JP2002510043A - Method of supplying fluid to at least one diagnostic device - Google Patents

Abstract

SUMMARY A method for supplying a fluid to at least one diagnostic device is disclosed. The method includes providing a container 62 containing a first fluid and a source 68 of a third fluid. A first fluid container, for example a source of a third fluid such as water, and at least one diagnostic device 58 are fluidly connected. The first fluid flows from the container and the third fluid flows from the source such that the first fluid and the third fluid mix to produce a mixed fluid. Then, the mixed fluid flows to at least one diagnostic device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method for supplying a fluid to a diagnostic device.

A diagnostic device is a machine that can perform tests on a sample, such as blood, and determine any condition related to the sample. The condition may have medical significance, for example, the AIDS virus in the sample.

[0003] To perform such tests, the machine may mix the sample with a fluid such as a reagent, buffer, diluent, or the like. This fluid can be supplied in a form contained in a fluid container such as a bottle. As the machine performs the test, the machine draws the required amount of fluid from the fluid container. As the machine performs more tests, the fluid container will gradually empty.

[0004] However, if the tests performed by the machine are significant, for example, to determine whether the subject is ill, the machine may conduct those tests substantially continuously. It is desirable to be in a state that can be implemented in a practical manner. This means that the machine should be provided with substantially constant fluid supply means. Therefore,
There is a need to provide an assembly with the ability to notify the machine operator when a fluid container approaches empty so that a new container "filled" with fluid can be added .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A method for supplying a fluid to at least one diagnostic device is disclosed. The method includes providing a container containing a first fluid and a source of a third fluid. The first fluid container, the third fluid source, and at least one diagnostic device are fluidly connected. The first fluid flows from the container and the third fluid flows from the source such that the first fluid and the third fluid mix to produce a mixed fluid. Then, the mixed fluid flows to at least one diagnostic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the elements of one embodiment of the fluid assembly disclosed herein; FIG. 2 is a view similar to that of FIG. FIG. 3 is a view similar to that of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a view similar to that of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a view similar to that of FIG. 5 is a view similar to that of FIG. 5; FIG. 7 is an elevation view of one of the elements shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the element of FIG. 10 is an elevation view of another element shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the element of FIG. 9; FIG. 11 is a bottom view of an additional element shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along line AA of FIG. 11; FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a system including a fluid assembly. It is a schematic view; and Figure 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the system of FIG.

Detailed Description of the Illustrated Embodiment One embodiment of the fluid assembly 10 is shown in FIGS. The fluid assembly 10 can be used in any suitable application or with any suitable equipment components. In one example, the fluid assembly 10
No. 08 / 715,924; 08 / 715,780;
It can be used with an automatic analyzer 58 (FIG. 13), such as those disclosed in 08 / 716,079 and 08 / 816,121. These applications are assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The fluid assembly 10 may be utilized with a device 60 (FIG. 13), where the device 60 mixes a first fluid, which may consist of a concentrate provided in a container 62, with a mixer 66. The first fluid mixed with another fluid such as water from the source 68 or a third fluid, and mixed with the third fluid, is mixed with at least one or more, for example, four (from one) (Up to N) automatic analyzers 58 or to other machines operatively associated with those analyzers 58. The fluid assembly 10 can supply such a first fluid to a plurality of analyzers 58 simultaneously. By having a control device 64 such as a computer having a memory such as a RAM, a ROM, an SRAM, and an EPROM, containing and executing appropriate routines, connected to one or more analysis devices 58 and 60, Can be intentionally monitored and managed. It should be appreciated that the fluid assembly 10 can be modified in any suitable manner to meet specific needs. Further, an operation method and a usage method of the fluid assembly 10 will be described. It is understood that the steps that make up those methods can be performed in any suitable order. Further, steps from one method may be combined with steps from another method to arrive at yet another method.

In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid assembly 10 includes a first element or first manifold 12 shown in FIGS. First Manifold 1
2 is a first main body 14 and a shelf-like projection 1 arranged at one end of the first main body 14.
6 and a second body 18, the second body 18 being arranged such that the ledge 16 is located between the first body 14 and the second body 18. Shelf-like projection 1
A notch 20 is arranged between 6 and one end of the second main body 18.
The first hole 22 extends from the end opposite to the end of the first main body 14 adjacent to the ledge 16 to the end opposite to the end of the second main body 18 adjacent to the cutout 20. Extends to the end of the second body 18. The second hole 24 extends from the end of the second main body 18 opposite to the end of the second main body 18 adjacent to the cutout 20, and is provided on the first main body 14. The first main body 14 is shifted from the position of the hole 22 by about 90 degrees.
Get out of.

