System and method for managing liquid waste

Abstract

To provide a system and method suitable for managing liquid waste.SOLUTION: A system for managing liquid waste comprises: a first liquid container that receives waste liquid; a liquid transfer pump fluidly connected to the first liquid container; and a second liquid container fluidly connectable to the liquid transfer pump. When the second liquid container is fluidly connected to the liquid transfer pump, the liquid transfer pump can be selectively activated to transfer liquid waste from the first liquid container to the second liquid container. A method for managing waste liquid includes: receiving liquid into a first liquid container; monitoring an amount of liquid in the first liquid container; connecting a second liquid container to a liquid transfer pump connected to the first liquid container; after the amount of liquid received into the first liquid container reaches a predetermined level, transferring liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container with the liquid transfer pump; and removing the liquid transferred to the second liquid container.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Provisional Application No. 62 / 842,974, filed May 3, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for collecting and disposing of liquid waste. [Background technology]

[0003] Certain devices, such as diagnostic and clinical analyzers, perform processes that generate liquid waste. Such liquid waste must be managed (i.e., collected, temporarily stored, and then disposed of) during and / or after the operation of the device. Typically, such liquid waste is collected in a liquid waste collection container (e.g., a bottle) on-board the device and temporarily stored in the collection container. Such liquids may be collected from on-board sources, such as an aspirator, a drain, etc.

[0004] Periodically, during the course of continuous operation of the instrument, the liquid waste collection container must be emptied or replaced with an empty collection container as the container fills with collected waste liquid. Typically, the liquid waste container is emptied by removing it from the instrument and emptying the contents of the collection container or replacing the full container with an empty one. However, while the waste liquid collection container is removed from the instrument, operation of the instrument must be stopped since there is no container to collect the liquid waste. The need to pause operation of the instrument every time a liquid waste collection container needs to be emptied or replaced can adversely affect the throughput of the instrument. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects described herein. This summary is not an extensive overview of the claimed subject matter. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the claimed subject matter or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure are embodied in a system for managing liquid waste. The system may include a first liquid container configured to receive liquid from a liquid source, a liquid transfer pump fluidly connected to the first liquid container, and a second liquid container fluidly connectable to the liquid transfer pump. When the second liquid container is fluidly connected to the liquid transfer pump, the liquid transfer pump can be selectively actuated to transfer liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container.

[0007] According to another embodiment, the system may further include a pressure differential source to which the first liquid container is connected to draw liquid from the liquid source into the first liquid container.

[0008] According to another aspect, the source of pressure differential may include a vacuum pump.

[0009] According to other embodiments, the system may further include a filter between the vacuum pump and the first liquid container.

[0010] According to another aspect, the filter may include a bleach fume filter.

[0011] According to other embodiments, the system may further include a mounting block to which the filter and first liquid container are mounted.

[0012] According to other embodiments, the system may further include a filter loop fluidly connecting a top portion of the first liquid container to a bottom portion of the filter supported on the mounting block.

[0013] According to another aspect, the first liquid container may include an intermediate top wall, a first tower extending above the intermediate top wall, and a second tower extending above the intermediate top wall, the first tower including a first tower liquid inlet for receiving liquid from a liquid source into the first liquid container, and the second tower including a second tower vacuum fitting to which a vacuum pump is attached to draw liquid from the liquid source into the first liquid container.

[0014] According to another aspect, the liquid transfer pump may include a bellows pump.

[0015] According to another aspect, the system may further include a motor for operating the liquid transfer pump and a transmission coupling the motor to the liquid transfer pump.

[0016] According to other aspects, the system may further include a poppet valve associated with the second liquid container for controlling the flow of liquid to the second liquid container.

[0017] According to other aspects, the system may further include a float switch in the first liquid container that communicates with the liquid transfer pump to activate the liquid transfer pump when the liquid in the first liquid container reaches a predetermined level.

[0018] According to other aspects, the system may further include a connector fitting for fluidly connecting the second liquid container to the liquid transfer pump, and a drip management system configured to aspirate liquid from the connector fitting to the first liquid container.

[0019] According to another aspect, the system may further include a connector fitting for fluidly connecting the second liquid container to a liquid transfer pump, a drip management system configured to draw liquid from the connector fitting into the first liquid container, and a vacuum pump to which the first liquid container is connected to draw liquid from a liquid source into the first liquid container. The connector fitting may include a female connector member and a male connector member received within the female connector member. The drip management system may include a connection port in communication with the female connector member, a fluid conduit connecting the connection port to the first liquid container, and a drip control valve configured to permit fluid flow through the fluid conduit when the drip control valve is in an open configuration and to prevent fluid flow through the fluid conduit when the drip control valve is in a closed configuration.

[0020] According to another aspect, the drip control valve is a solenoid valve.

[0021] According to another aspect, the drip control valve is configured and controlled to be in an open configuration after the liquid transfer pump is deactivated following transfer of liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container.

[0022] According to another aspect, the drip control valve is configured and controlled to be in an open configuration for a prescribed period of time after the liquid transfer pump is deactivated following transfer of liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container, and to be in a closed configuration at all other times.

[0023] According to another aspect, the second liquid container includes a body, a connector shelf extending laterally from the body, including a horizontal portion and defining a bottom wall, and a liquid transfer connector fitting extending downwardly from the bottom wall of the horizontal portion of the connector shelf to fluidly connect the second liquid container to a liquid transfer pump.

[0024] According to other aspects, the system may further include a connector interface including an upwardly facing liquid connector fitting fluidly connected to the liquid transfer pump and configured to be operably coupled to a downwardly extending liquid transfer connector fitting of the second liquid container to fluidly connect the liquid transfer pump to the second liquid container.

[0025] According to another aspect, the system may further include a liquid tray formed in the connector interface and surrounding the upwardly facing liquid connector fitting of the connector interface.

[0026] According to other aspects, the system may further include a drip management system configured to aspirate liquid from the liquid tray to the first liquid container or from a liquid transfer connector fitting operably coupled to the connector interface and the second liquid container to the first liquid container.

[0027] According to another aspect, a drip management system may include a connection port attached to the connector interface, a fluid conduit connecting the connection port to a first liquid container, and a drip control valve configured to allow fluid flow through the fluid conduit when the drip control valve is in an open configuration and to prevent fluid flow through the fluid conduit when the drip control valve is in a closed configuration.

[0028] According to another aspect, the drip control valve is a solenoid valve.

[0029] According to another aspect, the drip control valve is configured and controlled to be in an open configuration when the liquid transfer pump is deactivated following transfer of liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container.

[0030] According to another aspect, the drip control valve is configured and controlled to be in an open configuration for a prescribed period of time after the liquid transfer pump is deactivated following transfer of liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container, and to be in a closed configuration at all other times.

[0031] According to other aspects, the system may further include a drain line connected to the second liquid container and a drain pump fluidly connected to the drain line for transporting liquid from the second liquid container through the drain line to a drain.

[0032] According to other aspects, the system may further include a second float switch in the second liquid container that is in communication with the discharge pump to activate the discharge pump when the liquid in the second liquid container reaches a predetermined level.

[0033] According to another aspect, the system may further include a leak detection sensor.

[0034] According to other aspects, the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump are supported within a drawer portion of the device, the drawer portion being configured to be laterally movable between an open position providing access to one or more of the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump and a closed position concealing the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump.

[0035] According to another aspect, the connector interface is attached to the drawer.

[0036] According to another aspect, the first liquid container includes an intermediate top wall, a liquid inlet tower extending above the intermediate top wall, a liquid inlet fluidly connected to the liquid inlet tower at a location above the intermediate top wall, through which the first liquid container receives liquid from a liquid source, and a vacuum tower extending above the intermediate top wall, and a pressure differential source connected to the vacuum tower at a location above the intermediate top wall.

[0037] A further aspect of the present disclosure is embodied in a method for managing liquid waste, the method including: a) receiving liquid from a liquid source into a first liquid container; b) monitoring an amount of liquid in the first liquid container; c) connecting a second liquid container to a liquid transfer pump connected to the first liquid container by lowering a first connector fitting of the second liquid container into connecting engagement with a second connector fitting coupled to an outlet of the liquid transfer pump; d) transferring liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container using the liquid transfer pump after the amount of liquid received in the first liquid container reaches a predetermined level, as determined in step b); and e) removing the liquid transferred to the second liquid container during step d).

[0038] According to another aspect, step e) includes transferring liquid from the second liquid container to a drain with a drain pump fluidly connected to the second liquid container.

