Patents Assigned to Alpha Technologies Services LLC.
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Patent number: 11846643Abstract: A test sample handling system for transporting test samples to a testing mechanism comprises a rotary sample holder including a carrier cylinder configured to rotate about a central rotational axis thereof and a carrier arm adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position. A carrier is configured to support one of the test samples and is removably coupled to the carrier cylinder. A lifter mechanism is adjustable between a lowered position and a raised position with the adjustment of the carrier arm from the retracted position to the extended position including a decoupling of the carrier from the carrier cylinder and a transporting of the carrier and the corresponding one of the samples to a position above the lifter mechanism. An adjustment of the lifter mechanism from the lowered position to the raised position includes a removal of the one of the samples from being supported by the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2021Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: Alpha Technologies Services LLCInventors: Matthew Scot McMaster, Keith Wayne Buzek
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Patent number: 11493418Abstract: A rheometer docking station and methods of use are provided. Certain of the systems and methods described herein are capable of docking a rheometer to a rheometer docking station. Certain of the systems and methods described herein are capable of locating a rheometer in one, two or three dimensions.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2018Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Alpha Technologies Services LLCInventors: Patrick Kosuth, Michael R. Stoller
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Patent number: 11035773Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 23, 2020Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: ALPHA TECHNOLOGIES SERVICES LLCInventors: Keith Buzek, Edward Norton
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Patent number: 10942104Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 18, 2017Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: ALPHA TECHNOLOGIES SERVICES LLCInventor: Keith Buzek
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Patent number: 10416058Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 8, 2015Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: ALPHA TECHNOLOGIES SERVICES LLCInventors: Keith Buzek, Matthew S. McMaster, Michael R. Stoller
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Publication number: 20190072471Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2016Publication date: March 7, 2019Applicant: Alpha Technologies Services LLCInventors: Keith Buzek, Edward Norton
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Publication number: 20170241884Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2015Publication date: August 24, 2017Applicant: Alpha Technologies Services LLCInventors: Matthew S. McMaster, Keith Buzek, William Roblin
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Publication number: 20170241885Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2015Publication date: August 24, 2017Applicant: Alpha Technologies Services LLCInventors: Keith Buzek, Matthew S. McMaster, Michael R. Stoller
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Patent number: 9091626Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: Alpha Technologies Services LLCInventors: Matthew S. McMaster, Henry Pawlowski, Michael R. Stoller
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Publication number: 20140260558Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Alpha Technologies Services LLC.Inventors: Matthew S. McMaster, Henry Pawlowski, Michael R. Stoller