Gen-probe, Inc.

Steven G Grubbs

Jerry W Jeffers, Ii

Trung Q Pham

David A Buse

Trung Pham

A method for fluid handling that includes reading information about a receptacle holder with an RFID reader and transmitting the information from an RFID transponder disposed on a first body of the receptacle holder that supports a fluid-containing receptacle. This information is used to align a robotic fluid transfer device with the first fluid-containing receptacle. Detecting a change in capacitance between an electrically conductive probe of the robotic fluid transfer device and an electrical ground or voltage source capacitively coupled to fluid contained in the first fluid-containing receptacle is an indication that the probe has contacted the fluid contained in the first fluid-containing receptacle. Once it is determined that the probe has contacted the fluid, the fluid transfer device aspirates a portion of the fluid contained in the first fluid-containing receptacle.

Method for capacitive fluid level detection

A receptacle holder for supporting at least one fluid-containing receptacle includes a body and an RFID transponder. The body includes an electrically conductive portion defining a first recess configured to receive at least a first fluid-containing receptacle, and an electrically non-conductive portion attached to the electrically conductive portion. The RFID transponder is disposed on the electrically non-conductive portion of the body, and stores information about the receptacle holder. The receptacle holder can also include the first fluid-containing receptacle received within the first recess.

Receptacle holders, systems, and methods for capacitive fluid level detection

Display screen or portion thereof with graphical user interface set

Display screen or portion thereof with graphical user interface

Growing community of inventors

San Diego, CA, United States of America

Steven G Grubbs