Abstract: An apparatus is provided to test valves. The apparatus includes a base and an actuation mechanism with an actuator having a first end coupled to the base and a second end retractably extends from the base. The apparatus further includes a common platform with a first surface and a second surface. The first surface coupled to the second end of the actuator and moves from the base, based on an extension of the actuator. The apparatus further includes a plurality of engagement members each of which includes a first portion coupled to the first surface and a second portion coupled to the second surface. The apparatus further includes a plurality of sensors coupled to the plurality of engagement members such that each sensor of the plurality of sensors is coupled to corresponding member of the plurality of engagement members and coupled with a valve associated with a machine.

Abstract: A seat foam inspection gage including a foam displacement indicator is used for inspecting seat foam on site at a manufacturing plant. The seat foam inspection gage includes a cylindrical body and a ball arranged within the body. The seat foam inspection gage also includes an indicator arranged on a top surface of the body, wherein the indicator measures distance of a foam displacement of the seat foam at a seat manufacturing facility. The seat foam inspection gage may take the distance of foam displacement and convert that number into an IFD number, thus allowing for quick comparison of seat foam hardness across an entire seating surface and across all seats being manufactured in a facility without having to send the seat foam to an offsite quality control lab to measure the IFD with large frame machinery.

Abstract: An inner-rotor motor including: an armature assembly including a rotating shaft, an armature unit coupled to the rotating shaft and a pressing unit; a frame assembly including a frame housing the armature unit, a first bearing unit located on one side with respect to the armature unit in an axial direction, and a second bearing unit located on another side with respect to the armature unit in the axial direction; and an urging structure that urges the rotating shaft in a direction away from the second bearing unit and that presses the pressing unit toward the first bearing unit.

Abstract: A torque sensor is provided that includes a deformable plate that includes an inner part and an outer part. The torque sensor may also include one or more elastic elements that connect the inner part and the outer part. The torque sensor may also include a transducer mounting plate that is rigidly connected to the inner part of the deformable plate. In certain embodiments, the elastic elements include at least one serpentine-shaped elastic element. In other embodiments, the elastic elements may include a beam structure. In some embodiments, the torque sensor includes a plurality of zeroing pins and zeroing pin slots which, when engaged, constrain the rotation of the torque sensor to a smaller zeroing range. In certain embodiments, the torque sensor may also include a plurality of hard stop pins that engage a stopping when an applied torque exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A high-precision tensioning device is provided. The high-precision tensioning device is composed of a stepping motor, an encoder, a harmonic reducer, a rotary table, connecting rods, contacts, force sensors, a rotary table connecting piece, a gasket, a nut, bolts, a set screw, a shell and an end cover. The tensioning device provided by the disclosure can achieve closed-loop control on a tensioning force in order to improve the tensioning precision of the tensioning device; and as long as machining and assembling errors meet design requirements, stable synchronous tensioning of three contacts can be ensured, and the location precision of a hub is improved.

Abstract: A system for evaluating failure of a used mattress includes a test device and computerized test device control module. The test device includes a plunger arm, a control motor attached to a first end of the plunger arm and configured to selectively extend and retract the plunger arm, and a platen attached to an end of the plunger arm distal from control motor. The control module includes a computerized processor, operating programming to evaluate the failure of the mattress. The programming includes controlling extension of the plunger arm, monitoring firmness in the mattress based upon force applied by the platen on the mattress and displacement of the plunger arm, monitoring a threshold firmness value for comparison, comparing the threshold firmness value to the monitored firmness, and generating a result of the comparison indicating the failure of the mattress.

Abstract: A method of monitoring lateral force of a coil spring having a body and opposing end coils is disclosed. A fixture includes a base defining a planar surface with a shaft that extends from said planar surface at a normal angle to said planar surface. An axis defined by the coil spring is aligned with the shaft. Angular displacement from the shaft of an end coil is measured, and the angular displacement is correlated with a lateral force value.

