Abstract: A MEMS stiction testing method applies a first electrical signal to a MEMS device having two opposing surfaces to cause the two opposing surfaces to make physical contact. The two opposing surfaces produce a second electrical signal when in physical contact. The method then substantially mitigates the first electrical signal after detecting that the second electrical signal has reached a prescribed maximum value.

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 means for calculating the coefficient of friction from changes in velocity of the shoe as it moves along the track.

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: In a running test, wheels 2 of a vehicle 1 are mounted on rollers 3. Each roller 3 receives torque corresponding to the running resistance N, which is a value corresponding to the running resistance applied to the vehicle 1 on the actual ground. Further, in the test, the actual friction coefficient ?ch between the wheels 2 and the rollers 3 is calculated. The running resistance N is then corrected in such a manner that the actual friction coefficient ?ch becomes equal to the friction coefficient ?j on the actual ground that is calculated based on the slip ratio of the wheels 2 with respect to the rollers 3. This approximates the running resistance applied to the vehicle 1 by the rollers 3 to the running resistance applied to the vehicle 1 on the actual ground as the torque is applied to the rollers 3 in correspondence with the corrected running resistance N.

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 method, system and golf ball are provided to determine the deceleration of a golf ball and, in turn, the speed of a green. The system may include a golf ball and an offboard display device. The golf ball may include a golf ball body, a motion sensor disposed within the golf ball body to measure acceleration of the golf ball along each of three mutually perpendicular axes, and a transmitter disposed within the golf ball body to transmit data representative of deceleration. The display device may include a receiver to receive data representative of the deceleration of the golf ball from transmitter and a display to provide a representation of the deceleration of the golf ball. At least one of the golf ball and the display device may include a processor to determine deceleration of the golf ball based upon the acceleration measured by the motion sensor.

Abstract: The coefficient of friction of an elastomeric sample can be determined by: (a) providing a friction test machine having a rigid wheel with an outer surface defining a curvilinear friction surface, a sample holder and, a force measurement device; (b) placing the elastomeric sample onto the sample holder; (c) adjusting the elastomeric sample and the curvilinear friction surface into frictional engagement thereby forming a curvilinear deformation in the elastomeric sample; (d) rotating the rigid wheel; and, (e) using the force measurement device to obtain a geometry independent measurement indicative of the coefficient of friction of the elastomeric sample.

Abstract: Surface testing friction apparatus comprises a trolley and an inclined ramp. The trolley and ramp are arranged such that a slider on the trolley comes into contact with the surface during a test run over a surface, the friction coefficient of which is to be determined, the mass of the trolley length and a height of the ramp are selected such that for a slider of given properties, materials and dimensions the critical film thickness for a wet surface is approximately 2 ?m.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing tires to measure the rolling resistance generated while a tire rolls under a radial load, the method including the steps of mounting two tires on spindles having substantially parallel axes; wherein the two tires are substantially equivalent and have substantially equal inflation pressures; loading a first one of the tires against a second one of the tires, tread-to-tread, at a predetermined tire-to-tire test load, then measuring a distance between axes of the two tire spindles; rotating one of the tires such that it rotates the other tire; measuring the total torque required to rotate the two tires at a predetermined rotation rate; and calculating the average rolling resistance of the two tires by dividing the value of total torque by the distance between the axes of the two tire spindles. Alternatively measure force at each spindle, equating each force to that tire's rolling resistance.

Abstract: A tactile sensor of an embodiment of the present invention includes: a sensing section having an elastic member at a portion which contacts a measurement target; an image acquiring section for acquiring as image information the state of a contact surface of the measurement target and the elastic member, before and after application of an external force tangential to the contact surface; a deformation analyzing section for analyzing deformation information of the contact surface, based on the image information acquired by the image acquiring section; an external force detecting section for detecting the external force applied tangential to the contact surface; and an estimating section for estimating a slippage margin between the measurement target and the elastic member, based on (I) the deformation information of the contact surface, which information acquired by the deformation analyzing section, (II) the external force detected by the external force detecting section, and (III) an object constant of the el

