Viscosity Patents (Class 73/54.01)
  • Patent number: 11927517
    Abstract: A resonance shear measurement device (1) of the present invention includes an upper unit (10) having a piezoelectric element (15), an upper disk substrate (16), and a spring (17), and a lower unit (11) having a lower disk substrate (14), in which a sample insertion portion (21) is formed between a lower surface of the upper disk substrate (16) and an upper surface of the lower disk substrate (14), the piezoelectric element (15) and the upper disk substrate (16) are vibratably connected to a fixed apparatus 30 via the spring (17), a strain gauge (19) is attached to the spring (17), and by applying an AC voltage to the piezoelectric element (15) while changing a frequency of the AC voltage, a response voltage at the resonance from the strain gauge (19) due to a vibration of the upper unit (10) is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: TOHOKU UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Kazue Kurihara, Masashi Mizukami, Motohiro Kasuya
  • Patent number: 11726019
    Abstract: The present invention belongs to the technical fields of civil engineering, smart material and health monitoring, and provides a viscous damper fluid viscosity monitoring device and method based on piezoceramic transducers, comprising piezoceramic transducers, wires, corks, a baffle and a viscous damper. When the fluid viscosity of the viscous damper changes, the energy dissipation of pressure waves during propagation in a fluid will change, and signals received by the piezoceramic transducers will change, so that the viscosity of the fluid in the viscous damper can be calculated by the amplitude change of the signals received. The device of the present invention has a simple structure and accurate monitoring results, and provides a simple and feasible method for real-time monitoring of fluid viscosity of viscous dampers in engineering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: DALIAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Linsheng Huo, Shengbin Chen, Jing Zhou, Hongnan Li
  • Patent number: 11719612
    Abstract: A rheological system includes a sample chamber, a compressed air system configured to provide compressed air to pressurize the sample chamber, and a rotor configured for rheological measurement of a material with variable volume, the rotor including an elongated shaft extending to a measurement portion having a widened geometry relative to the elongated shaft. The rotor is dimensioned such that a compression ratio of at least 5 to 1 is achievable while maintaining material cover of the sample over the entirety of the measurement portion of the rotor, the compression ratio being defined by a decompressed volume of a sample when the sample chamber is not pressurized to a compressed volume of the sample when the sample chamber is pressurized. Methods of taking rheological measurements with such a rotor are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: TA Instruments-Waters LLC
    Inventors: Reginald Lee, Amit Ahuja, Sally Childears
  • Patent number: 11565249
    Abstract: A pipetting apparatus having a pipette tube with a first end provided with an opening for aspirating and/or dispensing of a sample fluid and a second end operationally connected to a pressure generating means. The pipetting apparatus has at least one measuring unit adapted to determine at least one measurement value of the sample fluid based on the aspirating and/or dispensing of the sample fluid and to provide a sample fluid measurement signal representative thereof to an output of the measuring unit. The pipetting apparatus also has a control circuit operationally coupled to the output of the measuring unit and the input of the pressure generating means, the control circuit is configured to control said pressure generating device based on the sample fluid measurement signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: TECAN TRADING AG
    Inventor: Philipp Ott
  • Patent number: 11499901
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for correcting for gravitational force variation in measuring the melt flow index of a polymer at a location. For example, ample, some embodiments may involve determining a value representing an extent to which gravitational force at the location varies from standard gravity, such as based at least in part upon the latitude of the location. The value may be used in correcting the melt flow index measured for the polymer using a plastometer at the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Dynisco Instruments LLC
    Inventors: John A. Czazasty, Michael P. Leonardi
  • Patent number: 11353386
    Abstract: The apparatus for testing the stability of dispersed particles in flowing suspensions includes a sample receiving cup having a lower wall and an open upper end. A cup outlet is disposed in the lower wall, and the sample receiving cup is adapted for receiving a suspension sample through the open upper end. A pump is in fluid communication with the sample receiving cup through the cup outlet. The pump extracts the suspension sample through the cup outlet to produce a pressurized suspension stream. A recirculation pipe has a pipe inlet and a pipe outlet, the pipe inlet being in fluid communication with the pump for receiving the pressurized suspension stream, and the pipe outlet returns the pressurized suspension stream to the sample receiving cup, through the open upper end thereof. A power monitor is in communication with the pump for monitoring the power output of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: KUWAIT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Naser Alsayegh, Ammar M. Bahman
