Abstract: Methods, systems, and networks for controlling design and manufacture of mechanically and electrically compliant VCM-based vehicles, in which a user manually and explicitly defines at least one vehicle characteristic and at least one VCM characteristic. User selection of one or more vehicle characteristics ensures that the selection of VCM characteristics will be that of VCM characteristics compatible with the selected vehicle characteristics. Similarly, user selection of one or more VCMs or VCM characteristics ensures that the selection of vehicle characteristics will be that of vehicle characteristics compatible with the selected VCM or VCM characteristics.

Abstract: A gas leak detector cartridge includes a cartridge housing that is removably installed in a handheld device. The cartridge housing includes a sensor that detects a presence of a contaminant in a sample gas and is connected to a printed circuit board. The cartridge housing also includes a pump positioned in a manifold and introduces a sample gas to the sensor. The sensor is at least partially inserted into the manifold that includes the pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for crumbling root crops into substantially equal sized pieces, comprising: a main frame having an inlet side and an outlet side; a root crop supply at the inlet side; at least one crumbling shaft rotatable supported in the main frame, the crumbling shaft being provided with a plurality of curved hooks, which are curved into a direction of rotation of the crumbling shaft; and a non-rotating cutting rake having a plurality of protrusions and recesses and forming a counter blade for the hooks, wherein the hooks are arranged for interlaced movement with said recesses of the non-rotating rake. The invention moreover concerns a system and a corresponding method.

Abstract: Gripper pads are provided for use, augmentation or retrofitting in a robot manipulator. The gripper pads distinguish a dry adhesive layer with dry adhesive wedges that would interface with an object that is desired to be manipulated. The plurality of dry adhesive wedges is organized in a pattern such that the pattern has at least two different orientations for the direction of the plurality of wedges. The gripper pads further distinguish a sensor array underneath the dry adhesive layer. The data obtained from the sensor array provides an estimate of the shape and size of the contact between the gripper pad and the object when the dry adhesive layer is in contact with the object.

Abstract: Mechanical low pass filters for motion sensors and methods for making same are disclosed. In some implementations, a motion sensor package comprises: a substrate; one or more mechanically compliant dampers formed on the substrate; one or more mechanically compliant metal springs formed on the one or more dampers and the substrate; and a sensor stack attached to the one or more metal springs, wherein the one or more metal springs and dampers provide a mechanical suspension system having a resonant frequency that is higher than a sensing bandwidth of a motion sensor in the sensor stack and lower than a resonant frequency of the motion sensor.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a method of controlling an electric drive powertrain system. The method includes providing an electric motor capable of running between a motor minimum speed and a motor maximum speed such that the electric motor can produce different amounts of torque between a first region defined between the motor minimum speed and a motor base speed and a second region defined between the motor base speed and the motor maximum speed. The method includes receiving a signal from operator inputs and determining a desired transmission output torque based on the signal received from the operator inputs. The method also includes determining a desired motor torque based on the desired transmission output torque, operating the electric motor at a current corresponding to the desired motor torque and producing a greater amount of torque at the motor base speed than at the motor minimum speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for load testing a coupon may include a test frame and a pair of spaced apart load balancing assemblies connected to the test frame, each load balancing assembly of the pair of load balancing assemblies including a load leveling mechanism connected to the test frame and a plurality of spaced apart load plates, each load plate of the plurality of load plates having a first end pivotably connected to the load leveling mechanism and a second end, the second end of each load plate including a friction holder configured to frictionally engage an end of the coupon, wherein at least one load balancing assembly of the pair of load balancing assemblies is movable along an axis of movement with respect to an opposed load balancing assembly to communicate a load to the coupon.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for testing and maintaining hydraulic tools and, in particular, devices and methods for testing and maintaining hydraulic forcible entry tools that are used to forcibly open locked doors, for example, in emergency situations.

Abstract: The disclosure relates a safety shield for the jaws of a grip used for tensile or similar materials testing. The safety shield typically attached to the jaws and shields the jaws on two, three or four sides in order to reduce the hazard of a user placing his or her fingers between the jaws while positioning the testing sample or specimen therebetween. A user is typically able to adjust the position of the safety shield to achieve greater safety. The safety shield may be configured from planar material, such as sheet metal or plastic, or from wire material.

