Rotationally Driven Member Patents (Class 73/54.28)
  • Patent number: 11859628
    Abstract: A method for preventing damage to a multiphase pump includes measuring a differential pressure of a fluid across the pump and an axial position of a rotor of the pump over a time period, calculating a pressure fluctuation by measuring a difference between a maximum and a minimum value of the measured differential pressure over the time period, calculating a dynamic axial position by measuring a difference between a maximum and a minimum value of the measured axial position of the rotor over the time period, comparing the calculated pressure fluctuation with an expected pressure fluctuation value, comparing the calculated dynamic axial position with an expected dynamic axial position value, and selecting an operating condition of the pump based on the comparison of the calculated pressure fluctuation with the expected pressure fluctuation value and of the calculated dynamic axial position with the expected dynamic axial position value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: AKER SOLUTIONS AS
    Inventors: Age Hofstad, Randhir Mohite, Sergio Walsh Goldvag, Pal Erik Tysvaer Soerensen, Tarje Olderheim, Dag Elvebakken, Bastiaen Van Der Rest, Einar Marius Haaverstad, Rune Pettersen
  • Patent number: 11814901
    Abstract: A method of performing a wellbore operation may include circulating an oil-based wellbore fluid having a conductive material therein within a wellbore, the oil-based wellbore fluid having a conductivity of at most 0.02 S/m when measured at 20 kHz; and forming a filtercake having a conductivity at least two orders of magnitude higher than the oil-based wellbore fluid on at least a portion of a wall of the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brandi Katherine Price Hoelscher, Cara Bovet, Albert Okhrimenko
  • Patent number: 11788941
    Abstract: A handheld medical analyzer works with different disposable application cartridges to perform a variety of interrogations on specimen samples. One application includes attaching a biological microelectromechanical systems (BioMEMS) cartridge that generates blood coagulation profiles indicative of particular forms of coagulation disorders. The device makes coagulopathy testing simpler for small hospitals, clinics, ambulances, remote locations and individuals and permits for a larger number of parallel or serial devices operating simultaneously. One insertion of a cartridge actuates an oscillating circular motion to generate a blood coagulation profile based on a change in rotational motion as blood coagulates in a sample. Change in rotational motion is analyzed through a video camera such as in a smartphone and is plotted to show an amplitude over time. Actuation of the BioMEMS can be achieved by magnetic actuation of a motor controlled by an iPhone or a smart phone to provide a specific rotational pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: iFirst Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke B. Joseph, Thomas A. Hasling
  • Patent number: 11609170
    Abstract: A gel-time detection apparatus includes a carrier, a stirring device, and an image-capturing device. The gel-time detection apparatus uses the carrier to liquefied powder to be detected, uses the stirring device to stir the liquefied powder and sense the torque of stirring the liquefied powder, and uses the image-capturing device to capture images of the liquefied powder, so as to determine a gel time according to a determination criterion relevant to the torque and the images. A gel-time detection method includes liquefying powder to be detected, stirring the powder, sensing the torque of stirring the liquefied powder, capturing images of the liquefied powder, and then determining a gel time according to a determination criterion relevant to the torque and the images. The determination criterion may include a torque predetermined threshold and an area-shrinkage-rate predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Ta-Yu Chen, Chin-Feng Tseng, Jang-Yi Shiue
  • Patent number: 11300557
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and experimental apparatus for studying properties of cement slurry to be used in an oil or gas well under varied pressure and temperature conditions. This apparatus can be used to predict the likelihood of gas migration, compressive strength and static gel strength of cement slurry. It comprises a servo motor and coupling magnets to drive a paddle at a very slow speed through the cement in a pressure vessel, a pair of acoustic transducers to generate an acoustic signal and measure the transit time of the acoustic signal after it transits the cement, and a gas injection system to predict the severity of gas migration in cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Hongfeng Bi
    Inventor: Hongfeng Bi
  • Patent number: 11092529
