公开(公告)号：ES2181724T3

公开(公告)日：2003-03-01

申请号：ES94929339

申请日：1994-09-22

Applicant: ABBOTT LAB

Inventor： CLARK FREDERICK L ,  CLEMENS JOHN M ,  HANCE ROBERT B ,  HENDRICK KENDALL B ,  TAYI APPARAO ,  KANEWSKE WILLIAM J III

IPC: G01N33/483 ,  B01F11/00 ,  B01L3/00 ,  B29C45/00 ,  G01F23/22 ,  G01F23/26 ,  G01N1/00 ,  G01N21/25 ,  G01N21/64 ,  G01N21/76 ,  G01N21/78 ,  G01N33/53 ,  G01N33/542 ,  G01N33/543 ,  G01N33/553 ,  G01N35/00 ,  G01N35/02 ,  G01N35/04 ,  G01N35/10 ,  H01J49/04

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated liquid level sensing system for detecting the presence of liquid in a container, said liquid level sensing system comprising: a vertically oriented, electrically conductive probe positioned above said container; means for vertically moving said probe into and out of said container; a signal source electrically connected to said probe, said signal source energizing said probe with an electrical signal and causing said probe to transmit said electrical signal; a receiving antenna positioned below said container for receiving said transmitted electrical signal; means for analyzing said received electrical signal for indications that said probe has contacted liquid in said container; means for transferring said received electrical signal from said receiving antenna to said analyzing means; and means for indicating that liquid has been detected. Further, the invention also provides for a method for automatically detecting the presence of liquid in a container, said method comprising the steps of: vertically positioning an electrically conductive probe above said container; vertically moving said probe into and out of said container; electrically connecting a signal source to said probe, said signal source energizing said probe with an electrical signal and causing said probe to transmit said electrical signal; positioning a receiving antenna below said container for receiving said transmitted electrical signal; analyzing said received electrical signal for indications that said probe has contacted liquid in said container; transferring said received electrical signal from said receiving antenna to said analyzing means; and indicating that liquid has been detected.

公开(公告)号：CA2132959A1

公开(公告)日：1993-10-14

申请号：CA2132959

申请日：1993-03-24

Applicant: ABBOTT LAB

Inventor： CLARK FREDERIC L ,  CLIFT GILBERT ,  HENDRICK KENDALL B ,  KANEWSKE WILLIAM J III ,  LOGOCKI PETER A ,  MARTIN RICHARD R ,  MITCHELL JAMES E ,  MOORE LARRY W ,  PENNINGTON CHARLES D ,  WALKER EDNA S ,  SMITH B JANE ,  TAYI APPARAO ,  VAUGHT JAMES A ,  YOST DAVID A ,  RUMBAUGH WILLIAM ,  WINTER GARY E ,  HANCE ROBERT B ,  STANTON ALYN K ,  OLEKSAK CARL M ,  WATKINS WILLIAM E III ,  VICKSTROM RICHARD L ,  CLOONAN KEVIN M ,  WOHLFORD ROBERT A ,  HILLS DAVID B JR ,  SCHRIER PAUL R

IPC: B01L3/00 ,  B01L3/08 ,  B01L9/06 ,  G01N1/00 ,  G01N1/14 ,  G01N1/28 ,  G01N21/03 ,  G01N21/25 ,  G01N33/53 ,  G01N33/537 ,  G01N33/538 ,  G01N33/542 ,  G01N33/543 ,  G01N35/00 ,  G01N35/02 ,  G01N35/04 ,  G01N35/10 ,  G05D23/00 ,  H01J49/04 ,  H02P8/00 ,  H05B41/00 ,  G01F11/04 ,  G01M11/00 ,  G05D23/19 ,  H04B15/00 ,  H05B39/04 ,  H05B41/36

Abstract: 2132959 9320441 PCTABS00027 An automated, continuous and random access analytical system, having apparatus and methodology capable of simultaneously performing multiple assays of liquid samples using different assay methodologies, and providing continuous and random access while performing a plurality of different assays on the same or different samples during the same time period, is disclosed. A method is also disclosed of operating an automated continuous and random access analytical system capable of simultaneously effecting multiple assays of a plurality of liquid samples wherein scheduling of various assays of the plurality of liquid samples is followed by creating a unit dose disposable and separately transferring a first liquid sample (26), reagents (30) to a reaction vessel (34) without initiation of an assay reaction sequence, followed by physical transfer of the unit dose disposable (34) to a process work station, whereby a mixture of the unit dose disposable reagents and sample (34) are achieved during incubation. The system is capable of performing more than one scheduled assay in any order, and assays where more than such scheduled assays are presented. The automated, continuous and random access analytical system is also capable of analyzing the incubated reaction mixtures independently and individually by at least two assay procedures.

