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US 5,309,768 AGranted
Automation of test instruments
AssigneeMonsanto Company
InventorsMichael Mathews, David G. Rusling, Michael J. Stolc, Robert I. Barker
Life of this patent
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AssigneeMonsanto Company
InventorsMichael Mathews, David G. Rusling, Michael J. Stolc, Robert I. Barker
Estimating the term…
A method of operating an instrument for testing the physical properties of materials in which each of a series of samples of the material to be tested is placed in a test position located between dies, the dies are closed to mould the material to a test shape, a test is carried out on the sample in the mould and after completion of the test the dies are opened and the sample is removed from the test position is characterised in that a film of material which is substantially non-adhesive to the dies under the conditions of the test is provided to cover those surfaces of the sample which, in the absence of the film, would be in contact with the dies, each sample in turn is conveyed to the test position, and mechanical elements are provided for removing each sample from the test position after the completion of the test. Apparatus suitable for use in the method of the invention is also provided.
A method of operating an instrument for testing the physical properties of materials in which each of a series of samples of the material to be tested is placed in a test position located between dies, the dies are closed to mould the material to a test shape, a test is carried out on the sample in the mould and after the completion of the test the dies are opened and the sample is removed from the test position, characterised in that a film of material which is substantially non-adhesive to the dies under the conditions of the test covers those surfaces of the sample which, in the absence of the film, would be in contact with the dies during the test, each sample in turn is conveyed to the test position and removed by mechanical means from the test position after the completion of the test.
Apparatus for testing the physical properties of a sequence of samples of material, which apparatus comprises dies which are movable between a closed position in which a test on a sample can be carried out, and an open position in which samples can be loaded or removed, characterised in that the apparatus also comprises a film and means for arranging that before a test is carried out on a sample, the surfaces of the sample which would otherwise be in contact with the dies can be covered with the film, and means for removing each sample from the test position after the dies have been reopened following the completion of a test.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.