Fluid level detector and method for use with automated workstation
US6443022B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 14, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/1025
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fluid level detection system includes an illumination source and a photodetector. The illumination source produces a beam at a fixed angle, which the photodetector is adapted to sense as it is reflected from the surface of a fluid. The photodetector varies in accord with the amount of the reflected beam that impinges on it. This amount, in turn, varies with the distance between the surface of the fluid, the illumination source and photodetector. The system can be used, for example, in automated pipetting applications in which it is important to ascertain the position of a pipette tip with respect to fluid contained within a body to provide safe and effective automatic processing of the fluid without the pipette tip contacting the body.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.