Patent ID: 6349587
Filing Date: 2002-02-26
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A friction test system comprising:a carriage; a friction surface; a motion device which causes relative movement between the carriage and the friction surface in at least a first direction; a sample holder mounted to,the carriage which holds a sample in frictional engagement with the friction surface during the relative movement between the carriage and the friction surface; a variable weight loading device carried by the carriage which loads the sample holder so that a selected load can be applied to the sample in a direction normal to the friction surface; a force measurement device which obtains a measurement indicative of the frictional force resisting movement of the sample as it is moved in the first direction; and a processor which controls the motion device, controls the variable weight loading device and/or records the measurements obtained by the force measurement device; wherein the motion device causes relative movement between the carriage and the friction surface in a second direction opposite to the first direction so that the force measurement device can obtain measurements indicative of the frictional force in forward and reverse directions.