Abstract: A magnetic suspension supporter for a direct tension test apparatus, includes an upper end cap and a lower end cap for fixing a sample, an upper chain and a lower chain connected to the upper and lower end caps respectively, an upper joint and a lower joint connected to the other ends of the upper and lower chains respectively, the lower joint being fixed to the test machine foundation. In addition, the upper and lower end caps, the upper and lower chains, the upper and lower joints as well as the supporter having a common vertical axis and being arranged in a cascade form, characterized in that a sample supporter is arranged between the lower end cap and the test machine foundation. The sample supporter is composed of a pair of upper magnet provided at the underside of the lower end cap and lower magnet on the upside of the test machine foundation, which constitute two magnets structure. The polarity directions of the two magnets are reversed and the same polarity is arranged oppositely on the axis.

Abstract: An improved test fixture to evaluate thin composite laminates commonly used in deployable space structures. The fixture is designed to impart a pure moment into the coupon, a necessary improvement to prior test methods where results are obtained by fitting material properties in a nonlinear structural analysis of the test. Fixture mechanics allow for direct calculation of the coupon flexural modulus and allowable flexural strain based on two key measurements, fixture displacement and applied load.

Abstract: An apparatus or device for collecting aerosol particles from a gas stream, having a collector body enclosing a collector channel, a particle trap in the collector channel, and an injection duct for injecting a discrete microdroplet of an elution reagent. The particle trap may be a centrifugal impactor, a bluff body impactor, or an electrostatic impactor. Aerosol particles are deposited on the surface during collection and are subsequently eluted with a microdroplet or a series of microdroplets as a concentrated liquid sample so that the sample can be analyzed in situ or conveyed to a detector for analysis. The collector serves as an aerosol-to-liquid conversion module as part of an apparatus for detecting and analyzing aerosol particles, and may be used in an integrated environmental threat assessment system, for example for characterization of aerosolized chemical and biological weapons, or for industrial or environmental monitoring.

Abstract: A tester for testing a shear fastener includes: a frame; a stationary chuck connected to the frame; a linear guide comprising a slider; a movable chuck connected to the slider; a movable insert fastened to the movable chuck and having a hole for receiving a first portion of the shear fastener; a stationary insert fastened to the stationary chuck and having a hole for receiving a second portion of the shear fastener; a linear actuator for engaging the movable chuck and fracturing the shear fastener; and a load cell for determining force exerted on the shear fastener by the linear actuator.

Abstract: A method is presented for characterizing properties of a specimen, such as a microstructure and a nanostructure. The method includes attaching a first end of the specimen to a first probe (204) and attaching a second end of the specimen, which is spaced apart from the first end by an intermediate portion, to a second probe that extends from a transducer (208). The method also includes causing a corresponding displacement of the specimen attached between the first probe and the second probe (224, 230). At least one parameter associated with the specimen is acquired (226, 232) during the corresponding displacement based on at least one output signal from the transducer. The properties of the specimen can be determined based on the at least one parameter (236, 238).

Abstract: Testing system for measuring closure pressure between jaw members of electrosurgical forceps. The testing system includes a testing platform, a pair of selectively adjustable instrument supports, a testing stand. The platform has an elongated bed that supports an instrument rest, which supports the electrosurgical forceps. The pair of instrument supports are associated with the elongated bed and secure the forceps atop the elongated bed. The testing stand is disposed at a distal end of the elongated bed and supports a piece of testing material. The testing stand includes a layer of visco-elastic material and a pressure sensitive film. The layer of visco-elastic material forms a pocket. The pressure sensitive film is disposed within the pocket of the visco-elastic layer. The pressure sensitive film is adapted to electromechanically communicate with a diagnostic system to measure the closure pressure between jaw members when they are in a clamped configuration.

Abstract: A device for the fixing of a prismatic mechanical test piece, which consists of two mechanisms that secure the test piece (7) on both sides, where each mechanism consists of two independent blocks (1 and 2), the second block (2) being displaceable in relation to the first (1), at least two rods (3) and a cylinder (4) for assisting the attachment between both blocks (1 and 2), a screw (5) for assuring the attachment between both blocks (1 and 2), and an adapter plate (6) which is adjusted to the second block (2) by means of a pin or bolt (8). Moreover, both blocks (1 and 2) have on the surface facing the test piece (7), an inclined plane (9) which has a grinding at each end in the form of a dovetail (10), such that the test piece (7) remains secured between the two grindings (10).

Abstract: A fatigue test system for repetitively deforming a substantially tubular implant structure which is within a radial range and within an axial range expandable and contractable and which has at least a first and a second end, wherein the system comprises at least a first and second part which are controllably moveable relative to each other, and a first and a second fixture assembly for fixing the first end to the first part and the second end to the second part, so that the system controls in use the position of each of the first and second end of the tubular implant structure.

