Abstract: Devices, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media for measuring properties of a material are disclosed. A device is configured to automatically identify a property of the material such as a surface of the material as a measuring head of a spindle engages the material as the spindle is lowered. After the material surface is identified, the device is configured to automatically lower the measuring head to a predefined depth within the material with respect to the material surface. The device may measure another property of the material such as a rheological property with the measuring head at the predefined depth. The device may change the depth of the measuring head during measurement of the rheological property.

Abstract: A system and methods are disclosed. The system includes a temperature control chamber with a temperature system to alter and monitor a temperature of the temperature control chamber and an electromagnetic viscometer (EMV) inside the temperature control chamber to measure a viscosity of a fluid. The system also includes a sample preparation cell within the temperature control chamber pressurized by a constant displacement pump outside the temperature control chamber. The sample preparation cell includes a stirrer; a first valve between a fluid supply reservoir and the sample preparation cell; a second valve between the sample preparation cell and the EMV, a venting fluid line between the sample preparation cell and a gas capturing system, and a venting fluid line to remove released gases from the sample preparation cell. The system further includes a controller to operate the sample preparation cell, temperature system, and EMV.

Abstract: A bracket, a thrombelastography device, and a support system are disclosed. The bracket comprises: a fixed support part (101), a movable support part (102), and a connection part (103). The connection part comprises a first fixing connection member (1031) and a second fixing connection member (1032). The first fixing connection member is fixedly connected to the fixed support part; the second fixing connection member is fixedly connected to the movable support part; the first fixing connection member is connected to the second fixing connection member in point contact fashion, such that the first fixing connection member and the second fixing connection member can rotate relative to each other; the movable support part is fixedly connected to a supported object; when driven by the supported object, the movable support part rotates relative to the fixed support part by means of the point contact between the first fixing connection member and the second fixing connection member.

Abstract: A vehicle that utilizes a counter-rotating electric motor to generate at least a portion of its propulsive force that includes the vehicle with front and rear wheels, the counter-rotating motor with two oppositely rotating components linked to two drive shafts that are coupled to the wheels in a common rotational direction, a component for reversible stopping the rotation of at least one rotating component while permitting the drive shafts to rotate, a power source linked to the motor, and a controller that controls both the speed of the vehicle and the reversible stopping component to switch between a first operational mode for slower vehicle speeds and a second operational mode for higher vehicle speeds, thereby increasing the overall electrical efficiency for operating the vehicle.

Abstract: An adapted elastomer compound, in which the adaptation is based at least in part on load performance data of a rotor/stator test coupon as evaluated on a test apparatus. The test coupon's stator section includes the original elastomer compound before adaptation thereof. The test apparatus includes a motor, a brake, and at least one sensor disposed to evaluate load performance data of the test coupon. The load performance data is the product of the process comprising the steps of: (a) rotating either the rotor section or the stator section on the test apparatus, wherein such rotation section actuates corresponding rotation of the other of the rotor section and the stator section; (b) applying a braking torque to the actuated rotor section or stator section; and (c) responsive to step (b), evaluating load performance data of the test coupon.

Abstract: A power machine tool (1) of the present disclosure includes a housing (10) and a control board (20), a power device (30), a bearing set (40), a transmission mechanism (50) and a torque axle (60) disposed in the housing (10). The power device (30) is disposed in the housing (10) via the bearing set (40) and transmits a torque via the transmission mechanism (50). The torque axle (60) is connected to a rear side of the power device (30) and rotates with the power device (30). In addition, a torque sensor (2) is arranged on the rear side of the power device (30) to detect the torque of the power machine tool.

Abstract: A lubricity tester unit may comprise a housing, a shaft, wherein a first end of the shaft is disposed at a first end of the housing, wherein the shaft extends through housing along a central axis of the housing, and an encoder, wherein the encoder is disposed on an internal wall of the housing, wherein the shaft is disposed through a hole in the encoder, wherein the encoder is an optical encoder configured to measure angular position of the shaft. The lubricity tester unit may further comprise rotating rings, wherein the rotating rings are coupled to a second end of the shaft, a friction inducing surface, wherein the friction inducing surface is disposed around the rotating rings, a first sensor, wherein the first sensor is disposed through the housing, and a second sensor, wherein the second sensor is disposed through the housing.

Abstract: Viscosity assemblies may be used to determine the viscosity of a sample fluid at a surface location under one or more downhole conditions prior to pumping or flowing of the sample fluid downhole. A viscosity assembly may include a bob assembly disposed in a container that includes a bob disposed about a magnet rotor that rotates when a shear force is applied by the flow of the sample fluid in the container. A stator coil may receive a control signal that induces a force or a voltage that causes the magnet rotor to rotate the bob by a predetermined distance to position the bob from the rotated position back to the initial position.