Abstract: A spring performance tester and method of testing a spring are disclosed that has improved accuracy and precision over prior art spring testers. The tester can perform static and cyclic testing. The spring tester can provide validation for product acceptance as well as test for cyclic degradation of springs, such as the change in the spring rate and fatigue failure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for detecting spring stiffness which comprises a universal material testing machine, a loading beam of the universal material testing machine, a fixing rod of bracket for Belleville spring deformation detection, a movable clamping rod of bracket for Belleville spring deformation detection, a dial gauge, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a cushioning component for a body part includes a jig that has a three-dimensional anatomical shape. A base is configured to support the cushioning component. An actuator is operatively connected to at least one of the jig and the base and is activatable to move said one of the jig and the base toward and away from the other of the jig and the base to repeatedly contact the cushioning component and the jig with one another. An electronic controller has a processor that executes a stored algorithm. The algorithm has a test condition substantially equivalent to an expected in-use condition of the cushioning component. The electronic controller activates the actuator to move the jig and/or the base according to the algorithm. A method of testing a cushioning component is implemented.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of testing are provided to test the durability and resilience of crib mattresses and other child development surfaces. The testing apparatus is configured to provided a movable fixture for imparting repeated force to a mattress. The fixture can include a pair of feet formed thereon to mimic the pressure profile provided by a toddler standing or jumping on a crib mattress. The method provides for the cycling of the apparatus over a predetermined time period and the determination of the deflection of the surface after the time period.

Abstract: A device (1) for checking the state of charge of a gas spring (100), comprises: a supporting structure (2) equipped with connecting means (3) adapted to be reversibly connected to a gas spring (100); a plunger (4) slidably received, at least partly, in the supporting structure and having a first end (4b) adapted to interact, in conditions of use, with a charging valve of a gas spring, the plunger having a second end which has an abutment surface (4d); pushing means (6) operating on the abutment surface (4d) of the plunger (4) to apply a measured thrust on the plunger (4) such as to induce the displacement thereof; a position indicator (5) operatively associated with the plunger (4) and configured to represent the position of the plunger relative to a reference element (7). Also described is a method for checking the state of charge of a gas spring (100).

Abstract: A measurement apparatus includes a workbench, a loading mechanism fixed to the workbench, a deformation measuring mechanism, and a stress meter. The deformation measuring mechanism includes a slide beam, and a displacement meter. The loading mechanism includes a guiding shaft extending through a to-be-tested coil spring. A measuring pole of the stress meter, the sliding beam, and the guiding shaft are coaxial. Opposite ends of the coil spring are respectively abutted the slide beam and the loading mechanism. A measuring pole of the displacement meter is connected to the sliding beam. When the stress meter slides towards the slide beam, the displacement of the detecting pole of the displacement member is equal to a change of a length of the coil spring, and recorded by the displacement meter, and a value of a force applied to the coil spring is recorded by the stress meter.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing an angle between first and second legs of a torsion spring includes a board, a limiting block and a pin sandwiching the first leg, a positioning member positioning a main body of the torsion spring with the limiting block, and a test block including a bottom wall slidably contacting the limiting block, and a first sidewall and a second sidewall. Angles between the bottom wall and the first and second sidewalls are respectively minimal and maximal values that equal 180 degrees subtracted by an angle within a qualified range between the first and second legs. The first and second sidewalls is moved toward the second leg in turn. If a bottom end of the first sidewall and a top end of the second sidewall both can contact the second leg, the angle between the first and second legs is qualified. Otherwise, the angle is unqualified.

Abstract: A driving speed Vd that is a speed of a driving force input point at which a driving force from a driving element is transmitted to an elastic member is acquired. An approximate rate Ve of change of an amount of elastic deformation Pe is computed based upon a plurality of values of the amount of elastic deformation Pe acquired as a quantized value at different points in time, by smoothing out an abrupt change in the values of the amount of elastic deformation Pe caused to appear by quantization. A deformation speed V is computed based upon the driving speed Vd and the approximate Ve by: V=A·(?Vd)+B·Ve where A is a coefficient increasing with increase in frequency of fluctuations in a position of the driving force input point, and B is a coefficient increasing with decrease in the frequency of fluctuations in the position of the driving force input point.

