Thermomechanical analysis apparatus

Claim 2

In an apparatus for analyzing a sample material of the type wherein a surface of the material is subject to physical movement when a characteristic of the material varies, said apparatus having means including a vertically displaceable probe positioned in contact with the sample surface and movable with the surface for sensing and indicating variations in a characteristic of the sample, an improved means for supporting the probe at the sample surface and for exerting a substantially constant force on the sample throughout a range of displacement of the probe during analysis comprising a reservoir containing a fluid, a float body submerged in the fluid, a probe sensing means positioned outside of said fluid, and means coupling said float body to said probe sensing means for supporting the probe sensing means in contact with said sample surface by fluid- buoyant forces acting on said body.

Claim 3

In a thermomechanical analysis apparatus having a sample material support means, means for varying the temperature of the sample material over a range of temperatures, and probe sensing means including a vertically displaceable probe positioned in contact with said sample material for providing an indication of variations in the physical dimensions of said sample as the temperature of the sample is varied, the improvement for supporting the probe in contact with said sample and providing a substantially constant force on the sample over a range of displacements of said probe during analysis comprising a reservoir containing a fluid, means for mounting said reservoir in a stationary position near said probe, a float body submerged in the fluid, means coupling said float body to said probe for supporting the probe in contact with said sample material by fluid-buoyant force acting on the float body, and adjustable means for establishing said force on said sample material.

Claim 4

In a thermomechanical analysis apparatus having a sample material support means, means for varying the temperature of the sample material over a range of temperatures, and probe sensing means including a vertically displaceable probe positioned in contact with said sample material for providing an indication of variations in the physical dimensions of said sample as the temperature of the sample is varied, the improvement for supporting the probe in contact with said sample and providing a substantially constant force on the sample over a range of displacements of said probe during analysis comprising a reservoir containing a fluid, means for mounting said reservoir in a stationary position near said probe, a float body submerged in the fluid, means coupling said float body to said probe for supporting the probe in contact with said sample material by fluid-buoyant force acting on the float body, and adjustable means for establishing said force on said sample material.

Claim 5

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said fluid comprises a liquid and said reservoir comprises an annular body extending about said probe.

Claim 6

The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said float body comprises an annular body positioned in said reservoir.

Claim 7

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said adjustable means establishes a force on said sample substantially equal to a weightless condition for said probe.

Claim 8

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said adjustable means established a force on said sample greater than zero.

Claim 9

In a thermomechanical analysis apparatus having a sample material support means, means for varying the temperature of the sample material over a range of temperatures, and probe sensing means including a vertically displaceable probe adapted to be supported in contact with said sample material for providing an indication of variations in the physical dimensions of said sample as the temperature of the sample is varied, the improvement for supporting the probe in contact with said sample and for causing the probe to exert a substantially constant force on the sample over a range of displacements of said probe during analysis comprising an annular-shaped reservoir mounted in a fixed position with respect to the probe and extending about the probe, said reservoir containing a liquid, a float body positioned in the liquid, said float body having a volume and density with relation to said liquid for supporting said probe out of contact with the sample material under analysis when the float is partially submerged in said fluid, and loading means coupled to said probe for adjustably iNcreasing the effective weight of said probe for causing the float body to submerge in said fluid and to contact said sample material and exert a desired force on said material.

Claim 10

In a thermomechanical analysis apparatus having a sample material support means, means for varying the temperature of the sample material over a range of temperatures, and probe sensing means including a vertically displaceable probe adapted to be supported in contact with said sample material for providing an indication of variations in the physical dimensions of said sample as the temperature of the sample is varied, the improvement for supporting the probe in contact with said sample and for causing the probe to exert a substantially constant force on the sample over a range of displacements of said probe during analysis comprising an annular-shaped reservoir mounted in a fixed position with respect to the probe and extending about the probe, said reservoir containing a liquid, a float body positioned in the liquid, said float body having a volume and density with relation to said liquid for supporting said probe out of contact with the sample material under analysis when the float is partially submerged in said fluid, and loading means coupled to said probe for adjustably iNcreasing the effective weight of said probe for causing the float body to submerge in said fluid and to contact said sample material and exert a desired force on said material.

Claim 11

The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said means for submerging said float body comprises a platform coupled to said probe and adapted for receiving weights for controlling the extent of submersion of said body.

Claim 12

The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said reservoir comprises a torroidally shaped body having an aperture centrally located therein through which said probe extends and said float body comprises a torroidally shaped body positioned in said reservoir.

Claim 13

The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said probe is vertically oriented said means for coupling said float body to said probe includes at least one member secured to said float body and extending vertically upward away from said float body and toward said probe.