We describe a method of processing data to determine a level of free sugar in a foodstuff or drink, the method comprising: inputting data defining an ingredient list for said foodstuff or drink; inputting data for an empirical analysis (b) of nutrient levels in said foodstuff or drink; inputting data defining nutrient levels for each of ingredient in said ingredient list; wherein said analysed nutrient levels (b) in said foodstuff or drink are expressible as a combination of a matrix (A) of said ingredient nutrient levels and a vector (x) defining proportions of said ingredients in said ingredient list, representing a system of simultaneous equations defining said analysed nutrient levels in terms of said ingredient proportions and ingredient nutrient levels; identifying one or more conditions selected from the group consisting of: i) a solution to said system of simultaneous equations is non-physical, ii) said system of simultaneous equations is underdetermined, and iii) said system of simultaneous equations is overdetermined; modifying said system of simultaneous equations responsive to said identifying to add one or more additional ingredients to said ingredient list, said one or more additional ingredients representing one or more ingredients contributing to sugar content of said foodstuff or drink; and determining a level of free sugar in said foodstuff or drink from said modified system of simultaneous equations.

We describe a method of processing data to determine a level of free sugar in a foodstuff or drink, the method comprising: inputting data defining an ingredient list for said foodstuff or drink; inputting data for an empirical analysis (b) of nutrient levels in said foodstuff or drink; inputting data defining nutrient levels for each of ingredient in said ingredient list; wherein said analysed nutrient levels (b) in said foodstuff or drink are expressible as a combination of a matrix (A) of said ingredient nutrient levels and a vector (x) defining proportions of said ingredients in said ingredient list, representing a system of simultaneous equations defining said analysed nutrient levels in terms of said ingredient proportions and ingredient nutrient levels; identifying one or more conditions selected from the group consisting of: i) a solution to said system of simultaneous equations is non-physical, ii) said system of simultaneous equations is underdetermined, and iii) said system of simultaneous equations is overdetermined; modifying said system of simultaneous equations responsive to said identifying to add one or more additional ingredients to said ingredient list, said one or more additional ingredients representing one or more ingredients contributing to sugar content of said foodstuff or drink; and determining a level of free sugar in said foodstuff or drink from said modified system of simultaneous equations.

A method for determining whether a syrup contains a preservative at a needed level is provided. The method includes measuring a conductivity of the syrup, determining whether the measured conductivity is below a predetermined conductivity value determined based on a target syrup according to a syrup recipe, and determining whether the preservative is below the needed level in response to the measured conductivity being below the predetermined conductivity value.

A colorimetric sensor for detecting an analyte of interest in a fluid sample includes a lamellar photonic material having alternating layers of a first polymer layer and a second polymer layer. Each first polymer layer can be a molecularly imprinted polymer defining a cavity shaped to receive an analyte of interest. The photonic material is configured such that, when an analyte contacts the photonic material and becomes disposed within a cavity of the molecularly imprinted polymer, a refractive property of the photonic material changes, causing a detectable color change in the sensor.

A colorimetric sensor for detecting an analyte of interest in a fluid sample includes a lamellar photonic material having alternating layers of a first polymer layer and a second polymer layer. Each first polymer layer can be a molecularly imprinted polymer defining a cavity shaped to receive an analyte of interest. The photonic material is configured such that, when an analyte contacts the photonic material and becomes disposed within a cavity of the molecularly imprinted polymer, a refractive property of the photonic material changes, causing a detectable color change in the sensor.

A plug for a container for storing liquid includes a housing having a longitudinal axis. A first sensor bank is inside the housing, the first sensor bank comprising a first printed circuit board (PCB) and a first sensor mounted on the first PCB. A first sensor chamber is inside the housing, where the first PCB forms a first boundary of the first sensor chamber. An input chamber is at an input end of the housing. The input chamber is in fluid communication with the first sensor chamber.

A system for reading and reporting data from a production of an alcoholic beverage includes a data capture device having a sensor end for placement within a liquid. The sensor end has at least two sensors for measuring data related to the liquid. A transmitter located within the data capture device is coupled to the at least two sensors and the transmitter periodically transmits the data related to the liquid. Color transmission or reflection of the liquid is used to measure clarity, color of the liquid, and relative sugar content.

A method and a device for measuring an oxygen content of a headspace gas in a beverage can. The beverage can is oriented upside down to allow the headspace gas to collect at the bottom. A hollow piercer on a piercing head forms a sampling opening in the bottom of the can through which the sampling tube penetrates. The liquid level in the beverage can is lowered to establish a direct connection of the gas-filled headspace and the sampling opening. Then the headspace gas is transported from the headspace to a sensor unit via the sampling tube and/or the hollow piercer or the piercing head. The oxygen content and/or an oxygen partial pressure and/or a headspace volume of the headspace gas are determined by the sensor unit. The sampling opening is closed off airtight by sealing elements arranged on the piercer or the piercing head.

A method and a device for measuring an oxygen content of a headspace gas in a beverage can. The beverage can is oriented upside down to allow the headspace gas to collect at the bottom. A hollow piercer on a piercing head forms a sampling opening in the bottom of the can through which the sampling tube penetrates. The liquid level in the beverage can is lowered to establish a direct connection of the gas-filled headspace and the sampling opening. Then the headspace gas is transported from the headspace to a sensor unit via the sampling tube and/or the hollow piercer or the piercing head. The oxygen content and/or an oxygen partial pressure and/or a headspace volume of the headspace gas are determined by the sensor unit. The sampling opening is closed off airtight by sealing elements arranged on the piercer or the piercing head.

The invention belongs to the technical field of trace detection, and discloses a heavy metal trace detection method and application thereof. The detection method; comprising the following steps: preparing a quality sample; mixing the quality sample with the sample to be tested according to a specific proportion; using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to detect trace heavy metals; and using standard curve to realize quantitative analysis of heavy metals. For the purpose of detecting heavy metal elements in tea, the application of this invention can shorten the detection time, avoid the use of a large amount of acid liquor, improve the environmental protection performance, and lower the detection cost, moreover, the obtained standard curve by this invention has high correlation and accurate detection results.