OF LIQUIDS

FIELD

[0001] The present application pertains to the field of liquid sample identification. More particularly, the present application relates to a portable device for the characterization of properties of liquids.

BACKGROUND

[0002] There is a pressing need across many industries to rapidly classify certain properties of liquids. While full-service analytical laboratories, having access to trained technicians and sophisticated techniques such as gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, atomic spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, etc., have the capacity to elucidate a large swath of information about a liquid, most of this information is not accessible to the typical consumer, who has neither the requisite equipment or training. To service this need, many different types of rapid test strips have been developed to allow users to make qualitative or semi- quantitative assessments of the presence or concentration of particular chemical species, such as pH, various metal ions, or hydrogen sulphide (see the large list of strips offered by Macherey-Nagel Gmbh, for example, at http://www.mn-net.com/. See also example http://www.mn-net.eom/tabid/l 1779/default.aspx and http://www.aquachek.com/pool-spa- owners/aquachek-trutest-spa-digital-test-strip-reader/). However, for many important applications, the information that is most relevant to the consumer is not tied to the concentration of a particular chemical, but rather to qualities such as: 1) the authenticity of a formulation, 2) the hazards of an unknown, 3) the correct regulatory classification for hazardous goods transportation or waste treatment and disposal. These qualities are derivatives of the overall composition of a liquid and may relate to multiple chemical and physical properties. Presently, multiple successive analyses with rapid tests for individual chemical properties may be done. In addition to being very time-consuming, the derivation of relevant information (e.g. hazards, classifications, authenticity, etc.) from multiple chemical properties requires specialized knowledge. Furthermore, assessments of this relevant information also frequently require knowledge of physical properties (e.g. volatility, viscosity, etc.), for which accessible and rapid testing devices are not available.

[0003] There is a need for a single easy-to-use and portable device that a consumer with little training can use that rapidly takes a fingerprint of a liquid and directly reads out the information most relevant to the user, such as authenticity, hazards, handling instructions, or regulatory classifications, information that frequently requires analysis of multiple underlying physical (e.g. volatility, viscosity, density, miscibility, etc.) and chemical (e.g. pH, metal ion content, organic content, water reactivity, air reactivity, etc.) properties to assess. [0004] This background information is provided for the purpose of making known information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.

SUMMARY [0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a portable device for the

characterization of properties of liquids.

[0006] In accordance with an aspect of the present application there is provided a portable liquid analyzing device for characterizing at least two properties of the liquid, at least one of said properties being a physical property, the device comprising: a testing component; and a liquid sampling component comprising one or more optical indicators. The testing component can be hand-held. The liquid sampling component can be disposable. The properties of the liquid can be at least one physical property and at least one chemical property. The optical indicator can comprise one or more optical indicator materials, which can have an area of less than about 1 mm ² . In certain embodiments, these indicator materials each occupy a surface area of no more than about 5 mm ² . In certain embodiments, these indicator materials each occupy a surface area of no more than about 10 mm ² .

[0007] In certain embodiments, the testing component can comprise: an optical reader that measures optical properties of the one or more optical indicators in the liquid sampling component after the one or more optical indicators are exposed to the liquid, a data processor, and a display for displaying information on the liquid to the user. The information can include the properties of the liquid, the quality metrics of the liquid, and/or the authenticity of the liquid.

[0008] The optical reader typically comprises a light source and one or more optical detectors. The light source can be LED, OLED, incandescent, or a monochromatic light source, such as a small diode laser. The optical detector can be an imaging device, such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) or CMOS camera chip. In certain embodiments, the optical detector and processing unit can be built into a mobile device (e.g. cellular phone or tablet) incorporated into the reader. [0009] Advantageously, one or more physical properties of the liquid can be measured. The physical properties can include color, opacity, refractive index, surface tension, density, wettability to different types of surfaces, solubility, volatility, vapour pressure, viscosity, or combinations thereof, for example.

[0010] In certain embodiments, one or chemical properties of the liquid can be determined, such as pH, presence of sulphur dioxide, presence of certain metal ions, presence of halogen ions, the presence of strong oxidizers, the presence of peroxides, or combinations thereof, for example.

