Rotationally Driven Member Patents (Class 73/54.28)
  • Publication number: 20140033803
    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: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Ferhan Ozadali, Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, Rabiha Sulaiman
  • Publication number: 20130333448
    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: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Axel Schubert, José Javier Romero-Galeano, Max Kessler
  • Publication number: 20130298645
    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: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: ANTON PAAR GMBH
    Inventor: GERHARD RAFFER
  • Patent number: 8555707
    Abstract: A method and a device for rapid testing of the quality of cereals, grits and flours measures the aggregation of gluten. The sample to be tested in aqueous solution/suspension containing mineral salts and/or acids and/or liquors in a specific amount in a sample cup is stirred with an electrically driven stirring paddle and the resistance opposed to the paddle by the sample during the stirring process is measured, the torque loads acting on the rotatably mounted electric drive motor being measured from the beginning of the stirring process using extensometric gauges, the measurement being completed once the maximum rotating torque is reached and the measuring process being monitored, controlled and analyzed by software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Brabender GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jens Dreisoerner
  • Patent number: 8499619
    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: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Anton Paar GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Raffer
  • Patent number: 8453496
    Abstract: A method for testing samples uses a rheometer in which a measuring shaft bearing a first measuring part is rotated by a motor and the sample is introduced into a measuring gap between the first measuring part and a further measuring part. The further measuring part is mounted on a further, driven measuring shaft and the two measuring parts are rotated or oscillated at a predetermined speed independently of one another, or brought to a standstill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Anton Paar GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Läuger, Michael Krenn
  • Patent number: 8448499
    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: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: C A Casyso AG
    Inventors: Axel Schubert, José Javier Romero-Galeano, Max Kessler
  • Publication number: 20130118235
    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: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ronnie Glen MORGAN, Sairam KS PINDIPROLU, Balasundaram BALARAMAN, Ganesh Shriniwas PANGU
  • Patent number: 8383045
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a measuring unit, for measuring characteristics of a sample liquid, comprising a support member, having at least one upper bearing arm, with an upper bearing unit, at least one lower bearing arm, with a lower bearing unit, and a base, for being attachable to a respective measuring system; a shaft, having shaft toes and being rotatably supported about a rotation axis, by said upper bearing unit, and said lower bearing unit, wherein said upper bearing unit, said lower bearing unit, and said shaft toes form toe bearings, respectively; an interface member, having a detecting element, and a drive element, said interface member, being fixed on said shaft, and being connected to a coupling shaft, with a probe connector section, for measuring characteristics of said sample liquid; wherein said interface member, and the coupling shaft, are coaxially aligned with said shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: C A Casyso AG
    Inventors: Axel Schubert, José Javier Romero-Galeano, Max Kessler
  • Patent number: 8347693
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid testing device which utilizes a small, cross-section fluid interface to separate a test fluid chamber from a drive and measuring chamber. The test fluid chamber contains the test fluid and a paddle-type fluid test assembly. The drive and measuring chamber contains a second fluid and assemblies for moving the paddle and for determining the resistance movement. The two chambers are connected together by a narrow cross-section passageway allowing for continuous testing while test fluids are flowed through the test chamber and for successive testing of different samples without breaking down the device between tests. A pair of coaxial shafts extends between the test fluid chamber and the drive and measuring chamber. The shafts are connected together by a spring located in the drive chamber whereby the resistance to movement is determined by measuring the deflection in the spring. The shafts are magnetically coupled to a motor to rotate the shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sairam K S Pindiprolu, Dennis Willie Gray, Christopher Lynn Gordon, Balasundaram Balaraman
