Hinged closure for gas density gauge

Abstract

The device includes a housing having an access opening, a swing arm mounted to the housing and configured to be selectively pivoted toward and away from the access opening, and a closure captured by the swing arm. The closure can be configured to be selectively moved in a generally vertical motion relative to the swing arm between a retracted position and an inserted position at least partially within the access opening, and can have a locking feature for cooperating with an engagement feature in the device to move the closure into a closed and sealed configuration.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 305,295, filed February 1, 2022, and entitled "HINGED CLOSURE FOR GAS PYCNOMETER," which application is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Technical field) In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a hinged closure for a measurement device, and more particularly to a hinged closure for a gas specific gravity meter or gas adsorption analyzer (referred to herein as a specific gravity measuring device), the hinged closure having features configured to facilitate efficient closing and sealing of the specific gravity measuring device. Other aspects are also described. [Background technology]

[0003] (background) Gas pycnometers are used to non-destructively measure the volume of various materials, such as powders, slurries, porous materials, etc., and determine their various properties, such as the true density of the material being measured; similarly, gas sorption analyzers are used to non-destructively measure the amount of fluid that can be adsorbed by powders and porous materials. In general, the operation of a pycnometer device can include placing a sample in a sample chamber of known volume, sealing the sample chamber, and containing a gas (e.g., an inert gas such as nitrogen or helium). Once an equilibrium condition is reached in the sample chamber, the inlet of the sample chamber is closed and the gas is allowed to flow into a reference chamber, which has a known, highly accurate internal volume. The sample solid volume can be determined / calculated using the pressure observed in response to filling the sample chamber and the pressure observed after releasing the gas into the reference chamber. Furthermore, the sample mass can be divided by the measured solid volume of the sample to determine the density of the sample.

[0004] A specific gravity measuring device generally includes a closure that can be removed to provide access to the sample chamber for inserting or removing a sample, and the closure can be locked in place and seal the sample chamber so that the sample chamber can be pressurized. However, after removal, most such removable closures are either held in the user's hand or placed on a surface while loading or removing a sample, creating a risk of contamination of the sealing features of the closure, for example, by small particles or other contaminants that collect on the sealing surface, which may interfere with the formation of a proper seal of the closure and / or cause deterioration of the sealing features. Thus, there is a need for a closure for a specific gravity measuring device that is simple and efficient to operate without risking contamination of the sealing features of the closure due to surface transfer.

[0005] SUMMARY Thus, the present disclosure is directed to embodiments of specific gravity measuring devices and closures for specific gravity measuring devices that address the above-mentioned and other related and unrelated problems in the related art. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (summary) Briefly, the present disclosure includes systems and methods for opening and closing / sealing a chamber in a device, such as a gas pycnometer or gas sorption analyzer. In some aspects, the device can include a closure captured by a swing arm. The swing arm can be mounted to a housing of the device by a hinge such that the swing arm and the captured closure can pivot between a closed configuration and an open configuration. A bearing can be engaged between the closure and the swing arm to facilitate moving the closure along its axis between a retracted position and an inserted and closed position. The closure can be moved to the retracted position during pivoting of the swing arm, and the swing arm is configured to help align the closure with the access opening of the device and the engagement features and sealing surfaces of the device while the closure is moved linearly (e.g., vertically) between the retracted position and the inserted position.

[0007] In an additional aspect, the closure can include a locking feature that cooperates with an engaging feature within the interior of the device to move the closure into sealing engagement with a sealing surface within the device and to secure the closure in a closed and sealed configuration.

[0008] It is also envisioned that, optionally, the bearing may be spring loaded or otherwise biased to provide the closure with a generally vertical movement when above the sealing surface of the device. The bearing may allow rotational movement of the closure relative to the opening of the device via the swing arm during engagement and / or disengagement between the locking feature of the closure and the engagement feature of the device. In the open configuration, with the swing arm pivoted away from the access opening, the swing arm may hold the closure away from potentially contaminated surfaces, freeing the user's hands during loading and / or unloading of samples into or from the device. A single hinge may be utilized to pivot the closure via the swing arm to a closed position, where the closure intuitively engages against the sealing surface of the device.

[0009] Thus, in one aspect, the disclosure is directed to a device, such as a specific gravity measuring device. The device can include a housing having an access opening, a swing arm mounted to the housing by a hinge, the swing arm configured to be selectively pivoted toward and away from the access opening, and a closure captured by the swing arm. The closure is configured to be selectively moved relative to the swing arm between a retracted position and an inserted position at least partially within the access opening, and can have a locking feature for cooperating with an engagement feature within the device to move the closure into a closed and sealed configuration. In an embodiment, the swing arm can have a variable length to accommodate movement of the closure to its closed position, engaging a sealing surface for devices with different size sample chambers, such as, but not limited to, 1 cc sample size chambers up to 100 cc sample size chambers.

[0010] Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a method of closing a device, such as a specific gravity measuring device. The method can include pivoting a swing arm about a hinge toward an access opening in a housing of the device, with a closure being captured by the swing arm. The method can further include moving the closure from a retracted position relative to the swing arm to an inserted and / or closed position with the closure at least partially received within the access opening, and biasing the closure in a generally vertical motion such that a locking feature of the closure is brought into engagement with an engagement feature in the device, moving the closure to a closed and sealed configuration. Additionally, the disclosure can include a method of opening the device.

[0011] In one optional aspect, the specific gravity measuring device can include a housing having an access opening and a swing arm mounted to the housing by a hinge, such that the swing arm is configured to be selectively pivoted toward and away from the access opening. In this aspect, the specific gravity measuring device can further include a closure captured by the swing arm, such that the closure is configured to be selectively moved relative to the swing arm between a retracted position and an inserted position, at least partially within the access opening.

