Tecan Trading Ag

Peter Muerset

Fred Schinzel

Markus Wiggli

Gregor Batliner

Alois Oberholzer

Method and corresponding apparatus for liquid level detection with a liquid level detection unit () with a capacitive liquid level detector () with a input capacitance (C) changing if the capacitive liquid level detector () contacts a liquid, the method comprising the steps of: generating a clock signal (CLK), with a predetermined on-time (t) corresponding to a predetermined sensitivity of the capacitive liquid level detector (), being fed both to a reference generator () and to the capacitive liquid level detector (); said reference generator () generating a control value (CV), derived from an on/off ratio of said clock signal (CLK) and feeding it into a control input () of a comparator (); feeding a liquid detection response signal (RS), of said capacitive liquid level detector () in response to said clock signal (CLK), into a signal input () of the comparator (); said comparator () triggering an output signal at an output () when said liquid detection response signal (RS) exceeds a threshold value (TV) in response to a change of the input capacitance (C).

Self-compensating capacitive liquid level detector

A device for transferring and characterizing objects positions the object on a horizontal work field. The device includes at least one rail extending parallel to the X direction and a displacement unit, movable back and forth in the X direction, having a motorized gripping mechanism for grasping an object. A processor for controlling movements of the displacement unit and actions of the gripping mechanism is distinguished in that the displacement unit includes a carrying device, movable together therewith along the rail, for transferring objects in the X direction. The carrying device is a plate for carrying objects moved onto this carrying plate using the gripping mechanism. According to a method of the invention, objects are moved onto the plate of the carrying device, transferred in the X direction, and deposited again at a second position.

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Milpitas, CA, United States of America

Peter Muerset