Automated bulk reagent reconstitution from concentrate and touchless decontamination process

Abstract

A dispensing system has been developed that facilitates automated bulk fluid reconstitution as well as automated decontamination. The system includes a water pump configured to pump water and a bulk pump configured to pump bulk fluid. The system further includes a mixer configured to mix the water with the bulk fluid to create a mixed fluid. Mixer sensors are configured to measure one or more properties of the mixed fluid from the mixer. A controller is operatively coupled to the mixer sensors, and the controller is configured to control the water pump and the bulk pump to control the properties of the mixed fluid based on measurements from the mixer sensor. In one case, the properties include concentration of the mixed fluid, and in other cases, the properties include pressure of the mixed fluid.

Description

[0001] AUTOMATED BULK REAGENT RECONSTITUTION FROM CONCENTRATE AND TOUCHLESS DECONTAMINATION PROCESS

[0002] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of US Patent Application Number 63 / 624,508, filed January 24, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Testing tissue and other biological samples for medical diagnostics can be an expensive and laborious process. While in recent yean; semi-autonomous and fully autonomous tissue staining systems have been developed to help simplify the process, maintaining testing accuracy for such systems can still be a difficult proposition. For example, if not properly handled, reagents or other fluids used for testing can become contaminated and / or dispensed at improper coneentrations which in turn can lead to poor test results. Once contaminated, decontaminating such systems can be a difficult and expensive process.

[0005] Thus, there is a need for improvement in this field.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] Automated staining systems traditionally require ready-to-use bulk reagents for the staining process. It was found that ready-to-use bulk reagents require large and heavy bottles for storage. These large bottles create challenges for shipping and create other logistical issues. The larger bottles also require larger footprints within the instruments that host them. To reduce the volume and / or increase the number of tests able to be performed per bottle, concentrated bulk reagents have been proposed as an alternative to the ready-to-use bulk reagents. However, it was found that any concentrated bulk reagent typically requires manual reconstitution with water, such as deionized (DI) water, and the reconstituted reagent needs to be properly mixed to be useable for staining in the instrument. These reconstituting and mixing steps add further touch points and potential for accidental contamination of the bulk reagents due to the manual handling of the related bottles. In some cases, if the operator improperly measures the water (or reagent) or makes other mistakes, which leads to an improper reagent concentration (e.g., over dilution), the entire bulk reagent bottle may need to be discarded which can be a costly mistake. Evaporation of the water or other constituents may also cause improper reagent concentrations that in turn can negatively impact test results. Moreover, it was found that switching between different reagents, even when the same reagent is used at a different concentration, can be a difficult and time-consuming process. The mere act of switching between different reagent concentrations can cause more sources of contamination and other issues.

[0008] In addition to the reconstitution of bulks, operators of such systems have to maintain the fluidic system by performing routine decontamination procedures which have been found to be quite laborious. With this manual decontamination process, the bulk bottles are typically cleaned and filled with a decontamination agent. Like with the concentrated bulk reagent, the decontamination agent also requires reconstitution with water, such as DI water, and subsequent cleaning. It was recognized that there were many touch points even during this decontamination process which can lead to further contamination. A unique automated bulk concentrated reagent reconstitution and touchless decontamination system and process has been developed to address these as well as other issues. Among other things, the system includes a water pump configured to pump water and a bulk pump configured to pump bulk fluid, such as a bulk concentrated reagent or a bulk concentrated decontamination agent. The system further includes a mixer configured to mix the water with the bulk fluid to create a mixed fluid. Mixer sensors are configured to measure one or more properties of the mixed fluid from the mixer. Generally, these properties include a measurement of the bulk concentration in the mixed fluid and the pressure of the fluid. When the concentration of the reagent needs to be determined, a conductivity sensor is used, and when the concentration of the decontamination agen t is measured, a pH sensor is used. A controller is operatively coupled io the mixer sensors, and the controller is configured to control the water pump and the bulk pump to control the properties of the mixed fluid based on measurements from the mixer sensors.

[0009] During priming of the system, the concen tration of the bulk reagent in the mixed fluid is measured. The controller adjusts the relative pump speed or velocity ratios of both the water pump and the bulk pump. Once the desired or target concentration is measured, the controller sets and maintains the pump speed ratio so as to maintain the desired concentration. After the pump speed ratio is determined, the controller then proceeds in pressurizing the mixed fluid by adjusting (e.g., increasing) the pump speeds of (he water pump and the bulk pump at the set pump speed ratio. Once the desired pressure is reached, both pumps are stopped, and the pumps are reactivated once the pressure of the mixed fluid falls below a lower limit. This general technique can be used during both dispensing a reagent and touchless decontamination of the system. During dispensing of the reagent, the concentration is typically measured using a conductivity sensor. When the system is decontaminated, a decontamination agent is flushed through the system at a desired concentration or dilution ratio which is typically measured through a pH sensor. The systems and techniques as described and illustrated herein concern a number of unique and inventive aspects. Some, but by no means all, of these unique aspects are summarized below.

[0010] Aspect 1 generally concerns a system.

[0011] Aspect 2 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect including a water conditioning section. Aspect 3 general ly concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the water conditioning section includes a water connection configured to supply water.

[0012] Aspect 4 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the water is deionized (DI) water.

[0013] Aspect 5 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the water conditioning section includes a pressure regulator to regulate pressure of the water. Aspect 6 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pressure regulator is configured to reduce the pressure of the water.

[0014] Aspect 7 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which (he pressure regulator is fluidly coupled io the water connection.

[0015] Aspect 8 generally concerns the system of any pre vious aspect in which the pressure regulator includes a pressure reducer.

[0016] Aspect 9 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the water conditioning section includes a pressure sensor configured to measure pressure of the water.

[0017] Aspect 10 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pressure sensor is coupled to the pressure regulator, Aspect 11 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the water conditioning section includes a germicidal device.

[0018] Aspect 12 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the germicidal device is fluidly coupled to the pressure regulator.

[0019] Aspect 13 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the germicidal device includes an uitraviolet-C (UVC) lamp. Aspect 14 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect including a water supply conduit.

[0020] Aspect 15 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the water supply conduit is fluidly coupled to the germicidal device.

[0021] Aspect 16 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the water supply conduit includes plastic tubing. Aspect 17 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect including a control and bulks section.

[0022] Aspect .18 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the control and bulks section includes a decontamination agent reservoir.

[0023] Aspect 19 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the decontamination agent reservoir is configured to store a decontamination agent in a concentrated form, Aspect 20 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the decontamination agent reservoir includes a bottle.

[0024] Aspect 21 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the control and bulks section includes a reagent reservoir.

[0025] Aspect 22 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the reagent reservoir is configured to store a reagent in a concentrated form.

[0026] Aspect 23 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the reagent reservoir includes a bottle.

[0027] Aspect 24 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the control and bulks section includes a selector val ve. Aspect 25 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the selector valve is fluidly coupled to the decontamination agent reservoir. Aspect 26 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the control and bulks section includes a decontamination agent supply line.

[0028] Aspect 27 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the decontamination agent supply line fluidly couples the decontamination agent reservoir to the selector valve.

[0029] Aspect 28 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the decontamination agent supply line is configured to supply the decontamination agent io the selector valve.

[0030] Aspect 29 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the control and bulks section includes a reagent supply line.

[0031] Aspect 30 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the selector valve is fluidly coupled to the reagent reservoir.

[0032] Aspect 31 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the reagent supply line is configured to supply the reagent to the selector valve. Aspect 32 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect including a bulk supply conduit.

[0033] Aspect 33 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the bulk supply conduit includes plastic tubing,

[0034] Aspect 34 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the bulk supply conduit is fluidly coupled to the selector valve. Aspect 35 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the selector valve is actuatable to supply the reagent or the decontamination agent in an alternating manner to the bulk supply conduit. Aspect 36 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the control and bulks section includes a level sensor.

[0035] Aspect 37 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the level sensor is configured io measure the level of the reagent in the reagent reservoir.

[0036] Aspect 38 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the level sensor is configured to measure the level of the decontamination agent in the decontamination agent reservoir. Aspect 39 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect including a mixer section.

[0037] Aspect 40 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mixer sec tion includes a water pump. Aspect 41 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the water pump is coupled io the water supply conduit.

[0038] Aspect 42 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the water pump is configured to pump waler.

[0039] Aspect 43 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the water pump is a peristaltic pump.

[0040] Aspect 44 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mixer section includes a bulk pump.

[0041] Aspect 45 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the bulk pump is coupled to the bulk supply conduit. Aspect 46 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the bulk pump is configured io pump bulk fluid. Aspect 47 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the bulk pump is a peristaltic pump.

[0042] Aspect 48 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mixer section includes a mixer.

[0043] Aspect 49 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mixer is fluidly coupled to the water supply conduit.