[0011] The testing component may further comprise a computer-readable memory.

Advantageously, a user can add external data to the memory to improve specificity and/or usefulness of the reading of the properties of the liquid. For example, the processor may comprise instructions thereon for using externally-inputted data to compare with known data on the liquid for authenticating the liquid. The external data can include, for example, manifests, chemical inventories, physical models, chemical models, ambient conditions (e.g. temperature, humidity), or suspected formulations to be authenticated, etc., and the device can be used to improve the specificity of the relevant information reported to the user. The processor and memory analyze data produced by the optical reader. The device can further comprise a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth transmitter for exchanging the data with an external location, such as an external processor or device, and/or a GPS device to provide a location stamp of the test.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the optical indicators comprise one or more dissolvability elements that determine an ability of a liquid to dissolve different compounds. The one or more dissolvability element may comprise one or more dyes. The dye may be soluble in water and/or a polar solvent, or soluble in an organic liquid. In certain embodiments, a dye that is soluble in water and/or the polar solvent may include a rhodamine-based compounds, Malachite Green, crystal violet, fluorescein, or methylene blue. In certain embodiments, a dye that is soluble in an organic liquid may include an anthraquinone dye, an azo dye, phthalocyanine, a porphyrin dye with non-polar substituent groups, such as tetraphenyl porphyrin; a dye that is soluble in a perfluorinated organic liquid such as a dye which is difluoro-boraindacene, a thiacarbocyanine dye with long perfluorinated substituent chain; or a dye selectively soluble in certain halogenated organic liquids such as dichloromethane and chloroform, such as a dye which is a squaraine-based dye.

[0013] In certain embodiments, an optical indicator that can be used to indicate pH can comprise a dye that is a weak acid or base, such as crystal violet, malachite green, thymol blue, bromophenol blue, methyl orange, phenolphthalein, or combinations thereof such as universal indicators. In certain embodiments, an optical indicator that may be used to indicate for hydrogen sulphide include materials containing ferrous sulphate or lead acetate.

[0014] Pertinent information on the liquid may include hazards or disposal instructions, or combinations thereof, for example. The hazards can include acidity, basicity, corrosiveness, flammability, toxicity, halogen content, volatility, oxidizing properties, explosiveness, and specific classes of incompatible substances, or combinations thereof, for example. The disposal instructions can include relative content of organic and aqueous components, content of halogenated organic substances, content of organic peroxides or peroxide-forming compounds, phenol content, presence of specific metals or metal ions (e.g. mercury, lead, arsenic), presence of poly chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), air-reactivity, moisture reactivity, and dissolved gas content, or combinations thereof, for example. Pertinent information on the liquid can also include regulatory categories for transportation of hazardous goods (categories, packing groups), transportation category and packing group for crude oil, transportation category and packing group for chemical waste, the composition or identity of the liquid (which can be a chemical product in an unlabeled container), or information about the identity of a potentially hazardous liquid and suggestions of safer chemical substitutes, or combinations thereof, for example.

[0015] Advantageously, the present application describes a portable device that rapidly measures multiple physical and chemical properties of a liquid, and uses this data to provide the user with information about the liquids as desired. The reported information from the device can include the liquid's identity, authenticity, hazards, handling and disposal instructions. In certain embodiments the device may be used to monitor the changes to the composition of a liquid or its properties over time. For liquid product formulations that are complex mixtures (e.g. beverages, petroleum products, lubricants, etc.) reported information can also include key quality metrics that are physical or chemical characteristics directly measured by the device, or calculated indirectly using external data (e.g. density, viscosity, vapour pressure, refractive index, flash point, initial boiling point, octane number, etc.).

[0016] The device may include a hand-held testing component, referred to herein as a "tip reader", and a disposable liquid sampling optical reader component comprising an array of optical indicator materials, referred to herein as a "tip". In one embodiment, the tip reader has three main components: an optical reader that measures optical properties of the indicator materials in the tip after the indicator materials are exposed to the liquid, a data processor, and a display that reads out pertinent information to the user. In certain embodiments, the data processor is capable of communicating with external data processors and data libraries and other mobile devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0017] For a better understanding of the present invention, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

[0018] Figure 1 provides a schematic of the overall device workflow of the present application.

