Alpha Technologies Services, Inc.

Alpha Technologies Serevices LLC

Keith Buzek

Matthew S McMaster

Henry Pawlowski

William J Roblin, Iii

Michael R Stoller

Edward Norton

Andrew Grow

William Roblin

A test sample handling system for transporting test samples to a testing mechanism comprises a rotary sample holder including a carrier cylinder configured to rotate about a central rotational axis thereof and a carrier arm adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position. A carrier is configured to support one of the test samples and is removably coupled to the carrier cylinder. A lifter mechanism is adjustable between a lowered position and a raised position with the adjustment of the carrier arm from the retracted position to the extended position including a decoupling of the carrier from the carrier cylinder and a transporting of the carrier and the corresponding one of the samples to a position above the lifter mechanism. An adjustment of the lifter mechanism from the lowered position to the raised position includes a removal of the one of the samples from being supported by the carrier.

Test sample handling system with rotary carousel

A method and apparatus is disclosed for compensating for a reduction of die cavity pressure in a torsional rheometer caused by shrinkage of the test sample. In one embodiment, a compliant member is placed in series with load-bearing components of the rheometer. This compliant member deflects when pressure in the die cavity is reduced resulting in the die cavity becoming smaller to increase the pressure within the die cavity.

Torsional rheometer that maintains a more uniform cavity pressure

A viscometer arrangement includes a detection system for detecting the proper placement of a rotor. An optical detection system may be used to detect the presence of an obstruction between the upper and lower dies while the upper and lower dies are in an open position.

Viscometer with rotor detection

The present application relates generally to moving die rheometers, and more particularly to moving die rheometers that employ a variable eccentric cam. In one aspect, the eccentricity produced by the cam may be adjusted using shims of different thickness to alter the position of the post on the cam.

Variable eccentric cam rheometer system

The present application relates generally rheometers. In one aspect, misalignment of the air cylinder with respect to the cross-head is accommodated using a flexible coupling between the air cylinder and the cross-head so as to prevent binding and stuttering of the machine due to misalignment.

Rheometer system with decoupled cross-head

A rheometer die with a groove configuration for reducing sample slippage in a rheometer chamber is provided. The rheometer die includes a surface and at least one radial groove extending into the surface. The groove defines at least a portion of a sample-holding chamber constructed to hold a sample. The groove may include a first zone and a second zone with a transition zone therebetween. The groove may also include a substantially wedge-shaped portion with sidewalls which taper generally towards the center of the rheometer die such that imaginary extensions of the sidewalls intersect before reaching the center of the die. A plurality of grooves may extend into the rheometer die. The rheometer die may be incorporated into a rheometer for testing process characteristics of a material.

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Akron, OH, United States of America

Keith Buzek