[0044] Aspect 50 generally concerns the sy stem of any previous aspect in which the mixer is fluidly coupled to the bulk supply conduit.

[0045] Aspect 51 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mixer section includes a Y-connector. Aspect 52 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the Y-connector connects the water supply conduit and the bulk supply conduit to the mixer.

[0046] Aspect 53 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mixer is configured to mix the water with the bulk fluid to create a mixed fluid.

[0047] Aspect 54 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mixer is configured to dilute the bulk fluid from the bulk supply conduit with the water from the water supply conduit. Aspect 55 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mixer is configured to reconstitute the bulk fluid with the water. Aspect 56 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the fluid in the bulk supply conduit includes the decontamination agent.

[0048] Aspect 57 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mixer is configured to mix the decontamination agent with the water.

[0049] Aspect 58 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mixer is configured to reconstitute the decontamination agent with the water. Aspect 59 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the bulk fluid in the bulk supply conduit includes the reagent.

[0050] Aspect 60 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mixer is configured to mix the reagent with the water.

[0051] Aspect 61 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mixer is configured io reconstitute the reagent with the water.

[0052] Aspect 62 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mixer section includes a mixed fluid conduit.

[0053] Aspect 63 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mixed fluid conduit is fluidly coupled to the mixer. Aspect 64 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mixed fluid conduit is configured to carry mixed fluid from the mixer.

[0054] Aspect 65 generally concerns the sy stem of any previous aspect in which the mixer is a continuous mixer.

[0055] Aspect 66 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mixer is a static continuous mixer. Aspect 67 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mixer is a static helical mixer.

[0056] Aspect 68 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mixer section includes one or more mixers sensors.

[0057] Aspect 69 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mixer sensors are configured to measure one or more properties of the mixed fluid from the mixer. Aspect 70 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mixer sensors include a pressure sensor.

[0058] Aspect 71 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pressure sensor is configured to measure pressure of the mixed fluid,

[0059] Aspect 72 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mixer sensors include a conductivity sensor.

[0060] Aspect 73 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the conductivity sensor is configured to measure conductivity of the mixed fluid from the mixer.

[0061] Aspect 74 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the conductivity sensor is configured to measure concen tration of the reagent in the water. Aspect 75 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the mixer sensors include a pH sensor.

[0062] Aspect 76 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pH sensor is configured to measure acidity of the mixed fluid from the mixer.

[0063] Aspect 77 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the pH sensor is configured to measure concentration of the decontamination agent in the water. Aspect 78 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect including a fluid distribution section.

[0064] Aspect 79 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the fluid distribution section inchides an air trap.

[0065] Aspect 80 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the air trap is fluidly coupled to the mixed fluid conduit. Aspect 81 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the air trap includes an air vent to vent gas from the mixed fluid.

[0066] Aspect 82 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the fluid distribution section includes one or more dispenser valves.

[0067] Aspect 83 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the dispenser valves are configured to dispense the mixed fluid.

[0068] Aspect 84 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the dispenser valves are fluidly coupled to the air trap.

[0069] Aspect 85 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect including a dispenser.

[0070] Aspect 86 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the dispenser is configured to dispense the mixed fluid.

[0071] Aspect 87 generally concerns the sy stem of any previous aspect in which the dispenser is fluidly coupled to the fluid distribution section. Aspect 88 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the dispenser is configured to dispense the mixed fluid onto a slide. Aspect 89 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the control and bulks section includes a controller.

[0072] Aspect 90 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is operatively coupled to the pressure sensor to sense pressure of the water.

[0073] Aspect 91 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is operatively coupled to the level sensor. Aspect 92 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is operatively coupled to the mixer sensors.

[0074] Aspect 93 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is operatively coupled to the pH sensor.

[0075] Aspect 94 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is operatively coupled to the pH sensor to determine the acidity of the mixed fluid from the mixer. Aspect 95 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is configured to determine the concentration of the decontamination agent in the water.

[0076] Aspect 96 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is operatively coupled to the conductivity sensor.

[0077] Aspect 9“ generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is operatively coupled to the conductivity sensor to determine the conductivity of the mixed fluid from the mixer. Aspect 98 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is configured to determine the concentration of the reagent in the water. Aspect 99 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is operatively coupled to the selector valve.

[0078] Aspect 100 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is configured to control the selector valve.

[0079] Aspect 101 generally concerns the system of arty previous aspect in which the controller is configured to control the selector valve to select between the reagent and the decontamination agen t.

[0080] Aspect 102 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is operatively coupled to the water pump.

[0081] Aspect 103 generally concerns the system of arty previous aspect in which the controller is configured to control operation of the water pump.

[0082] Aspect 104 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is configured to control pumping velocity of the water pump. Aspect 105 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is operatively coupled to the bulk pump.

[0083] Aspect 106 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is configured io control operation of the bulk pump.

[0084] Aspect 107 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is configured to control pumping velocity of the bulk pump.

[0085] Aspect 108 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is configured io adjust a pumping velocity ratio between the water pump and the bulk pump to control the concentration ratio of the mixed fluid. Aspect 109 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is configured to control pumping velocity of both the water pump and the bulk pump to control concentration of the mi xed fluid. Aspect 1 10 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is configured to adjust a pumping velocity ratio between the water pump and the bulk pump to control the concentration of the reagent.

[0086] Aspect 11 1 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is configured to adjust a pumping velocity ratio between the water pump and the bulk pump to control the concentration of the decontamination agent.

[0087] Aspect 1 12 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is configured to adjust operation of the water pump to adjust the pressure of the mixed fluid,

[0088] Aspect 113 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is configured io adj ust operation of the bulk pump to adjust the pressure of the mix ed fluid.

[0089] Aspect 1 14 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is configured to adjust pumping velocity of both the water pump and the bulk pump to adj ust the pressure of the mixed fluid.

[0090] Aspect 115 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is configured to control the water pump and the bulk pump to control the properties of the mixed fluid based on measurements from the mixer sensor.

[0091] Aspect .1 16 generally concerns the system of any pre vious aspect in which the properties of the mixed fluid include pressure of the mixed fluid. Aspect 117 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the properties of the mixed fluid include a concentration ratio of the bulk fluid relative to the water in the mixed fluid. Aspect 1 18 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the bulk fluid includes a concentrated reagent.

[0092] Aspect 119 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the bulk fluid includes a concentrated decontamination agent.

[0093] Aspect 120 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect including a static reservoir configured to store the water. A spect 121 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the static reservoir includes a tank.

[0094] Aspect 122 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the static reservoir is fluidly coupled to the water connection.

[0095] Aspect 123 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the static reservoir is fluidly coupled to the pressure regulator.

[0096] Aspect 124 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the static reservoir is fluidly coupled to the germicidal device.

[0097] Aspect 125 generally concerns the system of any previous aspect in which the static reservoir is fluidly coupled to the water supply conduit. Aspect 126 generally concerns a method.

[0098] Aspect 127 generally concerns the method of any previous aspect including pumping water with a water pump. Aspect 128 generally concerns the method of any previous aspect incl uding pumping a bulk fluid with a bulk pump. Aspect 129 generally concerns the method of any previous aspect including mixing the water and the bulk fluid with a mixer to form a mixed fluid.

[0099] Aspect 130 generally concerns the method of any previous aspect including measuring one or more properties of the mixed fluid with one or more mixer sensors.

[0100] Aspect 131 generally concerns the method of any previous aspect including controlling the water pump and the bulk pump with a controller to control the properties of the mixed fluid based on measurements from the mixer sensor.

[0101] Aspect 132 generally concerns the method of any previous aspect including adjusting pumping velocity of the water pump and / or the bulk pump with the controller to adjust the pressure of (he mixed fluid. Aspect 133 generally concerns the method of any previous aspect including adjusting a pumping velocity ratio between the waler pump and the bulk pump with the controller to control the concentration ratio of the mixed fluid.

[0102] Aspect 134 generally concerns the method of any previous aspect including measuring a concentration of the mixed fluid with at least one of the mixer sensors.

[0103] Aspect 135 generally concerns the method of any previous aspect including setting a pumping velocity ratio between the water pump and the bulk pump with the controller to set the concentration of the mixed fluid based on the measuring the concentration.

[0104] Aspect I 36 generally concerns the method of any previous aspect including measuring pressure of the mixed fluid with a pressure sensor.

[0105] Aspect 137 generally concerns the method of any previous aspect including pressurizing the mixed fluid to a target pressure by adjusting operation of the water pump and / or the bulk pump with the controller based on the measuring the pressure of the mixed, fluid. Aspect 138 generally concerns the method of any previous aspect in which the measuring the pressure occurs after the setting the pumping velocity ratio.

[0106] Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from a detailed description and drawings provided herewith.

