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:
Dec. 15, 2015
Filed:
Dec. 12, 2012
Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc., Indianapolis, IN (US);
Adelrich Zuppiger, Siebnen, CH;
Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc., Indianapolis, IN (US);
Abstract
A method and an automated system for discriminating bulk liquid from foam and/or residuals of the bulk liquid of a sample contained in a sample vessel are presented. A probe having an electric capacitance is provided and moved into the sample. Consecutive steps of charging and at least partially discharging the probe to generate a discharging current is repeatedly performed. A quantity indicative of the discharging current for the consecutive steps of charging and at least partially discharging the probe is measured. The quantity is analyzed to determine an electric resistance (R) of the sample via the probe. The bulk liquid is discriminated from the foam and/or the residuals of the bulk liquid based on a change of the electric resistance (R) of the sample occurring when the probe contacts the bulk liquid.