Abstract: A device for torque measurement of friction includes a cylindrical core and a cap with a central cavity for receiving the cylindrical core. The cap includes at least one protrusion or indent on an inner surface, and the cylindrical core includes at least one protrusion or indent on an exterior surface. The device includes at least one protrusion to provide a pulsed interference contact with a second protrusion or indent on the cylindrical core or cap as the protrusion moves into and out of contact with the at least one second protrusion or indent when the cap is rotated about the cylindrical core. The device may be connected to a test apparatus configured to measure rotational torque between the cap and cylindrical core as they rotate with respect to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a coefficient of friction of an article is provided. The apparatus includes a base, a ramp, and an actuator. The ramp includes a first rail and a second rail that are spaced apart by a first distance. The first and second rails cooperate to define a first travel path for the article. The actuator is coupled with the base and is operably coupled with the ramp to facilitate selective pivoting of the ramp between a first angular position and a second angular position.

Abstract: A CFME apparatus for continuously measuring coefficient of friction of a paved runway or paved road at any speed up to 105 kilometers per hour with improved efficiency for more precise measurements on ice-contaminated pavement, the improved precision being achieved by reducing the standard deviation in the file of recorded measurements normally recorded at an average rate of one measurement per second includes a frame attached to a vehicle mounting a vertical rotatable shaft pivotally carrying a suspension arm trailing rearwardly and downwardly so as to carry a test wheel at a rear end thereof in a wheel plane different from a forward plane to swivel about an upstanding axis in response to a torque applied to the suspension arm about the upright axis by the test wheel. A sensor is responsive to changes in the angle between the forward plane and the wheel plane caused by changes in coefficient of friction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fault diagnosis and life testing machine for a flexible precision thin-wall bearing (16), including a rack, and an axial loading device, a main driving device, a bearing mounting device, a clamping tooling, a data acquisition device, a hydraulic and a pneumatic auxiliary device which are provided on the rack. The main driving device is connected to a rear side of the axial loading device, and the clamping tooling is arranged at a front side of the axial loading device, for clamping the thin-wall bearing (16) onto the bearing mounting device. The data acquisition device is arranged in the axial loading device and at a side of the rack, the hydraulic and pneumatic auxiliary device is arranged at a side of the rack, and the axial loading device and the main driving device are connected by a pipeline.

Abstract: A method of performing a test on a tyre to record data for parameterisation of a tyre model, wherein the method is performed on a tyre mounted on a wheel and supported on a mobile axle with respect to a movable testing surface. The method includes supporting the tyre with respect to the movable test surface such that the slip angle of the tyre is controllable and such that the loading on the tyre is controllable, steering the tyre with respect to the test surface so as to vary the tyre slip angle, and applying load to the tyre in dependence on tyre slip angle so as to simulate real life tyre loading conditions. Aspects and embodiments of the invention also provide a computer program product and a machine readable medium. Beneficially, the method results in a tyre being tested under more realistic conditions since the applied tyre loading varies in dependence on the tyre slip angle, thereby mimicking the loading on the tyre experienced as vehicle weight transfers during cornering.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device and a method of testing a MEMS device. The device includes a MEMS sensor having first and second mobile elements, first and second electrodes arranged to deflect the mobile elements by the application of test voltages, and a differential detector circuit. The device also includes an input multiplexer circuit configured selectively to connect each electrode to a test voltage source to apply a plurality of test voltages to deflect the mobile elements during a test mode. The test voltages comprise a set of monotonically increasing test voltages and a set of monotonically decreasing voltages for performing a C(V) sweep to test for stiction. The device further includes an output multiplexer circuit configured selectively to connect the first mobile element and/or the second mobile element to a single one of the inputs of the detector circuit to detect the deflection of the mobile element.

Abstract: A method for testing a multi-axis micro-electro-mechanical system(MEMS) acceleration sensor includes applying a first voltage to a first-axis excitation plate to move a first proof mass in contact with a proof mass stop. A second voltage is applied to a second-axis excitation plate while maintaining the first voltage to the first-axis excitation plate, to move the first proof mass in a direction orthogonal to the first-axis while in contact with the proof mass stop A reference voltage is applied to the first-axis excitation plate and a determination is made whether an output voltage of the MEMS device is higher than a threshold voltage. If the output voltage is higher than the threshold voltage ten stiction is detected and stiction recovery may therefore be preformed.