[0039] According to another aspect, step e) further includes monitoring the liquid level in the second liquid container with a second float switch, generating a pump actuation signal when the second float switch detects that the amount of liquid in the second liquid container has reached a predetermined level, and sending the pump actuation signal to a discharge pump to actuate the discharge pump and transfer liquid from the second liquid container to a drain.

[0040] According to another aspect, the method may further include deactivating the liquid transfer pump prior to step e).

[0041] According to another aspect, step e) includes injecting liquid from a second liquid container through an opening in the second liquid container.

[0042] According to another embodiment, steps a) and e) are performed simultaneously.

[0043] According to another aspect, the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump are supported within a drawer of the device, the drawer configured to be laterally movable between an open position providing access to one or more of the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump and a closed position concealing the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump, and step e) further includes removing the second liquid container from the drawer after laterally moving the drawer to the open position and deactivating the liquid transfer pump.

[0044] According to other aspects, the first connector fitting may include a male fitting extending downward from the second liquid container, and the second connector fitting includes an upward facing female fitting and is configured to receive the male fitting.

[0045] According to another aspect, step b) includes monitoring the liquid level in the first liquid container using a float switch, and step c) includes generating a pump actuation signal when the float switch detects that the amount of liquid in the first liquid container has reached a predetermined level, and sending the pump actuation signal to a liquid transfer pump to actuate the liquid transfer pump to transfer liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container.

[0046] According to another aspect, the method may further include, after step d) and before step e), aspirating liquid from the connection between the first connector fitting and the second connector fitting into the first liquid container.

[0047] A further aspect of the present disclosure is embodied in a liquid container system including a liquid container including an intermediate top wall, a liquid inlet tower extending above the intermediate top wall, a liquid inlet fluidly connected to the liquid inlet tower at a location above the intermediate top wall, through which the liquid container receives liquid from a liquid source, and a vacuum tower extending above the intermediate top wall and fluidly connecting a pressure differential source to a location above the intermediate top wall to draw liquid into the liquid container through the liquid inlet.

[0048] According to another aspect, the liquid container system may further include a filter in fluid communication with the vacuum tower of the liquid container.

[0049] According to another aspect, the liquid container system may further include a mounting block to which the filter and the liquid container are mounted.

[0050] According to another aspect, the liquid container system may further include a filter loop fluidly connecting a vacuum tower of the liquid container to a bottom portion of the filter supported on the mounting block.

[0051] According to another aspect, the liquid container system may further include a liquid level sensor configured to detect a liquid level within the liquid container.

[0052] According to another aspect, the liquid level sensor may include a float switch extending into the interior of the liquid container from a float switch connector mounted to the intermediate top wall.

[0053] According to another aspect, the liquid container system may further include a transfer fitting mounted to the intermediate top wall with a tube extending from the transfer fitting to the interior of the liquid container.

[0054] According to another aspect, the liquid container system may further include a transfer line fitting mounted to the intermediate top wall with a tube extending from the transfer line fitting into the interior of the liquid container, a transfer pump fluidly connected to the transfer fitting, and a transfer container fluidly connected to the transfer pump.

[0055] According to another aspect, the liquid container system may further include a liquid level sensor configured to detect a liquid level in the liquid container, the liquid level sensor being in operative communication with the transfer pump such that when the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level in the liquid container reaches a predetermined level, the transfer pump is activated to transfer a quantity of liquid from the liquid container to the transfer container.

[0056] According to another aspect, the liquid container system may further include a transfer container interface configured to releasably connect the transfer container to the transfer pump.

[0057] According to other aspects, the transfer container may include a body, a connector shelf extending laterally from the body, including a horizontal portion and defining a bottom wall, and a liquid transfer connector fitting extending downwardly from the bottom wall of the horizontal portion of the connector shelf and configured to fluidly connect the transfer container to a liquid transfer pump.

[0058] According to another aspect, the liquid transfer connector fitting may include a nipple extending downwardly from the horizontal portion of the connector shelf and a liquid channel extending through the liquid transfer connector fitting.

[0059] According to other aspects, the liquid container system may further include a transfer container interface configured to releasably connect the transfer container to the transfer pump, the transfer container interface including an upwardly facing receiver opening configured to receive a nipple of the liquid transfer connector fitting.

[0060] According to another aspect, the transfer container interface may include a liquid trough, the receptor opening being disposed within the liquid trough.

[0061] According to other embodiments, the liquid container system may further include one or more O-rings disposed on the nipple.

[0062] According to another aspect, the transfer container further includes a cap removably secured to an opening formed in the body of the transfer container, the opening configured to empty the contents of the transfer container after removal of the cap.

[0063] According to another aspect, the transport container may further include a handle secured to the body.

[0064] A further aspect of the present disclosure is embodied in a liquid container system including a transfer container for receiving liquid transferred to the transfer container by a liquid transfer pump. The transfer container may include a body, a connector shelf extending laterally from the body, including a horizontal portion and defining a bottom wall, and a liquid transfer connector fitting extending downwardly from the bottom wall of the horizontal portion of the connector shelf and configured to fluidly connect the transfer container to the liquid transfer pump.

[0065] According to another aspect, the liquid transfer connector fitting may include a nipple extending downwardly from the horizontal portion of the connector shelf and a liquid channel extending through the liquid transfer connector fitting.

[0066] According to other aspects, the liquid container system may further include a transfer container interface configured to releasably connect the transfer container to the transfer pump, the transfer container interface including an upwardly facing receiver opening configured to receive a nipple of the liquid transfer connector fitting.

[0067] According to another aspect, the transfer container interface includes a liquid trough, the receptor opening being disposed within the liquid trough.

[0068] According to other embodiments, the liquid container system may further include one or more O-rings disposed on the nipple.

[0069] According to another aspect, the transfer container further includes a cap removably secured to an opening formed in the body of the transfer container, the opening configured to empty the contents of the transfer container after removal of the cap.

[0070] According to another aspect, the transfer container further includes a handle secured to the body.

