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.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus determine the rheological properties of medium samples. The normal forces arising in a measuring gap perpendicular to the measuring surfaces are recorded with a recording unit and the height of the measuring gap is adjusted with a positioning unit and with positioning elements actuated by the positioning unit. During the measuring procedure the initial height of the measuring gap is kept constant, by the values of the normal forces arising being linked with a calibrating function, and in that, upon detection of normal forces arising, values derived from the calibrating function are drawn upon as control signals, with which at least one sliding actuator acting on at least one of the two measuring elements is driven, which by position adjustment or height adjustment of the respective measuring element performs an immediate resetting of a height of the measuring gap, changed by the normal forces exerted by the medium sample to be examined, to the initial spacing set originally.

Abstract: A parallel-plate system collects data used to determine viscosity. A first plate is coupled to a translator so that the first plate can be moved along a first direction. A second plate has a pendulum device coupled thereto such that the second plate is suspended above and parallel to the first plate. The pendulum device constrains movement of the second plate to a second direction that is aligned with the first direction and is substantially parallel thereto. A force measuring device is coupled to the second plate for measuring force along the second direction caused by movement of the second plate.

Abstract: Methods and devices for testing friction reduction systems are described herein. Embodiments of the disclosed devices allow direct measurement of fluid or rheological properties of friction reduction systems in a “one pot” or integrated device while maintaining the particles in suspension. In an embodiment, a device for testing a friction reduction system comprises an outer chamber. The device also comprises an impeller disposed at the bottom of the outer chamber for mixing the friction reduction system. In addition, the device comprises an inner chamber fixedly disposed within the outer chamber. The inner chamber has an inlet and an outlet such that the inner chamber is in fluid communication with the outer chamber. The device further comprises a bob rotatably disposed within the inner chamber.

Abstract: A demand responsive physiological control system for use with a rotary blood pump; said system including a pump controller which is capable of controlling pump speed of said pump; said system further including a physiological controller, and wherein said physiological controller is adapted to analyse input data relating to physiological condition of a user of said pump; and wherein said physiological controller determines appropriate pumping speed and sends a speed control signal to said pump controller to adjust pump speed; said system further including a physiological state detector which provides said input data indicative of at least one physiological state of said user, in use, to said physiological controller.

Abstract: A method is for connecting a tab pattern formed on a base sheet and a lead wire, wherein the tab pattern includes: a tab main portion; and a connecting portion formed to continue from one edge line of the tab main portion and to extend from the tab main portion along an extension line that is substantially orthogonal to the edge line, and wherein the method includes: connecting the lead wire on the tab main portion by bonding the lead wire at a position being displaced from the extension line of the connecting portion for more than a given offset amount where the extension line is identical to a center line of the connecting portion, the position being within a given distance from the edge line of the tab main portion.

Abstract: A device for detecting a property of a fluid includes a body region and a flexible element having a first end and a second end. The first end is fixedly located on the body region. The flexible element is arranged to move from at least a first configuration to a second configuration via bending of the flexible element. The flexible element includes an actuating portion arranged to move the flexible element between the first configuration and the second configuration. The device also includes a movement detector for detecting movement of the flexible element.

Abstract: The method measures consistency with a rotating consistency meter. The method comprises chopping with the teeth of a chopper structure optical radiation transmitted by an optical source to an optical detector while the shafts of the rotating consistency meter rotate. In addition, a chopper reference of the chopper structure chops optical radiation to form at least one reference pulse independent of the swivel between the shafts. The duration of each reference pulse is measured when measuring consistency. The change in the reference pulse is defined by comparing the duration of the measured reference pulse with the duration of the predefined reference pulse. The durations of the measuring pulses are corrected according to the change in the duration of the reference pulse.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for measuring interfacial stick-slip transitions (SST) and an improved constant-force shear capable of measuring interfacial SST. Some embodiments are capable of measuring SST under simple shear conditions and/or in highly entangled polymer melts. Some embodiments include the application of a constant shearing force to a polymer sample.