Abstract: A wear testing method includes setting a rotational speed of a rotary drum with a rubber sample attached to an outer surface thereof to a desired speed; setting a pressing load imparted by a contact member to a desired pressing load via a weight member; selecting as the contact member a desired contact member from a plurality of contact members with varying specifications for a contact surface that comes into contact with the surface of the rubber sample; attaching an arm portion that composes a pressing mechanism; rotating the rotary drum; and pressing the contact member against the surface of the rubber sample with the contact member being moveable in a tangent line direction of a rotation direction of the rotary drum, and detecting an amount of displacement in a pressing direction of the contact member pressing against the surface of the rubber sample via a displacement sensor.

Abstract: A system for testing a device under a high gravitational force including a centrifuge with a rotating member and method of operation thereof. An operating power can be applied to a device, which can be coupled to the rotating member. The system can include a rotational control that can be coupled to the centrifuge. This rotational control can be configured to rotate the rotating member in response to a controlled number of revolutions per time period. The system can also include an analysis device for monitoring one or more signals from the device with respect to the controlled number of revolutions per time period. The analysis device can be configured to determine a stiction force associated with the DUT (Device Under Test) in response to the time-varying gravitational forces and to the one or more signals from the DUTs.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having two motors is provided to limit damage on rotary members even if an excessive torque is applied from drive wheels. The control system comprises a first motor, a second motor, and a locking mechanism, and a differential mechanism disposed between the first motor and the drive wheels. The locking mechanism halts one of rotary elements of a differential mechanism when torque of the rotary member is small, and allows the rotary element to rotate when the torque of the rotary member is large. A controller is configured to increase power output of the first motor and decrease power output of the second motor during propulsion on an uneven road surface.

Abstract: A tester to estimate co-efficient of friction and determine other properties of a sample lubricant is disclosed. The tester includes a base structure mounted on a compound bearing and a ballpot located on the base structure. The ballpot carries at least three non-rotating balls. Further, the tester includes a bi-direction rotatable motor with a rotatable shaft having a rotating ball. In addition, the tester includes a loading system to load the non-rotating balls against the rotating ball. A load sensor connected to the loading system measures applied load. Furthermore, the tester includes at least one load cell provided in communication with the ballpot to provide at least one output signal. The output signal received from the load cell and the load sensor is recorded and processed in a data acquisition and control system.

Abstract: A test bench for measuring forces and torques of rotatably mounted bodies in charging devices. The test bench has a rotatably mounted body of a charging device, a measuring component, and a bearing component for mounting the measuring component. The bearing component is configured in such a way that the measuring component is frictionlessly mounted in the bearing component.

Abstract: An actuator system includes a motor, a ballscrew assembly coupled to the motor, a no back brake device coupled to the ballscrew assembly, and a sensor coupled to the ballscrew assembly. The sensor is configured to acquire load data regarding a load applied to the no back brake device. A control module is configured to determine an estimated coefficient of friction for the no back brake device based on the load data, and transmit an alert signal based on determining that the estimated coefficient of friction is outside a predetermined range. The control module is coupled with the sensor and includes a processor coupled with a non-transitory processor-readable medium storing processor executable code.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an adherent sensor patch for wireless and remote physiological monitoring and evaluation of health and disease state of a patient wearing the patch, and specifically with respect to cardiac and pulmonary pathologies, including heart failure and sleep apnea. Data generated by the patch, which includes a microphone sensor and other sensors, is processed by a remote server and is made accessible to caregivers and also used to manage, calibrate and control the operations of the sensors of the patch.