[0019] Figure 2 provides a depiction of one embodiment of the device of the present application. Figure 2A shows an exemplary tip reader. Figure 2B shows an exemplary tip. Figure 2C shows an exemplary embodiment of the present device in contact with a sample liquid. Figure 2D shows an exemplary display, reading out pertinent information after insertion of the tip into a liquid.

[0020] Figure 3 provides a close-up view of one embodiment of the tip and tip reader of the present application. Figure 3A shows an end of a tip reader of the present application, showing a light source and detector. Figure 3B shows a protective sheath on the tip that clips around the tip reader and protects it from exposure to the liquid. Figure 3C shows a tip connected to the reader, with the tip sheath surrounding the reader.

[0021] Figure 4 provides a close-up view of one embodiment of the tip of the present application. Figure 4A illustrates an embodiment where a liquid is drawn into the tip via negative pressure, such as through a pipetting action. Figure 4B illustrates where a liquid is drawn into the tip via negative pressure through a needle to prevent exposure to the air.

Figure 4C provides a close-up view of the interface between the tip reader and this type of tip in one embodiment. [0022] Figure 5 provides a schematic of another embodiment of the tip and tip reader, wherein the tip is constructed as a sealable container such as ajar or bottle with a transparent face. Figure 5A provides an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5B provides a schematic of the jar, showing two configurations (i) and (ii). Figure 5C presents a schematic of the jar connected to the reader during a measurement. [0023] Figure 6 provides a schematic of optical indicators used to measure liquid refractive index in different embodiments.

[0024] Figure 7 provides a schematic of optical indicator materials used to measure viscosity.

[0025] Figure 8 provides a schematic of optical indicator materials used to measure the capacity of the liquid to dissolve different dyes. [0026] Figure 9 provides a schematic showing sharing of data between the tip reader, external data libraries, and the user's mobile devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0028] As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. [0029] The term "comprising" as used herein will be understood to mean that the list following is non-exhaustive and may or may not include any other additional suitable items, for example one or more further feature(s), component(s) and/or ingredient(s) as appropriate.

[0030] The present application provides a portable device that can rapidly measure multiple important physical and chemical properties of a liquid, and uses this data to provide information to the user information about the liquids that is most important to them

Reported information can include the liquid's identity, authenticity, hazards, handling and disposal instructions. In certain embodiments the device may be used to monitor the changes to the composition of a liquid or its properties over time. [0031] A typical device of the present application, shown schematically in Figure 1, comprises (A) a hand-held testing device, i.e., the "tip reader", and (B) a disposable liquid sampling device containing an array of optical indicator materials, i.e., the "tip". The tip reader may have three main components: (C) an optical reader that measures optical properties of the indicator materials in the tip after they are exposed to the liquid, (D) a data processor, and (E) a display that reads out pertinent information to the user. In certain embodiments, the data processor is capable of communicating with (F) external data processors and data libraries and (G) other mobile devices.

[0032] 1. Hardware Components

[0033] Figure 2 provides one illustrative embodiment of the device, comprising a handheld tip reader and a disposable tip. Figure 2A shows an exemplary tip reader. Figure 2B shows an exemplary tip. Figure 2C shows an exemplary embodiment of the present device in contact with a sample liquid. Figure 2D shows an exemplary display, reading out pertinent information after insertion of the tip into a liquid. The disposable tip is designed to conveniently clip onto and then detach from the tip reader after a reading. In certain embodiments, the device is configured to resemble a pipette in order to provide the user with familiarity and enable compatibility with pipette racks.

