sensor and displacements or test sample deformations are measured simultaneously with a light deflection. Thus, rapid test procedures such as fast tensile rupture tests are made possible. The clamping head or chuck includes a base plate (3), one side of which receives or holds clamping elements (15) and the other side of which clamps down the force sensor (2) against a support. A mirror surface (8, 8') is arranged on the base plate (3) or on other appropriate surfaces of the clamping head so as to reflect a ligth beam (10) emitted by a light source (9) onto a position detector (11). In order to measure a deformation caused displacement of the clamping head and correspondingly of the test sample (4), an electronic evaluating circuit (12) evaluates the position dependent output signal of the detector (11).

Abstract: A clamp for use in testing machines to prestress a joint between a driving shaft and a driven shaft, both of which are externally threaded with each having a flat surface abutting the other in a plane substantially perpendicular to the driving axis. The clamp is internally threaded to cooperate with the external threads and has bolts which, when tightened, produce a force on the abutting surfaces to compressively preload the joint from forces on the flanks of the external threads.

Abstract: Low temperature dilatometers are described which employ a combination cryostat/furnace made from an elongated block of metal by drilling separate longitudinal tubular chambers for insertion of a specimen tube containing a specimen and at least one electric resistance heater. A separate longitudinally drilled tubular cooling chamber serves as the expansion chamber for a conventional compressed gas refrigeration system, one end of the cooling chamber communicating with the inlet of the refrigerant gas compressor and the other end communicating, through an intermediate heat exchanger, with the outlet of the compressor. The metal construction of the cryostat/furnace and the absence of a conventional ceramic protection tube for the specimen facilitates rapid heat transfer to and from the specimen. The specimen can be brought quickly to the minimum desired temperature by operating the refrigeration system until that temperature is reached and then shutting off the compressor.

Abstract: The hosiery article is drawn onto a sizing form having uniformly shaped openings positioned in several spaced locations therealong and underlying the hosiery article positioned on the form. The sizing form is dimensioned and shaped to maintain the hosiery article under substantially the same tensioned condition the hosiery article would be placed under during wear by a person having a particular size foot and leg. A hand-held tension gauge is then positioned against the area of the hosiery article overlying the openings in the sizing form to measure the tension in various locations along the length of the hosiery article supported on the sizing form to determine if the hosiery article is of the proper designated size.

Abstract: A test fixture for use in measuring the forces required to bend a test specimen throughout a range of temperatures includes clamps for gripping the ends of the test specimen while bending forces are applied intermediate the ends of the specimen, the clamps being carried by carriages movable in directions aligned with the test specimen and biased away from one another by constant force springs so that movement of the ends of the test specimen is permitted in response to temperature changes in the test specimen, against the constant bias of the constant force springs, thereby maintaining the test specimen in constant tension during the measurement of bending forces despite the changes in temperature.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-aligning grip housing assembly that can transmit an uniaxial load to a tensil specimen without introducing bending stresses into the specimen. Disposed inside said grip housing assembly are a multiplicity of supporting pistons connected to a common source of pressurized oil that carry equal shares of the load applied to the specimen irregardless whether there is initial misalignment between the specimen load column assembly and housing axis.

Abstract: The invention is a wind tunnel suspension system for testing flutter models under various loads and at various angles of attack. The invention comprises a mounting bracket assembly 10 affixing the suspension system to the wind tunnel, a drag-link assembly 20 and a compound spring arrangement. The compound spring arrangement comprises plunge spring 18 working in opposition to compressive spring 17 so as to provide a high stiffness to trim out steady state loads and simultaneously a low stiffness to dynamic loads. By this arrangement an airfoil 25 may be tested for oscillatory response in both plunge and pitch modes while being held under high lifting loads in a wind tunnel.

Abstract: A holding device for holding test samples, in particular tablets, in a testing station for measuring the breaking strength of the test samples comprises a supporting structure carrying a rotatable mounting support supporting a plurality of press pads having gripper means or a cushion at their lower ends for being adapted to the shapes of the samples, each press pad being adapted to one particular sample shape, and which press pads align and/or hold the samples on a base plate. A drive means is provided for rotating the mounting support such that the press pad suitable for a particular sample is brought into an operating position in the testing station. A lowering means is operative for lowering the respective press pad just being in the operating position down to the base plate in order to align and/or hold the sample in the testing station.

Abstract: A tensile testing apparatus comprises a magazine or holder for test specimens. The specimens are disposed horizontally with their end portions constrained by U-shaped channels. Slots at the lower ends of the channels are provided for pulling the lowermost test specimen therethrough under the action of robot fingers, the fingers pulling the specimen to a 90 degree slide whereupon the fingers are lowered and the test specimen slides down the slide and is rotated 90 degrees before coming to rest on seats at the ends of the slides. The now retracted robot fingers are turned 90 degrees and spread apart for movement toward the test specimen which is then gripped and lifted upwardly from the seats and then transferred to a testing machine, tested and then removed from the testing machine.

