Patents Assigned to OFI Testing Equipment Inc.
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Patent number: 11018613Abstract: Embodiments of a mixing device power system generally include a power control module, an AC motor, and a variable frequency drive, wherein upon application of AC power to the system, electrical power is provided to the power control module which transmits electrical power to the AC motor, whereby rotation of a mixing spindle is initiated. After the spindle has begun rotating, transmission of electrical power from the power control module to the AC motor is ceased, and substantially simultaneously electrical power transmission is commenced from the power control module to the variable frequency drive which transmits electrical power to the AC motor, whereby rotation of the mixing spindle is continued. A method of using the mixing device power system to mix a fluid sample is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2020Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: John D. Norwood, Doanh Ba Ho, Adam G. Olson
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Patent number: 10794892Abstract: Embodiments of a sample testing system of the present invention generally include two internally threaded caps; an externally threaded outer tube having a tapered internal bore and external circumferential grooves proximate each end thereof; an O-ring seated in each groove; and a plurality of inner tube sections cooperatively arranged to form an externally tapered inner tube structure that is disposed within the outer tube; wherein each cap is sealingly attached to an end of the outer tube via threading engagement therewith. Various embodiments utilize at least one closed-ended cap and/or at least one cap having a port extending through an end thereof, which may also incorporate a piston cavity and a piston having two circumferentially disposed O-rings. Embodiments allow for inner tube structure removal and separation of the inner tube sections for cured sample recovery. Embodiments of a method of using the system to cure a sample are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: Virgilio Go Boncan, Kevin C. Madsen, Richard F. Lukay
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Publication number: 20200259443Abstract: Embodiments of a mixing device power system generally include a power control module, an AC motor, and a variable frequency drive, wherein upon application of AC power to the system, electrical power is provided to the power control module which transmits electrical power to the AC motor, whereby rotation of a mixing spindle is initiated. After the spindle has begun rotating, transmission of electrical power from the power control module to the AC motor is ceased, and substantially simultaneously electrical power transmission is commenced from the power control module to the variable frequency drive which transmits electrical power to the AC motor, whereby rotation of the mixing spindle is continued. A method of using the mixing device power system to mix a fluid sample is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Applicant: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: John D. Norwood, Doanh Ba Ho, Adam G. Olson
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Patent number: 10686396Abstract: Embodiments of a mixing device power system generally include a power control module, an AC motor, and a variable frequency drive, wherein upon application of AC power to the system, electrical power is provided to the power control module which transmits electrical power to the AC motor, whereby rotation of a mixing spindle is initiated. After the spindle has begun rotating, transmission of electrical power from the power control module to the AC motor is ceased, and substantially simultaneously electrical power transmission is commenced from the power control module to the variable frequency drive which transmits electrical power to the AC motor, whereby rotation of the mixing spindle is continued. A method of using the mixing device power system to mix a fluid sample is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2019Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: John D. Norwood, Doanh Ba Ho, Adam G. Olson
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Patent number: 10656064Abstract: Embodiments of a quantifying force management system generally include a force applicator, a force indicator, and a force application assembly that includes a housing having an internal bore, a housing cap, and a force translator. In various embodiments, a portion of the force applicator extends through a housing cap opening wherein a force applicator bottom surface contacts a force translator top surface within the housing bore and whereby upon application of longitudinal force via the force applicator the force translator is compressed, and wherein the force indicator indicates the quantity of force being applied. In one aspect, embodiments of the quantifying force management system are incorporated in a piston assembly for use with a pressurized fluid density balance. A method of using the quantifying force management system, as a component of the piston assembly, in measuring the density of a liquid sample utilizing a fluid density balance is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2018Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: John D. Norwood, Virgilio Go Boncan, Kevin Madsen, Adam Olson