Abstract: A spring testing fixture and measuring assembly thereof are described. The spring testing fixture includes a measuring assembly, an upper cover and a lower cover. The measuring assembly further includes a contact plate, a containing space and a buckling unit. The contact plate of the measuring assembly is correspondingly adapted to the configuration (or profile) of the spring for effectively restricting the exerted force on the spring to precisely measure the practical reliability and the life span of the spring.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the torque of a torsion spring, includes a base, an electronic scale secured to the base, a supporting plate fixed to the base, and a holding mechanism slidably secured to the supporting plate. The holding mechanism includes a screw slidably secured to the supporting plate, two nuts engaging with the screw and arranged at opposite sides of the screw, and a holding portion for holding the torsion spring. The nuts are operated to adjust the height of the screw relative to the supporting plate, to drive the torsion spring to depress the electronic scale. The electronic scale displays a weight value for calculating the torque of the torsion spring when depressed by the torsion spring.

Abstract: A health monitoring system for monitoring the health of an electronic system. The health monitoring system includes an analog-to-digital converter, and a monitoring circuit within the electronic system. The monitoring circuit includes fatigue life characterized electrical components representative of electrical components comprising the balance of the electronic system. The fatigue life characterized electrical components are employed solely to monitor the health of the electronic system. The monitoring circuit output is electrically connected to the analog-to-digital converter.

Abstract: A torsion spring test jig adapted to assist a torsion spring to show different elastic statuses includes a bottom holder, a sliding element slidably mounted on the bottom holder and a plurality of hinge pin assemblies. The bottom holder includes a first modulating fastener having a first groove and a second modulating fastener having a second groove perpendicularly positioned under the first modulating fastener. An intersection of the first and second groove forms a first locating perforation. The sliding element includes a third modulating fastener having a third groove and a fourth modulating fastener having a fourth groove perpendicularly positioned under the third modulating fastener. An intersection of the third and fourth grooves forms a second locating perforation. The torsion spring are fastened between the first and second perforations through the hinge pin assemblies.

Abstract: A spring testing fixture and measuring assembly thereof are described. The spring testing fixture includes a measuring assembly, an upper cover and a lower cover. The measuring assembly further includes a contact plate, a containing space and a buckling unit. The contact plate of the measuring assembly is correspondingly adapted to the configuration (or profile) of the spring for effectively restricting the exerted force on the spring to precisely measure the practical reliability and the life span of the spring.

Abstract: A system for monitoring health of an electrical machine is provided. The system includes at least one sensor element embedded in at least one substrate element located in a stator core. The system further includes a measuring subsystem coupled to the at least one sensor element and configured to monitor the health based on changes in electromagnetic characteristics of the sensor element due to changes in force acting on the substrate element or compression of the substrate element.

Abstract: A leaf spring load measuring device of the present invention comprises a weighing mechanism, a measuring mechanism, a metering mechanism, and a control mechanism. The weighing mechanism applies a load heavier than a working load to a leaf spring, thereby bending the leaf spring in its thickness direction, and maintains the resulting state for a predetermined hold time. The measuring mechanism measures a load value of the leaf spring in a manner such that the spring is subjected to a load within a range of the working load. The metering mechanism meters a displacement of the spring when the load value is measured. The control mechanism controls the weighing mechanism, the metering mechanism, and the measuring mechanism, and has a timer function to meter the hold time.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for loading a spring member secured on the apparatus. The apparatus includes a first mechanism for applying a translational loading to the spring member, and a second mechanism for applying a torsional loading to the spring member. The first mechanism includes a plurality of first elements, and the second mechanism includes a plurality of second elements. Each first element of the plurality of first elements is physically spaced apart from each second element of the plurality of second elements to aid in preventing interference between the first and second mechanisms during operation of the first and second mechanisms.

Abstract: A spring force component tester for determining a load distribution on each end of a spring of generally cylindrical shape using three, mutually-parallel load cells. One tester includes a lower plate and an upper plate movable with respect to the lower plate. Each plate includes a plurality of recesses and a load cell positioned in each recess. Each plurality of recesses is positioned such that a center of each recess is a point on a circle coaxial to the plate. The tester also includes a data logger that obtains and stores load cell outputs from the load cells and spring tester electronics that obtain height measurements of the upper plate and send a trigger signal to a computer. The computer executes application software when the computer receives the trigger signal that reads the load cell outputs stored in the data logger, and calculates a spring force acting along the spring axis between approximately 0.5 Newton and 100 Newton.

