Material testing machines with movable lower crossbeams
AssigneeIllinois Tool Works Inc.
InventorDaniel Patrick Giovanoni
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Described herein are examples of improved material (and/or universal) testing machines having a lower crossbeam that may be moved via a drive system of the material testing machine. In some examples, this may be accomplished via drive shafts with different threading in upper and lower portions, and/or independent drive systems for upper and lower crossbeams. The ability to dynamically adjust (e.g., raise) the lower crossbeam may allow an operator to interact with test samples at a more comfortable height, and reduce the need for an operator to repeatedly bend and/or kneel.
Claims20
A material testing machine, comprising:
- a first crossbeam positioned on a first drive shaft, the first drive shaft configured to move the first crossbeam when actuated;
- a second crossbeam positioned on a second drive shaft, the second drive shaft configured to move the second crossbeam when actuated;
- and
- a clutch assembly configured to selectively, and directly, connect or disconnect the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft to or from one another.
A material testing machine, comprising:
- a top plate;
- a bottom base;
- a first crossbeam positioned on first drive shafts extending between the top plate and the bottom base, the first drive shafts configured to move the first crossbeam when actuated;
- a second crossbeam positioned on second drive shafts extending between the top plate and the bottom base, the second drive shafts configured to move the second crossbeam when actuated;
- a first drive system positioned at least partially within the bottom base, the first drive system being connected to the first drive shafts and configured to move the first crossbeam via actuation of the first drive shafts;
- and
- a second drive system positioned at least partially within the top plate, the second drive system being connected to the second drive shafts and configured to move the second crossbeam via actuation of the second drive shafts.
A material testing machine, comprising:
- a first crossbeam positioned on a first drive shaft, the first drive shaft configured to move the first crossbeam when actuated;
- a second crossbeam positioned on a second drive shaft, the second drive shaft configured to move the second crossbeam when actuated;
- a clutch assembly configured to selectively connect or disconnect the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft;
- and
- a drive system connected to, and configured to actuate, the first drive shaft,
- the actuation of the first drive shaft moving the first crossbeam and the second crossbeam when the first drive shaft is connected to the second drive shaft via the clutch assembly, and
- the actuation of the first drive shaft moving the first crossbeam and not moving the second crossbeam when the first drive shaft is not connected to the second drive shaft via the clutch assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.