Abstract: A testing rig and method of testing a bearing with the rig, wherein the rig includes a bearing housing, wherein said bearing housing includes an opening and a drive shaft extending into said opening, wherein the drive shaft is rotatable around a bearing axis. The testing rig also includes a vertical actuator mounted on the bearing housing for applying a vertical load to the bearing housing and a horizontal actuator mounted on the bearing housing for applying a horizontal load to the bearing housing. In addition, the testing rig includes a first misalignment actuator coupled to the first actuator for applying a first misalignment load to the bearing housing and a second misalignment actuator coupled to the bearing housing for applying a second misalignment load to the bearing housing.

Abstract: A bearing diagnostic device senses a failure in a bearing of a machine tool including a rotation shaft device. The bearing diagnostic device includes a rotation counting unit, a temperature measuring unit, a frictional torque calculating unit, a rolling speed calculating unit, a bearing characteristic calculating unit, a storage unit, and a determination unit. The frictional torque calculating unit is configured to calculate a frictional torque of the rotation shaft device. The rolling speed calculating unit is configured to calculate a rolling speed of the bearing from the count of rotations. The bearing characteristic calculating unit is configured to calculate a bearing characteristic from the frictional torque and the rolling speed. The determination unit is configured to compare the bearing characteristic calculated by the bearing characteristic calculating unit with a reference bearing characteristic stored in the storage unit to determine a presence of a failure.

Abstract: A bearing test apparatus has a bearing cap coupled to an outer ring of a bearing to be tested (a “test bearing”), a driving rotary shaft coupled to an inner ring of the test bearing to rotate the inner ring, and a bearing torque meter for measuring a single torque of the test bearing, wherein an extension bar is formed at the bearing cap to protrude thereon, wherein the bearing torque meter includes a measurement rod configured to contact the extension bar and be fixed to support the extension bar in a direction opposite to a rotating direction of the driving rotary shaft, and a power sensor for measuring a force applied to the measurement rod, wherein the single torque of the test bearing is calculated based on a distance from the driving rotary shaft to the measurement rod and a force applied to the measurement rod.

Abstract: A component assembly apparatus includes a first device supportive of a first component and a second device configured to bring a second component into contact with the first component. The second device is further configured to apply a first pressurizing force directed to force respective first surfaces of the first and second components together, and the first device is configured to convert a portion of the first pressurizing force into a second pressurizing force directed transversely with respect to the first pressurizing force to force respective second surfaces of the first and second components together.

Abstract: A calculating device of the stiffness measurement device pressurizes an object to be measured with a predetermined pressure and the stiffness of the object to be measured in the squeal frequency band is calculated based on an inclination of a stress-displacement performance curve immediately after a start of depressurization after the pressurization. According to this device, there is no need to oscillate the object with a high frequency band and there is no need to enhance the stiffness of the housing of the measurement device, which leads to a downsizing of the device. Further, there is no need for measuring of acceleration speed of the object to be measured and accelerator can be eliminated to reduce the cost of the stiffness measurement device.

Abstract: A method for estimating a tire state, such as tire wear state, includes utilizing a vehicle-based sensor for measuring a wheel speed of the tire and generating a wheel speed signal, extracting through statistical analysis a first extracted feature such as slip-ratio rate from the wheel speed signal, extracting through statistical analysis a second extracted feature such as median slip-ratio from the wheel speed signal, classifying data from the first extracted feature and data from the second extracted feature using a support vector data classification algorithm and applying the algorithm to estimate the tire state.

Abstract: A friction tester for explosive material includes a cylinder with a piston disposed therein for sliding movement along the cylinder's axial dimension. The piston includes first and second opposing faces. A plate is coupled to the piston and extends away from the first face thereof along the cylinder's axial dimension. The plate includes a portion extending from the cylinder. The plate has opposing surfaces of defined surface roughness. A sample holder disposed adjacent to the cylinder holds an explosive material sample against each of the opposing surfaces of the plate at the portion thereof that extends from the cylinder. A driver coupled to the second face of the piston drives the piston in the cylinder's axial dimension such that the plate moves relative to and against each explosive material sample.