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: According to an exemplary embodiment, a set of three-dimensional force sensors is used, distributed on one face of a support. Each sensor outputs signals representative of a force applied by an object on this sensor. An electronic processing unit determines components of forces applied on the sensors by the object and also output the relative tangential velocity of at least one point on the object that is in contact with one of the sensors and, advantageously the point at which the component of the force applied by the object on this sensor and normal to the face of the support, is a maximum.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of locating and quantifying friction between a drillstring and a wellbore. The method includes, positioning a plurality of sensors within a wellbore, communicatively coupling the plurality of sensors, monitoring signals from the plurality of sensors, logging the sensed signals versus time versus depth of each of the plurality of sensors, locating at least one friction zone along the drillstring within the wellbore based on the logging and quantifying friction in the at least one friction zone based on the logging.

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: 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: A method for modeling material behavior includes using empirical three dimensional non-uniform stress and strain data to train a self-organizing computational model such as a neural network. A laboratory device for measuring non-uniform stress and strain data from material includes an enclosure with an inclusion in it. As the enclosure is compressed, the inclusion induces a non-uniform state of stress and strain. A field testing device includes a body having a moveable section. When the body is inserted in a material and the moveable section moved, a non-uniform state of stress and strain can be characterized.

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: 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 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: 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: Methods and systems for modifying a surface of a polymer with a shielded plasma are provided. The surface may be modified to create a surface with increased crosslinking and/or a particular mechanical property, such as a coefficient of friction. A shielding arrangement is used to modify the plasma to which the polymer surface is exposed, thereby providing a surface with the desired mechanical properties. In one aspect, a single source that provides multiple species of plasma particles is advantageously used instead of having to switch or move in multiple sources. The extent of crosslinking is evaluated using a surface force microscope to determine a frictional property that is correlated to the crosslinking, e.g., via calibrated values determined from reference surfaces.

Abstract: A technique for predicting the wear of at least one tire whose tread has pattern elements and which is fitted to a terrestrial motor vehicle, and a system for implementing the technique that enables a user, such as the vehicle's driver, to know reliably at any given moment the level of wear on the tire or on all the tires, or how long the residual wear will last, or even the remaining available running distance. Also, the piloting of drive-aid systems such as “ABS” (anti-block braking system) or “ESP” (electric programmed stability device) systems can be adapted as a function of the wear characteristics of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hair sensor, which can suppress mixing of external noise to a minimal level when a sliding sound of hair is detected, amplified, and output as an audio output in order to estimate surface characteristics and the degree of hair damage, and which can be easily used, is provided. The hair sensor for detecting the sliding sound of the hair in order to estimate hair characteristics includes a sliding element capable of sliding on the hair and a housing which includes a microphone provided therein. The sliding element is erected on a diaphragm. The sliding element and the diaphragm are arranged to allow the sliding sound caused by the sliding element to be transmitted through the diaphragm to the microphone and to attenuate vibration transmitted from outside of the diaphragm to the microphone. The surface of the sliding element is preferably treated to have a roughened surface in order to improve slidability thereof during measurement and measurement accuracy.

Abstract: By bringing a golf ball into collision with a collisional plate and measuring a coefficient of dynamic friction at this collision, contact force at the time of collision between an actual golf club and the golf ball is analyzed and spin rate of the golf ball is estimated. This invention provides a method for measuring a coefficient of dynamic friction between a golf ball and a collisional plate when the golf ball collides with the collisional plate disposed aslant at a predetermined angle with respect to a flying direction of the golf ball. The method includes concurrently obtaining a time function Fn(t) of contact force in the direction perpendicular to the collisional plate, and a time function Ft(t) of contact force in the direction parallel with the collisional plate; and determining as a coefficient of dynamic friction, a maximum value of a time function M(t) of ratio between Fn(t) and Ft(t) represented by M(t)=Ft(t)/Fn(t).