[0071] Other features and characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure, as well as its method of operation, function of associated elements of construction and combination of parts, and economy of manufacture, will become more apparent from a consideration of the following description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification and in which like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts in the various views. For example, the present application provides the following: (Item 1) 1. A system for managing liquid waste, comprising: a first liquid container configured to receive liquid from a liquid source; a liquid transfer pump fluidly connected to the first liquid container; a second liquid container fluidly connected to the liquid transfer pump, the liquid transfer pump configured to be selectively actuated to transfer liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container. (Item 2) 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a pressure differential source to which the first liquid container is connected to draw liquid from the liquid source into the first liquid container. (Item 3) Item 3. The system of item 2, wherein the pressure differential source comprises a vacuum pump. (Item 4) 4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a filter between the vacuum pump and the first liquid container. (Item 5) 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the filter comprises a bleach fume filter. (Item 6) 6. The system of claim 4 or 5, further comprising a mounting block to which the filter and the first liquid container are mounted. (Item 7) 7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a filter loop fluidly connecting a top portion of the first liquid container to a bottom portion of the filter supported on the mounting block. (Item 8) The first liquid container comprises: An intermediate upper wall; a first tower extending above the intermediate top wall; a second tower extending above the intermediate top wall; 8. The system of any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the first tower includes a first tower liquid inlet for receiving liquid from the liquid source into the first liquid container, and the second tower includes a second tower vacuum fitting to which the vacuum pump is attached to draw liquid from the liquid source into the first liquid container. (Item 9) 9. The system of any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the liquid transfer pump comprises a bellows pump. (Item 10) 10. The system of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: a motor for operating the liquid transfer pump; and a transmission coupling the motor to the liquid transfer pump. (Item 11) 11. The system of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a poppet valve associated with the second liquid container for controlling the flow of liquid to the second liquid container. (Item 12) 12. The system of any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a float switch in the first liquid container, the float switch communicating with the liquid transfer pump to activate the liquid transfer pump when the liquid in the first liquid container reaches a predetermined level. (Item 13) Item 13. The system of any one of items 1 to 12, further comprising a connector fitting for fluidly connecting the second liquid container to the liquid transfer pump, and a drip management system configured to aspirate liquid from the connector fitting to the first liquid container. (Item 14) a connector coupling for fluidly connecting the second liquid container to the liquid transfer pump; a drip management system configured to draw liquid from the connector fitting into the first liquid container; 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a vacuum pump to which the first liquid container is connected and which draws liquid from the liquid source into the first liquid container, the connector fitting comprising a female connector member and a male connector member received within the female connector member, the drip management system comprising a connection port in communication with the female connector member, a fluid conduit connecting the connection port to the first liquid container, and a drip control valve configured to allow fluid flow through the fluid conduit when the drip control valve is in an open configuration and to prevent fluid flow through the fluid conduit when the drip control valve is in a closed configuration. (Item 15) Item 15. The system of item 14, wherein the drip control valve is a solenoid valve. (Item 16) Item 16. The system of item 14 or 15, wherein the drip control valve is configured and controlled to be in the open configuration after the liquid transfer pump is deactivated following transfer of liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container. (Item 17) Item 17. The system of item 16, wherein the drip control valve is configured and controlled to be in the open configuration for a defined period of time after the liquid transfer pump is deactivated following transfer liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container, and to be in the closed configuration at all other times. (Item 18) The second liquid container comprises: The main body, a connector shelf extending laterally from the body, including a horizontal portion and defining a bottom wall; and a liquid transfer connector fitting extending downwardly from the bottom wall of the horizontal portion of the connector shelf to fluidly connect the second liquid container to the liquid transfer pump. (Item 19) Item 19. The system of item 18, further comprising a connector interface including an upwardly facing liquid connector fitting fluidly connected to the liquid transfer pump and configured to be operably coupled to the downwardly extending liquid transfer connector fitting of the second liquid container to fluidly connect the liquid transfer pump to the second liquid container. (Item 20) 20. The system of claim 19, further comprising a liquid tray formed within the connector interface and surrounding the upwardly facing liquid connector fitting of the connector interface. (Item 21) 21. The system of claim 20, further comprising a drip management system configured to aspirate liquid from the liquid tray to the first liquid container or from the connector interface and the operably coupled liquid transfer connector fitting of the second liquid container to the first liquid container. (Item 22) The drip management system comprises: a connection port attached to the connector interface; a fluid conduit connecting the connection port to the first liquid container; and a drip control valve configured to allow fluid flow through the fluid conduit when the drip control valve is in an open configuration and to prevent fluid flow through the fluid conduit when the drip control valve is in a closed configuration. (Item 23) 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the drip control valve is a solenoid valve. (Item 24) 24. The system of claim 22 or 23, wherein the drip control valve is configured and controlled to be in the open configuration when the liquid transfer pump is deactivated following transfer of liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container. (Item 25) 25. The system of claim 24, wherein the drip control valve is configured and controlled to be in the open configuration for a defined period of time after the liquid transfer pump is deactivated following transfer of liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container, and to be in the closed configuration at all other times. (Item 26) a drain line connected to the second liquid container; 22. The system of any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising a drain pump fluidly connected to the drain line to transfer liquid from the second liquid container through the drain line to a drain. (Item 27) 27. The system of claim 26, further comprising a second float switch in the second liquid container, the second float switch in communication with the discharge pump to activate the discharge pump when liquid in the second liquid container reaches a predetermined level. (Item 28) 28. The system of any one of claims 1 to 27, further comprising a leak detection sensor. (Item 29) 29. The system of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump are supported within a drawer of an apparatus, the drawer configured to be laterally movable between an open position providing access to one or more of the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump and a closed position concealing the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump. (Item 30) 26. The system of any one of items 19 to 25, wherein the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump are supported within a drawer of an apparatus, the drawer configured to be laterally movable between an open position providing access to one or more of the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump and a closed position concealing the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump, and the connector interface is attached to the drawer. (Item 31) The first liquid container comprises: An intermediate upper wall; a liquid inlet tower extending above the intermediate top wall; a liquid inlet fluidly connected to the liquid inlet tower at a location above the intermediate top wall, the liquid inlet through which the first liquid container receives liquid from the liquid source; and a vacuum tower extending above the intermediate top wall, wherein the pressure differential source is connected to the vacuum tower at a location above the intermediate top wall. (Item 32) 1. A method for managing liquid waste, the method comprising: a) receiving liquid from a liquid source into a first liquid container; b) monitoring the amount of liquid in the first liquid container; and c) connecting a second liquid container to a liquid transfer pump that is connected to the first liquid container by lowering a first connector fitting of the second liquid container into connecting engagement with a second connector fitting coupled to an outlet of the liquid transfer pump; d) transferring liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container using the liquid transfer pump after the amount of liquid received in the first liquid container reaches a predetermined level, as determined in step b); and e) removing liquid transferred to the second liquid container during step d). (Item 33) A liquid container system including a liquid container, the liquid container comprising: An intermediate upper wall; a liquid inlet tower extending above the intermediate top wall; a liquid inlet fluidly connected to the liquid inlet tower at a location above the intermediate top wall, the liquid inlet through which the liquid container receives liquid from a liquid source; a vacuum tower extending above the intermediate top wall and having a pressure differential source fluidly connected to a location above the intermediate top wall to draw liquid into the liquid container through the liquid inlet. (Item 34) 1. A liquid container system including a transfer container for receiving liquid transferred to the transfer container by a liquid transfer pump, the transfer container comprising: The main body, a connector shelf extending laterally from the body, including a horizontal portion and defining a bottom wall; a liquid transfer connector fitting extending downwardly from a bottom wall of the horizontal portion of the connector shelf and configured to fluidly connect the transfer container to the liquid transfer pump. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0072] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate various non-embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, in which like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

[0073] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an implementation of a liquid waste management system disclosed herein. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a vacuum reservoir of the liquid waste management system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a vacuum reservoir of the liquid waste management system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a vacuum reservoir of the liquid waste management system with the filter omitted from the view. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vacuum reservoir fluidly connected to a liquid transfer pump of a liquid waste management system. [Figure 5A] 1 is a cross-section of a vacuum reservoir. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a transfer pump module of the liquid waste management system. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a side view of the transfer pump module. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a rear view of the vacuum reservoir and removable container interface of the liquid waste management system with the filter and filter mounting block omitted from the view. [Figure 9]FIG. 2 is a top view of a removable transfer container of the liquid waste management system. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the transfer container. [Figure 10A] 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a liquid transfer connection between a transfer container and a removable container interface taken along the direction AA of FIG. 10. [Figure 10B] 11 is a side cross-sectional view of a liquid transfer connection between a transfer container and a removable container interface in the direction BB of FIG. 10. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the transfer container. [Figure 12A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a poppet valve in a transfer container in a closed position. [Figure 12B] FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of a poppet valve in a transfer container in an open position. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a liquid waste management system. [Figure 14] 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary processing device in which the liquid waste management system may be incorporated; [Figure 15] 1 is a perspective view of a drawer of an exemplary processing device in which a liquid waste management system may be supported. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transfer container showing a liquid level sensor disposed inside the container. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a side view of the transfer container showing a level sensor disposed inside the container. [Figure 18] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0074] While aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter may be embodied in a variety of forms, the following description and the accompanying drawings are intended to disclose only some of these forms as specific examples of the subject matter, and therefore, the presently disclosed subject matter is not intended to be limited to the forms or embodiments so described and illustrated.

[0075] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms, notations, and other technical terms or terms used herein generally have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs.All patents, applications, published applications, and other publications referenced herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.If the definitions set forth in this section are contrary to or inconsistent with the definitions set forth in the patents, applications, published applications, and other publications incorporated herein by reference, the definitions set forth in this section shall prevail over the definitions incorporated herein by reference.

[0076] As used herein, "a" or "an" means "at least one" or "one or more."

[0077] This specification may use relative spatial and / or orientation terms when describing the location and / or orientation of components, devices, locations, features, or portions thereof. Unless specifically stated or otherwise indicated by the context of the description, such terms, including but not limited to top, bottom, above, below, under, above, upper, lower, left, right, front, back, next to, adjacent, between, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, longitudinal, transverse, radial, axial, etc., are used for convenience when referring to such components, devices, locations, features, or portions thereof in the drawings, but are not intended to be limiting.

[0078] Additionally, unless otherwise stated, any specific dimensions referred to herein merely represent example implementations of devices embodying aspects of the present disclosure and are not intended to be limiting.

[0079] The use of the term "about" applies to all numerical values ​​specified herein, whether or not explicitly stated. The term generally refers to a range of numbers that a person skilled in the art would consider, in the context of this disclosure, a reasonable amount of deviation from the recited numerical values ​​(i.e., having an equivalent function or result). For example, and without intending to be limiting, the term can be interpreted to include a deviation of ±10 percent of a given numerical value, but such deviation does not change the result of the final function or value. Thus, in some circumstances, as understood by a person skilled in the art, a value of about 1% can be interpreted as being in the range of 0.9% to 1.1%.