  • Patent number: 10768146
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable storage media for predicting the amount of buildup in a pipe of a fluid distribution system by evaluating a loss of acoustic energy from a sound source over a distance of the pipe. An acoustic energy in an acoustical wave travelling in the fluid of a pipe is measured at a first location and a second location, and an estimated damping factor for the segment of pipe between the first and second locations is computed based on a comparison of the acoustic energy measured at the first location and the second location. A residual attenuation for the segment of the pipe is determined from a difference between the estimated damping factor and a theoretical damping factor for the pipe based on a material comprising a pipe wall, and an amount of buildup in the pipe is estimated based on the residual attenuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Valentin Mircea Burtea, Sebastien Perrier, Bruce Robertson
  • Patent number: 10760460
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine oil level sensing while a vehicle is moving. The output of a hot wire sensor partially immersed in an engine oil well is sampled during selected vehicle moving conditions when lateral and longitudinal acceleration is limited and the vehicle is driving in a straight line. A transfer function is used to correlate a rate of change in sensor output, sampled during the selected vehicle operating conditions, with engine oil level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Joshua Schumaker, Karen Willard, Allison Weir
  • Patent number: 10533972
    Abstract: A fluidic device includes at least one bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonator structure with a functionalized active region, and at least one first (inlet) port defined through a cover structure arranged over a fluidic passage containing the active region. At least a portion of the at least one inlet port is registered with the active region, permitting fluid to be introduced in a direction orthogonal to a surface of the active region bearing functionalization material. Such arrangement promotes mixing proximate to a BAW resonator structure surface, thereby reducing analyte stratification, increasing analyte binding rate, and reducing measurement time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: QORVO US, INC.
    Inventors: Gernot Fattinger, Rio Rivas
  • Patent number: 10466161
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to method and apparatus for determining corrosion rate or loss of metal, due to chemical reaction with a corrosive testing fluid under defined shear rate and varied pressure and temperature conditions. This apparatus features a coaxially positioned cylindrical shaped rotating cup and a static cylindrical coupon, or a static cylindrical cup and a rotating coupon located in a test chamber. This defined shear rate corrosion tester can rotate various speeds through a magnetic drive mechanism. Due to its configuration, the corrosion tester is easy to couple with different kinds of testing chambers on demand, and it requires low maintenance and ease of cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventor: Hongfeng Bi
  • Patent number: 10357629
    Abstract: A respiratory assistance apparatus has a gases inlet configured to receive a supply of gases, a blower unit configured to generate a pressurized gases stream from the supply of gases; a humidification unit configured to heat and humidify the pressurized gases stream; and a gases outlet for the heated and humidified gases stream. A flow path for the gases stream extends through the respiratory device from the gases inlet through the blower unit and humidification unit to the gases outlet. A sensor assembly is provided in the flow path before the humidification unit. The sensor assembly has an ultrasound gas composition sensor system for sensing one or more gas concentrations within the gases stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: FISHER & PAYKEL HEALTHCARE LIMITED
    Inventors: Dean Antony Barker, Mikael Douglas Stewart, Peter Geoffrey Hawkins, Kevin Peter O'Donnell, Russel William Burgess
  • Patent number: 10328454
    Abstract: Provided is a method for producing an optical film using simultaneous multilayer coating application, the method being capable of reducing the incidence of coating failure in an optical film. The present invention relates to a method for producing an optical film having at least two or more optical functional layers formed on a base material, the method including: a loss modulus checking step of checking the loss moduli of coating liquids capable of forming the respective optical functional layers by measuring dynamic viscoelasticity; and a coating application step of performing simultaneous multilayer coating application of the coating liquids capable of forming the respective optical functional layers on the base material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Kenji Hayashi, Yoshiro Toda, Takato Chiba
  • Patent number: 10316710
