Noncontacting-optical-strain device

Noncontacting-strain-measuring gauge and extensometer remotely measures the mechanical displacement along the entire length of a test specimen. Measurement is accomplished by continuous scanning of a reflected light from reflective bench markings or stripes previously affixed to the specimen

Simple circuit positions film frames in projector

Individual frames on a photographic film strip in a projector are automatically positioned by a simple circuit. The circuit uses a photodiode that senses frame registry position and a relay that stops the film-advance motor to suspend the film at point of registry

Practical Open-Loop Optimistic Planning

We consider the problem of online planning in a Markov Decision Process when given only access to a generative model, restricted to open-loop policies - i.e. sequences of actions - and under budget constraint. In this setting, the Open-Loop Optimistic Planning (OLOP) algorithm enjoys good theoretical guarantees but is overly conservative in practice, as we show in numerical experiments. We propose a modified version of the algorithm with tighter upper-confidence bounds, KLOLOP, that leads to better practical performances while retaining the sample complexity bound. Finally, we propose an efficient implementation that significantly improves the time complexity of both algorithms

Means and method of measuring viscoelastic strain Patent

Photographic method for measuring viscoelastic strain in solid propellants and other material

High-temperature gas/liquid stress relaxometers

Two relaxometers allow testing of elastomers in various fluids. First relaxometer uses fork-like loading spacer interposed between loading lever and support ring, so that sample is stretched predetermined amount. In second relaxometer, degree of initial elongation is set by means of adjustable collar, which, when locked in place on piston rod, enables sample to be stretched predetermined length

Miniature stress transducer Patent

Miniature solid state, direction sensitive, stress transducer design with bonded semiconductive piezoresistive element for sensing residual stresse

Strain gauge sensitivity improved by using a composite beam

Composite beam connected to strain gauge and mounted on test specimen is capable of amplifying small strains by factor of 10. Tests indicate that resulting output can be 10 times greater than standard method

Sound transmission testing of polymer compounds

This is the post-print version of the final paper published in Polymer Testing. The published article is available from the link below. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. Copyright @ 2012 Elsevier Ltd.Acoustic properties of polymer compounds are an important consideration for many applications. Currently, there are standard test methods for the determination of these properties. There is, however, no standard for the equipment used in these tests, only a specification for the test conditions. The objective of this work was to evaluate the operation and performance of a bench top laboratory sound testing system for its potential as a simple cost effective method for the initial evaluation of materials that require specific acoustic properties. The work was limited to an investigation of the property of sound transmission loss (STL). A study of the effect of the mounting conditions for the samples on the STL was carried out. Following this, a series of polymer and polymer composite samples was tested. The results presented demonstrate the potential for the testing system as an effective standard test method for the acoustic properties of polymer composites and other materials.Technology Strategy Board, U

Optimization of Design of Space Experiments from the Standpoint of Data Processing Semiannual Report, May 1 - Oct. 31, 1966

Encoding algorithm for processing data from space experiment

Contribution of thermal noise to the line width of Josephson radiation from superconducting point contacts

Contribution of thermal noise to line width of Josephson radiation from superconducting point contact