Abstract: A method and device for controlling viscosity of asphalt rubber based on a current variation are provided. The method includes processing asphalt rubber raw materials with a first preset proportion, and shearing the processed asphalt rubber; obtaining a shearing current, pumping and discharging the sheared asphalt rubber; obtaining a discharging current, and obtaining the viscosity of the pumped asphalt rubber according to the discharging current and the viscosity-discharging current correlation relationship. The method includes comparing the viscosity with a preset viscosity; outputting the pumped asphalt rubber as finished asphalt rubber when the viscosity is equal to the preset viscosity. The method includes adjusting the viscosity according to the discharging current. Double-current control is adopted, so that the whole-process control of the processing viscosity of the asphalt rubber is realized, and the control accuracy of the viscosity is improved.

Abstract: A viscosity measurement unit includes a first stage having a first surface, a second stage having a second surface and configured to rotate with the second surface which is opposed and in proximity to the first surface, a motor including a motor body and a shaft that is an output shaft of the motor body and configured to rotate synchronously with the second stage, a fixed member arranged to rotatably support the shaft and the motor body, and a strain gauge unit fixed to the fixed member and configured to be biased by a contact of the motor body when the motor body rotates in a first direction with respect to the fixed member.

Abstract: Provided is a driving control apparatus that can control relaxation of force in an actuator. The driving control apparatus is provided with: a driving control unit configured to control driving of the actuator according to a driving control signal; and a pressure control unit configured to control, according to a pressure control signal, involvement of the driving control signal in control of pressure to be generated by the actuator.

Abstract: An underwater detector includes a sealed enclosure, inside an infrared sensor module is disposed. The module rotates around a spindle at a fixed angular velocity along a horizontal plane. An electronic compass disposed on the module. A bottom of the sealed enclosure connected to an indicator through a rotary shaft, and the indicator rotates around the rotary shaft on the horizontal plane. The indicator includes a head and tail fin. A light source emits a light beam vertically upwards on the tail fin. The module is configured to trigger, when receiving the light beam, the electronic compass records a real-time direction relative to the spindle, which is processed by a processor module to obtain a direction of the water flow. A spring connects between the head and tail fin. The infrared sensor module transmits a moment of receiving the light beam to the processor module to calculate the water flow.

Abstract: A method for determining the viscosity of materials uses a rotation viscosimeter having a measuring shaft connected through a coupling element to a drive and a measuring element on a shaft end applied to a sample. An angle measuring unit measures an angle deflection between drive and shaft. The measuring element is immersed in a measuring container containing the sample. The rotational speed of the shaft increases from a first measuring point at an initial speed in steps to further measuring points and the angle deflection between the drive and the shaft is determined in the measuring points. An estimation function is determined for the rotational speed and the angle deflection for the sample using measured values in the measuring points. An optimum rotational speed is determined based on the estimation function of a previously defined optimum angle deflection and the viscosity measurement of the sample is carried out.

Abstract: Methods may include emplacing an emulsion into an annular region of a Taylor-Couette (TC) device; flowing the emulsion through the annular region created by a first annular surface and a second annular surface; contacting one or more shear sensors disposed on a surface of the annular region with the flowing emulsion, wherein contact with the one or more shear sensors generates a signal that scales with shear stress exerted by the flowing emulsion, and determining one or more of wall shear stress from the signal obtained from the one or more shear sensors. Methods may also include determining the apparent viscosity of the fluid composition from the stress measured on the wall of the TC device.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided comprising a signal processing module configured with at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: receive signaling containing information about a stiffness of a concrete mixture; and determine an average bubble size of gas contained in the concrete mixture, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processing module may be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing information about the average bubble size of gas contained in the concrete mixture. The signal processing module may be configured to determine the pressure inside air bubbles and determine an average air bubble size of the gas contained in the concrete mixture, based at least partly on the pressure determined inside the air bubbles.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a mixing of viscous materials is provided, to dispense a two or more component material such as a two or more component sealant or adhesive. The dispenser comprises a dispensing mechanism for dispensing respective materials from a material holder through a dynamic mixer. The dispensing mechanism is driven by a first electric motor and the dynamic mixer is driven by a second electric motor. Advantageously, a simple and effective multicomponent dispenser with a dynamic mixer is provided.