    Abstract: A blood coagulation test device includes: a container into which a test-object blood is placed; a stirring part for stirring the test-object blood in the container; an elastic body being connected to the stirring part and capable of deforming in response to a force received through stirring of the test-object blood from the stirring part; a control unit for transmitting a predetermined rotary motion to the stirring part and causing the stirring part to rotate in a reciprocating manner in a circumferential direction by rotating the elastic body in a reciprocating manner about an axis of the stirring part as a rotation axis and controlling the reciprocating rotation at a position separated by a predetermined diameter from the rotational axis; and a measurement unit for measuring a rotation angle pertaining to the reciprocating rotation of the stirring part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIMORI KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuya Hosokawa
  • Patent number: 11009438
    Abstract: The use of recycled materials can have significant economic value. With the increasing quantity of recycled material used in viscoelastic materials, especially asphalt mixture, understanding how they interact with original materials to produce a mixture that performs successfully, becomes critical. Currently, the technology to determine the effect of additives on the performance of asphalt mixture is lacking. The present invention relates to a new unified methodology for mechanical testing of asphalt mixture and other viscoelastic materials that improves the current practice in speed, convenience, and accuracy. A new improved specimen mounting method on Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), a new recovery method for fine portion of asphalt mixture, and three new tests for the performance of recovered material using DSR is disclosed. The new methods provide performance grading of asphalt mixtures that is new to the industry and provide necessary tools for determining the effect of recycled materials on performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventor: Alaeddin Mohseni
  • Patent number: 10983106
    Abstract: A mobile calorimeter includes a container comprising one or more walls defining a cavity. The container is adapted to hold a concrete mixture within the cavity. The mobile calorimeter also includes one or more heat flow sensors adapted to detect a heat flow generated by the concrete mixture. The heat flow sensors may include a thermoelectric device, a Peltier plate, or a macro fiber composite (MFC) sensor. The one or more heat flow sensors may be attached to the one or more walls, or may be embedded within the one or more walls. Data relating to a heat flow is obtained by the heat flow sensors, and is used to generate a prediction of a characteristic or performance of the concrete mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: QUIPIP, LLC
    Inventor: Farrokh F. Radjy
  • Patent number: 10854105
    Abstract: A method for objectively reproducing a dysphagia diet comprising the steps of selecting a quantifiable food characteristic (QFC) having a numerical value that can be objectively measured; selecting a testing device capable of measuring the QFC value; selecting a sample food having a QFC value; using the testing device to measure the QFC value of the sample food; and determining whether the measured QFC value of the sample food fails within a quantifiable dysphagia diet range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventor: Cheryl L. Evans
  • Patent number: 10689952
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a method including passing liquid carbon dioxide over drill cuttings carrying contaminants to form a mixture comprising liquid carbon dioxide and a portion of the contaminants; measuring a property of the mixture; and terminating the passing liquid carbon dioxide over drill cuttings based on the measured property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael Kuznetz, Maneesh Goswami
  • Patent number: 10598582
    Abstract: An orthogonal superposition rotational rheometer that applies a rotational torque and an orthogonal axial oscillatory stress to a fluid. The rheometer uses a cylindrical bob in a double wall cup to apply shear rotational and axial forces to the fluid. Openings in the top section of the cylindrical bob reduce surface tension effects on the force measurement. Fluid pumping effects at the bottom of the rheometer's double wall cup are minimized by openings in the inner wall of the double wall cup that allow fluid to be displaced when the bob moves downwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Aloyse J. P. Franck, John P. Berting
  • Patent number: 10458971
    Abstract: A mobile calorimeter includes a container comprising one or more walls defining a cavity. The container is adapted to hold a concrete mixture within the cavity. The mobile calorimeter also includes one or more heat flow sensors adapted to detect a heat flow generated by the concrete mixture. The heat flow sensors may include a thermoelectric device, a Peltier plate, or a macro fiber composite (MFC) sensor. The one or more heat flow sensors may be attached to the one or more walls, or may be embedded within the one or more walls. Data relating to a heat flow is obtained by the heat flow sensors, and is used to generate a prediction of a characteristic or performance of the concrete mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: QUIPIP, LLC
