Abstract: A breath analyte device includes a breath volume in fluid communication with a sampling volume. The device also includes a sampling sensor configured to generate a breath signal that varies in response to changes in gas pressure (e.g., sound waves) in the breath volume and one or more analyte sensors configured to generate one or more analyte signals that vary in response to a concentration of one or more target analytes present in the sampling volume. A control unit is configured to determine a time at which to measure the concentration of target analytes in the sampling volume based on the breath signal and measure the concentration of the target analytes based on the analyte signals at the determined time. The device may also include a pump configured to motivate gas from the breath volume into the sampling volume prior to measuring the concentration of the target analytes.

Abstract: A system for measuring gas concentration includes a package having a cavity and a port, a photoacoustic gas sensor device within the package, and a Micro Electro Mechanical System (“MEMS”) valve separate from the photoacoustic gas sensor device placed over the port of the package and to allow ambient gas diffusion into the cavity in a first mode of operation, and to prevent ambient gas diffusion into the cavity and to acoustically isolate the cavity in a second mode of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading identification information of a biosensor is provided, including a biosensor sensing unit detecting the biosensor, a light-emitting unit emitting light on an identification information recording unit when the biosensor sensing unit detects the biosensor, the identification information recording unit having the identification information of the biosensor recorded thereon, a light-receiving unit that receives the light emitted from the light-emitting unit, and reflected or refracted by or passing through the identification information recording section, and an identification information reading unit analyzing the light received by the light-receiving unit and reading the identification information of the biosensor.

Abstract: A system for imposing and analyzing surface acoustic waves in a substrate to determine characteristics of the substrate is disclosed. Optical elements and arrangements for imposing and analyzing surface acoustic waves in a substrate are also disclosed. NSOM's, gratings, and nanolight elements may be used to impose surface acoustic waves in a substrate and may also be used to measure transient changes in the substrate due to the passage of surface acoustic waves therethrough.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for inspecting a mold which has a porous alumina layer over its surface. The method includes providing, based on a relationship between a first parameter indicative of a thickness of the porous alumina layer and a color parameter indicative of a color of reflected light from the porous alumina layer, first color information which represents a tolerance of the first parameter of a porous alumina layer which has an uneven structure that is within a tolerance; providing a mold which is an inspection subject, the mold having a porous alumina layer over its surface; obtaining a color parameter which is indicative of a color of reflected light from the porous alumina layer of the inspection subject mold; and determining a suitability of the first parameter of the inspection subject mold based on the obtained color parameter and the first color information.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel methods and devices for measurement of particle concentration or changes in particle concentration over a wide linear range. The invention comprises one or more radiation sources and one or more detectors contained in a housing which is interfaced to a medium containing particulate matter. The one or more radiation sources are directed into the medium, scattered or transmitted by the particulate matter, and then some portion of the radiation is detected by the one or more detectors. Methods for confining the measurement to a specific volume within the medium are described. Algorithms are provided for combining the signals generated by multiple source-detector pairs in a manner that results in a wide linear range of response to changes in particle concentration. In one embodiment the sensor provides non-invasive measurements of biomass in a bioreactor. In another embodiment an immersible probe design is described, which may be suited for one-time use.

Abstract: A test apparatus comprising a self illuminated light source and second moveable element having spectrophotometrically neutral gray and color patches of predetermined hues and saturations. A digital software file provides identical spectrophotometrically neutral grayscale and color data which, when reproduced on a monitor or projection system, should match the grayscale and test colors provided by the apparatus. When the apparatus is placed in front of the monitor image or projected image, the neutral grays and color patches reproduced on the monitor image or projected image are compared against the image of the apparatus.