Abstract: In a method of measuring a viscosity of a sample based on a rotation frequency ?S of a conductive rotator rotating by applying a rotating magnetic field from outside to the rotator set in a container containing the sample and a rotation frequency ?B of the magnetic field, a constant k1 having temperature dependency of an apparatus and a constant k2 not having the temperature dependency at each temperature are found by using a equation, ?0?s=k1(?B??S)?k2, where a viscosity ?0 at specific temperature is known, and then a value of viscosity measured at the specific temperature is corrected by means of the constants k1 and k2, the rotation frequency ?S of the rotator, and the rotation frequency ?B of the magnetic field. The constant k1 may employ the temperature dependency of electric conductivity of metal used to the rotator.

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.

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.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a measuring device for measuring consistency of cement slurry for a consistometer. The measuring device comprises a high-pressure vessel, a slurry cup and a magnetic driver, wherein the slurry cup is rotatably mounted inside the high-pressure vessel by the magnetic driver, stir blades are hanged in the slurry cup, and the magnetic driver is driven by a driving motor which is located outside the high-pressure vessel and is further provided with a tension sensor. The invention cancels the conventional mode for measuring consistency by a potentiometer, uses the tension sensor to measure the torque transferred from the driving motor to the magnetic driver, i.e. the cutting torque created by the stir blades on cement slurries within the slurry cup, thereby measuring the consistency of cement slurry.

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.

Abstract: The invention provides ‘thixotropy’ monitoring, by measuring the reversible, time-dependent reduction in viscosity occurring when concrete is subjected to mixing, and employs a mixing drum and conventional slump monitoring equipment as used on ready-mix trucks. In one embodiment, the drum is rotated until concrete is completely mixed; the speed is altered, such as by increasing it to a predetermined level; and the energy required to rotate the drum (ER) is monitored; the maximum (ER-MAX) and minimum (ER-MIN) values are recorded in computer memory; and these values are compared to pre-determined (target) values. Rheology factors (including viscosity, yield stress, and/or thixotropy) can be adjusted accordingly by adding liquid component(s) into the mix. This method, suitable for delivery of highly fluid concrete speed such as SCC, can involve transit and placement rheology targets during monitoring.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus of measuring viscosity and/or elasticity comprising: an electro-conductive rotor; a container that contains a sample and the rotor such that the rotor is arranged in the sample; a magnet unit that is arranged in the surrounding of the container and applies a magnetic field to the rotor; a rotation controlling unit that drives the magnet unit to apply a rotating magnetic field to the rotor so as to induce induced current in the rotor and rotate the rotor by providing the rotor with a rotation torque caused by Lorentz interaction between the induced current and the magnetic field applied to the rotor; a rotation detection unit that detects the rotation of the rotor; and a dynamic property detection unit that detects viscosity and/or elasticity of the sample being in contact with the rotor based on the rotation torque and the rotational movement.

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.

Abstract: Examples of an apparatus and method for adjusting a viscosity of an adhesive are disclosed. An apparatus may comprise a motor including a spindle. A tooling bit may be disposed spaced from and axially aligned with the spindle extending into a first end of a syringe to contact an adhesive in the syringe while the syringe is detachably mounted for rotation to the spindle. A lamp may selectively shine a curing light on the adhesive. A meter may be coupled to the motor to measure a torque on the motor. The method may include detachably mounting the syringe containing the adhesive to the motor. The motor may be operated to stir the adhesive at a first voltage for a predetermined time. A torque on the motor may be measured and compared to a reference range of values.