    Abstract: An oil supply control device includes: an adjusting device which adjusts an oil discharge amount according to an input control value to adjust a hydraulic pressure; a hydraulic controller which outputs the control value to the adjusting device; a memory which stores a first initial control value corresponding to a first target hydraulic pressure at which a hydraulic actuating device is not activated, and a second initial control value corresponding to a second target hydraulic pressure at which the hydraulic actuating device is activated; and a determination portion which compares oil initial characteristics represented by the first and second initial control values with oil characteristics represented by first and second control values, to perform oil determination as to whether or not a viscosity of the oil has changed, the first control value being input before increase of the hydraulic pressure, the second control value being input after increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masanori Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 10272734
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air conditioning system, in particular for use in a motor vehicle, having a first flow channel for a first airflow which may be influenced thermally, having a second flow channel for a second airflow which may be influenced thermally, wherein the first flow channel extends relative to the second flow channel at a predeterminable angle, and having an air guidance element, wherein the air guidance element is arranged on or adjacent to at least one internal wall of the first flow channel or the second flow channel, wherein the air guidance element in section has a substantially convex shape in the direction of the first or second flow channel and protrudes into the first or second flow channel, wherein the air guidance element has at least one finger which protrudes at a predeterminable angle into the first flow channel or the second flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: MAHLE INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Matthias Schall, Alfons Schäfer
  • Patent number: 10240539
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for an engine having a plurality of cylinders includes: valve stop mechanisms that switch the engine from all-cylinder operation to cylinder cut-off operation; a VVT that can change the timing to open and close valves 14 during all-cylinder operation and cylinder cut-off operation; an oil pump that supplies oil to hydraulically operated devices including the valve stop mechanisms and the VVT through a hydraulic path; and a control device. The control device controls a maintaining oil pressure, which is required to maintain the operated state of the valve stop mechanisms during cylinder cut-off operation, so that the maintaining oil pressure is set to a high value in a high oil viscosity region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiaki Nishimoto, Masanori Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 10180100
    Abstract: A cooling system 100 includes an electric oil pump 18, an outside air temperature sensor 22, an oil temperature sensor 21, and a controller 30. The controller 30 permits the actuation of the electric oil pump 18 in one of a first case where an oil temperature To is equal to or greater than a first threshold (A) and where an outside air temperature Ta is equal to or greater than a second threshold (B), a second case where the outside air temperature Ta is less than the second threshold (B) and where the oil temperature To is equal to or greater than a third threshold (C) higher than the first threshold (A), and a third case where the oil temperature To is less than the first threshold (A) and where the outside air temperature Ta is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold (D) higher than the second threshold (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinjiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9868921
    Abstract: Methods are provided for designing a blending component for making a plurality of lubricant products that contain the designed blending component. This can be accomplished by first determining a plurality of manufacturability index values for each desired lubricant product for a family of proposed blending components. The manufacturing index values can then be used to construct a manufacturability window for each lubricant product. The manufacturability windows for each lubricant product can then be analyzed to determine regions of overlap, if any, where a proposed blending component can be used with an increased likelihood to formulate each of the desired products. Alternatively, manufacturability windows can be used to determine suitability of pre-existing blending components for formulation of desired products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Eugenio Sanchez, Diane L. Hymas, Charles L. Baker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9696189
    Abstract: A method (e.g., for characterizing a fluid) includes rotating an electrode assembly in a fluid at a rotation speed. The electrode assembly includes first and second electrodes. Rotation of the electrode assembly draws at least a portion of the fluid to move across the first and second electrodes. The method also includes measuring a potential difference between the first and second electrodes as the at least a portion of the fluid moves across the first and second electrodes due to rotation of the electrode assembly, and determining a streaming potential of the fluid using the potential difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Patrick J. Kinlen, Ofer Alves
  • Patent number: 9612183