[0080] As used herein, the term "adjacent" refers to being near or adjacent. Adjacent objects can be spaced apart from one another or can be in actual or direct contact with one another. In some cases, adjacent objects can be joined to one another or integrally formed with one another.

[0081] As used herein, the terms "substantially" and "substantial" refer to a significant degree or extent. When used in conjunction with an event, circumstance, characteristic, or feature, these terms can refer to when the event, circumstance, characteristic, or feature occurs exactly, and when the event, circumstance, characteristic, or feature occurs in close approximation, such as to account for a typical tolerance level or variability of the embodiments described herein.

[0082] As used herein, the terms "optional" and "optionally" mean that a subsequently described component, structure, element, event, circumstance, characteristic, feature, etc. may or may not be included, or may or may not occur, and this specification includes cases where the component, structure, element, event, circumstance, characteristic, feature, etc. is included or occurs, as well as cases where it is not included or does not occur.

[0083] The terms "fluid communication," "fluid connection," "fluidly connected," and similar terms refer to either direct fluid communication or connection, e.g., two regions may be in fluid communication with one another via an unobstructed fluid passageway (e.g., a channel, conduit, pipe, tube, hose, etc.) that is capable of fluid communication connecting the two regions or that may be capable of fluid communication or connection, e.g., two regions may be in fluid communication with one another when connected via a fluid passageway that is capable of fluid communication that may include a valve disposed therein, and activation of the valve may establish fluid communication between the two regions. Fluid communication or connection between two regions is not limited to the actual state of fluid flow between the two regions.

[0084] The term "line" when used with reference to a component for transmitting a liquid from one component or location to another component or location that is spatially distinct from the first component or location means any component capable of such transmission, including, for example, a rigid or flexible conduit, channel, pipe, tube, hose, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0085] The liquid waste management system disclosed herein is designated by reference numeral 100 in Figures 1 and 13. Figure 13 represents a schematic generalized block diagram illustrating various components of system 100, while Figure 1 illustrates a specific implementation of system 100.

[0086] In various embodiments, the system 100 includes a vacuum reservoir 110 (a first liquid container that is typically not or cannot be easily removed from the system 100) and a removable transfer container 140 (a second liquid container that may be removable from the system 100). The vacuum reservoir 110 and the transfer container 140 may each be a rotationally molded bottle made from low density polyethylene (LDPE). The system 100 further includes a transfer pump module 200, which includes a pump (described in more detail below) that transfers liquid from the vacuum reservoir 110 to the transfer container 140 via a transfer line 204 (e.g., PVC tubing). The vacuum reservoir 110 is connected along a vacuum or other pressure differential via a vacuum filter loop (line) 116 through a vacuum line 180 and a filter 128 (see FIG. 3). Waste liquid is drawn into the vacuum reservoir 110 from a liquid waste source 276 through a liquid waste inlet line 182 (eg, PVC tubing) connected to the vacuum reservoir 110 .

[0087] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, and with further reference to Figure 1, components of system 100, such as vacuum reservoir 110, transfer container 140, and transfer pump module 200, may be supported on a shelf or movable drawer 302 of a processing instrument 300. In Figure 15, the front panel with a handle on the front wall of the drawer has been omitted from the drawing. Instrument 300 may be a chemical or biological analyzer, such as a molecular analyzer for performing nucleic acid-based amplification reactions. Exemplary processing instruments in which system 100 may be incorporated include the analyzers described in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,731,712 and 9,732,374 and WO 2019 / 014239 A1, as well as the Panther® and PantherFusion® systems available from Hologic, Inc. (Marlborough, Massachusetts). In one embodiment, as liquid is transferred from vacuum reservoir 110 to transfer container 140, transfer container 140 can be periodically removed from system 100 and emptied without disconnecting vacuum reservoir 110 from either vacuum line 180 or liquid waste inlet line 182. Thus, while transfer container 140 is removed from system 100 and emptied, vacuum reservoir 110 can continuously receive liquid waste via liquid waste inlet line 182 without the need to interrupt operation of processing equipment 300.

[0088] As shown in FIGS. 1, 13, and 14, the system 100 may optionally include a drain line 184 connected to the transfer container 140 and coupled to a pump 262 for periodically drawing liquid from the transfer container 140 into a drain 260 or bulk storage container, reducing or eliminating the need to remove the transfer container 140 for emptying.

[0089] The vacuum reservoir 110 may be configured with a non-uniform upper surface. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, in various embodiments, the vacuum reservoir 110 includes an intermediate top wall 122 with a liquid inlet tower (or first tower) 120 and a vacuum tower (or second tower) 124 extending above the intermediate top wall 122. A liquid waste inlet line 182 is connected to the liquid inlet tower 120 at a waste inlet fitting 112 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The waste inlet fitting 112 may include a right-angle barbed fitting with an NPT (National Pipe Thread Taper) thread. The waste inlet fitting 112 is preferably formed from a bleach-compatible material such as PP, PVDF, and the like. Alternatively, the waste inlet fitting 112 may be a quick-connect fitting. The vacuum filter loop 116 is connected to the vacuum tower 124 at a vacuum fitting 114 and extends into a filter mounting block 126, which supports a filter 128 (see FIG. 3) that rests against a concave wall 138 (see FIGS. 4 and 8) formed on one side of the vacuum reservoir 110. One end of the filter 128 is in fluid communication with the vacuum filter loop 116 through the filter mounting block 126, and a vacuum line 180 is connected to the opposite end of the filter 128 at a filter outlet fitting 130. The vacuum filter loop 116 includes a tube (e.g., PVC) that draws air through the top of the vacuum reservoir 110. To pull a vacuum through the vacuum reservoir 110 without liquid entering the vacuum line 180, the vacuum loop 116 is connected to the vacuum reservoir 110 at the vacuum tower 124 to prevent fluid from entering the filter loop 116. The vacuum fitting 114 may include a right angle barbed fitting with NPT (National Pipe Thread Taper) threads. The vacuum fitting 114 is preferably formed from a bleach compatible material such as PP, PVDF, etc. Alternatively, the vacuum fitting 114 may be a quick connect fitting.

[0090] The filter 128 has a specific orientation that requires flow to enter from the inlet on the bottom of the filter mounting block 126. In one embodiment, the filter mounting block 126 is a machined PVC block that mounts to the bottom of the waste drawer 302. The filter mounting block 126 provides an air flow path from the vacuum fitting 114 connected to the vacuum reservoir 110 to the filter 128. The mounting block 126 provides a mating surface for installing the filter 128 into the system 100. In one embodiment, the filter 128 has an inlet and an outlet, with male connections on both sides to fit quick disconnect fittings. The mounting block 126 preferably interfaces with the filter 128 to create an airtight seal between the block 126 and the filter 128. The filter 128 can be installed / removed by connecting / disconnecting the filter outlet fitting 130. The filter 128 can be pulled upwards and disengaged from the mounting block 126. In one embodiment, filter 128 includes a bleach fume filter. In one embodiment, filter 128 is a capsule with male fitting connections on both ends, such as those available from CPC (St. Paul, Minnesota). The bottom portion of the capsule contains a pelletized chemical media that removes bleach odor from the exhaust gases. The top portion of the capsule contains a 0.2 μm PTFE filter.

[0091] Vacuum tower 124 includes a threaded opening 136 on its top surface that is configured to receive a mating threaded cap (not shown). Opening 136 is a service opening that allows a field service engineer (FSE) to view the vacuum reservoir when troubleshooting. The FSE can pour in liquid (such as water or endozyme) to flush the reservoir or test that the level sensor float is functioning properly.

[0092] A vacuum from a vacuum source, such as a vacuum pump, is applied to the vacuum reservoir 110 of the vacuum tower 124 by a vacuum line 180 that passes through the filter 128, the filter mounting block 126, and the vacuum filter loop 116. Thus, liquid waste from the liquid waste source is drawn through a liquid waste inlet line 182 into the vacuum reservoir 110 of the liquid inlet tower 120. The liquid inlet tower 120 and vacuum tower 124, located above the intermediate top wall 122, help to limit or prevent air bubbles from being drawn from the vacuum reservoir 110 through the vacuum.

[0093] A float switch connector 132 (see FIGS. 2, 5, 5A, and 8 ) mounted to the intermediate top wall 122 connects to a float switch 134 (continuous liquid level sensor) that extends below the intermediate top wall 122 into the interior of the vacuum reservoir 110 .