Abstract: A force measuring apparatus and method for testing a spring for a surgical cartridge. The apparatus and method permit an operator to measure the force applied by the spring when it is in the state it will be in when mounted in a cartridge. Therefore, a spring that exerts an insufficient force is rejected, and a spring that exerts a sufficient force is accepted and then mounted in a cartridge. A rejected spring is ejected from a pocket in the apparatus, and an accepted spring is mounted in the cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for loading a spring member secured on the apparatus. The apparatus includes a first mechanism for applying a translational loading to the spring member, and a second mechanism for applying a torsional loading to the spring member. The first mechanism includes a plurality of first elements, and the second mechanism includes a plurality of second elements. Each first element of the plurality of first elements is physically spaced apart from each second element of the plurality of second elements to aid in preventing interference between the first and second mechanisms during operation of the first and second mechanisms.

Abstract: A spring force component tester for determining a load distribution on each end of a spring of generally cylindrical shape using three, mutually-parallel load cells. One tester includes a lower plate and an upper plate movable with respect to the lower plate. Each plate includes a plurality of recesses and a load cell positioned in each recess. Each plurality of recesses is positioned such that a center of each recess is a point on a circle coaxial to the plate. The tester also includes a data logger that obtains and stores load cell outputs from the load cells and spring tester electronics that obtain height measurements of the upper plate and send a trigger signal to a computer. The computer executes application software when the computer receives the trigger signal that reads the load cell outputs stored in the data logger, and calculates a spring force acting along the spring axis between approximately 0.5 Newton and 100 Newton.

Abstract: A leaf spring load measuring device of the present invention comprises a weighing mechanism, a measuring mechanism, a metering mechanism, and a control mechanism. The weighing mechanism applies a load heavier than a working load to a leaf spring, thereby bending the leaf spring in its thickness direction, and maintains the resulting state for a predetermined hold time. The measuring mechanism measures a load value of the leaf spring in a manner such that the spring is subjected to a load within a range of the working load. The metering mechanism meters a displacement of the spring when the load value is measured. The control mechanism controls the weighing mechanism, the metering mechanism, and the measuring mechanism, and has a timer function to meter the hold time.

Abstract: A leaf spring load measuring device of the present invention comprises a weighing mechanism, a measuring mechanism, a metering mechanism, and a control mechanism. The weighing mechanism applies a load heavier than a working load to a leaf spring, thereby bending the leaf spring in its thickness direction, and maintains the resulting state for a predetermined hold time. The measuring mechanism measures a load value of the leaf spring in a manner such that the spring is subjected to a load within a range of the working load. The metering mechanism meters a displacement of the spring when the load value is measured. The control mechanism controls the weighing mechanism, the metering mechanism, and the measuring mechanism, and has a timer function to meter the hold time.

Abstract: A method of operating a take-up frame is disclosed herein. Specifically, a method of operating a take-up frame is disclosed which includes reading a force indication, wherein the force indication is obtained and provided through mechanical means. Additionally, the method includes adjusting the amount of force applied to achieve a desired amount of force.

Abstract: A distance indicating system includes a transceiver broadcasting an electromagnetic wave and a transponder spaced a distance from the transceiver that receives the electromagnetic wave. The transponder is adapted to induce a modulation of the electromagnetic wave in relation to the distance between the transceiver and the transponder. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for determining coil spring force line range corresponding to specific damper friction values using a universal spring mechanism and using the determined force line range in coil spring design. The method includes securing the mechanism to a suspension system including a damper, providing a controller for controlling actuator legs thereof for exerting force between upper and lower seats of the mechanism, and performing a capability study of the mechanism. The method further includes determining a desired coil spring force line position based upon the capability study, activating the mechanism to generate a desired coil spring force line based upon the desired coil spring force line position, performing damper friction measurements for determining a coil sp ring force line position for minimizing damper friction, determining the coil spring force line range based upon the damper friction measurements, and designing a coil spring based upon the coil spring force line range.