[0012] In various aspects, the closure in this example can include a locking feature configured to cooperate with an engagement feature extending at least partially within the housing when the closure is moved into the closed and sealed configuration. In this exemplary aspect, the locking feature of the closure can include a cam plate, and the engagement feature extending at least partially within the housing can include a cam follower extending within a locking recess in the housing, the cam follower cooperating with the cam plate to facilitate moving a sealing portion of the closure into sealing contact with a periphery of a sample chamber of the specific gravity measuring device when the closure is moved into the closed and sealed configuration.

[0013] In this exemplary aspect, the swing arm can be mounted to the housing by a hinge and can include a support cylinder configured to engage the closure portion, a support flange projecting outwardly from the support cylinder, and a hinge extension extending from the support flange and / or the support cylinder to the hinge.

[0014] In this exemplary aspect, the closure may further include a closure shaft configured to be at least partially received within the support cylinder. In this aspect, it is contemplated that bearings may be mounted between the support cylinder and the closure shaft to facilitate or otherwise enable selective linear and / or rotational movement of the closure shaft relative to the support cylinder.

[0015] In this exemplary aspect, the specific gravity measuring device can further include an isolation block extending at least partially into the housing. In this aspect, the engagement feature can define at least a locking recess extending at least partially into the housing for complementary receipt of the locking feature of the closure. Optionally, the closure can further include a seal plate that can be configured to seal at least partially against the isolation block such that the locking recess is at least partially sealed when the closure is positioned in the closed and sealed configuration.

[0016] In one optional aspect, the specific gravity measuring device can be operated by a) pivoting the swing arm about a hinge toward an access opening in a housing of the device such that the closure is captured by the swing arm, and b) moving the closure from a retracted position relative to the swing arm to an inserted and / or closed position with the closure at least partially received within the access opening. In this operational aspect, the closure can be biased in a generally vertical motion such that a locking feature on the closure can be brought into engagement with an engagement feature in the device to move the closure to a closed and sealed configuration.

[0017] The specific gravity measuring device can be operated by moving the closure from an insertion position to a closed and sealed position by engaging the cam follower with the cam plate and rotating at least the cam plate such that engagement between the cam follower and the cam plate moves a sealing portion of the closure into sealing contact around a sample chamber of the specific gravity measuring device. It is envisioned that in the engaged state, movement of the closure from a retracted position to an insertion and / or closed position will bring the seal plate into at least partial sealing contact with an isolation block extending at least partially within the housing to at least partially seal the locking recess.

[0018] Still other aspects and advantages of these and other embodiments are discussed in detail herein. It should also be understood that both the foregoing information and the following detailed description are merely intended to provide illustrative examples of the various aspects and embodiments and to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein. Thus, these and other objects, in addition to the advantages and features of the present disclosure disclosed herein, will become apparent through the following description and reference to the accompanying drawings. It should also be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and may exist in various combinations and permutations. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments discussed herein. No attempt is made to show structural details of the present disclosure in more detail than may be necessary for a basic understanding of the exemplary embodiments discussed herein and the various ways in which they may be practiced. In accordance with common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. The dimensions of the various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure. The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 and 2 are schematic isometric views of a specific gravity measuring device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 and 2 are schematic isometric views of a specific gravity measuring device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a schematic isometric view of a portion of the specific gravity measuring device of FIGS. 1 and 2 in an unassembled configuration.

[0022] [Figure 3B] 3B and 3C are schematic isometric views of a portion of the swing arm hinge mount of the specific gravity measuring device of FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 3C] 3B and 3C are schematic isometric views of a portion of the swing arm hinge mount of the specific gravity measuring device of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0023] [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are schematic isometric views of the swing arm of the swing arm hinge mount of FIG. 3B engaging with the closure of the specific gravity measuring device of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

[0024] [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the closure of FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0025] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic isometric view of a chamber block of the specific gravity measuring device of FIGS.

[0026] [Figure 7A] 7A and 7B are schematic cross-sectional views of the specific gravity measuring device of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. [Figure 7B] 7A and 7B are schematic cross-sectional views of the specific gravity measuring device of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

[0027] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the specific gravity measuring device of FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating the closing operation of the closure of FIGS. 4A and 4B, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of the closure of FIGS. 4A and 4B moved into an insert sealing position within a chamber of the specific gravity measuring device of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are schematic isometric views of a closure according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the closure of FIGS. 10A and 10B.

[0031] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic isometric view of a chamber block according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] [Figure 13A] 13A and 13B are schematic cross-sectional views of the closure of FIGS. 10A and 10B and the chamber block of FIG. 12 assembled into a specific gravity measuring device according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13B] 13A and 13B are schematic cross-sectional views of the closure of FIGS. 10A and 10B and the chamber block of FIG. 12 assembled into a specific gravity measuring device according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] [Figure 14] 14A and 14B are schematic isometric views of a closure according to a further alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the closure of FIGS. 14A and 14B.

[0035] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic isometric view of a chamber block according to a further alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] [Figure 17A] 17A and 17B are schematic cross-sectional views of the closure of FIGS. 14A and 14B and the chamber block of FIG. 16 assembled into a specific gravity measuring device according to a further alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17B]17A and 17B are schematic cross-sectional views of the closure of FIGS. 14A and 14B and the chamber block of FIG. 16 assembled into a specific gravity measuring device according to a further alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] [Figure 18] 18A and 18B are schematic cross-sectional views of the closure of FIGS. 14A and 14B being moved relative to the chamber block of FIG. 16 according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] [Figure 19] 19A and 19B are perspective views of a specific gravity measuring device with an alternative closure according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] [Figure 20] 20A-21B are perspective views illustrating the insertion and closure of the closure of FIGS. 19A and 19B with a specific gravity measuring device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] 20A-21B are perspective views illustrating the insertion and closure of the closure of FIGS. 19A and 19B with a specific gravity measuring device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] (Detailed Description) The present invention can be more readily understood by referring to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, as well as their preceding and subsequent descriptions. However, before the present device, system, and / or method are disclosed and described, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific device, system, and / or method disclosed, unless otherwise specified, and therefore, of course, may vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing certain aspects only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0041] The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention in its best currently known embodiment. To achieve this goal, those skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to various aspects of the invention described herein and still obtain the beneficial results of the invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the invention without utilizing other features. Thus, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the invention are possible and may even be desirable in certain circumstances and are part of the invention. Thus, the following description is provided as an illustration of the principles of the invention, and not as a limitation thereon.