Abstract: A device for measuring the properties of a fluid, a method of manufacture, and a method of operation is described. The device includes a body region, a first flexible element and a second flexible element. Each flexible element has a first end and a second end, the first end being fixedly located on the body region. Each flexible element is moveable from at least a first respective configuration to a second respective configuration via bending of the element. The first flexible element includes an actuating portion arranged to move the flexible element between the first configuration and the second configuration. The second flexible element includes an integral movement sensor for sensing movement of the flexible element. The first flexible element is coupled to the second flexible element at a position distant from the body region. Only the actuating portion of the first flexible element is operable to move the first and second flexible elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piezo-rheometric measuring cell for shear or compression measurement, essentially comprising two sample holder plates, with the sample for analysis between the same in solid, liquid or intermediate form, piezoelectric ceramic elements on the faces of the plates opposite to the faces in contact with the sample and a construction forming the housing and compressing the arrangement of plates and ceramic elements, one or more ceramics called emitter, being connected to one of the two plates or the emitter plate and subjecting the same to shear or compression vibrations by means of an excitation signal and one or more ceramics, called receiver, being connected to the other plate or receiver plate and converting the forces to which the same is subject into a measured signal.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an on-line rotational/oscillatory rheometrical device inserted in the barrel of an extruder (1), composed of a main body (2), a cleaning ring (5) and a lower support (6), kept at a constant temperature, and a set of plates, upper (3) and lower (4) with an adjustable separation, with the upper plate being animated with a rotating or oscillating movement, via a coupling to a rotation/measuring head of a commercial controlled-stress rheometer. The rotation of the ensemble allows a sample of material to be collected from the interior of the extruder and its subsequent rheological characterisation in the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a methanol concentration is provided. The apparatus is located in a pipe which supplies liquid fuel to the anode of a direct liquid feed fuel cell, and may include a vertical supporting beam located in the pipe; a horizontal plate located on the supporting beam and having an upper surface with a predetermined roughness; and a sensor fixed to a side of the supporting beam, which generates an electrical signal through a transformation of the supporting beam resulting from variations in a viscosity of the liquid fuel running through the pipe.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring a fluid composition include placing a mechanical resonator in the fluid composition and oscillating the resonator. The resonator can be a tuning fork resonator having tines oscillated in opposite directions and in opposite phases. A variable frequency input signal can be varied over a predetermined frequency range and oscillate the mechanical resonator at less than 1 MHz. A frequency-dependent resonator response curve can be stored in a computer memory and fitted to a model curve to monitor the fluid. The resonator can be coated with a protective coating. The resonator can be treated with a functionality designed to change a resonance frequency of the resonator after being exposed to a selected target chemical and the resonance frequency monitored to detect presence of the target chemical.

Abstract: A device for detecting a property of a fluid includes a body region and a flexible element having a first end and a second end. The first end is fixedly located on the body region. The flexible element is arranged to move from at least a first configuration to a second configuration via bending of the flexible element. The flexible element includes an actuating portion arranged to move the flexible element between the first configuration and the second configuration. The device also includes a movement detector for detecting movement of the flexible element.

Abstract: A rheometer comprises a vessel mounted on a stand and a rotatable blade mounted above the vessel. A substance for rheometric assessment is put in the vessel. The rotor is advanced linearly into the substance while at the same time rotating. The blade is arranged with a profile such that there is substantially zero slip as it progresses, thereby minimising disturbance to the substance. The rheometric assessment is based on the axial force exerted as a result of the resistance of the substance to the progression of the blade through it.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring properties of a liquid composition includes a mechanical resonator, such as a cantilever, connected to a measurement circuit. The mechanical resonator can be covered with a coating to impart additional special detection propertied to the resonator, and multiple resonators can be attached together as a single sensor to obtain multiple frequency responses. The invention is particularly suitable for combinatorial chemistry applications, which require rapid analysis of chemical properties for screening. In one embodiment, the resonator is operated at a frequency of less than 1 MHz.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a miniature rheometer, a parallel rheometer, and improved force sensor elements which may advantageously be used in combination with the miniature rheometer and the parallel rheometer. The miniature rheometer is adapted to determine rheological characteristics of materials which are provided in the form of small quantity samples. The miniature rheometer comprises an actuating element, a sensing element and a feedback circuit to provide rebalance of the shear force applied by the sample to the sensing element, which insures an exceptional stiffness in determining the shear strain so as to allow measurements of high accuracy. The parallel rheometer of the present invention allows simultaneous measurements of a plurality of samples so as to allow of a plurality of samples within a short time period. The force sensor element according to the present invention allows simultaneous measurement of a shear force and a normal force applied to the sensor element.