  • Patent number: 8311678
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting concrete rheology requiring only that load size and target rheology value be selected initially rather than requiring inputs into and consultation of a lookup table of parameters such as water and hydration levels, mix components, temperature, humidity, aggregate components, and others. Dosage of particular rheology-modifying agent or combination of rheology-modifying agents is calculated based on a percentage of a nominal dose calculated with reference to a nominal dose response (“NDR”) curve or profile. The NDR profile is based on a correlation between a rheology value (e.g., slump, slump flow, yield stress) and the rheology-modifying agent(s) dose required to change rheology value by one unit (e.g., slump change from 2 to 3 inches) such that exemplary methods can employ corrective dosing based on the NDR and the measured deviation by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Verifi LLC
    Inventors: Eric Koehler, Mark F. Roberts, Roy J. Cooley, Steve Verdino
  • Patent number: 8266949
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for testing a viscosified fluid containing particulate indicate when the particulate is in suspension within the fluid and when it is not. The apparatus and method stir the fluid and particulate mixture for a time during which the viscosity of the fluid changes such that during a first period of the stirring time substantially all the particulate remains suspended in the fluid and during a second period of the stirring time substantially all the particulate settles out of suspension in the fluid. A signal is generated during the first and second periods such that the signal has a characteristic that changes from the first period to the second period to indicate the change in particle carrying ability of the fluid. Other characteristics, including crosslinking time, can also be determined. A test chamber includes projections extending from the inner surface of a cup receiving the fluid and from an axial support extending into the fluid in the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip C. Harris, Harold G. Walters
  • Publication number: 20120210774
    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: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: ANTON PAAR GMBH
    Inventor: Gerhard Raffer
  • Patent number: 8230723
    Abstract: A couette viscometer used to determine the rheological properties of Newtonian or non-Newtonian solid-laden or non-solid-laden fluids used as completion or treatment fluids in oil and/or gas wells. The instrument is capable of measuring the properties of a heated, e.g., 600° F./316° C., and pressurized sample, e.g., 30,000 psig/207 MPa, at a variety of temperatures, pressures, and shear rates. The pressure vessel is mounted in the chassis of the instrument and the vessel plug containing the viscometer components and sample may be removed as an assembly. This arrangement reduces the mass of the plug assembly, eliminating the need to transport the pressure vessel and assists in separating the sample from the pressurizing fluid. Ultimately, this arrangement improves the usability, convenience and maintenance associated with operating the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Chandler Instruments Company, LLC
    Inventors: John Jeffery Moon, Brian Roland Ainley
  • Patent number: 8225644
    Abstract: A rheometer uses a removable integrated environmental control cartridge that includes at least one environmental control unit, at least one supply port operative to interact with the supply port for a chassis of the rheometer. It also includes at least one mechanical alignment interface that is operative to interact with the mechanical alignment interface of the chassis to align both the mobile part with respect to the fixed part and the chassis supply port with respect to the environmental control cartridge part. In another general aspect, a rheometer can use an environmental control cartridge interface operative to report an identity of the integrated environmental control cartridge to an environmental control cartridge identification interface of its chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Malvern International, Ltd.