Abstract: In order to determine the fatigue limit of elastic materials, especially rubber, under completely reversed stress by applying a load which alternates between zero and a maximum value and in order to determine the number of load alternations which leads to the breaking of the material, a plurality of strip-shaped rubber samples are clamped between two stationary clamping beams and a rocker. The rocker is approximately parallel to the beams and is moved at one end thereof by means of a crank mechanism. The rubber samples are each positioned parallel to one another in at least one row and are alternately stretched and relaxed to a different extent, depending on their spacing from the fulcrum of the rocker.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying and measuring a variable bending load to a fiber reinforced plastic test specimen under desired temperature and humidity conditions. The apparatus comprises a frame member including means for holding the ends of the test specimen while applying a bending load to the center of the test specimen.

Abstract: Structure for mounting a load cell enclosure on a bending beam is disclosed, wherein the load cell enclosure has a pair of mounting flanges extending from the enclosure and the flanges each have opposed mounting and exposed surfaces. A swivel footed clamp is provided for contacting each flange exposed surface and a beam surface in a manner to firmly secure the flange mounting surfaces to the beam.

Abstract: A method for measuring metal coating adhesion to a substrate material comprising the steps of preparing a test coupon of substrate material having the metal coating applied to one surface thereof, applying a second metal coating of gold or silver to opposite surfaces of the test coupon by hot hollow cathode process, applying a coating to one end of each of two pulling rod members, joining the coated ends of the pulling rod members to said opposite coated surfaces of the test coupon by a solid state bonding technique and finally applying instrumented static tensile loading to the pulling rod members until fracture of the metal coating adhesion to the substrate material occurs.

Abstract: An improved mechanical extensometer for use with a constant load creep test machine 10, wherein the dead weight of the extensometer is counterbalanced by two pairs of weights 70,90 and 80,100 connected through a pulley system 68, 78, 88 and 98 to rod extension 55,56 and 59,60, leading into the furnace 20 where test sample S is undergoing elevated temperature (above 500.degree. F.) tensile testing. Novel gripper surfaces, conical tip 119 and flat surface 122, are provided in each sample engaging platens 38 and 40 to reduce the grip pressure normally required for attachment of the extensometer to the specimen and reduce initial specimen bending normally associated with foil-gage metal testing.

Abstract: A holder is shown for empty beverage cans which are to be tested for the abrasion resistance of coatings on the cans. In one embodiment, the holder is formed with an elastomer shell which is received in an empty can. An expander is inserted in a longitudinal opening in the shell and is rotated to engage cam surfaces on both the shell and holder thereby expanding the shell into contact with the empty can. The pressure exerted by the expanded shell simulates that of the contents of a beverage can. In a second embodiment the elastomer shell has a conical opening which receives a similarly conically shaped expander which expands the shell in all directions as it is forced longitudinally into the shell. A strap holds three cans and their holders together by engaging projections into shaped recesses in the tops of the expanders.

Abstract: Material and component testing machine for providing random length bending and/or torsion loads in preferably bar-shaped test samples, where(a) the test sample 11 is fixed at both ends 12,13 in respective clamping means 14,15;(b) the one clamping means 14 is situated at the front end 16 of a shaft 17 which is resistant to bending and torsion and rotatable about its longitudinal axis, said shaft being mounted in two preferably hydrostatic bearings attached to the machine frame 19;(c) a radially projecting lever arm 21 is connected to the rear end 20 of the shaft 17, to which a force Z is applied;(d) the other clamping means 15 is situated in the center of a yoke 23 which is resistant to bending and torsion, at the back end of which forces X,Y, are applied respectively, each force being at right angles to the other;(e) the yoke 23 is supported on the machine frame through its two arms 24 via a cardan joint 24-28.

Abstract: A quick attach spring retainer holds an extensometer arm onto a test specimen under a resilient load using a unitary spring that is quickly placed onto an extensometer, and which has low mass to minimize any effects on dynamic testing. The spring force is reacted so that it creates a very low disturbing moment on the specimen and extensometer in that this clamping force is applied directly diametrically across from the specimen engaging edge of the extensometer. The unit is made so that it is very stable by providing a three point contact with the spring and the specimen engaging edge. The attachment clip or spring is adjustable across a range of different specimen sizes, using the same type of fixtures, and is made to be a self contained assembly that is not easily lost or misplaced because there are no loose parts. The spring that is utilized is retained in a mounting bracket that is used for attachment.