[0107] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0108] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an automated coneentrated reagent reconstitution, and decontamination system according to one example.

[0109] FIG. 2 is a further block diagram of the system of FIG. 1 showing the subcomponents of each section.

[0110] FIG. 3 is another block diagram of the system of FIG. 1 showing another view of the subc om ponen ts .

[0111] FIG, 4 is a block diagram of a water conditioning section of the system of FIG. 1 .

[0112] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a mixer section of the system of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a fluid distribution section of the system of FIG. 1 .

[0113] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a control and bulks section of the system of FIG. 1,

[0114] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the communication pathways used in the system of FIG. 1 .

[0115] FIG. 9 is another block diagram of (he system during automated reconstitution of the concentrated reagent, FIG, 10 is a perspective view of a mixer test rig.

[0116] FIG. 1 1 is an enlarged perspective view of a conductivity sensor test rig.

[0117] FIG. 12 is a graph comparing RB dilution to conductivity.

[0118] FIG. 13 is a graph comparing CC1 dilution to conductivity.

[0119] FIG. 14 is another graph comparing CC1 dilution to conductivity. FIG. 15 is a graph comparing Ezprep dilution to conductivity.

[0120] FIG, 16 is a graph comparing CC2 dilution to conductivity,

[0121] FIG, 17 is a graph comparing SSC dilution to conductivity.

[0122] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the various stages for reconstituting a concentrated reagent.

[0123] FIG. 19 is a further block diagram of the system during automated, touchless decontamination.

[0124] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

[0125] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in (he relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity.

[0126] The reference numerals in the following description have been organized to aid the reader in quickly identifying the drawings where various components are first shown. In particular, the drawing in which an element first appears is typically indicated by the left-most digit(s) in the corresponding reference number. For example, an element identified by a " 100" series reference numeral will likely first appear in FIG. 1 , ait element identified by a "200" series reference numeral will likely first appear in FIG. 2, and so on.

[0127] FIGS, 1 , 2, and 3 show various block diagrams of a concentrated bulk reagent reconstitution and decontamination system 100 according to one example. As shown, the system 100 includes a water conditioning section 105, a mixer section 1 10, a fluid distribution section 1 15, and a control and bulks section 120. The mixer section 110 is fluidly coupled to the water conditioning section 105 through a water supply conduit 125. The mixer section 1 10 is fluidly coupled to the control and bulks section 120 through a bulk supply conduit 130, and the mixer section 110 is fluidly coupled to the fluid distribution section 1 15 via a mixed fluid conduit 135. In one variation, the water supply conduit 125, the bulk supply conduit 130, and the mixed fluid conduit 135 are in the form of plastic tubing. In other variations, the water supply conduit 125, the bulk supply conduit 130, and the mixed fluid conduit 135 can include other types of conduits, such as tubes, pipes, and passages, and the water supply conduit 125, bulk supply conduit 130, and mixed fluid conduit 135 can be made from different materials like glass and / or metal. To monitor and control the water conditioning section 105 and the mixer section 110, the control and bulks section 120 is operatively or communicatively coupled to the water conditioning section 105 and mixer section 110 via one or more communication pathways 140. As shown in the example illustrated in FIG. I , the fluid distribution section 115 is fluidly coupled to a dispenser 145 that is configured to dispense fluid 150 onto a slide 155. The water conditioning section 105 supplies water, such as deionized (DI), filtered, decontaminated, and / or otherwise treated water, to the mixer section 110 via the water supply conduit 125, For example, the water conditioning section 105 can reduce pressure, filter, and / or decontaminate the water supplied to the mixer section 110. The control and bulks section 120 supplies a concentrated bulk reagent and / or a bulk decontamination agent to the mixer section 1 10, The mixer section 110 reconstitutes or dilutes the concentrated bulk reagent and / or the decontamination agent by mixing with the water from the water conditioning section 105 at variable mix-ratios, depending on the needs of the particular circumstances. Among other things, the fluid distribution section 115 supplies the now mixed fluid (e.g., the reconstituted bulk reagent or the reconstituted decontamination agent) for various fluid application needs. For example, the fluid distribution section 115 supplies the reconstituted fluid 150 to the dispenser 145 which in turn deposits the fluid 150 onto the slide 155, In another example, the reconstituted decontamination agent is flushed from the mixer section 1 10 and into the fluid distribution section 1 15 via the mixed fluid conduit 135 so as to decontaminate the mixer section 1 10, fluid distribution section 1 15, and mixed fluid conduit 135 as well as other parts of the system 100. To minimize bubbles in the fluid 150 when dispensed., the fluid distribution section 115 in some examples is further configured to remove trapped air from the fluid 150.

[0128] Via the communication pathways 140, the control and bulks section 120 is able to monitor and control the operation of the water conditioning section 105 and the mixer section 1 10.

[0129] For instance, the control and bulks section 120 is able to surveille the functioning of the water conditioning section 105 and mixer section 110. The control and bulks section 120 is further able to sei the concentrations for the reconstituted bulk reagents and decontamination agents in the mixer section 1 10. The control and bulks section 120 is able to monitor and adjust pump speeds or ratio and pressure generation.

[0130] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of the wa ter conditioning section 105 of the system 100, As can be seen, the water conditioning section 105 includes a water connection 405, a pressure regulator 410 with a pressure sensor 415, and a germicidal device 420 that are fluidly coupled together. In particular, the water connection 405 is fluidly coupled to the pressure regulator 410, and the pressure regulator 410 is fluidly coupled to the germicidal device 420. The germicidal device 420 supplies the water to the water supply conduit 125 which is then supplied to the mixer section 1 10.

[0131] The water connection 405 supplies water, such as DI water, to the system 100. In one embodiment, the water connection 405 is coupled to a public water supply that supplies the water. In one form, the water from the public supply is deionized before being supplied to the water conditioning section 105, In another embodiment, DI water is supplied from a static reservoir, such as a tank, jug, barrel, or other container, that is fluidly connected to the germicidal device 420 or directly to the water supply conduit 125. Water connections in labs, especially DI water connections, can be highly variable in the quality of the water and available water pressures. The pressure regulator 410 in the water conditioning section 105 controls or regulates the pressure of the inflow of the water to the system 100 to a more moderate pressure (e.g., 0-15 PSI). In one form, the pressure regulator 410 reduces the pressure of the water supplied from the water connection 405, and in another form, the pressure regulator 410 increases the water pressure, hi some cases, the pressure regulator 410 is able to regulate the water pressure under both high and low water pressure conditions. The pressure sensor 415, which is coupled to the pressure regulator 410, is able to measure the supplied waler pressure for the pressure regulator 410 io ensure the proper water pressure is being provided to the mixer section 110, As will be explained in further detail below, the pressure sensor 415 is operatively coupled to (he control and bulks section 120 via at least one of the communication pathways 140 so that the water pressure readings can be monitored.

[0132] The germicidal device 420 is designed to decontaminate the water from the pressure regulator 410. In one example, the germicidal device 420 includes an ultraviolet-C ((JVC) lamp to reduce or eliminate bacterial contamination. It should be recognized that the water can be decontaminated in other ways. For instance, the germicidal device 420 can alternatively or additionally include filters to filter out bacteria and / or viruses. The germicidal device 420 in further embodiments boils the water from the water connection 405 in order to sterilize the water. In the depicted example, the pressure regulator 410 is positioned upstream to the germicidal device 420 so that the germicidal device 420 has a consistent pressure. The pressure regulator 410 and germicidal device 420 in other examples can be positioned elsewhere. For example, the germicidal device 420 in some cases is positioned upstream to the pressure regulator 410 in order to reduce contamination in the pressure regulator 410.

[0133] Turning to FIG. 5, the mixer section I 10 of the system 100 includes a first, water pump 505 and a second, bulk pump 510. The water pump 505 is fl uidly coupled to the water conditioning section 105 via the water supply conduit 125. The water pump 505 is configured to pump the water from the water conditioning section 105. In the illustrated example, the water pump 505 is a peristaltic pump to reduce the risk of contamination, but the water pump 505 can include other types of pumps in other examples. The bulk pump 510 is fluidly coupled to the control and bulks section 120 via the bulk supply conduit 130. The bulk pump 510 is configured to pump the bulk fluid (e.g., concentrated reagent or decontamination agent) from the control and bulks section 120. hr the illustrated example, the bulk pump 510 is a peristaltic pump to reduce the risk of contamination, but. the bulk pump 510 can include other types of pumps in other examples. The water pump 505 and bulk pump 510 are operatively coupled to the control and bulks section 120 through the communication pathways 140. The water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510 are controlled and monitored by the control and bulks section 120 via the communication pathways 140.