[0042] As used throughout, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a "cam follower" can include two or more such fixed cam followers unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0043] Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, the other aspect includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values ​​are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms the other aspect. It will be further understood that each of the endpoints of the ranges is significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0044] As used herein, the term "optional" or "optionally" means that the event or circumstance described subsequently may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances in which the event or circumstance occurs and instances in which it does not occur.

[0045] The word "or" as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. Furthermore, it should be noted that conditional language such as "can," "could," "might," or "can," among others, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include certain features, elements, and / or steps while other aspects do not, unless specifically stated otherwise or understood otherwise within the context as used. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are required in any manner for one or more particular aspects, or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for determining whether those features, elements, and / or steps are to be included or implemented in any particular embodiment, with or without user input or prompting.

[0046] The phraseology and terminology used herein are for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As used herein, the term "plurality" refers to two or more items or components. The terms "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," and "involving," whether within the written description or claims and equivalents, are open-ended terms, i.e., mean "including but not limited to." Thus, the use of such terms is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, and their equivalents, as well as additional items. The transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially Only "consisting essentially of" is a closed or semi-closed transitional phrase, respectively, for any claim. The use of ordinal terms such as "first," "second," "third," and the like in the claims to modify claim elements does not, in and of itself, imply any priority, precedence, or ordering of a claim element relative to another or the chronological order in which the method acts are performed therein, but is merely used as a label to distinguish a claim element having a certain name from another element having the same name (except for the use of the ordinal terms) and to distinguish the claim elements.

[0047] Disclosed are components that can be used to implement the disclosed methods and systems. It should be understood that these and other components are disclosed herein, and that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed, specific references to each of the various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these may not be expressly disclosed, but are each specifically contemplated and described herein for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this application, including, but not limited to, steps in the disclosed methods. Thus, if there are various additional steps that can be implemented, it should be understood that each of these additional steps can be implemented with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

[0048] The present method and system may be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the examples and figures contained therein and their preceding and subsequent descriptions.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a specific gravity measuring device (e.g., a gas specific gravity meter or gas adsorption analyzer) 100 in an open configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the specific gravity measuring device 100 can include an upper housing 102 mounted to a lower housing 104, an access opening 106 in the upper housing 102, and a closure 108 mounted to the upper housing 102 and captured by a swing arm hinge mount 110. As shown in FIG. 1, a user interface feature (e.g., a touch screen S or another interface) can be positioned along the upper housing 102. Alternatively, the interface feature can be located on the specific gravity measuring device 100 differently. In the open configuration of FIG. 1, the closure 108 and the swing arm hinge mount 110 are pivoted away from the access opening 106 such that at least a portion of the interior 112 of the specific gravity measuring device 100 is accessible through the access opening 106. As shown in FIG. 2, the closure portion 108 and swing arm hinge mount 110 can be pivoted toward the access opening 106 to move the specific gravity measuring device 100 into an insertion, closed, or sealed configuration, as described in more detail below.

[0050] In an embodiment, the swing arm hinge mount 110 is shown in an unassembled configuration in Figures 3A and 3B and includes a swing arm 120, a hinge mounting bracket 122, and a pivot rod 124. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the swing arm 120 can include a support cylinder 128, a support flange 130 extending outwardly from a base of the support cylinder 128, and a hinge extension 132 extending from the support flange 130. In an embodiment, the hinge extension 132, the hinge mounting bracket 122, and the pivot rod 124 can cooperate to form a hinge 134 about which the swing arm 120 can pivot (Figures 1-4). As shown in Figure 3B, the hinge extension 132 can include one or more protrusions 136. Although three protrusions are shown in this embodiment, any suitable number of protrusions 136 can be used. As shown, the protrusion 136 includes an opening 138 that receives the pivot rod 124 (FIGS. 4B and 5). The hinge mounting bracket 122 can include two latch portions 140, or any suitable number of latch portions 140, each with a groove for receiving a respective portion of the pivot rod 124 (e.g., FIG. 3C).

[0051] When assembled, the hinge mounting bracket 122 is mounted to the exterior surface of the upper housing 102 ( FIG. 3C ) by suitable fasteners (not shown) or the like, the swing arm 120 is positioned over the hinge mounting bracket 122 such that the hinge mounting bracket is at least partially received within the recess 142 of the hinge extension 132 of the swing arm 120, and the latch portion 140 of the hinge mounting bracket 122 is at least partially received between the protrusions 136 of the hinge extension 132 such that the groove of the latch portion 140 is aligned with the opening 138 in the protrusion 136. A pivot rod 124 can be inserted into the opening 138 and under the groove of the latch portion 140 so that the swing arm 120 is coupled to the hinge mounting bracket 122 via the pivot pin 124 and the swing arm 120 can pivot about the pivot pin 124 relative to the hinge mounting bracket 122 and the upper housing 102.

