Method and apparatus for nondestructively determining the density of a plurality of contiguous segments of a nonhomogeneous specimen

US4747308A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture · US

Inventors

• Jerrold Winandy · Mazomanie, US
• Kent McDonald · Middleton, US
• Steven G. Hankel · Blue Mounds, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 13, 1987
• Grant date: May 31, 1988
• Expiry date: Mar 13, 2007

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N9/02
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Method and apparatus for nondestructively estimating density of contiguous segments along the length of a straight, elongated specimen which is uniform in cross-section and heterogeneous in density throughout its length comprising maintaining the specimen in a horizontal position by supporting it at two points near opposite ends of the specimen; measuring the downward force exerted by the specimen at one of the points while periodically moving the other support along the length of the specimen. The measurements are applied to a static equilibrium equation together with external dimensions to determine segment densities.