Systems and methods for managing liquid waste

Abstract

To provide a suitable system and method for managing liquid waste. [Solution] A system for managing liquid waste includes a first liquid container for receiving 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 operated to transfer liquid waste from the first liquid container to the second liquid container. A method for managing waste liquid includes receiving liquid into the first liquid container, monitoring the amount of liquid in the first liquid container, connecting the second liquid container to a liquid transfer pump connected to the first liquid container, transferring the 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 has reached a predetermined level, and removing the liquid transferred to the second liquid container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 842,974, filed on May 3, 2019, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for collecting and disposing of liquid waste.

Background Art

[0003] Certain devices, such as diagnostic analyzers and clinical analyzers, perform processes that generate waste liquid. Such waste liquid needs to be managed (i.e., collected, temporarily stored, and then discarded) during and / or after the operation of the device. Typically, such waste liquid is collected in on - device liquid waste collection containers (such as bottles) and temporarily stored in the collection container. Such liquid can be collected from on - device sources such as aspirators, drain pipes, etc.

[0004] Periodically, during the continuous operation of the device, the container becomes filled with the collected waste liquid, so it is necessary to empty the liquid waste collection container or replace it with an empty one. Usually, the liquid waste container is emptied by removing it from the device 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 device, there is no container for collecting liquid waste, so it is necessary to stop the operation of the device. The need to temporarily stop the operation of the device every time the liquid waste collection container needs to be emptied or replaced can have an adverse effect on the throughput of the device.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The following is a simplified overview to provide a basic understanding of some of the embodiments described herein. This overview is not a comprehensive overview of the claimed subject matter. It is not intended to identify or define the main or important elements of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed explanations that will be presented later.

[0006] Aspects of this 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 fluid-connected to the first liquid container, and a second liquid container fluid-connectable to the liquid transfer pump. When the second liquid container is fluid-connected to the liquid transfer pump, the liquid transfer pump can be selectively operated to transfer liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container.

[0007] In another embodiment, the system may further include a pressure difference source to which a first liquid container is connected and which draws liquid from a liquid source into the first liquid container.

[0008] In other embodiments, the pressure difference source may include a vacuum pump.

[0009] In another embodiment, the system may further include a filter between the vacuum pump and the first liquid container.

[0010] In other embodiments, the filter may include a bleach fume filter.

[0011] In another embodiment, the system may further include a mounting block to which a filter and a first liquid container are fitted.

[0012] In another embodiment, the system may further include a filter loop that fluidly connects the upper portion of a first liquid container to the bottom portion of a filter supported on a mounting block.

[0013] In another embodiment, the first liquid container may include an intermediate upper wall, a first tower extending above the intermediate upper wall, and a second tower extending above the intermediate upper wall. The first tower includes a liquid inlet for receiving liquid from a liquid source into the first liquid container, and the second tower includes a vacuum fitting of the second tower to which a vacuum pump is attached for drawing liquid from the liquid source into the first liquid container.

[0014] In other embodiments, the liquid transfer pump may include a bellows pump.

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

[0016] In another embodiment, 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] In another embodiment, the system may further include a float switch in the first liquid container, which communicates with a liquid transfer pump to activate the liquid transfer pump when the liquid in the first liquid container reaches a predetermined level.

[0018] In another embodiment, the system may further include 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 to the first liquid container.

[0019] In another embodiment, the system may further include 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 to a first liquid container; and a vacuum pump to which the first liquid container is connected for drawing liquid from a liquid source to 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 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.

[0020] In another embodiment, the drip control valve is a solenoid valve.

[0021] In another embodiment, the drip control valve is configured and controlled to be open after the liquid transfer pump has stopped operating following the transfer of liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container.

[0022] In another embodiment, the drip control valve is configured and controlled to be open for a specified period after the liquid transfer pump has stopped operating following the transfer of liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container, and to always be closed otherwise.

[0023] In another embodiment, the second liquid container includes a body, a connector shelf extending laterally from the body and including a horizontal portion defining a bottom wall, and a liquid transfer connector fitting extending downward from the bottom wall of the horizontal portion of the connector shelf for fluid connection of the second liquid container to a liquid transfer pump.

[0024] According to another aspect, the system may further include a connector interface including an upward liquid connector fitting configured to be operatively coupled to a downwardly extending liquid transfer connector fitting of a 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 upward liquid connector fitting of the connector interface.

[0026] According to another aspect, the system may further include a drip management system configured to suck liquid from the liquid tray to the first liquid container or from the liquid transfer connector fitting operatively coupled to the connector interface and the second liquid container to the first liquid container.

[0027] According to another aspect, the drip management system may include 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. The drip control valve is configured to allow the flow of fluid through the fluid conduit when the drip control valve is in an open configuration and to prevent the flow of fluid through the fluid conduit when the drip control valve is in a closed configuration.

[0028] According to another aspect, the drip control valve is an electromagnetic 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 stopped after the 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 specified period after the liquid transfer pump is stopped following the 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] In another embodiment, the system may further include a discharge line connected to a second liquid container, and a discharge pump fluidly connected to the discharge line for transferring liquid from the second liquid container to a drain via the discharge line.

[0032] In another embodiment, the system may further include a second float switch in a second liquid container, the second float switch communicating with a discharge pump to activate the discharge pump when the liquid in the second liquid container reaches a predetermined level.

[0033] In other embodiments, the system may further include a leak detection sensor.

[0034] In another embodiment, the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump are supported within a drawer of the equipment, and the drawer is configured to be laterally movable between an open position that provides access to one or more of the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump and a closed position that conceals the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump.

[0035] In another embodiment, the connector interface is attached to the pull-out section.

[0036] In another embodiment, the first liquid vessel includes an intermediate upper wall, a liquid inlet tower extending above the intermediate upper wall, a liquid inlet fluidly connected to the liquid inlet tower at a position above the intermediate upper wall, through which the first liquid vessel receives liquid from a liquid source, and a vacuum tower extending above the intermediate upper wall, wherein a pressure difference source is connected to the vacuum tower at a position above the intermediate upper wall.

[0037] Further aspects of the present disclosure are embodied in 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; c) connecting a second liquid container to a liquid transfer pump connected to a first liquid container by lowering a first connector fitting of the second liquid container to engage with a second connector fitting coupled to the outlet of a 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 has reached a predetermined level, as determined in step b); and e) removing the liquid transferred to the second liquid container during step d).

[0038] In another embodiment, step e) includes transferring the liquid from the second liquid container to a drain equipped with a discharge pump fluidly connected to the second liquid container.

[0039] In another embodiment, step e) further includes monitoring the liquid level in the second liquid container using a second float switch, generating a pump operation signal when the second float switch detects that the amount of liquid in the second liquid container has reached a predetermined level, and transmitting the pump operation signal to the discharge pump to operate the discharge pump and transfer the liquid from the second liquid container to the drain.