Abstract: A gripper and a driving method using the same are disclosed, wherein an actuator has a configuration combined with a piezoelectric operating unit and a bending structure, whereby an amount of variation of a gap between fingers are amplified more than that of the piezoelectric operating unit by generating a movement of the fingers perpendicular to a movement direction of the piezoelectric operating unit, and wherein the gripper having arms including a strain gauge sensor can precisely measure a force applied to a micro object.

Abstract: A testing system for testing a temperature characteristic of a first motor includes a second motor, a controller, a driver, a load, a temperature sensor, and a temperature recorder. The controller provides a drive command for the driver to drive the second motor. The second motor drives the first motor via a coupling. A current of the first motor is determined by adjusting the resistance of the load. The temperature sensor senses the temperatures of the first motor every a determined time and sends the temperatures to the temperature recorder. The temperature recorder records and transmits the temperatures to the controller for the temperature characteristic test of the first motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling system, a coupling arrangement, a method for mechanically coupling a coupling system and a method for measuring the mechanical loading of a coupling system. The coupling system according to the invention includes a first coupling part, at least one second coupling part, which can be coupled with the first coupling part by way of at least one coupling, and at least one sensor, wherein the first coupling part has an evaluation unit (5), which can be connected to the at least one sensor for sensing measuring signals, and the measuring signals that are sensed by the evaluation unit (5) can be called up by way of the evaluation unit, wherein the coupling in the coupling area can be checked by means of the at least one sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously measuring longitudinal and shear wave speeds in materials under load via echo or transmission is described. The apparatus comprises a housing with an open end, a closed end opposite the open end with a hole in the closed end, and a housing exit port. A spacer resides inside the housing, the spacer having a spacer specimen side and a spacer transducer side. A load transferring body having a transducer hole fits inside the housing and contacts an interior surface of the housing. An ultrasonic transducer fits inside the transducer hole of the load transferring body. A transducer depressing mechanism secures the ultrasonic transducer against the spacer transducer side, whereby users can simultaneously measure longitudinal and shear wave speeds of specimens inserted into the hole in the closed end of the housing and contacting the spacer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety composite system, and/or intermediate layer films suitable for therein, having a high penetration resistance, i.e., energy absorption on sudden mechanical stress and to a process for the determination of the maximum energy absorption of intermediate layer films on sudden mechanical stress. The thickness-dependent energy absorption E [J/mm] of at least one film is determined according to DIN EN ISO 8256 on a test specimen of the safety composite system provided with pre-broken transparent panels and amounts to at least E>d?b, d being the film thickness and b being a constant. The safety composite system can be used in particular for the manufacture of composite glazings.

Abstract: Stresses or deformations can be applied to a specimen, by at least one carrier having a number of flexible fingers extending therefrom, the fingers being securable to the specimen at spaced-apart locations, the carrier typically being attached to a motion-control and load measuring system. The fingers are relatively rigid in tension (or compression if desired) but flexible with respect to motions in other in-plane directions. They may or may not be flexible in out-of-plane directions. Commonly, there may be two carriers on opposite sides of the specimen for applying substantially uniaxial stress, or four carriers at 90 degrees to each other around the specimen for applying substantially biaxial stress, though any number of carriers may be used.

Abstract: A uniaxially-driven controlled biaxial testing fixture includes a base, a first coupler mounted to the base, and a load input drive rack mounted for linear movement with respect to the base. A second coupler and a first specimen grip are both mounted to the load input drive rack. Second, third and fourth specimen grips are also mounted for linear movement with respect to the base. First, second and third drive mechanisms connect the load input drive rack to the second, third and fourth specimen grips. Together the four specimen grips are oriented to provide biaxial application of force to a test specimen.

Abstract: A device for the fixing of a prismatic mechanical test piece, which consists of two mechanisms that secure the test piece (7) on both sides, where each mechanism consists of two independent blocks (1 and 2), the second block (2) being displaceable in relation to the first (1), at least two rods (3) and a cylinder (4) for assisting the attachment between both blocks (1 and 2), a screw (5) for assuring the attachment between both blocks (1 and 2), and an adapter plate (6) which is adjusted to the second block (2) by means of a pin or bolt (8). Moreover, both blocks (1 and 2) have on the surface facing the test piece (7), an inclined plane (9) which has a grinding at each end in the form of a dovetail (10), such that the test piece (7) remains secured between the two grindings (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and system from doing mechanical and electrical measurements and manipulation on nano or micro sized objects using a sample holder adapted to fit in situ of a transmission electron microscope. The sample holder comprise at least two arms each with at least one connector whereby the sample (206) may be mounted between the two connectors forming a bridge closing a gap between the two arms of the sample holder. The sample holder is arranged to provide mechanical forces to a sample mounted on the sample holder and measuring and/or applying electrical signals from the sample while at the same imaging using the transmission electron microscope. Each arm of the sample holder may comprise three substantially parallel beams for electro-thermal actuation.

