Patent ID: 7373800
Filing Date: 2008-05-20
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A friction test apparatus, comprising: a support structure; a receptacle defining a cavity, and wherein the receptacle is configured to hold a test fluid therein when the receptacle is mounted to the support structure, and wherein the receptacle defines first and second openings in fluid communication with the cavity; at least one upper friction member rotatably coupled to the support structure; a clamp associated with the receptacle; at least three lower friction members non-rotatably clamped in the receptacle by the clamp with portions contacting the upper friction member in sliding contact upon rotation of the upper friction member; first volume of first test fluid disposed in the cavity and covering the portions of the three lower friction members, the first test fluid comprising a lubricant having a first composition; a reservoir fluidly coupled to the one of the first and second openings to provide fluid flow from the reservoir through the one opening into the cavity of the receptacle, wherein the reservoir holds a volume of second test fluid at least as large as the first volume, and wherein the second test fluid has a second composition that is different than the first composition.