公开(公告)号：DE69435315D1

公开(公告)日：2010-10-28

申请号：DE69435315

申请日：1994-09-22

Applicant: ABBOTT LAB

Inventor： CLARK FREDERICK L ,  CLEMENS JOHN M ,  HANCE ROBERT B ,  HENDRICK KENDALL B ,  TAYI APPARAO ,  KANEWSKE WILLIAM J III ,  LAGOCKI PETER A ,  MARTIN RICHARD R ,  MCDOWELL DOUGLAS D ,  MERRIAM RICHARD A ,  MOORE LARRY W ,  OLEKSAK CARL M ,  PENNINGTON CHARLES D ,  RAYMOURE WILLIAM J ,  RUMBAUGH WILLIAM D ,  SCHMIDT LINDA S ,  SCHRIER PAUL R ,  SMITH JANE B ,  SPRONK ADRIAN M ,  WALKER EDNA S ,  VAUGHT JAMES A ,  VICKSTROM RICHARD L ,  WALKER DONNY RAY ,  WATKINS WILLIAM E III ,  WINTER GARY E ,  WOHLFORD ROBERT A ,  CLIFT GILBERT ,  CLOONAN KEVIN M ,  MITCHELL JAMES E ,  STANTON ALYN K ,  YOST DAVID A ,  HILLS DAVID B

IPC: G01N33/483 ,  G01N35/02 ,  B01F11/00 ,  B01L3/00 ,  B29C45/00 ,  G01F23/22 ,  G01F23/26 ,  G01N1/00 ,  G01N21/25 ,  G01N21/64 ,  G01N21/76 ,  G01N21/78 ,  G01N33/53 ,  G01N33/542 ,  G01N33/543 ,  G01N33/553 ,  G01N35/00 ,  G01N35/04 ,  G01N35/10 ,  H01J49/04

公开(公告)号：DE69434638T2

公开(公告)日：2006-12-14

申请号：DE69434638

申请日：1994-09-22

Applicant: ABBOTT LAB

Inventor： CLARK FREDERICK L ,  CLEMENS JOHN M ,  HANCE ROBERT B ,  HENDRICK KENDALL B ,  TAYI APPARAO ,  KANEWSKE WILLIAM J III ,  LAGOCKI PETER A ,  MARTIN RICHARD R ,  MCDOWELL DOUGLAS D ,  MERRIAM RICHARD A ,  MOORE LARRY W ,  OLEKSAK CARL M ,  PENNINGTON CHARLES D ,  RAYMOURE WILLIAM J ,  RUMBAUGH WILLIAM D ,  SCHMIDT LINDA S ,  SCHRIER PAUL R ,  SMITH B JANE ,  SPRONK ADRIAN M ,  WALKER EDNA S ,  VAUGHT JAMES A ,  VICKSTROM RICHARD L ALGONQUIN ,  WALKER DONNY RAY ,  WATKINS WILLIAM E III ,  WINTER GARY E ,  WOHLFORD ROBERT A ,  CLIFT GILBERT ,  CLOONAN KEVIN M ,  MITCHELL JAMES E ,  STANTON ALYN K ,  YOST DAVID A ,  HILLS DAVID B

IPC: G01N33/483 ,  G01N35/02 ,  B01F11/00 ,  B01L3/00 ,  B29C45/00 ,  G01F23/22 ,  G01F23/26 ,  G01N1/00 ,  G01N21/25 ,  G01N21/64 ,  G01N21/76 ,  G01N21/78 ,  G01N33/53 ,  G01N33/542 ,  G01N33/543 ,  G01N33/553 ,  G01N35/00 ,  G01N35/04 ,  G01N35/10 ,  H01J49/04

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated liquid level sensing system for detecting the presence of liquid in a container, said liquid level sensing system comprising: a vertically oriented, electrically conductive probe positioned above said container; means for vertically moving said probe into and out of said container; a signal source electrically connected to said probe, said signal source energizing said probe with an electrical signal and causing said probe to transmit said electrical signal; a receiving antenna positioned below said container for receiving said transmitted electrical signal; means for analyzing said received electrical signal for indications that said probe has contacted liquid in said container; means for transferring said received electrical signal from said receiving antenna to said analyzing means; and means for indicating that liquid has been detected. Further, the invention also provides for a method for automatically detecting the presence of liquid in a container, said method comprising the steps of: vertically positioning an electrically conductive probe above said container; vertically moving said probe into and out of said container; electrically connecting a signal source to said probe, said signal source energizing said probe with an electrical signal and causing said probe to transmit said electrical signal; positioning a receiving antenna below said container for receiving said transmitted electrical signal; analyzing said received electrical signal for indications that said probe has contacted liquid in said container; transferring said received electrical signal from said receiving antenna to said analyzing means; and indicating that liquid has been detected.