Abstract: A twin-disc tribometer assembly includes a first sample drive shaft arranged to receive a first sample disc and a second sample drive shaft arranged to receive a second sample disc; a first drive motor configured to rotate the first drive shaft and a second motor arranged to rotate the second drive shaft. The first and second drive shafts are configured to be positioned relative to each other such that a sample disc mounted on the first drive shaft will make a point contact with a sample disc on the second drive shaft as the drive shafts rotate. The assembly is configured to allow the shafts to rotate relative to each other in a non-continuous reciprocating motion or a non-collinear motion where one sample disc is tilted with respect to the other.

Abstract: A bracket, a support system, and a thrombelastography device and use method thereof are disclosed. The bracket comprises: a first support part (1001), a second support part (1003), and a connection part (1002), wherein the first support part (1001) supports the second support part (1003) by means of the connection part (1002), so that the second support part (1003) can rotate relative to the first support part (1001) under a first action force.

Abstract: An embodiment includes an inertial torque device (ITD) for calibrating a viscometer. The ITD comprises a body, a coupling for connecting the body to a viscometer measurement interface, a rotatable inertial load device coupled to the body, an electric motor coupled to the rotatable inertial load device and coupled to the body, and a controller configured to calibrate the viscometer by controlling the electric motor to rotate the rotatable inertial load device at a predetermined acceleration to apply a predetermined torque to the coupling connected to the viscometer.

Abstract: A rotary rheometer is disclosed that includes improved control logic. This logic can provide continuously sampled force control logic, compliance control logic, adaptive control logic, anti-windup logic, and/or inertial correction logic.

Abstract: A method for expressing protein quality of a grain powder includes mixing the grain powder with water using a mixing apparatus to form a mixture. The torque applied to the mixing apparatus by the mixture during mixing is measured as a function of time. Mechanical energy applied to the mixture is calculated from the measured torque. The protein quality is expressed as the measured torque as a function of mechanical energy.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for measuring the yield stress of a fluid. The device includes a container for receiving the fluid therein and an auger having a shaft extending along an axis and a helical flange extending radially about the shaft. The auger is movable in the fluid between a first position and a second position. A sensor is operatively connected to the auger. The sensor measures a force on the auger as the auger moves from the first position to the second position. A linkage is interconnected to the sensor. The linkage translates motion to the auger.

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: Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for characterizing the flowability of a dry powder, and particularly for use with toner particles. The methods and apparatuses use an optionally transparent or semi-transparent cylindrical container. When the container is partially filled with dry powder, the dry powder is aerated and torque measurements are then taken while rotating the container to determine the flowability of the dry powder.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for measuring the yield stress of a fluid. The device includes a container for receiving the fluid therein and an auger having a shaft extending along an axis and a helical flange extending radially about the shaft. The auger is movable in the fluid between a first position and a second position. A sensor is operatively connected to the auger. The sensor measures a force on the auger as the auger moves from the first position to the second position. A linkage is interconnected to the sensor. The linkage translates motion to the auger.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing at least one parameter in a liquid including a sensor means for sensing the parameter, a rotation means and a drive generator means for driving the rotation means as well as to generate electricity passed to an electricity storage means. In addition to a control means for operating the rotation means which also operates in a flow of the liquid and in which the rotation means maintains the flow of liquid at or above a predetermined value.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring in situ the viscosity of a fluid within a vessel which includes an impeller paddle immersed in the fluid rotated by an electric motor connected to a shaft passing through a wall of the vessel. The impeller paddle is connected to the shaft by a toroidal spring. The electric motor is controlled by a variable voltage power supply controlled by a computer. Sensors are mounted on the impeller paddle and the shaft to sense the rotational positions of each and to generate electronic signals indicative thereof. The electronic signals are processed by signal processing circuitry to determining the deflection angle of the impeller paddle and the results sent to a computer, where the signals are recorded and analyzed to determine the viscosity of the fluid.

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: 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.

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: A rotary rheometer having a magnetic thrust bearing. The thrust disk of the magnetic thrust bearing being situated between a pair of magnetic actuator assemblies and extending beyond the circumference of the actuator assemblies so as to encompass the magnetic flux lines generated by the actuator assemblies, thus minimizing likelihood of an undesirable preferential position or side load.

Abstract: A rheometer has a rotor comprising a shaft which is seated with play in a recess of a bearing block and is supported contact-free in a radial and/or axial direction by an external air cushion which acts in a bearing section. To provide for simple and inexpensive production of an air bearing having a high loading capacity, the wall of the recess in the bearing section is continuous without bore-holes, and consists of air-permeable material. The bearing air loads the side of the wall facing away from the shaft and penetrates through the wall.