[0040] In other embodiments, the method may further include stopping the liquid transfer pump before step e).

[0041] In another embodiment, step e) includes pouring liquid from the second liquid container through the opening of the second liquid container.

[0042] In other embodiments, steps a) and e) are performed simultaneously.

[0043] In another embodiment, the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump are supported within a drawer of the equipment. The drawer is configured to be laterally movable between an open position that provides access to one or more of the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump, and a closed position that conceals the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump, and step e) further includes moving the drawer laterally to the open position, stopping the liquid transfer pump, and then removing the second liquid container from the drawer.

[0044] In another embodiment, the first connector fitting may include a male fitting extending downward from a second liquid container, and the second connector fitting may include an upward-facing female fitting configured to receive the male fitting.

[0045] In another embodiment, step b) includes monitoring the liquid level in a first liquid container using a float switch, and step c) includes generating a pump operation signal when the float switch detects that the amount of liquid in the first liquid container has reached a predetermined level, and transmitting the pump operation signal to a liquid transfer pump to operate the liquid transfer pump and transfer the liquid from the first liquid container to a second liquid container.

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

[0047] Further embodiments of the present disclosure are embodied in a liquid container system including a liquid container, which includes an intermediate upper wall, a liquid inlet tower extending above the intermediate upper wall, a liquid inlet fluidly connected to the liquid inlet tower at a position above the intermediate upper wall, through which the liquid container receives liquid from a liquid source, and a vacuum tower extending above the intermediate upper wall, which fluidly connects a pressure difference source at a position above the intermediate upper wall and can draw liquid into the liquid container through the liquid inlet.

[0048] In another embodiment, the liquid container system may further include a filter that is in fluid communication with the vacuum tower of the liquid container.

[0049] In another embodiment, the liquid container system may further include a mounting block to which a filter and a liquid container are fitted.

[0050] In another embodiment, the liquid container system may further include a filter loop that fluidly connects the vacuum tower of the liquid container to the bottom portion of a filter supported on a mounting block.

[0051] In another embodiment, the liquid container system may further include a liquid level sensor configured to detect the liquid level in the liquid container.

[0052] In another embodiment, the liquid level sensor may include a float switch extending into the liquid container from a float switch connector mounted on the intermediate upper wall.

[0053] In another embodiment, the liquid container system may further include a transfer coupling mounted on the intermediate upper wall, which has a tube extending from the transfer coupling into the interior of the liquid container.

[0054] In another embodiment, the liquid container system may further include a transfer line fitting mounted on an intermediate upper wall having a tube extending from the transfer line fitting into the interior of the liquid container, a transfer pump fluid-connected to the transfer fitting, and a transfer container fluid-connected to the transfer pump.

[0055] In another embodiment, the liquid container system may further include a liquid level sensor configured to detect the liquid level in the liquid container, the liquid level sensor operationally communicating with a transfer pump, and 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 a transfer container.

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

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

[0058] In another embodiment, the liquid transfer connector fitting may include a nipple extending downward from a horizontal portion of a connector shelf and a liquid channel extending through the liquid transfer connector fitting.

[0059] In another embodiment, the liquid container system may further include a container interface configured to releasably connect a container to a container pump, the container interface including an upward-facing receiving opening configured to receive a nipple of a liquid container connector fitting.

[0060] In another embodiment, the transport container interface may include a liquid trough, and the receptor opening is located within the liquid trough.

[0061] In another embodiment, the liquid container system may further include one or more O-rings positioned on the nipple.

[0062] In another embodiment, the transport container further includes a cap that is removably fixed to an opening formed in the body of the transport container, the opening being configured to empty the contents of the transport container after the cap is removed.

[0063] In other embodiments, the transport container may further include a handle fixed to the main body.

[0064] Further embodiments of the present disclosure are embodied in a liquid container system including a transfer container for receiving liquid transferred to a transfer container by a liquid transfer pump. The transfer container may include a body, a connector shelf extending laterally from the body and including a horizontal portion defining a bottom wall, and a liquid transfer connector fitting extending downward 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.

[0065] In another embodiment, the liquid transfer connector fitting may include a nipple extending downward from a horizontal portion of a connector shelf and a liquid channel extending through the liquid transfer connector fitting.

[0066] In another embodiment, the liquid container system may further include a container interface configured to releasably connect a container to a container pump, the container interface including an upward-facing receiving opening configured to receive a nipple of a liquid container connector fitting.

[0067] In another embodiment, the transport container interface includes a liquid trough, and the receptor opening is located within the liquid trough.

[0068] In another embodiment, the liquid container system may further include one or more O-rings positioned on the nipple.

[0069] In another embodiment, the transport container further includes a cap that is removably fixed to an opening formed in the body of the transport container, the opening being configured to empty the contents of the transport container after the cap is removed.

[0070] In another embodiment, the transport container further includes a handle fixed to the main body.