Abstract: Device and methods for rotationally mixing and rheological testing of sample liquids, such as cement particle suspensions, employ mixing blades and shear-resistant members having substantially noncoincident orbital paths. Rheology is assessed by measuring the resistance of the liquid to rotation of the device. Both rheological and calorimetric testing can be performed during mixing, which ensures uniformity of rheology and hence the accuracy of results.

Abstract: Device and methods for rotationally mixing and rheological testing of sample liquids, such as cement particle suspensions, employ mixing blades and shear-resistant members having substantially noncoincident orbital paths. Rheology is assessed by measuring the resistance of the liquid to rotation of the device. Both rheological and calorimetric testing can be performed during mixing, which ensures uniformity of rheology and hence the accuracy of results.

Abstract: A method for measuring properties of a fluid that includes oscillating a tuning fork resonator in a fluid. The invention is particularly suitable for in-line monitoring of various physical and electrical properties of fluids flowing in a conduit.

Abstract: Viscometer (80) with a sample cup (42) rotatable by a pulley (26) and a timing belt (30) to shear a tested fluid thus imparting torque to a bob (44) mounted on a shaft (10) supported via a frictionless bearing (58), an optical distance sensor assembly (12) measures the distance to an arm (70) which is connected to the top of shaft (10). This distance information is further converted to the viscosity of the tested fluid.

Abstract: Viscometer (80) with a sample cup (42) rotatable by a pulley (26) and a timing belt (30) to shear a tested fluid thus imparting torque to a bob (44) mounted on a shaft (10) supported via a frictionless bearing (58), an optical distance sensor assembly (12) measures the distance to an arm (70) which is connected to the top of shaft (10). This distance information is further converted to the viscosity of the tested fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring properties of a liquid composition includes a mechanical resonator, such as a cantilever, connected to a measurement circuit. The mechanical resonator's response over the frequency range depends on various characteristics of the liquid being tested, such as the temperature, viscosity, and other physical properties. The invention is particularly suitable for combinatorial chemistry applications, which require rapid analysis of chemical properties for screening.

Abstract: A conventional Couette viscometer is transformed to measure yield point, also known as yield stress, and other rheology of various fluids, including ones with particulates. A rotating viscometer includes a driven portion, a responsive body, a standard spring, and a plurality of fins. The fins have predetermined shapes such that the rotating viscometer and the standard spring, connected to the responsive body having at least a portion of the fins, are sensitive to detect yield stress of a test fluid composition in response to a selected rotation imparted to the driven portion. A method of measuring yield stress includes operating a standard rotating viscometer modified with a plurality of intermeshing fins such that a standard spring of the standard rotating viscometer responds to a torque that is related to yield stress and that is imposed by a stressed test material on a portion of the fins connected to the spring.

Abstract: Device for direct refrigeration has heat-conductable solid member with refrigerant passageway coursing through or about; and at least one test sample well in or in proximity to it, at least one solid, heat-generating member affixed or in proximity to it; and/or optional component(s) and/or feature(s). Heat-conductable solid member may have opposing refrigerant flowpaths containing conventional cooling material(s), for example, air, liquid methanol or ethylene glycol, but preferably, refrigerant for direct refrigeration. The member may be, for example, a block of copper and/or other material with a high heat-conductance, with one or more test sample well(s) for insertion of test sample cell(s) for low-temperature rotary viscometric yield stress testing of engine oils, or other testing. Heating may be employed. Dynamic temperature control can be facilitated by temperature sensor and/or controller system, with sensor(s) and/or heating element(s) strategically placed in or on the block.

