Caterpillar Tractor Co.

William L Slusarek

John P Jero

Michael A Loda

An apparatus for controllably delivering power from a device to a workpiece is useful, for example, in performing qualitative material tests on various materials. In the instant apparatus, a sonic generator means controllably supplies sonic power to a workpiece, causing the surface of the workpiece to erode. A sensing means produces an actual power signal having a magnitude responsive to the power consumed by the sonic generator means. A settable means produces a desired power signal, and a control means compares the desired and actual power signals and supplies motor control signals in response to the respective magnitudes of the power signals and to a tracking time interval signal. In response to termination of the tracking time signal, the control means blocks the motor control signals. A motor means controllably moves the sonic generator means relative to the workpiece in response to receiving the motor control signals. Owing to the controllability of the apparatus, consistent, objective material test results are obtained from analysis of the power consumed by the sonic generator means with respect to time.

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Eureka, IL, United States of America

William L Slusarek