Abstract: A method of monitoring a surfactant in a microelectronic process is disclosed. Specifically, the monitoring of a surfactant occurs by studying the absorbance of a sample collected from a microelectronic process.

Abstract: A device comprising a pressure monitor and a control means that receives a signal representing measured pressure at the pressure monitor and controls the controllable elements of a fluid system is utilized to monitor a fluid system for error conditions, to optimize operations and to diagnose the fluid system. By following a testing protocol that selectively enables parts of the system, the control means narrows the list of possible failing components. Comparing the measured pressure against normal pressures allows the device to identify error conditions. Determining the volume of fluid being transported and controlling the duration of the flow optimizes operation of the fluid system.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for determining the viscosity of a lubricating fluid in a process on line. The method of the present invention obviates the need to accurately control the temperature of the lubricating fluid in the system when taking fluid viscosity measurements.

Abstract: A fluid ejecting apparatus includes an ejection head having an ejection face formed with an ejection nozzle that ejects fluid, a detection device having a detector that is arranged to face the ejection face with a predetermined gap provided therebetween and to which the fluid ejected from the ejection nozzle is supplied, the detection device outputting a detection signal in response to the fluid ejected from the ejection nozzle, a processing unit that obtains information on the viscosity of the fluid on the basis of the detection signal, a measurement device that measures an elapsed time from a reference time and outputting the measured value, a maintenance device capable of performing maintenance of the ejection head, and a control device that controls the maintenance device on the basis of the measured value output from the measurement device. The measurement device changes the measured value to be output on the basis of the information obtained by the processing unit.

Abstract: A method of test includes the steps of preparing a sensing platform having an emitting electrode mounted at on one side thereof and a receiving electrode mounted on the other side thereof, wherein the sensing platform defines a sensing zone located between the emitting and receiving electrodes; placing a specimen on the sensing zone; emitting a surface acoustic wave from the emitting electrode, wherein the surface acoustic wave passes through the sensing zone and the specimen and then is received by the receiving electrode to be changed for its speed and phase by the change of material property of the specimen; and identifying the material property of the specimen according to the changed speed and phase of the surface acoustic wave to further infer the physical property of the specimen. In light of the steps, the surface acoustic wave can be employed for detection of the physical property of the specimen.

Abstract: In a measuring method for determining values of viscosity coefficients of a liquid crystal by fitting Ericksen-Leslie theoretical values to measured response characteristics, in the first step, ON response characteristics of a liquid crystal cell 10 with homogeneous alignment are initially measured, and a value of a rotational viscosity coefficient ?1 is determined from the measured ON response characteristics. Then, in the second step, OFF response characteristics are measured, and values of Miesovicz shear viscosity coefficients ?1 and ?2 are determined from the measured OFF response characteristics. In the calculation in the first step, the viscosity coefficients other than ?1 are assigned general values. In the calculation in the second step, ?1 is assigned the value determined in the first step.

Abstract: A method for detecting particle agglomeration in CMP slurries. In accordance with an implementation of the invention, a CMP slurry is tested for abrasive particle agglomeration by applying an ultra high shearing force to the slurry and analyzing its rheological behavior. Through the comparison of slurry rheological behavior, implementations of the invention make it possible to detect particle agglomeration in a slurry and to distinguish between fresh and aged slurries.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing concrete mass, the concrete mass being manufactured in a mixer, and the torque caused by the mixing of the concrete mass to the mixing elements used for mixing of the concrete mass and/or the power consumption of the drive of the mixer, being measured in said method. The torque caused to the mixing elements of the concrete mass and/or the power consumption of the drive is measured at least with two different mixing speeds, and based on the measurement results, the properties of the concrete mass are determined.

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: A method for measuring the mobility of a lubricant located on the top surface of a disk used in hard disk drives. The method includes forming one or more scribe lines in a lubricant layer of the disk. The disk is then spun by a spin stand where lubricant moves in response to the centrifugal forces of the spinning disk. The disk is removed from the spin stand and the height of lubricant that moved into the scribe line is measured to determine lubricant mobility.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical (MEM) fluid health sensing device comprises a viscosity sensor which provides an output that varies with the viscosity of a fluid in which it is immersed, and at least one other sensor which provides an output that varies with another predetermined parameter of the fluid. The viscosity sensor is preferably a MEM device fabricated by means of a “deep etch” process. The sensors are preferably integrated together on a common substrate, though they might also be fabricated separately and packaged together to form a hybrid device. A data processing means may be included which receives the sensor outputs and provides one or more outputs indicative of the health of the fluid. Sensor types which may be part of the present device include, for example, a temperature sensor, a MEM electrochemical sensor, a MEM accelerometer, a MEM contact switch lubricity sensor, and/or an inductive metallic wear sensor.

