Disclosed is a portable handheld characteristic analyzer used to analyze chemical compositions in or near real-time. Each figure element is obtained by randomizing a corresponding figure element in a standard pattern including a plurality of standard figure elements. The device makes simple and reliable measurement of the arterial oxygen saturation and the transcutaneous CO2 partial pressure possible on an ear lobe. In addition, the water pump is operable to drive fluid from the fluid supply tank via fluid transport tubes to the fluid discharge outlet, and the heating element is operable to heat the fluid prior to it being discharged from the fluid discharge outlet. The invention may be used, for example, to simultaneously mark or label a first plurality of objects at a first time with individual marks or labels, and to mark or label a second plurality of objects at a second time with individual marks or labels.