Abstract: The crosshead for a universal testing machine includes a interior face which is formed at angle to the front face which is typically about 17°. A wedge pocket is machined with walls perpendicular to the interior face, and therefore at an angle other than perpendicular to the front surface of the crosshead. This allows a rectangular steel plate to be oriented to match the machine column locations. Therefore, the material cost is significantly reduced as no special casting shape is required.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring tension in a stressed cable wherein the apparatus comprises two clamps, a circuit board and a power source. A transverse acceleration is generated in the stressed cable which is measured by an accelerometer in the apparatus, converted into an analog signal and transmitted to a portable computer programmed with software to calculate the cable tension from the fundamental period of vibration.

Abstract: An unbonded capping system for strength testing of concrete masonry units (CMUs) comprises a rigid, rectangular foam board of a size to be received on a face of a CMU. A plastic sheet is laminated to the rigid foam board and is engagable by a test apparatus, in use, with the rigid foam board engaging the face of the CMU to provide even load distribution during testing.

Abstract: A fixture for measuring the elongation of a specimen includes a base. The base carries a fixture portion, and the fixture portion is provided with a surface adapted to receive a portion of the specimen.

Abstract: A rheological measurement can be made comprising the steps of disposing a sample to be measured between two opposing surfaces of a fixture; coupling two opposing surfaces of the sample with a corresponding adjacent one of the two opposing surfaces of the fixture to create a secondary sample boundary within the sample; and measuring a rheological parameter of the sample. The two opposing surfaces of the sample are coupled with a corresponding adjacent one of the two opposing surfaces of the fixture by penetrating at least one of the opposing surfaces of the sample with a plurality of protrusions disposed on the corresponding surface of the fixture.

Abstract: A cuff type clamping force sensor is mounted around a surface of a load-bearing round column of a forming machine, so as to measure any stretch, tension, and surface stress of the load-bearing round column. The clamping force sensor mainly includes a cuff-type locating seat, at least one cushion pad, and at least one strain meter. The strain meter includes a sensing element, two signal lines of which are vertically inserted through the cushion pad and the locating seat to connect with an amplifier base board fitted in the locating seat to form contacts. The internally provided amplifier base board allows reduction of the space for a working site, simplifies the procedures for setting the amplifier, gives the clamping force sensor an increased mobility, and enables amplifying and sending of a signal from the strain meter without distortion.

Abstract: A surface-mounted type clamping force strain meter is mounted via a locating seat to a loaded surface of a load-bearing column of a forming machine, so as to measure any stretch, tension, and surface stress of the load-bearing column. The strain meter includes a sensing element having two signal lines extended therefrom, and the locating seat includes a seat body and a plurality of cushion pads. The seat body is provided at two opposite surfaces with communicable first and second receiving recesses. An amplifier base board is fitted in the first receiving recess, and the cushion pads are fitted in the second receiving recesses. The signal lines of the strain meter are upward extended through the cushion pad and the seat body to connect with the amplifier base board, and the sensing element is partially exposed from a bottom of the locating seat to contact with the forming machine.

Abstract: Improvement in a mass air flow meter having an elongated hollow body having a venturi member therein, the improvement comprising channels formed in the outside surface of the venturi member, lands defined by such outside surface which bear against the inside surface of the hollow body, such lands, together with the inside surface of the hollow body, directing the flow of sample air to be measured through such channels, around the outside surface of the venturi member and axially thereof, a first one of the channels being annular and in communication with the interior of the meter for receiving sample air therein, a second one of the channels serving as a measurement path in which the mass of sample air is measured as it travels therethrough, and a third one of the channels being annular and in which air exiting from the measurement path is accumulated before being recombined with the main flow of air traveling through the meter.

Abstract: A vapor sensing device that is sufficiently small and lightweight to be handheld, and also modular so as to allow the device to be conveniently adapted for use in sensing the presence and concentration of a wide variety of specified vapors. The device provides these benefits using a sensor module that incorporates a sample chamber and a plurality of sensors located on a chip releasably carried within or adjacent to the sample chamber. Optionally, the sensor module can be configured to be releasably plugged into a receptacle formed in the device. Vapors are directed to pass through the sample chamber, whereupon the sensors provide a distinct combination of electrical signals in response to each. The sensors of the sensor module can take the form of chemically sensitive resistors having resistances that vary according to the identity and concentration of an adjacent vapor.

