Patents Assigned to Surface Tensiometry, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6119511
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is presented for determining surface tension of a liquid or interfacial tension between two dissimilar liquids by using a rigidly suspended probe with small sample sizes and by measuring probe force using a top-loading balance used for supporting the container of liquids under test. When a small sample size in a small container is used, capillary action between a probe and the container walls enhances the measured force, and an adjustment factor for the capillary action must be applied. A probe rigidly suspended to overcome capillary action between the probe and walls permits such measurements. For any sized sample, in accordance with Isaac Newton's third law of equal and opposite forces acting between objects, the force required for lifting a probe vertically from a liquid is equivalent to the reduction in weight of the liquid and container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Surface Tensiometry, Inc.
    Inventors: Sherril D. Christian, Andrew R. Slagle, Edwin E. Tucker, John F. Scamehorn, Katsuhiko Fujio