Patent ID: 7017397

Claim:
A probe for computing a relative surface energy of a test surface, comprising: a manipulator movable parallel to the test surface; a mandrel attached to the manipulator through a rotary joint; a sampler with a first surface engaged with the mandrel, the sampler having a convex tacky surface, a portion of the convex tacky surface contacting the test surface, wherein motion of the manipulator parallel to the test surface rotates the sampler engaged with the mandrel; a force sensor affixed to the manipulator for generating a force signal proportional to force applied by the manipulator to the mandrel in the direction of motion of the manipulator; a rotation sensor for generating a rotary motion signal in response to rotation of the mandrel; and a controller for receiving the force signal and the rotary motion signal; whereby the controller computes the relative surface energy of the test surface utilizing the force signal and the rotary motion signal.