Abstract: A rheological measurement method and device (e.g., a viscometer or rheometer) for measuring rheological properties are disclosed. A rheological property such as viscosity is determined by detecting data corresponding to torque between a drive shaft and a measurement shaft, producing an optical signal corresponding to the detected data, sending the corresponding optical signal with an optical transmitter supported by a rotational structure coupled to the drive shaft, receiving the optical signal from the optical transmitter with an optical receiver supported by a stationary structure of the rheological measurement device, producing an electrical signal corresponding to the received optical signal, and generating a measurement signal based on the electrical signal that corresponds to the torque between the drive shaft and the measurement shaft.

Abstract: An illumination system according to the invention includes a controller with a plurality of actuatable switches and a light board having multiple colored light emitting diodes (LEDs) which the user can control with the switches. A microcontroller is operatively connected to the switches. The microcontroller generates a modulated control signal in response to actuation of the switches. A high side driver is connected to and responsive to the modulated control signal to generate a light drive signal and the colored LEDs are selectively driven by the light drive signal.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying monitored measurements of an apparatus on an instrument including a data bus interface, a data bus, and a plurality of instruments. The data bus interface is coupled to a data bus of the apparatus, which contains measurement data monitored by sensors in the apparatus. Each of the instruments each having a microcontroller coupled to the data bus interface. A motor is driven by the microcontroller and an indicator needle is coupled to the motor for displaying the measurement of the instrument. A warning light indicator is coupled to and driven by the microcontroller. The microcontroller monitors the rate of change of the measurement being displayed on the instrument and enters into a power down mode when the rate of change is below a given threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying monitored measurements of an apparatus on an instrument including a data bus interface, a data bus, and a plurality of instruments. The data bus interface is coupled to a data bus of the apparatus, which contains measurement data monitored by sensors in the apparatus. Each of the instruments each having a microcontroller coupled to the data bus interface. A motor is driven by the microcontroller and an indicator needle is coupled to the motor for displaying the measurement of the instrument. A warning light indicator is coupled to and driven by the microcontroller. The microcontroller monitors the rate of change of the measurement being displayed on the instrument and enters into a power down mode when the rate of change is below a given threshold.