Abstract: A device for measuring the state of contact of a measuring roller of a conveyor belt includes a pressure sensor provided on a rotating surface of the measuring roller, which rotates in contact with an inner peripheral surface of a conveyor belt stretched between pulleys. The pressure sensor detects resistance force acting when the conveyor belt rides over the measuring roller. A rotational position sensor detects the circumferential position, on the rotating surface, of the pressure sensor. The data detected are sequentially wirelessly transmitted to the outside of the measuring roller by a transmission unit installed on the measuring roller, and the transmitted detection data are received by a receiver.

Abstract: Improved apparatuses and methods for testing turf or other surfaces, in one embodiment, a turf testing apparatus includes two actuators for moving a shoe relative to a turf surface. The first actuator moves the shoe along a substantially horizontal axis and the second actuator moves the shoe along a substantially vertical axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for separating objects. The apparatus comprises a conveyor arrangement (1) and an actuator (30). The conveyor arrangement comprises a conveyor belt (10) disposed as an endless loop over two rollers (21, 22). The conveyor belt has a substantially horizontally arranged surface (5) for receiving a plurality of objects. The actuator comprises a drive axis (31), an actuating structure (32) and a connection structure connecting the drive axis with the actuating structure. The drive axis is connectible to a motor to enable rotational movement of the drive axis. The connection unit is arranged for converting the rotational movement into movement of the actuating structure in a direction substantially perpendicular to the object receiving surface plane. The actuating structure is located underneath the conveyor belt for creating movement of the surface in this direction. The conveyor arrangement and the actuator are independently controllable.

Abstract: An electrical contact insertion tool includes a handle, an insertion tip assembly extending from the handle, a surface probe assembly extending from the handle, and an indicator. The insertion tip assembly is configured to apply a force to an electrical contact to accomplish insertion of the electrical contact into an electrical connector. The surface probe assembly is configured to determine a displacement associated with the insertion tip assembly. The indicator is configured to present an indication of positive electrical contact insertion based at least in part on the force and the displacement associated with the insertion tip assembly.

Abstract: A first state quantity and a second state quantity of a valve stem dislocation are calculated, and a ratio of the first state quantity and the second state quantity is calculated as a first stick-slip indicator SSpv in a first stick-slip indicator calculating portion. A third state quantity and a fourth state quantity of a control instruction value of a valve stem dislocation are calculated, and a ratio of the third state quantity and the fourth state quantity is calculated as a second stick-slip indicator SSsp in a second stick-slip indicator calculating portion. With a threshold value as Th, a first constant as ?, and a second constant as ?, a fault evaluating portion concludes that a stick-slip has occurred when the conditional expression “SSpv>Th AND SSpv>?·SSsp+?” is satisfied.

Abstract: The invention relates mainly to a test bench (10) for a radial bearing (14) suitable for being interposed between two members (12, 16) that are movable relative to each other in rotation, the test bench being characterized in that it comprises a radial force measurement device (18) for measuring radial forces exerted on said bearing (14), a radial acceleration measurement device (20) for measuring radial accelerations to which said bearing (14) is subjected, and an electronic calculation unit (26) in communication with the radial force measurement device (18) and with the radial acceleration measurement device (20). The invention also relates to a method of establishing a behavior relationship for the radial bearing (14).

Abstract: Intrinsically calibrating friction mensuration device has a drive unit with controllable motive member, configured to receive a controllable propulsion force, and to apply tractive force to a test piece on a surface. A force engine couples to the motive member, and applies the controllable propulsion force. The device includes a controller imposing a propulsion control signal actuating the force engine to produce the propulsion force. A force sensor is between the drive unit and the test piece, producing a force signal responsive to a sensed force between the drive unit and the test piece. The drive unit can self-propelled or stationary. A method includes applying an increasing tractive force to a test piece at rest; measuring the tractive force; identifying the maximum tractive force applied at incipient motion; identifying the transition between the resting test piece and incipient motion; determining the SCOF; continue motion and determine the DCOF.