In certain embodiments, the first manifold 12 includes the following specifications. However, others are possible. For example, first manifold 12 may be substantially cylindrical in shape. The first body 14 has an outer diameter of about 1.36 inches,
The shelf 16 may extend about 0.64 inches from an adjacent side, and the shelf 16 has a width (axial length) of about 0.1 inches and an outer diameter of about 1.62 inches. It may be. The notch 20 may have an axial length (width) of about 0.08 inches. The second body 18 may extend from the notch 20 for a distance of about 0.38 inches and have a sloped profile of about 5 degrees and an outer diameter of about 1.
. It may have a taper from 09 inches to about 1.03 inches. The end of the first hole 22 provided in the first body 14 may be about 0.25 inches in diameter, and the center of the first hole 22 is centered on the first body 14. It may be offset by about 0.2 inches from the point. Second hole 24 provided in first body 14
May be located about 0.32 inches from the ledge 16 and may have a diameter of 0.339 inches. The center point of the end of the second hole 24 provided in the second body 18 may be offset from the center point of the second body 18 by about 0.2 inches. First manifold 12 may be made of any suitable material, such as PVC (grey).

The fluid assembly 10 also movably engages the first manifold 12.
Also includes the second element or ring 26 shown in FIGS. The ring 26 is provided with a knurl 28 on its outer surface to facilitate applying force to the ring 26. The ring 26 is provided with a thread 30 on its inner surface, which thread 30 is provided with a first volume of a particular volume, such as a concentrate, possibly supplied in a diluted or mixed form by the fluid assembly 10. Abbott Laboratories (Abbott Par
k, cubitaine available from Illinois, K.
r) movably engages a complementary thread provided on a suitable first fluid container 62 (FIG. 13), such as r). The threaded portion 30 may be replaced with any other structure that meshes with the corresponding structure of the first fluid container 62. Ring 26 also has an opening 32 sized to receive second body 18 of first manifold 12.

In certain embodiments, ring 26 is substantially cylindrical in shape, has an axial length of about 0.457 inches, and may have a diameter of about 1.59 inches. Also, the opening 32 may have a diameter of about 1.062 inches.

The fluid assembly 10 further includes a third element or second manifold 34 shown in FIGS. The second manifold 34 includes a first hole 36 and a second hole 38. Both holes 36 and 38 extend through the second manifold 34. First fluid container 62 engaging surface 42 of second manifold 34
The portion 40 of the first hole 36 adjacent to the first hole 36 is further expanded with respect to the first hole 36. The portion 44 of the second hole 38 of the second manifold 34 adjacent to the first fluid container 62 engagement surface 42 is configured such that the portion 44 remains unrestricted on at least one side. The hole 38 is further expanded. These portions 40 and 44 and the first fluid container 62 engaging surface 42 provide an effective way of the fluid assembly 10 to the first fluid in the first fluid container 62 (FIG. 13) into which the fluid assembly 10 is inserted. Not only facilitates easy access, but also has the effect of reducing the likelihood that certain portions of the first fluid container 62 will obstruct access to the first fluid.

In certain embodiments, second manifold 34 is substantially cylindrical in shape, is about 0.5 inches thick, and may be about 1.188 inches in diameter. . The center line of the first hole 36 is offset from the center point of the second manifold 34 by about 0.3 inches, and the center line of the second hole 38 is the second manifold 3.
The distance from the center point of No. 4 is about 0.365 inches. The ends of the first hole 36 and the second hole 38 are recessed about 0.125 inches from the container engaging surface 42.

To facilitate understanding of the fluid assembly 10, the structure of the fluid assembly 10 of the exemplary embodiment will be discussed. However, other configurations are possible.