公开(公告)号：CA2132959C

公开(公告)日：2006-01-24

申请号：CA2132959

申请日：1993-03-24

Applicant: ABBOTT LAB

Inventor： TAYI APPARAO ,  VAUGHT JAMES A ,  YOST DAVID A ,  RUMBAUGH WILLIAM ,  WINTER GARY E ,  HANCE ROBERT B ,  STANTON ALYN K ,  OLEKSAK CARL M ,  WATKINS WILLIAM E III ,  VICKSTROM RICHARD L ,  CLOONAN KEVIN M ,  WOHLFORD ROBERT A ,  HILLS DAVID B JR ,  SCHRIER PAUL R ,  CLARK FREDERIC L ,  CLIFT GILBERT ,  HENDRICK KENDALL B ,  KANEWSKE WILLIAM J III ,  LAGOCKI PETER A ,  MARTIN RICHARD R ,  MITCHELL JAMES E ,  MOORE LARRY W ,  PENNINGTON CHARLES D ,  WALKER EDNA S ,  SMITH B JANE

IPC: G01N35/00 ,  B01L3/00 ,  B01L3/08 ,  B01L9/06 ,  G01F11/04 ,  G01M11/00 ,  G01N1/00 ,  G01N1/14 ,  G01N1/28 ,  G01N21/03 ,  G01N21/25 ,  G01N33/53 ,  G01N33/537 ,  G01N33/538 ,  G01N33/542 ,  G01N33/543 ,  G01N35/02 ,  G01N35/04 ,  G01N35/10 ,  G05D23/00 ,  G05D23/19 ,  H01J49/04 ,  H02P8/00 ,  H04B15/00 ,  H05B39/04 ,  H05B41/00 ,  H05B41/36

Abstract: An automated, continuous and random access analytical system, having apparatus and methodology capable of simultaneously performing multiple assays of liquid samples using different assay methodologies, and providing continuous and random access while performing a plurality of different assays on the same or different samples during the same time period, is disclosed. A method is also disclosed of operating an automated. continuous and random access analytical system capable of simultaneously effecting multiple assays of a plurality of liquid samples wherein scheduling of various assays of the plurality of liquid samples is followed by creating a unit dose disposable and separately transferring a first liquid sample (26), reagents (30) to a reaction vessel (34) without initiation of an assay reaction sequence, followed by physical transfer of the unit dose disposable (34) to a process work station, whereby a mixture of the unit dose disposabl e reagents and sample (34) are achieved during incubation. The system is capable of performing more than one scheduled assa y in any order, and assays where more than such scheduled assays are presented. The automated, continuous and random access analytical system is also capable of analyzing the incubated reaction mixtures independently and individually byat least two assay procedures.

公开(公告)号：CA2172363A1

公开(公告)日：1995-03-31

申请号：CA2172363

申请日：1994-09-22

Applicant: ABBOTT LAB

Inventor： CLARK FREDERICK L ,  CLEMENS JOHN M ,  HANCE ROBERT B ,  HENDRICK KENDALL B ,  TAYI APPARAO ,  KANEWSKE WILLIAM J III ,  LAGOCKI PETER A ,  MARTIN RICHARD R ,  MCDOWELL DOUGLAS D ,  MERRIAM RICHARD A ,  MOORE LARRY W ,  OLEKSAK CARL M ,  PENNINGTON CHARLES D ,  RAYMOURE WILLIAM J ,  RUMBAUGH WILLIAM D ,  SCHMIDT LINDA S ,  SCHRIER PAUL R ,  SMITH B JANE ,  SPRONK ADRIAN M ,  WALKER EDNA S ,  VAUGHT JAMES A ,  VICKSTROM RICHARD L ,  WALKER DONNY RAY ,  WATKINS WILLIAM E III ,  WINTER GARY E ,  WOHLFORD ROBERT A ,  CLIFT GILBERT ,  CLOONAN KEVIN M ,  MITCHELL JAMES E ,  STANTON ALYN K ,  YOST DAVID A ,  HILLS DAVID B

