AUTOMATED FLUID REFILL SYSTEM AND USES THEREOF
First Claim
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1. A fluid refill system, comprising one or more fluid-holding containers, each fluid-holding container comprising:
- a fill valve connected to a fluid source, such that additional fluid flows into the container when the fill valve is at least partially open;
a fluid lever sensor, which comprises a float operationally connected to a lever, wherein the float is adapted to float on the surface of a fluid in the fluid-holding container; and
a fluid exit line is operationally connected to a laboratory instrument;
wherein the fluid level sensor is operationally connected to or in electrical communication with the fill valve such that the fill valve at least partially opens when the fluid level in the fluid-holding container falls below a first level and the fill valve closes when the fluid level in the fluid-holding container exceeds a second level, wherein the first level is lower than the second level.
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Abstract
The invention relates generally to laboratory systems that employ fluids, such as deionized water or other aqueous media. In particular, in certain embodiments, the invention provides automated systems for supplying fluids to laboratory equipment and uses thereof.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A fluid refill system, comprising one or more fluid-holding containers, each fluid-holding container comprising:
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a fill valve connected to a fluid source, such that additional fluid flows into the container when the fill valve is at least partially open; a fluid lever sensor, which comprises a float operationally connected to a lever, wherein the float is adapted to float on the surface of a fluid in the fluid-holding container; and a fluid exit line is operationally connected to a laboratory instrument; wherein the fluid level sensor is operationally connected to or in electrical communication with the fill valve such that the fill valve at least partially opens when the fluid level in the fluid-holding container falls below a first level and the fill valve closes when the fluid level in the fluid-holding container exceeds a second level, wherein the first level is lower than the second level. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification