Abstract: Systems and methods for multiple object transferring using robotics. A system includes a robotic hand with a base and fingers capable of grasping objects. A robotic arm is coupled to the robotic hand and is capable of moving the robotic hand. One or more circuits are configured to operate the robotic hand and the robotic arm by identifying a pre-grasp configuration for the robotic hand and executing a transfer routine based on a Markov decision process model to operate the robotic hand and the robotic arm such that they move multiple objects from a first location to a second location.

Abstract: An integrated method for assessing metabolic rate and maintaining indoor air quality and efficient ventilation energy use. A physical sensor assesses room occupancy. An actuated ventilation system is set to a constant CO2 level in a predetermined healthy range, where the actuated ventilation system includes a CO2 sensor. The actuated ventilation system sets a first air ventilation rate and the sensor measures a first CO2 level. The system determines whether CO2 level is in a healthy range, if not then the CO2 level is adjusted by setting a subsequent air ventilation rate. A subsequent CO2 level is measured. If the CO2 level is determined to meet a predetermined healthy range, then an assessment of change of air ventilation rate (? ACH) is determined. The determination of air change rate can be further augmented by a physical pressure based measurement. The overall metabolic rate is generated.

Abstract: A stand-alone, fully integrated self-contained wearable metabolic analyzer for metabolic rate and respiratory quotient measurement. It includes a device body, disposable mask, and headgear. The device body comprises multiple different miniaturized modules, including a colorimetric sensing module, flow module, control circuit, power module, environmental sensors, wireless module, communication module, memory module, signal processing module, and display module. A disposable sensor chip, coated with chemical sensing probes, is utilized in the colorimetric sensing module for breath O2 and CO2 detection. A Venturi tube and pressure sensor-based flow module measures breath flow rate. The self-contained wearable metabolic analyzer derives physiological parameters including resting energy expenditure (REE), respiratory quotient (RQ), oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), minute ventilation (VE), breath frequency (BF), and tidal volume (TV) from the measurement.

Abstract: An integrated method for assessing metabolic rate and maintaining indoor air quality and efficient ventilation energy use. A physical sensor assesses room occupancy. An actuated ventilation system is set to a constant CO2 level in a predetermined healthy range, where the actuated ventilation system includes a CO2 sensor. The actuated ventilation system sets a first air ventilation rate and the sensor measures a first CO2 level. The system determines whether CO2 level is in a healthy range, if not then the CO2 level is adjusted by setting a subsequent air ventilation rate. A subsequent CO2 level is measured. If the CO2 level is determined to meet a predetermined healthy range, then an assessment of change of air ventilation rate (? ACH) is determined. The determination of air change rate can be further augmented by a physical pressure based measurement. The overall metabolic rate is generated.

Abstract: A method for CO2 detection includes obtaining a gas sample; exposing a CO2 sensor to the gas sample, where the sensor includes a reversible and selective pH-sensitive nanocomposite sensor element for CO2 detection, and a hydrophobic surface; compensating for humidity and temperature; coupling at least one light source to receive signals from the CO2 sensor and respond to color changes in the sensor by transducing the color change into a light intensity change; measuring flow; and receiving signals from the at least one light source by at least one photodiode which responds to light intensity changes by transducing the light intensity changes into electronic signals representing varying degrees of light intensity.

Abstract: A method for CO2 detection includes obtaining a gas sample; exposing a CO2 sensor to the gas sample, where the sensor includes a reversible and selective pH-sensitive nanocomposite sensor element for CO2 detection, and a hydrophobic surface; compensating for humidity and temperature; coupling at least one light source to receive signals from the CO2 sensor and respond to color changes in the sensor by transducing the color change into a light intensity change; measuring flow; and receiving signals from the at least one light source by at least one photodiode which responds to light intensity changes by transducing the light intensity changes into electronic signals representing varying degrees of light intensity.