Abstract: The probe can include a base and a resistance member extending from the base and onto which a resistance pressure is imparted by a rheological substance when the resistance member is submerged and moved therein. Rheological properties can be obtained using values indicative of the resistance pressure both in a low speed range and in a high speed range.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing rheological measurements of interfaces located at the top of fluid sub-phases. In one configuration, a rotating rheometer is provided with a chamber wall whose inner surface defines an outer chamber radius and an inner cylinder disposed within the cylindrical chamber and having an inner chamber radius. The rotating rheometer is configured to hold a liquid sub-phase and interface layer that can be probed using a circular ribbon that is concentric with and suspended between the inner cylinder and chamber wall. The ratio of the ribbon radius, inner chamber radius, and outer chamber radius is designed to yield an average shear rate in the inner region that is the same as an average shear rate in the outer region. In one configuration, an interface-pinning feature is provided on at least one of the inner cylinder and the chamber wall.

Abstract: An apparatus of measuring viscosity and/or elasticity comprising: an electro-conductive rotor; a container that contains a sample and the rotor such that the rotor is arranged in the sample; a magnet unit that is arranged in the surrounding of the container and applies a magnetic field to the rotor; a rotation controlling unit that drives the magnet unit to apply a rotating magnetic field to the rotor so as to induce induced current in the rotor and rotate the rotor by providing the rotor with a rotation torque caused by Lorentz interaction between the induced current and the magnetic field applied to the rotor; a rotation detection unit that detects the rotation of the rotor; and a dynamic property detection unit that detects viscosity and/or elasticity of the sample being in contact with the rotor based on the rotation torque and the rotational movement.

Abstract: A mixing system comprising a bowl, mixing element and motor. A mixing element is located within the bowl and is driven by a motor to impart mechanical energy to the foodstuff being mixed upon contact. A method for predicting instantaneous loading on the mixing system motor. A method for increasing the power to the motor comprises introducing additional current in advance of instantaneous loading. A method for identifying the foodstuff being mixed to control operation of the mixer either by allowing user interaction or increasing the current to the motor in advance of instantaneous loading and demands on the motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for a torque meter for determining of for example viscosity, shearing force or concentration of liquids or suspensions, and comprising two elastically connected concentric axles, one external hollow axle (6) through which an inner meter axle (5) extends, on which latter an element (4) responsive to the measurement medium (3) is located. According to the invention the axles (6, 5) are propelled by an electrical motor (9, 10), said motors are at least on average continuously propelled at equal rotational speed at the same time the phase between the two is being controlled irrespective of the applied speed and torque, wherein the torque is possible to measure through the degree of load at the motor (10) propelling the inner axle (5), which is transformable to a suitable out signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for real-time monitoring of motile lubricants within the presently common reciprocating engine. A sensor array is fully submerged (or partially submerged) within the lubricant system fluid, for example, oil. The fluid property monitoring is accomplished by multiple sensors acting in unison to provide data to a remote processing and display portion of the system. The system allows for the unified data acquisition and real-time comparison by providing both a physical sensor unit with embedded multiple sensors of multiple types as well as multiple DSP (Digital Signal Processing) or microcontroller modules acting in parallel to provide best-fit results for purposes of real-time monitoring high-temperature motile lubricants for property degradation (namely viscosity and foreign particulate detection) and particulate accumulation.

Abstract: A device for determining the viscosity of fluids. The device includes an injector, which has a piston and a hollow cylinder with a nozzle. The device further includes a cannula. The device also includes a forward-feed device with the aid of which the piston is displaceable at a uniform speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the workability of asphalt mixes includes a frame, a motor operably attached to the frame for rotating a turntable, a container attachable to the turntable, and a paddle for mixing a first asphalt mixture in the container. A torque meter is operably attachable to the frame and to the paddle to measure in real-time the torque applied to the paddle shaft, and a temperature sensor measures the temperature in real-time of the first asphalt mixture in the container. In one embodiment the paddle has a vertical shaft, a plurality of laterally-extending elongated arms attached at first ends to the shaft and at distal second ends to angled plates. In another embodiment, a display and a processor are provided for automatically displaying on the display in real-time a plot of the torque verses time and the temperature verses time for the measured torque and temperature while mixing the asphalt mixture.