[0052] In an embodiment, the receiving element 144 is mounted to the upper housing 122 around the access opening 106. The receiving element 144 may include a cutout 146 that is aligned with the access opening 106, the hinge extension 132, and the hinge 134 such that the support flange 130 and the hinge extension 132 of the swing arm 120 are at least partially received in the cutout 146 when the swing arm 120 is pivoted to a closed position (FIG. 2). The swing arm 120 is configured to have a compact length that allows sufficient vertical travel / movement of the closure 108 to insert into and seal the specific gravity measuring device 100 while allowing the closure to be pivoted in a relatively short movement. In the assembled configuration, the hinge 134 is located between two faces 148 of the receiving element 144 along the cutout 146 such that the faces 148 at least partially retain the pivot pin 124 in the opening 138 (FIG. 3A). In one exemplary embodiment, the swing arm hinge mount 110 can have a hinge length (e.g., the distance between the center of the hinge 134 and the center / axis of the support cylinder 128) of about 2 inches to 3 inches (e.g., about 2.94 inches), although other lengths can also be provided in light of the sample container size of the specific gravity measuring device. For example, the hinge arm can have a length that can vary in relation to the size of the sample chamber of the specific gravity measuring device, and thus the hinge arm can have a length that can vary between about 0.5 inches to 1 inch and about 10 inches for sample chambers ranging from 0.01 cc to about 2,000 cc. The swing arm hinge mount 110, hinge 134, and / or receiving element can be otherwise positioned, shaped, arranged, and / or configured without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0053] 4A-5 show the closure 108 assembled with the swing arm 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure 108 can include a bayonet cap that fits over a knob or handle 160, an upper mounting plate 162 that is mounted to the interior of the handle 160 by suitable fasteners (not shown), a cap shaft or closure shaft 164 that is mounted to the upper mounting plate 162 at the top end of the closure shaft 164 by suitable fasteners (not shown), and a lower mounting plate 166 that is mounted to the bottom end of the closure shaft 164 by suitable fasteners (not shown). As shown in FIG. 5, the upper mounting plate 162 can include two or more holes 162a (e.g., but not limited to, countersinks) that are aligned with respective bores 162b in the top end of the closure shaft 164 such that fasteners can be received through the holes 162a and bores 164a to secure the upper mounting plate 162 to the closure shaft 164. Similarly, the lower mounting plate 166 may include two or more holes 166a (e.g., without limitation, countersinks) that are aligned with respective bores 166b in the bottom end of the closure shaft 164 such that fasteners can be received through the holes 166a and bores 166b to secure the lower mounting plate 166 to the closure shaft 164.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5, the closure shaft 164 can extend through a central opening 168 in the support cylinder 128 of the swing arm 120, with the upper mounting plate 162 located above the support cylinder 128 and the lower mounting plate 166 located below the support cylinder 128. In an embodiment, one or both of the mounting plates 162, 166 can be secured to the closure shaft 164 after the closure shaft 164 is positioned in the support cylinder 128, such that the closure shaft 164 is captured in the support cylinder 128 between the mounting plates 162, 166. As shown in FIG. 5, a bearing 170 can be mounted within the central opening 168 between the support cylinder 128 and the closure shaft 164. The bearing 170 can be configured to allow the closure shaft 164 to rotate within the support cylinder 128 and translate relative to the support cylinder 128 along the axis A of the support cylinder 128 (FIG. 5). In an exemplary embodiment, bearing 170 can be a linear plain bearing, any suitable variation of a bronze sleeve bearing (e.g., but not limited to, oil-embedded, PTFE-embedded, graphite, and the like), any suitable type of sleeve bearing, or any other suitable bearing or bushing.

[0055] 5, the handle 160 can include an inner guide wall 172 that is axially aligned with the closure shaft 164 and extends along the exterior surface of the support cylinder 128. In an embodiment, the closure 108 can move axially relative to the swing arm 120 with the closure shaft 164 sliding along the interior of the bearing 170 and the inner guide wall 172 of the handle 160 sliding along the exterior surface of the support cylinder 128. In one exemplary embodiment, the closure 108 and swing arm 120 can be configured such that the closure 108 can travel approximately a desired distance, such as, for example, but not limited to, about 0.67 inches (e.g., about 0.25 inches to about 0.70 inches) or any suitable distance.

[0056] As shown in Figures 4A-5, the closure 108 can include a locking feature that cooperates with an engagement feature in a chamber block 180 located inside the specific gravity measuring device 100. For example, as shown in Figures 6-7B, the chamber block 180 can include a locking recess 182 that extends around the sample chamber 184. In an embodiment, the chamber block 180 can also at least partially define a reference chamber 186 (Figures 7A and 7B). As shown in Figures 1, 7A, and 7B, an isolation block 188 can be mounted between the upper housing 102 and the chamber block 180 and can include a cutout that is aligned with the locking recess 182 to provide clearance for the closure 108. In an embodiment, the chamber block 180 can be aluminum or any other suitable material, and the isolation block 188 can be closed cell foam or any other suitable material.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking features of the closure 108 and the engagement features in the chamber block 180 are configured as a bayonet joint, which in an exemplary embodiment has the advantage of being self-aligning and can allow a user to quickly and precisely close and seal the device using one hand and less than a full turn of the closure 108, for example, but not limited to, rotating the closure through about 120° to 260°, in embodiments, through about 130°, or, optionally, through about ⅓ to ½ of a turn.

[0058] In particular, it is envisioned that the closure may include a spring-loaded or otherwise biased fitting configured to provide a generally vertical movement to the locking and sealing features of the closure, allowing these features to be moved into seating engagement with the access opening 106 once the closure is pivoted by the swing arm to its closed position. A bayonet-type fitting also provides a repeatable and simple operation to move the closure 108 to a predefined location relative to the chamber block 180 without the need to align fiducial marks. Thus, a bayonet fitting (e.g., but not limited to, an O-ring, gasket, or the like) can help to avoid overtightening of the sealing features, which may lead to premature failure of the sealing features, and can help to avoid undertightening of the sealing features, which may lead to improper sealing. The consistent and proper compression of the sealing features provided by the bayonet-style fitting can improve the accuracy of specific gravity measurements by the specific gravity measuring device 100, such as by reducing user error during operation of the device. In alternative embodiments, the closure 108 can be releasably coupled to the chamber block 180 to seal the sample chamber 184 by threaded engagement or any other suitable connection.