[0094] As shown in FIG. 5, the transfer pump module 200 is connected to the vacuum reservoir 110 by a transfer line 204 (e.g., PVC tubing). With reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the transfer pump module 200 includes a transfer pump 202, which may include a bellows pump (e.g., commercially available from GRI Pumps, Belleville, Ohio), powered by a pump motor 210 with a pump transmission 212 that couples the output of the pump motor 210 to the transfer pump 202. The transfer pump 202 includes a pump inlet port 208 and a pump outlet port 206. A liquid transfer line 204 is connected to the transfer pump 202 at the pump inlet port 208 and is connected to the vacuum reservoir 110 at a transfer fitting 118 attached to the intermediate top wall 122. In various embodiments, a tube (or straw) 119 (see FIG. 5A) extends from the transfer fitting 118 into the vacuum reservoir 110 below the intermediate top wall 122. The tube 119, or straw 119, may be made from PVC. A pump outlet line 218 is connected at one end to the pump outlet port 206.

[0095] The transfer pump module 200 may further include a leak detection sensor 214. The leak detection sensor 214 may include a foil with serpentine conductors made of silicon and stainless steel that short out when exposed to liquid. A printed circuit board 216 may include power and logic elements for controlling the liquid waste management system 100.

[0096] 6 and 7, the transfer pump module 200 further includes a transfer container interface 230 that releasably connects the transfer container 140 to the transfer pump 202. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the transfer container interface 230 is mounted on the transfer pump 202. In one embodiment, the transfer container interface 230 is attached to the drawer 302. The pump outlet line 218 is connected to the interface 230 at a fitting 240 (see also FIGS. 10A, 10B).

[0097] 9 and 11, the transfer container 140 includes a body 158 with a cap 144 that can be removed from an opening of the container to empty the transfer container 140. The transfer container 140 may further include a handle 146. The transfer container 140 can be manually emptied by lifting the transfer container 140 with the handle 146 from the shelf or drawer on which the liquid waste management system 100 is supported (e.g., drawer 302), removing the cap 144, and emptying the transfer container 140. As previously mentioned, the drain line 184 can optionally be connected to the transfer container 140 at a fitting 142 on the top of the transfer container 140 (see FIG. 1) with a straw (not shown) that extends from the fitting 142 to the interior of the transfer container 140.

[0098] The transfer container 140 may further include a connector shelf 148 extending laterally from the body 158. The connector shelf 148 includes a horizontal portion 150, side walls 152, 154, and a male transfer inlet fitting 234 extending downwardly from a bottom wall of the horizontal portion 150. The side walls 152, 154 and the horizontal portion 150 define an open recess 156 that receives the transfer container interface 230, as shown in FIG. 10. As shown in FIGS. 10, 10A, 10B, the male transfer inlet fitting 234 extends into a matching female receptacle 246 disposed in a liquid trough 242 formed in an upper portion of the removable container interface 230, thereby fluidly connecting the transfer container 140 to the liquid transfer pump 202. The liquid transfer pump 202 can thus pump liquid from the vacuum reservoir 110 through the transfer line 204 to the transfer container 140.

[0099] 11, the transfer container 140 may further include a recess 168 formed in a bottom surface 166 of the body 158 and an angled slot 167 extending partially from the bottom surface 166 to a sidewall 169 below the connector shelf 148. The recess 168 is a hand-holding location for a user to pour liquid from the transfer container 140. The slot 167 is a ramp for a mechanical presence sensor (not shown) and has a retractable rod that, when depressed, indicates the presence of the transfer container 140. The ramp 168 helps to properly secure the bottle in the drawer and gradually depress the mechanical switch.

[0100] An alternative to a mechanical switch is a reed switch with a magnet for the presence sensor. With reference to Figure 11, a magnet 155 can be mounted within the exterior surface of the transfer container 140 surrounding the open recess 156. In one embodiment, a magnetic proximity sensor such as sensor 243 mounted to the transfer container interface 230 (see Figure 8) detects the magnet 155 when the transfer container 140 is in its operating position relative to the transfer container interface 230 and pump module 200 (as shown in Figure 1).

[0101] 12A and 12B, the transfer container 140 may include a poppet valve 160 disposed in an intake port 164 of a container wall 162 in the horizontal portion 150 of the connector shelf 148 or disposed in the transfer inlet fitting 234. The poppet valve 160 is configured to move from a closed position shown in FIG. 12A when the transfer pump 202 is not pumping liquid from the vacuum reservoir 110 to an open position shown in FIG. 12B when the transfer pump 202 is pumping liquid. Thus, a pressure differential caused by the transfer pump 202 allows the poppet valve 160 to open and pump liquid into the transfer container 140, and the poppet valve 160 closes in the absence of a pressure differential to prevent liquid from escaping the transfer container 140.

[0102] The transfer container 140 may further include a level sensor for detecting the level of liquid within the container 140 and may provide a signal indicating that the container should be emptied or should be emptied soon. An exemplary level sensor that may be incorporated into the transfer container 140 is shown by reference numeral 266 in FIGS. 16, 17, and 18. The level sensor 266 includes a sensor bracket 280, which may be secured to a wall of the transfer container 140 by screws or rivets 281 and 283. The level sensor 266 further includes a lower float 282 and an upper float 288. The lower float 282 is pivotally mounted to the sensor bracket 280 by a pin 286 and includes a magnet 284 mounted within the face of the float 282. Similarly, the upper float 288 is pivotally mounted to the sensor bracket 280 by a pin 292 and includes a magnet 290 mounted within the face of the float 288.

[0103] When there is little or no liquid in the transfer vessel 140, the lower float 282 hangs down in a downward position as shown in FIGS. 16-18, thereby presenting the magnet 284 in an outward orientation toward the wall of the transfer vessel 140. The outward facing magnet 284 is detected by the lower magnetic proximity sensor 304 mounted on the front wall of the drawer 302 as shown in FIG. 15. Thus, a positive signal from the lower proximity sensor 304 indicating detection of the magnet 284 indicates that the transfer vessel 140 is empty or nearly empty. As liquid begins to fill the transfer vessel 140, the buoyancy of the float 282 causes the float 282 to rotate about the pin 286, thereby moving the magnet 284 from its outward orientation. Thus, the magnet is no longer detected by the lower proximity sensor 304, thereby indicating that liquid is being transferred to the transfer vessel 140.

[0104] When the liquid level in the transfer container 140 reaches the upper float 288, the buoyancy of the float 288 causes the float 288 to rotate upward about the pin 292 to the position shown in FIGS. 16-18, thereby presenting the magnet 290 in an outward orientation toward the wall of the transfer container 140. The outward facing magnet 290 is detected by the upper magnetic proximity sensor 306 mounted on the front wall of the drawer 302, as shown in FIG. 15. Thus, a positive signal from the upper magnetic proximity sensor 306 indicating detection of the magnet 290 indicates that the liquid in the transfer container 140 is at or near the level at which the transfer container 140 should be emptied. An alarm (e.g., visual and / or audible) can signal an operator to empty the container 140. Alternatively, the positive signal from the upper magnetic proximity sensor 306 can activate a drain pump (described below) to remove the liquid from the container 140.

[0105] Until the liquid in the transfer container 140 reaches the upper float 288, the float 288 will hang downward, thereby positioning the magnet 290 away from the outward orientation. Thus, the magnet will not be detected by the upper proximity sensor 306.

