초록 ▼

An apparatus is provided which includes a reaction cartridge having a plurality of reaction wells having different reagents disposed thereon, at least one well adapted to receive a sample, a well containing particles adapted to bind to the sample and which have the capability of being separated from

An apparatus is provided which includes a reaction cartridge having a plurality of reaction wells having different reagents disposed thereon, at least one well adapted to receive a sample, a well containing particles adapted to bind to the sample and which have the capability of being separated from cells which are not bound to the separation particles and at least one fluorophore adapted to bind to a specific type of cell in the sample, and a wash area adapted for washing a probe. An image forming device is provided to detect images which indicate whether specific reactions have occurred in each of the reaction wells. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for dispensing and aspirating liquids including a mechanism for detecting liquid levels. The device further includes logic for analyzing the information received from the image detection apparatus and processing the information to generate a visual indication of the results of the assays being performed. A microprocessor is provided to assist in the operation of the device as well as in the image processing.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for sensing the level of a liquid in a container relative to a dispensing probe, said method comprising: spacing the probe and a receiving antenna a fixed distance apart such that the container may be inserted into a space between the probe and the receiving antenna; inserting a container w

A method for sensing the level of a liquid in a container relative to a dispensing probe, said method comprising: spacing the probe and a receiving antenna a fixed distance apart such that the container may be inserted into a space between the probe and the receiving antenna; inserting a container with fluid therein into the space; applying a radio frequency signal to the probe whereby it radiates a radio frequency signal that is sensed by the receiving antenna; moving the container relative to the probe; converting the signal sensed by the receiving antenna into a further signal representing the magnitude of the sensed signal; and, analyzing the further signal to determine changes in the magnitude of the sensed signal as an indication of the level of the liquid in the container as the container is moved relative to the probe.