Referring to FIG. 1, the first manifold 12 and the ring 26 are positioned relative to each other such that the second body 18 is aligned with the opening 32 in the ring 26. Then, the first manifold 12 and the ring 26 are moved relative to each other such that the second body 18 is located inside the opening 32. This movement is continued until the opening 32 is seated in the cutout 20 between the second body 18 and the ledge 16. The ring 26 is free to rotate within the cutout 20 around the second body 18 in response to the force applied to the knurls 28 of the ring 26.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first conduit 46, which may be an 8.5 × 0.25 inch pipe member, is opposite the end adjacent the second body 18. Second hole 24
Fluidly connected to the end of the The end of the first conduit 46 opposite the end fluidly connected to the second bore 24 is connected to the first fluid from the first fluid container 62 connected to the fluid assembly 10. Can be fluidly connected to instrument components such as the analyzer 58, the mixer 66, or both (FIG. 13) to which is supplied.

One end of the second conduit 48 is fluidly connected to the end of the second hole 24 adjacent to the second body 18. As shown in FIG. 3, the opposite end of the second conduit 48 is provided on the second manifold 34 opposite the end adjacent the first fluid container 62 engagement surface 42. Fluidly connected to the end of the second hole 38. The second conduit 48 may be a 1/8 schedule of 80 PVC, type 1, grade 1 (
Gray) threaded pipe member of 1/8 x 11 inches. Thus, from the first fluid container 62, starting at the portion 44, through the second conduit 48, then through the second hole 24, and through the first conduit 46, the first fluid container A first fluid flow path is formed from 62 to a particular element such as an analyzer 58 to which the first fluid is supplied, a mixer 66, or both (FIG. 13).

As shown in FIG. 4, a 12 × 1/8 inch pipe member (eg, placed in an oven at about 65 degrees Celsius for straightening for about 10 minutes, then cooled on a flat surface A third conduit 50, which may be Pomalon thermoplastic fluoropolymer available from Freelin-Wade, is provided in the first manifold 22 and the second manifold 34 in the first manifold 12. It is fluidly connected to one of the holes 36. A pressure transducer or monitor 52 is then mounted on at least one end of the first hole 22 in the first manifold 12 adjacent to the first body 14, as shown in FIG. And substantially fluidically seal it. Other fluid connections of the transducer 52 with a limited volume of the second fluid are also possible. In certain embodiments, the pressure transducer 52 is a signal conditioned, temperature compensated, and calibrated silicon pressure sensor (0 to 1.45 psi, 0 to 85 degrees Celsius), such as catalog number MPX5010GP available from Motorola.
Degrees). The pressure transducer 52 connected in this manner is connected to the first bore 2
2. Monitor the pressure in the third conduit 50, the first bore 36, and the first fluid container 62.

The housing 54 (FIG. 6), together with the conductor connection 56,
Where these connections 56 electrically couple the pressure transducer 52 to a suitable controller 64, such as a computer having storage capability to perform the appropriate routines. The housing 54 is substantially cylindrical in shape, is about 2.5 inches in height, and may have an outer diameter of about 0.156 inches. Also, the housing 54 may be made of 40 PVC, type 1, grade 1 (gray) on a 1/4 schedule.

In one use of the fluid assembly 10, a first fluid container 62 (FIG. 13) containing the first fluid to be provided has an opening and a bottom. The fluid assembly 10 is inserted into the first fluid container 62 through the opening. In particular, the second manifold 34 is positioned within the first fluid container 62 until the container engaging surface 42 engages or otherwise contacts a portion of the first fluid container 62. Is inserted into. At the same time, the ring 26 engages a corresponding structure adjacent the opening of the first fluid container 62.

Appropriate force is applied to the knurls 28 of the ring 26 so that the threaded portion 30 provided on the ring 26 engages with a complementary structure such as a threaded portion provided at the opening of the first fluid container 62. . Until the container engaging surface 42 contacts a part of the first fluid container 62,
Advance the screw part 30. Such contact can provide feedback to the operator indicating that the fluid assembly 10 has been mounted as intended with respect to the first fluid container 62. If the first fluid container 62 is sufficiently flexible, contact between the container engaging surface 42 and a portion of the first fluid container 62 will cause that portion of the first fluid container 62 to The first fluid container 62 may be distorted, flexed, deformed, or otherwise moved, thereby creating a substantially inclined profile in that portion of the first fluid container 62. Such a sloping profile, in combination with the configuration of the associated second manifold 34, i.e., the portions 40 and 44 and the configuration of the container engaging surface 42, together with the first fluid in the first fluid container 62 Of the first fluid container 62 to about 100 μl, or about 2% of the volume of the first fluid container 62.
Will be reduced to Of course, a smaller dead volume could be achieved, possibly depending on the volume of the first fluid container 62, the shape of the first fluid container 62, and the like.