Abstract: A method for measuring an adhesive strength of a multi-layer material having at least two layers, such as a plain bearing, which method includes the steps of placing a mold on one surface of the multi-layer material, casting a brazing metal into the mold to form and secure a resulting cast structure to the one surface of the multi-layer material such that the cast structure includes a first column portion connected to and extending substantially upright from the one surface of the multi-layer, an intermediate portion extending and diverging in diameter from the upper end of the first column portion and a second column portion extending from the upper end of the intermediate portion, causing the opposite chucks of a tension tester to grasp the second column portion and the multi-layer material or a holder connected to the multi-layer material, respectively, and applying a tensile force to the respective layers of the multi-layer material in a direction transverse to the one surface of said multi-layer material

Abstract: A device to permit easily preloading a grip used in specimen testing by providing load carrying links and means for stressing the links to a load level higher than that encountered during the normal loading of the grip, and providing mechanical compressive load carrying surfaces between the load applying member and the grip which are held in compression under the prestress load. Specifically, the link is formed as part of the piston rod in a hydraulic test system and a separate hydraulic chamber is subjected to pressure to load the link after which the grip can be hand threaded down into a metal surface to metal surface abutting relationship with the load applying member. Once the pressure is relieved in the auxiliary cylinder the full force of the stress in the link will hold the load applying member and the grip in contact.

Abstract: A novel test fixture for simulating aerodynamic loading on an airfoil is described which comprises a pair of arrays of a plurality of individual pressure controlled flexible bellows supported between a pair of platens, one array configured to contact and conform to the upper surface of the airfoil and simulate the partial vacuum distribution thereacross, the second array configured to contact and conform to the lower surface of the airfoil and simulate the pressure distribution thereacross. A compliant stabilization structure configured to provide lateral stability to the bellows arrays under pressure conditions is described.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for testing casing for pressure and tension limits by inserting a sealing plug into both ends of the casing, threads on the plug for gripping the casing, and a compressible packing ring associated with the plug for sealing the casing, and thereafter pressuring and tensioning the plugged casing.

Abstract: A strip specimen is cut from a unidirectional strong, brittle fiber composite material, and the surfaces of both ends of the specimen are grit-blasted. The specimen is then placed between metal load transfer members having grit-blasted surfaces. Sufficient compressive stress is applied to the load transfer members to prevent slippage during testing at both elevated temperatures and room temperatures.

Abstract: A compressive creep test fixture of box-like structure having a rectangular opening for testing a specimen and a pair of ports for applying a vacuum is provided. Rigid or semi-rigid elements, spaced from each other in a uniform manner, support the specimen at the rectangular opening during testing. The vacuum in the fixture holds the tested specimen in place on the support elements, and together the vacuum and support elements prevent buckling of very thin sheet materials under conditions of edgewise compressive loading.A method for using a compressive creep test fixture to determine mechanical properties of sheet materials.

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: The present invention relates to a device for stressing a deformable material specimen. The apparatus consists of top plate 11 and bottom plate 12 sandwiching a guide cylinder 13. The specimen 14 is positioned on the bottom plate 12 and attached to a load piston 20 (FIG. 2). Force is applied through top plate 11 into guide cylinder 13. Once specimen 14 has been loaded, the stress is maintained by tightening tie bolt nuts 17.

Abstract: A compressive creep test fixture of box-like structure having a rectangular opening for testing a specimen and a pair of ports for applying a vacuum. Rigid or semi-rigid elements, spaced from each other in a uniform manner, support the specimen at the rectangular opening during testing. The vacuum in the fixture holds the tested specimen in place on the support elements, and together the vacuum and support elements prevent buckling of very thin sheet materials under conditions of edgewise compressive loading.A method for using a compressive creep test fixture to determine mechanical properties of sheet materials.

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: A test sample support for flat plate test samples used in the simultaneous laser, wind tunnel and tensile machine testing having a cantilever box frame member supported on the tensile machine with an adjustable sample alignment member and a stationary sample alignment member supported on the box frame member. Test sample backing members are adjustably supported on box frame member adjacent the stationary sample alignment member and on the adjustable sample alignment member. Two sample retainer buttons are secured to the stationary sample alignment member and two sample retainer buttons are secured to the adjustable sample alignment member. The stationary sample support member is positioned upstream of the test sample and has a sharp leading edge to provide a well defined flow field over the test sample.

Abstract: A constant point of load application fracture specimen loading machine for applying a load between grips that engage opposite grip groove faces of a slotted specimen that preferably has as a remainder portion in that slot a "V" shaped slot root whereby, when the machine grips are moved apart, they rotate so as to apply a constant point of load application to pull the specimen apart at that slot root. The machine of the present invention is useful for measuring the fracture toughness, fatigue-crack growth resistance, or stress corrosion crack growth resistance of slotted specimens providing a unique force application system whereby sliding friction losses are minimized, and other introduced effects, such as from specimen grip machining tolerances, or the like, are largely automatically compensated for.