Patent ID: 8047069
Filing Date: 2011-11-01
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising (a) first and second specimen holding and tensioning devices arranged on a common axis wherein the tensioning devices each comprise an assembly of components connected together in the sequential order of specimen grip, connecting rod, release coupling, load cell and an actuator, (b) a blade cutting device located orthogonally to the axis of the first and second specimen tensioning devices wherein the cutting device further comprises a cutting blade, a blade holder on a linear slide attached to a backing plate, a load cell wherein the blade holder is connected to the load cell and actuator via a wire mounted over a plurality of pulleys, and (c) a cutting block assembly located on the same axis as the cutting device and on the opposite side of the specimen tensioning device axis wherein the block assembly comprises a series of components connected together in the sequential order of cutting block, air cylinder, load cell and actuator wherein the cutting block further comprises a first slot cut horizontally across the block to locate the test specimen and a second slot cut vertically to locate the cutting blade.