Patent ID: 6535284
Filing Date: 2003-03-18
Classification: B01J,C40B,G01J,G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for measuring rheological properties of a plurality of material samples, the apparatus comprising:first and second surfaces defining a substantially uniform gap for containing the plurality of material samples, the first and second surfaces being generally planar and capable of transmitting light; a device for moving the first and second surfaces relative to each other so as to exert a shear stress on the plurality of material samples contained in the gap; a source of light having a first polarization direction, and an analyzer having a second polarization direction, the source of light and the analyzer located on opposite sides of the gap so that light from the source passes through the plurality of material samples contained in the gap before striking the analyzer; and a detector associated with the analyzer for detecting light from the source, the light from the source having passed through the plurality of material samples and the analyzer; wherein the detector is capable of distinguishing light transmitted through at least two of the material samples simultaneously.