[0059] As shown in Figures 4A-5, the bayonet style locking feature of the closure 108 can include a cam plate 190 mounted on the underside of the lower mounting plate 166 opposite the closure shaft 164. For example, the cam plate 190 can include two holes 190a (Figure 4B) that align with respective holes 190b (Figure 4A) in the lower mounting plate 166, such that the cam plate 190 can be secured to the lower mounting plate 166 via holes 190a, 190b by suitable fasteners (not shown). As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the cam plate 190 can include two spaced apart ramps 192 extending along an exterior of the cam plate 190, each of which extends from a respective cutout 194 to a respective stop feature 196. The ramp 192 can be tapered such that it is narrower than the cutout 194 and gets progressively thicker toward the stop feature 196. As shown in Figures 4B and 5, the cam plate 190 can extend around the axial bore 198 to receive a sealing feature of the closure portion 108, as described in more detail below.

[0060] 6 and 7A, the chamber block 180 may include two cam followers 210 mounted opposite one another on the inner wall 212 of the locking recess 182. For example, the cam followers 210 may each include a needle bearing or other suitable bearing or bushing mounted on a respective bearing pin secured in a respective bore 214 of the chamber block 180. In an embodiment, the cam followers may be sized to fit within the cam plate 190 through the cutout 194 as the cam plate 190 is inserted into the locking recess 182. The cam followers 210 may move (e.g., roll along) the tapered cam surfaces of the respective ramps 192 as the cam plate 190 is rotated about its axis within the locking recess 182. In an exemplary embodiment, the stop feature 196 of the ramp 194 can be recessed and / or angled or otherwise shaped relative to the remainder of the cam surface of the ramp 194 to help hold the respective cam follower 210 in place when the cam follower 210 engages the respective stop feature 196. Thus, the ramp 194 and the stop feature 196 can cooperate with the cam follower 210 to releasably lock the closure 108 in a closed and sealed position relative to the chamber block 180.

[0061] 4B and 5, the sealing feature of the closure 108 can include a chamber seal cap 220 that is located at least partially within the axial bore 198 of the cam plate 190. In an embodiment, the chamber seal cap 220 can include a groove 222 in its bottom surface that retains an O-ring 224 (or a gasket or other suitable sealing feature). As shown in FIG. 5, the chamber seal cap 220 can include a flange 226 extending outwardly from the chamber seal cap 220, and the axial bore 198 can have a shoulder 228 extending below the flange 226 such that the chamber seal cap 220 is captured between the shoulder 228 and the lower mounting plate 166. A spring 230 or other suitable biasing member can be positioned about an axial protrusion 232 of the chamber seal cap 220. 5, the spring 230 can be captured between the lower mounting plate 166 and the chamber seal cap 220 and can be configured to bias the chamber seal cap 220 downwardly and away from the lower mounting plate 166 in a generally vertical movement such that the flange 226 is biased toward the shoulder 228. As shown in FIGS. 6-7B, the chamber block 180 can include a sealing surface 234 that extends between the sample chamber 184 and the locking recess 182. Thus, the spring 230 can bias the chamber seal cap 220 downwardly toward the sealing surface 234 such that the O-ring 224 is compressed between the chamber seal cap 220 and the sealing surface 234 to seal the sample chamber 184 when the closure 108 is in the closed configuration.

[0062] In operation, the closure 108 can be moved from the open configuration of FIG. 1 to a closed and sealed configuration (e.g., FIGS. 2, 7A, and 7B), such as after loading a sample (not shown) into the sample chamber 184, by pivoting the swing arm 120 about the hinge 134 with the closure 108 toward the access opening 106 ( FIG. 8 ). As shown in FIG. 8 , the closure 108 can be retracted relative to the swing arm 120 with the lower mounting plate 166 positioned against the underside of the flange 130 and the handle 160 moved away from the flange 130. The retracted position of the closure 108 can provide clearance between the closure 108 and the chamber block 180 and / or other features in and around the access opening 106 as a portion of the closure 108 is moved into the access opening 106. Once the swing arm 120 has been rotated to move the closure portion toward its closed position and at least partially received within the cutout 146 of the receiving element 144, the closure portion 108 can be urged downward into the opening 106 and rotated until the cutout 194 of the cam plate 190 is aligned with the cam follower 210 in the locking recess 182 and the closure portion 108 can be moved from the retracted position to an inserted position in which the cam follower 210 is at least partially received within the cutout 194 adjacent the individual ramp portion 192.

[0063] In an embodiment, as the closure is moved from a retracted position to an insertion position (e.g., as shown diagrammatically in Figs. 8 and 9), the closure shaft 164 can slide along the bearing 170 and the inner guide wall 172 of the handle 160 slides along the support cylinder 128. The closure is thus permitted to be moved in a substantially smooth motion, substantially ensuring that the closure is presented to the access opening of the closure block along a horizontal seal plane while moving in a vertical direction. Such motion is further accomplished as a one-step movement, allowing for a substantially vertical presentation and insertion of the closure into the access opening, without necessarily requiring multiple steps or actions to move the closure along a substantially arcuate path of travel.

[0064] In the exemplary embodiment, the user can then pivot the handle 160 to rotate the closure 108 with the closure shaft 164 rotating past the interior of the bearing 170. As the closure 108 pivots, the ramp 192 of the cam plate 190 moves toward and engages the cam follower 210, which then moves (e.g., rolls) along the cam surface of the ramp 192 until the cam follower 210 engages the stop feature 196 (e.g., a recess and / or angled stop feature and / or stop wall of the cam plate 190), making it more difficult or impossible to rotate the closure 108 and providing feedback to the user that the appropriate stop point has been reached. In operation, as the ramp 192 moves relative to the cam follower 210, the cam plate 190 is forced downwardly toward the chamber block 180 (e.g., as the ramp 192 becomes thicker closer to the stop feature 196, the cam surface of the ramp 192 moves progressively closer to the lower mounting plate 166). Because the cam plate 190 is coupled to the lower mounting plate 166, it should be appreciated that the downward pressure on the cam plate 190 by the cam follower 210 in the chamber block 180 causes the lower mounting plate 166 (and the remainder of the closure portion 108) to move downwardly toward the chamber block 180. This downward movement of the lower mounting plate 166 applies downward pressure on the chamber seal cap 220 via the spring 230, which thus presses the O-ring 224 against the sealing surface 234 of the chamber block 180 with the appropriate amount of pressure to seal the sample chamber 184. In an embodiment, the engagement of the cam follower 210 and the stop feature 196 can help retain the closure 108 in the closed position.