[0106] 10A and 10B show features of the connection between the transfer container 140 and the transfer container interface 230. The male transfer inlet fitting 234 (also referred to herein as a liquid transfer connector fitting) includes a nipple 235 that extends downwardly from the horizontal portion 150 of the connector shelf 148 into a female receiver opening 246 formed in the container interface 230, and a liquid channel 237 that extends through the fitting 234. One or more O-rings 248 may be provided between the exterior surface of the nipple 235 and the interior surface of the female receiver opening 246. The O-rings 248 are preferably formed from a bleach-compatible material such as EPDM or Viton®. A flow path 241 extends from the bottom of the receiver opening 246 through the fitting 240. As shown in FIGS. 16-18, a tube 239 may extend from the transfer inlet fitting 234 into the interior of the transfer container 140, through the handle 146, and to a clip 294 on the sensor bracket 280. The drip channels 250, 252 extend from the bottom of the receiver opening 246 to a drip control valve 232 connected to a drip line connector fitting 244. The drip line connector fitting 244 may include a right-angle barbed fitting with NPT (National Pipe Thread Taper) threads and is preferably made of a bleach-compatible material such as PP, PVDF, etc. Referring to FIG. 8, a drip line 238 (e.g., PVC tubing) is connected to the drip line connector fitting 244 of the transfer container interface 230 and extends to a drip line fitting 256 located in the liquid inlet tower 120 of the vacuum reservoir 110. The drip line fitting 256 may include a right-angle barbed fitting with NPT (National Pipe Thread Taper) threads and is preferably made of a bleach-compatible material such as PP, PVDF, etc. The drip control valve 232, which may be a solenoid valve, controls the flow through the drip line 238. The drip control valve 232 is open during and / or after liquid is being pumped by the transfer pump 202 to the transfer container 140. In one embodiment, the drip control valve 232 is configured and controlled to be in the open configuration after the liquid transfer pump 202 is deactivated and before the transfer container 140 is removed from the system 100 for liquid waste disposal.In one embodiment, the drip control valve 232 is opened for a prescribed time (e.g., a few seconds (2-10 seconds)) to aspirate liquid (i) from the interface between the exterior surface of the nipple 235 and the interior surface of the female receptor opening 246 (e.g., from the gap 247 between the nipple 235 and the female receptor opening 246 (see FIG. 10A )) and (ii) from the liquid channel 237 extending through the male transfer inlet fitting 234. In another embodiment, the drawer 302 is locked during operation of the instrument and can be unlocked, for example, using a touch screen (e.g., a waste management screen) on the instrument control computer. When the operator requests that the drawer 302 be unlocked, but before the instrument unlocks the drawer 302, the drip control valve 232 is opened for a short period of time, for example, 2-10 seconds, to allow liquid to be removed from the male transfer inlet fitting 234 before the transfer bottle 140 is removed from the drawer 302. A drip line 238 connected to the drip control valve 232 is connected under vacuum to the vacuum reservoir 110. When the drip control valve 232 is open, any liquid remaining on or within the female receptor opening 246 or liquid trough 242 is drawn back under vacuum through the drip line 238 to the vacuum reservoir 110.

[0107] The operation of the liquid waste management system 100 and the interrelationship of the various components is illustrated in Figure 13. The vacuum reservoir 110 is connected to a source of pressure differential, such as a vacuum pump 274, which draws air from the vacuum tower 124 of the vacuum reservoir 110 through the vacuum filter loop 116, the filter 128, and the vacuum line 180. Liquid waste is drawn from a liquid waste source, such as one or more aspirators 276, through liquid waste inlet lines 182 and into the liquid inlet tower 120 of the vacuum reservoir 110.

[0108] The liquid level in the vacuum reservoir 110 is monitored via float switch 134, which has direct or indirect (e.g., via a system controller), wired or wireless communication with the transfer pump 202, as represented by transfer pump signal communication path 270. When the liquid in the vacuum reservoir 110 reaches a predetermined level, as determined by the float switch 134, an activation signal is sent to the transfer pump 202. In one embodiment, the float switch 134 communicates the liquid level in the vacuum reservoir 110 as a fraction or percentage of the maximum height. When the percentage of height exceeds a threshold defined by the software controlling the operation of the liquid waste management system 100, a command is sent to the transfer pump 202 to turn on.

[0109] The amount of liquid in the vacuum reservoir 110 can be monitored using other means, such as a scale (not shown) that measures the weight of the vacuum reservoir 110 and its contents, or a contact switch (not shown) mounted on the inner surface of the vacuum reservoir 110 that is activated upon contact with the liquid in the vacuum reservoir 110.

[0110] The transfer pump 202 is then operated to transfer liquid from the vacuum reservoir 110 via the liquid transfer line 204 and the pump outlet line 218 to the transfer vessel 140 which is connected to the pump outlet line 218 via a transfer inlet fitting 234 located on the horizontal portion 150 of the connector shelf 148. The transfer pump 202 may be operated for a prescribed period of time until all liquid has been removed from the vacuum reservoir 110 (i.e., when the percentage of liquid height drops to 0%) as determined by the float switch 134, a scale, or an internal contact switch, or until a prescribed amount of liquid has been removed from the vacuum reservoir 110 as determined by the float switch 134, a scale, or an internal contact switch, or a flow meter (not shown).

[0111] The drip control valve 232 is in direct or indirect, wired or wireless communication with the transfer pump 202, as represented by the drip valve signal communication path 272, so that when (and / or immediately after) the transfer pump 202 is pumping liquid into the transfer container 140, the valve 232 is opened, thereby drawing liquid under vacuum from the transfer inlet fitting 234, the female receptacle 246, and / or the liquid trough 242 through the drip line 238 and into the vacuum reservoir 110.

[0112] The transfer vessel 140 may be emptied manually, as described above. Alternatively, a drain pump 262 (e.g., a bellows pump available from GRI Pumps, Belleville, Ohio) may be provided connecting the transfer vessel 140 to the drain 260 via drain line 184. The liquid level in the transfer vessel 140 may be monitored via a liquid level sensor 266 in the transfer vessel 140. The liquid level sensor 266 may be in wired or wireless direct or indirect (e.g., via a system controller) communication with the drain pump 262 as represented by drain pump signal communication path 268. When the liquid in the transfer vessel 140 reaches a predetermined level, as determined by the liquid level sensor 266, an activation signal is sent to the drain pump 262. The amount of liquid in the transfer vessel 140 may be monitored using other means, such as a scale (not shown) that measures the weight of the transfer vessel 140 and its contents, or a contact switch (not shown) mounted on an interior surface of the transfer vessel 140 that is activated upon contact with the liquid in the transfer vessel 140.

[0113] The drain pump 262 is then operated to draw liquid from the transfer container 140 through the drain line 184 and into the drain 260. The drain pump 262 may be operated for a predetermined period of time until all liquid has been removed from the transfer container 140 as determined by a level sensor 266, a scale, or an internal contact switch, or until a predetermined amount of liquid has been removed from the transfer container 140 as determined by a level sensor 266, a scale, or an internal contact switch or a flow meter (not shown).

[0114] The liquid waste management system 100 may include indicators, such as alarms, warning lights, audio and / or visual message generators, etc., that are coupled to the liquid level sensor 266 to indicate that the amount of liquid in the transfer container 140 has reached or exceeded a predetermined threshold. In certain embodiments, the instrument stops processing the sample when the predetermined threshold is reached. Advance warning may be provided to avoid the need to stop processing the sample.

[0115] Control System The liquid waste management system 100 may include a controller 500 that monitors, communicates with, and / or controls components of the system 100, including one or more of the transfer pump 202, drip control valve 232, float switch 134, liquid level sensor 266 (including proximity sensors 304, 306), evacuation pump 262, proximity sensor 243, and vacuum pump 274. The controller 500 may be in wired or wireless communication with each of the components monitored and / or controlled by the controller 500. To avoid obscuring the drawing, communication lines between the controller 500 and the components of the system 100 are not shown in FIG.

[0116] The controller 500 may include a computer system for executing software (which may include firmware) that affects the operation, control, and monitoring of the liquid waste management system 100. The controller 500 may be implemented via one or more logic elements, such as a computer, an embedded controller, a programmable gate array, an application specific integrated circuit, a programmable logic device, etc., and may also include or access data storage memory, which may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, and other types of memory now known or hereafter developed. The controller 500 may also include additional memory, including, for example, a hard disk drive and / or a removable storage drive, which represent a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a USB slot, a memory card interface, an Internet memory, a cloud-based memory, or any storage medium or format now known or hereafter developed. Memory devices and storage units, as used herein, may include any storage medium now known or hereafter developed for permanent and / or volatile storage of electronic data. Such data may be stored in a storage medium in a database, which may include any data structure and format now known or later developed, including, for example, a relational database, an object database, a flat file, a list, or the like, or some combination thereof.

[0117] In alternative embodiments, some or all of the memory may include other similar means for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into a computer system. Such means may include, for example, removable storage units and interfaces. Examples of such may include memory sticks and memory stick interfaces, secure digital cards and interfaces, and other portable media and interfaces that allow software and data to be transferred to the controller 500.

[0118] The software includes instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium that, when executed by logic elements of the controller 500, cause the control and computing hardware to perform one or more automated or semi-automated processes.

[0119] The computer system of the controller 500 may also include a communications interface that allows information (e.g., power, control and feedback signals, software, data, etc.) to be transferred between the controller 500 and external devices. Examples of communications interfaces may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, a USB port, a Firewire port, Bluetooth, or any now known or later developed interface. Information is transferred over the communications interface in the form of signals, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals receivable by the communications interface.

[0120] The computer system of the controller 500 may also include one or more input devices, such as a touch screen, stylus, keyboard, mouse or other pointing device, microphone (voice recognition), data scanner (e.g., barcode, RFID, etc.), etc. Various output devices may also be included in the computer system, including indicator lights, displays, printers, tactile (e.g., vibratory) indicators, and audio speakers.