Abstract: A viscometer-densimeter for a down hole tool positionable in a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation is described. The formation contains at least one fluid therein. The down hole tool is adapted to convey at least a portion of the fluid to the viscometer-densimeter. The viscometer-densimeter comprises a sensor unit, and at least one magnet. The sensor unit is positionable within the down hole tool and comprises at least two spatially disposed connectors and a wire suspended in tension between the at least two connectors such that the wire is available for interaction with the fluid when the viscometer-densimeter is positioned within the down hole tool and the down hole tool is positioned within the subterranean formation and receives the fluid from the subterranean formation. The connectors and the wire are constructed so as to provide a frequency oscillator.

Abstract: Method to determine the viscosity of a water-in-oil emulsion that will be formed by an oil comprising organic acids when mixed with water comprising: determining the value of the expression: ? ( emul ) = K ? ? ? ( oil ) ? TAN - r ( 1 - ? ) 2.5 wherein ?(oil) is the viscosity the oil, TAN is the total acid number of the oil, ? is a number in the range of 0.1 to 0.8, r is a number in the range of about 0.5 to 2, and K is a number from about 1 to 20, said determined value, ?(emul) being the viscosity of the water-in-oil emulsion. The method is used to prepare water-in-oil emulsions of predetermined viscosity and to improve desalting of oils.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the viscosity and temperature of a fluid, for example an engine oil, comprises a transducer, which is arranged to vibrate when provided with a drive signal to produce an ultrasonic shear wave; an impedance matching layer that is inserted into the fluid and which couples at least a portion of the ultrasonic waves produced by the transducer into the fluid and from which at least a portion of the wave is reflected back to the transducer; a detector which is adapted to detect a measurement signal produced by the transducer when the reflected wave is incident upon the transducer; a control circuit which varies the frequency of the drive signal applied to the transducer and hence the frequency of the ultrasound signal; a processing means which determines the optimum frequency of the drive signal at which the measurement signal output from the transducer has its minimum amplitude; and a temperature determining means which estimates the temperature of the fluid as a function of the optimum

Abstract: A device (1) for determining the qualify of a medium, particularly of a lubricant and/or cutting oil, includes a number of sensors (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) that emit electric output signals according to the respective sensor-specific input variables. One sensor is a temperature sensor (7) that emits an output signal, which is essentially only dependent on the temperature (T) of the medium and is essentially independent of, in particular, the quality of the medium. At least one other sensor (3, 4, 5, 6) emits an output signal that is dependent on both the quality of the medium as well as the temperature (T) of the medium. The sensors (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) are placed on a shared substrate (2) that can be immersed in the medium. An associated process also determines the quality of a medium.

Abstract: A device is provided for evaluating the signal from a viscosity sensor having an amplifying circuit. The amplification of the amplifying circuit is controlled by a temperature signal from a temperature sensor.

Abstract: A method and device for assessing the viscosity of a fluid. The method and device utilize a tube with a vibrating freestanding portion into which the fluid is introduced, and relies on sensing the influence that the fluid has on the vibrational movement of the tube to assess the viscosity of the fluid. For this purpose, the freestanding portion is preferably driven at or near a resonant frequency, movement of the freestanding portion is sensed, and the viscosity of a fluid within the tube is assessed by ascertaining the damping effect the fluid has on movement of the freestanding portion at or near the resonant frequency.

Abstract: A library of materials is screened for viscosity. A library of materials is provided. The library is contacted with at least one capillary for applying a force through the materials. The relative flow resistance of the materials is measured in response to the force; and the materials in the library are ranked based on the monitored flow resistance.

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 microfluidic system is provided for separating components of many fluid samples in a parallel fashion through an array of capillary conduits. The system includes capillary conduits for receiving fluid samples, and for effecting separation of substituents of the sample by passing the sample through a corresponding array of capillary separation conduits containing a solid separation medium. The microfluidic circuit is made of three or more substrate layers and preferably includes etched channels in different layers that are dimensioned relative to one another to provide for retaining the solid composition within the capillary separation conduits. The system also includes an array of detector flow cells in fluid communication with the capillary separation conduits, and an array of high pressure connectors for connecting discrete capillary tubes to the fluid passages in the microfluidic circuit for introducing and removing the fluid samples from the system.