Abstract: A rheometer can be used to measure yield stress and viscosity of a cement-based material with excellent results. It mainly includes a drum and at least one adaptive vane assembly. The adaptive vane assembly is replaceably connected to a shaft. The shaft rotates relative to the drum. The ratio of radius (r1) of the adaptive vane assembly to radius (r0) of the drum is between 0.1˜0.6. The shaft is rotated with a minimum rotational speed more than 0.001 rad/s, and then can measure its torque at constant speed. Accordingly, the rheometer can greatly reduce the disturbance of vanes of the adaptive vane assembly upon the cement-based materials and reduce the slippage among particles and the vanes. Moreover, the minimum shear stress is defined as a yield stress.

Abstract: A method for generating and characterizing an emulsion. The method provides a Couette device having first and second cylindrical members that define an annulus between them. The second cylindrical member is rotatably driven with respect to the first cylindrical member. Two or more substances each in a non-emulsified state are injected into the annulus. The Couette device is operated in a first mode to generate an emulsion from the two or more substances. The Couette device is also operated in a second mode to measure various attributes of the emulsion.

Abstract: An apparatus for automated fluid rheology measurement includes a probe, a torque tube engaging an inner cylinder of the probe, a motor that drives the inner cylinder, and a circuit board programmed to drive the motor at variable shear rates in a time-dependent manner. A method of continual automated fluid rheology measurement uses an automated viscometer for measuring fluid rheology at differing shear rates. The method involves (1) obtaining and storing data at the differing shear rates, (2) calculating fluid rheology values, and repeating these steps until a user-determined endpoint.

Abstract: A viscosity controller automatically monitoring and controlling the viscosity of ink in a pad printing device on a continuous basis throughout the printing process includes a sealed ink cup having mounted thereon a motor with a paddle extending into the ink cup, a solvent tank in flow communication with the ink cup, and a valve for allowing selective amounts of the solvent to be added to the ink cup from the solvent tank. The viscosity of the ink in the cup creates torque on the paddle that affects the number of encoder pulses that are counted per time period by a motor encoder mounted to the motor, and the encoder pulses are counted and compared to a look up table stored in the microprocessor of the controller to determine if the valve should be opened to add diluting agent to the ink cup so that the ink viscosity can be maintained at a preset or predetermined value.

Abstract: Range-extending method and apparatus for testing the viscosity of a fluid (10) undergoing a state change utilizing a viscometer (2) with a rotary assembly (42) for measuring, by automatically changing the rotational speed of the rotary assembly in response to measuring a torque or other test parameter when it meets a target torque trigger and/or other test parameter threshold.

Abstract: A rheometer has a measuring shaft which is borne for rotation about and/or axial displacement along its longitudinal axis and has a detection device for determination of the normal force and/or the torque which acts on the measuring shaft during a measurement. The detection device thereby has a first holding member which is connected to the measuring shaft and a second holding member which is mounted to a stationary frame, wherein the second holding member is connected to the first holding member by means of resilient connecting members and at least one strain gage is introduced onto at least one of the connecting members to measure the deformation of the connecting member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for polymer addition control for sludges from water and wastewater treatment. In a treatment process where flocculating agents are used to promote solids aggregation, intrinsic physical properties of the liquid rich stream following separation may be continuously measured in order to control or optimize the amount of flocculating or treatment agent that is added to the process. These intrinsic physical properties may include, for example, the flocculating suspension or network strength. By determining the floc strength using various treating agent dosages, a optimum treating agent dose can be determined. The optimum treating agent dosage is the minimum in a floc strength to polymer dose curve.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods for polymer addition control for sludges from water and wastewater treatment. In a treatment process where flocculating agents are used to promote solids aggregation, intrinsic physical properties of the liquid rich stream following separation may be continuously measured in order to control or optimize the amount of flocculating or treatment agent that is added to the process. These intrinsic physical properties may include, for example, the flocculating suspension or network strength. By determining the floc strength using various treating agent dosages, a optimum treating agent dose can be determined. The optimum treating agent dosage is the minimum in a floe strength to polymer dose curve.

