초록 ▼

The present invention relates to an apparatus for transferring a liquid capable of accurately performing detection of a liquid level using a pipetting probe even in a case of a high electric conductivity of a in-flow-passage moving fluid which transmits sucking and discharging operation of a syringe

The present invention relates to an apparatus for transferring a liquid capable of accurately performing detection of a liquid level using a pipetting probe even in a case of a high electric conductivity of a in-flow-passage moving fluid which transmits sucking and discharging operation of a syringe (107) to the pipetting probe (100, 400, 500, 600). The probe has a liquid level sensing electrode (103, 401, 501, 601) and an inner tube (102, 402, 502, 602). The liquid level sensing electrode capable of contacting with a liquid to be pipetted is electrically separated from an inner tube filled with the moving fluid, and the both are insulated by an electric insulating member (104B, 403, 503) between them. A container (111) containing the liquid to be pipetted is held by a container holder (112), and a liquid level can be detected by change in an electrostatic capacitance between the container holder and the liquid level sensing electrode of the probe when the probe is moved downward. During sucking the liquid, the inner tube is not brought in contact with the liquid. The inner tube and the container holder are grounded.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for transferring a liquid comprising an electrically conductive container holder for holding a container containing a liquid to be pipetted; a probe for pipetting part of the liquid in the container; a pipetting pump connected to the probe, the pump allowing

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for transferring a liquid comprising an electrically conductive container holder for holding a container containing a liquid to be pipetted; a probe for pipetting part of the liquid in the container; a pipetting pump connected to the probe, the pump allowing the liquid to be sucked into the probe by moving a movable fluid in the probe; and a device for outputting a signal of detecting a liquid surface of the liquid in the container based on a change in an electrostatic capacitance between the container holder and the probe; whereinsaid probe comprises an inner tube filled with the movable fluid therein; and a liquid level sensing electrode having an outer tube and being capable of contacting with the liquid to be pipetted;a terminal end of said liquid level sensing electrode being arranged so as to be positioned at a level lower than a terminal end of the inner tube, the inner tube being arranged so that the liquid taken into the probe is prevented from coming into contact with the inner tube, said liquid level sensing electrode and the inner tube being electrically insulated therebetween.