Parallel plate system for collecting data used to determine viscosity

US8490470B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• William Kaukler · Huntsville, US
• Edwin C. Ethridge · Huntsville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 29, 2009
• Grant date: Jul 23, 2013
• Expiry date: Dec 4, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N11/142
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A parallel-plate system collects data used to determine viscosity. A first plate is coupled to a translator so that the first plate can be moved along a first direction. A second plate has a pendulum device coupled thereto such that the second plate is suspended above and parallel to the first plate. The pendulum device constrains movement of the second plate to a second direction that is aligned with the first direction and is substantially parallel thereto. A force measuring device is coupled to the second plate for measuring force along the second direction caused by movement of the second plate.