[0065] The closure 108 can be moved to the open position by pivoting the handle 160 in the opposite direction, disengaging the cam follower 210 from the stop feature 196, and rotating the closure 108 until the cam follower 210 is aligned with the cutout 194 in the cam plate 190. The closure 108 can then be moved axially relative to the support cylinder 128 and bearing 170 from the inserted position to a retracted position (e.g., moved from the inserted position as shown in FIG. 9 to a retracted, open position, pivoted outward and away from the sample chamber as shown in FIG. 8). Once the closure 108 is in the retracted position, the closure 108 and swing arm 120 can be pivoted upwardly and away from the access opening 106 (FIGS. 1 and 8).

[0066] In an embodiment, advantages of the present disclosure include that the swing arm hinge mount 110 can help retain the closure 108 when in an open configuration, freeing the user's hands and avoiding contamination of the O-ring 124 during loading and / or unloading of the sample chamber 184. In an exemplary embodiment, once the swing arm 120 is in place in the closed position, linear movement of the closure 108 within the swing arm hinge mount 110 (e.g., axial movement of the closure shaft 164 within the support cylinder 128) enabled by the bearings 170 facilitates efficient closure of the specific gravity measuring device 100. For example, the closure 108 can be a bayonet style closure that is pivoted about the hinge 134 together with the swing arm 120 with the closure 108 in the retracted position, so that features of the closure 108 are positioned out of the way until the swing arm 120 is moved to its closed position. Another advantage is that the support cylinder 128 of the swing arm 120 holds the closure 108 in place (e.g., vertically oriented and aligned with the locking recess 182 and sealing surface 234 of the chamber block 180) during closing and sealing and / or opening of the closure. This can help avoid errors and wear on parts that may be caused by a user who may insert the closure at an improper angle, for example, if the closure was not supported and guided by the swing arm 120.

[0067] 10A-11 show a closure 308 for a specific gravity measuring device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, which is generally similar to the previous embodiment, except for the variations described and those that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, similar or identical features of the present embodiment are given similar or similar reference numbers. As shown in FIG. 10A-11, the closure 308 can have locking and / or sealing features for a specific gravity measuring device with an alternatively scaled or sized sample chamber 384 (e.g., larger, see FIG. 12-13B). For example, but not limited to, the sample chamber 184 (FIG. 6-7B) of the previous embodiment can have a volume of about 10 cubic centimeters (e.g., about 10 cc), and the sample chamber 384 of FIG. 12-13B can have a volume of about 100 cubic centimeters (e.g., about 100 cc). It is contemplated that other sized sample chambers may also be used, including, but not limited to, sample chambers having volumes ranging from about 0.01 cc to about 2,000 cc.

[0068] 12, the chamber block 380 can have a sealing surface 434 with a larger diameter that extends around the larger sample chamber 384, and the locking recess 382 of the chamber block 380 can be larger to accommodate the larger sealing surface 434 and sample chamber 384. In an embodiment, the lower mounting plate 366, cam plate 390, and chamber seal cap 420 can be proportionally larger relative to the closure shaft 164 and handle 160, and swing arm 130 of the closure 308 than the lower mounting plate 166, cam plate 190, and chamber seal cap 220 of the previous embodiment. Thus, the cam plate 390 is sized to cooperate with the larger locking recess 382, ​​and the chamber seal cap 420 is sized to hold a larger O-ring 424 that engages and forms a seal with the sealing surface 434 when the closure 308 is in the closed and sealed position (FIGS. 13A and 13B).

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the cam plate 390 can include four holes 390a that align with respective holes 390b in the lower mounting plate 366, such that the cam plate 390 can be secured to the lower mounting plate 366 via holes 390a, 390b by suitable fasteners (not shown). In an embodiment, multiple fasteners can provide a more secure bond between the lower mounting plate 366 and the larger cam plate 390. As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the isolation block 388 can have a larger cutout than the isolation block 188 of the previous embodiment to accommodate the cam plate 390 and lower mounting plate 366 during opening and closing of the closure 308. In an embodiment, the closure 308 can be moved from an open configuration to a closed and sealed configuration and can be unsealed and opened in a similar or same manner as the closure 108 of the previous embodiment.

[0070] 14A-15 show a closure 508 of a specific gravity measuring device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, which is generally similar to the previous embodiment, except for the variations described and those that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, similar or identical features of the present embodiment are given similar or similar reference numbers. As shown in FIG. 14A-15, the closure 508 can have locking and / or sealing features for a specific gravity measuring device with an alternative, scaled or sized sample chamber 584 (e.g., smaller, see FIG. 18A and 18B) mounted to a chamber block 580 (FIG. 16-18B). For example, without limitation, sample chamber 184 of Figures 6-7B may have a volume of about 10 cubic centimeters (e.g., about 10 cc), sample chamber 384 of Figures 12-13B can have a volume of about 100 cubic centimeters (e.g., about 100 cc), and the sample chamber mounted in chamber block 580 of Figures 16-18B can have a volume of about 1 cubic centimeter (e.g., about 1 cc). Sample chambers of other sizes can also be used, such as, without limitation, sample chambers having volumes ranging from about 0.01 cc to about 2,000 cc.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 16-17B, the chamber block 580 can include a central bore 640 concentric with the locking recess 182 and an angled surface 642. In an embodiment, the closure 508 can include a lower mounting plate 166, a cam plate 190, and a chamber seal cap 620. As shown in FIGS. 14A-15, 17A, and 17B, the chamber seal cap 620 can include a downward extension 644 including a groove 622 for receiving an O-ring 624, similar to the groove 222 and O-ring 224 of the previous embodiment, for engaging a sealing surface 634 of the sample chamber 584. As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the downward extension 644 can be sized to extend through the central bore 640 to engage a sealing surface of the sample chamber 584 mounted below it. In an embodiment, the closure 308 can be moved from an open configuration to a closed and sealed configuration, and can be unsealed and opened in a similar or same manner as the closure 108 of the previous embodiment.