Abstract: A method for calculating a ?-slippage curve for a tire based on laboratory data derived from characteristic values of a used compound, of the road surface and a vehicle without producing a complete tire, and a method for calculating a ?-slippage curve for a tire include the steps: calculating a friction force between rubber compound and a rough surface based on a friction coefficient for different slippage values and lateral positions of the tire wherein the friction coefficient is calculated depending on a sliding velocity between the rough surface and a tread block and on a temperature of the tire. After calculating the friction force, the motion of a tread block depending on pressure distribution during the movement of the tread block through the contact area and on characteristics of a tire body is calculated.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for testing the adhesive strength of overlays attached to the inside of plain bearing bushings. The method is characterized in specifying clearance between the plain bearing bushing tested and a rotating or oscillating pin extending through the bushing. Next, feeding a liquid medium into the gap between the bushing and the pin and oscillating the plain bearing bushing and pin relative to one another perpendicularly to the bushing axis for a given period and examining the bushing after the load test. The corresponding apparatus comprises a pin mounted rotatably in a pin receptacle and on which there is arranged a first drive mechanism. In addition, a bushing receptacle is provided, in which the plain bearing bushing is fitted, wherein the pin is mounted with predetermined clearance in the bushing. The apparatus additionally comprises a mechanism for bringing about oscillating relative movement of bushing receptacle and pin receptacle.

Abstract: A piston testing apparatus is provided including a housing having an inner wall and defining a cavity therethrough; a piston disposed in the housing cavity and having a polymer coating deposited thereon, wherein the polymer coating of the piston contacts the housing inner wall; a connecting rod coupled to the piston; and an actuating means coupled to the connecting rod and configured to provide a reciprocating movement of the piston through the cavity. An injection plate for the piston testing apparatus and a method for challenging an adhesion of the polymer coating to the piston are also described.

Abstract: A tactile sensor of an embodiment of the present invention includes: a sensing section having an elastic member at a portion which contacts a measurement target; an image acquiring section for acquiring as image information the state of a contact surface of the measurement target and the elastic member, before and after application of an external force tangential to the contact surface; a deformation analyzing section for analyzing deformation information of the contact surface, based on the image information acquired by the image acquiring section; an external force detecting section for detecting the external force applied tangential to the contact surface; and an estimating section for estimating a slippage margin between the measurement target and the elastic member, based on (I) the deformation information of the contact surface, which information acquired by the deformation analyzing section, (II) the external force detected by the external force detecting section, and (III) an object constant of the el

Abstract: A test apparatus for measuring surface friction of a damping material such as brake pad insulator material includes a rotor configured to support the damping material for rotation therewith, an actuator pressurizable to apply axially-inward force to the damping material and a stator configured to support the actuator. A sensor determines the force applied to the actuator and a torque cell is axially aligned with the rotor for measuring torque of the rotor in relation to force applied to the damping material. The calculation of surface friction of the damping material is possible based on the measured load and torque. A method of measuring surface friction of a brake pad insulator material as well as a method using a brake dynamometer is also presented.

Abstract: Substrate comprising a discrete first layer comprising a first surface, an opposing second surface and a polymeric first material, wherein the first layer has a thickness of from about 1 micron to about 1000 microns and a hardness of from about 10 to about 80 on the Shore A scale; a discrete second layer comprising a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a second material, wherein the second layer has a hardness of from about 1 to about 70 on the Shore OOO scale and a thickness of from about 0.001 cm to about 2.

Abstract: Device for the evaluation of at least one friction property of a ski wax against the surface of snow in a skiing track, comprising a disc carried by a stand and having a substantially planar working surface, on which a layer of wax that is to be evaluated is applied, members for the pressing of the disc by a preselected force against the snow surface and driving members for the driving of the disc in relation to the snow surface. The driving members comprise an electric motor having a known relationship between the electric power consumption of the electric motor and the braking power of the disc and that means are provided for the readout of the electric power consumption of the motor, at least in the beginning of the displacement of the disc in relation to the snow surface.

Abstract: The coefficient of friction of an elastomeric sample can be determined by: (a) providing a friction test machine having a rigid wheel with an outer surface defining a curvilinear friction surface, a sample holder and, a force measurement device; (b) placing the elastomeric sample onto the sample holder; (c) adjusting the elastomeric sample and the curvilinear friction surface into frictional engagement thereby forming a curvilinear deformation in the elastomeric sample; (d) rotating the rigid wheel; and, (e) using the force measurement device to obtain a geometry independent measurement indicative of the coefficient of friction of the elastomeric sample.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing tires to measure the rolling resistance generated while a tire rolls under a radial load, the method including the steps of mounting two tires on spindles having substantially parallel axes; wherein the two tires are substantially equivalent and have substantially equal inflation pressures; loading a first one of the tires against a second one of the tires, tread-to-tread, at a predetermined tire-to-tire test load, then measuring a distance between axes of the two tire spindles; rotating one of the tires such that it rotates the other tire; measuring the total torque required to rotate the two tires at a predetermined rotation rate; and calculating the average rolling resistance of the two tires by dividing the value of total torque by the distance between the axes of the two tire spindles. Alternatively measure force at each spindle, equating each force to that tire's rolling resistance.