[0034] 1.1. Tip reader:

[0035] 1.1.1. Figure 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a tip and optical tip reader of the present application. Figure 3A shows an end of a tip reader of the present application, showing a light source (10) and detector (20). Figure 3B shows a protective sheath (30) on the tip that clips around the tip reader and protects it from exposure to the liquid. Indicator array (40) is shown. Figure 3C shows a tip connected to the reader, with the tip sheath (50) surrounding the reader. The optical reader comprises a light source and one or more optical detectors. In certain embodiments, the light source is a broadband source of light, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), organic light emitting diode (OLED), or an incandescent source. In other embodiments, the source is a monochromatic light source such as a small diode laser. Alternatively, no on-board light source is provided, and instead, ambient light is used. In other embodiments, the detector is an array of one or more photodiodes. The detector can also be an imaging device such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) or CMOS camera chip. The detector can take single-color images of the indicator array, measuring the spatial distribution of total reflected or transmitted intensity. The detector can be used to record a full color image of the indicator array submerged in the liquid. The detector can also be used to record the spatial distribution of reflected or transmitted light through one or more color filters. [0036] In certain embodiments, the liquid and the indicator portion of the tip are sandwiched between the source and detector in a transmission configuration (as is shown in Figure 3A). In alternative embodiments, the light source and detector are on the same side of the tip, opposite the indicator array, and the detector measures reflected light. One or more sources and detectors can be configured at a non-specular angle with respect to an indicator in the tip so as to measure scattering. Different sections of the light source may be illuminated in a timed sequence, enabling off-angle scattering, specular reflectance and/or transmission to be measured independently in the same reading. The optical response may be recorded over time. As described below, time-dependent optical responses of various indicator materials can be used to elucidate the viscosity or volatility of a liquid. [0037] 1.1.2. Sampling mechanism

[0038] In certain embodiments, the tip is open on two sides (e.g. as configured in Figure 2B) and indicators are exposed to the liquid by submerging the tip in the liquid. Figure 3 indicates that the tip can contain a protective sheath that shields the portion of the reader submerged in the liquid from contact with the liquid. [0039] Figure 4 illustrates that the disposable tip can be sealed on all four side walls and the liquid can be drawn into the tip using negative pressure. This negative pressure may be driven by the tip reader using a pipetting mechanism to draw the liquid into the cartridge. The source of negative pressure is found in the disposable cartridge, such as in a pre- evacuated chamber with a breakable seal near the entry point for liquids. Figure 4A provides a close-up view of one embodiment of the tip (65) where the liquid is drawn into the tip via negative pressure, such as through a pipetting action. In certain embodiments, the tip is outfitted with a needle (60) on the sampling end to enable sampling of a liquid through a septum or seal and is sealed elsewhere to enable the characterization of liquids without its exposure to the ambient environment. In Figure 4B, the liquid is drawn into the tip via negative pressure through a needle (60) to prevent exposure to the air. This embodiment of the tip allows liquids to be tested without exposure to outside air. Figure 4C provides a close- up view of the interface between the tip reader (70) and this type of tip in one embodiment.

[0040] Figure 5 provides a schematic of another embodiment of the tip and tip reader of the present application. In certain embodiments, the disposable tip or cartridge is constructed in the form of a bottle or jar with at least one transparent face. Figure 5A provides a schematic of another embodiment of the tip and tip reader, wherein the tip is constructed as a sealable container such as a jar or bottle with a transparent face. At least one face of the jar is transparent. The array of optical indicators is placed behind the transparent face of the jar. In some embodiments, the reader contains a clasping mechanism that enables the jar to fasten to the reader. The liquid sample (75) is decanted into the jar, after which the jar is connected to the reader, positioned such that the optical indicators are viewable by the camera. Figure 5B shows a schematic of the jar (80), showing two possible different configurations: first configuration i) - the indicators in the indicator array (90) are placed on the face opposite the transparent face (85) through which the image is taken; and second configuration ii) - the indicator array is placed along the transparent face through which the indicators are imaged - in this second configuration, characterization of liquids that are opaque or light absorbing is enabled. Figure 5C presents a schematic of the jar connected to the reader during a measurement. The jar, filled with the test liquid, is connected to the reader mechanically (e.g. using a clasping or slide-in mechanism). Optically transparent faces on the jar and the reader are placed against each other in a configuration that enables all of the optical indicators in the array to be viewed by the detector (95). In certain embodiments, a light source is placed within the reader to provide the indicators with controlled illumination. In certain embodiments, this illumination is direct, while in other embodiments, the illumination is diffuse. The reader contains a data processing device and digital display (100) to interface with the user. In certain embodiments, the digital display includes a touch-screen user interface. In certain embodiments, one or more buttons is included in the user interface. The cartridge may contain a clip-on or screw-on cap that can be removed to enable the liquid to be poured in and then re-sealed. In some embodiments, the bottle can be transported and/or stored for some time between sampling and testing. In some uses, the same bottle, containing a liquid sample, may be tested by one or more readers at different times.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the detector, processing unit, and display are integrated into a single mobile device, such as a mobile phone or tablet, which is incorporated into the reader. In these embodiments, the mobile device is positioned in the reader so as to align the camera with the indicators on the tip. In certain embodiments, all processing is done locally on the mobile device. In some embodiments, all or part of the processing is done on a remote server.