[0072] 19A-21B show a closure 708 for a specific gravity measuring device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, which is generally similar to the previous embodiment, except for variations that are described and will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, similar or identical features of the present embodiment have been given the same or similar reference numbers.

[0073] In the embodiment of FIGS. 19A-21B, the closure 708 is similar to the closure 108 of FIGS. 4A-5, except that the closure 708 further includes a seal plate 850 mounted on the closure 708 adjacent, adjacent, and / or abutting the lower mounting plate 166. As shown in FIGS. 20A-21B, the closure shaft 164, mounting plates 162, 166, cam plate 190, and seal plate 850 have been removed from the swing arm 120 and handle 160 to illustrate the seal plate 850 and the operation of the seal plate. In an embodiment, the seal plate 850 can have a bore 852 that receives the closure shaft 164, and the bore 852 can have a loose / clearance fit with the closure shaft 164, such that in an exemplary embodiment, the seal plate 850 and the closure shaft 164 are free to rotate (and / or at least partially free to rotate) relative to one another. In an embodiment, the seal plate 850 can be prevented from translating along the closure shaft 164 (e.g., away from the lower mounting plate 166) by a shoulder or the like formed in the closure shaft 164 and / or the retaining plate.

[0074] 20A-21B, the seal plate 850 can have an outer diameter configured such that an outer edge 854 of the seal plate 850 is received within (e.g., closely received within) the opening 188a of the isolation block 188, such that the seal plate 850 at least partially forms a seal with the isolation block 188 when the closure 708 is in the inserted position and / or the closed position. Thus, the seal plate 850 and the isolation block 188 can cooperate to seal or partially seal the locking recess 182. In other embodiments, the seal plate 850 can have a diameter larger than the opening 188a of the isolation block 188, such that the bottom surface of the seal plate 850 at least partially seals against the upper surface of the isolation block 188 around the perimeter of the opening 188a.

[0075] In an embodiment, the specific gravity measuring device can include a cleaning system for removing and / or reducing fluid (e.g., moisture) from the locking recess 182. For example, when the closure 708 is in the closed and locked position and the seal plate 850 is at least partially sealed against the isolation block 188, a fluid (e.g., any suitable low moisture, dry, and / or inert gas and / or other suitable fluid medium) can be moved through the locking recess 182 and / or along the surface of the cam plate 190 and / or lower mounting plate 166 to help remove moisture and / or other substances from the locking recess 182 before, during, and / or after the measurement operation of the specific gravity measuring device. In some embodiments where the ambient air contains moisture and the specific gravity measuring device operates at a temperature below ambient temperature (e.g., about 4° C. or any suitable temperature), the moisture can condense within the locking recess 182 during the measurement operation of the specific gravity measuring device. In embodiments, moisture may contaminate the sample when removing the sample from the sample chamber 184 or when adding new sample to the sample chamber 184 after a conventional measurement operation, may interfere with the seal of the sample chamber 184 (e.g., between the sealing surface 234 and the O-ring 224), etc. Cleaning the areas around the seal and sample chamber to at least partially remove moisture / moist ambient air within the locking recess 182 when the closure 708 is in the closed position and before and / or during a measurement operation can be performed to help avoid such issues.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, the cleaning system can include an inlet port 862a and an outlet portion 862b, each within the inner wall 212 of the locking recess 182 (FIGS. 19A and 20A). The inlet port 862a can be selectively in communication with a fluid source (not shown) for moving cleaning fluid into the locking recess 182 (e.g., when the closure 708 is in the closed and locked position), and the outlet port 862b can be in communication with a drainage feature (e.g., for drainage of the cleaning fluid to the ambient air). In other embodiments, the outlet port 862b can be in communication with a collection receptacle / system for processing (e.g., drying) the cleaning fluid for reuse. In embodiments, the ports 862a, 862b can be located anywhere along the inner wall 212 and / or other surfaces of the locking recess 182. In one embodiment, cleaning fluid may flow through locking recess 182 at a rate of up to about 0.1 liters per minute with chamber block 180 cooled to about 4° C. at an ambient temperature of about 35° C. and a relative humidity of about 50%. Any suitable flow rate may be used with any suitable temperature differential and relative humidity conditions without departing from this disclosure.

[0077] In the view of FIG. 21A, the closure portion 708 is in an insertion position prior to moving the closure portion 708 to a closed / locked position. In other words, the closure portion 708 is moved downwardly at least partially into the locking recess 182 with the cam follower 210 aligned with the respective cutout 194 of the cam plate 190. As shown in FIG. 21A, the marker M1 on the upper surface of the seal plate 850 is aligned with the marker M2 on the outer surface of the housing 102, and the marker M3 on the upper mounting plate 162 is in a first position. In the view of FIG. 21B, the closure portion 708 is rotated to a closed position (e.g., with the cam follower 210 engaged with the stop feature 196 of the cam plate 190), and thus the marker M3 on the upper mounting plate 162 is rotated to a second position. As shown in FIG. 21B, a first marker M1 on the seal plate 850 remains aligned with a second marker M2 on the housing 102 because the closure shaft 164 is free to pivot within the hole 852 of the seal plate 850 and friction between the seal plate 850 and the isolation block 188 can help prevent the seal plate 850 from rotating with the rest of the closure 708.