Abstract: A friction test apparatus includes a base structure and a receptacle secured to the base structure. At least three lower friction surfaces are positioned in the receptacle. The friction test apparatus includes a motor having a rotatable shaft providing powered rotation of the shaft. An upper friction surface is positioned on the shaft in contact with the at least three friction surfaces in the receptacle. The receptacle includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet to permit a fluid in the receptacle to be changed.

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: An optical tactile sensor has a touch pad and a CCD camera for imaging behavior of the touch pad. A CPU processes image information from the CCD camera, extracts information on the size, shape, and center of gravity of a contact region, and extracts information on the size of a fixation region. The CPU obtains a normal force from the size of the contact region, obtains a tangential force from the shape of the contact region and the center of gravity of the contact region, and obtains a friction coefficient from the ratio of the size of the fixation region to the size of the contact region.

Abstract: An apparatus to measure ease of ironing comprises a base supporting a vertical rail assembly; a lockable roller bearing block that rolls vertically on a vertical rail assembly for locking and raising and lowering the block at a selected location according to the raising and lowering along the vertical rail assembly. An adjustably inclinable ironing board for accommodating a test cloth is supported at one end by the lockable roller bearing block. The block is raised and lowered along the vertical rail assembly; a standard ironing structure secured overhead to the guide strut and resting at or near the board upper end includes a release mechanism, which releases the iron. The iron moves along the incline and a start sensor and a finish sensor sense the glide of the ironing structure down the board for measuring ease of ironing when the standard ironing board is in an inclined position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring the static and/or dynamic friction coefficient of a surface, in particular a natural or artificial grass surface, which device comprises a housing placed on supports, which is to be positioned on the surface to be examined; a rotatable shaft, which is vertically disposed in said housing; a body connected to the end of said shaft that faces towards the surface, which body comprises a contact surface which can be brought into contact with the surface to be examined; as well as measuring means for measuring, during operation, the torque caused by the friction between the surface to be examined and the contact surface of the rotating body. The object of the present invention is to provide a device for measuring the static and/or dynamic friction coefficient of a surface which provides a more reliable and reproducible measuring result and which is furthermore user-friendly and easy to transport.

Abstract: A miniaturized sensor device comprises at least one pair of active projecting elements or cantilevers, which are set parallel to one another and at a micrometric or sub-micrometric distance apart and are designed to be submerged at least partially in a fluid. Each pair comprises a first cantilever, equipped with actuator means, and a second cantilever, equipped with sensor means. The actuator means can cause a movement of the first cantilever, whilst the sensor means can detect a movement of the second cantilever, induced by the movement of the first cantilever, for generating accordingly a measurable signal, which represents the lubricating capacity of the fluid.

Abstract: In modeling material constitutive behavior, a methodology determines tool-chip friction and a position of a stagnation point on a cutting tool. The methodology includes measuring a ratio of cutting force to thrust force and measuring a chip thickness, hch, produced by applying the cutting tool to a material. Initial values are estimated for tool chip friction and position of stagnation. The tool chip friction and position of stagnation are calculated to satisfy a specified relationship. Based on tool chip friction and position of stagnation, material strains, material strain-rates, material temperatures, and material stresses are calculated.

Abstract: A test fixture facilitates the laboratory testing of windshield wiper blades for vehicles. The test fixture includes a base frame on which are mounted a number of windshield wiper arms oriented generally parallel for engagement with a stainless steel test surface. Positionally adjustable supports are mounted on the base frame to configure the test surface by varying the curvature of the test surface, as well as the overall length thereof, to permit simulation of a large variety of automotive windshields for test purposes. The test fixture also includes a wiper arm mounting device that can be manipulated to vary the wiper arm load to the wiper blade on the test surface. Adjustments in the spring force exerted on the wiper blade allow variances in the application of a biasing force on the wiper blade in conjunction with changes in the attack angle.