Abstract: The process for measuring viscosity relies on the observation of the relaxation of a sample drop (A) initially flattened between two plates (7,8), normally without any contact with them due to a gas layer blown through their opposite faces (10, 11); one correlates the observed phenomenon with a relaxation model fitting each portion of the measurement curve so as to estimate concurrently the viscosity and the shear rate, then the sensitiveness of the viscosity to the shear rate by compiling the said portions. The proposed viscometer includes a variable magnetic field generator (16) to produce, using a removable screen (18), various stirring and shears in the sample (A).

Abstract: A system and method for automatic identification of a detachable component of an instrument is disclosed. The detachable component includes a machine-readable device that contains information associated with the detachable component. The machine-readable device can be a bar code, a variable depth pattern, a magnetic stripe, or the like. The information contained within the machine-readable device can include one or more of serial number, type, material, dimensions, and calibration data of the detachable component. The instrument includes a reader that is configured to obtain the information from the machine-readable device.

Abstract: A method and a device are proposed for measuring the viscosity of a liquid (12), a conclusion being reached on the temperature of the liquid (12 at the location of the viscosity sensor (20), starting from temperature measurements and/or viscosity measurements made in the past.

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 device for measuring the viscosity and/or the density of a fluid using a resonator capable of mechanical vibrations. The resonator is capable of being brought into contact with the fluid. An oscillator circuit is also provided, wherein the oscillator circuit has a first feedback network and a second feedback network.

Abstract: A rheometer includes a holder assembly for coupling a test specimen to a motor assembly to effect rotational strain in the test specimen while enabling the determination of axial displacement effected by the test specimen normal to the direction of the rotational strain, the holder assembly having a first member coupled to the test specimen, a second member coupled to the motor assembly, and a suspension arrangement coupling the first member with the second member for simultaneous maximum resistance to relative rotational displacement between the first and second members and minimum resistance to relative axial displacement between the first and second members.

Abstract: A test method for determining, quantifying, and qualifying the flow characteristics of a sealant material compound comprising the steps of applying a uniform layer of known initial mass of sealant material between two test surfaces and compressing the sealant material between the surfaces at a specific pressure for a specific length of time, and at a specific temperature, causing an amount of sealant to be extruded from between the test surfaces. The amount of the extruded sealant is measured and compared to the total mass of initial sealant material to determine the ratio of the extruded to initial sealant material. Based upon the mass ratio of extruded sealant material versus the initial sealant material, the flow characteristics of the sealant material may be expressed for any given combination of temperature, pressure, and duration and compared to other sealant materials.

Abstract: An oil change sensing system for an internal combustion engine, having an oil pressure sensor adapted to provide an oil pressure signal to an engine control module; an oil temperature sensor adapted to provide an oil temperature signal to the engine control module; wherein the engine control module comprises an algorithm which determines the oil's viscosity by using the measured oil temperature and oil pressure and the determined oil viscosity and a fresh oil viscosity are used to determine whether the oil is in a preferred operating range.

Abstract: An oil change sensing system for an internal combustion engine, having an oil pressure sensor adapted to provide an oil pressure signal to an engine control module; an oil temperature sensor adapted to provide an oil temperature signal to the engine control module; wherein the engine control module comprises an algorithm which determines the oil's viscosity by using the measured oil temperature and oil pressure and the determined oil viscosity and a fresh oil viscosity are used to determine whether the oil is in a preferred operating range.

Abstract: The adsorption rate of proteins from solutions on surfaces in the region of interface layers is often so large that a depletion of the protein in the interface layer results. Due to this, the total reaction becomes transport-dependent, sensitively disrupting the determination of the rate constants. In known TIRF-analysis chambers or bio-sensor systems with a liquid interface layer of ˜10 ?m thickness and mass transport coefficients of 10?6-10?5 m/s it has up limitation. With the help of a TIRF-flow-through shear analyzer in which a certain volume unit of an immiscible fluid, for example an air bubble, is fed into the buffer flow, an ultra-thin liquid layer arises on the surface with a thickness of 100-200 nm, wherein interface surfaces below 10 nm thickness are technically possible.

