Method of detecting a fluid surface

US6914555B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED · US

Inventors

• Larry Jurik · Elmhurst, US
• Bernard Katz · Rockaway, US
• Michael J. Keating · San Francisco, US
• Stone Klengler · Escondido, US
• John J. Kotlarik · McHenry, US
• Mieczyslaw Wroblewski · Lake Forest, US
• James H. Lipscomb · Kennett Square, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 1, 2003
• Grant date: Jul 5, 2005
• Expiry date: May 1, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/8326
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A sensor for detecting contact of a fluid delivery probe with a fluid surface and for detecting fluid flow through the probe includes a first electrode disposed along a fluid flow path of the probe upstream from a distal tip of the probe and a second electrode longitudinally spaced and electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed at the distal tip of the probe. An oscillating signal is transmitted through the first electrode, and at least a portion of the signal is received through the second electrode. Through changes in the received signal due to the distal tip of the probe coming into contact with a fluid surface or due to fluid flow through the conduit between the first and second electrodes, fluid surface contact and fluid flow can be detected. A pressure sensor can be employed to monitor internal fluid pressure within the fluid conduit of the fluid delivery probe as a secondary, redundant mechanism for detecting fluid flow through the conduit.