Also, when attaching the fluid assembly 10 to the first fluid container 62, a suitable second fluid, such as air, is present in the conduits 46, 48, and 50. Importantly, the first bore 36, the third conduit 50, and the third conduit 50 are configured such that the appropriate second fluid can monitor the pressure of the appropriate second fluid at the pressure transducer 52. And in the first hole 22. When the fluid assembly 10 is attached to the first fluid container 62, the first fluid present in the first fluid container 62 causes a volume of a suitable second fluid to be pumped into the first bore 36. , The third conduit 50 and the first hole 22 and are compressed. In other words, the first hole 3
6, a third conduit 50 and a volume of a suitable second fluid in the first bore 22 are restricted on one side by the first fluid and on the other side by the pressure transducer 52. . In this manner, the pressure of the appropriate second fluid trapped in the first hole 36, the third conduit 50, and the first hole 22 will cause the first fluid in the first fluid container 62 to Is proportional to the amount of

The initial pressure value is read by the pressure transducer 52 assuming that the first fluid container 62 is “full” when the fluid assembly 10 is first installed. The first pressure reading represents the first fluid container 62 in a “full” state, and the first hole 36
, The third conduit 50 and the ability to substantially continuously monitor the pressure of a suitable second fluid trapped within the first hole 22 using the fluid assembly 10. The level of the first fluid in the first fluid container 62 can be monitored. In particular, the first fluid is passed through the portion 44, the second hole 38, the second conduit 48, the second hole 24, and the first conduit 46 to the first fluid container 6.
2, the first hole 36, the third conduit 50, as drawn into a particular instrument component, such as the analyzer 58, the mixer 66, or both (FIG. 13) to which the first fluid is supplied. And the pressure of the appropriate second fluid trapped in the first hole 22 changes. The change in the trapped air pressure indicates the volume of the first fluid removed from the first fluid container 62. Thus, if the initial volume of the first fluid container 62 is known, then by monitoring the trapped air pressure substantially continuously, the first fluid in the first fluid container 62 Can also be monitored substantially continuously.

By way of further example, the correlation between the pressure monitored by the transducer 52, more specifically the voltage presented by the transducer 52, and the volume of the first fluid in the container 62 is determined. , Can be determined based on experience. In one example, the correlation can be determined to be: 0.10 volts = 1000 mL +/− 11%. If this correlation is obtained, the following relationship can be specified.

[0025]

[Table 1] Once the correlation has been determined and the characteristics associated, the voltage presented by the converter 52 is periodically sampled, such as about 100 times per second, to substantially reduce the volume of the first fluid in the container 62. Can be monitored continuously. Of course, the voltage can be monitored at any desired frequency, and truly continuous monitoring can be achieved using appropriate analog circuitry.

Regardless of the size, shape, or configuration of the first fluid container 62, the fluid assembly 10 allows the level of the first fluid in the first fluid container 62 to be monitored substantially continuously. It is important to recognize Also, the pressure transducer 52 may be adapted to contact the first fluid in the first bore 36, the third conduit 50, and the first bore 22 without contacting the first fluid in the first fluid container 62. Monitor the pressure of the second fluid.
This may be important if the first fluid in the first fluid container 62 presents special considerations, such as difficulties in decontamination or intersections.

The level of the first fluid in the first fluid container 62 is indicated by the pressure in the first hole 36, the third conduit 50, and the first hole 22 monitored by the pressure transducer 52. When a particular predetermined value is reached, the controller 64 causes the first fluid container 62
To the operator to replace with a first "full" container 62 for fluid. The ring 26 is removed from the first fluid container 62 by applying a suitable force to the knurls 28 and the fluid assembly 10 is removed from the first fluid container 62. The fluid assembly 10 is then attached to a new "full" first fluid container 62, as described above. In one embodiment of the fluid assembly 10, the connection 56 to the pressure transducer 52 may be removed when attaching the fluid assembly 10 to the first fluid container 62. In that case, after the attachment is completed, the connection portion 56 is returned to the original position.