    Inventor: Farrokh F. Radjy
  • Patent number: 10444134
    Abstract: A system for measuring the viscosity of a fluid comprises a rotor cup; a bob disposed within the rotor cup and having shaft rotatably coupled to the rotor cup; a bearing connecting the shaft of the bob to the rotor cup; a magnetic coupling comprising a first magnetic element connected to the shaft of the bob and a second magnetic element disposed outside the rotor cup adjacent to the first magnetic element; and an inertial measurement unit disposed adjacent to the second magnetic element which is capable of sensing rotation of the magnetic coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhargav Gajji, Ketan Chimanlal Bhaidasna, Richard Gary Morgan, Subrahmanyam Surya Venkata Sista, Chatti Srinivasa Rao
  • Patent number: 10386106
    Abstract: An ice maker includes a casing that defines a chamber. The casing extends between a top portion and a bottom portion. An extruder die is mounted to the casing at the top portion of the casing. An auger is disposed within the chamber of the casing. A radial sleeve bearing engages the auger at the extruder die. A radial and thrust bearing engages the auger at the bottom portion of the casing. A related refrigerator appliance is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Joseph Mitchell, Bart Andrew Nuss
  • Patent number: 10222110
    Abstract: An ice maker includes a casing that defines a chamber. The casing extends between a top portion and a bottom portion. An extruder die is mounted to the casing at the top portion of the casing. An auger is disposed within the chamber of the casing. A radial sleeve bearing engages the auger at the bottom portion of the casing. A radial and thrust bearing engages the auger at the extruder die. A related refrigerator appliance is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Joseph Mitchell, Bart Andrew Nuss
  • Patent number: 10180381
    Abstract: A rotary rheometer has two measurement parts which delimit a measurement gap and can be moved relative to one another in a predetermined movement direction by an adjustment device. At least one switching unit is provided, which responds to changes in a force flow in a force circuit of the rotary rheometer delimited by the measurement parts and has switching contacts for the activation of an adjustment device, which stops the adjustment device when a predetermined limit force value is exceeded for the force flow in the positive or negative direction, optionally without relative movement of the measurement parts, or with the measurement parts remaining in the same position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Anton Paar GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Krenn, Andreas Triebl
  • Patent number: 10036695
    Abstract: A viscometer has a hollow cylinder mounted in a base frame and rotated about its longitudinal axis. A measuring part being flowed through by a fluid to be tested is rotatably supported in the hollow cylinder. An electromagnetic drive with a stator and a rotor for the hollow cylinder is provided, with which the hollow cylinder is rotatable. The stator is supported on the base frame and the rotor is supported on the hollow cylinder. An electromagnetic coupling of the stator with the rotor is provided by a ring rotor disposed between the stator and the rotor. The ring rotor is mounted about the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder so that the base frame and the hollow cylinder are decoupled with respect to the electromagnetic drive and a torque by the electromagnetic drive is applied to the hollow cylinder while the acting forces on the hollow cylinder are minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Anton Paar GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Belitsch, Bernhard Leopold
  • Patent number: 9915671
    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: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: C A Casyso AG
    Inventors: Axel Schubert, Jose J. Romero-Galeano, Max Kessler
  • Patent number: 9858831
    Abstract: A flow rate timing apparatus including a chute, planar surface, or tube with a first portion and a second portion enabling a flowable substance to flow between the first portion and the second portion. A first liquid detector located proximate the first portion for detecting when a flowable substance passes by the first liquid sensor, and a second liquid sensor located proximate the second portion for detecting when a flowable substance passes by the second liquid sensor. A timing circuit is connected to the first liquid sensor and the second liquid sensor, wherein the timing circuit determines amount of time for a flowable substance to flow between the first liquid sensor and the second liquid sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Cheryl L. Evans
  • Patent number: 9835535
