Inventors:
Thomas Carl Musolf - Southgate MI
Harold Thomas Wyman - Southgate MI
Assignee:
BASF Wyandotte Corporation - Wyandotte MI
International Classification:
G01N 310
Abstract:
A method of compression testing resilient articles comprising the steps of cutting a sample to desired predetermined dimensions, placing the sample in a preflexing machine to provide preflexing at test specifications, and testing the preflexed sample in a sophisticated compression testing machine. The preflexing machine uses a fluid operated cylinder to move a pressure foot member into and out of the sample to compress same the desired number of times, at the desired rate of deflection and desired number of compressions at a fixed total proportion of compression. The machine is automated through a stepping switch driven in steps by a pulse operated drive mechanism which receives pulses from limit switches associated with the movement of the pressure foot. The stepping switch controls the cylinder through solenoids operating a switching valve means to alternately supply fluid pressure on each side of the piston in the cylinder. Parameters may be varied by control of the fluid pressure and the size and position of the sample.