    Abstract: A capillary bridge viscometer (120), comprises at least two at least generally balanced bridge arm conduits (R1, R2) a bulkhead supporting structure (122,134) supporting removable connection portions for each of a plurality of the arms in a bridge configuration, a bridge supporting structure (124,136) supporting the bridge arm conduits (R1,R2) and supporting two further removable connection portions (132) for each of the bridge arm conduits, wherein each of the further removable connection portions (132) supported by the bridge supporting structure are positioned to mate with a corresponding one of the removable connection portions (130) supported by the bulkhead supporting structure concurrently to hydraulically connect the bridge arm conduits in the bridge configuration; and a balance detector having hydraulic connections for connection between first and second differential detection points in the bridge when the removable connection portions on the bridge are mated to corresponding ones of the removable co
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Malvern Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul G. Clarke, Michael P. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9518908
    Abstract: An object is to measure a mechanical property of a fluid at a temporal resolution of at least 100 [?s]. Therefore, a method comprising: causing a droplet 21 to fly by ejecting a fluid to be measured from a nozzle 11a as the droplet 21; generating an electric field in a space around a flight path 22 of the droplet 21 by applying a voltage to an electrode arranged in the vicinity of the flight path 22; deforming the droplet 21 in a way of contactless deformation with a dielectric force induced by the electric field; and measuring a mechanical property of the fluid based on temporal variation of deformation state of the droplet 21 after deforming the droplet 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: THE FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION OF INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE
    Inventors: Keiji Sakai, Tomoki Ishiwata
  • Patent number: 9500362
    Abstract: A system and method of generating steam comprising providing a continuous supply of coal, combusting the coal in a primary processing chamber in the presence of oxygen and water to provide a first product gas stream, recovering heat from the first product gas stream in a first heat recovery steam generator to produce a first steam output, processing the first product gas stream in a secondary processing chamber in the presence of oxygen and water to provide a second product gas stream, recovering heat from the second product gas stream in a second heat recovery steam generator to produce a second steam output, and combining the first steam output and the second steam output. Preferably, the combined steam output is used to drive a steam turbine and the turbine is coupled to a generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Powerdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Hirson, Gus F. Shouse, Daniel M. Hirson
  • Patent number: 9410975
    Abstract: A device is presented that includes a chip having a plurality of wells that are optionally connected by capillary channels, and a manifold member configured to be disposed over the chip for equalizing pressure over the wells and capillary channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: AEL MINING SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: Chen Li, Samuel Chan, Jian Ping Zhang
  • Patent number: 9376642
    Abstract: A process for improving MRV performance and decreasing wax crystallization in a lubricating oil, comprising: replacing between about 5 to 60 wt % of a base oil or base oil blend with between about 5 to 60 wt % of a Group II base oil. A resultant multigrade engine oil affords a Mini-Rotary Viscosity (MRV) at ?30° C. of less than 60,000 mPa·s with no yield stress. The multigrade engine oil, comprising: (a) between about 10 to 30 wt % of a Group II base oil and (b) between about 40 to 60 wt % of a Group I paraffinic base oil characterized by: (i) a VI from about 98 to 104, and (ii) a kinematic viscosity from about 4.5 to 5.5 cSt at 100° C., and (c) an additive package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Beringuy Souza, Gerson Vieira Baeta Neves, Luiz Fernando Feijo Lemos, Wanderley Carreira Souza, Jr., Matthew Hussain Ansari, Rebecca Elizabeth Brafman
  • Patent number: 9355195
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a solution for calibrating a model of a complex flow system. In an embodiment, a comparison is made between the output from the model and a set of observed values for each of a plurality of nodes in the complex flow system. An adjoint sensitivity is computed for each of the nodes based on the comparison. These computed adjoint sensitivities are used to adjust a set of coefficients of the models. This calibration process can be performed multiple times, periodically and/or continuously to maximize the accuracy of the model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Feldmann, Ying Liu
  • Patent number: 9290713
    Abstract: A process for improving MRV performance and decreasing wax crystallization in a lubricating oil, comprising: replacing between about 5 to 60 wt % of a base oil or base oil blend with between about 5 to 60 wt % of a Group II base oil. A resultant multigrade engine oil affords a Mini-Rotary Viscosity (MRV) at ?30° C. of less than 60,000 mPa·s with no yield stress. The multigrade engine oil, comprising: (a) between about 10 to 30 wt % of a Group II base oil and (b) between about 40 to 60 wt % of a Group I paraffinic base oil characterized by: (i) a VI from about 98 to 104, and (ii) a kinematic viscosity from about 4.5 to 5.5 cSt at 100° C., and (c) an additive package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Beringuy Souza, Gerson Vieira Baeta Neves, Luiz Fernando Feijo Lemos, Wanderley Carreira Souza, Jr., Matthew Hussain Ansari, Rebecca Elizabeth Brafman
