Abstract: A hardness tester includes a frame with a penetrator slidably carried by said frame for movement along a penetration axis, and thereby adapted to form an indentation in a specimen upon application of a load thereto. The resulting depth of the indentation is determinative of the hardness number of the specimen. The means by which a load is applied to the penetrator is rotatably actuated. The rotational displacement of the loading means bears a predetermined relationship to the linear dimension of the indentation depth formed during hardness testing of a specimen. The hardness tester further includes electro-optical mechanical encoding means, and further adapted to emit a coded electrical signal indicative of the sensed angular displacement. Furthermore, an electronic counting circuit decodes the output signals of the encoding means in the form of a count. The count, determinative of the resulting depth of penetration, is indicative of the hardness number of the tested specimen.

Abstract: Hardness testing apparatus, for use in assessing dimensions, from which a hardness value can be determined, of an indentation formed under controlled conditions in a surface of a specimen, having a photosensitive detector for sensing brightness over an image in which the indentation differs in brightness from the rest of the image. The detector produces electrical signals representative of sensed brightness. Discrimination circuitry discriminates signals representative of brightness within the indentation from signals representative of brightness outside the indentation. Correlation of discrimination results provides an assessment of indentation dimensions. Preferably oblique lighting is used to provide enhanced brightness differentation between a multifaceted indentation and other specimen surface features. The oblique light is directed so as to be specularly reflected from a facet of the indentation vertically with respect to the general specimen surface.

Abstract: A powder-actuated apparatus for determining the hardness of various homogeneous materials wherein the determination may be made in a manufacturing facility, warehouse, or in the field. The apparatus ensures that a constant driving force will be delivered to a testing probe without the need to carefully control the energy input source for the apparatus. Thus, conventional cased or caseless powder charges can be used as the initial energy source for the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the hardness of wooden telephone and powerline poles to determine whether they are safe for climbing by linemen. A gaff is wedged into the side of the pole a preselected distance under hydraulic pressure. The maximum applied pressure is a measure of the hardness of the wood which correlates well with the results obtained during subjective tests by linemen.

Abstract: The combination with an elongate shaft, means in operative engagement with one end of the shaft adapted to apply thrust to the shaft and another means in operative engagement with the mentioned end of the shaft for turning the shaft about its major longitudinal axis, to selectively move the shaft endwise or to rotate the same, together with a lamellate head of a thickness equal or less than a transverse dimension of the shaft, in engagement with and extending beyond the opposite end of the shaft in a plane, that, when the shaft is viewed in elevation, is substantially parallel to the major longitudinal axis and, when the shaft is viewed endwise, is at an angle to such axis; the head having a linearly extending edge and a part each in the plane of head extension, the part projecting away from the mentioned shaft axis to a point beyond the span of a shaft lateral surface and having a shoulder that extends at an angle less than a straight angle to the shaft major longitudinal axis, so that when the head is press

Abstract: A method of measuring surface hardness combining the techniques of Brinell Hardness testing and air-gauging by providing a hard penetrator member having in it a passage and apertures through which air under pressure is passed. The hardness of a work piece is measured by measuring the effect on air pressure caused by occlusion of the apertures as the penetrator is pressed into a specimen of which the hardness is to be measured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lacquer hardness testing apparatus comprising a wheel formed around its outer periphery with a sharp central edge and a weight exerting its pressure on said wheel. The apparatus comprises a horizontal shaft rotatably supporting said wheel at one forked end and having its other end operatively connected to a vertical lever through means permitting an angular movement between the two members. The vertical lever is connected in the same manner to one end of another horizontal lever carrying said weight at its opposite end, said weight thus exerting a constant force on said wheel irrespective of the position of the lacquered surface to be tested. This apparatus is intended more particularly for testing the degree of curing of lacquered surfaces of the bodies of motor vehicles.

Abstract: A method is presented for making a penetration test of a homogeneous ceramic material which includes driving a cylindrical hardened steel probe pin of a predetermined configuration into the material to be tested. At the beginning of the test, the pin is snugly assembled in an enclosing tubular cylinder with a flattened end of the pin in registration with one end of the cylinder. After the pin is driven into the material to be tested by use of a closely controlled powder charge in a suitable gun, while holding the tubular cylinder, one may accurately measure the penetration where the flat end of the pin has penetrated the surrounding cylindrical tube. The novel probe pin assembly includes the probe pin assembled in an embracing tube member.