Abstract: A data acquisition device for providing continuous data acquisition across a plurality of stages of care through a plurality of functioning modes is disclosed. The data acquisition device includes two inputs coupled to an instrumentation amplifier, wherein each input provides an input signal to the instrumentation amplifier, a mode selection module coupled to the instrumentation amplifier, operable to select either an AC mode or one of a plurality of DC modes for processing the input signals, wherein the mode is determined based at least in part on analyzing at least one of a plurality of parameters associated with a plurality of stages of care, and a data collection module operable to process the received signals using the selected mode.

Abstract: A method of determining liquid absorption of an aggregate comprises providing a sample of the aggregate, adding liquid to the sample, subjecting the sample to a light source signal, monitoring a light reflected signal reflected from the sample and controlling addition of liquid to the sample as a function of the light reflected signal. The apparatus comprises a support for supporting a sample of the aggregate, a liquid source for adding liquid to the sample, a light source which subjects the sample to a light source signal, a light sensor which senses a reflected light signal reflected from the sample and a processor/controller which controls addition of liquid from the liquid source as a function of the reflected light signal. The light source is preferably an infrared source and the light sensor is preferably an infrared detector.

Abstract: A method of determining liquid absorption of an aggregate comprises providing a sample of the aggregate, adding liquid to the sample, subjecting the sample to a light source signal, monitoring a light reflected signal reflected from the sample and controlling addition of liquid to the sample as a function of the light reflected signal. The apparatus comprises a support for supporting a sample of the aggregate, a liquid source for adding liquid to the sample, a light source which subjects the sample to a light source signal, a light sensor which senses a reflected light signal reflected from the sample and a processor/controller which controls addition of liquid from the liquid source as a function of the reflected light signal. The light source is preferably an infrared source and the light sensor is preferably an infrared detector.