Abstract: A sensing system for a target includes a member with an embedded charge, at least one input electrode, at least one output electrode, at least one common electrode, one or more probes, an input system, and an output monitoring system. The input and output electrodes are spaced from and on substantially opposing sides of the member from the common electrode. At least one of the member and the input and output electrodes is movable with respect to the other. The probes which engage with the target hazardous substance are connected to the at least one of the member and the input and output electrodes which is movable with respect to the other. The input system is coupled between the at least one input electrode and the at least one output electrode and provides an input signal. The output monitoring system is coupled between the at least one output electrode and the at least one common electrode and detects a change in an output signal when the target engages with the movable member or electrode.

Abstract: The grade of oil used in a machine or apparatus can be determined by determining a temperature and pressure within an oil supply and determining the oil grade in response to determining the temperature and pressure.

Abstract: This invention provides methodology for the measurement of both low and high levels of scattered radiation produced by decorative and barrier coatings and plastics. Measurements of low levels are especially important for coatings used in automotive applications. The method is based on the illumination of the sample with radiation and collection of only the portion of the radiation scattered from the coating before, during and after the testing step and relating the optical signal from the tested portion of the sample material to the untested portion of the material and/or a standard. Through the practice of the invention, a large number of coating samples, as in an array, may be analyzed for their optical quality, principally haze, either after coating and curing, and/or after subjection of such coatings samples to elongation stresses, and/or abrasion testing, solvent exposure, hydrolytic stability testing, and temperature exposure.

Abstract: A rheometer includes a holder assembly for coupling a test specimen to a motor assembly to effect rotational strain in the test specimen while enabling the determination of axial displacement effected by the test specimen normal to the direction of the rotational strain, the holder assembly having a first member coupled to the test specimen, a second member coupled to the motor assembly, and a suspension arrangement coupling the first member with the second member for simultaneous maximum resistance to relative rotational displacement between the first and second members and minimum resistance to relative axial displacement between the first and second members.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) including two plates (3, 4) which can be rotated in relation to each other and between which the rheological properties of a test substance (6) disposed in an intervening area (5) can be determined. At least one of the plates (3) is provided with a light inlet (2) sealed by a body (8, 10) in order to carry out an optical measurement method, e.g., infrared spectroscopy, enabling other characteristics of the test substance to be determined simultaneously. The body (8, 10) is light permeable at least in the infrared spectrum, and on its side facing the intervening area (5), the body (8, 10) terminates in a flush contour relative to the to the plate (3) in which it is provided so that undesirable interactions which might affect the measurement of the rheological properties of the test substance (6) are reliably excluded.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for analyzing a fluid used in a machine or in an industrial process line. The apparatus has at least one meter placed proximate the machine or process line and in contact with the machine or process fluid for measuring at least one parameter related to the fluid. The at least one parameter is a standard laboratory analysis parameter. The at least one meter includes but is not limited to viscometer, element meter, optical meter, particulate meter, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Activation energy, W, is determined from oil conductivity measurements to thereby provide engine oil condition from a known relationship between viscosity and W. Changes of W at a given temperature as the oil ages are reflective of changes in viscosity of the oil at the same given temperature, wherein changes in W at different temperatures are reflective of changes of viscosity at those respective temperatures as the oil ages. To determine viscosity, the temperature dependence of the oil's conductivity is measured to deduce the value of W at a given temperature. W is monitored as the oil ages. W may also be determined through the ratio of the oil conductivities at two different temperatures by techniques well known in the art by which the viscosity may be determined as the oil ages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for monitoring the quality of lubricant that is in a gear mechanism or machine that contains effective materials. A sample of the lubricant or of the vapor that escapes from the lubricant is withdrawn from the gear mechanism or machine. The sample is conveyed to an ion mobility spectrometer, where materials present in the vapor phase above the lubricant are analyzed. The change of the content and of the type of the analyzed materials in the sample is utilized as the actual condition for the aging of the lubricant.

Abstract: A method for determining the viscosity of a fluid flowing through a system at any point in the system whereby the method involves determining a characteristic relationship for the fluid between viscosity and shear rate; obtaining a shear rate of the fluid as it moves through at least one position in the system; and determining the viscosity of fluid at the at least one position by applying the shear rate to the characteristic relationship. Where the system is the circulatory system of a living being, the method includes determining a viscosity-shear rate relationship unique to that individual. Furthermore, the method further entails determining the actual viscosities and shear rates being experienced in selected blood vessels of the living being.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic identification of a detachable component of an instrument is disclosed. The detachable component includes a machine-readable device that contains information associated with the detachable component. The machine-readable device can be a bar code, a variable depth pattern, a magnetic stripe, or the like. The information contained within the machine-readable device can include one or more of serial number, type, material, dimensions, and calibration data of the detachable component. The instrument includes a reader that is configured to obtain the information from the machine-readable device.