The following examples are provided to further illustrate the use of the fluid assembly 10. It should be understood that other uses of the fluid assembly 10 are possible.

In the field of automated medical analysis processing, to determine patient test results,
Various sample processing protocols can be used. Some of the characteristics of certain chemical analyzes used in some of these sample processing protocols include, for example, washing sample and reagent probes, washing magnetic particles, diluting samples, and flushing related fluidics systems. The use of a buffer reagent that can be used for such purposes. In some medical assays, in addition to flushing fluids for routine maintenance, each test of a patient may require a significant amount of buffering reagent, for example, greater than about 30 mL. This volume is expanded by the number of analyses, sometimes up to 800 tests performed per hour.

[0030] These rather large amounts of buffer reagents can be expensive to supply, rather than expensive, for example, to transport large volumes of fluid over long distances. Such costs can contribute to increased diagnostic medical costs for suppliers as well as patients. As a result of the efforts devoted to this problem, a reagent buffer, for example in the form of a soluble concentrate, can be provided. In this case, the reagent buffer concentrate corresponds to the first fluid considered so far.

[0031] The concentrate or first fluid may be provided to a user in need of mixing with a third fluid. In one exemplary embodiment, the first fluid may require a 9: 1 third fluid (e.g., water), where the concentrate is a single analytical fluid integrated into the system. It is diluted before using the device 58 or the plurality of analyzers 58. The fluid assembly 10 as well as the mixer 66, together with other related elements used in performing the dilution, such as valves, pumps, fluid transfer conduits, etc., such as the automated module or device 60 shown in dashed lines in FIG. It can be supplied in a substantially integrated form.

To utilize device 60, a user makes a fluid connection to a source 68 that supplies a third fluid, such as purified water. In certain embodiments, the source 68 is substantially at a pressure in the range of about 5 psig to about 100 psig and at a temperature of between about 5 degrees Celsius and about 37 degrees Celsius at about 1.53 L / min. NCCLS Type II
Of water may be supplied. To make this connection, in an exemplary application, the device 60 as well as a suitable connector that fits into the source 68 is approximately 10 feet long and has an ID
However, approximately 3/8 "tubes can be used.

Upon completion of the fluid connection between the device 60 and the source 68, the user loads the device 60 with a container 62 containing a first fluid (ie, concentrate). The user then attaches the fluid assembly 10 to the container 62 according to the steps described above. Specifically, the fluid assembly 10 is inserted into the container
0 is screwed into the mating portion of the container 62 and the fluid assembly 10 is then fluidly and electrically connected by the first conduit 46 and electrically to the device 60 by the connection 56. By doing so, the device 60 can perform both the function of feeding the first fluid (concentrate) and the function of monitoring the amount of the first fluid in the concentrate and the diluted state. In some embodiments, device 60 may include a pressurized drain port and / or gravity drain port that can fluidly connect a suitable portion of device 60 to a suitable drain. A series of tubing 72 is then constructed, possibly arranged to form a manifold designed to allow the first fluid diluted with the third fluid to flow into multiple analyzers 58 in a balanced manner. And fluidly connected.

In one embodiment, the device 60 is provided through an RS232 port provided on the device 60.
May be connected to the control device 64. In this case, the control device 64 controls the device 6
It is possible to determine when and how 0 operates, that is, when and how to turn it on and off. By way of example, if any of the analyzers 58 requires a first fluid diluted with a third fluid, the controller 64 may fluidly connect the appropriate portion of the device 60 in series. Opening the appropriate connected valve or valves (not shown for simplicity) allows delivery of the diluted fluid. After the desired fluid flow path between the device 60 and the tubing 72 has been opened, the controller 64 instructs the device 60 to turn on and initiate operation, i.e., the first signal in the third fluid. A command signal to start dilution of the fluid can be sent. If it is determined that all of the analyzers 58 are full (the tank for the diluted first fluid provided in the analyzers 58 is full), then the controller 64 proceeds to A command signal may be sent to turn off 60 and stop dilution of the first fluid with the third fluid and delivery of the diluted first fluid through tubing 72. The power is operatively connected to the device 60 at the appropriate supplied power cord. Incoming power can be tailored to various worldwide requirements. In one embodiment, each component of the device 60 can be driven by a supply voltage of about 36V and about 5V.