[0042] Figure 6 provides a schematic of optical indicators used to measure liquid refractive index in different embodiments. The indicator elements consist of one or more surfaces that are textured, rough, porous, curved or angled with respect to the observation incidence angle. A series of several spots corresponding to one or more of the embodiments above can be included, each made from material having a different refractive index. As shown in Figure 6, from left: (Left) A rough surface with disordered roughness (top) or ordered roughness (bottom). The strength of optical scattering increases with the contrast between the refractive index of the liquid and the refractive index of the indicator. Scattering strength can be measured through increase in opacity, drop in transmittance or increase in off-angle scattering. When ordered roughness is used, the wavelength of the strongest diffraction is also an indicator of the liquid refractive index. The diffraction maximum can also be measured through the color of scattering. (Second from left): In some embodiments, three- dimensional porosity is used instead of two-dimensional roughness. The refractive index of the liquid may also be read out via the total strength of scattering (both ordered and disordered porosity), or by the peak wavelength or color of diffracted light (ordered porosity). (Second from right): In some embodiments, the indicator material consists of a curved surface or lens made of material with a certain known refractive index (lensing element). A printed pattern is placed underneath the lensing element. Refraction from the curved interface creates a distortion of the image of the printed pattern in the camera. By measuring the distortion of the image of the printed element, the refractive index of the liquid may be calculated. (Far right): In some embodiments, a straight angled surface or prism is used instead of a lens. Distortion of the image of the printed pattern underneath the prism enables calculation of the liquid refractive index.

[0043] 1.2. Disposable tip [0044] A disposable tip as described herein can comprise two main components: an array of optical indicator materials for several different physical and chemical properties of a liquid, and a sampling mechanism.

[0045] 1.2.1. Optical indicator materials: The tip may contain an array of optical indicator materials that measure several different physical and chemical properties of the liquid. In certain embodiments, these indicator materials may be very small. In certain embodiments, these optical indicator materials each occupy a surface area of no more than about 1 mm ² . In certain embodiments, these optical indicator materials each occupy a surface area of no more than about 5 mm ² . In certain embodiments, these optical indicator materials each occupy a surface area of no more than about 10 mm ² . In certain embodiments, the tip contains at least one optical indicator material that measures a chemical property and at least one optical indicator material that measures a physical property. The physical properties measured by optical indicator materials in the tip can include any combination of properties, including, but not limited to: color, opacity, refractive index, density, surface tension, wettability to different types of surfaces, solubility, volatility, vapour pressure, and viscosity, or combinations thereof. Transparent regions can be used to separate different indicator materials. Direct optical measurements (e.g. transmission/refection) through these transparent regions can be used to assess the color and opacity of the liquid.