[0071] Other features and characteristics of the subject matter of this disclosure, as well as the methods of operation, the functions and combinations of components of the relevant structural elements, and the economics of manufacture, will become more apparent from the following description and the appended claims with reference to the appended drawings, all of which form part of this specification and similar reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in various figures. For example, this application provides the following items. (Item 1) A system for managing liquid waste, wherein the system A first liquid container configured to receive liquid from a liquid source, A liquid transfer pump fluidly connected to the first liquid container, A system comprising a second liquid container fluidly connected to the liquid transfer pump, wherein the liquid transfer pump is configured to operate selectively to transfer liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container. (Item 2) The system according to item 1, further comprising a pressure difference source to which the first liquid container is connected and which draws liquid from the liquid source into the first liquid container. (Item 3) The system described in item 2, wherein the pressure difference source includes a vacuum pump. (Item 4) The system according to item 3, further comprising a filter between the vacuum pump and the first liquid container. (Item 5) The system according to item 4, wherein the filter includes a bleach fume filter. (Item 6) The system according to item 4 or 5, further comprising a mounting block on which the filter and the first liquid container are mounted. (Item 7) The system according to item 6, further comprising a filter loop that fluidly connects the upper portion of the first liquid container to the bottom portion of the filter supported on the mounting block. (Item 8) The first liquid container is Intermediate upper wall and The first tower extends above the aforementioned intermediate upper wall, It includes a second tower extending above the aforementioned intermediate upper wall, The system according to any one of items 3 to 7, wherein the first tower includes a liquid inlet for receiving liquid from the liquid source into the first liquid container, and the second tower includes a vacuum fitting of the second tower to which the vacuum pump is attached for drawing liquid from the liquid source into the first liquid container. (Item 9) The liquid transfer pump is a system according to any one of items 1 to 8, including a bellows pump. (Item 10) The system according to any one of items 1 to 9, further comprising a motor for operating the liquid transfer pump and a transmission for coupling the motor to the liquid transfer pump. (Item 11) The system according to any one of items 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) The system according to any one of items 1 to 11, further comprising a float switch in the first liquid container, wherein the float switch communicates 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) The system according to 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 draw liquid from the connector fitting to the first liquid container. (Item 14) A connector fitting for fluidly connecting the second liquid container to the liquid transfer pump, A drip management system configured to draw liquid from the connector joint into the first liquid container, The system according to item 1, further comprising: a first liquid container to which a vacuum pump is connected for drawing 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, the drip management system comprising 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, wherein the drip control valve is configured to allow the flow of fluid through the fluid conduit when the drip control valve is in an open configuration and to prevent the flow of fluid through the fluid conduit when the drip control valve is in a closed configuration. (Item 15) The system described in item 14, wherein the drip control valve is a solenoid valve. (Item 16) The system according to item 14 or 15, wherein the drip control valve is configured and controlled to be in the open configuration after the liquid transfer pump has stopped operating following the transfer of liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container. (Item 17) The system according to item 16, wherein the drip control valve is configured and controlled to be in the open configuration for a specified period after the liquid transfer pump has stopped operating following the transfer of liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container, and otherwise always in the closed configuration. (Item 18) The second liquid container is The main unit and A connector shelf extending laterally from the main body, including a horizontal portion, and defining the bottom wall, The system according to any one of items 1 to 12, comprising: a liquid transfer connector fitting extending downward from the bottom wall of the horizontal portion of the connector shelf for fluid connection of the second liquid container to the liquid transfer pump. (Item 19) The system according to item 18, further comprising a connector interface including an upward-facing liquid connector fitting, which is fluidly connected to the liquid transfer pump and configured to be operably coupled to the downward-extending liquid transfer connector fitting of the second liquid container for fluidly connecting the liquid transfer pump to the second liquid container. (Item 20) The system according to item 19, further comprising a liquid tray formed within the connector interface and surrounding the upward-facing liquid connector fitting of the connector interface. (Item 21) The system according to item 20, further comprising a drip management system configured to draw liquid from the liquid tray to the first liquid container, or from the connector interface and the liquid transfer connector fitting operably coupled to the second liquid container to the first liquid container. (Item 22) The aforementioned dispensing management system The connection port attached to the connector interface, A fluid conduit that connects the aforementioned connection port to the first liquid container, The system according to item 21, comprising a drip control valve, wherein the drip control valve is configured to allow the flow of fluid through the fluid conduit when the drip control valve is in an open configuration and to prevent the flow of fluid through the fluid conduit when the drip control valve is in a closed configuration. (Item 23) The system described in item 22, wherein the drip control valve is a solenoid valve. (Item 24) The system according to item 22 or 23, wherein the drip control valve is configured and controlled to be in the open configuration when the liquid transfer pump is stopped operating following the transfer of liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container. (Item 25) The system according to item 24, wherein the drip control valve is configured and controlled to be in the open configuration for a specified period after the liquid transfer pump has stopped operating following the transfer of liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container, and otherwise always in the closed configuration. (Item 26) A discharge line connected to the second liquid container, The system according to any one of items 1 to 21, further comprising a discharge pump fluidly connected to the discharge line for transferring liquid from the second liquid container to the drain via the discharge line. (Item 27) The system according to item 26, further comprising a second float switch in the second liquid container, wherein the second float switch communicates with the discharge pump to activate the discharge pump when the liquid in the second liquid container reaches a predetermined level. (Item 28) A system as described in any one of items 1 through 27, further including a leak detection sensor. (Item 29) The system according to any one of items 1 to 28, wherein the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump are supported within a drawer of the equipment, and the drawer is configured to be laterally movable between an open position that provides access to one or more of the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump and a closed position that conceals the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump. (Item 30) The system according to 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 the equipment, and the drawer 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. (Item 31) The first liquid container is Intermediate upper wall and A liquid inlet tower extending above the aforementioned intermediate upper wall, A liquid inlet fluidly connected to the liquid inlet tower at a position above the intermediate upper wall, through which the first liquid container receives liquid from the liquid source, The system according to any one of items 2 to 7, comprising a vacuum tower extending above the intermediate upper wall, wherein the pressure difference source is connected to the vacuum tower at a position above the intermediate upper wall. (Item 32) A method for managing liquid waste, wherein the method is a) Receiving liquid from a liquid source into a first liquid container, b) Monitoring the amount of liquid in the first liquid container, c) The second liquid container is connected to the liquid transfer pump connected to the first liquid container by lowering the first connector fitting of the second liquid container so as to engage with the second connector fitting coupled to the outlet of the liquid transfer pump, d) After the amount of liquid received in the first liquid container reaches a predetermined level, as determined in step b), the liquid is transferred from the first liquid container to the second liquid container using the liquid transfer pump, e) a method comprising removing the liquid transferred to the second liquid container during step d). (Item 33) A liquid container system including a liquid container, wherein the liquid container is Intermediate upper wall and A liquid inlet tower extending above the aforementioned intermediate upper wall, A liquid inlet fluidly connected to the liquid inlet tower at a position above the aforementioned intermediate upper wall, through which the liquid container receives liquid from a liquid source, A liquid container system including a vacuum tower that extends above the intermediate upper wall, to which a pressure difference source is fluidly connected at a position above the intermediate upper wall, and which can draw liquid into the liquid container through the liquid inlet. (Item 34) A liquid container system including a transfer container for receiving liquid transferred to a transfer container by a liquid transfer pump, wherein the transfer container is The main unit and A connector shelf extending laterally from the main body, including a horizontal portion, and defining the bottom wall, A liquid container system comprising: a liquid transfer connector fitting extending downward 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. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0072] The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming part of the specification illustrate various non-embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure. In the drawings, similar reference numerals indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

[0073] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an implementation of the liquid waste management system disclosed herein. [Figure 2] This is a front perspective view of the vacuum reservoir in a liquid waste management system. [Figure 3] This is a rear perspective view of the vacuum reservoir in the liquid waste management system. [Figure 4] This is a rear perspective view of the vacuum reservoir of a liquid waste management system, with the filter omitted from the diagram. [Figure 5] This is a front perspective view of a vacuum reservoir fluid-connected to a liquid transfer pump in a liquid waste management system. [Figure 5A] This is a cross-section of a vacuum reservoir. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the transfer pump module for a liquid waste management system. [Figure 7] This is a side view of the transfer pump module. [Figure 8] This 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 diagram. [Figure 9]This is a top view of a removable transfer container for a liquid waste management system. [Figure 10] This is a partial perspective view of a portion of the transport container. [Figure 10A] This is a side cross-sectional view of the liquid transfer connection between the transfer container and the removable container interface in the AA direction of Figure 10. [Figure 10B] Figure 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the liquid transfer connection between the transfer container and the removable container interface in the BB direction. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of the bottom of the transport container. [Figure 12A] This is a perspective view of the poppet valve inside the transfer container in the closed position. [Figure 12B] This is a side perspective view of the poppet valve inside the transfer container in the open position. [Figure 13] This is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a liquid waste management system. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of an exemplary processing unit into which a liquid waste management system may be incorporated. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view of the drawer section of an exemplary processing unit in which a liquid waste management system may be supported. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view of a transfer container showing a liquid level sensor located inside the container. [Figure 17] This is a side view of the transfer container, showing the liquid level sensor located inside the container. [Figure 18] This is a perspective view of the liquid level sensor. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0074] While aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure can be embodied in various forms, the following description and accompanying drawings are intended only to disclose some of these forms as specific examples of the subject matter. Therefore, the subject matter of this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the forms or embodiments described and illustrated in this manner.

