The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 04, 2002
Filed:
Dec. 03, 1998
William P. Kroll, Medina, MN (US);
Randie Evenson, Brooklyn Center, MN (US);
Karl J. F. Kroll, Maple Grove, MN (US);
Intercomp Company, Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
An apparatus for testing torsion bars, comprising a frame, a load cell, a connector, a torque arm and a force applicator. The frame includes a torque end support positioned a predetermined distances from a load cell end support. The load cell is attached to the load cell end support, and the connector is rotatably attached to the torque end support. A torsion bar is connected to and extends between the load cell and the connector. The torque arm has a proximal portion attached to the connector, and at least one distal portion. The force applicator is attached to the distal portion of the torque arm and to the frame. The force applicator rotates the torque arm and provides a torque force to the torsion bar. The invention further comprises a method for testing and measuring the spring rate of torsion bars, comprising the steps of: installing a torsion bar on a torsion bar tester; zeroing the torsion bar tester; pumping a jack on the torsion bar tester to twist the torsion bar until an angle indicator on the torsion bar tester displays the desired angle; and reading a force indicator on the torsion bar tester.