    Inventors: John Paul Wilkinson, Joanne Elizabeth Langridge, Justin Titus Tun, James Francis Thomas
  • Patent number: 8215155
    Abstract: A rheometer is provided for measuring rheological properties of a filtercake. The rheometer comprises a cell for containing a pressurised fluid supporting a particulate suspension. The cell has two outlets for removing the fluid from the cell. The cell further has a respective foraminous body at each outlet, such that the particulate suspension forms a filtercake on a surface of each foraminous body as pressurised fluid filters through the body when the fluid passes from the cell to the respective outlet. The foraminous bodies are translatable relative to each other, such that the filtercakes formed on said surfaces can be approached to form a unified filtercake. The foraminous bodies are also rotatable relative to each other. The rheometer further comprises a torque sensor for measuring a torque required to rotate the foraminous bodies relative to each other. The measured torque is indicative of one or more rheological properties of the unified filtercake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Louise Bailey, Gerald Henry Meeten
  • Publication number: 20120137753
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a property measurement apparatus including: a first plate installed in a state of being rotatable and/or vibratable; and a second plate placed to face the first plate and provided with an impedance measurement section, wherein a stress caused by a distortion generated by rotating or vibrating the first plate to serve as a distortion given to a sample provided in a gap between the first and second plates is measured, and at the same time, the impedance measurement section measures the impedance of the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihito Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8171776
    Abstract: A torque measuring device for determining properties such as viscosity, shearing force or concentration in liquids or suspensions. The device comprises two elastically connected concentric axles in the form of one external hollow axle through which an inner measuring axle extends, and an element responsive to the measured medium located on a distal end of the measuring axle. The axles are individually propelled by electrical motors. The motors are operated such that the axles rotate at generally constant speed and, simultaneously, the phase between the two are controlled irrespective of applied speed and torque. The torque is measured through the degree of load of the motor propelling the inner axle, which is provided as an output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: BTG Pulp & Paper Sensors AB
    Inventors: Niclas Andersson, Joakim Kullander, Peter Lundberg, Peter Adrian
  • Patent number: 8151633
    Abstract: Methods and systems for characterizing drilling fluids laden with LCM (Lost Circulation Material) and other solid materials are disclosed. A test cell for analyzing a fluid is provided with a first conical inner portion and an axial positioning device positioned along an axis of the test cell. A first conical plug is coupled to the axial positioning device and is movable in and out of the first conical inner portion along the axis of the test cell. A fluid inlet is positioned at a first location on the test cell and a fluid outlet at a second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Jamison, Robert Murphy, J. G. Savins
  • Patent number: 8132446
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a property measurement apparatus including: a first plate installed in a state of being rotatable and/or vibratable; and a second plate placed to face the first plate and provided with an impedance measurement section, wherein a stress caused by a distortion generated by rotating or vibrating the first plate to serve as a distortion given to a sample provided in a gap between the first and second plates is measured, and at the same time, the impedance measurement section measures the impedance of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihito Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8132445
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rheometer having a rotatable shaft (1) on which a rotor plate (2) is fastened, and having a measuring instrument (10) for measuring torques exerted on the rotor plate (2) by a substance (6) to be studied during rotation of the shaft (1), a first measurement gap (5) for holding the substance (6) to be studied being formed between a first side (3) of the rotor plate (2) and a first shear face (4) and a second measurement gap (9) for holding the substance (6) to be studied being formed between a second side (7) of the rotor plate (2), opposite the first side, and a second shear face (8). The rheometer contains a magnet for generating a magnetic field in the first and second measurement gaps (5, 9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Martin Laun, Jürgen Pfister, Rene Lochtman, Günter Oetter, Claus Gabriel
  • Patent number: 8024962