    Abstract: Shear thinning fluids may be useful as calibration fluids for calibrating rheometers with bob/rotor eccentricity and at lower shear rates, which may be particularly useful for calibrating rheometers at well sites that are used for measuring the rheological properties of complex fluids (e.g., wellbore fluids like drilling fluids, cementing fluids, fracturing fluids, completion fluids, and workover fluids). Additionally, high shear rate calibrations may also be performed with shear thinning calibration fluids. Newtonian fluids may be used for high shear rate calibrations in alternate of or in addition to the shear thinning calibration fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Sandeep D. Kulkarni, Jacob Michael Sieverling, Dale E. Jamison
  • Patent number: 9766172
    Abstract: An extension assembly is connected or connectable, in terms of driving, to a double-motor rheometer. The double-motor rheometer includes first and second measuring motors controllable independently of each other, and provided for determining a torsional moment generated by the corresponding measuring motor. The extension assembly includes first and second sample holding parts for holding a first sample portion and a second sample portion of the sample. The first sample holding part is driveable by the first measuring motor in a rotational movement about a first axis, and the second sample holding part is driveable by the second measuring motor in a rotational movement about a second axis. The first axis is arranged so as to be parallel to and spaced apart from the second axis. The sample held in the first sample portion and in the second sample portion extends between the respective sample holding parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Anton Paar GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Läuger, Michael Krenn, Gabriele Köpping
  • Patent number: 9739789
    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: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: C A Casyso AG
    Inventors: Axel Schubert, Jose J. Romero-Galeano, Max Kessler
  • Patent number: 9638618
    Abstract: This assembly includes a measuring device (50) including a container (60) and an insert (62) arranged in the container (60). The measuring device (50) includes a means (68) for driving the container (60) in rotation around a central axis, the container (60) and the insert (62) defining an intermediate space (64) between them for measuring the drilling fluid. The assembly includes a control and measurement unit (58), capable of recording information representative of the force applied by the drilling fluid on the insert (62) during the rotation of the container (60). The assembly includes an intake pipe (84) for bringing drilling fluid to be measured into the intermediate space (94) and a pump (82), comprising an inlet connected to a sampling head (80) and an outlet connected to the intake pipe (84) to pump the drilling fluid towards the intermediate space (64).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: GEOSERVICES EQUIPMENTS
    Inventors: Eric Villard, Namic Klioua
  • Patent number: 9612184
    Abstract: Apparatuses for measuring rheological properties of fluids and methods for using same are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a mixer sensor that is configured to be attached to a rheometer drive head and used to measure rheological properties of a fluid having particulates over a wide range of temperatures and shear rates. Apparatuses capable of obtaining rheological data of a fluid having particulates over a wide range of temperatures and shear rates provides for more precise rheological measurements. The temperatures may be very high temperatures that exceed 100° C., and the shear rates may includes a range of shear rates that are typically found in a processing pipeline system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Ferhan Ozadali, Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, Rabiha Sulaiman
  • Patent number: 9612232
    Abstract: A fluid properties measurement apparatus for use with a conventional high temperature high pressure test cell includes a load cell assembly and a drive motor that drives a rotating shaft magnetically connected to a vane assembly having multiple vane elements, wherein the motor rotates in response to reactive forces of a fluid sample and the load cell assembly measures reactive forces of the sample. In one embodiment, a stepper motor allows for precise shaft rotation. A method of measuring fluid properties includes frequent measurements throughout a complete rotation cycle of a vane assembly within a test cell. A system interference profile is generated which identifies stress variations resulting from various system components throughout the cycle. Measurements of a sample's fluid properties are likewise performed to obtain a profile. Comparison of the sample profile with the interference profile provides fluid properties measurement independent of stress variations resulting from various system components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Grafton Montgomery, Guadalupe Hernandez Serafin, David Hoffman
  • Patent number: 9574983