[0075] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms, expressions, and other technical terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally 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 any definition in this section contradicts or is inconsistent with any definition in any of the patents, applications, published applications, and other publications incorporated herein by reference, the definition in this section shall prevail over the definition 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 parts thereof. Unless otherwise specifically stated or indicated by the context of the description, such terms, including but not limited to, top, bottom, above, below, upside, downside, left, right, front, back, adjacent, neighboring, between, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, longitudinal, transverse, radial, axial, etc., are used for convenience when referring to such components, devices, locations, features, or parts thereof in drawings, but are not intended to be limiting.

[0078] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, any specific dimensions referred to herein represent only exemplary implementations of devices embodying aspects of this disclosure and are not intended to be limiting.

[0079] The use of the term "about" applies to all numerical values ​​specified herein, whether expressly indicated or not. Generally, this term refers to a range of numbers that a person skilled in the art would consider, in the context of this disclosure, to be a reasonable deviation of the enumerated numerical values ​​(i.e., having equivalent functions or results). For example, though not intended to be limiting, this term could be interpreted to include deviations of ±10 percent of a given numerical value, but such deviations would not alter the final function or value result. Thus, under certain circumstances as understood by a person skilled in the art, a value of about 1 percent could be interpreted as ranging from 0.9% to 1.1%.

[0080] As used herein, the term “adjacent” means being close or adjacent. Adjacent objects can be separated from one another, or they can be in actual or direct contact with one another. In some cases, adjacent objects can be joined together, or they can form a single unit with one another.

[0081] As used herein, the terms “substantially” and “substantial” refer to a significant degree or extent. When used in conjunction with events, situations, characteristics, or traits, these terms may refer to the exact occurrence of an event, situation, characteristic, or trait, and to an exact approximation, such as describing a typical tolerance level or variability of the embodiments described herein.

[0082] As used herein, the terms “optional” and “optionally” mean that the constituent elements, structures, elements, events, situations, characteristics, and other features described thereafter may or may not be included, or may occur, and that this specification includes cases where such constituent elements, structures, elements, events, situations, characteristics, and other features are included or occur, and cases where they are not included or do not occur.

[0083] The terms “fluid communication,” “fluid connection,” and “fluid-connected,” and similar terms, mean either direct fluid communication or connection. For example, two regions can be in fluid communication with each other via an unobstructed fluid passage (e.g., a channel, conduit, pipe, tube, hose, etc.) that allows for fluid transfer between the two regions or may allow for fluid communication or connection. For example, two regions may be in fluid communication with each other if they are connected via a fluid passage that allows for fluid transfer, which may include a valve placed therein. When the valve is activated, fluid communication can be established 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] When used in relation to a component for transferring a liquid from one component or location to another component or location that is spatially distinct from the first component or location, the term “line” means any component on which such transfer is possible, including, for example, rigid or flexible conduits, channels, pipes, tubes, hoses, or two or more of these.

[0085] The liquid waste management systems disclosed herein are shown by reference numeral 100 in Figures 1 and 13. Figure 13 represents a schematic generalized block diagram showing various components of system 100, while Figure 1 shows a specific implementation of system 100.

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

[0087] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, and further with reference to Figure 1, components of System 100, such as the vacuum reservoir 110, the transfer container 140, and the transfer pump module 200, may be supported on the shelves or movable drawer 302 of the processing equipment 300. In Figure 15, the front panel with handles on the front wall of the drawer is omitted from the drawing. The equipment 300 may be a chemical or biological analytical instrument, such as a molecular analyzer for performing nucleic acid-based amplification reactions. Exemplary processing equipment into which System 100 may be incorporated includes the analyzers described in U.S. Patents No. 8,731,712 and No. 9,732,374 and International Publication No. 2019 / 014239A1, as well as the Panther® and PantherFusion® systems commercially available from Hologic, Inc. (Marlborough, Massachusetts). In one embodiment, when liquid is transferred from the vacuum reservoir 110 to the transfer container 140, the transfer container 140 can be periodically removed from the system 100 and emptied without disconnecting the vacuum reservoir 110 from either the vacuum line 180 or the liquid waste inlet line 182. Therefore, while the transfer container 140 is removed from the system 100 and emptied, the vacuum reservoir 110 can continuously receive liquid waste through the liquid waste inlet line 182, and there is no need to interrupt the operation of the processing equipment 300.

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

[0089] The vacuum reservoir 110 may consist of a non-uniform upper surface. As shown in Figure 2, for example, in various embodiments, the vacuum reservoir 110 includes an intermediate upper wall 122 with a liquid inlet tower (or first tower) 120, and a vacuum tower (or second tower) 124 extending above the intermediate upper wall 122. The liquid waste inlet line 182 is connected to the liquid inlet tower 120 by a waste inlet fitting 112 (see Figures 3 and 4). The waste inlet fitting 112 may include a right-angle barbed fitting with NPT (National Pipe Thread Taper) threads. The waste inlet fitting 112 is preferably formed from a bleach-compatible material such as PP, PVDF, etc. Alternatively, the waste inlet fitting 112 may be a quick-connect fitting. The vacuum filter loop 116 is connected to the vacuum tower 124 by a vacuum fitting 114 and extends into a filter mounting block 126, which supports a filter 128 (see Figure 3) that sits against a concave wall 138 (see Figures 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 via the filter mounting block 126, and the vacuum line 180 is connected to the opposite end of the filter 128 by 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 draw 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-resistant 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, in which flow must enter from the lower inlet of the filter mounting block 126. In one embodiment, the filter mounting block 126 is a machined PVC block mounted at the bottom of the waste drawer 302. The filter mounting block 126 provides an air passage from a vacuum fitting 114 connected to a vacuum reservoir 110 to the filter 128. The mounting block 126 provides a mating surface for incorporating the filter 128 into the system 100. In one embodiment, the filter 128 has an inlet and an outlet, and on both sides have male connectors for fitting 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 a filter outlet fitting 130. The filter 128 can be pulled upward and removed from the mounting block 126. In one embodiment, the filter 128 includes a bleach fume filter. In one embodiment, the filter 128 is a capsule with male connectors at both ends, such as connectors commercially available from CPC (St. Paul, Minnesota). The bottom of the capsule contains a pelletized chemical medium that removes the odor of bleach from exhaust gas. The top of the capsule contains a 0.2 μm PTFE filter.