  • Patent number: 9212939
    Abstract: Fluid flows through a conduit. To measure flow speed the fluid is heated at a heating location in the conduit with a time-dependent heating strength. A speed of sound in fluid flowing in the conduit is measured at a plurality of sensing locations downstream from said heating location. The flow speed of the fluid is determined from a delay with which the time dependence is detected in the sound speeds measured at said sensing locations. In an embodiment a frequency of the variation of heating strength that is used to determine the flow speed is selected automatically dependent on the flow speed and/or other circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Arno Willem Frederik Volker, Leon Ferdinand Gerard Geers, Huibert Blokland, Theodoor Peter Martijn Hunter
  • Publication number: 20150114255
    Abstract: A phase change ink composition is disclosed. The phase change ink composition comprises a crystalline component and an amorphous component. At a temperature ranging from about 40° C. to about 80° C., the phase change ink simultaneously exhibits (i) a static force ranging from about 2 N to about 4.5 N, and (ii) a storage modulus ranging from about 300 MPa to about 700 Mpa. The crystalline component is not a wax. A method of predicting spreading performance of a phase change ink is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gabriel Iftime, Gordon Sisler, Biby Esther Abraham, Nathan M. Bamsey, Edward Graham Zwartz
  • Publication number: 20150107356
    Abstract: Apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one limit value of a process variable of a medium in a container, comprising at least one sensor unit for registering a measured value dependent on the process variable and at least one electronics unit for producing a measurement signal dependent on the process variable. The invention is distinguished by features including that the apparatus is embodied to draw energy via a voltage output and a digital input of a recorder apparatus or a process control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Christoph Schleith, Michael Dotsch
  • Patent number: 8997555
    Abstract: A system and method for generating a change in pressure proportional to fluid viscosity is disclosed herein. The system can comprise a first pilot stream, a second pilot stream, and a pressure sensing device that reads a differential pressure across a first junction on the first pilot stream and a second junction on the second pilot stream. The first junction is between a first section having a first predominant pressure loss characteristic, and a second section having a second predominant pressure loss characteristic. Similarly, the second junction can be between a third section having a third predominant pressure loss characteristic and a fourth section having a fourth pressure loss characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Flowpro Well Technology a.s.
    Inventor: Kristian Brekke
  • Patent number: 8974658
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention may include a method for electrochemically monitoring the mobility of particles in a fluid in response to an external field, the method may include monitoring an electrical characteristic of the fluid in an electrochemical cell, the fluid comprising particles that can be moved under the influence of an externally applied field; observing changes in the electrical characteristic caused by particle movement induced by the external field; and inferring a change in the physical state of the fluid from a change in the magnitude of the electrical characteristic observed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Universal Biosensors Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Peter Michael Newman, Ronald Christopher Chatelier
  • Patent number: 8935108
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rheometer (100) for high-viscosity materials and to a device and a method for estimating, by means of such a rheometer (100), the feeding pressure to be applied in order to overcome the feeding resistance of high-viscosity material in a pipe. The rheometer (100) has a receptacle for holding high-viscosity material in the receptacle. The receptacle is designed as a standard pipe section (102) that can be filled with high-viscosity material (300). In the rheometer (100), the standard pipe section (102) and high-viscosity material (300) filled into the standard pipe section (102) can be made to linearly move relative to each other at a first rate and at another rate differing from the first rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Putzmeister Engineering GmbH
    Inventor: Knut Kasten
  • Patent number: 8904852
    Abstract: A method establishes rheometric parameters of samples using a rotational rheometer. A thickness of a measurement gap delimited by measurement parts is measured by a measuring unit and a predetermined thickness value is adjusted, readjusted or kept constant when the measurement temperature is changed or set to a predetermined measurement temperature setpoint value. Accordingly, starting at a time at which at least one region of a measurement part has reached the predetermined measurement temperature, measurement values to be established, more particularly continuously, at predetermined measurement times and/or for predetermined time intervals delimited by predetermined measurement times, for the changing thickness of the measurement gap and/or for the rate of change in thickness or readjustment of thickness, and for the measurement of the rheological parameters only to be commenced once these measurement values have dropped below a specific predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Anton Paar GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Wollny
