The present invention relates to biotechnology. The expansion mechanism includes a variable vane mechanism. In another embodiment, the data packet includes at least two nonsequential meter readings, separated by a multiplicity of reading intervals, on a rolling basis, such that data will not be lost as a result of a temporary obstruction that interferes with the transmission or receipt of meter readings. The method includes performing a comparison of the object quality values to the object category metrics associated with the object category and initiating an action based on the comparison. The identification elements are visually detectable when illuminated by infrared or ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation but are visually indistinguishable from the rest of the object when illuminated with visible light. In another preferred embodiment, the face has a first thickness section, a second thickness region, and a central region having a third thickness.