[0134] The mixer section 110 further includes a mixer 515 that mixes the water from the water pump 505 and the bulk fluid from the bulk pump 510 together. As can be seen, the water supply conduit 125 and the bulk supply conduit 130 join together at the mixer 515, and the resulting mixture or mixed fluid from the mixer 515 is discharged to the fluid distribution section 115 via the mixed fluid conduit 135. In the illustrated example, the mixer 515 is a continuous liquid mixer, and in particular, the mixer 515 is a static helical type mixer, but in other examples, other types of mixers can be used.

[0135] At the discharge of the mixer 515, the mixer section 110 includes one or more mixer sensors 520 configured to measure one or more properties of the resulting mixture from the mixer

[0136] 515, The mixer sensors 520 is configured lo measure the resulting concentration of the mixed fluid and / or the pressure of the mixed fluid. In one form, the mixer sensors 520 is configured to measure the acidity (pH) of the mixed fluid, which can be indicative of concentration, and in one particular form, the mixer sensors 520 includes a pH sensor or probe. Alternatively or additionally, the mixer sensors 520 includes a conductivity sensor which may also be indicative of the concentration of the mixed fluid. In most cases, the mixer sensors 520 includes a pressure sensor that measures the pressure of the mixed fluid from the mixer 515. In one version, the pH, conductivity, and pressure sensors are combined to form a single unit inside the mixer sensors 520, but in other versions, one or more of these sensors can be separated, from one another. The mixer sensors 520 are operatively coupled to the control and bulks section 120 via at least one of the communication pathways 140. The water pump 505 pumps the water from the water conditioning section 105, and the bulk pump 510 is used to transfer the concentrated bulk fluid (e.g., reagent or decontamination agent) from the control and bulks section 120 to the mixer 515. When the water pump 505 and bulk pump 510 are in the form of peristaltic pumps, the peristaltic p umps s ufficiently compress their pump tubing (i.e., water supply conduit 125 and bulk supply conduit 130) with multiple rollers to achieve backflow prevention. The peristaltic pumps function as unidirectional valves to prevent back flow in the water supply conduit 125 and the bulk supply conduit 130. As will be explained further below, a control system in the control and bulks section 120 regulates both pump speeds based on the required mix ratio for the reconstitution of the bulk fluid. The pumps are also controlled to achieve a target pressure in the mixed fluid. The water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510 are configured to facilitate various mix ratios. For example, a 1 :7 to 1 :20 range is typically (but not always) used for the bulk reconstitution of the reagent, and a mix ratio of 1 : 100 or even higher is typically (but not always) used for (he decontamination process. It was found that when the mixer 515 is in the form of a static helical mix channel, the mixer 515 is able to establish sufficient exchange of the two fluids to achieve the required homogeneity. The system 100 is able to monitor proper dilution of the bulk reagents via the conductivity of the mixed fluid and monitor the diiution / washing of the decontamination process via the pH sensor.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 6, the fluid distribution section 1 15 includes an air trap 605 with an air vent line 610 and an air vent 615 configured to vent air or other gases, such as in the form of bubbles, from the mixed fluid. As shown, the air vent 615 is fluidly coupled to the air trap 605 via the air vent line 610. The fluid distribution section 115 further has one or more fluid dispense lines 620 the distribute the mixed fluid to one or more dispenser valves 625. In the illustrated example , the dispenser valves 625 inchide a first fluid application valve 630, a second fluid application valve 635, and a rinse valve 640. When opened, the dispenser valves 625 are able to supply the mixed fluid for different uses. For instance, the dispenser valves 625, such as via the first fluid application valve 630 andfor the second fluid application valve 635, is able to supply the mixed fluid to the dispenser 145 for dispensing the fluid 150 onto the slide 155 (FIG. 1 ). 'The rinse valve 640 can be used for rinsing the decontamination fluid via the fluid dispense lines 620. The air trap 605 via the fluid dispense lines 620 can feed multiple dispenser valves 625 for the purpose of delivering precise amounts of fluids via tightly controlled orifices for staining applications and / or rinses. The rinse valve 640 is used to drain the system 100 for service-'decontamination purposes, and the air vent 615 is used to vent trapped air from the mixed fluid.

[0138] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the control and bulks section 120 includes a decontamination agent reservoir 705 in which foe bulk decontamination agent is stored, and a reagent reservoir 710 in which the bulk concentrated reagent is stored . In one example, the decontamination agent reservoir 705 and reagent reservoir 710 are in the form of bottles, but the decontamination agent reservoir 705 and reagent reservoir 710 can incl ude other types of containers, such as jugs, bags, and drums, in other examples. To supply the decontamination agent from the decontamination agent reservoir 705 to the bulk supply conduit 130, the control and bulks section 120 has a decontamination agent supply line 715, and the control and bulks section

[0139] 120 has a reagent supply line 720 that supplies the concentrated reagent from foe reagent reservoir 710 to the bulk supply conduit 130. The decontamination agent supply line 715 and reagent supply line 720 can be made from various materials such as plastic and / or glass. In one example, the decontamination agent supply line 715 and reagent supply line 720 are in the form of tubing, but the decontamination agent supply line 715 and reagent supply fine

[0140] 720 can include other types of conduits, such as tubes, pipes, and passages, in other examples. In one form, the decontamination agent supply line 715 arid reagent supply line 720 are in the form of plastic tubing. In (he control and bulks section 120, the decontamination agent supply line 715 and reagent supply line 720 are fluidly coupled to a selector valve 725, As can be seen, the decontamination agent supply line 715 fluidly couples the decontamination agent reservoir 705 to the selector valve 725, and the reagent supply line 720 fluidly couples the reagent reservoir 710 to the selector valve 725. The bulk supply conduit 130 in turn fluidly couples the selector valve 725 to the mixer section 1 10. With the selector valve 725, the user and / or the system 100 can manually or automatically select the source for supplying fluid to the mixer section 110. For instance, the selector valve 725 when in use can be actuated to supply the concentrated reagent from the reagent reservoir 710 to the mixer section 110. During decontamination of the system 100, the selector val ve 725 is switched so that the decontamination agent from the decontamination agent reservoir 705 is supplied to the mixer section 1 10, It should be recognized that other types of valves can be used to select more than the two liquid sources that is shown. For instance, the system 100 can be configured to have more than one concentrated reagent and or more than one decontamination agent. In still yet another variation, the selector valve 725 is eliminated such that only one type of fluid is supplied to the mixer section 1 10.

[0141] The control and bulks section 120 further includes a controller 730 that is configured to control the operation of the system 100. As shown, the controller 730 is operatively coupled to the selector valve 725 via one of the communication pathways 140 so that the controller 730 is able to control the operation of the selector valve 725. The controller 730 via one of the communication pathways 140 is further operatively coupled to a level sensor 735 that measures the level of the fluid in the reagent reservoir 710. In the depicted example, only the reagent reservoir 710 has the level sensor 735, but in other examples, the decontamination agent reservoir 705 can have another level sensor 735 that is operatively coupled to the controller 730, As will be explained below, the controller 730 is operatively coupled to other components of the system 100 so as to monitor and control various functions and operations of the system 100.

[0142] FIG. 8 shows the various connections that form the communication pathways 140 with the controller 730 in the system 100. In the depicted example, the communication pathways 140 include one or more communication lines 805 and one or more control lines 810. The communication lines 805 are used by the controller 730 to receive information from the various components of the system 100. The controller 730 uses the control lines 810 to control various components of the system 100. While the communication lines 805 and the control lines 810 of the communication pathways 140 will be described as providing one-way communication channels, it should be recognized that the communication lines 805 and the control lines 810 of the communication pathways 140 can provide two-way communications.

[0143] For example, the controller 730 can control and receive information from one of these communication pathways 140. These communication pathways 140 can include wired types of connections, wireless types of connections, or some combination of both.