[0091] The vacuum tower 124 includes a threaded opening 136 on its upper surface, configured to receive a fitted threaded cap (not shown). The opening 136 is a service opening that allows a field service engineer (FSE) to inspect the vacuum reservoir during troubleshooting. The FSE can flush the reservoir by pouring in a liquid (such as water or endozyme) or test that the liquid level sensor float is functioning correctly.

[0092] 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 passing through filter 128, filter mounting block 126, and vacuum filter loop 116. Thus, liquid waste from a liquid waste source is drawn into the vacuum reservoir 110 of the liquid inlet tower 120 through the liquid waste inlet line 182. The liquid inlet tower 120 and vacuum tower 124, positioned above the intermediate upper wall 122, help to limit or prevent bubbles from being drawn through the vacuum from the vacuum reservoir 110.

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

[0094] As shown in Figure 5, the transfer pump module 200 is connected to the vacuum reservoir 110 by a transfer line 204 (e.g., a PVC tube). Referring to Figures 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. The liquid transfer line 204 is connected to the transfer pump 202 at the pump inlet port 208 and to the vacuum reservoir 110 at a transfer fitting 118 mounted on the intermediate upper wall 122. In various embodiments, a tube (or straw) 119 (see Figure 5A) extends from the transfer fitting 118 into the vacuum reservoir 110 below the intermediate upper wall 122. The tube 119, or straw 119, can be made of PVC. The 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 a meandering conductor made of silicon and stainless steel that shorts out when it comes into contact with liquid. The printed circuit board 216 may include power and logic elements for controlling the liquid waste management system 100.

[0096] Referring to Figures 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 Figures 6 and 7, the transfer container interface 230 is mounted on top of 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 by a fitting 240 (see also Figures 10A and 10B).

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

[0098] The transfer container 140 may further include a connector shelf 148 extending laterally from the main body 158. The connector shelf 148 includes a horizontal section 150, side walls 152, 154, and a male transfer inlet fitting 234 extending downward from the bottom wall of the horizontal section 150. The side walls 152, 154 and the horizontal section 150 define an open recess 156 that receives the transfer container interface 230, as shown in Figure 10. As shown in Figures 10, 10A, 10B, the male transfer inlet fitting 234 extends into a compatible female receiver 246 located within a liquid trough 242 formed on the upper part of the removable container interface 230, thereby fluidly connecting the transfer container 140 to the liquid transfer pump 202. Thus, the liquid transfer pump 202 can pump liquid from the vacuum reservoir 110 to the transfer container 140 via the transfer line 204.

[0099] As shown in Figure 11, the transfer container 140 may further include a recess 168 formed in the bottom surface 166 of the main body 158 and an angled slot 167 that partially extends from the bottom surface 166 to the side wall 169 below the connector shelf 148. The recess 168 is a position where the user holds the container when pouring 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 indicates the presence of the transfer container 140 when pressed down. The ramp 168 helps to properly secure the bottle in the drawer and gradually press down the mechanical switch.

[0100] As an alternative to mechanical switches, there are magnetic reed switches for presence sensors. Referring to Figure 11, the magnet 155 can be mounted inside the outer surface of the transfer container 140 surrounding the open recess 156. In one embodiment, a magnetic proximity sensor, such as a sensor 243 mounted on 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 the pump module 200 (as shown in Figure 1).

[0101] Referring to Figures 12A and 12B, the transfer container 140 may include a poppet valve 160 located in the intake port 164 of the container wall 162 within the horizontal portion 150 of the connector shelf 148, or located within the transfer inlet fitting 234. The poppet valve 160 is configured to move from a closed position shown in Figure 12A when the transfer pump 202 is not pumping liquid from the vacuum reservoir 110, to an open position shown in Figure 12B when the transfer pump 202 is pumping liquid. Thus, the pressure difference 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 when there is no pressure difference to prevent liquid from escaping from the transfer container 140.

[0102] The transfer container 140 further includes a liquid level sensor for detecting the liquid level in the container 140 and may provide a signal indicating whether the container should be emptied or should be emptied immediately. An exemplary liquid level sensor that may be incorporated into the transfer container 140 is shown by reference no. 266 in Figures 16, 17, and 18. The liquid level sensor 266 includes a sensor bracket 280, which may be fixed to the wall of the transfer container 140 by screws or rivets 281 and 283. The liquid level sensor 266 further includes a lower float 282 and an upper float 288. The lower float 282 is pivotably mounted to the sensor bracket 280 by a pin 286 and includes a magnet 284 mounted in the plane of the float 282. Similarly, the upper float 288 is pivotably mounted to the sensor bracket 280 by a pin 292 and includes a magnet 290 mounted in the plane of the float 288.

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

[0104] When the liquid level in the transfer container 140 reaches the upper float 288, the buoyancy of the float 288 causes it to rotate upward around the pin 292 to the position shown in Figures 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 section 302, as shown in Figure 15. Thus, a positive signal from the upper magnetic proximity sensor 306 indicating the 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 the operator to empty the container 140. Alternatively, a positive signal from the upper magnetic proximity sensor 306 can activate the discharge 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 hangs downward, thereby positioning the magnet 290 away from its outward orientation. Therefore, the magnet is not detected by the upper proximity sensor 306.

[0106] Figures 10A and 10B illustrate the 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 the liquid transfer connector fitting) includes a nipple 235 extending downward from the horizontal portion 150 of the connector shelf 148 into a female receptor opening 246 formed in the container interface 230, and a liquid channel 237 extending through the fitting 234. One or more O-rings 248 may be provided between the outer surface of the nipple 235 and the inner surface of the female receptor opening 246. The O-rings 248 are preferably formed from a bleach-resistant material such as EPDM or Viton®. The flow path 241 extends from the bottom of the receptor opening 246 through the fitting 240. As shown in Figures 16-18, a tube 239 may extend from the transfer inlet fitting 234 into the interior of the transfer container 140 and through the handle 146 to a clip 294 on the sensor bracket 280. The drip channels 250 and 252 extend from the bottom of the receptor 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 formed from a bleach-resistant material such as PP or PVDF. Referring to Figure 8, the drip line 238 (e.g., a PVC tube) 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 column 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 formed from a bleach-resistant material such as PP or PVDF. 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 opened while the liquid is being pumped into the transfer container 140 by the transfer pump 202 and / or afterward. In one embodiment, the drip control valve 232 is configured and controlled to be open after the liquid transfer pump 202 has stopped operating 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 specified time (e.g., a few seconds (2 to 10 seconds)) to draw liquid from (i) the interface between the outer surface of the nipple 235 and the inner surface of the female receptor opening 246 (e.g., from the gap 247 between the nipple 235 and the female receptor opening 246 (see Figure 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 the operation of the device and can be unlocked, for example, using the touchscreen of the device control computer (e.g., the waste management screen). When the operator requests that the drawer 302 be unlocked, but before the device unlocks the drawer 302, the drip control valve 232 is opened for a short time, for example, 2 to 10 seconds, to remove liquid from the male transfer inlet fitting 234 before the transfer bottle 140 is removed from the drawer 302. The drip line 238, connected to the drip control valve 232, is connected to the vacuum reservoir 110 under vacuum. When the drip control valve 232 is open, any liquid remaining on the surface or inside the female receptor opening 246 or the liquid trough 242 is drawn back into the vacuum reservoir 110 via the drip line 238 under vacuum.

