Patent ID: 7679306

Claim:
Test apparatus for testing a moveable member subject to a load in use, the apparatus comprising: a load actuator to apply a load to the moveable member, a load controller that controls operation of the load actuator so as to apply a predetermined load to the moveable member as it is moved, and a damping controller that is responsive to a condition of the moveable member as it is moved and that generates a corresponding damping signal to control the damping effect of the load actuator on movement of the moveable member, wherein the load controller includes a load sensor that senses the load applied by the load actuator to the moveable member and generates a load feedback signal, a load command generator that generates a load command signal dependent upon the position of the moveable member, and a comparator that combines the load feedback signal and load command signal to generate a load control signal that determines the load applied by the load actuator.