  • Patent number: 8893544
    Abstract: The oscillating velocity of an oscillating body in a fluid to be measured is positively fed back, so as to activate an actuator. The oscillating state of the oscillating body is monitored while making a velocity feedback gain increase. The velocity feedback gain when the oscillating body has oscillated is obtained as an oscillation limit gain at the oscillation limit, and this oscillation limit gain is used as a viscosity equivalent value representing viscosity of the measured fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Masaharu Kuroda, Hiroshi Yabuno
  • Patent number: 8881579
    Abstract: A method of determining viscosity of structurally viscous fluids or beverages containing small pieces, fibers, pulps, fruit cells, cereals, particles or the like, for processing in filling, fruit juice preparation, dairy or brewery process plants, includes providing a tube rheometer having an at least substantially horizontal, straight meter tube with an inner diameter over a length of the meter tube length. At least two different volume flows are generated, exclusively gravimetrically, in the tube rheometer. The at least two different volume flows are adjusted to be substantially constant so as to determine a flow index and a consistency factor of the at least two volume flows. Pressure losses of the at least two volume flows are measured. The viscosity is determined based on the flow index, the consistency factor and the pressure losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Joerg Zacharias
  • Patent number: 8869600
    Abstract: A falling piston viscometer which includes a measuring bushing and a piston configured to be slidably receivable inside the measuring bushing is provided herein. More specifically, the circumferential edge of first section of the piston in the described falling piston assembly is modified to allow for decreased friction and sensitivity. A lifting mechanism, in communication with the piston and piston rod, raises the piston to an upper piston position within the measuring bushing, upon instruction from a controller. Upon the piston being lifted, fluid is drawn into the measuring bushing. The controller is configured to maintain the piston in a raised position for a pre-programmed time, after which, the controller allows the piston to fall, by the force of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Norcross Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Norcross, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8857244
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cartridge device for a measuring system for measuring viscoelastic characteristics of a sample liquid, in particular a blood sample, comprising a cartridge body having at least one measurement cavity formed therein and having at least one probe element arranged in said at least one measurement cavity for performing a test on said sample liquid; and a cover being attachable on said cartridge body; wherein said cover covers at least partially said at least one measurement cavity and forms a retaining element for retaining said probe element in a predetermined position within said at least one measurement cavity. The invention is directed to a measurement system and a method for measuring viscoelastic characteristics of a sample liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: C A Casyso AG
    Inventors: Axel Schubert, José Javier Romero-Galeano, Max Kessler
  • Publication number: 20140283584
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for determining viscosity, surface tension and/or surface tension/viscosity ratio are presented. The methods use the measurement of liquid penetration rate in a test medium to evaluate liquid properties. In particular the methods and apparatuses can be used to determine the quality of frying or cooking oils in terms of polymer or polar compounds. The point of rejection of frying oils according to recommendations and legal limits can be determined. In one embodiment the time required for the oil to penetrate a given distance in a test strip is measured. The time is related to the above liquid (oil) properties and can be correlated to the amount of polymer and/or polar compounds in the oil sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Eleni Kalogianni
  • Publication number: 20140260558
    Abstract: A sealless die assembly with a backing element is disclosed. A first die assembly cooperates with a second die assembly to form a sample-holding chamber. At least one of the die assemblies includes a die and a housing that are separated from one another by a radial gap such that the die is rotatable relative to its housing. A thin film is positioned to bridge the gap between the die and its housing to maintain pressure in the sample-holding chamber. A backing element cooperates with the die housing to interface with the film, and the backing element is spaced from its corresponding die. The backing element helps to transfer torque from the sample to the torque transducer. The die assembly may be incorporated into a rheometer or other sampling measuring apparatus for testing process characteristics of a material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Alpha Technologies Services LLC.
