The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 25, 2022
Filed:
May. 10, 2017
Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc., Tarrytown, NY (US);
William D. Dunfee, Newark, DE (US);
Amanda H. Schaffers, Cary, NC (US);
Stephen Krufka, Newark, DE (US);
Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc., Tarrytown, NY (US);
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.