Patent ID: 6681614
Filing Date: 2004-01-27
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
In an apparatus for testing the co-efficient-of-friction of a surface such as the surface of a road, the apparatus includinga frame including longitudinally-extending members and being suitably mounted on a plurality of standards adapted to engage such surface. a plurality of standards supporting said frame, a carriage slidably mounted on said members, constant-force coiled spring means operatively connecting together said frame and carriage for retracting said carriage along said members upon completion of the testing operation by said apparatus. a tire securely mounted to a wheel rotatably mounted on said carriage, means on said frame for maintaining a span between the tire and such surface, means for rotating the wheel by which the tire rotates, a gauging tape in alignment with one of said members, and indicator means mounted on one of said members slidable with said carriage in a forward direction of motion for said carriage, the improvement comprisingsaid rotating means including a motor having a shaft on which a first sprocket wheel having teeth is securely mounted thereto and which accelerates the speed of said tire upon its actuation, electronic means for actuating said rotating means whereby said carriage slides in a direction of forward motion along said members, said electronic means including means for sensing the speed of said rotating means as the speed of said tire increases to reach the predetermined value in said electronic means, and means for releasing said maintaining means, whereby the tire drops to engage such surface and at which dropping said indicator means halts on said one of said members at a gauge reading to indicate the co-efficient of friction of the surface to which the tire drops.