Abstract: The apparatus for determining coefficients of friction collects data required for determining static and dynamic coefficients of friction between various materials. The apparatus includes a ramp with adjustable slope and a plurality of test masses for placement on the ramp. Upslope lights and sensors, downslope lights and sensors, and a digital angle meter are installed on the ramp. The apparatus has a timing device having a display to show the elapsed time between a test mass passing the upslope sensor and the downslope sensor. The operator can determine the static coefficient of fraction from the tangent of the angle displayed on the digital angle meter when a test mass first begins to slide, and can compute the kinetic coefficient of friction from the angle displayed on the digital angle meter and the elapsed time shown on the timing device.

Abstract: A testbench device for the analysis and/or optimisation of tribological properties in a piston ring/cylinder runway system, includes a cylinder segment-holding device for holding a cylinder runway segment as a testpiece, and a piston ring-holding device holding at least one piston ring element and capable of bringing the at least one piston ring element into bearing contact with the cylinder runway segment. An actuation device actuates the cylinder runway segment and/or the piston ring element such that relative displacement with respect to one another takes place in at least one defined direction of space, in particular in the form of an oscillating movement. The piston ring-holding device has a piston having a ring-shaped outer contour and with at least one circumferentially continuous piston ring groove, in which a piston ring is held as a piston ring element.

Abstract: A method and a device determine tribological measured values of samples with a rheometer. Wherein the measuring parts of the rheometer are replaced by samples and the surfaces of the samples are moved into frictional contact relative to each other. Accordingly, it is provided that all parts of the rheometer holding the samples in frictional connection and frictional contact or forming the rheometer power circuit, including the spring unit pressing the samples against each other, are regarded as an oscillatory circuit. The oscillation properties of the spring unit are regarded as relevant to the oscillation properties of the oscillatory circuit, and that the oscillation properties of the spring unit are adjusted taking into consideration the resonance oscillations or effects produced by changing, different measurement conditions expected with the respective measurement.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance having a rotatable container at least partially defining a treating chamber for receiving laundry for treatment according to an automatic cycle of operation and a motor rotationally driving the rotating chamber and a method of predicting mechanical degradation in a laundry treating appliance where the method includes rotating a rotatable container with a motor, monitoring over time a torque signal during the rotating, repeatedly determining over time a friction value from the torque signal, and predicting mechanical degradation based on a determined change in the friction value.

Abstract: Intrinsically calibrating friction mensuration device has a drive unit with controllable motive member, configured to receive a controllable propulsion force, and to apply tractive force to a test piece on a surface. A force engine couples to the motive member, and applies the controllable propulsion force. The device includes a controller imposing a propulsion control signal actuating the force engine to produce the propulsion force. A force sensor is between the drive unit and the test piece, producing a force signal responsive to a sensed force between the drive unit and the test piece. The drive unit can self-propelled or stationary. A method includes applying an increasing tractive force to a test piece at rest; measuring the tractive force; identifying the maximum tractive force applied at incipient motion; identifying the transition between the resting test piece and incipient motion; determining the SCOF; continuing motion; and determining the DCOF.

Abstract: A system for testing a device under a high gravitational force including a centrifuge with a rotating member and method of operation thereof. An operating power can be applied to a device, which can be coupled to the rotating member. The system can include a rotational control that can be coupled to the centrifuge. This rotational control can be configured to rotate the rotating member in response to a controlled number of revolutions per time period. The system can also include an analysis device for monitoring one or more signals from the device with respect to the controlled number of revolutions per time period. The analysis device can be configured to determine a stiction force associated with the DUT (Device Under Test) in response to the time-varying gravitational forces and to the one or more signals from the DUTs.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for determining the inter-fiber frictional coefficient of staple fibers. The apparatus comprises a pair of clamps, one fixed and the other mobile wherein, each clamp receives an end portion of a sliver therewithin. The apparatus further comprises a pair of predetermined weights, each mounted over a clamp in order to exert normal force on either end of the sliver whereby the movement of the sliver within the clamps is resisted as the mobile clamp is moves away from the fixed clamp until the sliver is severed off, a force sensor for sensing the tensile force exerted by the sliver, and a means for computing the inter-fiber frictional coefficient, which is a function of the normal force and the amount of tensile force exerted by the sliver which overcomes the inter-fiber frictional force of the sliver.

