Variable eccentric rheometer system
AssigneeTech Pro, Inc.
InventorsJohn B. Putman, Bradley J. Henry, Joseph G. Bulman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for testing polymeric samples is shown in which a polymer specimen is subjected to sinusoidal, oscillatory motion. The oscillatory motion is generated by the use of a continuously variable eccentric cam that is affixed to a drive shaft rotated by a motor. The amplitude of oscillation is determined by the eccentricity of the cam, and verified by measurement of angular deflection. The eccentricity of the cam can be altered, in one embodiment, through the manual manipulation of an adjustable nut, and, in another, automated embodiment, through the motion of the rotating motor. The eccentricity of the cam is continuously variable and can quickly be changed within a single test.
Claims8
An eccentric cam for use in oscillating rheometer systems wherein the eccentric cam is mounted on a drive shaft and attaches to an eccentric arm for converting rotary motion of the drive shaft into oscillatory motion at a polymer specimen die, which is operatively connected to the eccentric arm through a die shaft and drive plate, the eccentric cam comprising:
- a slide housing operatively connected to the drive shaft to rotate therewith such that said slide housing has a center axis of rotation;
- a slide screw mounted in said slide housing;
- a slide threaded on said slide screw and including a connector for attachment to the eccentric arm;
- and
- means for rotating said slide screw to move said slide and thereby change the position of said connector relative to the center axis of rotation of said slide housing.
A variable eccentric rheometer system comprising:
- a rotary drive shaft;
- a slide housing operatively connected to said rotary drive shaft to rotate therewith such that said slide housing has a center axis of rotation;
- a slide screw mounted in said slide housing;
- a slide threaded on said slide screw and including a connector;
- means for rotating said slide screw to move said slide and thereby change the position of said connector relative to the center axis of rotation of said slide housing;
- an eccentric arm having a first end and a second end, said first end fixed to said connecter of said slide by a bearing,
- a drive plate having a first end and second end, said first end of said drive plate fixed to said second end of said eccentric arm;
- a die shaft having a first end and a second end, said first end rigidly fixed to said second end of said drive plate;
- a die rigidly fixed to said second end of said die shaft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.