[0144] / Vs shown, the communication lines 805 include a pressure sensor line 815, a level sensor line 820. and a mixer sensor line 825 that are operatively coupled to the controller 730. In particular, the pressure sensor line 815 operatively couples the pressure sensor 415 to the controller 730. Through (he pressure sensor 415 and the pressure sensor line 815, the controller 730 is able to monitor the water pressure at the pressure regulator 410. The level sensor line 820 operatively couples the controller 730 to the level sensor 735. Through the level sensor 735 and the level sensor line 820, the controller 730 is able to monitor the level of the concentrated reagent in the reagent reservoir 710. The mixer sensors 520 is operatively coupled io the controller 730 through the mixer sensor line 825. The controller 730 via the mixer sensors 520 and mixer sensor line 825 is able to monitor various properties of the fluid mixture from the mixer 515. For instance, the controller 730 is able to monitor the pH, conductivity, and / or pressure of the mixed fluid, such as a mixed liquid, from the mixer 515 via the mixer sensors 520. The control lines 810 include a valve control line 830, a water pump control line 835, and a bulk pump control line 840. The selector valve 725 is operatively coupled to the controller 730 via the valve control line 830. The controller 730 through the valve control line 830 is able to control the selector valve 725 such that the confroller 730 is able to determine whether the decontamination agent reservoir 705 or reagent reservoir 710 supplies the bulk fluid to the mixer 515 of the mixer section 1 10. The water pump control line 835 operatively connects the controller 730 to the water pump 505, and the bulk pump control line 840 operatively connects the controller 730 to the bulk pump 510, With these connections, the controller 730 is able to control the operation of the water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510. For instance, the controller 730 is able to adjust the mixture ratios and / or pressure of the fluid mixture from the mixer 515 by changing the operation of the water pump 505 and / or bulk pump 510. In one use case example, the controller 730 monitors the available water pressure via the pressure sensor 415 and regulates operation of the water pump 505 depending on the availability and pressure of the water supply. FIG. 9 illustrates the general flow paths of the water and concentrated reagent when being mixed in the system 100. As indicated by a dashed line, the water from the water connection 405 follows a water flow path 905 in the system 100. The water flow path 905 mainly follows the water supply conduit 125 in the system 100, As indicated by a thick solid line in FIG. 9, the concentrated reagent from the reagent reservoir 710 generally flows along a concentrated reagent flow path 910 in the system 100, The concentrated reagent flow path 910 generally flows along the reagent supply line 720, through the selector valve 725, and along (he bulk supply conduit 130. At the mixer 515, the water flow path 905 and the concentrated reagent flow path 910 join together, and mixed fluid discharged from the mixer 515 forms the reagent mixture flow path 915,

[0145] In one example, the water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510 are peristaltic pumps, and the water supply conduit 125 and the bulk supply conduit 130 are in the form of plastic tubing. Once more, the peristaltic pumps sufficiently compress their respective pump tubing with multiple rollers to achieve backflow prevention and work as unidirectional valves. After the water from the water connection 405 is treated or conditioned in the water conditioning section 105 (e.g„ pressure regulated and decontaminated), the peristaltic water pump 505 pumps the water along the water flow path 905 towards the mixer 515. The controller 730 controls the operation of the water pump 505.

[0146] The controller 730 actuates the selector valve 725 so that the concentrated reagent is supplied from the reagent reservoir 7.10, The reagent reservoir 710 can supply the concentrated bulk fluid as a single use supply bottle, and in some other cases, the supply bottle forming the reagent reservoir 710 can be refilled with the concentrated bulk fluid. To pump the concentrated fluid from the reagent reservoir 710, the controller 730 activates the peristaltic bulk pump 510. The bulk pump 510 pumps the concentrated fluid from the reagent reservoir 710 to the mixer 515 along the concentrated reagent flow path 910, In one form, the water flow path 905 and (he concentrated reagent flow path 910 meet to form a Y-connector 920 at the mixer 515, The controller 730 controls and synchronizes the operation of the water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510. For example, the controller 730 controls when the water pump 505 and the balk pump 510 start and stop along with the operational speeds of the pumps. The controller 730 regulates the pump speeds of the water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510 based on the desired mix ratio of the concentrated bulk fluid and water for the reconstitution of the bulk reagent as well as to achieve the desired pressure along the reagent mixture flow path 915 at the fluid distribution section 115. In one example of reconstituting the bulk reagent, the controller 730 sets the reagent to water ratio to be a 1 : 10 ratio, but the controller 730 of the system 100 can set other ratios. For example, various mix ratios can be accomplished between typically 1 :7 to 1 :20 for the bulk reagent reconstitution and up to 1 : 100 or higher for decontaminating the system 100. Starting at the Y-connector 920, the mixer 515 mixes the water from the water flow path 905 and the bulk concentrated fluid from the concentrated reagent flow path 910. In one form, the mixer 515 includes a static helical mix channel or static helical mixer that establishes a sufficient exchange of the (wo fluids to achieve the required homogeneity. The two fluids entering the Y-connector 920 primarily have a laminar flow. Inside the static helical mixer 515 chaotic mixing of the fluids occur, and the resulting mixture is discharged through the reagent mixture flow path 915.

[0147] The mixer sensors 520 at the mixer 515 Includes a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure for fluid delivery. Based on the pressure data from the mixer sensors 520, the controller 730 adjusts the speed of the water pump 505 and / or the bulk pump 510. For example, if the pressure needs to be increased, the controller 730 increases the rotational velocity of the water pump 505 and / or bulk pump 510, and when the pressure is too high, the speed of the water pump 505 and / the bulk pump 510 is reduced. In most cases, the water pump 505 and (he bulk pump 510 are adjusted in unison, but in some cases, such as when the concentration ratio needs to be adjusted, the controller 730 adjusts the velocity of the water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510 separately (or one not at all).

[0148] To measure the concentration of the reconstituted reagent, the mixer sensors 520 includes a conductivity sensor in one version. When the decontamination agent is reconstituted for decontamination purposes, the mixer sensors 520 includes a pl! sensor in one form to measure the acidity of the concentration of the reconstituted decontamination agent which is a proxy for concentration. As noted before, the mixer sensors 520 can include both the conductivity sensor and the pH sensor, but in other examples, the conductivity and pH sensor are separate components. It should be recognized that other types of sensors can be used to determine concentration ratios of the reconstituted fluids.

[0149] During reconstitution of the bulk reagent from the reagent reservoir 710, the controller 730 monitors the conductivity readings from the mixer sensors 520. If the conductivity is outside the control limits for the particular reagent, the controller 730 adjusts the speed (velocity) ratio between the water pump 505 and. the bulk pump 510, In other words, the speed of the pumps are programmed to meet the desired mix ratio of the two fluids. For example, if the bulk reagent is too diluted by the water, (he controller 730 increases the pumping speed of the bulk pump 510 relative to the water pump 505, reduces the speed of the water pump 505 relative to the bulk pump 510, or performs some combination of both. On the other hand, when the reconstituted reagent is not sufficiently diluted with the water, the controller 730 decreases the pumping speed of the bulk pump 510 relative to the water pump 505, increases the speed of foe water pump 505 relative io the bulk pump 510, or performs some combination of both decreasing the pumping speed of the bulk pump 510 and increasing the pumping speed of the water pump 505.

[0150] The controller 730 further monitors the pressure during reconstituting the fluid. Once the appropriate pressure is achieved for the particular use case, the controller 730 stops the water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510. When foe pressure drops below a lower control limit, the controller 730 reactivates the water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510 at the appropriate speed ratio until the desired target pressure is achieved, at which time the pumps are again slopped. The pressure control process continues in a similar manner of starting and stopping the water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510 in order to regulate fluid pressure. The fluid distribution section 1 15 via the 525 distributes foe reconstituted bulk fluids to various rinse and / or staining processes.

[0151] FIG, 10 shows the setup for a mixer test rig 1000, In this mixer test rig 1000, the fluids were dyed different colors in order to visualize the mixing process according the bulk reconstitution technique described herein. The decontamination agent reservoir 705 in this example contained approximately 0.1 weight percentage (-0.1 wt.%) fluorescein in water to produce a yellow color. The reagent reservoir 710 contained approximately 0.1 weight percentage (-0.1 wt.%) of methylene in water in order to produce a blue color. The yellow water from the decontamination agent reservoir 705 was fed via the water flow path 905, and the blue water from the reagent reservoir 710 was fed via the concentrated reagent flow path 910 in the mixer test rig 1000. In the mixer test rig 1000 of FIG. 10, the water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510 were peristaltic pumps. The peristaltic water pump 505 pumped the blue water, and the peristaltic bulk pump 510 pumped the yellow water. Both the blue water and the yellow water were pumped through the water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510 at the same rale so as to achieve a 1 : 1 ratio. Starting at the Y-connector 920, the blue and yellow fluids were mixed inside the mixer 515, which was in the form of a helical mixer, so as to produce a green mixture in (he reagent mixture flow path 915.

[0152] FIG. 1 1 shows another example of a conductivity sensor test rig 1 100 for testing the operational techniques and capabilities of the system 100. As shown, the conductivity sensor test rig 1 100 includes the mixer 515 in the form of a static helical mixer 1 105. The mixed fluid from the helical mixer 1 105 is discharged via the mixed fluid conduit 135. At the interface between the helical mixer 1 105 and mixed fluid conduit 135, the conductivity sensor test rig 110f) has the mixer sensors 520. The mixer sensors 520 in the conductivity sensor lest rig 1 100 includes a conductivity sensor 1110 that is configured to measure the conductivity of the mixed fluid. As noted before, the conductivity of the reconstituted reagent is indicative of the reagent concentration. In the illustrated example, the conductivity sensor test rig 1 100 has a signal conditioner 11 15 that is operatively coupled to the conductivity sensor 1 110 via a wired connection. In other examples, the conductivity sensor 1110 and the signal conditioner 1115 can be operatively coupled through a wireless connection. The signal conditioner 1115 is configured to condition the conductivity readings from the conductivity sensor 11 10 so that intelligible results can be achieved. The signal conditioner 11 15 is operatively coupled to aa output device 1 120 which provides the conductivity measurement.