After making the appropriate connections, the user can operate the device 60. After receiving an appropriate signal to turn on from the controller 64, a third fluid, such as water, flowing from the source 68, is flushed to the drain for a predetermined time, such as, for example, about 3 seconds, and the mixer 66 The electrical resistivity is measured by a sensor 74 fluidly connected to the sensor (FIG. 14). Alternatively, another sensor, possibly fluidly integrated into the source 68 or fluidly integrated into the conduit, may be used to determine the electrical resistivity of the incoming third fluid. If the electrical resistivity measured by any of the sensors is greater than about 1 M ohm, the third fluid is pumped to a pump, such as a positive displacement pump that delivers the third fluid from source 68 to mixer 66. Can be If the measured resistivity is less than about 1 M ohm, the third fluid stream continues to be sent to the drain and is sampled for resistivity measurement, for example, every three seconds. For example, if the electrical resistivity does not fall within the allowable range even after reading about three specific predetermined times, the controller 6
4 and / or provide a user with a third fluid quality, such as by activating a corresponding indicator, such as a light emitting diode, located in an appropriate location, such as on a keypad associated with device 60 or the like. Error information can be transmitted.

Further, it is possible to check whether the pressure of the third fluid flowing in is appropriate, for example, by the sensor 76 or the like. Alternatively, another sensor, possibly fluidly integrated into the source 68 or fluidly integrated into the conduit, can be used to determine the pressure of the incoming third fluid. In some cases, it may be determined that the third fluid is inappropriate when the pressure is less than about 5 psig. If the pressure of the incoming third fluid is improper, the device 60 will be shut down and communicate appropriate error information to the operator, such as by activating a low pressure indicator on the keypad. Can be.

When loading a freshly filled container 62 of the first fluid, the user
Can be instructed to perform a first fluid holding level calibration. The transducer 52 provided in the fluid assembly 10 sends a baseline voltage to the controller 64 or to appropriate software running on the device 60, which causes the container 62 to be 100% full. Can be related to things. The software also monitors the voltage change and, based on the voltage change, provides information representative of the level of the first fluid in the container 62, such as by a light emitting diode or other indicator located on a keypad or the like. And tell the user.
In special applications, the remaining amount of the first fluid in the container 62 is about 2
When the percentage falls below the percentage, the user is notified of the information, and the operation of the device 60 may be stopped until a new container 62 is loaded.

In certain embodiments, the first fluid is supplied from the container 62 by the first fluid
6 to the pump. Also, the third fluid may be sent from the source 68 to a similar pump for delivering the third fluid to the mixer 66. in this case,
The pump for the first fluid and the pump for the third fluid have a gear structure capable of driving the two pumps so that the ratio of the first fluid and the third fluid that have flowed down is about 1 to about 9. It can be driven by a single motor operating at a substantially constant speed.

In some cases, depending on the properties of the first fluid, which may be a salt concentrate, the pump for the first fluid may be susceptible to the salts formed. To address this problem, a portion of the third fluid is pumped to the pump for the first fluid so that the associated surface of the pump for the first fluid can be substantially continuously flushed or cleaned. Is also good. This portion of the first fluid may create a cleaning bi-product of the pump for the first fluid. The mixer 66 receives not only the first and third fluids, but also the cleaning complex of the pump for this first fluid, and mixes those fluids to use the diluted first fluid ready for use. Can be created.

In some embodiments, sensors 74 and 76 can be used to control the quality of the mixture of the first and third fluids. If the pressure monitored by the sensor 76 is greater than, for example, about 15 psig, the downstream analyzer 5
If it is determined that it is not desirable to feed to 8, the device 60 can shut down and activate the overpressure indicator to provide feedback to the user. If the effectiveness of the diluted first fluid is not within acceptable limits, such as the electrical conductivity is substantially within the range of about 14.74 mS / cm to about 17.76 mS / cm. Can send the diluted first fluid to the drain. Prior to shutting down the device 60, the electrical conductivity of the diluted first fluid is periodically sampled, eg, about every 3 seconds, and then for a time equivalent to about 3 more readings. For another time interval. If an outage occurs, a high conductivity indicator or a low conductivity indicator incorporated in the controller 64 or device 60 can be activated.