[0107] The operation of the liquid waste management system 100 and the interrelationships of its various components are shown in Figure 13. The vacuum reservoir 110 is connected to a pressure difference source such as a vacuum pump 274, which draws air from the vacuum tower 124 of the vacuum reservoir 110 through a vacuum filter loop 116, a filter 128, and a vacuum line 180. Liquid waste is drawn from one or more liquid waste sources, such as suction devices 276, through a liquid waste inlet line 182 to the liquid inlet tower 120 of the vacuum reservoir 110.

[0108] The liquid level in the vacuum reservoir 110 is monitored via a float switch 134, which has wired or wireless communication with the transfer pump 202, directly or indirectly (e.g., via a system controller), as represented by the 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 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 it on.

[0109] The amount of liquid in the vacuum reservoir 110 can be monitored by other means, such as a scale (not shown) for measuring 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 when it comes into contact with the liquid in the vacuum reservoir 110.

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

[0111] The drip control valve 232 communicates with the transfer pump 202 directly or indirectly, wired or wirelessly, as represented by the drip valve signal communication path 272, so that when the transfer pump 202 is pressurizing the liquid into the transfer container 140 (and / or immediately thereafter), the valve 232 opens, thereby drawing the liquid into the vacuum reservoir 110 through the drip line 238 from the transfer inlet fitting 234, the female receptor 246, and / or the liquid trough 242 under vacuum.

[0112] The transfer container 140 can be emptied manually as described above. Alternatively, a discharge pump 262 (e.g., a commercially available bellows pump from GRI Pumps (Belleville, Ohio)) may be provided, connecting the transfer container 140 to the drain 260 via the discharge line 184. The liquid level in the transfer container 140 can be monitored via a liquid level sensor 266 located within the transfer container 140. The liquid level sensor 266 can communicate directly or indirectly (e.g., via a system controller) with the discharge pump 262, either wired or wirelessly, as represented by the discharge pump signal communication path 268. When the liquid in the transfer container 140 reaches a predetermined level, as determined by the liquid level sensor 266, an activation signal is sent to the discharge pump 262. The amount of liquid in the transfer container 140 can be monitored by other means, such as a scale (not shown) that measures the weight of the transfer container 140 and its contents, or a contact switch (not shown) mounted on the inner surface of the transfer container 140 that activates when it comes into contact with the liquid inside the transfer container 140.

[0113] Next, the discharge pump 262 is activated to draw liquid from the transfer container 140 to the drain 260 via the discharge line 184. The discharge pump 262 may be operated for a specified period of time until all liquid is removed from the transfer container 140, as determined by the liquid level sensor 266, scale, or internal contact switch, or until a specified amount of liquid is removed from the transfer container 140, as determined by the liquid level sensor 266, scale, or internal contact switch or flow meter (not shown).

[0114] The liquid waste management system 100 may include indicators such as alarms, warning lights, and audible and / or visual message generators, which 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 device stops processing the sample when the predetermined threshold is reached. Prior 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 the components of the system 100, which may include one or more of the following: a transfer pump 202, a drip control valve 232, a float switch 134, a liquid level sensor 266 (including proximity sensors 304, 306), a discharge pump 262, a proximity sensor 243, and a vacuum pump 274. The controller 500 may communicate with each of the components monitored and / or controlled by the controller 500 by wire or wireless means. To avoid obscuring the drawing, the communication lines between the controller 500 and the components of the system 100 are not shown in Figure 13.

[0116] The controller 500 may include a computer system for running 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 logical elements, such as a computer, embedded controller, programmable gate array, application-specific integrated circuit, programmable logic device, etc., and may include or access data storage memory, which may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, and other types of memory currently known or to be developed. The controller 500 may also include additional memory, such as hard disk drives and / or removable storage drives, which represent magnetic tape drives, optical disc drives, USB slots, memory card interfaces, internet memory, cloud-based memory, or any storage medium or format currently known or to be developed. The memory devices and storage units used herein may include any storage medium for persistent and / or volatile storage of electronic data currently known or to be developed. Such data may be stored in a storage medium within a database, which may include any currently known or future-developed data structures and formats, such as relational databases, object databases, flat files, lists, or some combination thereof.

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

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

[0119] The computer system of the controller 500 may also include a communication interface that enables information (e.g., power, control and feedback signals, software, data, etc.) to be transferred between the controller 500 and external devices. Embodiments of the communication interface may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet® card), a communication port, a PCMCIA slot and card, a USB port, a Firewire port, Bluetooth®, or any currently known or future-developed interface. The information is transferred in the form of signals through the communication interface, and these signals may be electronic signals, electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or other signals receivable by the communication interface.

[0120] The computer system of the controller 500 may also include one or more input devices such as a touchscreen, stylus, keyboard, mouse or other pointing device, microphone (for voice recognition), and data scanner (e.g., barcode, RFID). 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] In this specification, terms such as “computer program medium,” “computer-readable medium,” and “computer-usable medium” are generally used to refer to media such as removable storage units, hard disks mounted on hard disk drives, and other non-temporary means for providing software and data to the controller 500.

[0122] The computer program (also referred to as computer control logic) is either part of the controller 500 or stored in one or more parts of the memory accessed by it. The computer program may also be received via a communication interface. Such a computer program may include algorithms that, when executed, enable the computer system of the controller 500 to control the operation of the waste liquid management system 100 in accordance with the 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 onto the computer system of the controller 500 using a removable storage drive, hard drive, interface, and / or communication interface. When the control logic (software) is executed by the processor of the controller 500, it causes the processor to perform functional aspects of the subject matter described herein via the systems, devices, apparatus, sensors, encoders, etc. The operating system may perform basic tasks such as recognizing input from input devices, sending outputs to output devices, managing files and system resources, and managing various processes that embody computer programs running on the computer system.

[0124] The controller 500 may be a standalone system dedicated to the liquid waste management system 100, or it may include one or more components of the controller 500 (e.g., a processor, memory, interface, input / output device, etc.), which 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 equipment or laboratories in which the liquid waste management system 100 is a component.

[0125] Embodiment Embodiment 1. A system for managing liquid waste, the system comprising: 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, wherein the liquid transfer pump is configured to operate selectively 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 according to Embodiment 1, further comprising a pressure difference source to which a first liquid container is connected and which draws liquid from a liquid source into the first liquid container.