Abstract: A flexible member is coupled between an actuator arm and a slider. The flexible member facilitates relative motion in a tangential direction of a rotating medium. The relative motion is detected via a displacement sensor, and a friction between the slider and the rotating medium is determined based on the sensed relative motion.

Abstract: A device (1) and a method for determining the friction between plastic hollow bodies (2) with the same material composition. For this purpose, at least one plastic hollow body (2S) is rigidly clamped in parallel to its longitudinal axis (LS) by means of bilateral clamping jaws (4). A linearly moveable plastic hollow body (2B) lies on the plastic hollow body (2S). The linearly and not in parallel to the longitudinal axis moveable plastic hollow body (2B) is impinged with a force (FG). The moveable plastic hollow body (2B) presses with the force (FG) onto the rigidly clamped plastic hollow body (2S). The neck area (3) of the moveable plastic hollow body (2B) is connected with a force measurement unit (6).

Abstract: A device for transient measurement of motion resistance between test substance and one or two test surfaces, comprising a tension/compression force transducer, a speed and/or torque controlled motor with position encoder, rails for mounting a movable sled, method for applying a normal force on the test specimen and computerized data acquisition. The tension/compression force transducer is capable of measuring the transient resistance to motion of the sample mounted to the movable sled in either horizontal direction or in reversible motion oscillatory pull/pull direction at variable frequency and amplitude. The force transducer is capable of precise measurement of the full motion record of the test material from the initiation of motion to the steady state movement.

Abstract: A method that includes pulling a sled disposed on a trough across a first filtercake at a constant speed, measuring a force versus distance or time based on the pulling; and outputting a frictional force curve is described. An apparatus that includes a base, a pulley attached to the base, a trough attached to the base, a sled disposed on the trough, a cable connecting the pulley and the sled, the cable connected to an arm capable of being moved at a constant speed, and a system to measure the force required to move the sled is also described.

Abstract: A wafer level centrifuge (WLC) system and method of testing MEMS devices using the system. The wafer level centrifuge (WLC) system can include a base centrifuge system and a cassette mounting hub coupled to the base centrifuge system. The method can include applying a smooth and continuous acceleration profile to two or more MEMS wafers via the base centrifuge system. Each of the two or more MEMS wafers can have one or more MEMS devices formed thereon. The two or more MEMS wafers can be provided in two or more wafer holding cassettes configured on the cassette mounting hub. The method can also include identifying one or more target MEMS wafers, which can include identifying stiction in one or more MEMS devices on the one or more MEMS wafers.

Abstract: Method for assessment of friction properties of fibers or substrate. The method is useful for assessing the degree of damage of hair fibers, for demonstrating the efficacy of a composition for minimizing the friction properties of fibers or substrate and/or for supporting advertising claims.

Abstract: A friction testing positioning device (10) comprises a first wheel (12) rotatably mounted around a first axis (14) at a first end section of a transmission arm (16), said transmission arm (16) being pivotably mounted around a second axis (18), at least one second wheel (20) rotatably mounted around a third axis (22) at a second end of said transmission arm (16) and a transmission means (24) connecting said first axis (14) and said third axis (22), wherein said at least one second wheel (20) engages a substructure (26) and said first wheel (12) and said at least one second wheel (20) are being arranged to rotate at different speeds of rotation. A first vertically adjustable displacement means (28) operates on said transmission arm (16) to rotate around said second axis (18) and to press said first wheel (12) into engagement with said substructure at a substantially constant vertical force.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for characterizing and quantifying certain attributes of antiperspirants and deodorants is provided, such as payout, friction, and flakeoff. The apparatus is capable of reproducibly applying antiperspirants and deodorant to a substrate.

Abstract: Intrinsically calibrating friction mensuration device has a drive unit with controllable motive member, configured to receive a controllable propulsion force, and to apply tractive force to a test piece on a surface. A force engine couples to the motive member, and applies the controllable propulsion force. The device includes a controller imposing a propulsion control signal actuating the force engine to produce the propulsion force. A force sensor is between the drive unit and the test piece, producing a force signal responsive to a sensed force between the drive unit and the test piece. The drive unit can self-propelled or stationary. A method includes applying an increasing tractive force to a test piece at rest; measuring the tractive force; identifying the maximum tractive force applied at incipient motion; identifying the transition between the resting test piece and incipient motion; determining the SCOF; continuing motion; and determining the DCOF.

