Point-of-use devices and methods for determining rheological properties of samples

An apparatus for measuring rheological properties, comprising:

• a sample analyzer configured to handle a sample in a manner that allows rheological properties of the sample to be analyzed;
• at least one of a camera configured to observe the sample being analyzed or a camera receiver configured to position a camera to observe the sample being analyzed;
• at least one of a light source configured to direct light towards the sample to be analyzed or a light source receiver configured to position a light source to direct light towards the sample to be analyzed;
• an integrated electrical circuit configured to apply a current through the sample;
• and
• a controller configured to each of:
• a) at least one of:
• (i) instruct that data indicative of rheological properties of the sample being handled be determined by the at least one camera or a camera associated with the camera receiver, or (ii) receive data indicative of rheological properties of the sample being handled from the at least one camera or a camera associated with the camera receiver;
• b) at least one of:
• (i) instruct that data indicative of rheological properties of the sample being handled be determined based on the current applied to the sample by the integrated electrical circuit, or (ii) receive data indicative of rheological properties of the sample being handled based on the current applied to the sample by the integrated electrical circuit;
• and
• c) determine one or more rheological properties of the sample being handled based on measured break-up times of the sample being handled, the measured break-up times being derived from:
• (i) the at least one camera or the camera associated with camera receiver;
• and (ii) at least one of a detected voltage or the current applied to the sample by the integrated electrical circuit.