Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Instron Limited

Stephen Michael McMahon

Roy D Allen

Fernando Castro

William Masek

Adrian Charles Riddick

Rudolf Mathias Mayer

Fritz Mueller

Peter Bermudez

Zachary Harvey

John Hitchcock

Devin S Dix

This disclosure relates to methods and tools for calibrating a camera-based three-dimensional optical metrology system such as that used for non-contact measurement of strain in a materials test system. A tool is provided which holds a calibration plate within a test space of a load frame of a materials testing device. The tool includes a spindle which rotates around a rotational axis to a series of detent rotational positions. The spindle engages the calibration plate by a bearing configuration which allows the tilt angle of the calibration plate to be varied. The rotation of the spindle and the variation of the tilt angle provides for two degrees of freedom of movement within the test space. The resulting sequence of calibration plate positions is systematic and repeatable.

Three-dimensional calibration tools and methods

This disclosure relates to method of enhancing the three-dimensional detection range of a vision-based, single camera intrusion detection system within a tensile test machine or other materials testing machine. Illumination sources are offset from the camera and provide a cones of illumination which intersect with the conical viewing zone of the camera thereby defining a detection zone. When objects intrude into these conical regions, a shadow is cast. The shadow is detected by the camera. The detection of the intrusion is typically used as a safety function to deactivate at least part of the function of the materials testing machine.

Method of increasing detection zone of a shadow-based video intrusion detection system

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.

Loadcell probe for overload protection

An adjustable stage mount includes a housing having a base defining a hole and an adjustable stage including a ball joint extension that rotatably engages the hole and is rotatably securable about the x-, y-, and z-axes. An adjustable indenter mount includes a housing defining a hole and an adjustable indenter including a ball joint extension that rotatably engages the hole and is rotatably securable about the x-, y-, and z-axes. A collision protection switch includes a first plate having three pairs of electrically conductive spaced apart pins wired to a voltage source in an open circuit, and a second plate having three electrically conductive balls. A spring pulls the first and second plates together causing the three balls to complete the circuit. A sufficient force against the second plate causes a ball to disengage and open the circuit. A two-objective microscope includes two parallel objectives, upper and lower light sources, three half-mirrors, and a camera. The camera and the half-mirrors are configured such that the camera views through either objective depending on which light source is on.

Apparatus for microscopic detection of hardness

A latching coupling device for material testers is provided. The coupling can be connected and disconnected without the use of tools and includes a housing and interfacer. A spring within the latching coupling device serves to center the interfacer while snapping the interfacer shoulder and end face into compressive contact. The invention is preferably used in conjunction with penetration hardness testers and includes a penetration interfacer with an angled surface.

Materials tester latching coupling device

A materials testing grip for tensile testing of small fibers includes a pair of inwardlyconverging surfaces into which a fiber may be easily pressed, and which in fiber tension is characterized by increased gripping force.

Materials testing grip

An extensometer for measuring strain in a materials test speciment including a frame, a pair of arms each having one end for contacting a portion of the specimen and a remote end, and a noncontact sensor assembly mounted on the arms to measure change in distance between the contact ends, the arms being pivotally supported between the ends by the frame at the centers of gravity of the arms and attached components of the sensor, to permit the arms to be freely pivotal.

Growing community of inventors

Quincy, MA, United States of America

Stephen Michael McMahon