    Abstract: A method of determining one or more bulk rheological properties of a particle laden fluid comprising providing a system comprising a vessel, a pump coupled to the vessel, and a flow-through apparatus coupled to the pump and the vessel, wherein the flow-through apparatus comprises a flow chamber, a bob rotatably disposed within the chamber, wherein the bob comprises an outer geometry adapted for continuous laminar flow in an axial direction, and a gap between the chamber and the bob, pumping the particle laden fluid into the flow-through apparatus, shearing the particle laden fluid within the gap of the flow-through apparatus, and collecting data from the bob and observing the particle laden fluid to determine one or more bulk rheological properties of the particle laden fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Narongsak Tonmukayakul, Jeff Morris, Jason Bryant, Malcolm Talbot, Roger Schultz, Robert Pipkin
  • Patent number: 7992427
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.,
    Inventors: Narongsak Tonmukayakul, Jason Bryant, Robert Pipkin
  • Patent number: 7988728
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Thoratec Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Joseph Ayre
  • Patent number: 7958773
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for rapid testing of the quality of cereals, grits and flours by measuring the aggregation of gluten, whereby the sample to be tested in aqueous solution/suspension containing mineral salts and/or acids and/or liquors in a specific amount in a sample cup is stirred with an electrically driven stirring paddle and the resistance opposed to the paddle by the sample during the stirring process is measured, the torque loads acting on the rotatably mounted electric drive motor being measured from the beginning of the stirring process by means of extensometric gauges, the measurement being completed once the maximum rotating torque is reached and the measuring process being monitored, controlled and analyzed by software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Brabender GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jens Dreisörner
  • Patent number: 7942036
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rheometric device which provides a direct visualization of the subject material. The device also determines the velocity and/or the strain field across the thickness and the morphology to be determined across the same gap. The invention relates both to a device and/or method that can be used in connection with current shearing rheometers, and similar apparatus. The present invention also relates to a process for making a shear rate measurement. The invention provides versatility by allowing multiple angles of visualization which properly characterizes the flow characteristics and shear rates involved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: The University of Akron
    Inventor: Shi-Qing Wang
  • Publication number: 20110100098
    Abstract: A method for testing samples uses a rheometer in which a measuring shaft bearing a first measuring part is rotated by a motor and the sample is introduced into a measuring gap between the first measuring part and a further measuring part. The further measuring part is mounted on a further, driven measuring shaft and the two measuring parts are rotated or oscillated at a predetermined speed independently of one another, or brought to a standstill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: ANTON PAAR GMBH
    Inventors: Jörg Läuger, Michael Krenn
  • Patent number: 7887479
    Abstract: A method of estimating the blood flow rate of a heart ventricle assist device which is positioned externally of, or implanted in, a patient. The assist device comprises a blood pump having a rapidly rotating, electrically powered impeller, and comprises briefly interrupting power to the impeller to cause its rotation to slow. From this, blood viscosity can be estimated, which viscosity is used to obtain real time, estimated blood flow rates and pressure heads. Apparatus for accomplishing this is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Heartware, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. LaRose, Udai Singh
  • Publication number: 20110030454
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rheometer having a rotatable shaft (1) on which a rotor plate (2) is fastened, and having a measuring instrument (10) for measuring torques exerted on the rotor plate (2) by a substance (6) to be studied during rotation of the shaft (1), a first measurement gap (5) for holding the substance (6) to be studied being formed between a first side (3) of the rotor plate (2) and a first shear face (4) and a second measurement gap (9) for holding the substance (6) to be studied being formed between a second side (7) of the rotor plate (2), opposite the first side, and a second shear face (8). The rheometer contains a magnet for generating a magnetic field in the first and second measurement gaps (5, 9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Martin Laun, Jürgen Pfister, Rene Lochtman, Günter Oetter, Claus Gabriel
  • Patent number: 7828961