[0121] As used herein, terms such as “computer program medium,” “computer readable medium,” “computer usable medium,” and the like are used to typically refer to media such as removable storage units, hard disks installed in hard disk drives, and other non-transitory means for providing software and data to the controller 500.

[0122] Computer programs (also referred to as computer control logic) are stored in one or more portions of memory that are part of or accessed by the controller 500. Computer programs may also be received via a communications interface. Such computer programs may include algorithms that, when executed, enable the computer system of the controller 500 to control the operation of the effluent management system 100 in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

[0123] In embodiments in which aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein are implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into the computer system of the controller 500 using a removable storage drive, hard drive, interface, and / or communication interface. The control logic (software), when executed by the processor of the controller 500, causes the processor to perform functional aspects of the subject matter described herein via the above-mentioned systems, devices, apparatus, sensors, encoders, etc. An operating system may perform basic tasks such as recognizing input from input devices, sending output to output devices, managing files and system resources, and managing various processes embodying computer programs running on the computer system.

[0124] The controller 500 may be a stand-alone system dedicated to the liquid waste management system 100, or may include one or more components of the controller 500 (e.g., processor, memory, interfaces, input / output devices, etc.) that may be a shared part of a global controller that controls the liquid waste management system 100 as well as one or more components of the equipment or laboratory of which the liquid waste management system 100 is a component.

[0125] Embodiment Embodiment 1. A system for managing liquid waste, the system including a first liquid container configured to receive liquid from a liquid source, a liquid transfer pump fluidly connected to the first liquid container, and a second liquid container fluidly connectable to the liquid transfer pump, the liquid transfer pump configured to be selectively actuated to transfer liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container when the second liquid container is fluidly connected to the liquid transfer pump.

[0126] Embodiment 2. The system of embodiment 1, further comprising a pressure differential source to which the first liquid container is connected to draw liquid from the liquid source into the first liquid container.

[0127] Embodiment 3. The system of embodiment 2, wherein the source of pressure difference comprises a vacuum pump.

[0128] Embodiment 4. The system of embodiment 3, further comprising a filter between the vacuum pump and the first liquid container.

[0129] Embodiment 5. The system of embodiment 4, wherein the filter comprises a bleach fume filter.

[0130] Embodiment 6. The system of embodiment 4 or 5, further comprising a mounting block to which the filter and first liquid container are attached.

[0131] Embodiment 7. The system of embodiment 6, further comprising a filter loop fluidly connecting an upper portion of the first liquid container to a bottom portion of a filter supported on the mounting block.

[0132] Embodiment 8. The system of any one of embodiments 3-7, wherein the first liquid container includes an intermediate top wall, a first tower extending above the intermediate top wall, and a second tower extending above the intermediate top wall, the first tower including a first tower liquid inlet for receiving liquid from a liquid source into the first liquid container, and the second tower including a second tower vacuum fitting to which a vacuum pump is attached to draw liquid from the liquid source into the first liquid container.

[0133] Embodiment 9. A system described in any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the liquid transfer pump comprises a bellows pump.

[0134] Embodiment 10. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 9, further comprising a motor for operating the liquid transfer pump and a transmission coupling the motor to the liquid transfer pump.

[0135] Embodiment 11. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 10, further comprising a poppet valve associated with the second liquid container for controlling the flow of liquid to the second liquid container.

[0136] Embodiment 12. A system as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 11, further comprising a float switch in the first liquid container, the float switch communicating with the liquid transfer pump to activate the liquid transfer pump when the liquid in the first liquid container reaches a predetermined level.

[0137] Embodiment 13. A system as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 12, further comprising a connector fitting for fluidly connecting a second liquid container to a liquid transfer pump, and a drip management system configured to draw liquid from the connector fitting into the first liquid container.

[0138] Embodiment 14. The system of embodiment 1, further comprising a connector fitting for fluidly connecting a second liquid container to a liquid transfer pump, a drip management system configured to draw liquid from the connector fitting into the first liquid container, and a vacuum pump to which the first liquid container is connected and draws liquid from a liquid source into the first liquid container, wherein the connector fitting comprises a female connector member and a male connector member received within the female connector member, and the drip management system comprises a connection port communicating with the female connector member, a fluid conduit connecting the connection port to the first liquid container, and a drip control valve configured to allow fluid flow through the fluid conduit when the drip control valve is in an open configuration and to prevent fluid flow through the fluid conduit when the drip control valve is in a closed configuration.

[0139] Embodiment 15. The system of embodiment 14, wherein the drip control valve is a solenoid valve.

[0140] Embodiment 16. A system as described in embodiment 14 or 15, wherein the drip control valve is configured and controlled to be in an open configuration after the liquid transfer pump is deactivated following transfer of liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container.

[0141] Embodiment 17. The system of embodiment 16, wherein the drip control valve is configured and controlled to be in an open configuration for a prescribed period of time after the liquid transfer pump is deactivated following transfer of liquid from a first liquid container to a second liquid container, and to be in a closed configuration at all other times.

[0142] Embodiment 18. A system as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the second liquid container comprises a main body, a connector shelf extending laterally from the main body, including a horizontal portion and defining a bottom wall, and a liquid transfer connector fitting extending downwardly from the bottom wall of the horizontal portion of the connector shelf to fluidly connect the second liquid container to a liquid transfer pump.

[0143] Embodiment 19. The system described in embodiment 18, further comprising a connector interface including an upwardly facing liquid connector fitting fluidly connected to the liquid transfer pump and configured to be operably coupled to a downwardly extending liquid transfer connector fitting of the second liquid container to fluidly connect the liquid transfer pump to a second liquid container.

[0144] Embodiment 20. The system of embodiment 19, further comprising a liquid tray formed within the connector interface and surrounding the upwardly facing liquid connector fitting of the connector interface.

[0145] Embodiment 21. The system described in embodiment 20, further comprising a drip management system configured to aspirate liquid from the liquid tray to the first liquid container or from a liquid transfer connector fitting operably coupled to the connector interface and the second liquid container to the first liquid container.

[0146] Embodiment 22. The system of embodiment 21, wherein the drip management system includes a connection port attached to the connector interface, a fluid conduit connecting the connection port to a first liquid container, and a drip control valve, the drip control valve being configured to allow fluid flow through the fluid conduit when the drip control valve is in an open configuration and to prevent fluid flow through the fluid conduit when the drip control valve is in a closed configuration.

[0147] Embodiment 23. The system of embodiment 22, wherein the drip control valve is a solenoid valve.

[0148] Embodiment 24. A system as described in embodiment 22 or 23, wherein the drip control valve is configured and controlled to be in an open configuration when the liquid transfer pump is deactivated following transfer of liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container.

[0149] Embodiment 25. The system of embodiment 24, wherein the drip control valve is configured and controlled to be in an open configuration for a prescribed period of time after the liquid transfer pump is deactivated following transfer of liquid from a first liquid container to a second liquid container, and to be in a closed configuration at all other times.

[0150] Embodiment 26. The system of any one of embodiments 1 to 21, further comprising an exhaust line connected to the second liquid container, and an exhaust pump fluidly connected to the exhaust line for transporting liquid from the second liquid container through the exhaust line to a drain.

[0151] Embodiment 27. The system of embodiment 26, further comprising a second float switch in the second liquid container, the second float switch communicating with the discharge pump to activate the discharge pump when the liquid in the second liquid container reaches a predetermined level.

[0152] Embodiment 28. A system described in any one of embodiments 1 to 27, further comprising a leak detection sensor.

[0153] Embodiment 29. A system described in any one of embodiments 1 to 28, wherein the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump are supported within a drawer section of the device, and the drawer section is configured to be laterally movable between an open position providing access to one or more of the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump, and a closed position concealing the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump.

[0154] Embodiment 30. A system as described in any one of embodiments 19 to 25, wherein the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump are supported within a drawer section of the device, the drawer section is configured to be laterally movable between an open position providing access to one or more of the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump and a closed position concealing the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump, and the connector interface is attached to the drawer section.

[0155] Embodiment 31. A system as described in any one of embodiments 2 to 7, wherein the first liquid container includes an intermediate top wall, a liquid inlet tower extending above the intermediate top wall, a liquid inlet fluidly connected to the liquid inlet tower at a position above the intermediate top wall, through which the first liquid container receives liquid from a liquid source, and a vacuum tower extending above the intermediate top wall, and a pressure differential source connected to the vacuum tower at a position above the intermediate top wall.