When the electric conductivity is within the allowable range, the diluted first fluid can be sent to the pipe 72. The pipe 72 is connected to one or more analyzers 58. The controller 64 receives from each analyzer 58 a signal representing the level of retention of the diluted first fluid. From this information, it is determined when to turn device 60 on and off. This reasoning allows the diluted first fluid to be continuously delivered to the multiplex analyzer 58 as required.

In the manner described above, the device 60 reduces the associated manual work, and
Providing a substantially continuous buffering capacity to 8, monitoring the quality, temperature, electrical resistivity, electrical conductivity, etc. of the first fluid, the third fluid and / or the mixed fluid;
It functions at various fluid temperatures and pressures and can have error self-diagnostics capabilities.

In one embodiment, the device 60 is integrated with a fluid overflow detector that is in fluid communication with the first and third fluids to help prevent fluid flooding. May include a drip pan. The fluid overflow detector may include a pair of separate conductors, between which a first fluid, a third fluid,
And at least one of the third fluid mixed with the first fluid forms a conductive path. Monitoring the electrical conductivity between the separated conductors to determine the presence of at least one of the first fluid, the third fluid, and the third fluid mixed with the first fluid. The fluid can then be flagged for spillage, leakage, or other unintended release.

Device 60 may be provided with an RS232 field service interface or customer keypad feedback to diagnose errors. The device 60 may also be capable of executing an automatic decontamination mode.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the elements of one embodiment of the fluid assembly disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a view similar to that of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to that of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to that of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to that of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to that of FIG.

FIG. 7 is an elevation view of one of the elements shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the element of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an elevation view of another element shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the element of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the additional element shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of a system including a fluid assembly.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the system of FIG.

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Tiyomka, Chiester United States, 52031, Belle Beau, Iowa, St. Kyasarin Road, 3767 (72) Inventor Delphart, Dennis M. United States, Illinois 60031, Gurney Conner Rain 5150 (72) Inventor Hanagan, Tetd J. United States, Illinois 60048, Libertyville, West Austin Avenue 156 (72) Inventor Hoskins, Stacy El, United States of America, Iowa 52003, Davi Yuke, Huesant Lane 9161 (72) Inventor Peak, Steven Sea United States, 52003, Iowa 52003, Davi Yuke, Hidden Bally Road 79 96 (72) Inventor Loksetsk, Arthur Day United States, Iowa 52068, Pesta, Cousins Road, 12101 (72) Inventor Safer, Scott G, United States, Wisconsin 53158, Pleasant Prairie, P.O. Boxes 148, One Handed and Sixth Avenue Avenue 8701 (72) Inventors Wilms, Jillon United States, Iowa 52001, Dabi Yuke, Rosedale Avenue 1234 F term (reference) 2G052 AA30 AB16 AD26 CA04 CA12 EA03 FB05 HA17 HA18 HC25 JA08

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A method for supplying a fluid to at least one diagnostic device, comprising:
The method includes: (a) providing a container containing a first fluid; (b) providing a source of a third fluid; (c) the container of a first fluid; Fluidly connecting the source and the at least one diagnostic device; and (d) the first fluid and the third fluid intermingle to produce a mixed fluid. Flowing the fluid from the container and flowing the third fluid from the source; and (e) flowing the mixed fluid to at least one of the diagnostic devices. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: (f) monitoring a volume of the first fluid in the container. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: (f) monitoring at least one of pressure, temperature, electrical resistivity, and electrical conductivity of the third fluid. The method of claim 1. 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: (f) monitoring at least one of pressure, temperature, electrical resistivity, and electrical conductivity of the mixed fluid. The method of claim 1. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: (f) monitoring at least one of pressure, temperature, electrical resistivity, and electrical conductivity of the first fluid. The method of claim 1. 6. The method further comprises: (f) providing a pair of separate electrical conductors fluidly associated with the first fluid, the third fluid, and the mixed fluid; g) monitoring electrical conductivity between the separated conductors to determine an unscheduled release of at least one of the first fluid, the third fluid, and the mixed fluid. The method of claim 1, comprising the step of: