Abstract: Total analysis systems and methods for simultaneously monitoring a suite of biological and/or chemical species in water and/or other process systems are disclosed. The system provides a sample-volume controlled sensor array comprising a fluid delivery device and a plurality of optical sensor elements for determining the presence and total concentrations of multiple analytes in the process system simultaneously. Image identification algorithms are provided for identifying the analytes based on image intensity, color pattern, positional arrangement, and the like. The methods incorporate multivariate optimization algorithms to analyze multiple sensor responses. This produces analytical results that are typically difficult to obtain without full system or variable compensation. The improved array response may then be utilized to measure, monitor, and control the concentration of analytes in the chemical or biological sample or water system.

Abstract: Total analysis systems and methods for simultaneously monitoring a suite of biological and/or chemical species in water and/or other process systems are disclosed. The system provides a sample-volume controlled sensor array comprising a fluid delivery device and a plurality of optical sensor elements for determining the presence and total concentrations of multiple analytes in the process system simultaneously. Image identification algorithms are provided for identifying the analytes based on image intensity, color pattern, positional arrangement, and the like. The methods incorporate multivariate optimization algorithms to analyze multiple sensor responses. This produces analytical results that are typically difficult to obtain without full system or variable compensation. The improved array response may then be utilized to measure, monitor, and control the concentration of analytes in the chemical or biological sample or water system.

Abstract: The packaged medical article can comprise the medical article and a protective layer capable of inhibiting exposure of the medical article to a color change activator prior to use of the medical article. The medical article comprises a plastic portion and an active color changing specie, wherein the color changing specie is capable of changing color after exposure to a color change activator. The method for producing a medical article can comprise: combining thermoplastic resin with a blocked color changing specie to form a resin mixture and manufacture processing the resin mixture to form a packaged medical article. This manufacturing processing comprises forming the resin mixture into the medical article and packaging the medical article to form a packaged medical article. The color changing specie will not affect the structural integrity of the medical article when it changes color.

Abstract: A system for measuring parameters in a container is disclosed. A container has a solution. A protective layer is deposited over at least one sensor and at least one wall of the container, where the protective layer is attached to the wall of the container to form a seal between the container and the at least one sensor. The at least one sensor is configured to have an operable electromagnetic field based on a thickness of the container and the protective layer. The at least one sensor in conjunction with a tag is in proximity to an impedance analyzer and a reader that constitute a measurement device. The at least one sensor is configured to determine at least one parameter of the solution. The tag is configured to provide a digital ID associated with the at least one sensor, where the container is in proximity to the reader and an impedance analyzer.

Abstract: An authenticatable article can comprise a polymer layer comprising a first taggant, and a second taggant disposed adjacent to the first taggant. The relative relationship of the first taggant and the second taggant can be such that at least one of the first taggant and the second taggant can cause an alteration in an emission from the other of the first taggant and the second taggant. One method of authenticating an article comprises illuminating an article and determining if an altered emission is within a selected emission range. The article comprises a polymer layer and a coating disposed on a side of the polymer layer. The polymer layer comprises a first taggant, and the coating causes a predetermined alteration in an emission from the taggant to form the altered emission.

Abstract: A media drive is disclosed. In one embodiment, a media drive can comprise: a disk holder, a drive laser, a disk reader, and a luminescence detector. The disk holder can be capable of applying a rotational force to a media disk. The drive laser is disposed so that light from the laser will be incident on the media disk when it is disposed in the disk holder. The disk reader is disposed to receive data from the media disk. A method for authenticating a media disk is also disclosed. The method can comprises: disposing the article in a reader, illuminating at least a portion of the article with the information reader, monitoring a luminescence emission of the illuminated article, and determining if the luminescence emission is consistent with an authentic article. If a luminescent material is present, the information reader excites the luminescent material to create a luminescence emission.

Abstract: A method of marking a thermoplastic article can comprise: combining a thermoplastic with a light-marking additive to form a composition, forming the composition into an article having a maximum optical absorption wavelength; and illuminating, at a marking wavelength, at least a portion of the article with a device having a power of less than or equal to about 200 mW, to form a light-mark. The light-mark can have a size, as measured along a major axis, of greater than or equal to about 10 micrometers. The light-mark can also have a mark absorption wavelength that is greater than or equal to about ±100 nm of the maximum optical absorption wavelength, and can have a spectral absorption curve.

Abstract: A system and method employing optical disk drives for quantitative analysis of chemical and biochemical parameters, in which sensor materials disposed on an optical disk are responsive to physical, chemical, biochemical, and other parameters in the environment. The light interacts with the sensor materials when the light propagates through the sensor material, reflects off the optical media's reflective layer, and propagates back through the sensor region. The interacted light is captured by a photodetector, which outputs a response analog signal, for example, an analog voltage signal, which is indicative of a condition of the environment to which the sensor materials have been exposed. The system includes software algorithms which cause the laser source and optical detector to move to a specified location or logical block address of the disk, measure the optical signal during disk rotation, display a map of the sensor material response, and reduce the noise level in the measured signal.