Abstract: A mechanical structure (100) comprises a moving mass (3) suspended by beams (4, 5, 6, 7) from a fixed frame (2). The structure (100) comprises elongation means (23-26) mechanically connected to each of the beams (4, 5, 6, 7). The elongation means is designed such that the stiffness of the beams (4, 5, 6, 7) varies only little during movement of the moving mass. The structure is characterized in that the response of an elongation means is asymmetric when acting in tension and in compression. The structure is thus made insensitive to accelerations along a direction parallel to the suspension direction.

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: A test specimen holder for positioning a test specimen while protecting the hands and fingers of the user. In accordance with the present invention, a test specimen holder is provided having a main body with a handle portion located to the side of the main body. An adjustable fixed block and a spring-biased slidable blocking are provided in the main body. A pair of legs are disposed on opposite sides of the slidable and fixed blocks. A free space is provided between the two legs into which the test specimen fits and is engaged by the slidable and fixed blocks. The slidable and fixed blocks are provided with a variety of engagement surfaces, such as flat surfaces for planar specimens and notched surfaces having V-shaped grooves for cylindrical specimens. In operation, a test specimen is placed between the slidable and fixed blocks and held in place by the spring-biased slidable block holding the specimen against the fixed block.

Abstract: A pressure gauge for tennis balls and the like, comprising a rigid clamp arm pivotally connected to a flexible clamp arm for squeezing a ball between them. The rigid clamp arm has a socket for holding the ball. The flexible clamp arm preferably has a probe which extends into the socket and depresses the ball when said two clamp arms are rotated toward each other in a clamping action. A pointer arm is journalled to the fulcrum of the clamp arms and is attached to the flexible clamp arm near the fulcrum with a screw, which can be loosened for calibration. A scale adjacent the free end of the pointer indicates the pointer displacement when the two clamp arms are pivoted together. The pointer provides high sensitivity to distinguish small differences in ball pressure.

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 method and device for determining the green tack of rubber blends. To obtain reliable and reproducible measurement results it is proposed to use two specimens (40') of rubber blends, the green tack of which is to be determined. Each of the specimens (40') comprises a measurement surface area (42) having a convex curvature, with which the specimens (40') are placed one on the other. During a predetermined time the specimens (40') are compressed at a predetermined pressure and subsequently parted from each other at a constant rate to determine the maximum parting force. The curved measurement surface areas (42) are generated by a specimen (40) being placed on the specimen platform (34) of a specimen mount (26, 28). Subsequently an orifice disk (36) is placed on the specimen (40) and locked in place in the compressed condition, for instance, by being firmly bolted in place.

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 method and device are provided for measuring the viscoelastic characteristics of polymeric coatings of optical fibers directed on a coated fiber. The ends of the fiber are inserted into a pair of clamps which are shaped in such a way as to hold the coating without tearing it and to allow it to slide longitudinally over the fiber. The clamps impart a relative oscillating motion to the coating creating a longitudinal tensile stress of periodically varying intensity. The clamps and their support are part of a rheometer which measures the opposing stress and processes the stress data to give the desired characteristics.

Abstract: A pair of arms are pivotally connected with each arm including a hand grip portion and a ball clamping portion. The clamping portions carry ball support members which support and center a ball within the tester. A gauge is mounted on one of the clamping portions and has a plunger which extends through one of the ball support members for engaging the outer surface of a ball. Movement of the clamping portions is limited by engagement of the end surfaces of the clamping portions. A torsion spring normally urges the hand grip portions away from one another. In one embodiment, the spring urges the clamping portions toward one another, and in another embodiment, the spring urges the clamping portions away from one another.

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: A gripping system for use in uniaxial testing of test specimens at elevated temperatures, typically above 900.degree.-1000.degree. F. The uniaxial mechanical testing is typically tensile testing conducted on high temperature engineering materials which operate under severe conditions at elevated temperatures. The gripping system includes a gripping element having a first section adapted to contact the test specimen wherein a heater is received in the second section for heating the gripping surface. The heater is designed to heat the gripping surface and the test specimen to the desired temperature.

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 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: 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: Apparatus for stabilizing a test specimen in a compression/tension testing machine. The apparatus supports the test piece along its lengthwise edge or edges to prevent unwanted Euler buckling, however in a manner so as not to prevent sublaminate buckling. In one embodiment the apparatus supports the test piece along both of its lengthwise edges while engaged between the grips of the test machine. In a second embodiment, the apparatus supports the test piece along only one of its lengthwise edges. In a third embodiment, the apparatus includes grip plates which are mounted to the test machine and which engage a portion of the test specimen while the remainder of the specimen is supported along its lengthwise edges by stabilizer plates.