Abstract: A method for assessing the deterioration of motor oil is provided, in which the oil viscosity of the motor oil is measured by a sensor, and the length of an oil-change interval is determined in an evaluating electronics having a display device. According to the present invention, it is provided that a temperature sensor for the simultaneous determination of the oil temperature is assigned to the sensor for measuring the oil viscosity, and the oil viscosity and oil temperature are measured in the cooling phase of the engine after it has been switched off.

Abstract: A method of evaluating engine oil wear on the basis of viscosity measurement, accounting for the addition of fresh oil. Using an oil viscosity sensor, an amount of fresh oil added is detected, then the oil viscosity sensor determines a viscosity of the oil mixture of the engine oil and fresh oil. A quantity of fresh oil added is determined in the electronic analyzer from a difference between the old oil level, i.e., the oil volume, and the new oil level. The viscosity of the fresh oil is determined from the viscosity of the old engine oil immediately before the point in time of the addition of fresh oil and from the viscosity after the addition. A hypothetical initial viscosity is calculated as a new corrected reference value from the known value of the viscosity of the old engine oil in the new condition, the quantity of the engine oil still present at the point in time of the addition, the calculated viscosity of the fresh oil and the calculated quantity of the fresh oil.

Abstract: A library of materials is screened for viscosity. A library of materials is provided. The library is contacted with at least one capillary for applying a force through the materials. The relative flow resistance of the materials is measured in response to the force; and the materials in the library are ranked based on the monitored flow resistance.

Abstract: A rheometer has an upper measuring part and a lower measuring part, between which a measuring chamber is formed for receiving a sample of a substance to be examined, wherein the two measuring parts can be moved relative to each other and, in particular, can be rotated or pivoted. Moreover, a heating device is provided for heating at least the lower measuring part and therefore the sample. The lower measuring part comprises a support part carrying the sample which can be heated through application of an electrical voltage. The support part is preferably made from glass which is itself electrically conducting and/or which can be provided with an electrically conducting medium.

Abstract: A system for measuring oil condition in large engines includes a bypass valve that is installed in a lubrication system along a fluid line between an oil pan and an engine. The bypass valve communicates with a measurement chamber and when energized by a control module, the bypass valve diverts oil from the lubrication system to the measurement chamber. An oil condition sensor is disposed within the measurement chamber and is used to determine the condition of the oil that is diverted to the chamber. After the condition of the oil is determined, the bypass valve is energized to release the oil from the measurement chamber back into the lubrication system.

Abstract: A method and device for determining fluidity of fluid in a pack that is moving without breaking and opening the pack by locating at least two measurement points on the surface of the pack filled with the fluid, measuring the surface temperatures of the measurement points by non-contact type temperature sensors, and managing the measured values using an arithmetic control unit.

Abstract: An indication of the elasticity of a non-Newtonian fluid is obtained by extending a fluid bridge between a pair of relatively movable surfaces that hold a fluid sample therebetween, and continuing a timewise progression of separation between two opposed moveable surfaces in a controlled manner until the displacing extension is great enough to cause a break point in the fluid sample. The extension of a fluid bridge at the break point is determined and used as an indication of elasticity.

Abstract: A drilling mud monitoring system includes a single measurement chamber which is filled with a predetermined quantity of drilling mud. The chamber is weighed to provide a value representative of the density of the drilling mud. The time needed for the chamber to drain is measured to provide a value representative of viscosity. The system proceeds through a measurement cycle in which the chamber is filled, weighed, timed and washed. At the end of the wash step, the weight of the chamber is compared with an empty weight and if the chamber weighs too much, the conclusion is that drilling mud adheres to the chamber so it is washed again. An alarm is sounded if the mud weight is too low and/or too high or in the case of a machine malfunction.

Abstract: A device is provided for evaluating the signal from a viscosity sensor having an amplifying circuit. The amplification of the amplifying circuit is controlled by a temperature signal from a temperature sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the rheological properties of a polymer melt includes flowing the polymer melt from a first reactor to a device through a conduit at a predetermined flow rate, measuring a first pressure of the polymer melt at a first location in the conduit, measuring a second pressure at a second location downstream from the first location, measuring a temperature at a third location in the conduit, wherein the third location is between the first location and the second location, and calculating the rheological property of the polymer melt as it flows through the conduit. The method and apparatus do not require diversion of the polymer melt from the main process stream.