Abstract: A method of developing a new coating having a desired performance characteristic with regard to a property of a coating is provided.

Abstract: One method for playing a disk, comprises illuminating a first portion of the optical article with a first laser to obtain a first optical signal, wherein the first laser has a first wavelength, illuminating a second portion with a second laser to obtain a second optical signal, wherein the second laser has a second wavelength that is different from the first wavelength, and determining if the optical article is authentic by comparing the first optical signal and the second optical signal.

Abstract: A system for measuring parameters in a container is disclosed. A system for measuring multiple parameters includes a container having a solution, at least one sensor in conjunction with a tag is in proximity to an impedance analyzer and a reader that constitute a measurement device. The at least one sensor is configured to determine at least one parameter of the solution. The tag is configured to provide a digital ID associated with the sensor, where the container is in proximity to the reader and an impedance analyzer. The impedance analyzer is configured to send and receive a given range of frequencies from the sensor, based on the parameter and calculate parameter changes based on the response.

Abstract: A portable system and method for measuring the concentration of multiple chemical or biological substances where an onsite analysis of such substances is needed. The new and original handheld sensor system uses a disposable optical test element and a spectroscopic detector that measures the test element response to specific analytes through a change in light absorbance, luminescence, and other forms of light-based response. In this way, reflection light intensities indicative of the test element response can be used to measure the concentration of the target analytes. The sensor system is also capable of being interfaced to an information processing unit or computer so that analytical data can be manipulated or stored electronically.

Abstract: A method for controlling a laundering process includes determining a concentration of a detergent within a wash fluid during at least one cycle of an article laundering process, and dynamically adjusting at least one characteristic of the laundering process based at least in part upon the determined concentration of the detergent. An apparatus for controlling a laundering process includes a fluid chamber to contain a wash fluid, a sensor coupled to the fluid chamber to determine a detergent concentration within the wash fluid, and a controller coupled to the sensor and configured to dynamically adjust at least one characteristic of the laundering process based at least in part upon the determined detergent concentration.

Abstract: system and method employing a substrate for supporting a highly reproducible sensor array for producing a prerecorded standard response for quantitative analysis of physical, chemical and biochemical parameters are provided. The system includes a substrate for supporting a highly reproducible sensor array, a light source for directing light onto the sensor spot, at least one optical pickup for detecting light transmitted through or reflected from a sensor spot, the transmitted or reflected light being indicative of a concentration of a compound, and an analog-to-digital converter for quantifying an intensity of the detected light.

Abstract: A method for determining detergent concentration includes performing a photometric analysis of a wash fluid during an article laundering process, and determining a concentration of a detergent within the wash fluid based at least in part upon the photometric analysis. Furthermore, an apparatus for determining detergent concentration includes a fluid chamber to hold a wash fluid for washing articles, and an optical sensor optically coupled to the fluid chamber to determine a detergent concentration within the wash fluid based at least in part upon photometric properties of the wash fluid.

Abstract: An optical article for being transformed from a pre-activated state of functionality to an activated state of functionality is provided. The optical article includes a convertible element disposed in or proximate to the optical article and being responsive to an external stimulus. The convertible element for irreversibly altering the optical article from the pre-activated state of functionality to the activated state of functionality upon interaction with the external stimulus.

Abstract: A wirelessly powered flexible tag configured to be in contact with a substrate is provided. The tag includes a coupling layer configured to couple the tag to the substrate. An electrical circuit disposed on the coupling layer and configured to interact wirelessly with an external stimulus. The tag further includes at least one electrode or at least one heating element in operative association with the electrical circuit, and configured to generate electrical energy or thermal energy, respectively. Upon wireless interaction with the external stimulus the tag is configured to induce an electrical response, a thermal response, or a combination of both in the substrate.

Abstract: An optical article that can transform from a pre-activated state of functionality to an activated state of functionality is provided. The optical article includes a radio frequency circuitry coupled to the optical article for interacting with a signal, wherein said signal comprises a thermal signal, an electrical signal, or both, and a convertible material in operative association with the radio frequency circuitry for altering the functionality of the optical article from the pre-activated state to the activated state upon interaction with the thermal energy.

Abstract: One method of authenticating an article comprises illuminating an article and determining if an altered emission is within a selected emission range. The article comprises a polymer layer and a coating disposed on a side of the polymer layer. The polymer layer comprises a first taggant, and the coating causes a predetermined alteration in an emission from the taggant to form the altered emission.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a particle detection system that includes a light emitting source, a non-collimating reflector, a collimating reflector, and a detector. Light from the light emitting source is directed by the non-collimating reflector to an area through which a particle stream may be transmitted. Fluorescent light from the light striking particles is redirected to the collimating reflector and then on to the detector. Other embodiments include a single pump used to pull a pair of fluid flows through the detection system. Other embodiments include a plurality of light emitting sources whose light is directed to a particle stream by a single reflector. Other embodiments include a method for detecting particles.