There is provided a material testing machine that a control device of the material testing machine includes a detection circuit which extracts a resistance component caused by the physical quantity and a capacitive component caused by an electrostatic capacitance of the cable from a measurement signal from the detector, a memory element which stores a normal capacitive component extracted by the detection circuit, and a comparator which compares the current capacitive component extracted by the detection circuit with the normal capacitive component, and when a comparison result from the comparator indicates that a value of the current capacitive component varies beyond a predetermined allowable range with respect to the normal capacitive component, it is treated that the cable is disconnected, and a disconnection warning is provided.

A linear and rotary shock-testing machine including: a base; a shaft rotatably and translationally movable relative to the base; a test disc for holding one or more specimens to be tested, the test disc being rotatable with the shaft; one of a cam and cam follower fixed relative to the base; and an other of the cam and cam follower fixed to the test disc, wherein the shaft being driven to provide a rotational shock to the one or more test specimens; and the cam is shaped such that the cam follower follows the cam to urge the test disc into a translational motion while rotating to provide translational shock to the one or more specimens.

An example material testing system includes: a crosshead configured to be actuated to transfer testing force to a test specimen during a material test; an actuator configured to actuate the crosshead and to apply the testing force to the crosshead; a force sensor configured to measure force applied by the crosshead to the specimen; and a control processor configured to: determine a reference force range based on a first force measurement from the force sensor in response to initiation of movement of the crosshead; and in response to a second force measurement by the force sensor that is outside of the reference force range, controlling the actuator to apply a braking force to the crosshead.

Safety systems and material testing systems including safety systems are disclosed. An example material testing system includes: an actuator configured to control an operator-accessible component of the material testing system; an actuator disabling circuit configured to disable the actuator; and one or more processors configured to: control the actuator based on a material testing process; monitor a plurality of inputs associated with operation of the material testing system; determine, based on the plurality of inputs and the material testing process, a state of the material testing system from a plurality of predetermined states, the predetermined states comprising one or more unrestricted states and one or more restricted states; and control the actuator disabling circuit based on the determined state.

A rotary shock-testing machine including: a base; a first shaft rotatable relative to the base, the first shaft being driven to rotate; a first wheel rotatable with the first shaft; a second shaft rotatable relative to the base; a second wheel rotatable with a first portion of the second shaft; and a test disc for holding one or more specimens to be tested, the test disc being rotatable with a second portion of the second shaft; wherein the first and second wheels are aligned with each other such that the second wheel is driven by the first wheel when a material is introduced into a gap between a surface of the first wheel and a corresponding surface of the second wheel.

There is provided a material testing machine that a control device of the material testing machine includes a detection circuit which extracts a resistance component caused by the physical quantity and a capacitive component caused by an electrostatic capacitance of the cable from a measurement signal from the detector, a memory element which stores a normal capacitive component extracted by the detection circuit, and a comparator which compares the current capacitive component extracted by the detection circuit with the normal capacitive component, and when a comparison result from the comparator indicates that a value of the current capacitive component varies beyond a predetermined allowable range with respect to the normal capacitive component, it is treated that the cable is disconnected, and a disconnection warning is provided.

An apparatus for testing paving samples includes a base that includes a paving sample tray about the cabinet and configured for translation relative to the cabinet. A roller is configured for imparting compressive forces to a sample carried by the sample tray. An arm is configured for moving the roller from a stowed position to an in-use position where the roller contacts the sample. A cylinder assembly having a piston therein supplies pressure forces to the arm to move the arm from the stowed position to the in-use position, wherein a depth of travel of the arm is limited by the sample. As the sample is compressed, the depth of travel increases. A measurement device is in communication with the cylinder for determining an amount of travel of the arm to thus determine an amount of compression of the sample.

An apparatus for testing paving samples includes a base that includes a paving sample tray about the cabinet and configured for translation relative to the cabinet. A roller is configured for imparting compressive forces to a sample carried by the sample tray. An arm is configured for moving the roller from a stowed position to an in-use position where the roller contacts the sample. A cylinder assembly having a piston therein supplies pressure forces to the arm to move the arm from the stowed position to the in-use position, wherein a depth of travel of the arm is limited by the sample. As the sample is compressed, the depth of travel increases. A measurement device is in communication with the cylinder for determining an amount of travel of the arm to thus determine an amount of compression of the sample.

A rotary shock testing machine including: a base; a shaft rotatable relative to the base; a test disc for holding one or more specimens to be tested, the test disc being rotatable with the shaft; an actuator for applying a rotation to the shaft and test disc; and a brake for applying a braking force to the test disc to subject the one or more specimens to a rotary shock.

The present disclosure relates to an electronic control system for pneumatic grips, using proportional air pressure control, as employed in the field of materials testing. The disclosed embodiments allow for variable gripping pressure thereby increasing the safety for the user/operator. Additionally, materials testing will not commence until the proper pressure for testing has been achieved.