IPC: G01N33/483 ,  B01F11/00 ,  B01L3/00 ,  B29C45/00 ,  G01F23/22 ,  G01F23/26 ,  G01N1/00 ,  G01N21/25 ,  G01N21/64 ,  G01N21/76 ,  G01N21/78 ,  G01N33/53 ,  G01N33/542 ,  G01N33/543 ,  G01N33/553 ,  G01N35/00 ,  G01N35/02 ,  G01N35/04 ,  G01N35/10 ,  H01J49/04 ,  G01N37/00

Abstract: An automated, continuous and random access analytical system, having apparat us and methodology capable of simultaneously performing multiple assays of liquid samples using different assay methodolo gies, and providing continuous and random access while performing a plurality of different assays on the same or different samples during the same time period, is disclosed. A method is a lso disclosed of operating an automated continuous and random access analytical system capable of simultaneously effecting multiple assa ys of a plurality of liquid samples wherein scheduling of various assays of the plurality of liquid samples is followed by creating a u nit dose disposable and separately transferring a first liquid sample and reagents to a reaction vessel without initiation of an assay reacti on sequence, followed by physical transfer of the unit dose disposable to a processing wo rkstation, whereby a mixture of the unit dose disposable reagents and sample are achieved during incubation. The system is capable of performi ng more than one scheduled assay in any order, and assay s where more than such scheduled assays are presented. The automated, continuo us and random access analytical system is also capable o f analyzing the incubated reaction mixtures independently and individually by at least two assay procedures.

公开(公告)号：CA2613156A1

公开(公告)日：1995-03-30

申请号：CA2613156

申请日：1994-09-22

Applicant: ABBOTT LAB

Inventor： TAYI APPARAO ,  KANEWSKE WILLIAM J III ,  VAUGHT JAMES A ,  YOST DAVID A ,  HILLS DAVID B ,  LAGOCKI PETER A ,  WINTER GARY E ,  VICKSTROM RICHARD L ,  STANTON ALYN K ,  PENNINGTON CHARLES D ,  RAYMOURE WILLIAM J ,  MARTIN RICHARD R ,  OLEKSAK CARL M ,  MITCHELL JAMES E ,  SCHMIDT LINDA S ,  WALKER DONNY RAY ,  WATKINS WILLIAM E III ,  HENDRICK KENDALL B ,  WALKER EDNA S ,  SPRONK ADRIAN M ,  WOHLFORD ROBERT A ,  SMITH JANE B ,  RUMBAUGH WILLIAM D ,  MOORE LARRY W ,  MERRIAM RICHARD A ,  CLOONAN KEVIN M ,  SCHRIER PAUL R ,  CLARK FREDERICK L ,  CLEMENS JOHN M ,  MCDOWELL DOUGLAS D ,  HANCE ROBERT B ,  CLIFT GILBERT

IPC: G01N33/483 ,  G01N35/00 ,  B01F11/00 ,  B01L3/00 ,  B29C45/00 ,  G01F23/22 ,  G01F23/26 ,  G01N1/00 ,  G01N1/44 ,  G01N21/25 ,  G01N21/64 ,  G01N21/76 ,  G01N21/78 ,  G01N33/53 ,  G01N33/542 ,  G01N33/543 ,  G01N33/553 ,  G01N35/02 ,  G01N35/04 ,  G01N35/10 ,  G01N37/00 ,  H01J49/04

Abstract: The invention discloses an automated liquid level sensing system for detecting the presence of liquid in a container, comprising an electrically conductive and movable probe positioned above said container; a signal source electrically connected to said probe, said signal source capable of energizing said probe thereby causing said probe to transmit said electrical signal at a given frequency; a receiving antenna and means for transferring said received electrical signal from said receiving antenna to an analyzing means; wherein analyzing said received electrical signal includes: (1) means for detecting changes in received signal amplitude, wherein said means for detecting changes in received signal amplitude includes:(a) means for multiplying said received signal by a reference signal, said reference signal having a frequency substantially equal to the frequency of the transmitted signal; and (b) a low pass filter through which is passed said multiplied received signal; and (2) means for measuring rate of change of said change in received signal amplitude; and means connected to said analyzing means for indicating that liquid has been detected. The invention further discloses a method of automatically detecting the presence of liquid in a container using the system of the invention. An automated liquid sensing system for use in a clinical analysis system having a pipettor for dispensing or aspirating liquid in a container, the pipettor being electrically conductive and moveable vertically into the container, using the automated liquid sensing system of the invention further comprising a means electrically connected to the pipettor for applying a RF signal thereto and causing the pipettor to radiate an electromagnetic field, the propagation of which changes when the pipettor contacts the surface of the liquid in the container is further disclosed.