Abstract: A CO2 detection chamber includes a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A CO2 sensor is housed in the CO2 detection chamber, where the sensor includes a reversible and selective pH-sensitive nanocomposite sensor element for CO2 detection, and a hydrophobic surface. A flowmeter, a thermistor and a humidity sensor operate to read flow and compensate for humidity conditions. A light source is coupled to receive signals from the CO2 sensor and respond to color changes in the sensor by transducing the color change into a light intensity change. A photodiode receives signals from the light source and responds to light intensity changes by transducing the light intensity changes into electronic signals representing varying degrees of light intensity. Data representing CO2 measurements is transmitted for display to a mobile device.

Abstract: A system for measuring and tracking metabolic rate, physical activity and calorie intake. The metabolic rate is measured with a design that features an adaptive sampling mechanism for accurate breath sample collection, optimized flow rate measurement for minimizing backpressure while maximizing accuracy, humidity regulation and water condensation reduction mechanism for reliable performance, as well as breath temperature measurement for volume and humidity corrections. The system further comprises an improved algorithm for determining physical activity such as related energy expenditure, and a mechanism for tracking changes in food intake over time.

Abstract: A low back pressure mouthpiece for accurate detection of exhaled nitric oxide (NO) includes a conduit for receiving the exhaled breath from the subject. An oxidizing filter for sample conditioning, wherein the conduit and oxidizing filter operate to produce a back pressure of less than 4 cm H2O; and a device for measuring the level of one or more components of the received exhaled breath.

Abstract: A CO2 detection chamber includes a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A CO2 sensor is housed in the CO2 detection chamber, where the sensor includes a reversible and selective pH-sensitive nanocomposite sensor element for CO2 detection, and a hydrophobic surface. A flowmeter, a thermistor and a humidity sensor operate to read flow and compensate for humidity conditions. A light source is coupled to receive signals from the CO2 sensor and respond to color changes in the sensor by transducing the color change into a light intensity change. A photodiode receives signals from the light source and responds to light intensity changes by transducing the light intensity changes into electronic signals representing varying degrees of light intensity. Data representing CO2 measurements is transmitted for display to a mobile device.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device and method for measuring flow rate from air flow using acoustic resonance. It is shown that the device can be used to measure breath flow rate and biomarker concentration within human breath.

Abstract: A system for measuring and tracking metabolic rate, physical activity and calorie intake. The metabolic rate is measured with a design that features an adaptive sampling mechanism for accurate breath sample collection, optimized flow rate measurement for minimizing backpressure while maximizing accuracy, humidity regulation and water condensation reduction mechanism for reliable performance, as well as breath temperature measurement for volume and humidity corrections. The system further comprises an improved algorithm for determining physical activity such as related energy expenditure, and a mechanism for tracking changes in food intake over time.

Abstract: A low back pressure mouthpiece for accurate detection of exhaled nitric oxide (NO) includes a conduit for receiving the exhaled breath from the subject. An oxidizing filter for sample conditioning, wherein the conduit and oxidizing filter operate to produce a back pressure of less than 4 cm H2O; and a device for measuring the level of one or more components of the received exhaled breath.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device and method for measuring flow rate from air flow using acoustic resonance. It is shown that the device can be used to measure breath flow rate and biomarker concentration within human breath.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device that makes it possible to perform real-time detection and analysis of BTEX components in real samples using an inexpensive and miniaturized hybrid specific binding-separation device. The device may be used in occupational health and safety applications as well as for toxicological population studies to determine the presence of organic volatile components in an air sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing a change in environmental conditions is disclosed. The apparatus includes a coating or a wire between two surfaces that has a mechanical property changed as a result of a change in the environmental conditions. The change in the mechanical property of the coating or wire results in a change in a vibration characteristic of the apparatus, such as the frequency, phase, amplitude or quality factor. The change in the vibration characteristic can be used to determine the change in the environmental condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing a change in environmental conditions is disclosed. The apparatus includes a coating or a wire between two surfaces that has a mechanical property changed as a result of a change in the environmental conditions. The change in the mechanical property of the coating or wire results in a change in a vibration characteristic of the apparatus, such as the frequency, phase, amplitude or quality factor. The change in the vibration characteristic can be used to determine the change in the environmental condition.