Abstract: Embodiments provide a fluid metering device, including: a first fluid supply port for receiving a first fluid; a first fluid dispense port for dispensing the first fluid; a second fluid supply port for receiving a second fluid; a second fluid dispense port for dispensing the second fluid; a waste discharge port for discharging a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid; a valve assembly including a plurality of valves; a manifold connected to the metering pump, wherein the manifold includes a plurality of fluid channels, and the manifold is used for communicating between the valve assembly and each port; a first tube connected between the second valve and the third valve for accommodating the mixture or the first fluid; and a second tube connected between the third valve and the fourth valve for accommodating the second fluid.

Abstract: A method of detecting a level of a liquid in a well of a container. The method includes looking up an expected liquid level of the liquid in the well of a container; measuring and recording a measured liquid level of the liquid in the well; changing a level of the liquid in the well based upon an expected amount of the liquid to be added or removed; and calculating a next expected liquid level at least in part based on multi-point filtering. Apparatus for carrying out the method are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a fitting for tubing connection, a male fitting assembly, and a torque adaptor. The fitting for tubing connection includes a head including a plurality of first gripping portions, each first gripping portion extending from a top of the head; and a shaft attached to the head, wherein the shaft comprises a plurality of external threads.

Abstract: A method of detecting a level of a liquid in a well of a container. The method includes looking up an expected liquid level of the liquid in the well of a container; measuring and recording a measured liquid level of the liquid in the well; changing a level of the liquid in the well based upon an expected amount of the liquid to be added or removed; and calculating a next expected liquid level at least in part based on multi-point filtering. Apparatus for carrying out the method are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a fluid metering device, including: a first fluid supply port for receiving a first fluid; a first fluid dispense port for dispensing the first fluid; a second fluid supply port for receiving a second fluid; a second fluid dispense port for dispensing the second fluid; a waste discharge port for discharging a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid; a valve assembly including a plurality of valves; a manifold connected to the metering pump, wherein the manifold includes a plurality of fluid channels, and the manifold is used for communicating between the valve assembly and each port; a first tube connected between the second valve and the third valve for accommodating the mixture or the first fluid; and a second tube connected between the third valve and the fourth valve for accommodating the second fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to receive particles in a liquid includes: a housing comprising a housing inlet and a housing outlet; and a mesh located in the housing between the housing inlet and the housing outlet, the mesh having spaces greater than a greatest transverse dimension of the particles. The apparatus operates to break up agglomerates of the particles, such as agglomerates of magnetic particles. Other systems and methods of receiving and transferring liquids containing particles having a propensity to agglomerate are disclosed, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A wash station includes a wash nozzle for cleaning an exterior portion of a probe and a basin allowing for waste fluid to be collected. The wash nozzle includes a vertically-elongate cavity with side slits on opposing side portions. A fluid inlet port may be connected to a side portion of the cavity to provide fluid. Fluid may additionally or alternatively come from within the probe. The basin includes an elongate body with an opened end to receive and secure the wash nozzle. One or more access slots may be provided on opposing side portions of the basin. The probe passes through an access slot or over a portion of the basin and through a side slit of the nozzle to enter the cavity for cleaning. A geometry of the cavity allows the wash nozzle to fill to a predetermined level while waste fluid flows out through the side slits.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method for detecting aspiration in a clinical analyzer, including: acquiring, from a sensor, pressure measurement data; transforming the pressure measurement data into frequency domain data; generating a clean version of the frequency domain data by attenuating, using a filter, unwanted frequencies; comparing the cleaned version of the frequency domain data to one or more predetermined data points; and determining, based on the comparison, if an aspiration was properly performed. Other aspects are described and claimed herein.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a transfer arm with a probe and a crash detection mechanism for use in a clinical analyzer in an in vitro diagnostics environment. The mechanism requires no user-intervention after a collision event, unless the automated inspection mechanism determines that damage to the probe requires probe replacement. Moreover, the mechanism is capable of protecting the probe, in some instances, from damage during a collision. The mechanism provides for automatic resetting after a collision, self-checking, and alignment correction. The mechanism includes a crash detection printed circuit assembly with a switch, and a spring-loaded contact sensor assembly configured to secure a probe within the transfer arm and allow for electrical connection between the switch and the probe during normal operation and electrical disconnection between the switch and the probe upon contact of the probe with an obstruction.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a quick-connect and rotation system for impeller coupling including: an impeller comprising: a mixer end; and a first attachment end; the first attachment end comprising a first member that is diametrically magnetized; and an motor comprising: a rotational shaft with a second attachment end comprising a second member that is diametrically magnetized; wherein the first attachment end and the second attachment end are complementary to each other; and wherein the motor imparts rotational torque, via a magnetic field between the first member and the second member, on the first attachment end when the first attachment end and the second attachment end are connected.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a simple, tool-less, and automated connection between a transfer probe and a capacitive liquid level detection printed circuit assembly (PCA) for use in a clinical analyzer in an in vitro diagnostics (IVD) environment in a hospital or laboratory setting. Advantageously, a single user connection is required: a fitting that is used to attach fluid tubing of the transfer arm to a probe, resulting in a mechanical, fluid, and electrical connection between the probe and the transfer arm. A PCA comprises a plurality of spring-loaded pins and capacitive liquid level detection circuity. A probe comprises a primary tube nested within a secondary tube, wherein the primary tube and the secondary tube comprise respective heads at respective top portions thereof forming a set of electrically isolated surfaces. The fitting secures the probe within a transfer arm and establishes the connection between the PCA and the probe.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a single piece radial transfer arm for use in a clinical analyzer in an in vitro diagnostics (IVD) environment. The transfer arm is comprised of a chassis or elongated, rigid member that provides structural and aesthetic properties, acting as both a mounting base and a cover for transfer arm components. The elongated, rigid member is a single component, such as a single piece of injection-molded plastic. The elongated, rigid member has a top surface, a bottom surface, sidewalls, a pivot end, and a component end. One or more access holes and/or internal component mounting locations are provided for mounting one or more components on the bottom surface. A plurality of radial configuration mounting locations are provided on the bottom surface to allow for multiple radial distances between a pivoting axis of the transfer arm and an attached probe to accommodate arcs of different radii.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a simple, tool-less, and automated connection between a transfer probe and a capacitive liquid level detection printed circuit assembly (PCA) for use in a clinical analyzer in an in vitro diagnostics (IVD) environment in a hospital or laboratory setting. Advantageously, a single user connection is required: a fitting that is used to attach fluid tubing of the transfer arm to a probe, resulting in a mechanical, fluid, and electrical connection between the probe and the transfer arm. A PCA comprises a plurality of spring-loaded pins and capacitive liquid level detection circuity. A probe comprises a primary tube nested within a secondary tube, wherein the primary tube and the secondary tube comprise respective heads at respective top portions thereof forming a set of electrically isolated surfaces. The fitting secures the probe within a transfer arm and establishes the connection between the PCA and the probe.