公开(公告)号：CA2613156C

公开(公告)日：2010-09-21

申请号：CA2613156

申请日：1994-09-22

Applicant: ABBOTT LAB

Inventor： CLARK FREDERICK L ,  CLEMENS JOHN M ,  HANCE ROBERT B ,  HENDRICK KENDALL B ,  TAYI APPARAO ,  KANEWSKE WILLIAM J III ,  LAGOCKI PETER A ,  MARTIN RICHARD R ,  MCDOWELL DOUGLAS D ,  MERRIAM RICHARD A ,  MOORE LARRY W ,  OLEKSAK CARL M ,  PENNINGTON CHARLES D ,  RAYMOURE WILLIAM J ,  RUMBAUGH WILLIAM D ,  SCHMIDT LINDA S ,  SMITH JANE B ,  SPRONK ADRIAN M ,  WALKER EDNA S ,  VAUGHT JAMES A ,  VICKSTROM RICHARD L ,  WALKER DONNY RAY ,  WATKINS WILLIAM E III ,  WINTER GARY E ,  WOHLFORD ROBERT A ,  CLIFT GILBERT ,  CLOONAN KEVIN M ,  MITCHELL JAMES E ,  STANTON ALYN K ,  YOST DAVID A ,  HILLS DAVID B ,  SCHRIER PAUL R

IPC: G01N33/483 ,  G01N35/00 ,  B01F11/00 ,  B01L3/00 ,  B29C45/00 ,  G01F23/22 ,  G01F23/26 ,  G01N1/00 ,  G01N1/44 ,  G01N21/25 ,  G01N21/64 ,  G01N21/76 ,  G01N21/78 ,  G01N33/53 ,  G01N33/542 ,  G01N33/543 ,  G01N33/553 ,  G01N35/02 ,  G01N35/04 ,  G01N35/10 ,  G01N37/00 ,  H01J49/04

Abstract: A device for washing clinical apparatus, the clinical apparatus being employed to, at different times, contain a first test substance during a first testing step and a second test substance during a second testing step subsequent to said first testing step, the device comprises: means for supplying a wash solution to the apparatus; means for varying quantity of the wash solution supplied to the apparatus; and means for controlling the means for varying quantity to cause the means for varying quantity to vary quantity of the wash solution in proportion to potential for contamination between the first test substance and the second test substance contained in the apparatus; there is also provided a system comprising the device and the clinical apparatus, and a method of washing the clinical apparatus. The device and system may form part of an automated analytical system and method for the analysis of liquid test samples, and provide efficient washing of components of such automated analytical system.

公开(公告)号：DE69434702T2

公开(公告)日：2007-03-29

申请号：DE69434702

申请日：1994-09-22

Applicant: ABBOTT LAB

Inventor： CLARK FREDERICK L ,  CLEMENS JOHN M ,  HANCE ROBERT B ,  HENDRICK KENDALL B ,  TAYI APPARAO ,  KANEWSKE WILLIAM J ,  LAGOCKI PETER A ,  MARTIN RICHARD R ,  MCDOWELL DOUGLAS D ,  MERRIAM RICHARD A ,  MOORE LARRY W ,  OLEKSAK CARL M ,  PENNINGTON CHARLES D ,  RAYMOURE WILLIAM J ,  RUMBAUGH WILLIAM D ,  SCHMIDT LINDA S ,  SCHRIER PAUL R ,  SMITH JANE B ,  SPRONK ADRIAN M ,  WALKER EDNA S ,  VAUGHT JAMES A ,  VICKSTROM RICHARD L ,  WALKER DONNY RAY ,  WATKINS WILLIAM E ,  WINTER GARY E ,  WOHLFORD ROBERT A ,  CLIFT GILBERT ,  CLOONAN KEVIN M ,  MITCHELL JAMES E ,  STANTON ALYN K ,  YOST DAVID A ,  HILLS DAVID B