[0046] In certain embodiments, an array of one or more spots of transparent material, each having a different refractive index, can be used as an optical indicator of the liquid's refractive index (different exemplary embodiments are shown in Figure 5). For example, each spot measures the refractive index difference between the spot's material and the liquid using a textured interface. When the refractive indices of the spot's material and the liquid match, the interface (and therefore the entire spot) would be completely transparent. In certain embodiments, when this interface is rough or porous in two or three dimensions (such as illustrated in Figure 5), the refractive index difference is elucidated as the total reflectance or opacity at the spot. Alternatively, the interface can be smooth and curved and the spot may cover a printed symbol or pattern. In these embodiments, distortion of the pattern may be used to measure the refractive-index contrast. There are many materials in which refractive-index can be precisely adjusted and many ways to precisely adjust the material's refractive index. Alternatively, the interface of the transparent indicator material can be angled with respect to the printed pattern. In these embodiments, distortion of the distance between features in the pattern in one or more directions may be used to determine the refractive index of the liquid. Suitable transparent indicator materials include, but are not limited to: glass (e.g. silica, borosilicate), silicon nitride, transparent polymers (e.g.

polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyvinyl pyrrole, chitin, multi-component epoxy resins, whose blend of components determines the refractive index, mesoporous ceramics or sol-gel materials (e.g. silica, titania, alumina, etc.) with pore dimensions smaller than 100 nm.

[0047] As shown in Figure 7, a spot of thick (at least 0.1 mm in total thickness) porous matrix made of a transparent matrix material (e.g. cellulose, nitrocellulose, polyethylene glycol, porous silica, silica gel, etc.) can be incorporated into the indicator section of the tip as an optical reporter of viscosity. When the liquid fills the tip, the time it takes for the liquid to completely wet is a function of the liquid's viscosity. The progression of wetting is readout as a time-dependent decrease in opacity, or increase in transparency. Typically, opacity decreases over time (ti to t3) as liquid imbibes. [0048] In certain embodiments, the indicator array in the tip can include one or more dissolvability elements that determine the ability of the liquid to dissolve different compounds. As illustrated in Figure 8, each element can comprise a porous matrix (110) (e.g. cellulose, nitrocellulose, polyethylene glycol, porous silica, silica gel, etc.), with embedded solid crystals of a dye that indicates solubility. When the porous matrix is exposed to a liquid that can dissolve the dye crystals (120), color will spread throughout the porous matrix leading to a detectable change in reflectance or transmittance of the overall spot. This large color change will not occur when the dye has not dissolved. Many compatible dye- solvent combinations would be known to someone skilled in the art. Some non-limiting examples of dyes soluble in water and/or certain polar solvents are: Rhodamine-based compounds, Malachite Green, crystal violet, fluorescein, methylene blue. Some non-limiting examples of dyes soluble in organic liquids are: anthraquinone dyes, azo dyes, and phthalocyanine or porphyrin dyes with non-polar substituent groups, such as tetraphenyl porphyrin. Some non-limiting examples of dyes soluble in perfluorinated organic liquids are: difluoro-boraindacene and thiacarbocyanine dye with long perfluorinated substituent chains. Some non-limiting examples of dyes selectively soluble in certain halogenated organic liquids such as dichloromethane, and chloroform are: squaraine-based dyes. Different dyes may be soluble in different classes and combinations of solvents.

[0049] The tip may incorporate optical indicators that differentiate liquids based on wettability as described in the following documents: WO2012078351 ; US Provisional application serial number 62/202,607; Raymond, et al, Lab on a Chip 12, 3666-3669 (2012); Burgess et al, ACS Nano 6 1427-1437 (2012); Burgess et al, Journal of the American Chemical Society, 133, 12430-12432 (2011). The tip can incorporate optical indicators for volatility, such as those described in the following sources: Burgess, et al, arXiv: 1505.07845 (2015); and PCT/US 15/25408. The contents of each of these documents is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0050] The tip may include one or more indicator materials that report on chemical properties of liquids. These optical indicators can include colorimetric chemical reporter molecules incorporated or fixed to a surface, or incorporated into a porous or fibrous matrix. Many optical indicators of various chemical properties are well known to those skilled in the art. These chemical properties include, but are not limited to: pH, presence of sulphur dioxide, presence of certain metal ions, presence of halogen ions, the presence of strong oxidizers, the presence of peroxides, or combinations thereof. Some examples of common optical indicator molecules for pH are dyes that are weak acids or bases, such as crystal violet, malachite green, thymol blue, bromophenol blue, methyl orange, phenolphthalein, or combinations thereof such as universal indicators. Optical indicators for hydrogen sulphide include materials containing ferrous sulphate or lead acetate. Optical indicators for peroxides, and several other chemical species including certain metal ions are available commercially (see for example, the multitude of test strips available at Macherey-Nagel Gmbh at

http : // www. mn-net . com/) .