[0127] Embodiment 3. The system according to Embodiment 2, wherein the pressure difference source includes a vacuum pump.

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

[0129] Embodiment 5. The system according to Embodiment 4, wherein the filter includes a bleach fume filter.

[0130] Embodiment 6. The system according to Embodiment 4 or 5, further comprising a mounting block on which a filter and a first liquid container are mounted.

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

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

[0133] Embodiment 9. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the liquid transfer pump includes a bellows pump.

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

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

[0136] Embodiment 12. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 11, further comprising a float switch in the first liquid container, wherein the float switch communicates with a liquid transfer pump to activate the liquid transfer pump when the liquid in the first liquid container reaches a predetermined level.

[0137] Embodiment 13. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 12, further comprising a connector fitting for fluid connection of a second liquid container to a liquid transfer pump, and a drip management system configured to draw liquid from the connector fitting to the first liquid container.

[0138] Embodiment 14. The system according to 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 to a first liquid container; and a vacuum pump to which the first liquid container is connected for drawing liquid from a liquid source to 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, wherein the drip control valve is 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 according to Embodiment 14, wherein the drip control valve is a solenoid valve.

[0140] Embodiment 16. The system according to Embodiment 14 or 15, wherein the drip control valve is configured and controlled to be open after the liquid transfer pump has stopped operating following the transfer of liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container.

[0141] Embodiment 17. The system according to Embodiment 16, wherein the drip control valve is configured and controlled to be open for a specified period of time after the liquid transfer pump has stopped operating following the transfer of liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container, and otherwise always in a closed configuration.

[0142] Embodiment 18. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the second liquid container comprises a body, a connector shelf extending laterally from the body and including a horizontal portion, defining a bottom wall, and a liquid transfer connector fitting extending downward from the bottom wall of the horizontal portion of the connector shelf for fluid connection of the second liquid container to a liquid transfer pump.

[0143] Embodiment 19. The system according to Embodiment 18, further comprising a connector interface including an upward-facing liquid connector fitting configured to be operably coupled to a liquid transfer connector fitting extending downward from a second liquid container for fluid connection of the liquid transfer pump to a second liquid container.

[0144] Embodiment 20. The system according to Embodiment 19, further comprising a liquid tray formed within the connector interface and surrounding an upward-facing liquid connector fitting of the connector interface.

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

[0146] Embodiment 22. The system according to Embodiment 21, wherein the drip control system includes a connection port attached to a connector interface, a fluid conduit connecting the connection port to a first liquid container, and a drip control valve, wherein the drip control valve is 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 according to Embodiment 22, wherein the drip control valve is a solenoid valve.

[0148] Embodiment 24. The system according to Embodiment 22 or 23, wherein the drip control valve is configured and controlled to be open when the liquid transfer pump is stopped following the transfer of liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container.

[0149] Embodiment 25. The system according to Embodiment 24, wherein the drip control valve is configured and controlled to be open for a specified period of time after the liquid transfer pump has stopped operating following the transfer of liquid from the first liquid container to the second liquid container, and otherwise always in a closed configuration.

[0150] Embodiment 26. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 21, further comprising a discharge line connected to a second liquid container and a discharge pump fluidly connected to the discharge line for transferring liquid from the second liquid container to a drain via the discharge line.

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

[0152] Embodiment 28. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 27, further comprising a leak detection sensor.

[0153] Embodiment 29. The system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 28, wherein the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump are supported within a drawer of the equipment, and the drawer is configured to be laterally movable between an open position that provides access to one or more of the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump and a closed position that conceals the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump.

[0154] Embodiment 30. The system according to any one of Embodiments 19 to 25, wherein the first and second liquid containers and liquid transfer pumps are supported within a drawer of the equipment, and the drawer is configured to be laterally movable between an open position providing access to one or more of the first and second liquid containers and liquid transfer pumps and a closed position concealing the first and second liquid containers and liquid transfer pumps, and a connector interface is attached to the drawer.

[0155] Embodiment 31. The system according to any one of Embodiments 2 to 7, wherein the first liquid container includes an intermediate upper wall, a liquid inlet tower extending above the intermediate upper wall, a liquid inlet fluidly connected to the liquid inlet tower at a position above the intermediate upper wall, through which the first liquid container receives liquid from a liquid source, and a vacuum tower extending above the intermediate upper wall, and a pressure difference source connected to the vacuum tower at a position above the intermediate upper 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 the amount of liquid in the first liquid container; c) connecting a second liquid container to a liquid transfer pump connected to a first liquid container by lowering a first connector fitting of the second liquid container so as to engage with a second connector fitting coupled to the 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 has reached 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 according to Embodiment 32, wherein step e) includes transferring liquid from a second liquid container to a drain equipped with a discharge pump fluid-connected to the second liquid container.

[0158] Embodiment 34. The method according to Embodiment 33, further comprising: step e) monitoring the liquid level in the second liquid container using a second float switch; generating a pump operation signal when the second float switch detects that the amount of liquid in the second liquid container has reached a predetermined level; and transmitting the pump operation signal to the discharge pump to operate the discharge pump and transfer the liquid from the second liquid container to the drain.

[0159] Embodiment 35. The method according to Embodiment 32, further comprising stopping the liquid transfer pump before step e).

[0160] Embodiment 36. The method of Embodiment 35, wherein step e) includes pouring liquid from a second liquid container through the opening of the second liquid container.

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

[0162] Embodiment 38. The 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 of the equipment, and the drawer is configured to be laterally movable between an open position that provides access to one or more of the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump and a closed position that conceals the first and second liquid containers and the liquid transfer pump, and step e) further comprises moving the drawer laterally to the open position, stopping the liquid transfer pump, and then removing the second liquid container from the drawer.

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

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

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

[0166] Embodiment 42. A liquid container system comprising a liquid container, wherein the liquid container includes an intermediate upper wall, a liquid inlet tower extending above the intermediate upper wall, a liquid inlet fluidly connected to the liquid inlet tower at a position above the intermediate upper wall, through which the liquid container receives liquid from a liquid source, and a vacuum tower extending above the intermediate upper wall, through which a pressure difference source is fluidly connected at a position above the intermediate upper wall, and which can draw liquid into the liquid container through the liquid inlet.

[0167] Embodiment 43. The liquid container system according to Embodiment 42, further comprising a filter in fluid communication with a vacuum tower of the liquid container.

[0168] Embodiment 44. The liquid container system according to Embodiment 43, further comprising a mounting block on which a filter and a liquid container are mounted.

[0169] Embodiment 45. The liquid container system according to Embodiment 44, further comprising a filter loop that fluidly connects the vacuum tower of the liquid container to the bottom portion of a filter supported on a mounting block.

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

[0171] Embodiment 47. The liquid container system according to Embodiment 46, wherein the liquid level sensor includes a float switch extending into the interior of the liquid container from a float switch connector mounted on the intermediate upper wall.