    Abstract: A differential rate rotary thickener; a power detector which is disposed in a sludge receiver tank for thickened sludge thickened in the differential rate rotary thickener; a discriminator which receives an electric signal for a thickened sludge concentration (X) detected by the power detector and which calculates and discriminate the data; a first controller which receives an instruction signal being a discriminated result in the discriminator and which operates an outer cylinder driving machine and a screw driving machine; a ratio setter which receives a discriminated signal of the discriminator and which increases or decreases a chemical feed rate (?) of flocculant stepwise; and a second controller which receives an instruction signal from the ratio setter and which operates a flocculant-feeding pump are provided. Thickening of sludge is performed by controlling the chemical feed rate (?), a rotational speed (S) of a screw, and a rotational speed (C) of an outer cylinder screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ishigaki Company Limited
    Inventors: Kenzou Sugaya, Hiroichi Kawasaki, Masayoshi Katayama, Manabu Yamashita, Masaharu Miyawaki
  • Publication number: 20100269571
    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: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: ANTON PAAR GMBH
    Inventor: Gerhard Raffer
  • Patent number: 7762123
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seal intended for sealing an axis pair, whereby the axes rotate in the same direction, the inner one of the axes is inside the outer axis and the phase difference of the axes is arranged to remain within predefined limits. The seal (200) is a tubular seal made of an elastic material and comprises at least two tube sections (202, 204) fixed to each other. Folds (212, 214) of the at least two tube sections (202, 204) have opposing twisting angles. One end of the seal (200) is fastened to the outer axis and the other end is fastened to the inner axis, and the seal (200) is arranged to twist by a torque proportional to the phase difference between the axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Metso Automation Oy
    Inventors: Jarmo Helasuo, Olli Ruosaari, Kari Laukkanen
  • Publication number: 20100162798
    Abstract: In a method for determining the viscosity of fluids, especially liquids, the fluid is brought into and moved through a tapering gap bounded by two opposite wall surfaces. Accordingly, a distance or the change of the distance between the opposite wall surfaces is measured by pressure exerted by the material moved through the preferably steadily tapering or narrowing gap onto the walls and is used or evaluated as a measurement value for the viscosity of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: ANTON PAAR GMBH
    Inventor: Josef Gautsch
  • Publication number: 20100154520
    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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Axel Schubert, José Javier Romero-Galeano, Max Kessler
  • Publication number: 20100126252
    Abstract: A rheometer is provided for measuring rheological properties of a filtercake. The rheometer comprises a cell for containing a pressurised fluid supporting a particulate suspension. The cell has two outlets for removing the fluid from the cell. The cell further has a respective foraminous body at each outlet, such that the particulate suspension forms a filtercake on a surface of each foraminous body as pressurised fluid filters through the body when the fluid passes from the cell to the respective outlet. The foraminous bodies are translatable relative to each other, such that the filtercakes formed on said surfaces can be approached to form a unified filtercake. The foraminous bodies are also rotatable relative to each other. The rheometer further comprises a torque sensor for measuring a torque required to rotate the foraminous bodies relative to each other. The measured torque is indicative of one or more rheological properties of the unified filtercake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Louise Bailey, Gerald Henry Meeten
  • Publication number: 20100116033
    Abstract: A system and method for characterizing a rheological property of a particulate or powdered pharmaceutical composition having a sensor that measures the force imparted to a powder interacting member disposed within a quantity of moving powder. The measured force is related to a rheological property of the pharmaceutical composition, such as viscosity, flowability or compressibility. Information regarding the pharmaceutical composition's rheological properties allows increased performance in the automated loading of precise amounts of a powdered drug into a dry powder inhaler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Lee Paul Hoenderkamp, William Kerckhoff Young
  • Publication number: 20100116032
    Abstract: A sensor element for a consistency transmitter for use in measurements of a pulp suspension and coated with a diamond coating. A consistency transmitter for measuring the consistency of a pulp suspension, comprising: a sensor element to be placed in the pulp suspension and provided with a diamond coating; a part provided with equipment for measuring the force/torque effective on the sensor element, for processing the force/torque by computation, and for converting the force/torque to an electrical signal; and a transmitting element, connected to the sensor element and said part, for transmitting the force/torque effective on the sensor element to said part. A method in the manufacture of a sensor element for a consistency transmitter for use in measurements of a pulp suspension, wherein the method comprises the step of coating the sensor element with a diamond coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Metso Automation Oy
    Inventor: Olli P. Ruosaari
  • Patent number: 7712526