Abstract: A wash station comprises a wash nozzle for cleaning an exterior portion of a probe and a basin allowing for waste fluid to be collected. The wash nozzle comprises a vertically-elongate cavity with side slits on opposing side portions. A fluid inlet port may be connected to a side portion of the cavity to provide fluid. Fluid may additionally or alternatively come from within the probe. The basin comprises an elongate body with an opened end to receive and secure the wash nozzle. One or more access slots may be provided on opposing side portions of the basin. The probe passes through an access slot or over a portion of the basin and through a side slit of the nozzle to enter the cavity for cleaning. A geometry of the cavity allows the wash nozzle to fill to a predetermined level while waste fluid flows out through the side slits.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a transfer arm with a probe and a crash detection mechanism for use in a clinical analyzer in an in vitro diagnostics environment. The mechanism requires no user-intervention after a collision event, unless the automated inspection mechanism determines that damage to the probe requires probe replacement. Moreover, the mechanism is capable of protecting the probe, in some instances, from damage during a collision. The mechanism provides for automatic resetting after a collision, self-checking, and alignment correction. The mechanism includes a crash detection printed circuit assembly with a switch, and a spring-loaded contact sensor assembly configured to secure a probe within the transfer arm and allow for electrical connection between the switch and the probe during normal operation and electrical disconnection between the switch and the probe upon contact of the probe with an obstruction.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a quick-connect and rotation system for impeller coupling including: an impeller comprising: a mixer end; and a first attachment end; the first attachment end comprising a first member that is diametrically magnetized; and an motor comprising: a rotational shaft with a second attachment end comprising a second member that is diametrically magnetized; wherein the first attachment end and the second attachment end are complementary to each other; and wherein the motor imparts rotational torque, via a magnetic field between the first member and the second member, on the first attachment end when the first attachment end and the second attachment end are connected.

Abstract: Compositions include an aqueous solution of an organic dye of molecular weight in the range of about 300 to about 1,000 and a density-enhancing material. An amount of the density-enhancing material in the aqueous solution is sufficient to achieve a density of about 1.0 to about 1.3 g/mL. The composition has a viscosity of about 3.5 to about 5.0 centipoise. The compositions are useful in assessing the adequacy of a liquid handling mixing device to mix a reaction mixture.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method for detecting aspiration in a clinical analyzer, including: acquiring, from a sensor, pressure measurement data; transforming the pressure measurement data into frequency domain data; generating a clean version of the frequency domain data by attenuating, using a filter, unwanted frequencies; comparing the cleaned version of the frequency domain data to one or more predetermined data points; and determining, based on the comparison, if an aspiration was properly performed. Other aspects are described and claimed herein.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a single piece radial transfer arm for use in a clinical analyzer in an in vitro diagnostics (IVD) environment. The transfer arm is comprised of a chassis or elongated, rigid member that provides structural and aesthetic properties, acting as both a mounting base and a cover for transfer arm components. The elongated, rigid member is a single component, such as a single piece of injection-molded plastic. The elongated, rigid member has a top surface, a bottom surface, sidewalls, a pivot end, and a component end. One or more access holes and/or internal component mounting locations are provided for mounting one or more components on the bottom surface. A plurality of radial configuration mounting locations are provided on the bottom surface to allow for multiple radial distances between a pivoting axis of the transfer arm and an attached probe to accommodate arcs of different radii.

Abstract: Compositions include an aqueous solution of an organic dye of molecular weight in the range of about 300 to about 1,000 and a density-enhancing material. An amount of the density-enhancing material in the aqueous solution is sufficient to achieve a density of about 1.0 to about 1.3 g/mL. The composition has a viscosity of about 3.5 to about 5.0 centipoise. The compositions are useful in assessing the adequacy of a liquid handling mixing device to mix a reaction mixture.