Abstract: A color matching and coordinating reference system for use by manufacturers and consumers of goods includes assigning a unique identification code for each of a plurality of colors. The identification code includes color family indicia, color value indicia, and color selector device indicia. Preferably, each color is assigned a unique color name as well. Manufacturers utilizing the system label or otherwise associate each good with the identification code for each color used therewith to assist the consumer in matching and coordinating colors. Color selector devices and tables can be used by the consumer or manufacturer in finding matching colors or coordinating/complimentary color combinations.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor device used in an optical disk device driving an optical disk, includes: an optical pickup device detecting an optical signal irradiated to the optical disk and converting the detected optical signal into an electric signal to output the electric signal; and a light amount detecting circuit amplifying the electric signal output from the optical pickup device, the optical pickup device including a plurality of light receiving elements different in receiving sensitivity and the light amount detecting circuit including at least one amplifier or two or more amplifiers of the same amplifying characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for accomplishing noise reduction in a photoacoustic gas detector using a sound damping element and/or a background or reference microphone where a preferably larger external volume that acts as a sound damping element (SDE) is coupled to a smaller volume through which the gas diffuses. The coupling is accomplished in such a way that the externally generated sound waves incident upon the photoacoustic detector are adequately attenuated by the larger volume SDE without adversely affecting diffusion of the gaseous species of interest through the smaller volume for measurement by the detector. Preferably this is accomplished by coupling the larger SDE volume to the smaller gas diffusion volume by a long and thin pressure channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing optical filters comprises a gantry system supported on a base or floor, including structure translatable in the X and Y directions relative to the base. The apparatus further includes a support mounted on the structure and a translatable platform disposed adjacent the structure. The support is translatable in the Z direction relative to the base. The apparatus further includes a flexure mounted on the platform, a probe assembly mounted on the support, and a light-directing element. The flexure is adapted to retain one of the optical filters. Translation of the platform causes the platform-mounted flexure to be translated from a first X, Y and Z position relative to the base to a second X, Y and Z position relative to the base. The probe assembly is adapted to pick up one of the optical filters from a third X, Y and Z position relative to the base and translate the picked-up optical filter to the first position for retention of the picked-up filter by the flexure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for calibrating a color measuring instrument with a color standard and verifying the color standard and calibration are provided. One method includes providing a color standard having a surface with at least two different colors (preferably arranged for a simultaneous color measurement), calibrating the instrument, and verifying that said color standard is an authorized color standard of a predetermined specification and that the calibration of the color measuring instrument has achieved predetermined specified results. Some of the provided methods and apparatus use a photosensitive portion of the color standard that changes color in a known way when exposed to a predetermined dose of light. Various color standards for use with this invention are provided.

Abstract: A device for determining aesthetically harmonious color combinations includes a color selector wheel rotatably attached to a base having a plurality of distinct color selection groups disposed beyond and surrounding the periphery of the color selection wheel. Each color group section forms a window through which samples can be viewed. The color selector wheel has color selection indicia in the form of at least one symmetrical geometric symbol centered on the face of the color selector wheel. The indicia each have a primary vertex and a plurality of secondary vertices disposed adjacent to the periphery of the color selector wheel such that alignment of the primary vertex with a selected color selection group automatically aligns the secondary vertices with harmonious color combination selection groups and allows the user to develop progressive color coordinating combinations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining accurate hair color classificatinos and appropriate coloring agents to bring about a selected change of color include a table of hair color classifications, a color measuring instrument to arrive at Hunter L, a and b values for use in identifying a particular classification from the table and a database that identifies appropriate coloring agents based on a selection of coloring actions from a menu and the classifications of hair color.

Abstract: A calibration disk for calibrating a sensitivity of a surface defect tester, according to the present invention, comprises n (n is an integer equal to or larger than 2) false defect rows each including 3 or more false defects each formed in a radial or peripheral direction provided in the peripheral direction of the calibration disk at a predetermined angle pitch. The false defects of each false defect row take in the form of protrusions or recesses having substantially the same size, adjacent ones of the false defects are physically separated by a predetermined distance larger than a width of a laser spot and the false defects of a certain one of the false defect rows are different in size from the false defects of other false defect rows.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple, low-cost color classification apparatus having a high resistance to mechanical vibrations and capable of properly performing color classification even if a light source is not specified and its spectrum changes. A color classification apparatus of the present invention is further including an image pickup means for picking up a spectrum of light reflected by a target object, a plurality of bandpass filters having different bands and arranged between the target object and the image pickup means, and a classifying means for calculating a classification spectrum for classification using a statistic technique from a spectrum of light reflected by the target object and picked up by the image pickup means, and classifying the target object using the classification spectrum.

Abstract: For measuring an analyte in a liquid, a test strip and apparatus each have an asymmetry. The asymmetries combine to permit a test strip to be inserted into the apparatus when it is correctly aligned but prevent the test strip from being fully inserted if it is wrong side up. The apparatus also detects whether or not the strip has been fully inserted.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a passageway for accepting a strip for determining the presence or quantity of an analyte is provided. The passageway has a serpentine shape to maintain the strip against an optical aperture in the passageway wall, insuring that a constant optical reading is obtained.

Abstract: Visual inspection device for inspecting the finish on manufactured goods. A plurality of samples are joined together in a substantially flat, substantially disk-like shape for easy viewing. The device includes a viewing hole in the center so that the surface being inspected can be viewed both through the hole and on the outside of the device, thus making comparisons by eye more accurate. The device optionally includes radial slots so that multiple devices can be fastened together or a device can be fastened to another object.