[0153] The output device 1 120 is operatively coupled to the signal conditioner .1 115 through one or more wires, but it should be recognized that the signal conditioner 1 1 15 and the output device 1 120 can be operatively coupled in other ways such as through a wireless type connection. FIG. 12 shows a graph 1200 comparing conductivity io concentration of RB diluted by DI water using a test set up the same as or similar to the conductivity sensor test rig 1100 in FIG.

[0154] 11. The dilution was accomplished by varying the pump speeds of the water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510. As can be seen in the graph 1200 of FIG. 12, the detection range that can be feasibly measured with the conductivity sensor I 1 10 is up to a 1 : 10 dilution of the RB concentrate. For lower ratios, adjustments of the conductivity sensor 1 1 10 and / or further conditioning by the signal conditioner 1 1 15 may be required in some cases. FIGS. 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 show similar graphs illustrating the relationship between actual, measured concentration to conductivity for different reagents. Once more, the various dilution ratios in these graphs were established by varying the pump speeds of the two pumps in a fashion similar to the conductivity sensor test rig 1100 in FIG. 1 1 . FIG. 13 shows a graph 1300 comparing the actual mixing ratio to conductivity using CC1 and DI water for dilution. Similarly, FIG. 14 shows a graph 1400 for another test comparing the actual mixing ratio to conductivity using concentrated CC1 and DI water for dilution. FIG. 15 shows a graph 1500 comparing the actual mixing ratio to conductivity using Ezprep and DI water for dilution. From still yet another test, FIG. 16 shows a graph 1600 comparing (he actual mixing ratio to conductivity using concentrated CC2 and. DI water for dilution.

[0155] As is shown by the test results represented by these graphs, it was found that conductivity measurements appear feasible to monitor around a 1 :10 dilution for multiple bulk concentrates. It was further discovered that SSC and RB concentrates have higher conductivity which in turn may require lower amplification by the signal conditioner 1115 in the controller 730. For example, FIG. 17 shows a graph 1700 comparing the actual mixing ratio to conductivity using SSC concentrate diluted by DI water. As can be seen in FIG. 17, the signal quickly saturates, which indicates the sensor-signal conditioning was too sensitive.

[0156] FIG. 18 is a flowchart schematic 1800 that illustrates a control scheme for reconstituting concentrated bulk fluid, like the concentrated reagent fluid or the concentrated denomination agent fluid. For explanation purposes only, the technique discussed with respect to the flowchart schematic 1800 in FIG. 18 will be described with reference to reconstituting the concentrated reagent by measuring conductivity with the conductivity sensor 1 1 10 in the mixer sensors 520. However, this same technique can be used to reconstitute the decontamination agent by measuring acidity of the mixture with a pH sensor in the mixer sensors 520. While the technique will be described with respect to combining two fluids or liquids (e.g., concentrated reagent and water), it should be recognized that the technique can be used to mix more than two fluids such that the system 100 has three or more pumps, fluid sources, and the like. While the operating velocity of the pumps may be described in terms of speed, it should be recognized that the common usage of speed in this case means velocity in that the term further includes a direction component or vector as well. As depicted in FIG. 18, the technique can be subdivided into three main stages, but it should be recognized that other activities in the system 100 can occur before, during, between, and / or after these stages. These stages include a prime stage 1805, a pressurize stage 1810, and a stain stage 1815. Below each of the stages in FIG. 18, the flowchart schematic 1800 has a first or water pump control signal 1820 and a second or bulk pump control signal 1825 that represent the pumping control signal sent from the controller 730 to control the pumping velocity of the water pump 505 and bulk pump 510, respectively. The water pump control signal 1820 and the bulk pump control signal 1825 in FIG. 18 are merely general representations of these pumping control signals for illustrative purposes, and the actual pumping control signals my dramatically differ from these representations in actual practice,

[0157] Referring to FIG. 9, before or during the prime stage 1805 in FIG. 18, the controller 730 sets or switches the selector valve 725 so that the concentrated bulk reagent fluid is drawn from the reagent reservoir 710 via the bulk pump 510. The conditioned water, which is typically deionized (DI) water, is drawn from the water conditioning section 105 via the water pump 505. Since conductivity is measured in this example, using DI water eliminates the water as being the source for the changing conductivity which is indicative of reagent concentration (or dilution). In other examples, non-deiouized water may be used. In this situation, the conductivity of (he water supplied from the water conditioning section 105 is measured before being mixed so as to set a base line or correction factor for the conductivity measurements made by the conductivity sensor 1 110 in the mixer sensors 520. For explanation purposes, both the water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510 in this example are peristaltic pumps, but: other types of pumps can be used in other examples. During the prime stage 1805, the controller 730 in the system 100 initiates a command io start the water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510. The initial pump speeds which are represented by the water pump control signal 1820 and the bulk pump control signal 1825 under the prime stage 1805 in FIG. 1 may be set to generally correspond to the desired dilution ratio or based on a set initial ratio. During the prime stage 1805, the controller 730 via the conductivity sensor 1 1 10 in the mixer sensors 520 measures the conductivity of the mixed fluid being discharged in the reagent mixture flow path 915, As shown in FIG. 18, the controller 730 performs a conductivity check which is represented by a conductivity check graph 1830 in the flowchart schematic 1800. Based on the conductivity measurements, the controller 730 adjusts the relative velocities or speed ratios of the water pump 505 and bulk pump 510. The pulses for the pump control signals can be varied on an individual basis for one pump or both can be varied for both pumps. For example, only the speed of the water pump 505 is adjusted by changing the water pump control signal 1820, and (he bulk pump control signal 1825 used to control the bulk pump 510 remains constant. In another example, only the speed of the bulk pump 510 is adjusted by changing the bulk pump control signal 1825, and the water pump control signal 1820 used to control the water pump 505 remains constant. In a further variation, both the waler pump control signal 1820 and the bulk pump control signal 1825 are changed at the same time to achieve the target conductivity which is indicative of the desired dilution. The conductivity check graph 1830 is an example of a calibrated response curve between pump speed ratios and conductivity specific to the reagent bulk type. Once the target conductivity is achieved, which again is indicative to the reagent concentration in the mixture, the controller 730 sets the speed ratio between the water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510. Once the speed ratio between the water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510 is set in the prime stage 1805, the pressure along the reagent mixture flow path 915 from the mixer 515 is set in the pressurize stage 1810. To maintain this target concentration, this speed ratio between the water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510 is the same while the actual or overall pumping speeds of the water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510 may change in unison to adjust the pressure of the reconstituted reagent. In other words, once the established pump speed ratio from phase 1 (i.e., the prime stage 1805) is determined, the same speed ratio is used to drive both pumps in unison to achieve a target pressure in the fluid distribution section 1 15 based on the pressure sensor signal from the mixer sensors 520. For example, when the controller 730 determines the pressure from the pressure sensor is too low, the controller 730 increases the speed of both the water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510 while main taining the same speed ratio between the water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510. Once the target pressure is reached, the controller 730 stops both the water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510 so as to avoid an overpressure situation. In stain stage 1815, the controller 730 initiates the reagent or application process with the reconstituted reagent. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 9, the system 100 can for example dispense the fluid 150 onto the slide 155 by actuating the appropriate dispenser 145. Other processes can also occur during this phase 3 or stain stage 1815. To maintain fluid pressure and concentration of the reconstituted reagent, the controller 730 utilizes a proportional integral derivative (PID) algorithm to control the water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510. The control scheme in one version of the PID control technique in the controller 730 combines the conductivity and pressure measurements to control the pumps so as to maintain the target reagent concentration and pressure levels. The PID control algorithm can take the form of software and'or firmware in the controller 730. In one variation, the system 100 can cycle back to the prime stage 1805 if the concentration sensed by the conductivity sensor 1110 in the mixer sensors 520 is outside the target concentration threshold, and the process can be repeated in the same or similar fashion as described above.

[0158] FIG. 19 illustrates the state of the system 100 during the touchless decontamination process. The denomination process can be initiated automatically by the controller 730, such as based on a schedule, error, and / or other factors, or manually by an operator. The water is supplied by the water connection 405, and the water flows along a / nj water flow path 1905 in the waler supply conduit 125 to the mixer 515. Once more, the water pump 505 pumps the water. In one embodiment, the water is deionized (DI) water so that the pH measurements are accurate, but in other examples, non-deionized water can be used and compensated for in the acidify (pH) measurements. To start the decontamination process, the controller 730 actuates the selector valve 725 so that the bulk concentrated decontamination agent from the decontamination agent reservoir 705 can be pumped by the bulk pump 510 so as to form a decontamination agent flow path 1910. As can be seen, the decontamination agent flow path 1910 flows from the decontamination agent reservoir 705 via the decontamination agent supply line 715, through the selector valve 725, and to the mixer 515. The water flow path 1905 and the decontamination agent flow path 1910 combine together at the mixer 515, and the mixed fluid from the mixer 515 then flows along a mixture flow path 1915 to the fluid distribution section 1 15. By actuating or opening the dispenser valves 625 in the fluid distribution section 1 15, various components of the system 100 can be decontaminated.