IPC: G01N33/483 ,  G01N35/10 ,  B01F11/00 ,  B01L3/00 ,  B29C45/00 ,  G01F23/22 ,  G01F23/26 ,  G01F23/284 ,  G01N1/00 ,  G01N21/25 ,  G01N21/64 ,  G01N21/76 ,  G01N21/78 ,  G01N33/53 ,  G01N33/542 ,  G01N33/543 ,  G01N33/553 ,  G01N35/00 ,  G01N35/02 ,  G01N35/04 ,  H01J49/04

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated liquid level sensing system for detecting the presence of liquid in a container, said liquid level sensing system comprising: a vertically oriented, electrically conductive probe positioned above said container; means for vertically moving said probe into and out of said container; a signal source electrically connected to said probe, said signal source energizing said probe with an electrical signal and causing said probe to transmit said electrical signal; a receiving antenna positioned below said container for receiving said transmitted electrical signal; means for analyzing said received electrical signal for indications that said probe has contacted liquid in said container; means for transferring said received electrical signal from said receiving antenna to said analyzing means; and means for indicating that liquid has been detected. Further, the invention also provides for a method for automatically detecting the presence of liquid in a container, said method comprising the steps of: vertically positioning an electrically conductive probe above said container; vertically moving said probe into and out of said container; electrically connecting a signal source to said probe, said signal source energizing said probe with an electrical signal and causing said probe to transmit said electrical signal; positioning a receiving antenna below said container for receiving said transmitted electrical signal; analyzing said received electrical signal for indications that said probe has contacted liquid in said container; transferring said received electrical signal from said receiving antenna to said analyzing means; and indicating that liquid has been detected.

公开(公告)号：AT323290T

公开(公告)日：2006-04-15

申请号：AT02001046

申请日：1994-09-22

Applicant: ABBOTT LAB

Inventor： CLARK FREDERICK L ,  CLEMENS JOHN M ,  HANCE ROBERT B ,  HENDRICK KENDALL B ,  TAYI APPARAO ,  KANEWSKE WILLIAM J III ,  LAGOCKI PETER A ,  MARTIN RICHARD R ,  MCDOWELL DOUGLAS D ,  MERRIAM RICHARD A ,  MOORE LARRY W ,  OLEKSAK CARL M ,  PENNINGTON CHARLES D ,  RAYMOURE WILLIAM J ,  RUMBAUGH WILLIAM D ,  SCHMIDT LINDA S ,  SCHRIER PAUL R ,  SMITH JANE B ,  SPRONK ADRIAN M ,  WALKER EDNA S ,  VAUGHT JAMES A ,  VICKSTROM RICHARD L ,  WALKER DONNY RAY ,  WATKINS WILLIAM E III ,  WINTER GARY E ,  WOHLFORD ROBERT A ,  CLIFT GILBERT ,  CLOONAN KEVIN M ,  MITCHELL JAMES E ,  STANTON ALYN K ,  YOST DAVID A ,  HILLS DAVID B

IPC: G01N33/483 ,  B01F11/00 ,  B01L3/00 ,  B29C45/00 ,  G01F23/22 ,  G01F23/26 ,  G01N1/00 ,  G01N21/25 ,  G01N21/64 ,  G01N21/76 ,  G01N21/78 ,  G01N33/53 ,  G01N33/542 ,  G01N33/543 ,  G01N33/553 ,  G01N35/00 ,  G01N35/02 ,  G01N35/04 ,  G01N35/10 ,  H01J49/04 ,  G01F23/284

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated liquid level sensing system for detecting the presence of liquid in a container, said liquid level sensing system comprising: a vertically oriented, electrically conductive probe positioned above said container; means for vertically moving said probe into and out of said container; a signal source electrically connected to said probe, said signal source energizing said probe with an electrical signal and causing said probe to transmit said electrical signal; a receiving antenna positioned below said container for receiving said transmitted electrical signal; means for analyzing said received electrical signal for indications that said probe has contacted liquid in said container; means for transferring said received electrical signal from said receiving antenna to said analyzing means; and means for indicating that liquid has been detected. Further, the invention also provides for a method for automatically detecting the presence of liquid in a container, said method comprising the steps of: vertically positioning an electrically conductive probe above said container; vertically moving said probe into and out of said container; electrically connecting a signal source to said probe, said signal source energizing said probe with an electrical signal and causing said probe to transmit said electrical signal; positioning a receiving antenna below said container for receiving said transmitted electrical signal; analyzing said received electrical signal for indications that said probe has contacted liquid in said container; transferring said received electrical signal from said receiving antenna to said analyzing means; and indicating that liquid has been detected.