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Patent number: 10359355Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a high temperature aging cell provide a metal-to-metal fluid seal, and generally include a central tension post containing a flange having an inclined surface; and a seal ring concentrically arranged thereon, its outer circumference positioned at least partly intermediate the flange and the cell interior surface. In various embodiments, a thrust ring retains the seal ring; a thrust washer engages the thrust ring; a tension ring is attached to the tension post for biasing the thrust ring toward the flange; and an outer cap retains various components in relation to the aging cell. A pressure control device allows for pressure elevation. Exemplary embodiments of a sample aging method generally include aging a liquid sample by sealing the sample in the cell via biasing of the seal ring into sealing engagement with an interior surface of the cell. Subsequent sample treatment may involve elevating its temperature and/or pressure.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: Richard F. Lukay, John D. Norwood
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Publication number: 20190222157Abstract: Embodiments of a mixing device power system generally include a power control module, an AC motor, and a variable frequency drive, wherein upon application of AC power to the system, electrical power is provided to the power control module which transmits electrical power to the AC motor, whereby rotation of a mixing spindle is initiated. After the spindle has begun rotating, transmission of electrical power from the power control module to the AC motor is ceased, and substantially simultaneously electrical power transmission is commenced from the power control module to the variable frequency drive which transmits electrical power to the AC motor, whereby rotation of the mixing spindle is continued. A method of using the mixing device power system to mix a fluid sample is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Applicant: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: John D. Norwood, Doanh Ba Ho, Adam G. Olson
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Publication number: 20190120814Abstract: Embodiments of a sample testing system of the present invention generally include two internally threaded caps; an externally threaded outer tube having a tapered internal bore and external circumferential grooves proximate each end thereof; an O-ring seated in each groove; and a plurality of inner tube sections cooperatively arranged to form an externally tapered inner tube structure that is disposed within the outer tube; wherein each cap is sealingly attached to an end of the outer tube via threading engagement therewith. Various embodiments utilize at least one closed-ended cap and/or at least one cap having a port extending through an end thereof, which may also incorporate a piston cavity and a piston having two circumferentially disposed O-rings. Embodiments allow for inner tube structure removal and separation of the inner tube sections for cured sample recovery. Embodiments of a method of using the system to cure a sample are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Applicant: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: Virgilio Go Boncan, Kevin C. Madsen, Richard F. Lukay
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Publication number: 20190120813Abstract: Embodiments of a sample testing system of the present invention generally include two internally threaded caps; an externally threaded outer tube having a tapered internal bore and external circumferential grooves proximate each end thereof; an O-ring seated in each groove; and a plurality of inner tube sections cooperatively arranged to form an externally tapered inner tube structure that is disposed within the outer tube; wherein each cap is sealingly attached to an end of the outer tube via threading engagement therewith. Various embodiments utilize at least one closed-ended cap and/or at least one cap having a port extending through an end thereof, which may also incorporate a piston cavity and a piston having two circumferentially disposed O-rings. Embodiments allow for inner tube structure removal and separation of the inner tube sections for cured sample recovery. Embodiments of a method of using the system to cure a sample are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Applicant: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: Virgilio Go Boncan, Kevin C. Madsen, Richard F. Lukay
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Patent number: 10203318Abstract: Embodiments of a sample testing system of the present invention generally include two internally threaded caps; an externally threaded outer tube having a tapered internal bore and external circumferential grooves proximate each end thereof; an O-ring seated in each groove; and a plurality of inner tube sections cooperatively arranged to form an externally tapered inner tube structure that is disposed within the outer tube; wherein each cap is sealingly attached to an end of the outer tube via threading engagement therewith. Various embodiments utilize at least one closed-ended cap and/or at least one cap having a port extending through an end thereof, which may also incorporate a piston cavity and a piston having two circumferentially disposed O-rings. Embodiments allow for inner tube structure removal and separation of the inner tube sections for cured sample recovery. Embodiments of a method of using the system to cure a sample are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2016Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: Virgilio Go Boncan, Kevin C. Madsen, Richard F. Lukay