    Abstract: A method determines measurement data of samples by using a rotation rheometer and a linear DM(T)A analysis unit. The rotation rheometer has units for measuring and/or adjusting the normal force exerted by or on the measurement shaft and/or the speed, deflection angle and/or torque of the measurement shaft. The linear DM(T)A analysis unit has units for measuring the tensile and/or pressure force and/or the position and/or the feed movement of its adjustment rod. The sample to be examined is arranged between opposite measurement parts. Accordingly, the rotational forces or torques transmitted via the sample from the measurement shaft to the adjusting rod, when obtaining measurement data with the linear DM(T)A analysis unit, and, when obtaining measurement data by the rotation rheometer, for the tensile or pressure forces or linear adjustment forces transmitted via the sample from the adjustment rod to the measurement shaft are compensated for.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Anton Paar GmbH
    Inventor: Friedrich Santner
  • Patent number: 9513208
    Abstract: A method that includes pulling a sled disposed on a trough across a first filtercake at a constant speed, measuring a force versus distance or time based on the pulling; and outputting a frictional force curve is described. An apparatus that includes a base, a pulley attached to the base, a trough attached to the base, a sled disposed on the trough, a cable connecting the pulley and the sled, the cable connected to an arm capable of being moved at a constant speed, and a system to measure the force required to move the sled is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Aaron Blue
  • Patent number: 9513202
    Abstract: Viscosity or rheology measuring instrument utilizing Hall Effect or like magnetic coupling with parts mounted on driving and driven rotational assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: BEL Legacy Corporation
    Inventor: Alex Mak
  • Patent number: 9372141
    Abstract: A conductive rotator is immersed in a sample liquid in a sample container. A magnet is arranged at a specific distance from the rotation plane of the rotator in a direction of a rotating axis of the rotator so as to face the sample container. The magnet applies a magnetic field to the rotator from the outside of the sample container. A fluctuating magnetic field drive unit drives the magnet to apply the magnetic field that fluctuates in term of time to the rotator. Induced current is excited in the rotator by the fluctuating magnetic field. A rotating torque is provided to the rotator by the Lorenz interaction between the induced current and the fluctuating magnetic field, and as a result, the rotator rotates in the rotation plane. A viscosity detecting unit obtains the viscosity of the sample liquid based on a rotating state of the rotator and a time-fluctuating state of the fluctuating magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Kyoto Electronics Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Yasuda, Keiji Sakai
  • Patent number: 9341611
    Abstract: A kit for testing grease includes components for testing consistency, oil bleed characteristic and contamination. Consistency of the grease is tested by compressing a sample of the grease between two surfaces (e.g., glass plates), measuring the extent of spread, and comparing the measured spread to a calibrated reference. Oil bleed characteristic is tested by placing a quantity of the used grease on a test medium, heating the test sample, measuring a dimension of the grease quantity on the heated test sample, and determining the bleed characteristic of the used grease by comparing the dimension of the grease quantity to a reference. A contamination test may be performed by further compressing the consistency sample and inspecting the sample both by the naked eye and with a microscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Alain Noordover, Sebastien David, Frank Fiddelaers, Albert van den Kommer
  • Patent number: 9285377
    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: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: C A Casyso AG
    Inventors: Axel Schubert, José Javier Romero-Galeano, Max Kessler
  • Patent number: 9261446
    Abstract: A rotational viscometer contains a measuring shaft that can be rotated at a specified rotational speed, a measuring part that is carried by the measuring shaft and that can be lowered into a sample, and a detection unit for determining the angle of torsion of the measuring part relative to the driven part of the measuring shaft. Accordingly, a twistable element is inserted into the measuring shaft, preferably in the section of the measuring shaft close to a motor. The detection unit is moved along with the shaft and determines the relative twist or the angle of torsion (twist) between the shaft part located on the motor side relative to the twistable element and the shaft part located on the measuring-part side. The output signals of the detection unit are fed to an evaluation device as the basis for determining the viscosity of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Anton Paar GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Raffer
  • Patent number: 9255872
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Anton-Paar GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Raffer
  • Patent number: 9243882