Abstract: A braking/driving force fx is calculated at S102, and a lateral force Fy is calculated at S103. At S104, reference is made to a preset map to select a road surface ? estimation part to be used for determination (to select a first road surface ? estimation part 25 or a second road surface ? estimation part 26 or nonperformance of determination. At S105, a display flag Fla from the road surface ? selection part is read. Indication 1 is displayed (S107) in the case of a road having a high ?. Indication 2 is displayed (S109) in the case of a road having a medium ?. Indication 3 is displayed (S111) in the case of a road having a low ?. Indication 0 is displayed (S112) in other cases wherein the road surface ? is unknown.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is employed in determining the green-speed of a golf putting green.

Abstract: The amount of wear on the vanes of a sliding vane rotary pump is determined by inserting a wear inspection dip stick into a wear inspection port providing in a housing of the sliding vane rotary pump. The wear dipstick includes one or more mark providing an indication of the amount of wear on the vanes, and a marking member which provides an indication of current vane length and allows a maintenance person to easily determine when a pump replacement is required.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for determining in situ pore fluid and soil properties at a particular subsurface location are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a penetrating tip member configured to penetrate soil. The apparatus further comprises an attachment module coupled to the penetrating tip member. The attachment module includes at least one mandrel that includes a piezo sensor. An in situ measurement of pore pressure is obtained by the piezo sensor at a depth that corresponds to the location of the at least one mandrel on the attachment module.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for measuring the friction characteristics between two components in rolling or sliding contact with one another is disclosed herein. The testing apparatus includes a traction surface, a first support structure adapted to support the traction surface while allowing for rotation of the traction surface, and a drive mechanism to rotate the traction surface. The testing apparatus further includes a movable second support structure proximate to the first support structure and adapted to move a test material into contact with the traction surface. An attachment piece is mechanically fixed to the movable second support structure. The attachment piece is constructed to receive and hold the test material relative to the traction surface. The testing apparatus also includes a force measuring device adapted to measure the frictional forces produced between the test material and the traction surface.

Abstract: A comparison/determination part 7 recieves the input of a front wheel speed filtered value ?fF from a front wheel speed filtered value calculation part 5 and a rear wheel speed filtered value ?rF from a rear wheel speed filtered value calculation part 6. It is determined whether the front wheel speed filtered value ?fF has exceeded a preset first threshold C1. It is determined whether the rear wheel speed filtered value ?rF has exceeded a preset second threshold C2 within a time for transmission of vibration from the front wheels to the rear wheels which is experimentally set in advance after the front wheel speed filtered value ?fF exceeded the first threshold C1. The road surface is then determined to be rough when it is determined that the rear wheel speed filtered value ?rF has exceeded the preset second threshold C2.

Abstract: A portable Dynamic Testing Vehicle able to test for surface friction, drag, and travel distance, through contaminates accounting for longitudinal and lateral acceleration. The DFT is completely self contained with on board power supply, control unit, and water tank. The DFT has a high profile and long chassis to facilitate ease of movement and measurement at up to 100 km/h. Data obtained is transferred through the use of a wireless data transfer to a small handheld personal computer and then to a desktop computer where data is analyzed and or archived via specifically written software.

Abstract: A method for cyclically controlling the braking of a vehicle includes the following steps: (a) detecting a road surface frictional force of said vehicle, (b) detecting a brake fluid pressure, and (c) controlling the brake fluid pressure in response to detected values including the brake fluid pressure and the road surface frictional force, the controlling including decreasing the brake fluid pressure in response to the road surface frictional force declining during an increase of the brake fluid pressure and increasing the brake fluid pressure in response to the road surface frictional force declining during fall-off of the brake fluid pressure.

Abstract: A testing assembly measures the friction of a coating of a test piece having a defined length. The testing assembly comprises a base and a tower fixedly secured to the base. A receiving channel extends through the tower. The receiving channel has a predetermined diameter for receiving the test piece therein. The testing assembly also includes a port extending along a portion of the receiving channel. The port provides access to the test piece at various points along its defined length such that temperature readings of the test piece can be taken as torque and tension are measured.