초록 ▼

A profile of a rack, that may have zero, one, or a plurality of containers may be obtained using an ultrasonic sensor. The sensor emits a plurality of ultrasonic bursts and the rack is transported under the sensor at a slew speed that allows the sensor to detect at least first and second echoes from

A profile of a rack, that may have zero, one, or a plurality of containers may be obtained using an ultrasonic sensor. The sensor emits a plurality of ultrasonic bursts and the rack is transported under the sensor at a slew speed that allows the sensor to detect at least first and second echoes from each of the bursts. Data points, corresponding to each of the first and second echoes, are generated and the data points are captured in a memory device. The data points, generally reflecting the levels of the rack and any containers, are processed to dynamically and non-invasively (i.e., without physically contacting the liquid with a probe) determine information about the container types, whether any container is capped, and, if one or more containers are uncapped, the liquid level in the uncapped containers. This profiling may be used in a variety of devices and is particularly useful in a sample handler in an automated analytical instrument, where the ultrasonic sensor may be positioned above a rack transport mechanism.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.]1. A method of dynamically profiling a container in a rack in an apparatus having an ultrasonic sensor, said method comprising the steps of:moving said rack within and through a sensing range of said sensor;transmitting a plurality of ultrasonic bursts from said sensor toward said r

[ We claim:] [1.]1. A method of dynamically profiling a container in a rack in an apparatus having an ultrasonic sensor, said method comprising the steps of:moving said rack within and through a sensing range of said sensor;transmitting a plurality of ultrasonic bursts from said sensor toward said rack as said rack is moved past, and within said sensing range of, said sensor;detecting a plurality of echoes from said plurality of ultrasonic bursts striking said container and said rack;generating a plurality of data points from said detected plurality of echoes; andprofiling said rack using said plurality of data points to determine information about said container.