Low carryover liquid handling probe for an automated analyzer
AssigneeBeckman Coulter, Inc.
InventorsLaura Elizabeth Schilling Holmes, Steve M. Alseth, John G. Carver
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Provided herein is a carryover-reducing liquid handling probe for an analytical system, incorporating a rigid sheath and a polymer core that extends from the sheath to act as the fluid contact surface.
Claims19
A liquid handling probe, comprising:
- a) an elongated rigid sheath with a distal terminus;
- b) a conductive polymer core that is partially enclosed within said elongated rigid sheath, said conductive polymer core including
- an internal fluid conduit and
- a conductive polymer tip, said conductive polymer tip comprising a portion of the conductive polymer core that protrudes from the distal terminus of the elongated rigid sheath;
- and,
- c) a fluid sensing mechanism operably connected to the conductive polymer core.
A device for handling liquids on an automated chemistry analyzer, said automated chemical analyzer having one or more crane assemblies, comprising
- (1) a liquid handling probe, said liquid handling probe comprising:
- a) an elongated rigid sheath with a distal terminus;
- b) a conductive polymer core that is partially enclosed within said elongated rigid sheath, said conductive polymer core comprising
- an internal fluid conduit and
- a conductive polymer tip, said conductive polymer tip comprising a portion of the conductive polymer core that protrudes from the lower terminus of the elongated rigid sheath 106, and
- c) a liquid level sensing mechanism operably connected to the conductive polymer core;
- (2) a probe mount for securing said liquid handling probe to a crane assembly of the automated chemistry analyzer;
- and
- (3) a probe guide attached to said probe mount, wherein a pliant member is interposed between the probe mount and said probe guide, and wherein the liquid handling probe is affixed to the probe guide.
A device for handling liquids on an automated chemistry analyzer, said automated chemical analyzer having one or more crane assemblies, comprising:
- a) a liquid handling probe;
- b) a probe mount for securing said liquid handling probe to a crane assembly of the automated chemistry analyzer;
- and
- c) a probe guide attached to said probe mount, wherein a pliant member is interposed between the probe mount and said probe guide, and wherein said liquid handling probe is affixed to the probe guide.
A system for minimizing collision damage to a liquid handling probe, comprising
- said liquid handling probe affixed a probe guide, said probe guide attached to a probe mount with a pliant member interposed between the probe guide and said probe mount;
- wherein collision between an object and the liquid handling probe results in displacement of the probe guide, and distortion of said pliant member;
- wherein said distortion of said pliant member reduces force generated between said object and said liquid handling probe during the collision.
A system for minimizing collision damage to a liquid handling probe, comprising
- said liquid handling probe affixed a probe guide, said probe guide attached to a probe mount with a pliant member interposed between the probe guide and said probe mount;
- wherein collision between an object and the liquid handling probe results in displacement of the probe guide, and distortion of said pliant member;
- wherein said distortion of said pliant member activates a collision detection sensor that then generates a signal received by a controller, and
- wherein said controller alters the trajectory of the liquid handling probe following reception of the signal from the collision detection sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.