Bond strength tester with switchable backlash control

Abstract

A bond strength testing apparatus comprising a main body, a test tool mount for holding a test tool, and an axial drive mechanism including a screw and nut assembly. The drive mechanism couples the test tool mount to the main body and allows for relative movement between the test tool mount and the main body in an axial direction. A backlash control element is coupled to the main body and the test tool mount, and, in operation, biases the test tool mount relative to the main body in an axial direction. The backlash control element is switchable between a first state in which the test tool mount is biased in a first axial direction by the backlash control element, and a second state in which either the test tool mount is biased in a second axial direction by backlash control element, or the backlash control element applies no biasing force to test tool mount. The apparatus can be automated to apply the appropriate backlash control for a particular, selected test type.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.