Patent ID: 7121149
Filing Date: 2006-10-17
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A gyratory compactor apparatus adapted to interact with a generally cylindrical mold having an outer diameter and defining an axis, the mold also having opposed first and second ends and a radially extending flange, the flange having an outer diameter, and the mold being adapted to have a sample disposed therein, said gyratory compactor apparatus comprising: a frame defining an axis; a mold-engaging device adapted to receive the mold and to axially move the mold with respect to the frame; and an offsetable member operably engaged with the frame and configured to be capable of engaging the second end of the mold when the mold is axially moved into engagement with the offsetable member by the mold-engaging device, the mold-engaging device being further configured to then release the mold such that the mold is independent thereof, the offsetable member being further configured to be capable of being laterally displaced from the frame axis and concurrently movable in an orbital motion about the frame axis, with a portion of the mold away from the second end being maintained at a gyration point along the frame axis, such that the second end of the mold is moved in the orbital motion and the mold is configured to be gyrated and dynamically maintained at a specified gyration angle related to the lateral displacement of the offsetable member, the gyration point, and the frame axis.