Patent ID: 6413475
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: G01F,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
An automatic analysis apparatus with a liquid level detection function, comprising:a pipetting device for pipetting a liquid sample from a sample cup to a reaction container by using a pipetting probe that serves as a first capacitor electrode; a sample cup holding means serving as a second capacitor electrode having a ground potential; a conductive material arranged over said sample cup holding means and along a direction in which said pipetting probe moves down for pipetting and being separate from said pipetting device, said conductive material being arranged to exist along an overall length of said sample cup when said sample cup is indirectly set to said sample cup holding means by using an auxiliary holding means, said conductive material having the same ground potential as that of said sample cup holding means and also serving as said second capacitor electrode, whereby both said sample cup holding means and said conductive material serve as the second capacitor electrode in combination with said first capacitor electrode; an electrical detector for detecting a change of electrostatic capacitance between said pipetting probe and said sample cup holding means and said conductive material as a level of detection of said liquid sample; and measurement means for measuring an ingredient of said reaction container.