초록 ▼

Apparatus and a method are described which permit the detection of penetration of liquid by an apertured container used for aspirating and dispensing the liquid. The apparatus and method feature control means for advancing the container an increment of the maximum possible distance to the liquid; ge

Apparatus and a method are described which permit the detection of penetration of liquid by an apertured container used for aspirating and dispensing the liquid. The apparatus and method feature control means for advancing the container an increment of the maximum possible distance to the liquid; generating a pressure differential within the dispensing container that is sufficient to generate a signal that is indicative of whether the container aperture is closed by the liquid; detecting and signalling the pressure produced within the container by such a pressure differential; and comparing such signalled pressure against a reference value determinative of whether the container has penetrated the liquid.

대표청구항 ▼

In apparatus for aspirating and dispensing liquid and including a probe for removably mounting a container having an aspirating and dispensing aperture; pressurizing means fluidly connected to said probe for generating an operative pressure differential relative to atmospheric pressure, effective to

In apparatus for aspirating and dispensing liquid and including a probe for removably mounting a container having an aspirating and dispensing aperture; pressurizing means fluidly connected to said probe for generating an operative pressure differential relative to atmospheric pressure, effective to aspirate or dispense liquid into or from a mounted container; and moving means for advancing said probe and such mounted container toward, and away from a nominal level location; an improved aspiration control system comprising (a) means for controlling the advance of said probe in increments, (b) means for actuating said pressurizing means only when said probe is not advancing, to generate a pressure differential in such container, relative to atmospheric pressure, that is sufficient to indicate whether such container aperture is closed by the liquid, (c) means for detecting and signalling the pressure produced within such container by said pressure differential; and (d) means for comparing the signalled pressure against a reference value determinative of the presence of liquid in such container aperture, said control system further being free of any valve means interposed between said pressurizing means and said detecting means.