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing a rheological property of a fluid with a particulate includes: (a) a receptacle having a cylindrical side wall enclosed by a bottom wall defining a cavity for receiving a fluid to be tested; (b) an axial support adapted to be positioned in the cavity of the receptacle, whereby relative rotational motion can be imparted to the receptacle and the axial support; (c) at least one inward projection extending inward from an inside surface of the receptacle; (d) at least one outward projection extending outward from the axial support; and (e) at least one projection for directing fluid flow that has at least one major surface angled or curved upward. A method of testing a rheological property of a fluid with a particulate includes: (a) placing a sample of the fluid and the particulate in the apparatus; (b) imparting relative rotational motion to the receptacle and the axial support; and (c) measuring the torque between the receptacle and the axial support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Rickey L. Morgan, Johnny W. Johnson, Ronnie G. Morgan, Harold G. Walters
  • Publication number: 20100071442
    Abstract: A couette viscometer used to determine the rheological properties of Newtonian or non-Newtonian solid-laden or non-solid-laden fluids used as completion or treatment fluids in oil and/or gas wells. The instrument is capable of measuring the properties of a heated, e.g., 600° F./316° C., and pressurized sample, e.g., 30,000 psig/207 MPa, at a variety of temperatures, pressures, and shear rates. The pressure vessel is mounted in the chassis of the instrument and the vessel plug containing the viscometer components and sample may be removed as an assembly. This arrangement reduces the mass of the plug assembly, eliminating the need to transport the pressure vessel and assists in separating the sample from the pressurizing fluid. Ultimately, this arrangement improves the usability, convenience and maintenance associated with operating the instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: CHANDLER INSTRUMENTS COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: JOHN JEFFERY MOON, JR., BRIAN ROLAND AINLEY
  • Publication number: 20100071443
    Abstract: In one general aspect, a rheometer for measuring properties of a sample is disclosed. It can include a first part having a drive portion operatively connected to an actuator and having a contact surface for contacting the sample. The rheometer also includes a second part that has another contact surface for contacting the sample. A first heater is positioned to heat the first part, a second heater is positioned to heat the second part, and a heat pump can heat and cool both the first and second parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Nathan Wrench, Benjamin Gordon, Kevin Rathbone, Andrew Gow
  • Patent number: 7673499
    Abstract: A rheometer comprises a container for receiving a material sample to be investigated, and a rotary driven rotor which can be immersed at least partially into the material sample. At least sections of an inner wall of the container are provided with a profile in order to prevent formation of a sliding layer between the material to be investigated and the inner wall. The profile is thereby formed by at least one, in particular, several profiling elements which are exchangeably held on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignees: Universitaet Karlsruhe
    Inventors: Harald Müller, Michael Haist, Jürgen Renkert, Jörg Rich
  • Publication number: 20100018294
    Abstract: A method of determining one or more bulk Theological properties of a particle laden fluid comprising providing a system comprising a vessel, a pump coupled to the vessel, and a flow-through apparatus coupled to the pump and the vessel, wherein the flow-through apparatus comprises a flow chamber, a bob rotatably disposed within the chamber, wherein the bob comprises an outer geometry adapted for continuous laminar flow in an axial direction, and a gap between the chamber and the bob, pumping the particle laden fluid into the flow-through apparatus, shearing the particle laden fluid within the gap of the flow-through apparatus, and collecting data from the bob and observing the particle laden fluid to determine one or more bulk rheological properties of the particle laden fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Narongsak Tonmukayakul, Jeff Morris, Jason Bryant, Malcolm Talbot, Roger Schultz, Robert Pipkin
  • Patent number: 7591777
    Abstract: A method of estimating the blood flow rate of a heart ventricle assist device which is positioned externally of, or implanted in, a patient. The assist device comprises a blood pump having a rapidly rotating, electrically powered impeller, and comprises briefly interrupting power to the impeller to cause its rotation to slow. From this, blood viscosity can be estimated, which viscosity is used to obtain real time, estimated blood flow rates and pressure heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Heartware Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. LaRose
  • Patent number: 7578171
