REACTION VESSEL
    43.
    发明专利

    公开(公告)号:CA2643126A1

    公开(公告)日:1995-03-30

    申请号:CA2643126

    申请日:1994-09-22

    Applicant: ABBOTT LAB

    Abstract: The invention discloses an automated liquid level sensing system for detecti ng 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 us e in a clinical analysis system having a pipettor for dispensing or aspirating liqu id in a container, the pipettor being electrically conductive and moveable verticall y into the container, using the automated liquid sensing system of the invention furthe r 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.

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