Importance

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Abstract

Method and apparatuses are disclosed for testing various characteristics of an elastomeric weatherstrip such as seal load, stress relaxation, and the recovery rate. One embodiment of the invention is an apparatus including a member defining a surface for exerting a force to deflect a portion of the weatherstrip a selected distance. The surface is oriented to be parallel to an edge defined by the portion along the weatherstrip's longitudinal axis in order to ensure that the exerted force is evenly distributed. The apparatus further includes an adjustable support for positioning the weatherstrip with respect to the surface and for bringing the edge into contact with the surface sufficiently to cause the portion to deflect the selected distance. The apparatus also includes a device for measuring the force exerted during deflection on the surface by the portion of the weatherstrip. Another embodiment of the invention includes a device for continually monitoring the force exerted on the surface by the portion over an extended period of deflection. The force measuring device can include a plurality of force measuring devices for independently measuring horizontal and vertical components of the exerted force. The methods of the invention include steps of exerting a force on the portion of the weatherstrip in order to deflect the portion a selected distance and measuring the reactive force exerted by the deflected portion. In another embodiment, the method includes the step of continually monitoring the measured force to determine the rate at which the portion relaxes over a period of time. Another embodiment of the method of the invention includes the steps of removing the deflective force from the portion of the weatherstrip and measuring the position of the weatherstrip at specified intervals to determine the rate at which a portion of the weatherstrip returns to its undeflected position.

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First Claim