Abstract: A mounting system for samples and instruments for use with a measuring device such as a surface forces apparatus has a housing and a sample mount assembly positioned within the housing. The sample mount assembly has a pivot arm having a first edge and a flexing section. A spring has a first end coupled to the pivot arm. A first sample holder is coupled to the second end of the spring. A second sample holder is positioned in proximity to the first sample holder.

Abstract: A friction coefficient between at least one tire of a motor vehicle and a roadway is estimated recursively. A kingpin inclination angle is detected or measured. A model determines a lateral friction value by defining a functional correlation between that value and the angle such that a non-linear course of that value relative to the angle is dependant on an initial increase of that value relative to the angle and on a recursively determined estimated value of the friction coefficient. The initial increase is defined substantially independently from the recursively determined estimated value. In addition, a measurement variable of the driving dynamics is captured. Depending on the lateral friction value, the driving dynamics model variable is determined. Furthermore, a variance between the driving dynamics measurement variable and the driving dynamics model value is determined. The recursion when acquiring the estimated value includes that the estimated value is adjusted.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tribology device for assessing mouthfeel-related tribological properties of a food sample, comprising a measuring surface composed of a thermoplastic polymer as an integral part.

Abstract: A device for the measurement of the influence of friction force on the wear characteristics of a material surface comprises a frame with a cover. A shaft is installed in the frame. A moveable element of a friction pair is fixed on the shaft. A holder of a pressed element of the friction pair and a clamp which applies a regulated load on the holder with the pressed friction element are installed in the cover. The holder of the pressed friction element is installed in a holder frame with first membranes which allow the motion only perpendicular to the axis of holder frame. The holder-frame is installed in the cover also with second membranes that allow it to move only in its axial direction. The system of the membranes damps the impact of inertial forces on the friction pair.

Abstract: On the basis of a surface shape appearing at a predetermined point moment by moment during rotation of a golf ball having numerous dimples on its surface, a data constellation regarding a parameter dependent on a surface shape of the golf ball is calculated. A preferable parameter is a distance between an axis of the rotation and the surface of the golf ball. Another preferable parameter is a volume of space between a surface of a phantom sphere and the surface of the golf ball. Fourier transformation is performed on the data constellation to obtain a transformed data constellation. On the basis of a peak value and an order of a maximum peak of the transformed data constellation, an aerodynamic characteristic of the golf ball is determined. The peak value and the order of the maximum peak are calculated for each of PH rotation and POP rotation.

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: Device for measuring hair damage comprising a handle (2) and a shaft (3) and a mandrel, a clip (4) and a feedback indicator, wherein the mandrel and clip are attachable to the shaft and the mandrel is drivable along the length of the shaft to measure the friction of a lock of hair which is wound around the mandrel and back onto itself and held in place by the clip such that fibres in the lock of hair are rubbed against themselves along the general direction of the hair fibres and use of such a device.

Abstract: A clamping jig for clamping a test object includes a first clamping member extending in a left-right direction, two second clamping members connected to and extending transversely of the first clamping member and spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, and a third clamping member connected to and extending transversely of the second clamping members. The third clamping member is movable along the second clamping members in a front-rear direction to adjust a distance between the first and third clamping members. The first, second, and third clamping members are adapted to clamp therebetween the test object.

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: Methods to determine the durability and wear-resistance of soft armor. Observations on field tested articles of soft body armor indicate that the materials are subject to a combination of flexing, tensile, compressive and abrasive forces. The forces and stresses to which soft armor articles are subjected to can be duplicated in a controlled, isolated, measurable, appropriate and intuitive manner, to correlate ballistic performance with durability and wear characteristics. The tests closely approximate the forces and stresses experienced in the end use of ballistic resistant composite articles.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for capturing the coefficient of friction from a roadway surface, wherein the sensor arrangement is arranged on a motor vehicle and includes at least one radiation emitter unit and at least one electronic evaluation circuit, wherein the radiation emitter unit emits electromagnetic radiation toward the roadway surface and the radiation is at least to some extent reflected and/or scattered at the roadway surface and the reflected and/or scattered radiation is at least to some extent captured in the radiation emitter unit and/or in one or more additional sensor units, wherein the electronic evaluation circuit is designed such that it ascertains a piece of coefficient-of-friction information for the roadway surface from the intensity of the reflected and/or scattered radiation or a variable which is dependent thereon.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for the continuous measurement of the dynamic coefficient of friction and/or static coefficient of friction of a material, which comprises at least the following: A) two rotating rollers, R1 and R2, B) one roller S1, C) optionally, one static roller S2, D) two sets of force detectors, F1 and F2, and wherein S1 is located between R1 and R2 to form a wrap angle (?), and wherein the wrap angle (?) is less than 90°, and wherein F1 is attached to R1, and F2 is attached to R2.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a volatile material comprises the steps of providing power to a volatile material diffuser having a diffusion element. The method further includes the step of operating the diffusion element for a randomly determined period of time, wherein the diffusion element is continuously activated and deactivated during the period of time at a randomly determined duty cycle.

Abstract: A friction-flow piercing apparatus for piercing very deep and fine holes is described, that relies on a novel support method for the piercing means. An apparatus for monitoring during the piercing process to determine the electrical properties gradient of the substrate is further described, particularly for meltable dielectric such as plastic industrial equipment. A permanently installed piercing means may function as a permanent test site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a value that correlates to available traction that is a lightweight, hand-held, portable apparatus that may include a pad of material, a translating assembly, a load assembly, a first device to move the pad and a second device that measures a peak amount of break-away torque. The load assembly facilitates application of a calibrated load to the pad as a result of but regardless of a force applied to the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for measuring the surface smoothness of hair comprising the steps of: a) providing a means for measuring hair surface smoothness; b) using said means for measuring hair a surface smoothness to obtain a measured surface smoothness value for said hair; and c) correlating said surface smoothness value to a surface smoothness descriptors.

Abstract: A test device for the tribological examination of materials, including at least one first test body that has a first test surface, a drive unit for this at least one first test body that can be driven in oscillating and/or rotating fashion, a measurement device for measuring forces that act on the one hand essentially parallel to the direction of an oscillating introduction of force and/or in the circumferential direction of a rotational introduction of force of the drive unit of the at least one second test body and on the other hand for acquiring the test forces that act between the at least one first test body and the at least one second test body, in addition, a load regulating device is provided that regulates the test force acting between the two test bodies, the prespecified test force being applied to the test bodies with the aid of a decoupled bearing of the drive unit.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for measuring the dynamic coefficient of friction of a surface. The device includes a track having an arcuate portion which is shaped to mimic an arc of travel of a pendulum; a shoe mounted so as to be movable along the track, and a biasing device for biasing part of the shoe into contact with the surface as it moves along the arcuate portion of the track; a propulsion device for providing an initial propulsion force to propel the shoe along the track; a velocity detector for measuring the velocity of the shoe at a plurality of points during its travel along the track; and computing device for calculating the coefficient of friction from changes in velocity of the shoe as it moves along the track.

Abstract: A system, method and device for measuring toner performance by randomly applying a toner sample having toner particles to a substrate, and positioning the substrate such that a force may be applied to individual particles of the measuring toner. A rolling resistance or rotation of the individual particles of the measuring toner is measured. The measurements may be analyzed to determine adhesion and distribution properties of individual toner particles of the measuring toner sample.

Abstract: A method of compensating friction in a force-feedback device comprising a control member manipulated by a user and coupled to a tensioned cable that is actuated by a motor and gearbox unit. The method includes the steps of (1) detecting a variation in the sag of the cable caused by a manipulation of the control member, and (2) in response to such a detection, controlling the unit so that it develops a force (Fa) that compensates, at least in part, for the internal friction (Rsa) of the unit that opposes movement of the control member manipulated by the user.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for determining the coefficient of friction in a vehicle are proposed. In the method, the lateral guidance force at the at least one steered wheel is determined, wherein a steering rack force is sensed and a restoring torque at the steered wheel is determined as a function of the steering rack force and the lateral guidance force as a function of a caster, and the coefficient of friction is determined on the basis of the restoring torque.

Abstract: A friction test system for an antiperspirant/deodorant (APDO) product generally includes a substrate having a test surface and a mount assembly configured to hold the APDO product in contact with the test surface and maintain an applied force between the APDO product and the test surface such that the applied force is substantially normal to the test surface. An actuator (e.g., a linear actuator) is configured to move the mount assembly laterally along an axis substantially perpendicular to the applied force during a testing mode. A force sensor is configured to determine the frictional force experienced by the APDO product during the testing mode. A processor coupled to the mount assembly, the actuator, and the force sensor, is configured to determine the coefficient of friction of the APDO product with respect to the test surface based on a ratio of the applied force and the frictional force.

Abstract: A device for measuring the coefficient of friction between a test surface and a test material, comprising a frame, a skid pad comprising the test material and attached to an underside of the frame to contact the test surface, a longitudinal force measuring device attached to the frame and having an axis, and a longitudinal pulling assembly exerting a longitudinal pulling force on the drag sled and the longitudinal force measuring device. The longitudinal force measuring device is capable of outputting data indicative of the longitudinal force applied to the device. The longitudinal pulling force is vertically aligned with the axis of the longitudinal force measuring device.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus to measure adhesion of a tape includes a supporting plate slanting related to horizon, and a ball. The tape is attached to the supporting plate with an adhesive surface opposite to the supporting plate. The ball rolls on the tape along the supporting plate. The ball would be held by the tape according to the weight of the ball and the adhesion of the tape, thereby assessing the adhesion. The measuring apparatus further includes a base, a positioning mechanism mounted to the supporting plate, and an angle-adjusting mechanism engaging with the base and the supporting plate and capable of rotating related to the base to adjust a slanting angle of the supporting plate. The positioning mechanism includes a frame to releasably hold and position the ball.

