Apparatus for Testing Impact Resistant Lagging

Abstract

A testing apparatus includes a frame having a top end and a bottom end, a weight block movable between the top end and the bottom end, a guide member supported by the frame and receiving the weight block, and a protection mechanism having a stopper and an actuator. The stopper being operatively connected to the actuator and movable between an extended position and a retracted position with the stopper being configured to restrict the movement of the weight block when in the extended position.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . A testing apparatus comprising:
 a frame having a top end and a bottom end;   a weight block movable between the top end and the bottom end;   a guide member supported by the frame and receiving the weight block; and   a protection mechanism having a stopper and an actuator, the stopper being operatively connected to the actuator and movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the stopper being configured to restrict the movement of the weight block when in the extended position.   
     
     
         2 . The testing apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a movable pin having a first position and a second position, the movable pin being received within a slot defined in the frame, the stopper being pivotally connected to the frame via a pivot and defining a cam surface for receiving the movable pin, wherein the actuator is connected to the movable pin with the stopper in the retracted position when the movable pin is in the first position and the stopper in the extended position when the movable pin is in the second position. 
     
     
         3 . The testing apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a base positioned adjacent the bottom end of the frame and a load cell positioned on the base. 
     
     
         4 . The testing apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the frame comprises spaced-apart legs secured to the base and a top member connecting the spaced-apart legs to each other. 
     
     
         5 . The testing apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the guide member comprises first and second guide members positioned between the spaced-apart legs of the frame and extending from the top end to the bottom end of the frame. 
     
     
         6 . The testing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the guide member comprises a shaft received by a portion of the weight block, the weight block moveable along the shaft. 
     
     
         7 . The testing apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a safety protection wall surrounding the frame. 
     
     
         8 . The testing apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the safety protection wall comprises a door, the door comprising a sensor to determine an open and closed position of the door. 
     
     
         9 . The testing apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a pulley and a winch, the pulley and winch configured to raise the weight block.