[0078] Any of the features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined with, substituted by, or otherwise configured with other features of the other embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0079] The foregoing description generally illustrates and describes various embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to the above-discussed structures of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as disclosed herein, and that it is intended that all matters contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure shall be interpreted as covering various modifications, combinations, additions, alterations, etc. to the above and above-described embodiments, and shall be considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the various features and characteristics of the present disclosure as discussed herein may be selectively substituted for and applied to other illustrated and unillustrated embodiments of the present disclosure, and numerous variations, modifications, and additions may also be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as described in the accompanying aspects.

Claims

1. A specific gravity measuring device, comprising: a housing having an access opening; a swing arm mounted to the housing by a hinge, the swing arm configured to be selectively pivoted toward and away from the access opening; a closure captured by the swing arm, the closure configured to be selectively moved relative to the swing arm between a retracted position and an inserted position at least partially within the access opening; Equipped with The closure portion includes a locking feature for cooperating with an engagement feature configured to extend at least partially within the housing when the closure portion is moved into a closed and sealed configuration.

2. 2. The specific gravity measuring device of claim 1, wherein the locking feature of the closure comprises a cam plate and a cooperating cam follower configured to extend at least partially within a locking recess that extends at least partially within the housing when the closure is moved into the closed and sealed configuration.

3. 3. The specific gravity measuring device of claim 2, wherein the cam follower cooperates with the cam plate to facilitate moving a sealing portion of the closure into sealing contact around a sample chamber of the specific gravity measuring device when the closure is moved into the closed and sealed configuration.

4. The swing arm is a support cylinder that engages the closure; a support flange projecting outwardly from the support cylinder; a hinge extension extending from the support flange and / or the support cylinder to the hinge; The specific gravity measuring device of claim 1 .

5. The specific gravity measuring device of claim 1 , wherein the closure comprises a closure shaft at least partially received within the support cylinder.

6. 6. The specific gravity measuring device of claim 5, wherein a bearing is mounted between the support cylinder and the closure shaft to facilitate linear and rotational movement of the closure shaft relative to the support cylinder.

7. The specific gravity measuring device of claim 1 , further comprising an isolation block extending at least partially into the housing.

8. 8. The specific gravity measuring device of claim 7, wherein the closure comprises a seal plate configured to at least partially seal against the isolation block to at least partially seal a locking recess when the closure is in the closed and sealed configuration.

9. A specific gravity measuring device, comprising: a housing defining an access opening and a locking recess, the locking recess extending at least partially within the housing; a swing arm mounted to the housing by a hinge, the swing arm configured to be selectively pivoted toward and away from the access opening; a closure captured by the swing arm, the closure configured to be selectively moved relative to the swing arm between a retracted position and an inserted position at least partially within the access opening; Equipped with 11. A specific gravity measuring device comprising: a cam plate configured to cooperate with a cam follower configured to extend at least partially within the locking recess when the closure is moved into a closed and sealed configuration.

10. 10. The specific gravity measuring device of claim 9, wherein the cam follower cooperates with the cam plate to facilitate moving a sealing portion of the closure into sealing contact around a sample chamber of the specific gravity measuring device when the closure is moved to the closed and sealed configuration.

11. The swing arm is a support cylinder that engages the closure; a support flange projecting outwardly from the support cylinder; a hinge extension extending from the support flange and / or the support cylinder to the hinge; The specific gravity measuring device according to claim 9 .

12. 10. The specific gravity measuring device of claim 9, wherein the closure comprises a closure shaft at least partially received within the support cylinder, and a bearing is mounted between the support cylinder and the closure shaft to facilitate linear and rotational movement of the closure shaft relative to the support cylinder.

13. 10. The specific gravity measuring device of claim 9, further comprising an isolation block extending at least partially into the housing.

14. 14. The specific gravity measuring device of claim 13, wherein the closure comprises a seal plate configured to at least partially seal against the isolation block to at least partially seal a locking recess when the closure is in the closed and sealed configuration.

15. 1. A method of operating a specific gravity measuring device, comprising: pivoting a swing arm about a hinge toward an access opening in a housing of the device, wherein a closure is captured by the swing arm; moving the closure portion from a retracted position to the insertion and / or closed position relative to the swing arm with the closure portion at least partially received within the access opening; Including, The method, wherein the closure is biased in a generally vertical motion such that a locking feature on the closure is brought into engagement with an engagement feature in the device, moving the closure to a closed and sealed configuration.

16. The method of aspect 15, wherein the locking feature of the closure comprises a cam plate and extends at least partially within the housing, the engagement feature comprises a cam follower extending into a locking recess in the housing, and the method of moving the closure from the insertion position to the closed and sealed position includes engaging the cam follower with the cam plate and rotating at least the cam plate such that the engagement between the cam follower and the cam plate moves a sealing portion of the closure into sealing contact around a sample chamber of the specific gravity measuring device.

17. The method of any of aspects 16, wherein the swing arm comprises a support cylinder that engages the closure portion, a support flange extending outwardly from the support cylinder, and a hinge extension extending from the support flange and / or the support cylinder to the hinge.

18. 16. The method of any of aspects 15, wherein the closure comprises a closure shaft at least partially received within the support cylinder, and a bearing is mounted between the support cylinder and the closure shaft to facilitate linear and rotational movement of the closure shaft relative to the support cylinder.

19. The method of any of aspects 18, wherein the engagement feature comprises a locking recess extending at least partially within the housing to receive the locking feature of the closure portion, the closure portion comprising a sealing plate, and moving the closure portion from the retracted position to the inserted and / or closed position includes bringing the sealing plate into at least partial sealing contact with an isolation block extending at least partially within the housing to at least partially seal the locking recess.

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