Abstract: The present invention refers to systems and to methods for determining at least one parameter relating to a tire-to-road contact and/or a relation between a wheel and a vehicle motion. In particular, the present invention refers to systems and to methods for determining the coefficient of friction between a tire and a road surface. For that purpose, the systems and methods according to the invention use new estimation filtering procedures.

Abstract: A system for simulating wet runway conditions by using a liquid container that is placed inside an aircraft. The liquid container is connected to a nozzle that sprays water in front of the wheels of the aircraft. A valve is used to control the flow of water from the nozzle. Systems, such as the braking system of the aircraft, can then be tested in wet runway conditions simulated by the system. The amount of water sprayed from the nozzle can also be electronically controlled in relation to the speed of the aircraft, such that the nozzle sprays a nearly uniform layer of liquid in front of the wheels. The system can also be modified to include two tanks to manipulate the center of gravity of the aircraft.

Abstract: Methods of assessing three dimensional fabric feel are useful for identifying fabric care actives.

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: Method and apparatus for measuring the coefficient of rolling friction or speed of a horizontal surface over which a round object is rolled such as a putting green encountered in the game of golf. The method includes a device for launching a ball across the surface at a constant and consistent velocity. An included timing device is triggered to start counting the elapsed time when the ball exits the launching device and continues counting until the ball has decelerated to a stop. At the instant the ball ceases moving the timer is triggered to terminate the count. The time required for a body with a specific velocity to come to rest after experiencing constant deceleration is determined by the laws of motion. The coefficient of friction or “speed” of the green which is proportional to the amount of deceleration may then be calculated. This time measurement is therefore sufficient to determine the speed of the green surface which may be reported as an equivalent “stimp” value.

Abstract: A load cell for measuring extremely low level, anisotropic biaxial loads is disclosed. The system includes at least one load cell of a specific geometry and dimension which, when mounted, provides a rotationless system accurately transmitting both normal and shearing strains to strain gauges mounted thereon. More specifically, by shaping the load cell so as to concentrate the strains imposed thereon, detection of extremely minute loads, such as coefficients of friction, can be measured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for the quantitative measurement of the feel of a surface, comprising a prehensile envelope, a hollow contact body for bringing into contact with the surface on a sensing zone, first acoustic detection elements to detect noises emitted by the hollow body on contact with the sensing zone, second mechanical detection elements embodied for measurement of the normal pressure or the normal pressure and the rubbing force exerted by the surface on the hollow body. The above is of application in the measurement of the triboacoustic properties of the skin or phanera, textiles, leather, plastic materials or any other material for which the an appreciation of the feel thereof is important.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring friction on a surface, such as a road, allow for accurate and reliable measurements by preventing the slipping of a pilot wheel. The device includes a pilot wheel and a measurement wheel mounted on shafts in a wheel box and arranged one behind the other, the pilot wheel rotating without slip and the measurement wheel being braked in order to provide slip. The configuration of the device, including the positioning of an attachment axle, results in the pilot wheel being subjected to greater ground pressure than the measurement wheel, thus preventing slipping of the pilot wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method is provided for holding an inner race of a bearing stationary with respect to rotational movement while leaving a hub that is fixed in rotation with an outer race of the bearing unencumbered. The hub is excited by contactingly engaging it with a predetermined mechanical force. The resonance response of the hub to the excitation is determined and used to characterize the bearing qualitatively.

Abstract: In a method for determining a coefficient of friction between a motor vehicle tire of a motor vehicle and the surface of a roadway, a first coefficient of friction parameter (?est—used,ij) is determined using a model (RM) in which a functional correlation between the first coefficient of friction parameter (?est—used,ij) and a slip (Sij) of the motor vehicle tire is set. A second coefficient of friction parameter (?quasi—meas—used,ij) is determined from the quotient between a longitudinal force (FL) and a vertical force (FZ) of the motor vehicle tire. The first and the second coefficient of friction parameters (?est—used,ij, ?quasi—meas—used,ij) are used to determine the coefficient of friction (?R,ij) by a recursive estimation algorithm.

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: A method of measuring the condition of a safety valve includes measuring a condition parameter that varies with the sealing force of the valve. The condition parameter may be determined from in-line measurements, such as measurements of a pressure pso at which the valve will open and a pressure psl at which the valve will leak.