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Publication number: 20180340875Abstract: Embodiments of a quantifying force management system generally include a force applicator, a force indicator, and a force application assembly that includes a housing having an internal bore, a housing cap, and a force translator. In various embodiments, a portion of the force applicator extends through a housing cap opening wherein a force applicator bottom surface contacts a force translator top surface within the housing bore and whereby upon application of longitudinal force via the force applicator the force translator is compressed, and wherein the force indicator indicates the quantity of force being applied. In one aspect, embodiments of the quantifying force management system are incorporated in a piston assembly for use with a pressurized fluid density balance. A method of using the quantifying force management system, as a component of the piston assembly, in measuring the density of a liquid sample utilizing a fluid density balance is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2018Publication date: November 29, 2018Applicant: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: John D. Norwood, Virgilio Go Boncan, Kevin Madsen, Adam Olson
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Publication number: 20180164274Abstract: Embodiments of an emulsion stability probe generally include two opposing electrodes with a gap there between, one or more electrical circuitry devices embedded in a probe assembly, and electrical circuitry devices that function to quantify and manipulate a sensed current signal, wherein the manipulated signal can be transmitted to an emulsion stability meter. Embodiments of an in-line emulsion stability measurement system generally include an electrical stability probe equipped with a process-connectable fitting, wherein attachment of the electrical stability probe to a process piping segment, utilizing the fitting, provides the electrodes and gap at least partially within the process piping segment, and whereby an in-line emulsion stability measurement of process fluid disposed within the piping segment may be performed. Methods of performing an emulsion stability measurement in-line and/or using an embodiment of the emulsion stability probe disclosed herein are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2017Publication date: June 14, 2018Applicant: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: John D. Norwood, David Hoffman
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Patent number: 9863858Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a jacket for heating and cooling a test cell generally includes an inner liner having an exterior channel along at least a portion of the liner exterior wall surface; an outer shell tightly fitted over the interior liner; openings provided in the outer shell, the openings proximate upper and lower ends or segments of the channel of the inner liner; and connectors provided on the outer shell openings for connection of fluid lines, thereby providing for fluid flow intermediate the upper and lower ends or segments of the channel of the inner liner. An exemplary embodiment of a method for producing the jacket generally includes providing the channel in the inner liner and providing an interference fit between the inner liner and the outer shell, whereby fluid communication there between, and a substantially fluidly impenetrable seal between the inner liner and the test cell, are provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.Inventor: Brigido Salgado
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Publication number: 20170328829Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a high temperature aging cell provide a metal-to-metal fluid seal, and generally include a central tension post containing a flange having an inclined surface; and a seal ring concentrically arranged thereon, its outer circumference positioned at least partly intermediate the flange and the cell interior surface. In various embodiments, a thrust ring retains the seal ring; a thrust washer engages the thrust ring; a tension ring is attached to the tension post for biasing the thrust ring toward the flange; and an outer cap retains various components in relation to the aging cell. A pressure control device allows for pressure elevation. Exemplary embodiments of a sample aging method generally include aging a liquid sample by sealing the sample in the cell via biasing of the seal ring into sealing engagement with an interior surface of the cell. Subsequent sample treatment may involve elevating its temperature and/or pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2017Publication date: November 16, 2017Applicant: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: Richard F. Lukay, John D. Norwood
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Patent number: 9784667Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a high temperature aging cell provide a metal-to-metal fluid seal, and generally include a central tension post containing a flange having an inclined surface; and a seal ring concentrically arranged thereon, its outer circumference positioned at least partly intermediate the flange and the cell interior surface. In various embodiments, a thrust ring retains the seal ring; a thrust washer engages the thrust ring; a tension ring is attached to the tension post for biasing the thrust ring toward the flange; and an outer cap retains various components in relation to the aging cell. A pressure control device allows for pressure elevation. Exemplary embodiments of a sample aging method generally include aging a liquid sample by sealing the sample in the cell via biasing of the seal ring into sealing engagement with an interior surface of the cell. Subsequent sample treatment may involve elevating its temperature and/or pressure.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: Richard F. Lukay, John D. Norwood