Abstract: A rotational viscometer includes a cylindrical bob attached to a bob axle, a concentric sleeve exterior of the bob, a motor for inducing rotation in the sleeve, a biasing spring attached to the bob axle for resisting axle rotation, and a measurement system comprising an electric field transmitter, an electric field receiver and a rotor extending intermediate the transmitter and receiver. The rotor is attached to the bob axle so that rotation of the bob axle and the rotor presents a measurable deviation of the electrical field received by the electrical field receiver. A processor calculates the angle of displacement of the bob from that sine and cosine of the received electrical field and transmits readable output in the form of a sample viscosity value to a display.

Abstract: In a method for the determination of the viscosity (&eegr;) of a liquid, e.g. of blood, which is forwarded by a pump, e.g. a blood pump, said pump having a rotor for the forwarding of the liquid from the inlet of the pump to the outlet, the rotor is used for the determination of the viscosity (&eegr;). For the determination of the viscosity (&eegr;) of the liquid no spatial deflection of the rotor from its operating position takes place, but rather the rotor is left in its operating position and the viscosity (&eegr;) is determined from measurement parameters of the pump or of the rotor respectively.

Abstract: A rotational rheometer has a cylindrical outer housing into which a measuring container can be inserted substantially coaxially thereby forming a radial annular space. The measuring container has a measuring chamber for receiving a sample material. A fluid may flow through the annular space to bring the outside of the measuring container and thereby the sample material to a desired temperature. The fluid is a gas and a circulating device is provided within the outer housing for circulating the gas.

Abstract: A viscometer for measuring liquid viscosities based upon rotational deflections of a suspended bob. The viscometer comprises a deflection indicator, a deflection reader located at a spaced relative position with respect to the indicator, a rotating element which rotates in unison with the bob and includes either the deflection indicator or the deflection reader, and a magnetic bearing assembly which prevents any substantial change in the spaced, relative position of the deflection reader with respect to the deflection indicator.