    Abstract: An improved rheometer and rotatable sensing shaft sub-assembly therefor with flexural pivot support at two ends of the shaft, and means for allowing limited axial movement of the shaft while maintaining rigid radial support, with transducer means for extracting and signaling rotational position of the shaft based on shear stress of a fluent material contacting a spindle, cone/plate or other extension of the shaft and/or a related motor-driven member such as a cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Brookfield
  • Patent number: 9157846
    Abstract: A hollow bob (20A) with a plurality of circumferentially spaced holes (30A). The hollow bob (20A) is attached to a bob shaft (10A) and is submerged in a test fluid (40A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Inventors: Hongfeng Bi, Joseph Bi, Rebecca Bi
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140326054
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus may include a mounting structure. A first arm may be secured to the mounting structure and extend from the mounting structure. A load cell may be mechanically coupled to the first arm to detect a first load applied to the first arm by relative movement between the first load cell and a viscous material in which the first arm may be submerged or at least partially disposed. A second arm may be secured to the mounting structure and extend from the mounting structure. A second load cell may be mechanically coupled to the second arm to detect a second load applied to the second arm by relative movement between the second load cell and the viscous material. In one embodiment, load data related to the first and second loads may be used to estimate or determine at least one characteristic of the viscous material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: WesTech Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Cook, Jerold L. Johnson, Philip Lake
  • Publication number: 20140311224
    Abstract: An extension assembly is connected or connectable, in terms of driving, to a double-motor rheometer. The double-motor rheometer includes first and second measuring motors controllable independently of each other, and provided for determining a torsional moment generated by the corresponding measuring motor. The extension assembly includes first and second sample holding parts for holding a first sample portion and a second sample portion of the sample. The first sample holding part is driveable by the first measuring motor in a rotational movement about a first axis, and the second sample holding part is driveable by the second measuring motor in a rotational movement about a second axis. The first axis is arranged so as to be parallel to and spaced apart from the second axis. The sample held in the first sample portion and in the second sample portion extends between the respective sample holding parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: ANTON PAAR GMBH
    Inventors: Jörg Läuger, Michael Krenn, Gabriele Köpping
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8850874
    Abstract: An in-line viscometer (70) with a coupling magnet (42) installed into a bob (44) and a drive magnet (24) installed onto a magnet holder (52). Coupling magnet (42) forms a magnetic coupling with drive magnet (24). Bob (44) is positioned inside a main body (50) and is submerged in the flow of sample fluid (56). A motor (10) rotates a magnet holder (52) to which the drive magnets (24) are attached. The magnetic coupling between the coupling magnet (42) and the drive magnet (24) causes the bob (44) to rotate while submerged in sample fluid (56). The energy necessary for the motor (10) to turn the magnet holder (52) while the bob (44) is submerged in the sample fluid (56) provides a means to measure the viscosity of the sample fluid (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Hongfeng Bi
  • Publication number: 20140260560
    Abstract: A method includes disposing an open end of a housing in a wellbore fluid, flowing the wellbore fluid into the housing though the open end, rotating an impeller disposed within the housing at a first rotational speed with a motor coupled to the impeller, and determining at least one of viscosity and rheology of the wellbore fluid based on the rotating an impeller. An apparatus includes a housing, a mechanical agitator disposed in the housing, a motor operatively coupled to the mechanical agitator, a first sensor coupled to at least one of the mechanical agitator and the motor, and a second sensor disposed in the housing and configured to measure a fluid property or characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Mario Zamora
  • Patent number: 8813542
    Abstract: Viscometer (150) with a rotor (108) connecting a magnet holder (62) which penetrates a sealed movable piston (96) and rotatable by a coupling magnet (58) and a driving magnet (64) to shear a tested fluid thus imparting torque to a bob (42) mounted on a bob shaft (30) supported via a pair of bob shaft bearings. A spiral spring (140) restricts the rotation of bob shaft (30). Magnetometer (10) measures the angular position of a top magnet (142) connected to the top of bob shaft (30). This angular position information is further converted to the viscosity of the tested fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Hongfeng Bi