Abstract: A conventional Couette viscometer is transformed to measure yield point, also known as yield stress, and other rheology of various fluids, including ones with particulates. A rotating viscometer includes a driven portion, a responsive body, a standard spring, and a plurality of fins. The fins have predetermined shapes such that the rotating viscometer and the standard spring, connected to the responsive body having at least a portion of the fins, are sensitive to detect yield stress of a test fluid composition in response to a selected rotation imparted to the driven portion. A method of measuring yield stress includes operating a standard rotating viscometer modified with a plurality of intermeshing fins such that a standard spring of the standard rotating viscometer responds to a torque that is related to yield stress and that is imposed by a stressed test material on a portion of the fins connected to the spring.

Abstract: A device is provided which determines the end of the processsing time for hardening masses, in particular dental molding masses. The device comprises a display unit and a sensor unit which record the change in at least one of the rheological properties of the mass. A method that can be used with such a device is described.

Abstract: A conventional Couette viscometer is transformed to measure yield point, also known as yield stress, and other rheology of various fluids, including ones with particulates. A rotating viscometer includes a driven portion, a responsive body, a standard spring, and a plurality of fins. The fins have predetermined shapes such that the rotating viscometer and the standard spring, connected to the responsive body having at least a portion of the fins, are sensitive to detect yield stress of a test fluid composition in response to a selected rotation imparted to the driven portion. A method of measuring yield stress includes operating a standard rotating viscometer modified with a plurality of intermeshing fins such that a standard spring of the standard rotating viscometer responds to a torque that is related to yield stress and that is imposed by a stressed test material on a portion of the fins connected to the spring.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for screening a library of material samples for a rheological property such as viscosity or elasticity. Accordingly, a library of material samples is can be provided in a substantially liquid form. The library is contacted with at least one probe for applying a stimulus to the material samples such as by moving the at least one probe within the samples. A response such as resistance to the motion of the probe is monitored and can be related to a rheological property of the samples.

Abstract: A rotary viscometer is described where there is no mechanical linkage between a rotor that is rotated in a test fluid to measure viscosity and the rotor drive source. A rotor is disposed in a test fluid within a test chamber. The rotor is mounted on low friction bearings. Electromagnets disposed around the test chamber impose a constant torque on the rotor. Rotor rotation rate corresponding to fluid viscosity is measured. The viscometer may have a sealed test chamber for measuring viscosity of hazardous or corrosive test fluids without exposing the operator to the fluid.

Abstract: Viscometer (2) with a sleeve (30) rotatable by a sprocket (20) and a timing belt (44) to shear a tested fluid thus imparting torque to a bob (28) mounted on a shaft (14) supported via axially spaced bearings (16, 22), an arm (12) connecting to the top of the shaft (14) applies force to a force sensor (10) which is proportional to the torque applied to the bob.

Abstract: A gas sample extraction apparatus to recover sample gases from fluids such as the return flow drilling mud of an oil and gas well has a sample canister forming a sample chamber with a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port. The gas sample extraction apparatus is disposed in a flow of fluid to be sampled, and the fluid sample flows through the sample chamber via the fluid inlet and outlet ports. A bubbler enclosure is in fixed relationship to the sample canister and has an exit bubbler port at the desired fluid level of the sample chamber. Compressed air is supplied to the gas sample extraction apparatus to maintain the fluid sample level within the sample canister at the desired fluid level.

Abstract: The invention comprises measuring or responsive instruments, including (but not limited to) viscometers, having a music wire (20) or like high tensile wire support between driving/driven shaft assemblies (18, 16) and appropriate mounting to eliminate drag, friction, radial misalignment, vibration problems, especially at high rotational speeds, and afford an enhanced accuracy and speed of measurement or other response of the instrument as a whole, including such specific features allowing large angular deflections or small ones (full scale under one degree) and axial and radial rigidity. The instrument can also be used with a plate for cone plate, oscillation and normal force measurements.