Abstract: Apparatus (or method) for estimating a gripping characteristic of a vehicle wheel of a vehicle on a ground contact surface includes first input section (or step), a second input section (or step) and an output section (or step). The first input section sets a first input which is a ratio of a first wheel force acting on the vehicle wheel in the ground contact surface in a first direction, and a first wheel slip degree. The second input section sets a second input which is a ratio of a second wheel force acting on the vehicle wheel in the ground contact surface in a second direction, and a second wheel slip degree of the vehicle wheel. The output section determines, from the first and second inputs, an output which is a grip characteristic parameter indicative of the gripping characteristic of the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A system for determining a hydraulic seal coefficient of friction of a hydraulic cylinder includes a force sensor to provide a force signal indicative of a force of the cylinder. A controller is configured to receive a plurality of first force signals at a first load and determine a first friction force and receive a plurality of second force signals at a second load and determine a second friction force. A hydraulic seal coefficient of friction is determined based at least in part upon the first friction force and the second friction force. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Intrinsically calibrating friction mensuration device has a drive unit with controllable motive member, configured to receive a controllable propulsion force, and to apply tractive force to a test piece on a surface. A force engine couples to the motive member, and applies the controllable propulsion force. The device includes a controller imposing a propulsion control signal actuating the force engine to produce the propulsion force. A force sensor is between the drive unit and the test piece, producing a force signal responsive to a sensed force between the drive unit and the test piece. The drive unit can self-propelled or stationary. A method includes applying an increasing tractive force to a test piece at rest; measuring the tractive force; identifying the maximum tractive force applied at incipient motion; identifying the transition between the resting test piece and incipient motion; determining the SCOF; continue motion and determine the DCOF.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method to detect the wetness state of a vehicle windshield surface (S) comprising a windshield wiper unit (1), the windshield wiper unit (1) comprising: —wiper blades (5) configured to wipe the windshield surface (S) when set in motion, —at least one motor (7) configured to set the wiper blades (5) in motion, —a controller (9), configured to control the at least one motor (7), the method comprising the steps: —measuring the power consumption of the at least one motor (7), —determining the wiping speed (W) of the wiper blades (5), —using the measured power consumption and determined wiping speed (W) to deduce a friction related coefficient of the windshield surface (S), —comparing the deduced value to at least one predetermined value in order to determine the wetness state of the vehicle windshield surface (S).

Abstract: The apparatus for determining coefficients of friction collects data required for determining static and dynamic coefficients of friction between various materials. The apparatus includes a ramp with adjustable slope and a plurality of test masses for placement on the ramp. Upslope lights and sensors, downslope lights and sensors, and a digital angle meter are installed on the ramp. The apparatus has a timing device having a display to show the elapsed time between a test mass passing the upslope sensor and the downslope sensor. The operator can determine the static coefficient of fraction from the tangent of the angle displayed on the digital angle meter when a test mass first begins to slide, and can compute the kinetic coefficient of friction from the angle displayed on the digital angle meter and the elapsed time shown on the timing device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the estimation of maximum friction between a vehicular tire and a road surface via driving dynamics measurements and at least one sensor measuring the road surface, comprising measuring road surface properties via a sensor; measuring the state of motion of a vehicle and a tire and concluding therefrom a momentary maximum friction coefficient when the tire is subjected to a sufficient friction force; storing a maximum friction estimate concluded from the above-mentioned measurements, along with measuring results regarding road surface properties measured at the moment of measurement; when the tire is not subjected to a friction force sufficient for measuring maximum friction, using, as a maximum friction estimate, the previously measured maximum friction estimate, such that an applied selection criterion for the maximum friction estimate is the newness as up-to-date as possible of the measuring result and a consistency of the road surface measuring result.