Alignment apparatus and methods for testing system

Abstract

A method of operating a testing machine includes obtaining first sensor outputs from a first load cell indicative of forces on sensors of the first load cell at a first end of a test specimen. The method further includes obtaining second sensor outputs from a second load cell indicative of forces on sensors of the second load cell at a second opposite end of the test specimen mounted in a second grip. Forces at the sensors of the first load cell and sensors of the second load cell are determined from the first sensor outputs and the second sensor outputs. The test specimen is coaxially aligned with the first and second grips along an axis by adjusting at least one of an alignment device of the testing machine or at least one of a position of the test specimen in the first or second grip.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.