[0159] The touchless decontamination process generally follows the process as described before with reference to FIG. 18. For the sake of clarity and brevity, the common actions for both the reagent reconstitution and decontamination processes will not be again discussed below, but please refer lo the previous discussion. As should be recognized, the selector valve 725 in the decontamination process is actuated so that the decontamination agent is supplied from the decontamination agent reservoir 705 rather (han the reagent reservoir 710. In the first phase or the prime stage 1805, the system 100 is primed in a similar fashion. However, instead of using the conductivity sensor 11 10, the pH sensor is instead used. The controller 730 in a similar fashion adjusts the speed ratios between the water pump 505 and the bulk pump 510 to achieve the target p.H which is indicative to the target or desired decontamination agent- waler mixture ratio. In one example, the target ratio is 1 TOO, but other ratios can be used depending on the decontamination agent used and other factors.

[0160] Once the pump speed ratio is determined to set the concentration in the prime stage 1805, the controller 730 then proceeds to the pressurize stage 1810. During the pressurize stage 1810, the controller 730 sets the pressure in a similar fashion above until the desired pressure is achieved. At this time, the water pump 505 and bulk pump 510 stop. In phase 3, instead of staining, the controller 730 of the system 100 rinses the reconstituted decontamination through various parts of the system 100 such as the valves, fluid passageways, and various components of the system 100. Afterwards, the controller 730 closes the selector val ve 725 so that no more bulk decontamination agent is supplied, and the controller 730 drains the decontamination fluid from the system 100. The DI water from the water connection 405 is then used to flush the decontamination agent from the system 100. The controller 730 monitors the status of the flushing procedure by monitoring the pH of (he water via the pH sensor in the mixer sensors 520 as well as via other sensors in the system 100. Once properly rinsed, the controller 730 refills the system 100 with the bulk reagent from the reagent reservoir 710 by actuating the selector valve 725. The controller 730 reconstitutes the reagent as well as monitors the conductivity and pressures in the manner as described above with respect to the flowchart schematic 1800 in FIG. 18. The staining or other diagnostic processes can then be performed, and the process can be repeated for other iterations. Glossary of Terms

[0161] The language used in the claims and specification is to only have its plain and ordinary meaning, except as explicitly defined below. The words in these definitions are to only have their plain and ordinary meaning. Such plain and ordinary' meaning is inclusive of all consistent dictionary definitions from the most recently published Webster's dictionaries and Random House dictionaries. As used in the specification and claims, the following definitions apply to these terms and common variations thereof identified below, "Conductivity" generally refers to the ability of a material to transm it an electric charge. In other words, conductivity is the opposite or the inverse of resistivity. Typically, but not always, conductivity is measured in siemens per meter (S / m). When a material has a higher conductivity, the more easily the electric charge is able to flow through the material as compared to lower conductivity materials. Materials with high conductivity, such as most metals, are commonly called conductors. Materials with low conductivity, such as glass and most plastics, are commonly called insulators.

[0162] "Conductivity Sensor” generally refers to a device that measures the ability of a liquid to conduct an electric current. There are two general types of conductivity sensors, contact conductivity sensors and inductive conductivity sensors. Contact conductivity sensors typically have two electrodes that contact the liquid, and an alternating current is applied between the electrodes to measure the conductivity of the liquid. Inductive conductivity sensors work by creating an alternating magnetic field around a coil of wire or other structure. The presence of conductive ions in the liquid causes an eddy current to be induced in the coil. The strength of the eddy current is proportional to the conductivity of the liquid.

[0163] "Container" generally refers to an object: creating a partially or fully enclosed space that can be used to contain, store, and transport objects, items, and / or materials. In other words, a container can include an object that can be used to hold or transport something. By way of non-limiting examples, containers can include boxes, cartons, plastic packaging, totes, pallet totes, bags, jars, envelopes, barrels, cans, bottles, drums, packages, vats, Erlenmeyer flasks, beakers and round-bottom flasks. "Continuous Mixer" generally refers to a device that combines two or more fluid streams into a single, homogenous mixture. Unlike batch mixers, which mix a fixed amount of fluid in a vessel, continuous mixers operate continuously by feeding the fluids streams into the continuous mixer and discharging the mixed fluid at a constant rate. There are generally two types of continuous mixers, static mixers and dynamic mixers. Static mixers use fixed baffles or vanes to create flow paterns that promote mixing. Some common types of static mixers include helical static mixers, plate-type static mixers, crossflow static mixers, kinetic static mixers, and SMX static mixers, to name just a few. Dynamic mixers utilize impellers or other moving elements to break up the fluid and impart kinetic energy so as to promote mixing. A few examples of dynamic mixers include impeller mixers, helical ribbon mixers, cavitation mixers, rotary jet mixers, venturi jet mixers, and ultrasonic mixers, to name just a few.

[0164] ’’Controller" generally refers to a device, using mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic electronic techniques, and / or a microprocessor or computer, which monitors and physically alters the operating conditions of a given dynamical system. In one non-limiting example, the controller can include an Allen Bradley brand Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). A controller may include a processor for performing calculations to process input or output, A controller may include a memory for storing values to be processed by the processor, or for storing the results of previous processing. A controller may also be configured to accept input and output from a wide array of input and output devices for receiving or sending values.

[0165] Such devices include other computers, keyboards, mice, visual displays, printers, industrial equipment, and systems or machinery of all types and sizes. For example, a controller can control a network or network interface to perform various network communications upon request. The network interface may be part of the controller or characterized as separate and remote from the controller. A controller may be a single, physical, computing device such as a desktop computer, or a laptop computer, or may be composed of multiple devices of the same type such as a group of servers operating as one device in a networked cluster, or a heterogeneous combination of different computing devices operating as one controller and linked together by a communication network. The communication network connected to the controller may also be connected to a wider network such as the Internet. Thus, a controller may include one or more physical processors or other computing devices or circuitry and may also include any suitable type of memory. A controller may also be a virtual computing platform having an unknown or fluctuating number of physical processors and memories or memory devices. A controller may thus be physically located in one geographical location or physically spread across several widely scatered locations with multiple processors linked together by a communication network to operate as a single controller. Multiple controllers or computing devices may be configured to communicate with one another or with other devices over wired or wireless communication links to form a network. Network communications may pass through various controllers operating as network appliances such as switches, routers, firewalls or other network devices or interfaces before passing over other larger computer networks such as the Internet. Communications can also be passed over the network as wireless data transmissions carried over electromagnetic waves through transmission lines or free space. Such communications incl ude using Wi-Fi or other Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) or a cellular transmitter 'receiver to transfer data.

[0166] ’’Fluid" generally refers to a substance (hat does not have a fixed shape. For example, a fluid includes a liquid and / or a gas. Typically, fluids are able to flow easily , such as air flowing over a wing, blood flowing through a circulatory system, water flowing through plumbing, or oil flowing through a motor as examples. In some cases, a fluid refers to a mixture of solids, liquids, and / or gases. For example, a slurry of solids and wafer, liquid droplets mixed with air, aerated solid particles, a mixture of solids with liquids and gases, and / or other mixtures of different materials may be fluids,

[0167] "Mixer" generally refers to a device that combines two or more materials to form a homogenous mixture. Mixers can mix the materials in discrete amounts using a batch mixer or continuously using a continuous mixer. "Output Device" generally refers to any device or collection of devices that is controlled by computer to produce an output. This includes any system, apparatus, or equipment receiving signals from a computer to control the device to generate or create some type of output. Examples of output devices include, but are not limited to, screens or monitors displaying graphical output, any projecting device projecting a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image, any kind of printer, plotter, or similar device producing either two-dimensional or three-dimensional represen rations of the output fixed in any tangible medium (e.g,, a laser printer printing on paper, a lathe controlled to machine a piece of metal, or a three- dimensional printer producing an object). An output device may also produce intangible output such as. for example, data stored in a database, or electromagnetic energy transmitted through a medium or through free space such as audio produced by a speaker controlled by the computer, radio signals transmitted through free space, or pulses of light passing through a fiber-optic cable.

