Abstract: The concentration of a gas species is detected by using a single beam NDIR gas sensor in which an infrared source element is driven at two different temperatures, a feed back loop senses an operation voltage of the source, a differential gain amplifier creates a high cycle amplified output during a high cycle and a low cycle amplified output during a low cycle while a controller synchronizes the source driver so that a signal processor can determine the gas concentration through use of the high cycle amplified output and the low cycle amplified output. The infrared source can be a non-genuine blackbody source such as an incandescent miniature light bulb when the sample chamber is a thermally insulated aluminum tube that is maintained at a preselected temperature greater than ambient so that the glass envelope of the bulb is maintained at an equilibrium temperature (such as approximately 30 degrees Celsius plus or minus two degrees Celsius) during its low cycle operation state.

Abstract: A handheld item, for example a utensil such as a spatula, including a handle with a convertible display element that readily converts between one of at least two visual display items. The display conversion may preferably be accomplished through rotary movement of the display items between visible and hidden positions.

Abstract: An adjustable measuring scoop including a partition that is movable so as to result in a scoop size that can be selectively determined between a maximum and a minimum by ready manual manipulation of the scoop. Part of the perimeter of the movable partition may include a lip (which may further include a flange and/or a seal) that is preferably configured and formed of suitable materials so as to permit for the containment of fine powders, liquids, etc. The movable partition may also include a depression formed on its upper surface for the convenient temporary holding of materials.