Back to results
US 11,002,649 B1Granted
Apparatus for high-throughput sequential tensile testing and methods thereof
AssigneeNational Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
InventorsBrad Boyce, Bradley Salzbrenner
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention relates, in part, to an apparatus configured to test a plurality of test samples within a sample cartridge. Such an apparatus can facilitate high-throughput tensile testing of such test samples. Also described herein are methods for using such an apparatus and for testing such test samples.
Claims20
An apparatus comprising:
- a sample cartridge comprising a first test sample and second test sample, wherein each test sample comprises a free end and an attached end;
- a cartridge holder configured to house the attached end of the first and second test samples;
- a grip assembly configured to grasp the free end of the first or second test sample;
- and
- a stage assembly configured to move the cartridge holder to a first position and a second position, wherein the first position provides the free end of the first test sample in proximity to the grip assembly and wherein the second position provides the free end of the second test sample in proximity to the grip assembly.
2 more elements
A method of measuring a characteristic of a plurality of test samples, the method comprising:
- i. providing a sample cartridge disposed on a stage assembly, wherein the sample cartridge comprises a first test sample and second test sample, wherein each test sample comprises a free end and an attached end;
- ii. positioning a recessed portion of a grip assembly in proximity to the free end of the first test sample, wherein the grip assembly comprises a first jaw portion, a second jaw portion, and the recessed portion disposed between the first and second jaw portions;
- iii. moving the stage assembly to a first position to apply a tensile stress to a reduced portion of the first test sample;
- iv. imaging the reduced portion of the first test sample;
- v. moving the stage assembly to a second position to release the applied tensile stress to the first test sample;
- vi. moving the stage assembly to a third position that provides the free end of the second test sample in proximity to the recessed portion of the grip assembly;
- and
- vii. moving the stage assembly to a fourth position to apply a tensile stress to a portion of the second test sample.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.