[0172] Embodiment 48. A liquid container system according to any one of embodiments 42 to 47, further comprising a transfer fitting mounted on the intermediate upper wall, having a tube extending from the transfer fitting into the interior of the liquid container.

[0173] Embodiment 49. The liquid container system according to Embodiment 42, further comprising a transfer line fitting mounted on an intermediate upper wall having a tube extending from the transfer line fitting into the interior of the liquid container, a transfer pump fluid-connected to the transfer fitting, and a transfer container fluid-connected to the transfer pump.

[0174] Embodiment 50. The liquid container system according to Embodiment 49, further comprising a liquid level sensor configured to detect the liquid level in a liquid container, the liquid level sensor operably communicating with a transfer pump, and 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 a transfer container.

[0175] Embodiment 51. The liquid container system according to Embodiment 46 or 50, further comprising a transfer container interface configured to releasably connect a transfer container to a transfer pump.

[0176] Embodiment 52. The liquid container system according to Embodiment 49, wherein the transfer container comprises a main body, a connector shelf extending laterally from the main body and including a horizontal portion, defining a bottom wall, and a liquid transfer connector fitting extending downward from the bottom wall of the horizontal portion of the connector shelf, configured to fluidly connect the transfer container to a liquid transfer pump.

[0177] Embodiment 53. The liquid container system according to Embodiment 52, wherein the liquid transfer connector fitting includes a nipple extending downward from a horizontal portion of a connector shelf and a liquid channel extending through the liquid transfer connector fitting.

[0178] Embodiment 54. The liquid container system according to Embodiment 53, further comprising a transfer container interface configured to releasably connect a transfer container to a transfer pump, wherein the transfer container interface includes an upward-facing acceptor opening configured to receive a nipple of a liquid transfer connector fitting.

[0179] Embodiment 55. The liquid container system according to Embodiment 54, wherein the transfer container interface includes a liquid trough and the receptor opening is located within the liquid trough.

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

[0181] Embodiment 57. The liquid container system according to any one of embodiments 52 to 56, wherein the transfer container further includes a cap that is removably fixed to an opening formed in the body of the transfer container, the opening being configured to allow the contents of the transfer container to be emptied after the cap is removed.

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

[0183] Embodiment 59. A liquid container system comprising a transfer container for receiving liquid transferred to a transfer container by a liquid transfer pump, wherein the transfer container comprises a body, a connector shelf extending laterally from the body and including a horizontal portion defining a bottom wall, and a liquid transfer connector fitting extending downward 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.

[0184] Embodiment 60. The liquid container system according to Embodiment 59, wherein the liquid transfer connector fitting includes a nipple extending downward from a horizontal portion of a connector shelf and a liquid channel extending through the liquid transfer connector fitting.

[0185] Embodiment 61. The liquid container system according to Embodiment 60, further comprising a transfer container interface configured to releasably connect a transfer container to a transfer pump, wherein the transfer container interface includes an upward-facing receiving opening configured to receive a nipple of a liquid transfer connector fitting.

[0186] Embodiment 62. The liquid container system according to Embodiment 61, wherein the transfer container interface includes a liquid trough, and the receptor opening is located within the liquid trough.

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

[0188] Embodiment 64. The liquid container system according to any one of embodiments 59 to 63, wherein the transfer container further includes a cap that is removably fixed to an opening formed in the body of the transfer container, the opening being configured to allow the contents of the transfer container to be emptied after the cap is removed.

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

[0190] The subject matter of this disclosure is described and illustrated in considerable detail with reference to an illustrative embodiment, which includes various combinations and partial combinations of features, but those skilled in the art will readily understand other embodiments and variations thereof that are included within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the description of such embodiments, combinations, and partial combinations is not intended to convey that the claimed subject matter requires features or combinations of features other than those expressly enumerated in the claims. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure is deemed to include all variations and modifications included within the spirit and scope of the following appended claims.

Claims

1. A liquid container system comprising a liquid container, the liquid container comprising: (i) an intermediate upper wall; (ii) a liquid inlet tower extending above the intermediate upper wall; (iii) a liquid inlet fluidly connected to the liquid inlet tower at a position above the intermediate upper wall, through which the liquid container receives liquid from a liquid source; and (iv) a vacuum tower extending above the intermediate upper wall, with a pressure difference source fluidly connected at a position above the intermediate upper wall, capable of drawing liquid into the liquid container through the liquid inlet.

2. The liquid container system according to claim 1, further comprising a filter that is in fluid communication with the vacuum tower of the liquid container.

3. The liquid container system according to claim 2, further comprising a mounting block on which the filter and the liquid container are mounted.

4. The liquid container system according to claim 3, further comprising a filter loop that fluidly connects the vacuum tower of the liquid container to the bottom portion of the filter supported on the mounting block.

5. The liquid container system according to claim 1, further comprising a liquid level sensor configured to detect the liquid level in the liquid container.

6. The liquid container system according to claim 5, wherein the liquid level sensor includes a float switch extending into the interior of the liquid container from a float switch connector mounted on the intermediate upper wall.

7. The liquid container system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising the transfer joint mounted on the intermediate upper wall, the transfer joint having a tube extending from the transfer joint into the interior of the liquid container.

8. The liquid container system according to claim 7, further comprising: a transfer line fitting mounted on the intermediate upper wall having 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.

9. The liquid container system according to claim 8, further comprising a liquid level sensor configured to detect the liquid level in the liquid container, wherein the liquid level sensor communicates operably with the transfer pump to activate the transfer pump to transfer a certain amount of liquid from the liquid container to the transfer container when the liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level in the liquid container has reached a specified level.

10. The liquid container system according to claim 5, further comprising a transfer container interface configured to releasably connect the transfer container to the transfer pump.

11. The liquid container system according to claim 8, wherein the transfer container comprises (i) a main body, (ii) a connector shelf extending laterally from the main body, including a horizontal portion and defining a bottom wall, and (iii) a liquid transfer connector fitting extending downward 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.

12. The liquid container system according to claim 11, wherein the liquid transfer connector fitting includes a nipple extending downward from the horizontal portion of the connector shelf and a liquid channel extending through the liquid transfer connector fitting.

13. The liquid container system according to claim 12, further comprising a transfer container interface configured to releasably connect the transfer container to the transfer pump, wherein the transfer container interface includes an upward-facing acceptor opening configured to receive the nipple of the liquid transfer connector fitting.

14. The liquid container system according to claim 13, wherein the transfer container interface includes a liquid trough, and the receptor opening is located within the liquid trough.

15. The liquid container system according to claim 12, further comprising one or more O-rings disposed on the nipple.

16. The liquid container system according to claim 11, further comprising a cap detachably fixed to an opening formed in the body of the transfer container, wherein the opening is configured to allow the contents of the transfer container to be emptied after the cap has been removed.

17. The liquid container system according to claim 11, wherein the transfer container further includes a handle fixed to the main body.

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