Abstract: A rotary viscometer is described where there is no mechanical linkage between a rotor that is rotated in a test fluid to measure viscosity and the rotor drive source. A rotor is disposed in a test fluid within a test chamber. The rotor is mounted on low friction bearings. Electromagnets disposed around the test chamber impose a constant torque on the rotor. Rotor rotation rate corresponding to fluid viscosity is measured. The viscometer may have a sealed test chamber for measuring viscosity of hazardous or corrosive test fluids without exposing the operator to the fluid.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for characterizing the barrier properties of an array of coatings. The method including providing a plurality of acoustic wave devices, wherein each of the plurality of acoustic wave devices comprises at least one surface, and providing a plurality of coating materials suitable for forming a plurality of coatings on the at least one surface of each of the plurality of acoustic wave devices. The method also including coating each of the plurality of acoustic wave devices with at least one of the plurality of coating materials to form a plurality of coated acoustic wave devices and measuring a predetermined output parameter of each of the plurality of coated acoustic wave devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a miniature rheometer and improved force sensor elements which may advantageously be used in combination with the miniature rheometer. The miniature rheometer is adapted to determine rheological characteristics of materials which are provided in the form of small quantity samples. The force sensor element according to the present invention allows simultaneous measurement of a shear force and a normal force applied to the sensor element. Moreover, the force sensor may employ stress-optic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a miniature rheometer, a parallel rheometer, and improved force sensor elements which may advantageously be used in combination with the miniature rheometer and the parallel rheometer. The miniature rheometer is adapted to determine rheological characteristics of materials which are provided in the form of small quantity samples. The miniature rheometer comprises an actuating element, a sensing element and a feedback circuit to provide rebalance of the shear force applied by the sample to the sensing element, which insures an exceptional stiffness in determining the shear strain so as to allow measurements of high accuracy. The parallel rheometer of the present invention allows simultaneous measurements of a plurality of samples so as to allow of a plurality of samples within a short time period. The force sensor element according to the present invention allows simultaneous measurement of a shear force and a normal force applied to the sensor element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a miniature rheometer, a parallel rheometer, and improved force sensor elements which may advantageously be used in combination with the miniature rheometer and the parallel rheometer. The miniature rheometer is adapted to determine rheological characteristics of materials which are provided in the form of small quantity samples. The miniature rheometer comprises an actuating element, a sensing element and a feedback circuit to provide rebalance of the shear force applied by the sample to the sensing element, which insures an exceptional stiffness in determining the shear strain so as to allow measurements of high accuracy. The parallel rheometer of the present invention allows simultaneous measurements of a plurality of samples so as to allow of a plurality of samples within a short time period. The force sensor element according to the present invention allows simultaneous measurement of a shear force and a normal force applied to the sensor element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a miniature rheometer, a parallel rheometer, and improved force sensor elements which may advantageously be used in combination with the miniature rheometer and the parallel rheometer. The miniature rheometer is adapted to determine rheological characteristics of materials which are provided in the form of small quantity samples. The miniature rheometer comprises an actuating element, a sensing element and a feedback circuit to provide rebalance of the shear force applied by the sample to the sensing element, which insures an exceptional stiffness in determining the shear strain so as to allow measurements of high accuracy. The parallel rheometer of the present invention allows simultaneous measurements of a plurality of samples so as to allow of a plurality of samples within a short time period. The force sensor element according to the present invention allows simultaneous measurement of a shear force and a normal force applied to the sensor element.

Abstract: A rotary rheometer having a concentric cylinder control jacket and a sample cup. The sample cup fits snugly inside the control jacket, such that the sample cup is in substantial thermal contact with the control jacket along at least the greater part of the length of the sample cup. A heating/cooling assembly such as a Peltier plate, positioned, for example, beneath the control jacket, is used to heat and/or cool the control jacket, thus heating and cooling the sample cup. The sample cup includes a generally annular chamber, which ensures that the sample experiences a uniform temperature. The rheometer reaches steady-state sample temperature more quickly, and the steady-state temperature reached is closer to the actual desired sample temperature than with prior art rheometers, due to the much greater thermal contact between the sample cup and the control jacket.

Abstract: A rotary rheometer has a measurement motor (1) rotating a measuring shaft (16) on which an upper, and in particular a plate-shaped or conical, measuring part (4) is fastened. A measuring gap (S) is formed between the first measuring part (4) and a rotationally fixed lower, preferably plate-shaped measuring part (5). The substance (12)—in particular fluid, gel, or the like—to be tested is introduced into the measuring gap (S). The width of the measuring gap (S) can be adjusted by displacing the two measuring parts (4, 5) relative to each other. A heating or tempering unit for the lower measuring part (5) is arranged below the lower measuring part (5). To heat or cool or temper the upper measuring part (4) at least one heat pump (24), and in particular at least one Peltier block, is provided by which heat can be supplied to or removed from the upper measuring part (4).

Abstract: Viscometer (2) with a sleeve (30) rotatable by a sprocket (20) and a timing belt (44) to shear a tested fluid thus imparting torque to a bob (28) mounted on a shaft (14) supported via axially spaced bearings (16, 22), an arm (12) connecting to the top of the shaft (14) applies force to a force sensor (10) which is proportional to the torque applied to the bob.

