Orthopedic simulator with integral load actuators
First Claim
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1. A testing apparatus for applying loads to a test specimen, the testing apparatus comprising:
- a frame;
an actuator assembly coupled to the frame, the actuator assembly comprising;
a housing;
a piston axially slidable within the housing;
at least one hydrostatic bearing that floats the piston relative to the housing such that the piston is movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the housing; and
hydraulic fluid ports in the piston housing, with hydraulic fluid pressure in the hydraulic fluid ports controlling extension and retraction of the piston with respect to the housing;
a first test specimen holder; and
a second test specimen holder operably coupled to the frame and the first specimen holder being operably coupled to the piston to move the first specimen holder towards and away from the second specimen holder via the extension or retraction of the piston with respect to the housing.
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Abstract
An orthopedic simulator is provided with a plurality of test stations for each holding a test specimen. A plurality of load actuators are provided, with a respective load actuator for each of the test stations. The load actuators are substantially frictionless and configured to apply loads to the test specimens at the test stations.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A testing apparatus for applying loads to a test specimen, the testing apparatus comprising:
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a frame; an actuator assembly coupled to the frame, the actuator assembly comprising; a housing; a piston axially slidable within the housing; at least one hydrostatic bearing that floats the piston relative to the housing such that the piston is movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the housing; and hydraulic fluid ports in the piston housing, with hydraulic fluid pressure in the hydraulic fluid ports controlling extension and retraction of the piston with respect to the housing; a first test specimen holder; and a second test specimen holder operably coupled to the frame and the first specimen holder being operably coupled to the piston to move the first specimen holder towards and away from the second specimen holder via the extension or retraction of the piston with respect to the housing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A test machine, comprising:
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first and second test stations each including a specimen holder assembly to hold first and second test specimens; a plurality of actuator assemblies for the first and second test stations configured to apply vertical load forces to the first and second test specimens and rotational load forces to the first and second test specimens through a plurality of pistons each movable along a longitudinal axis relative to one or more housings of the plurality of actuator assemblies and rotatable about the longitudinal axis; and an actuator coupled to the plurality of pistons through a linkage assembly to rotate the plurality of pistons to provide the rotational load forces to the first and second test specimens. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. A test machine, comprising
a plurality of test stations each including a specimen holder assembly to hold a test specimen in position for application of load forces on the test specimen; a plurality of actuator assemblies positioned relative to the plurality of test stations to apply vertical load forces to the test specimens and rotational load forces to the test specimens through pistons that are movable along a longitudinal axis wherein the plurality of actuator assemblies include a plurality of housings having one of the pistons moveable therein and each of the plurality of housings has a device to turn off one of the plurality of actuator assemblies separately from one or more other actuator assemblies.
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15. A test apparatus comprising:
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a first specimen holder; a second specimen holder; an actuator assembly comprising a housing; a piston disposed within the housing and the first specimen holder being operable coupled to the piston; one or more hydrostatic bearing disposed between the piston and the housing; a first actuator assembly configured to actuate the piston along a longitudinal axis to move the first specimen holder toward or away from the second specimen holder; and a second actuator assembly configured to rotate the piston about the longitudinal axis to rotate the first specimen holder relative to the second specimen holder. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification