Test frame

Abstract

A testing machine frame is provided with facing extruded column covers extending between a base and a top housing, the columns continuous cross-sections providing a partially enclosed vertical zone with a vertical opening, the opening being closed above and below a crosshead with accordion blinds, and T-slots for carrying crosshead limit stops and accessories.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A materials testing machine comprising a base,   a top housing vertically spaced therefrom and extending parallel thereto,   a first column and a second column, said first column being horizontally spaced from said second column and extending from said base to said top housing,   said second column extending also from said base to said top housing,     each said column including an enclosure wall shaped to provide a partial enclosure of a vertical zone and a vertical opening from said zone,   said vertical opening of said first column facing said vertical opening of said second column,   each said column having throughout said column the same extruded cross-sectional configuration.   
     
     
       2. The machine of claim 1 in which said cross-section is identical in said first column and in said second column. 
     
     
       3. The machine of claim 2 includes between said base and said top housing a cross-head generally parallel with said base and said top housing and mounted for selective vertical movement therebetween and which has mounted between said crosshead and base and said top housing four accordion blinds, said accordion blinds being mounted over each said vertical opening above and below said crosshead. 
     
     
       4. The machine of claim 1 in which said each column includes interiorly thereof an extruded accordion blind guide. 
     
     
       5. The machine of claim 1 in which said each column includes mounting slots. 
     
     
       6. The machine of claim 5 in which said each slots are T-shaped in cross-section, the non-crossing part of the T extending through a surface of said each column. 
     
     
       7. The machine of claim 6 which includes also a T-slide mounted to run in one of said slots. 
     
     
       8. The machine of claim 7 in which said T-slide includes means biasing said T-slide against said one. 
     
     
       9. The machine of claim 1 in which each said column is of aluminum. 
     
     
       10. The machine of claim 5 in which one of said slots carries therein a selectively movable crosshead limit stop. .Iadd. 
     
     
       11.  A materials testing machine comprising a longitudinally extending load screw cover housing,   a longitudinally extending opening interrupting the wall of said housing therethrough, and   an accordion blind mounted in and over said opening,   said housing including extending therein at least one mounting slot..Iaddend..Iadd.12. The machine of claim 11 in which said slot is longitudinally extending..Iaddend..Iadd.13. The machine of claim 12 in which said slot is a T in cross-section..Iaddend..Iadd.14. The machine of claim 13 in which said slot is T-shaped in cross-section, the non-crossing part of the T extending through a surface of said housing..Iaddend..Iadd.15. The machine of claim 14 in which said slots are T-shaped in cross-section, the non-crossing part of the T extending through a surface of said housing..Iaddend..Iadd.16. The machine of claim 15 which includes also a T-slide mounted to run in one of said slots..Iaddend..Iadd.17. The machine of claim 16 in which said T-slide includes means biasing said T-slide against said one..Iaddend.