Abstract: A method and system for directly measuring the compression of a ripple spring (23) in a dynamoelectric machine through a corresponding wedge (27). A compression-assessment tool (3) is provided that includes a carriage (32) for supporting a proximity sensor (34). The carriage (32) enables the proximity sensor (34) to be passed over the length of the ripple spring (23), which produces an output signal that is representative of the compression of the ripple spring (23).

Abstract: A belt force measuring device has a measuring spring (12), of which the strain is a measure of the belt force. The measuring spring (12) is arranged and formed as a tension spring in such a way that, depending on the belt force, the spring extends between first and second mountings. A strain measuring structure (23), which is rigidly arranged on the measuring spring (12), is integrated in a housing (2) of a belt buckle (1).

Abstract: With a measurement method and a measurement device for the measurement of a path covered by a first object (1) in relation to a second object (2), a measurement body (3) is deformed by a relative movement of the objects and at least a first deformation sensor (4) assigned to the measurement body (3) converts the measurement body (3) deformation into a measurement signal. The measurement signal is converted by an evaluation device (20) into information on the path covered. In order to increase the precision and measurement speed in a way that is simple structurally and saves space, the measurement signal is emitted when an area of the measurement body (3) is stretched along the longitudinal axis (6) of the measurement body (3) and a further area is compressed along the longitudinal axis (6) of the measurement body (3).

Abstract: The two housing parts are used as springing means which are mounted behind each other, thereby extending the full spring path. Despite the soft springs obtained by the housing, the individual housing parts can be manufactured from a stable material so that they remain dimensionally stable over a long-term period even when subjected to heavy stress by virtue of the fact that they are arranged between a vehicle seat and the chassis of the vehicle, thereby meeting the high quality standards required by the vehicle industry. Complex successive positioning of the springs inside the housing is avoided. As a result, it is possible to produce a force measuring device which is particularly compact, stable and economical. A coil with a core is used as an inductive deflection sensor.

Abstract: A dual rate force transducer is disclosed. A spring is machined to have a first spring portion with a first spring rate, a second spring portion with a second spring rate, and a platen between the spring portions. A pair of flanges are affixed to the distal ends of the spring portions. At least one sensor is affixed to one of the flanges, and at least one other sensor is affixed to another one of the flanges. Mounting hardware is used to couple the springs, flanges and platen together, including at least one mechanical stop to limit displacement of the spring.

Abstract: A displacement measuring device measures a path of a moving object that can be displaced in a direction has at least one first component that is allocated to the moveable object and a second, stationary component. The components are interlinked for the purpose of converting a movement and/or displacement of the moving object into an electrical signal. The displacement measuring device also has an evaluating device for converting the electrical signal into movement and/or position information. The displacement measuring device has a high degree of accuracy, is not susceptible to wear, is resistant to vibration, shocks, or corrosion and is economical to use in almost all media. To this end, the first component is a spring element connecting the moving object and the second component is a force-measurement device which releases an electrical signal corresponding to the force that is exerted on the spring element.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring of positions or movements of two objects relative to one another with a force and/or moment sensor and a conversion spring element, with the force and/or moment sensor being elastically connected with one of the objects at least via the conversion spring element. A force and/or moment sensor with the measuring apparatus. A joystick with the measuring apparatus or the force and/or moment sensor.

Abstract: Blast pressure gauges and methods for detecting blast pressure during a blast test. The gauges operate independently of power sources, are portable, and are used in harsh environments including test ranges. Each embodiment is constructed to detect blast pressures as required in the circumstances of a particular blast test.

Abstract: A spring has a fixed end and a free end, the free end when elevated to a specific elevation from the fixed end produces a load on an object. A spring constant of the spring is calculated, a load correction amount for correcting load of the spring is calculated using the spring constant, and the spring based on the load correction amount.