    Inventors: Matthew S. McMaster, Henry Pawlowski, Michael R. Stoller
  • Patent number: 8794051
    Abstract: A method of determining rheological properties can include dispensing a fluid into a rheometer including a stator having at least one helical blade, measuring torque (T) due to relative rotation between the stator and a rotor of the rheometer at different rotational speeds (RPM's), calculating shear stress (SS) as follows: SS=T?/K, and calculating volume averaged shear rate (VASR) as follows: VASR=k1*RPM?, where K, k1, ? and ? are experimentally-derived coefficients. A method of mixing fluids and performing a rheological test on the admixed fluids can include dispensing a fluid into a rheometer, then dispensing another fluid into the rheometer, then mixing the fluids with at least one helical blade of the rheometer, and then measuring torque due to relative rotation between a stator and a rotor of the rheometer. A rotary rheometer can include a rotor, and a stator having at least one helical blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronnie Glen Morgan, Sairam KS Pindiprolu, Balasundaram Balaraman, Ganesh Shriniwas Pangu
  • Publication number: 20140208826
    Abstract: Techniques for sampling a subsurface reservoir include lowering a downhole logging tool comprising one or more samplers, a cleaner system, and a sample probe bit into a borehole until at least one sampler is positioned correctly in a subterranean reservoir; advancing the cleaner system into the reservoir cleaning mud filtrate and contaminated reservoir material away into a mud column; advancing the sample probe bit into the reservoir; and solvent is injected into the reservoir from the solvent reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Gushor Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Richard Larter, Barry Bennett, Lioyd Ross Snowdon
  • Publication number: 20140208833
    Abstract: Proposed is a flow sensor (10), in particular for single use, having at least three measurement chambers (11, 15, 19), which are arranged one behind the other and are interconnected in each case by a flow resistance. At least two of the flow resistances have a different coefficient of pressure loss. A pressure measuring means (12, 16, 20) is provided for each measurement chamber, which pressure measuring means (12, 16, 20) is suitable for measuring the pressure in the measurement chamber. An electromagnetically actuatable valve arrangement (50) can be connected downstream of the flow sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Stefan Berger, Simon Zumbrunnen, Philip Marmet, Philipp Haslebacher, Manfred Schär
  • Patent number: 8781761
    Abstract: The method for detecting rotary speed includes: a step (I) for deeming the difference between input power (P) and loss power (A) to be a first order approximation value (PM1) of the mechanical output of an induction motor, and for obtaining a first approximation value (N1=NS(1?S1)) (NS is the synchronous speed) of the rotary speed from the functional relationship (PM1=?S1) of the output (PM) and slip (S) known for the induction motor; a step (II) for obtaining loss power (B1) based on the value (N1); and a step (III) for deeming a second order approximation value (PM2) of the motor output to be P?(A+B1), and for obtaining a second order approximation value (N2=NS(1?S2)) of the rotary speed from the functional relationship (PM2=?S2) (? is the motor constant) of the output (PM) and slip (S).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: DIC Corporation
    Inventor: Shouei Ebisawa
  • Patent number: 8751172
    Abstract: A viscosity measurement device includes a flexible membrane, an actuation heating element, and a displacement sensor apparatus. The actuation heating element is on and spaced in from an outer periphery of the flexible membrane. The displacement sensor apparatus is coupled to the flexible membrane and measures and outputs a displacement signal representative of a viscosity of a fluid in contact with the flexible membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Rochester Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ivan Puchades, Lynn Fuller
  • Patent number: 8746046
    Abstract: A method for the estimation of oil viscosity in an internal combustion engine, the engine subjected to fuel post injections to activate Particulate Filter regeneration processes and to fuel hydrocarbons (HC) evaporation events affecting said oil viscosity. The method includes, but is not limited to determining if the particulate filter is subjected to a regeneration process and, in the affirmative case, calculating an oil viscosity decrease during said Particulate Filter regeneration process as a function of an oil dilution rate, and calculating an oil viscosity increase after said regeneration process as a function of an Hydrocarbon (HC) evaporation rate and of a time during which fuel Hydrocarbon evaporation takes place, where said evaporation time is determined as a function of a time spent in evaporating fuel Hydrocarbon from engine oil in a previous fuel hydrocarbons evaporation event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Igor Zanetti, Stefano Cassani