[0051] 1.2.3. Data processor and display

[0052] In certain embodiments, the data processor, optical reader, readout, and display are all integrated into the tip reader. The tip reader may contain a processor and memory that are sufficient to analyze the data produced by the optical reader without communicating with external devices. For example, the tip reader may contain Wi-Fi or Bluetooth transmitters, enabling data exchange with external devices. The raw data from the optical reader may be transmitted to an external location, such as a processor, via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The external processor analyzes the data, and the information to be shown on the display is transmitted back to the data processor in the tip reader. In certain embodiments, part of the data analysis is performed by the on-board processor (e.g. conversion of the optical readings to liquid property data) and part of the data analysis is performed by external processors (e.g.

comparison with external libraries). Some parts of the processed data may be shared with apps on the user's other mobile devices (e.g. smartphones). In certain embodiments, a mobile device is incorporated into the reader, and serves as the on-board processor. In certain embodiments, the optical reader and the on-board processor are incorporated as part of a mobile device (e.g. smartphone) incorporated into the reader.

[0053] 2. Data and algorithms

[0054] 2.1. Software function [0055] Typically, the data processor can perform two algorithmic functions:

[0056] 2.1.1. Conversion of optical data (e.g. transmittance, reflectance, images, time- dependent transmittance or reflectance) into numerical readings for each indicator in the array. For some physical properties (e.g. opacity, viscosity, refractive index, solubility of different test dyes) and chemical properties (e.g. pH) numerical readings correspond directly to the quantity measured. In certain embodiments, only qualitative information about the physical or chemical properties will be extracted (e.g. the presence or absence, but not the concentration of certain chemical species). A response of some or all of the indicators can be assigned numerical scores in relation to a reference library (e.g. as can be done for wettability indicators, as illustrated in

http://aizenberglab.seas.harvard.edu/papers/LabChip2012.R aymond.pdf, incorporated herein by reference).

[0057] 2.1.2. Conversion of the numerical readings into information about the liquid pertinent to the user ("pertinent information") and reporting of this information to the user. The pertinent information can include hazards and specific disposal instructions, or combinations thereof. [0058] Some non-limiting examples of chemical hazards are acidity, basicity, corrosiveness, flammability, toxicity, halogen content, volatility, oxidizing properties, explosiveness, and specific classes of incompatible substances. Some non-limiting examples of additional properties pertinent to waste disposal are: relative content of organic and aqueous components, content of halogenated organic substances, content of organic peroxides or peroxide-forming compounds, phenol content, presence of specific metals or metal ions (e.g. mercury, lead, arsenic), presence of poly chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), air-reactivity, moisture reactivity, and dissolved gas content, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the pertinent information are hazards and specific disposal instructions and the liquid is a chemical waste, or hazards and specific disposal instructions and the liquid is found in a spill or other site of accidental release. The pertinent information can also include: correct regulatory categories for transportation of hazardous goods (categories, packing groups); correct transportation category and packing group for crude oil; the correct transportation category and packing group for chemical waste; the exact composition or identity of the liquid (which can be a chemical product in an unlabeled container); or information about the identity of a potentially hazardous liquid and suggestions of safer chemical substitutes.

[0059] In certain embodiments, the starting composition of the liquid is pre-determined, entered by the user or pre-defined as part of a given mode of operation for example, and the pertinent information is the progression of a chemical process. The device may be used to rapidly monitor the progression of a chemical process run under an inert atmosphere (e.g. in a glove-box).

