Patent ID: 8474325
Filing Date: 2013-07-02
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for positioning a specimen relative to an external force applicator for the purpose of applying an external compression force to the specimen for test purposes, the apparatus for positioning the specimen comprising: a defined path extending between a loading position away from the external force applicator and an engagement position where the external compression force can be applied to the specimen by the external force applicator; a carriage adapted to support the specimen, the carriage being positioned on the defined path for movement relative to the external force applicator between a loading position away from the external force applicator and an engagement position where the external force applicator can engage the specimen to conduct the test; a load positioning assembly combined with the carriage to position the test piece on the carriage, wherein the load positioning assembly further comprises a first and a second moveable support adapted for synchronized longitudinal inward and outward movement with respect to the center of the carriage.