Abstract: Disclosed herein are a system and method for determining a liquid level in a container based on data extracted from a digital image of the container. An image capture apparatus captures an image of a container used to store liquid reagents used by analytical instruments to test patient samples. A controller receives the captured image and extracts an analysis region based on a container type and applies a gradient filter to the analysis region. A location of a minimum gradient value (i.e., a row index) is determined based on the air-to-liquid boundary of the liquid in the extracted analysis region. A volume module calculates the liquid level in the analysis region by dividing the row index by a length of a gradient column vector and compares the determined liquid level to a threshold analysis region fraction for the container type to determine whether to output an alert.

Abstract: In one arrangement, a cartridge includes a cartridge body defining a holding compartment, first and second fractioning compartments, and a number of flow channels formed within the cartridge body. A predetermined quantity of fluid can be held in the holding compartment when the cartridge body is held in a first orientation, and can be poured from the holding compartment to the first fractioning compartment by rotating the cartridge body about a predefined rotation axis to a second orientation, spilling the fluid from the holding compartment to the first fractioning compartment through one of the flow channels. The first fractioning compartment is such that when the cartridge body is in the second orientation, not all of the fluid can be contained in the first fractioning compartment, and fluid that overflows the first fractioning compartment flows through a second flow channel to the second fractioning compartment.

Abstract: In one arrangement, a cartridge includes a cartridge body defining a holding compartment, first and second fractioning compartments, and a number of flow channels formed within the cartridge body. A predetermined quantity of fluid can be held in the holding compartment when the cartridge body is held in a first orientation, and can be poured from the holding compartment to the first fractioning compartment by rotating the cartridge body about a predefined rotation axis to a second orientation, spilling the fluid from the holding compartment to the first fractioning compartment through one of the flow channels. The first fractioning compartment is such that when the cartridge body is in the second orientation, not all of the fluid can be contained in the first fractioning compartment, and fluid that overflows the first fractioning compartment flows through a second flow channel to the second fractioning compartment.

Abstract: Circuits, methods, and systems are directed to controlling the amount and polarity of current to multiple loads with switches, where the loads share switching components. The loads may be thermoelectric elements, which heat or cool based on the state of the switches. The switches may be run in a single mode during a duty cycle, or multiple successive modes during the duty cycle to achieve full control of the loads.

Abstract: A method and apparatus relating to a controller for controlling a light emitting array by setting a power level provided to each individual light emission source within the light emitting array is provided. The controller includes a processor for executing instructions and a memory device for storing data. The data from the memory device provides individual instruction for a power level required for each individual light emission source to achieve a normalized detection of light within the fluorometer. A method of manufacturing a controller for controlling the emission of light in a fluorometer includes analyzing the well values of illumination and storing power level values in a memory device corresponding to predetermined illumination levels of the illumination sources.

Abstract: A method and apparatus relating to a controller for controlling a light emitting array by setting a power level provided to each individual light emission source within the light emitting array is provided. The controller includes a processor for executing instructions and a memory device for storing data. The data from the memory device provides individual instruction for a power level required for each individual light emission source to achieve a normalized detection of light within the fluorometer. A method of manufacturing a controller for controlling the emission of light in a fluorometer includes analyzing the well values of illumination and storing power level values in a memory device corresponding to predetermined illumination levels of the illumination sources.