Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Adrian Charles Riddick

Daniel Chouinard

Christopher Hines

Brian Salem

Christian J Hoehl

Michael Ashman

Nicholas Francisco Salerno

Fernando Castro

William Masek

Stephen Michael McMahon

Peter Bermudez

Christian Hoehl

Described is a testing system for performing specimen testing, such as residual seal force (RSF) testing and/or compression friction (CF) measurement testing. The testing system comprising a column supported by a base structure, a load cell supported by said column, a specimen plate configured to receive a plurality of specimens, a motor, and controller. The load cell is configured to move along the column toward and away from the base structure via a crosshead coupled to an actuator. The plurality of specimens comprising a first specimen and a second specimen. The controller is configured to control the motor to adjust a position of said specimen plate.

System, method, and apparatus for automating specimen testing

Described is a test head for a residual seal force (RSF) testing system. The test head includes a housing, an anvil, and a ball roller assembly. The housing defines a first cavity and the anvil is positioned at least partially within the first cavity. The ball roller assembly is configured to provide a point of contact between the housing and the anvil during a RSF test. The test head may further comprise a retaining ring configured to maintain the anvil at least partially within the first cavity.

Described is a compression apparatus for a testing system having a load cell. The disclosed compression apparatus ensures proper seating relative to the load cell to yield accurate compression friction (CF) measurements. The disclosed compression apparatus includes a compression rod and at least one mechanical fastener. The compression rod has a first portion at a distal end and a second portion that defines a threaded bore at a proximal end. The first portion is configured to contact a specimen and the second portion is configured to couple to the load cell. The mechanical fastener is configured to mate with the threaded bore.

Compression apparatus for automating specimen testing

The present disclosure describes systems and methods to correct for perspective calibration variations of a variable thickness specimen with a single camera extensometer in a video extensometer system. In some examples, the systems and methods compensate for a change between a reference characteristic, such as a calibration plane, and an actual physical characteristic, such as a testing plane associated with a surface of a test specimen, during a testing operation. In some examples, a correction value is applied to an output (e.g., measured dimensions of the imaged test specimen) to compensate for the difference between the reference characteristic and the physical characteristic.

Thickness correction for video extensometer systems and methods

The present disclosure describes systems and methods for conducting deformation (e.g., extension and/or strain) measurements based on characteristics of a test specimen using light sourced from a single side of a test specimen. The light source and an imaging device are arranged on a single side of the test specimen relative to a back screen while the light source illuminates both a front surface of the test specimen and the back screen. The back screen reflects light to create a silhouette of the test specimen. The imaging device captures images of one or more markers on a front surface of the test specimen, as well as measuring position of the markers during the testing process. The imaging device also measures relative changes in position of the edges of the test specimen during the testing process, by analyzing the edges of the silhouetted image created by the reflective back screen.

Video extensometer system with reflective back screen

Systems and methods are provided for handsets for testing devices with fluid ingress mitigation.

Methods and systems for handsets for testing devices with fluid ingress mitigation

The present disclosure provides an electro-mechanical fuse-type configuration built into the probe that contacts the specimen during materials testing. The design includes an internal pre-loaded compression spring and an electrical contact switch. The coil spring preloaded to the desired safety load results in the probe assembly directly passing the load from the probe tip to the load cell for loads under the point where the spring additionally compresses. Upon deflection of the spring in excess of safety preload, the spring internally compresses within the probe coupling rather than the probe tip continuing to displace into the specimen, thereby switching the state of the electrical contact switch and stopping operation of the materials testing device. In a further configuration, excessive travel of the load cell coupling is detected, and, in response, operation of the materials testing device is stopped.

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Medfield, MA, United States of America

Adrian Charles Riddick