Apparatus and methods for testing tension-elongation or cross-sectional properties of single fibers and multiple fiber bundles

US5167150A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Zellweger Uster, Inc. · CH

Inventors

• Frederick M. Shofner · Knoxville, US
• Youe-Tsyr Chu · Knoxville, US
• Christopher K. Shofner · Knoxville, US
• Mark G. Townes · Knoxville, US
• Joseph C. Baldwin · Knoxville, US
• David B. Patelke · Knoxville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 27, 1991
• Grant date: Dec 1, 1992
• Expiry date: Jun 27, 2011

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2203/0623
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A fiber testing apparatus includes two support members for holding a fiber and a positioning mechanism to facilitate placement of the fiber into engagement with the support members. A translation apparatus moves the two support members apart while a monitor records at least one characteristic of the fiber as it is tensioned. In one embodiment, the two support members are first and second clamps and the positioning apparatus includes first and second suctions oriented to draw the fiber in opposite directions and place the fiber in a substantially linear configuration adjacent to both clamps. In another embodiment, a hook and clamp configuration is utilized, and in yet another embodiment a vacuum groove is employed to facilitate positioning of the fiber.