Abstract: A rotational rheometer has an integrating motor (1), which rotates a measuring shaft (16) supporting a first measuring element (4), there being formed between this first measuring element (4) and a further, fixed measuring element (5) a measurement gap (S), into which is introduced the substance to be tested (12), in particular fluid, the depth of the measurement gap (S) being variable by the adjustment of the two measuring elements (4, 5) relative to each other, and a device being provided to determine the distance between the two measuring elements. At least one inductive or at least one magnetic position sensor (19, 21) is supported by one of the two measuring elements (4, 5). The first measuring element (4) or a device (18) disposed on this measuring element (4) can cause the position sensor (19, 21) disposed on the other measuring element (5) to respond, or can cause the output signal, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a parallel rheometer and improved force sensor elements, which may advantageously be used in combination with the parallel rheometer. The parallel rheometer of the present invention allows simultaneous measurements of a plurality of samples so as to allow characterization of a plurality of samples within a short time period. The force sensor element according to the present invention allows simultaneous measurement of a shear force and a normal force applied to the sensor element. Moreover, the force sensor may employ stress-optic material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for screening diverse arrays of materials are provided. In one aspect, systems and methods are provided for imaging a library of materials using ultrasonic imaging techniques. In another aspect, systems and methods are provided for generating acoustic waves in a tank filled with a coupling liquid to form a disturbance that is representative of a library of materials. In another aspect of the invention, a mechanical resonator is used to evaluate various properties (e.g., molecular weight, viscosity, specific weight, elasticity, dielectric constant, conductivity, etc.) of the individual liquid elements of a library of materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring properties of a liquid composition includes a mechanical resonator, such as a thickness shear mode resonator or a tuning fork resonator, connected to a measurement circuit. The measurement circuit provides a variable frequency input signal to the tuning fork, causing the mechanical resonator to oscillate. To test the properties of a liquid composition, the mechanical resonator is placed inside a sample well containing a small amount of the liquid. The input signal is then sent to the mechanical resonator and swept over a selected frequency range, preferably less than 1 MHz to prevent the liquid being tested from exhibiting gel-like characteristics and causing false readings. The mechanical resonator's response over the frequency range depends on various characteristics of the liquid being tested, such as the temperature, viscosity, and other physical properties.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring properties of a fluid composition includes a mechanical resonator connected to a measurement circuit. The measurement circuit provides a variable frequency input signal to the mechanical resonator, causing the mechanical resonator to oscillate. To test the properties of a liquid composition, the mechanical resonator is placed inside a sample well containing a small amount of the fluid. The input signal is then sent to the mechanical resonator and swept over a selected frequency range. The mechanical resonator's response over the frequency range depends on various characteristics of the fluid being tested, such as the temperature, viscosity, and other physical properties. The invention is particularly suitable for combinatorial chemistry applications, which require rapid analysis of chemical properties for screening.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting pressure in a hollow fan blade of a turbofan gas turbine engine comprises a magnetostriction transducer arranged in a sub chamber of the fan blade which is interconnected to a main chamber. A magnetic coil is arranged in the fan casing of the turbofan remote from the fan blade, and an alternating current is supplied from a supply to the magnetic coil to produce an alternating magnetic field. The alternating magnetic field causes the magnetostriction transducer to generate vibrations in the fan blade and the magnetostriction transducer. A magnetic search coil detects changes in the magnetic field, which corresponds to the vibrations, and a processor analyses the vibrations to determine if there has been a change in the resonant frequency of the vibrations which is indicative of a change in the pressure in the fan blade. The processor supplies a signal to a display or to an alarm. The change in the pressure is indicative that the fan blade is cracked and needs replacing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for screening diverse arrays of materials are provided. In one aspect, systems and methods are provided for imaging a library of materials using ultrasonic imaging techniques. The system includes one or more devices for exciting an element of the library such that acoustic waves are propagated through, and from, the element. The acoustic waves propagated from the element are detected and processed to yield a visual image of the library element. The acoustic wave data can also be processed to obtain information about the elastic properties of the library element. In another aspect, systems and methods are provided for generating acoustic waves in a tank filled with a coupling liquid. The library of materials is then placed in the tank and the surface of the coupling liquid is scanned with a laser beam. The structure of the liquid surface disturbed by the acoustic wave is recorded, the recorded disturbance being representative of the physical structure of the library.