GYRATORY COMPACTOR APPARATUS AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES AND METHODS

摘要

A gyratory compactor apparatus (10) is provided for interacting with a sampl e (50) within a generally cylindrical mold (600). Such an apparatus (10) comprises a frame (100) defining an axis (150) and an offsetable (400) engag ed frame (100) for engaging one end of the mold (600). The offsetable member (400) is displaceable from the axis (150) and is concurrently movable in an orbital motion thereabout. A pressure ram (200) is movable along the axis (150) and a mold-~engaging device (700) is engaged with the frame (100) for receiving the mold (600) such that the mold and frame axes (620, 150) are coaxial. The pressure ram (200) is axially movable within the mold (600) to apply a compaction pressure on the sample (50), and thereby maintains a portion of the mold at a gyration point (650) along the frame axis (150). Th e mold-engaging device (700) axially moves the mold (600) into engagement with the offsetable member (400). A securing device (720, 850) engaged with the offsetable member (400) and movable therewith reversibly engages the mold (600) to secure the mold (600) to the offsetable member (400) as the secured end is moved in the orbital motion by the offsetable member (400). The mold (600) is thereby gyrated and dynamically maintained at a gyration angle (640 ). Associated apparatuses,devices, and methods are also provided.