Abstract: A method for determining coil spring force line range corresponding to specific damper friction values using a universal spring mechanism and using the determined force line range in coil spring design. The method includes securing the mechanism to a suspension system including a damper, providing a controller for controlling actuator legs thereof for exerting force between upper and lower seats of the mechanism, and performing a capability study of the mechanism. The method further includes determining a desired coil spring force line position based upon the capability study, activating the mechanism to generate a desired coil spring force line based upon the desired coil spring force line position, performing damper friction measurements for determining a coil spring force line position for minimizing damper friction, determining the coil spring force line range based upon the damper friction measurements, and designing a coil spring based upon the coil spring force line range.

Abstract: A fixture and technique for testing a coil spring selected from a supply of springs. Each spring has an unstressed generally helical configuration and the test determines an excess departure from the helical configuration of a spring under a compressive load. The first end of a selected spring is radially fixed in a first guide while a second end of the spring end is axially retained in a movable second guide that is supported on rollers to allow omni-directional transverse radial motion of the second end. An axial compressive force is applied to the selected spring while allowing the second end relatively free radial motion. When compression induced radial motion of the second end exceeds a predetermined threshold, the second end the selected spring closes a normally opened electrical circuit to inform an operator that the selected spring is excessively out of square and should be rejected.

Abstract: A spring has a fixed end and a free end. A specific portion of the free end is elevated from the fixed end, and a load measuring device that measures the load on the spring is arranged so as to make a physical contact with the free end. An elevation is measured from the fixed end of a specific portion of the load measuring device where the free end and the load measuring device make the physical contact with each other. It is determined whether the elevation measured is equal to a specific elevation and the load on the spring is measured with the load measuring device when the elevation measured is equal to a specific elevation.

Abstract: A shock simulation system including a support plane, a first mass element and a first spring element attached between the support plane and the first mass element. Also included, is a second mass element that is attached to the first mass element with a second spring element as well as a cocking apparatus, positioned between the support plane and the second mass element, that is capable of accumulating and storing energy in the spring elements. The system also includes a trigger for releasing the energy stored in the springs and for causing a mechanical shock event that is substantially transferred to the second mass.

Abstract: A belt force measuring device has a measuring spring, the expansion of which is a measure of the belt force. It further has a detector which is arranged on the measuring spring rigidly to a first bearing of the measuring spring. Furthermore, a sensor element is provided which is arranged on the measuring spring rigidly to a second bearing of the measuring spring. The measuring spring is arranged and formed such that it expands between the first and second bearing as a function of the belt force.

Abstract: A spring has a fixed end and a free end. A specific portion of the free end is elevated from the fixed end, and a load measuring device that measures the load on the spring is arranged so as to make a physical contact with the free end. An elevation is measured from the fixed end of a specific portion of the load measuring device where the free end and the load measuring device make the physical contact with each other. It is determined whether the elevation measured is equal to a specific elevation and the load on the spring is measured with the load measuring device when the elevation measured is equal to a specific elevation.

Abstract: A spring has a fixed end and a free end, the free end when elevated to a specific elevation from the fixed end produces a load on an object. A spring constant of the spring is calculated, a load correction amount for correcting load of the spring is calculated using the spring constant, and the spring based on the load correction amount.

Abstract: A block test stand includes a body having a base and two rods each having a first end secured on the base and a second end having a barrel laterally secured on the two rods. A bearing member is partially slidably received in the barrel. The bearing member includes a piston cap slidably received in the barrel, and a piston is received in the piston cap and extends through the barrel. A connector is secured on a distal end of the piston. A bearing seat is connected to the connector. The bearing seat includes a block and a spheroid secured on the block. The spheroid is partially universally received in the socket in the connector and a concentric ring is sleeved on the connector and secured on the block to hold the block in place.

Abstract: A method for producing an over-running decoupler that is configured to transmit rotary power between a rotary member and a hub. The over-running decoupler includes a one-way clutch having a clutch spring, a carrier that is coupled to the clutch spring and at least one spring that resiliently couples the carrier to the hub. The method includes: establishing a desired fatigue life of the at least one spring; establishing a design deflection of the at least one spring during resonance, wherein deflection of the at least one spring at the design deflection during resonance does not reduce a fatigue life of the at least one spring below the desired fatigue life; and preventing resonance in the over-running decoupler by controlling a maximum deflection of the at least one spring such that the maximum deflection is less than or equal to the design deflection.