Patent ID: 6988417
Filing Date: 2006-01-24
Classification: G01L,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of measuring the displacement of, and force on, visco-elastoplastic media below a surface thereof, the method comprising: providing an upper plate having a top surface, and a base and locating the base and upper plate at a desired depth under the surface of the visco-elastoplastic media; orienting the upper plate relative to the base such that a displacement force exerted on visco-elastoplastic media above the top surface will move the upper plate a displacement distance downward toward the base; with guides, maintaining the upper plate and the base in alignment such that movement of the upper plate toward the base is along a displacement axis; providing a calibrated bias element operative to exert a calibrated bias force resisting movement of the upper plate toward the base; exerting a load force on the visco-elastoplastic media and measuring the displacement distance moved by the upper plate towards the base in response to the load force; and recording the displacement distance, and calculating the displacement force exerted on the top surface of the upper plate required to move the upper plate the displacement distance against the calibrated bias force.