Laminate bond peeling strength tester

Claim 2

In an apparatus for testing laminate bonds the combination comprising a vertically movable supporting member, said supporting member including means for movement thereof vertically at predetermined rates of speed, a holddown plate means affixed to the upper end of said movable member adapted to hold laminates thereon, a tension gauge means disposed above said holddown plate means, gauge-supporting means positioned above said gauge means, said gauge-supporting means permitting said gauge means to move freely in all directions in a horizontal plane during testing of said bonds, and laminate clamping means attached to the lower end of said gauge means whereby a laminated article to be tested can be clamped therein for exertion of a constant, completely vertically imposed separatory force between said freely, horizontally movable gauge supporting means and said laminated article.

Claim 3

The apparatus of claim 1 further characterized in that said movable supporting member is caused to move by pneumatic cylinder means.

Claim 4

The apparatus of claim 1 further characterized in that said movable supporting member has a horizontal work plate attached to the upper end thereof, whereby said holddown plate means can be temporarily attached thereto.

Claim 5

The apparatus of claim 1 further characterized in that said holddown plate means comprises a vacuum plate with a plurality of hollow passageways therein, said passageways having communication with a vacuum supply means and with the center region of the upper surface of said plate, whereby articles to be tested are held into position with a vacuum pressure bond by mere placement over said center region.

Claim 6

The apparatus of claim 4 further characterized in that a sealing means is placed on the upper surface of said vacuum plate between the center region and the peripheral edge thereof, whereby an efficient vacuum bond is effectuated.

Claim 7

The apparatus of claim 4 further characterized in that projections transverse to the upper surface of said vacuum plate are located between said center region and the peripheral edge thereof to provide for placement means, whereby articles to be located in said center region thereof, are placed to abut said transverse projections.

Claim 8

In an apparatus for testing laminate bonds the combination comprising a vertically movable supporting member, said supporting member including means for movement thereof vertically at predetermined rates of speed, a holddown plate means affixed to the upper end of said movable member adapted to hold laminates thereon, said holddown plate means comprising a flat plate with a center-recessed region having a slotted surface, the slots of said slotted surface being in communication with the opposite side of said plate for placement of articles therein, spring means located on an interior wall of said recessed region and biased to exert pressure inwardly, whereby laminated bonded articles placed within said center region are laterally forced by said spring means to abut the opposite interior wall thereof to be held in place, said articles being accessible through said slots from said opposite side, a tension gauge means disposed above said holddown plate means, gauge supporting means positioned above said gauge means, said gauge-supporting means permitting said gauge means to move freely in all directions in a horizontal plane during testing of said bonds, and laminate clamping means attached to the lower end of said gauge means whereby a laminated article to be tested can be clamped therein for exertion of a constant, completely vertically imposed separatory force between said freely, horizontally movable gauge supporting meanS and said laminated article.

Claim 9

In an apparatus for testing laminate bonds the combination comprising a vertically movable supporting member, said supporting member including means for movement thereof vertically at predetermined rates of speed, a holddown plate means affixed to the upper end of said movable member adapted to hold laminates thereon, said holddown plate means comprising a flat plate with a center-recessed region having a slotted surface, the slots of said slotted surface being in communication with the opposite side of said plate for placement of articles therein, spring means located on an interior wall of said recessed region and biased to exert pressure inwardly, whereby laminated bonded articles placed within said center region are laterally forced by said spring means to abut the opposite interior wall thereof to be held in place, said articles being accessible through said slots from said opposite side, a tension gauge means disposed above said holddown plate means, gauge supporting means positioned above said gauge means, said gauge-supporting means permitting said gauge means to move freely in all directions in a horizontal plane during testing of said bonds, and laminate clamping means attached to the lower end of said gauge means whereby a laminated article to be tested can be clamped therein for exertion of a constant, completely vertically imposed separatory force between said freely, horizontally movable gauge supporting meanS and said laminated article.

Claim 10

The apparatus of claim 7 further characterized in that a heating element means is attached to said holddown plate means, whereby articles to be tested can be heated to predetermined temperatures.

Claim 11

The apparatus of claim 7 further characterized in that said gauge holding means comprises a gauge mount housing and bearing assembly, a slide housing and bearing assembly, and a fixed slide bracket assembly, whereby said gauge means is attached to said gauge mount housing and bearing assembly means which is free to translate horizontally on said slide housing and bearing assembly which in turn is free to translate horizontally at right angles to said initial translation on said fixed slide bracket assembly.

Claim 12

The apparatus of claim 7 further characterized in that said gauge holding means is attached to an adjustable head means, whereby the vertical distance between said gauge means and said holddown plate means can be adjusted.