    Abstract: A method for the characterizing a fluid containing particles reflecting ultrasounds wherein a sample of fluid placed between two surfaces (5, 6) in a rheometer (1) undergoes stress in order to measure the rheological characteristics of the sample (8) during relative movement of the two surfaces (5,6) in relation to each other. Local ultrasound data relating to the sample (8) deformation is collected by ultrasonic-wave-measuring means (2,3,4). The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - CNRS
    Inventor: Sébastien Manneville
  • Patent number: 7568380
    Abstract: A turbine viscometer for measuring the viscosity of fluid flowing through a conduit, such as a pipe or manifold. The viscometer has a viscosity turbine positionable in the pipe or manifold. The viscosity turbine has a central portion and a plurality of blades extending therefrom such that fluid flow does not induce any rotational movement of the viscosity turbine. The viscometer also has a drive device for rotating the viscosity turbine so that fluid drag on the viscosity turbine can be measured to determine the viscosity of the fluid. In one embodiment, the drive device creates a rotational magnetic field around the viscosity turbine so that it is rotated. In a second embodiment, the drive device is a drive turbine connected to the viscosity turbine and rotated by fluid flowing through the pipe or conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason D. Bivens, James L. Davis
  • Patent number: 7549324
    Abstract: The present invention is a consistency transmitter for the measurement of consistency, viscosity, and other properties of matter. The transmitter consists of a measuring element, attached to a bearing-mounted shaft and rotated in the matter to be measured by a direct drive motor that is positioned coaxially with the measuring element and its shaft. The stator of the direct drive motor is integrated into the consistency transmitter body, its rotor into the shaft. The stator is coaxially attached to a first flange that transmits the torsional force of the motor with flexible elements to a second flange positioned on the shaft. The first and second flanges are attached to differential elements with which the phase angle between the flanges is measured using measuring elements located near the flanges. The shaft of the measuring element is bearing-mounted inside a tubular torsion shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Kajaanin Prosessimittaukset Oy
    Inventors: Toivo Johannes Haapasaari, Urpo Ensio Heikkinen, Matti Juhani Laitinen, Heikki Tapio Leinonen, Markku Seppänen, Eero Ossi Antero Tolonen
  • Publication number: 20090133478
    Abstract: A rheometer attachment may comprise a material processing device. The material processing device is adapted for removable engagement with a rheometer. The material processing device comprises a first rotatable shaft, a second rotatable shaft, a processing element, and a material holding vessel. The processing element is engagable with the first rotatable shaft or the second rotatable shaft. The material holding vessel comprises a cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Martin L. Sentmanat
  • Patent number: 7444855
    Abstract: Device for measuring the rheological properties of a viscoelastic material, formed of an upper rotating plate (10) and of a lower rotating plate (20) which are able to press against the opposite faces of a sample S of the material to be measured. The axes of rotation (a1 a1? and a2 a2?) of said plates are arranged parallel to one another in a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the plates, and offset from one another by a distance d. Two independent motors (12, 22) drive respectively the upper plate (10) and the lower plate (20) at the same speed of rotation ?, without giving rise to any angular displacement between the two plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique, S.A.
    Inventors: Frédéric Cottais, Patrice Monnereau, Daniel Meyer
  • Patent number: 7441442
    Abstract: A means for simultaneous determination of the radial and angular vectors of rotary motion of a body relative to a single reference axis, by measurement of the common aid differential states of three position detectors and, together with an axial position detector, thus to allow the measurable modulation of magnetic devices such as to provide measurable vector forces to support that body against the vector effects of any external forces that tend to change its position relative to the reference axis, in the absence of any contact between the rotor and the combined system of sensors and magnetic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Kernow Instrument Technology Limited
    Inventor: Barry Alfred Morgan
  • Publication number: 20080246230
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seal intended for sealing an axis pair, whereby the axes rotate in the same direction, the inner one of the axes is inside the outer axis and the phase difference of the axes is arranged to remain within prede-fined limits. The seal (200) is a tubular seal made of an elastic material and comprises at least two tube sections (202, 204) fixed to each other. Folds (212, 214) of the at least two tube sections (202, 204) have opposing twisting an-gles. One end of the seal (200) is fastened to the outer axis and the other end is fastened to the inner axis, and the seal (200) is arranged to twist by a torque proportional to the phase difference between the axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Jarmo Helasuo, Olli Ruosaari, Kari Laukkanen