Patent ID: 7987730

Claim:
An edge-strength measuring device for measuring the compressive strength of a foam matrix along the edges thereof, the device comprising: a first measuring implement having one or more rotatable contacting elements for engaging with a first edge of the foam matrix, a second measuring implement having one or more rotatable contacting elements for engaging with a second edge of the foam matrix, the second measuring implement being aligned with and positioned opposite said first measuring implement, a measuring device in communication with each of said rotatable contacting elements for measuring the resistance imparted by the foam matrix when said contacting elements are engaged with the first and second edges, and a self adjusting assembly associated with each of the first and second measuring implements that vertically and horizontally positions said rotatable contacting elements adjacent to one of the first and second edges, said self adjusting assemblies each being mounted on a stationary table and including a horizontal linear sliding member, a vertical linear sliding member, a photo-electric cell adapted to monitor the position of the foam matrix in relation to the measuring implement, and a control unit in communication with the horizontal and vertical linear sliding member and the photo-electric cell, wherein the vertical and horizontal linear sliding members are actuated to adjust the position of the rotatable contacting elements by the control unit based upon signals received from the photo-electric cells.