[0060] The suspected identity of the liquid can be pre-determined, entered by the user or predefined as part of a given mode of operation for example, and the pertinent information is the liquid's authenticity. For example, the pertinent information may also be the liquid's authenticity and the liquid is a refined petroleum product (e.g. oil, gasoline, jet fuel). Thus, the pertinent information can be the liquid's authenticity and, for example, the liquid is a fuel, fuel blend, fuel alcohol blend, or a fuel/oil blend. Other pertinent information can include where the authentication of the liquid can reveal if it is potable, such as, for example, where the liquid is infant formula, wine, liquor, beer, spirits, a dairy product. Another example is where the liquid is a fragrance formulation. [0061] The suspected identity of the potable liquid may be pre-determined, entered by the user or pre-defined as part of a given mode of operation for example. Pertinent information can include nutritional information (e.g. calorie content, sugar content, fat content, etc.). For liquid product formulations that are complex mixtures (e.g. beverages, petroleum products, lubricants, etc.) reported information can also include key quality metrics that are physical or chemical characteristics directly measured by the device, or calculated indirectly using external data (e.g. density, viscosity, vapour pressure, refractive index, flash point, initial boiling point, octane number, etc.).

[0062] 2.2. Processing and the use of external data libraries

[0063] Data can be stored and processed on a processor built into the tip reader. In certain embodiments, some or all of the data processing is performed on an external server connected to the tip reader via the Internet, or can be performed on a separate mobile device (e.g.

smartphone) nearby to the tip reader that can communicate with the tip reader via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0064] Raw and processed data can be saved on an external server, and accessible via the Internet. This data can be made accessible to software run on the user's other devices (e.g. computers, smartphones, etc.). The pertinent information (e.g. hazards, waste disposal classification, transportation of hazardous goods classification, authenticity, etc.) may be shared with the user and with external stakeholders (e.g. government regulatory agencies, manufacturers of the authenticated products, other parties of the supply chain, lab managers, safety officers, inventory management systems, etc.).

[0065] Figure 9 illustrates that reference data for every liquid analyzed from every tip reader in circulation may be saved on an external server ("data library"), accessible via the Internet, such that it is available on-demand to connect with every tip reader. The data library may include information about the physical and chemical properties of every liquid analyzed by the device, or information about the indicator responses of every liquid analyzed by the device, for example. Readings from each tip reader can be transmitted and accumulated in this library.

[0066] The data in the data library can grow based on transmission from external sources and data entered by the users of the device ("external data"). In certain embodiments, the library can include external information provided by users or user software. External information can include an inventory of all substances in the area (e.g. chemical inventory in a lab or plant, manifests of substances transported on the truck or train, etc.). It can also include information on the types of liquids used, sold or distributed in the geographic vicinity of a spill or accidental release site or, for example, can include the compositions and responses of common forgeries of a liquid authenticated by the tip reader, or the initial composition of a chemical process to be monitored periodically by the tip reader. The external data may also include physical and chemical models that enable the prediction of pertinent information from the raw property measurements. The external data may also include libraries of physical and chemical data on chemicals, solvents, product formulations, and/or mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, these libraries can be built from publicly available databases of physical and chemical data (e.g. libraries of Materials Safety Data Sheets, academic libraries, industry databases). In some embodiments, these libraries can also include private libraries, including those consisting of measurements made by users of the device. The external data may also include information entered by the user. The processor in the device can comprise instructions thereon for using this externally-inputted data to compare with known data on the liquid (such as in the manifests, chemical inventories, suspected formulations to be authenticated, etc.) for authenticating the liquid. Thus, for example, if the indicator tells the user what the key physical and chemical properties of the liquid are, the user knows that it is one of the number of substances listed on a train's manifest or a lab's inventory. Algorithms in the device's processor can then allow the user to identify and/or authenticate exactly what the liquid is.

[0067] The processing function can refine and/or improve the specificity of the pertinent information using external data in addition to data from the optical responses of the indicators in the tip reader. The increasing accumulation of response data and external data in the data library can lead to continuous improvement in the specificity of the pertinent information offered by a tip reader over time. For example, the accumulation of response data for common forgery types from multiple authentication tests within a particular class of substances (e.g. fuel or infant formula) could allow a reader that reports authenticity to also include comparisons to known forgeries in the pertinent information. [0068] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this Specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains and are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent applications was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0069] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.