  • 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: 20140208834
    Abstract: A rotary rheometer includes a drive shaft and a dual read head optical encoder that is configured to measure angular displacement or angular velocity of the drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nigel Doe
  • Publication number: 20140165710
    Abstract: A conductive rotator is immersed in a sample liquid in a sample container. A magnet is arranged at a specific distance from the rotation plane of the rotator in a direction of a rotating axis of the rotator so as to face the sample container. The magnet applies a magnetic field to the rotator from the outside of the sample container. A fluctuating magnetic field drive unit drives the magnet to apply the magnetic field that fluctuates in term of time to the rotator. Induced current is excited in the rotator by the fluctuating magnetic field. A rotating torque is provided to the rotator by the Lorenz interaction between the induced current and the fluctuating magnetic field, and as a result, the rotator rotates in the rotation plane. A viscosity detecting unit obtains the viscosity of the sample liquid based on a rotating state of the rotator and a time-fluctuating state of the fluctuating magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: KYOTO ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masanori Yasuda, Keiji Sakai
  • Patent number: 8739609
    Abstract: A test sample heating apparatus and method includes a heating jacket that applies heat to a sample vessel containing a test sample. The heating jacket has a vessel-receiving recess that is sized and shaped to allow the sample vessel to be placed within the recess with limited annular spacing between at least part of the sample vessel exterior surface and at least part of the heating jacket recess interior surface. Proximate surfaces of at least one of the heating jacket and the sample vessel may be coated with a dark coating to enhance heat transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Lukay, Jarod Hammar
  • Publication number: 20140137638
    Abstract: A rheometer including a flexible blade, a unit for measuring flex of at least part of the blade, a computation unit configured for converting input of parameters from the measurement unit to output of viscosity measurement. A method for determining viscosity including rotating a flexible blade in a medium whose viscosity is being measured, measuring blade flex of at least part of the blade, converting the blade flex measurement to a viscosity measurement, and producing output of determined viscosity. Related apparatus and methods are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Ramot at Tel-Aviv University Ltd.
    Inventors: Alexander Liberzon, Roi Gurka
  • Publication number: 20140102180
    Abstract: Methods that extend the utility of standard rotational rheometers for accurate and sensitive viscoelastic characterization of small or small irregularly shaped or small anisotropic samples and systems to implement those methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Heather A. Cirka, Kristen L. Billiar
  • Publication number: 20140053638
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a device for measuring at least one property of a substance or medium such as the viscosity, the shearing stress, the specific weight and whether the substance or the medium shows Newtonian behavior. The device comprises a carrier arranged at least at one attachment point, a pivot arm connected pivotally or rotatably to the carrier at a rotation point located at a distance from the attachment point, a drive acting selectively on the pivot arm for driving the pivot arm in an oscillating movement, and a measurement setup for measuring the oscillation of the pivot arm to be caused with a drive, characterized in that a center of inertia lies substantially at the attachment point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Laurentius Gerhardus Maria Sneujink
  • Publication number: 20140047903
    Abstract: A viscosity/elasticity measurement device includes a container for containing a measurement target material for detection of viscosity/elasticity is contained, a floating rotor made of material including a conductor, formed in a plate and circular shape when seen in plan view, and configured to be floated on a surface of the measurement target material, a magnet applying a magnetic field to the floating rotor in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the measurement target material, a rotational magnetic field control unit driving the magnet to apply a rotational magnetic field to the floating rotor, inducing an induction current in the conductor, and applying rotational torque to the floating rotor to rotate by Lorentz interaction between the induction current and the magnetic field applied to the floating rotor, and a viscosity detection unit detecting the viscosity/elasticity of the measurement target material based on a rotation state of the floating rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Keiji Sakai