Abstract: For a given set of dyes, chosen to match a target (standard) color, by combining the a priori percent reflectance and concentration data of primary (calibration) dyeings with that of one or more trial dyeings, a calculated formulation can be obtained which agrees with one of the trial formulations used, or the average, as precisely as desired. A match, color or spectral, to a target color, near to the color of the trial dyeing in color space, is obtained that is, for all practical purposes, as accurate as those dyes permit.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for measuring the constituent concentration of a specimen on the basis of the color change in a test material housed in a test piece, which has reacted because of the specimen. The apparatus irradiates the test material which is a test piece loaded in the apparatus's main body and detects the intensity of the light reflected by the test material. A detection signal detected in the above way is sampled in a time period before and after the measurement timing at which the test material changes in color because of the specimen. An average value of the sampled detection signals is determined. The constituent concentration of the specimen is computed by referring to a stored conversion table on the basis of the average value determined in the above way.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for making color comparisons between a test sample and a plurality of color samples. The color samples are arranged on a circle on a rotatable member and are successively moved into position adjacent a test sample. When an operator determines that a color sample adjacent the test sample is closest in color to the test sample he operates a switch which causes a stored numerical value associated with that sample to be read out and displayed on a display device.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for making color comparisons between a test sample and a plurality of color samples. The color samples are arranged on a circle on a rotatable member and are successively moved into position adjacent a test sample. When an operator determines that a color sample adjacent the test sample is closest in color to the test sample he operates a switch which causes a stored numerical value associated with that sample to be read out and displayed on a display device.

Abstract: A test sample color comparison device is disclosed which has a casing unit with an insertion slot for inserting a color test sample therein, and a display section for displaying the color test sample adjacent at least one of a plurality of reference color shades, as the reference color shades are successively moved into position adjacent the color test sample by a manipulation wheel. When an operator determines that a reference color shade adjacent the test sample corresponds in color to the color of the test sample, he pushes a switch to cause a readout of stored information corresponding to the reference color shade then adjacent the test sample. Readout of the stored information is based on a bit pattern set by a plurality of converter switches which are turned on and off in different patterns which correspond to the different color shades as the reference color shades are moved into position by the manipulation wheel.

Abstract: A test sample color comparison device is disclosed which has a casing unit with an insertion slot for inserting a color test sample therein, and a display section for displaying the color test sample adjacent at least one of a plurality of reference color shades, as the reference color shades are successively moved into position adjacent the color test sample by a manipulation wheel. When an operator determines that a reference color shade adjacent the test sample corresponds in color to the color of the test sample, he pushes a switch to cause a readout of stored information corresponding to the reference color shade then adjacent the test sample. Readout of the stored information is based on a bit pattern set by a plurality of converter switches which are turened on and off in different patterns which correspond to the different color shades as the reference color shades are moved into position by the manipulation wheel.

Abstract: A color comparison device comprises a casing unit having a comparison window for displaying a comparison color sample section mounted on a rotatable wheel and a test stick insertion groove portion formed in an upper surface of the casing unit at one end thereof and disposed generally centrally of the width of the casing unit, the insertion groove portion communicating with the comparison window so that a test stick inserted into the insertion groove portion overlies the comparison color sample section in the comparison window, the insertion groove portion having a bulged fixing section by which a test stick inserted in the insertion groove is held therein in a flexed condition.

Abstract: A color comparison device uses a rotatable color sample-bonding wheel to hold a sticker containing a plurality of color shades for matching with a color of a test portion of a test stick as the wheel rotates. At least one recess is formed in a part of the sticker bonding surface of the wheel to permit access to an edge of the sticker to facilitate its removal from the wheel.

Abstract: A hue compass has triplet numerical values assigned to colors so that every possible color is identified with a unique triplet color identification number which represents the percentages of each primary color component present. Triplet values 100/0/0, 0/100/0, and 0/0/100 can be assigned to additive primaries blue-violet, green, and red, respectively. Their complementary colors yellow, magenta, and cyan can be assigned triplets 0/100/100, 100/0/100, and 100/100/0. Likewise, triplet values 100/0/0, 0/100/0 and 0/0/100 can be assigned to subtractive primaries yellow, magenta, and cyan, respectively. Their complementary colors, blueviolet, green, and red can be assigned 0/100/100, 100/0/100, and 100/100/0. A color robot can be employed to assign a triplet value for a given colored test object, whose color can be matched, e.g. by blending appropriate amounts of respective primary color pigments or dyes whose triplet color identification numbers are known.

Abstract: A colorimeter comprises a case, a liquid crystal display (LCD) mounted on the case, a color chart provided on the case to permit holding of a specimen to be compared in close proximity to the color chart, and switches for indicating which color on the color chart the color of the specimen most closely approximates. Each switch is located adjacent a color on the color chart, and the states of the switches drive the LCD to display a reading corresponding to the color on the color chart which most closely approximates the color of the specimen.