The invention relates to a device for testing a ceramic socket insert for hip joint implants having a receiving device, a pressure piece and optionally having a plunger, wherein the receiving device has a recess with a positioning region for receiving the socket insert and the recess has a receiving cone in the positioning region. According to the invention, in order for the device to be universally applicable to all socket inserts (monolithic, modular, pre-joined) and therefore replace all current devices, an annular ductile adapter piece having a conical outer surface contacting the receiving cone and an inner surface contacting the socket insert is arranged in the positioning region between the receiving device and the socket insert, wherein the friction between the receiving device and adapter piece is lower than between the adapter piece and socket insert.

An apparatus for measuring mechanical properties of a rock formation. The apparatus includes force application fixtures configured to apply opposing compressive forces to a disc-shaped sample of a core plug specimen from the rock formation. Each of the force application fixtures include an applicant portion having an end cap. The end cap has a shaped surface that is configured to conform with a portion of a non-planar side of the disc-shaped sample such that substantially an entire volume of the disc-shaped sample experiences a compressive stress when the opposing compressive forces are applied to the portions of the non-planar side. A system and method for measuring mechanical properties of a rock formation are also disclosed.

A thermal insulating additive, product formed therefrom, and method of making the same, wherein the thermal insulating additive comprises a plurality of hollow polymeric particles having an average particle size up to about 0.3 micrometers. The hollow polymeric particles exhibit a mechanical strength in a compression test up to about 420 psi and a thermal conductivity that is less than 0.150 W/m-k. The hollow polymeric particles are individually formed as an alkaline swellable core that is at least partially encapsulated with two or more shell layers; the alkaline swellable core prior to swelling exhibits an average particle size that is less than about 50 nanometers.

An apparatus for measuring mechanical properties of a rock formation. The apparatus includes force application fixtures configured to apply opposing compressive forces to a disc-shaped sample of a core plug specimen from the rock formation. Each of the force application fixtures include an applicant portion having an end cap. The end cap has a shaped surface that is configured to conform with a portion of a non-planar side of the disc-shaped sample such that substantially an entire volume of the disc-shaped sample experiences a compressive stress when the opposing compressive forces are applied to the portions of the non-planar side. A system and method for measuring mechanical properties of a rock formation are also disclosed.

A portable device for determining whether a tennis ball is compliant with a stated deformation standard compresses a tennis ball by application of a pre-determined pre-load followed by a pre-determined force. A scale is provided for measuring the deformation of the tennis ball after it is compressed. The device includes several plate members disposed in parallel and relatively movable a controllable amount by a shifting mechanism.

A portable device for determining whether a tennis ball is compliant with a stated deformation standard compresses a tennis ball by application of a pre-determined pre-load followed by a pre-determined force. A scale is provided for measuring the deformation of the tennis ball after it is compressed. The device includes several plate members disposed in parallel and relatively movable a controllable amount by a shifting mechanism.

A thermal insulating additive, product formed therefrom, and method of making the same, wherein the thermal insulating additive comprises a plurality of hollow polymeric particles having an average particle size up to about 0.3 micrometers. The hollow polymeric particles exhibit a mechanical strength in a compression test up to about 420 psi and a thermal conductivity that is less than 0.150 W/m-k. The hollow polymeric particles are individually formed as an alkaline swellable core that is at least partially encapsulated with two or more shell layers; the alkaline swellable core prior to swelling exhibits an average particle size that is less than about 50 nanometers.

A cell grabber has a unitary structure including a transparent grabber head at a terminus thereof and an elongated mounting portion extending therefrom for attachment to a force transducer. The grabber head has a planar or concave bonding surface which is coated with an adhesive film to secure the specimen, especially single cells, for tensile measurements. The cell grabber may be used in connection with auxotonic, isometric or isotonic force measurement systems.

The disclosure relates to a method for determining the compressive character of an olefin polymerisation catalyst, comprising subjecting particles of an olefin polymerisation catalyst to micro-compression testing to obtain crushing strength data of the particles of the olefin polymerisation catalyst to determine the compressive character of the olefin polymerisation catalyst. The disclosure further re later to a method for evaluating the quality of an olefin polymerisation catalyst, comprising determining the compressive character of the olefin polymerisation catalyst, and evaluating the quality of the olefin polymerisation from the information obtained from the determination of its compressive strength. The disclosure still further relates to a method for predicting the performance of an olefin polymerisation catalyst in an olefin polymerisation process from its compressive strength descriptors, characterized in that the compressive character of the olefin polymerisation catalyst is determined as disclosed. The disclosure furthermore re I ate rs to an olefin polymerisation catalyst, having a Weibull modulus higher than modulus higher than 2.