[0156] Embodiment 32. A method for managing liquid waste, the method comprising: a) receiving liquid from a liquid source into a first liquid container; b) monitoring an amount of liquid in the first liquid container; c) connecting a second liquid container to a liquid transfer pump connected to the first liquid container by lowering a first connector fitting of the second liquid container into connecting engagement with a second connector fitting coupled to an outlet of the liquid transfer pump; d) transferring liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container using the liquid transfer pump after the amount of liquid received in the first liquid container reaches a predetermined level, as determined in step b); and e) removing the liquid transferred to the second liquid container during step d).

[0157] Embodiment 33. The method of embodiment 32, wherein step e) includes transferring liquid from the second liquid container to a drain equipped with a discharge pump fluidly connected to the second liquid container.

[0158] Embodiment 34. The method of embodiment 33, wherein step e) further includes monitoring the liquid level in the second liquid container using a second float switch, generating a pump actuation signal when the second float switch detects that the amount of liquid in the second liquid container has reached a predetermined level, and sending the pump actuation signal to a discharge pump to operate the discharge pump and transfer liquid from the second liquid container to a drain.

[0159] Embodiment 35. The method of embodiment 32, further comprising deactivating the liquid transfer pump prior to step e).

[0160] Embodiment 36. The method of embodiment 35, wherein step e) comprises injecting liquid from a second liquid container through an opening in the second liquid container.

[0161] Embodiment 37. The method according to embodiment 35 or 36, wherein steps a) and e) are carried out simultaneously.

[0162] Embodiment 38. A method according to any one of embodiments 35 to 37, wherein the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump are supported within a drawer section of the device, the drawer section being configured to be laterally movable between an open position providing access to one or more of the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump and a closed position concealing the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump, and step e) further comprises removing the second liquid container from the drawer section after laterally moving the drawer section to the open position and deactivating the liquid transfer pump.

[0163] Embodiment 39. The method of any one of embodiments 32 to 38, wherein the first connector fitting includes a male fitting extending downward from the second liquid container, and the second connector fitting includes an upwardly facing female fitting and is configured to receive the male fitting.

[0164] Embodiment 40. A method according to any one of embodiments 32 to 39, wherein step b) includes monitoring the liquid level in the first liquid container using a float switch, and step c) includes generating a pump actuation signal when the float switch detects that the amount of liquid in the first liquid container has reached a predetermined level, and sending the pump actuation signal to a liquid transfer pump to operate the liquid transfer pump and transfer liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container.

[0165] Embodiment 41. The method of any one of embodiments 32 to 40, further comprising, after step d) and before step e), aspirating liquid from the connection between the first connector fitting and the second connector fitting into a first liquid container.

[0166] Embodiment 42. A liquid container system including a liquid container, the liquid container including an intermediate top wall, a liquid inlet tower extending above the intermediate top wall, a liquid inlet fluidly connected to the liquid inlet tower at a position above the intermediate top wall, through which the liquid container receives liquid from a liquid source, and a vacuum tower extending above the intermediate top wall and fluidly connecting a pressure differential source to a position above the intermediate top wall to draw liquid into the liquid container through the liquid inlet.

[0167] Embodiment 43. A liquid container system as described in embodiment 42, further comprising a filter in fluid communication with the vacuum tower of the liquid container.

[0168] Embodiment 44. A liquid container system as described in embodiment 43, further comprising a mounting block to which the filter and liquid container are attached.

[0169] Embodiment 45. A liquid container system as described in embodiment 44, further comprising a filter loop fluidly connecting the vacuum tower of the liquid container to a bottom portion of the filter supported on the mounting block.

[0170] Embodiment 46. A liquid container system described in any one of embodiments 42 to 45, further comprising a liquid level sensor configured to detect a liquid level in the liquid container.

[0171] Embodiment 47. A liquid container system as described in embodiment 46, wherein the liquid level sensor includes a float switch extending from a float switch connector mounted on the middle top wall into the interior of the liquid container.

[0172] Embodiment 48. A liquid container system described in any one of embodiments 42 to 47, further comprising a transfer fitting attached to the intermediate top wall with a tube extending from the transfer fitting into the interior of the liquid container.

[0173] Embodiment 49. A liquid container system as described in embodiment 42, further comprising a transfer line fitting attached to the intermediate top wall with a tube extending from the transfer line fitting into the interior of the liquid container, a transfer pump fluidly connected to the transfer fitting, and a transfer container fluidly connected to the transfer pump.

[0174] Embodiment 50. A liquid container system as described in embodiment 49, further comprising a liquid level sensor configured to detect a liquid level in the liquid container, the liquid level sensor being in operative communication with a transfer pump such that when the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level in the liquid container has reached a specified level, the transfer pump is activated to transfer a certain amount of liquid from the liquid container to the transfer container.

[0175] Embodiment 51. A liquid container system as described in embodiment 46 or 50, further comprising a transfer container interface configured to releasably connect the transfer container to a transfer pump.

[0176] Embodiment 52. A liquid container system as described in embodiment 49, wherein the transfer container includes a main body, a connector shelf extending laterally from the main body, including a horizontal portion and defining a bottom wall, and a liquid transfer connector fitting extending downwardly from the bottom wall of the horizontal portion of the connector shelf and configured to fluidly connect the transfer container to a liquid transfer pump.

[0177] Embodiment 53. A liquid container system as described in embodiment 52, wherein the liquid transfer connector fitting includes a nipple extending downwardly from the horizontal portion of the connector shelf and a liquid channel extending through the liquid transfer connector fitting.

[0178] Embodiment 54. A liquid container system as described in embodiment 53, further comprising a transfer container interface configured to releasably connect the transfer container to a transfer pump, the transfer container interface comprising an upwardly facing receiving opening configured to receive a nipple of a liquid transfer connector fitting.

[0179] Embodiment 55. A liquid container system as described in embodiment 54, wherein the transfer container interface includes a liquid trough and the receptor opening is disposed within the liquid trough.

[0180] Embodiment 56. A liquid container system described in any one of embodiments 53 to 55, further comprising one or more O-rings disposed on the nipple.

[0181] Embodiment 57. A liquid container system described in any one of embodiments 52 to 56, wherein the transfer container further includes a cap removably secured to an opening formed in the body of the transfer container, the opening being configured to empty the contents of the transfer container after the cap is removed.

[0182] Embodiment 58. A liquid container system described in any one of embodiments 52 to 57, wherein the transfer container further includes a handle fixed to the body.

[0183] Embodiment 59. A liquid container system including a transfer container for receiving liquid transferred to the transfer container by a liquid transfer pump, the transfer container including a main body, a connector shelf extending laterally from the main body, including a horizontal portion and defining a bottom wall, and a liquid transfer connector fitting extending downwardly from the bottom wall of the horizontal portion of the connector shelf and configured to fluidly connect the transfer container to the liquid transfer pump.

[0184] Embodiment 60. A liquid container system as described in embodiment 59, wherein the liquid transfer connector fitting includes a nipple extending downwardly from the horizontal portion of the connector shelf and a liquid channel extending through the liquid transfer connector fitting.

[0185] Embodiment 61. A liquid container system as described in embodiment 60, further comprising a transfer container interface configured to releasably connect the transfer container to a transfer pump, the transfer container interface comprising an upwardly facing receiving opening configured to receive a nipple of a liquid transfer connector fitting.

[0186] Embodiment 62. A liquid container system as described in embodiment 61, wherein the transfer container interface includes a liquid trough and the receptor opening is disposed within the liquid trough.

[0187] Embodiment 63. A liquid container system described in any one of embodiments 59 to 62, further comprising one or more O-rings disposed on the nipple.

[0188] Embodiment 64. A liquid container system described in any one of embodiments 59 to 63, wherein the transfer container further includes a cap removably secured to an opening formed in the body of the transfer container, the opening being configured to empty the contents of the transfer container after the cap is removed.

[0189] Embodiment 65. A liquid container system described in any one of embodiments 59 to 64, wherein the transfer container further includes a handle fixed to the body.

[0190] Although the subject matter of the present disclosure has been described and illustrated in some detail with reference to certain illustrative embodiments, including various combinations and subcombinations of features, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments, as well as variations and modifications thereof, that are encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the description of such embodiments, combinations, and subcombinations is not intended to convey that the claimed subject matter requires features or combinations of features other than those expressly recited in the claims. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is deemed to include all modifications and variations encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following appended claims.

Claims

[Claim 1] A system as shown in the drawings, etc.

Images