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Patent number: 9612232Abstract: A fluid properties measurement apparatus for use with a conventional high temperature high pressure test cell includes a load cell assembly and a drive motor that drives a rotating shaft magnetically connected to a vane assembly having multiple vane elements, wherein the motor rotates in response to reactive forces of a fluid sample and the load cell assembly measures reactive forces of the sample. In one embodiment, a stepper motor allows for precise shaft rotation. A method of measuring fluid properties includes frequent measurements throughout a complete rotation cycle of a vane assembly within a test cell. A system interference profile is generated which identifies stress variations resulting from various system components throughout the cycle. Measurements of a sample's fluid properties are likewise performed to obtain a profile. Comparison of the sample profile with the interference profile provides fluid properties measurement independent of stress variations resulting from various system components.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2015Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: Grafton Montgomery, Guadalupe Hernandez Serafin, David Hoffman
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Publication number: 20170052168Abstract: Embodiments of a sample testing system of the present invention generally include two internally threaded caps; an externally threaded outer tube having a tapered internal bore and external circumferential grooves proximate each end thereof; an O-ring seated in each groove; and a plurality of inner tube sections cooperatively arranged to form an externally tapered inner tube structure that is disposed within the outer tube; wherein each cap is sealingly attached to an end of the outer tube via threading engagement therewith. Various embodiments utilize at least one closed-ended cap and/or at least one cap having a port extending through an end thereof, which may also incorporate a piston cavity and a piston having two circumferentially disposed O-rings. Embodiments allow for inner tube structure removal and separation of the inner tube sections for cured sample recovery. Embodiments of a method of using the system to cure a sample are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2016Publication date: February 23, 2017Applicant: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: Virgilio Go Boncan, Kevin C. Madsen, Richard F. Lukay
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Patent number: 9375715Abstract: A pressure relief tool including a stem connected to a plunger assembly, a plunger rod slidably retained in the plunger assembly and the stem, a stem connector for connecting the stem to a test cell vent opening, a handle operably connected to the plunger rod, and a vent tube extending from said plunger assembly, the vent tube fluidly connected to an annular opening within the stem. A method of opening a blockage and venting pressure from a high temperature high pressure test cell includes attaching a pressure relief tool of the present invention to the test cell vent opening; advancing the plunger rod through the vent opening, puncturing the blockage in the test cell to allow fluid flow to the vent opening, and allowing fluid to exit the test cell through the annular opening in the stem and the vent tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2015Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: John D. Norwood, Richard F. Lukay
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Publication number: 20150226649Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a jacket for heating and cooling a test cell generally includes an inner liner having an exterior channel along at least a portion of the liner exterior wall surface; an outer shell tightly fitted over the interior liner; openings provided in the outer shell, the openings proximate upper and lower ends or segments of the channel of the inner liner; and connectors provided on the outer shell openings for connection of fluid lines, thereby providing for fluid flow intermediate the upper and lower ends or segments of the channel of the inner liner. An exemplary embodiment of a method for producing the jacket generally includes providing the channel in the inner liner and providing an interference fit between the inner liner and the outer shell, whereby fluid communication there between, and a substantially fluidly impenetrable seal between the inner liner and the test cell, are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2015Publication date: August 13, 2015Applicant: OFI TESTING EQUIPMENT, INC.Inventor: Brigido Salgado
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Publication number: 20150219573Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a high temperature aging cell provide a metal-to-metal fluid seal, and generally include a central tension post containing a flange having an inclined surface; and a seal ring concentrically arranged thereon, its outer circumference positioned at least partly intermediate the flange and the cell interior surface. In various embodiments, a thrust ring retains the seal ring; a thrust washer engages the thrust ring; a tension ring is attached to the tension post for biasing the thrust ring toward the flange; and an outer cap retains various components in relation to the aging cell. A pressure control device allows for pressure elevation. Exemplary embodiments of a sample aging method generally include aging a liquid sample by sealing the sample in the cell via biasing of the seal ring into sealing engagement with an interior surface of the cell. Subsequent sample treatment may involve elevating its temperature and/or pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2015Publication date: August 6, 2015Applicant: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.Inventors: Richard F. Lukay, John D. Norwood