Patent Document ID: 20090282901
Application ID: 12122676
Patent Status: 0

Claim One:
1. A method for sensing at least one rheological characteristic of a fluid sample comprising the steps of: a) providing at least one assemble including: i) a means of holding a fluid sample; ii) a fluid flow element providing a flow path for said fluid sample, said element having channels of with volumes terminating at a first end adapted for removing said sample from said holding means; and iii) at least one sensing flow channel for said fluid in said element with a wall transparent to electromagnetic radiation; b) providing a means for flowing a portion of said fluid sample into said element; c) providing a means for illuminating said sensing channel with said electromagnetic radiation; d) providing a means of capturing at least one image of said sensing channel using said electromagnetic radiation; e) flowing said fluid sample out of said means of holding; f) flowing said fluid sample into said sensing element; g) capturing at least one image of said sensing channel; and h) sensing at least once said rheological characteristic.