Apparatus for the single-axis examination of micro-tension samples

An apparatus for single-axis examination of micro-tension samples in a tensile testing machine having opposite pull rods between which said apparatus is mounted for the application of tensile forces to said micro-tension samples;

• said apparatus comprising:
• a load frame for connection to said opposite pull rods, said load frame having a front and a rear frame part and comprising two parallel spring structures in the form of serially arranged cantilevered beams defining multiple S structures with slots formed between adjacent beams, said spring structures interconnecting a bottom and a top frame part with some resiliency, mechanical first mounting means for engaging and firmly holding one end of a micro-tension sample mounted on one of said frame parts, a force measuring dement mounted on the other of said frame parts and including hydraulic second mounting means for engaging and holding the other end of said micro-tension sample, said force measuring element including flexible means which bend depending on a pulling force applied thereto, tension measuring means on said force measuring element for sensing the pulling force applied to said micro-tension sample by said second mounting means, and means for sensing any movement of said second mounting means relative to said one frame part.