SYSTEM FOR MANAGING INVENTORY OF BULK LIQUIDS

摘要

A system for managing bulk liquids for an automated clinical analyzer. The system comprises (a) at least one local reservoir for storing a bulk liquid for impending use, (b) at least one container for holding a bulk liquid before the liquid is transferred to a local reservoir, and (c) a controller for monitoring the level of a bulk liquid in a local reservoir. The local reservoir for storing a bulk liquid for impending use can be a trough. The use of troughs for storing a reagent, a diluent, or some other treating agent for impending use enables an aspirating/dispensing device having a plurality of pipettes to aspirate and dispense the reagent,diluent, or other treating agent at a high rate of throughput. The controller can monitor the level of a liquid in (a) a local reservoir for storing a bulk liquid for imminent use and the level of liquid in a (b) container for holding a bulk liquid before the liquid is transferred to a local reservoir. In the laboratory automation system described herein, the container for holding a bulk liquid before the liquid is transferred to a local reservoir can be a bottle. Other desirable features in the system include, but are not limited to, pump(s), valves, liquid level sensors.

主权项

1. A system to handle a bulk liquid in a diagnostic analyzer, the system comprising:
a first container having a bulk liquid; a second container to dispense the bulk liquid; a fluid conduit to fluidly couple the first container and the second container; at least one of a valve or a pump operably coupled to the fluid conduit; and a controller to control the at least one of the valve or the pump to transfer the bulk liquid from the first container to the second container.