  • Publication number: 20140150534
    Abstract: The disclosure provides non-contact microrheological methods that can measure the fluctuation of a particle in a monolayer, where the particle is hydrodynamically coupled to the monolayer. The disclosure further comprises devices to carry out the non-contact microrheological methods thereof, including Laser Tweezer devices which can study in vitro biological processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Dennin, Thomas Boatwright, Alexander Levine, Arthur A. Evans, Roy Shlomovitz
  • Patent number: 8689614
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the real-time continuous monitoring of a change or density and/or viscosity within a test sample. Such methods can be used to determine the occurrence of a chemical reaction within a test sample where the same causes and increase or decrease in the density and/or viscosity of the sample due to, for example, a gelation, precipitation or coagulation occurring within the test sample. There is further provided a multi-resonator apparatus for use in measuring the density and/or viscosity of a test sample in which the multi-beam resonator is immersed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Highland Biosciences Limited
    Inventors: Richard Day, Emma Day
  • Publication number: 20140053637
    Abstract: Device that can be used in an enhanced oil recovery method by injection of a solution of water soluble polymer and brine having a viscosity below 1000 cps that includes a mixer, and preferably a static mixer, capable of homogenizing the solution on-line; a device capable of measuring the viscosity of the homogenized solution, continuously, downstream of the solution injection pump, at a pressure below or equal to 250 bars, and preferably between 50 and 250 bars, and at a temperature below or equal to 120° C., and preferably between 40 and 120° C., by measuring a pressure drop in a calibrated tube, at a constant rate of flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Bernard Quillien, Emmanuel Pich
  • Publication number: 20140000344
    Abstract: Micro-electromechanical device for measuring the viscosity of a fluid, comprises a measuring chamber with a micromechanical actuator, arranged as a cantilever above a metallically conductive counter electrode, elastically deformable towards the counter electrode, surrounded by the fluid to be measured and made of a metallically conductive material, a two-terminal RF voltage source that can be switched off, having a first output terminal connected to the actuator, and a second output terminal connected to the counter electrode, and which is designed to output an RF voltage signal that is suitable for deflecting the actuator out of its rest position, and a measuring device to detect a change in the frequency, amplitude or phase of the RF signal in order to determine a measurement value for the viscosity-dependent speed at which the actuator is deformed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Mario Birkholz, Jurgen Drews, Karl-Ernst Ehwald, Dieter Genschow, Ulrich Haak, Philip Kulse, Egbert Matthus, Katrin Schulz, Wolfgang Winkler, Dirk Wolansky, Marlen Frohlich
  • Publication number: 20130333448
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cartridge device for a measuring system for measuring viscoelastic characteristics of a sample liquid, in particular a blood sample, comprising a cartridge body having at least one measurement cavity formed therein and having at least one probe element arranged in said at least one measurement cavity for performing a test on said sample liquid; and a cover being attachable on said cartridge body; wherein said cover covers at least partially said at least one measurement cavity and forms a retaining element for retaining said probe element in a predetermined position within said at least one measurement cavity. The invention is directed to a measurement system and a method for measuring viscoelastic characteristics of a sample liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Axel Schubert, José Javier Romero-Galeano, Max Kessler
  • Publication number: 20130332089
    Abstract: A method for quantitatively determining dynamic barite sag in drilling fluids includes measuring rheological properties with viscometers and/or rheometers, and introducing the parameters into an equation to obtain the sag rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Sandeep Kulkarni, Sharath Savari, Kushabhau D. Teke, Dale E. Jamison, Robert J. Murphy, Anita Gantepla