Abstract: A sensor system includes an optical fiber, a modulable light source, and a photodetector. The optical fiber includes two sensing reflectors and a reference reflector. The optical fiber defines a distal end and a proximal end. A measuring segment is defined between the two sensing reflectors and disposed between the distal end and the proximal end. The light source is disposed at the proximal end and configured to emit light with a coherence length longer than the maximum distance between the sensing reflectors and the reference reflector.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention comprises a unique method of manufacturing and tracking storage vial, tubes, trays, and other containers used in the life and clinical science industries, through the use of 2d, linear, binary, or other alphanumeric information etched into the storage containers. Another aspect of the present invention is a storage container having identifying information etched thereon with a laser. Yet another aspect of the present invention comprises an in-house etching station for a biological or chemical manufacturer/supply company, for creating customer specified identifiers on the storage containers.

Abstract: An apparatus, mold assembly and related method for manufacturing a personalized lipstick is described, the apparatus including a housing or cabinet, a plurality of different color blends each held within a separate pot fitted with a dispensing system, an ultrasonic wave heating/mixing probe, a mold assembly held within the probe and a transport rail for moving the probe from one station to another within the housing. The lipstick mold assembly includes a sheath containing a solidified base wax formed with a well for receiving color pigments.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for customizing a cosmetic product at the point of sale to a customer. The apparatus includes a program for receiving external information on at least one of the customer's skin properties and converting the information to a corresponding formula. A formulation unit is provided for preparing the corresponding formula. This unit includes a mechanism for receiving the corresponding formula as a set of operating instructions, reservoirs for containing different cosmetic chemical compositions, pumps and a mechanism for activating the pumps to dose the chemical compositions into a common dosing chamber in a manner determined by the operating instructions. Importantly, the pumps must have pistons capable of reciprocating and rotating motion.

Abstract: An apparatus, mold assembly and related method for manufacturing a personalized lipstick is described, the apparatus including a housing or cabinet, a plurality of different color blends each held within a separate pot fitted with a dispensing system, an ultrasonic wave heating/mixing probe, a mold assembly held within the probe and a transport rail for moving the probe from one station to another within the housing. The lipstick mold assembly includes a sheath containing a solidified base wax formed with a well for receiving color pigments.