Abstract: A device for the measurement of the influence of friction force on the wear characteristics of a material surface comprises a frame with a cover. A shaft is installed in the frame. A moveable element of a friction pair is fixed on the shaft. A holder of a pressed element of the friction pair and a clamp which applies a regulated load on the holder with the pressed friction element are installed in the cover. The holder of the pressed friction element is installed in a holder frame with first membranes which allow the motion only perpendicular to the axis of holder frame. The holder-frame is installed in the cover also with second membranes that allow it to move only in its axial direction. The system of the membranes damps the impact of inertial forces on the friction pair.

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: The invention relates to a method of determining material properties of a contact formed between a measurement tip of a microscopic probe and a sample surface of a sample material. According to the method, a distance modulation is applied for modulating a distance between a support of the microscopic probe end the sample surface in a direction essentially normal to the sample surface and wherein a normal force signal indicative of a normal force is measured and demodulated. In the method it is proposed that the material properties be determined using measurement data comprised in the demodulated normal force signal and related to a (concave) buckling deformation of the microscopic probe relative to and away from the sample surface.

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: A fluid tester includes an inlet for a fluid path, an ionization chamber defining at least part of the fluid path located downstream from the inlet, a charge chamber configured to subject a fluid to an electric field defining at least part of the fluid path located downstream of the ionization chamber, a patch holder configured to hold a patch into the fluid path downstream of the electric chamber and an outlet for the fluid path. A method of testing a fluid includes ionizing a fluid, moving particles suspended in the fluid by passing the fluid through an electric field, passing the fluid through a patch and analyzing a patch.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tribology device for assessing mouthfeel-related tribological properties of a food sample, comprising a measuring surface composed of a thermoplastic polymer as an integral part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for differentiating foods with respect to mouthfeel, a method for identifying a composition having the ability to improve the mouthfeel of a food, and a method for predicting mouthfeel attributes of a food using a novel tribology device.

Abstract: A portable device for measuring friction, especially friction between tire treads and road surfaces is disclosed. The portable friction tester is shaped as an equilateral triangle providing three points of contact for samples in the road surface.

Abstract: A friction test apparatus includes a base structure and a receptacle secured to the base structure. At least three lower test balls are positioned in the receptacle. The friction test apparatus includes a motor having a rotatable shaft providing powered rotation of the shaft. An upper test ball is positioned on the shaft in a chuck, and contracts the at least three test balls in the receptacle in use. The chuck may include tapered inner surfaces that frictionally engage the upper test ball along a substantially continuous ring of contact to prevent rotation of the upper test ball relative to the chuck during operation. The receptacle may include a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet to permit fluid in the receptacle to be changed.

Abstract: Friction against a road surface is measured by a friction measuring device that is pulled along behind a car. At the side of a main unit (6) of the friction measuring device there is a chain cover (5) with two wheels (3, 4). The wheels (3, 4) are interconnected by means of a chain (12) lying around sprocket wheels (10, 11) on the wheel axles. The sprocket wheels (10, 11) have different sizes, and therefore the two wheels (3, 4) will rotate with different rotation speeds. If for instance the forward wheel (3) rolls without slip during driving, the rear wheel (4) then must experience some slip, i.e. the rear wheel will skid on the road surface. Friction is measured by measuring the tension that arises in the chain (12). In order to ensure that the front wheel (3) will always rotate without slip, the chain cover (5) is attached to the main unit (6) by means of an attachment axle (9) that is placed substantially closer to the forward wheel (3) than the rear wheel (4).

Abstract: A method for measuring road surface friction of a road surface uses a vehicle that moves across the road surface wherein (1) an auxiliary independent wheel assembly is towed behind the vehicle and is in contact with the road surface, an auxiliary wheel of the wheel assembly is freely rotatable by movement of the vehicle and is one or more of toed in or toed out with respect to a direction of travel of the vehicle so as to create an isolated axial force on the auxiliary wheel: (2) the axial force on the auxiliary wheel is measured while the vehicle moves across the road surface, and the measured axial force is correlated with the road surface friction. The independent wheel assembly is load isolated from the weight of the towing vehicle and the independent wheel assembly is loaded by placing ballast thereon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tribometer (1) comprising: a first support assembly (2) configured to receive a central test piece (3), which test piece is circularly cylindrical, and to drive it in rotation about its axis (X); and a second support assembly (4) configured to receive a plurality of peripheral test pieces, preferably three of them, and to enable said central test piece (3) to make contact simultaneously with said three peripheral test pieces (9) in an isostatic configuration in such a manner that the central test piece, while being driven in rotation, can rub against the peripheral test pieces.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a fluid includes sensing a property of the fluid and the temperature of the fluid at the time the property is sensed, then determining the status of the fluid from the sensing. The sample volume may be small in comparison to the total fluid volume.

Abstract: A device for determining the coefficient of friction of diamond conditioner discs and a method of use thereof.