Abstract: Device for direct refrigeration has heat-conductable solid member with refrigerant passageway coursing through or about; and at least one test sample well in or in proximity to it, at least one solid, heat-generating member affixed or in proximity to it; and/or optional component(s) and/or feature(s). Heat-conductable solid member may have opposing refrigerant flowpaths containing conventional cooling material(s), for example, air, liquid methanol or ethylene glycol, but preferably, refrigerant for direct refrigeration. The member may be, for example, a block of copper and/or other material with a high heat-conductance, with one or more test sample well(s) for insertion of test sample cell(s) for low-temperature rotary viscometric yield stress testing of engine oils, or other testing. Heating may be employed. Dynamic temperature control can be facilitated by temperature sensor and/or controller system, with sensor(s) and/or heating element(s) strategically placed in or on the block.

Abstract: A rotational viscometer includes a cylindrical bob attached to a bob axle, a concentric sleeve exterior of the bob, a motor for inducing rotation in the sleeve, a biasing spring attached to the bob axle for resisting axle rotation, and a measurement system comprising an electric field transmitter, an electric field receiver and a rotor extending intermediate the transmitter and receiver. The rotor is attached to the bob axle so that rotation of the bob axle and the rotor presents a measurable deviation of the electrical field received by the electrical field receiver. A processor calculates the angle of displacement of the bob from that sine and cosine of the received electrical field and transmits readable output in the form of a sample viscosity value to a display.

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 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. The two measuring parts can be moved relative to each other and, in particular, be turned or pivoted, wherein the upper measuring part and/or the lower measuring part consist at least partially of ceramic material.

Abstract: A rheometer has a rotor comprising a shaft which is seated with play in a recess of a bearing block and is supported contact-free in a radial and/or axial direction by an external air cushion which acts in a bearing section. To provide for simple and inexpensive production of an air bearing having a high loading capacity, the wall of the recess in the bearing section is continuous without bore-holes, and consists of air-permeable material. The bearing air loads the side of the wall facing away from the shaft and penetrates through the wall.

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: A device is provided which determines the end of the processing 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 rotary rheometer has a measurement motor (1) rotating a measuring shaft (16) on which an upper, and in particular a plate-shaped or conical, measuring part (4) is fastened. A measuring gap (S) is formed between the first measuring part (4) and a rotationally fixed lower, preferably plate-shaped measuring part (5). The substance (12)—in particular fluid, gel, or the like—to be tested is introduced into the measuring gap (S). The width of the measuring gap (S) can be adjusted by displacing the two measuring parts (4, 5) relative to each other. A heating or tempering unit for the lower measuring part (5) is arranged below the lower measuring part (5). To heat or cool or temper the upper measuring part (4) at least one heat pump (24), and in particular at least one Peltier block, is provided by which heat can be supplied to or removed from the upper measuring part (4).

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.

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: A viscometer for sensing or characterizing the stress required to shear a fluid at a given rate includes a pair of members coaxially mounted for relative rotation. Between the members is an annular gap defining a flow path for the fluid. The flow path is configured such that during differential rotation of the members, fluid is caused to flow through the annular gap that is a function of the differential rotation and the viscosity of the fluid. A sensor measures the torque or torque equivalent required to achieve such differential rotation between the members.

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.

Abstract: Low heat-transmissible spindle for rotary viscometry includes an elongate, radially balanced, straight shaft made of a suitably stiff material having a low heat-transmission value, with a head monolithic with the shaft which can contact and interface with a test fluid to yield drag from the contact and interface when the spindle is rotated in the fluid; and a spindle coupling nut attached to the shaft opposite the head. For example, the shaft may be made of a woven glass fabric cylinder laminated with a synthetic resin, and the head made of stainless steel. A rotary viscometer can be equipped with the spindle, and fluid viscosity can be determined by employing the same in a rotary viscometric protocol, for example, ASTM D 2983.

Abstract: A viscometer for sensing or characterizing the stress required to shear a fluid at a given rate includes a pair of members coaxially mounted for relative rotation. Between the members is an annular gap defining a flow path for the fluid. The flow path is configured such that during differential rotation of the members, fluid is caused to flow through the annular gap that is a function of the differential rotation and the viscosity of the fluid. A sensor measures the torque or torque equivalent required to achieve such differential rotation between the members.

Abstract: A system and a method for generating die swell/draw down information for a profile extrusion die design. A rheometer having a slit die and a puller mechanism coupled thereto provide the die swell/draw down information of a polymer resin material in two dimensions—in the thickness direction and in the width direction. A processor uses the die swell/draw down information to generate a die design chart that contains representations of shear rate, draw rates, and thickness. A designer uses the die design charts to design a profile extrusion die.