Patents by Inventor Keith Buzek

Keith Buzek has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11035773
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for compensating for a reduction of die cavity pressure in a torsional rheometer caused by shrinkage of the test sample. In one embodiment, a compliant member is placed in series with load-bearing components of the rheometer. This compliant member deflects when pressure in the die cavity is reduced resulting in the die cavity becoming smaller to increase the pressure within the die cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: ALPHA TECHNOLOGIES SERVICES LLC
    Inventors: Keith Buzek, Edward Norton
  • Patent number: 10942104
    Abstract: A viscometer arrangement includes a detection system for detecting the proper placement of a rotor. An optical detection system may be used to detect the presence of an obstruction between the upper and lower dies while the upper and lower dies are in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: ALPHA TECHNOLOGIES SERVICES LLC
    Inventor: Keith Buzek
  • Publication number: 20200319072
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for compensating for a reduction of die cavity pressure in a torsional rheometer caused by shrinkage of the test sample. In one embodiment, a compliant member is placed in series with load-bearing components of the rheometer. This compliant member deflects when pressure in the die cavity is reduced resulting in the die cavity becoming smaller to increase the pressure within the die cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Keith Buzek, Edward Norton
  • Patent number: 10416058
    Abstract: The present application relates generally to moving die rheometers, and more particularly to moving die rheometers that employ a variable eccentric cam. In one aspect, the eccentricity produced by the cam may be adjusted using shims of different thickness to alter the position of the post on the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: ALPHA TECHNOLOGIES SERVICES LLC
    Inventors: Keith Buzek, Matthew S. McMaster, Michael R. Stoller
  • Publication number: 20190195764
    Abstract: A viscometer arrangement includes a detection system for detecting the proper placement of a rotor. An optical detection system may be used to detect the presence of an obstruction between the upper and lower dies while the upper and lower dies are in an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventor: Keith Buzek
  • Publication number: 20190072471
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for compensating for a reduction of die cavity pressure in a torsional rheometer caused by shrinkage of the test sample. In one embodiment, a compliant member is placed in series with load-bearing components of the rheometer. This compliant member deflects when pressure in the die cavity is reduced resulting in the die cavity becoming smaller to increase the pressure within the die cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Applicant: Alpha Technologies Services LLC
    Inventors: Keith Buzek, Edward Norton
  • Patent number: 10126222
    Abstract: The present application relates generally rheometers. In one aspect, misalignment of the air cylinder with respect to the cross-head is accommodated using a flexible coupling between the air cylinder and the cross-head so as to prevent binding and stuttering of the machine due to misalignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: ALPHA TECHNOLOGIES SEREVICES LLC
    Inventors: Matthew S. McMaster, Keith Buzek, William J. Roblin, III
  • Publication number: 20170241884
    Abstract: The present application relates generally rheometers. In one aspect, misalignment of the air cylinder with respect to the cross-head is accommodated using a flexible coupling between the air cylinder and the cross-head so as to prevent binding and stuttering of the machine due to misalignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Alpha Technologies Services LLC
    Inventors: Matthew S. McMaster, Keith Buzek, William Roblin
  • Publication number: 20170241885
    Abstract: The present application relates generally to moving die rheometers, and more particularly to moving die rheometers that employ a variable eccentric cam. In one aspect, the eccentricity produced by the cam may be adjusted using shims of different thickness to alter the position of the post on the cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Alpha Technologies Services LLC
    Inventors: Keith Buzek, Matthew S. McMaster, Michael R. Stoller
  • Patent number: 7475592
    Abstract: A rheometer die with a groove configuration for reducing sample slippage in a rheometer chamber is provided. The rheometer die includes a surface and at least one radial groove extending into the surface. The groove defines at least a portion of a sample-holding chamber constructed to hold a sample. The groove may include a first zone and a second zone with a transition zone therebetween. The groove may also include a substantially wedge-shaped portion with sidewalls which taper generally towards the center of the rheometer die such that imaginary extensions of the sidewalls intersect before reaching the center of the die. A plurality of grooves may extend into the rheometer die. The rheometer die may be incorporated into a rheometer for testing process characteristics of a material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Alpha Technologies Services LCC
    Inventors: Andrew Grow, Henry Pawlowski, Keith Buzek
  • Publication number: 20070289363
    Abstract: A rheometer die with a groove configuration for reducing sample slippage in a rheometer chamber is provided. The rheometer die includes a surface and at least one radial groove extending into the surface. The groove defines at least a portion of a sample-holding chamber constructed to hold a sample. The groove may include a first zone and a second zone with a transition zone therebetween. The groove may also include a substantially wedge-shaped portion with sidewalls which taper generally towards the center of the rheometer die such that imaginary extensions of the sidewalls intersect before reaching the center of the die. A plurality of grooves may extend into the rheometer die. The rheometer die may be incorporated into a rheometer for testing process characteristics of a material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Andrew Grow, Henry Pawlowski, Keith Buzek