[0168] ”pH sensor" generally refers to an electronic device that measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution or other liquid. Typically, but not always, the pH sensor is an electrochemical sensor that converts hydrogen ion activity in the solution into an electrical signal. There are commonly two main types of pH sensors, combination pH sensors and differential pH sensors. Combination pH sensors usually have two electrode located in a single housing. In some cases, combination pH sensor includes a measuring or working electrode and a reference electrode. The reference electrode has a known potential, and the potential of the measuring electrode changes in response to the concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution. The difference in the potential between the reference and measuring electrode is converted into a pH reading. Differential pH sensors have three electrodes, two measuring electrodes that are usually identical and a reference electrode. Again, the reference electrode has a known potential. The difference in potential between the two measuring electrodes is converted to provide a pH reading. ’’Pressure Sensor" generally refers to a device for pressure measurement of fluids, such as gases and / or liquids. Generally, the pressure sensor usually acts as a transducer by generating a signal as a function of the pressure imposed on the sensor. When the pressure sensor is an electronic type sensor, the generated signal can include an analog or digital signal. The pressure sensor can for example measure or detect pressure relative to a perfect vacuum, atmospheric pressure, a fixed pressure value, or a differential pressure value. By way of nonlimiting examples, pressure sensors can include absolute, gauge, vacuum, differential, and sealed type pressure sensors. The pressure sensor can detect the pressure in a wide variety of ways, such as through capacitive, electromagnetic, piezoelectric, strain-gauge, optical, potentiometric, resonant frequency, thermal, and / or ionization techniques, to name just a few.

[0169] "Proportional-Integrai-Derivative (PID) Controller" generally refers a control loop feedback type mechanism or algorithm that uses feedback in an attempt to minimize error by adjusting process control inputs. PID controllers generally use three control tuning parameters, the proportional (P), integral (I), and derivative (D) tuning parameters. PID controllers are a common architecture for implementing closed loop speed control (e.g., cruise control) or other types of con trols. The PID controller continuously calculates an error value (e.g., e(i )) as the difference between a desired setpoint (SP) and a measured process variable (PV) and applies a correction based on proportional (P), integral (I), and derivative (D) control terms. The PID controller is configured to attempt to minimize error over time by adjusting a control variable (e.g,, u(t)) to a new value via a weighted sum of the control terms. Loop tuning is used to balance the effects of the control terms to create an optimal control function through tuning constants (K). Several different techniques can be used to tune a PID control loop. These inning techniques can include, but are not limited to, manual tuning methods, Ziegler -'Nichols tuning methods, Tyreus Luyben tuning methods, software tuning methods, Cohen-Coon tuning methods, relay tuning methods, and simple control rule (S1MC) tuning methods, to name just a few. "Pump” generally refers to a machine that moves fluids, such as gases, liquids, aud or slurries, by mechanical action. Typically, but not always, the pump is manually powered by a human or automatically powered through energy sources like electrical energy. Commonly, pumps are used to move fluids to different places and / or to increase pressure of the fluid. Some common pump types include centrifugal pumps, positive displacement pumps, axial flow pumps, peristaltic pumps, and gravity pumps.

[0170] "Reagent" generally refers to any substance that is added to a system that causes a chemical reaction. In other words, the reagent is any substance that is added to a system to cause a change in the chemical slate of the system. The substance forming the reagent is normally consumed during the chemical reaction that the substance triggers. By way of non-limiting examples, this substance can include acids, bases, salts, and / or organic compounds, to name just a few examples. Reagents can be used in a wide variety of ways, including (but not limited to) to analyze chemical compositions, synthesize new compounds, purify substances, separate out components of mixtures, and / or change the rate of a chemical reaction. For example, reagents can be used in biology and medical diagnostics to identify and / or quantify specific medical conditions, like diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels, cancer, and the like. As another example, reagents can be used in analytical chemistry' to identify and quantify unknown substances. Reagents can be for instance also used in organic synthesis to create new organic molecules. Reagents can .further be used in materia! science to create new materials. Reagents can be categorized as primary reagents, secondary reagents, limiting reagents, and excess reagents. Primary reagents are the main reactant in a chemical reaction, and secondary reagents assist the primary reagents in earning out the chemical reaction. Limiting reagents are consumed completely during the chemical reaction so as to set the maximum amount of product that can be formed, and excess reagents are presen t in larger quantities than the limiting reagents so that the excess reagents are not completely consumed by the chemical reaction. "Slide" generally refers to a thin piece of fully or mostly transparen t material, like glass, quartz, or plastic, that supports one or more objects for visual examination such as under a microscope. An example of a standard microscope slide is a fiat, rectangular piece of glass ha ving the dimensions of 75 mm by 26 mm with a thickness of about 1 mm, but slides in other examples can be shaped and dimensioned differently as well as can be made from other materials. The slide is typically transparent or clear, but some parts of the slide may contain translucent or even opaque sections. For instance, the slide can be frosted or coated with enamel to facilitate labelling and / or writing on the slide. Graticule slides, for example, are typically marked with grid lines to facilitate counting and / or sizing objects on the slide such as for cell counting. The slide may further have a special coating such as to enhance chemical inertness and / or promote cell adhesion. While slides are normally flat, some slides may contain shallow depressions or wells, such as in the case of concavity slides or cavity slides, that hold a specimen or other object in place. Often, the object, such as a biological specimen, is held in place using a small transparent cover like a glass cover slip. The specimen can be mounted on the slide in several ways such as using dry mount, wet mount, prepared mount, and / or strewn mount techniques.

[0171] It should be noted that the singular forms "a," "an," "the," and the like as used in the description and / or the claims include the plural forms unless expressly discussed otherwise. For example, if the specification and / or claims refer to "a device" or "the device", it includes one or more of such devices.

[0172] It should be noted that, directional terms, such as "up," "down," "top." "bottom," "lateral," "longitudinal," "radial," "circumferential," "horizontal," "vertical," etc., are used herein solely for the convenience of the reader in order to aid in the reader’s understanding of the illustrated embodiments, and it is not the intent that the use of these directional terms in any manner limit the described, .illustrated, and / or claimed features to a specific direction and / or orientation.

[0173] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions defined by the following claims are desired to be protected. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein. Reference Numbers

[0174] 100 system

[0175] 105 water conditioning section

[0176] 1 10 mixer section

[0177] 115 fluid distribution section

[0178] 120 control and bulks section

[0179] 125 water supply conduit

[0180] 130 bulk supply conduit

[0181] 135 mixed fluid conduit

[0182] 140 communication pathways

[0183] 145 dispenser

[0184] 150 fluid

[0185] 155 slide 405 water connection

[0186] 410 pressure regulator

[0187] 415 pressure sensor

[0188] 420 germicidal device

[0189] 505 water pump

[0190] 510 bulk pump

[0191] 515 mixer

[0192] 520 mixer sensors

[0193] 605 air trap

[0194] 610 air vent line

[0195] 615 air vent

[0196] 620 fluid dispense lines

[0197] 625 dispenser valves

[0198] 630 first fluid application valve

[0199] 635 second fluid application valve

[0200] 640 rinse valve

[0201] 705 decontamination agent reservoir

[0202] 710 reagent reservoir

[0203] 715 decontamination agent supply line

[0204] 720 reagent supply line

[0205] 725 selector valve

[0206] 730 controller 35 level sensor 05 communication lines 10 control lines 15 pressure sensor line 20 level sensor line 25 mixer sensor line 30 valve control line 35 water pump control line 40 bulk pump control line 05 water flow path 10 concentrated reagent flow path 15 reagent mixture flow path 20 Y-connector

[0207] 1000 mixer test rig

[0208] 1100 conductivity sensor test rig

[0209] 1 105 helical mixer

[0210] 1 1 10 conductivity sensor

[0211] 1 1 15 signal conditioner

[0212] 1 120 output device

[0213] 1200 graph

[0214] 1300 graph

[0215] 1400 graph 1500 graph

[0216] 1600 graph

[0217] 1700 graph

[0218] 1800 flowchart schematic

[0219] 1805 prime stage

[0220] 1810 pressurize stage

[0221] 1815 stain stage

[0222] 1820 water pump control signal

[0223] 1825 bulk pump control signal

[0224] 1830 conductivity check graph

[0225] 1905 water flow path

[0226] 1910 decontamination agent flow path

[0227] 1915 mixture flow path

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A system, comprising: a water pump configured to pump water; a bulk pump configured to pump bulk fluid; a mixer configured to mix the water with the bulk fluid to create a mixed, fluid; one or more mixer sensors being configured to measure one or more properties of the mixed fluid from the mixer; a controller being operatively coupled to the mixer sensors; and wherein the controller is configured to control the water pump and the bulk pump to control the properties of the mixed fluid based on measurements from the mixer sensor.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the properties of the mixed fluid include pressure of the mixed fluid.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to adjust operation of the water pump to adjust the pressure of the mixed fluid.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured io adjust operation of the bulk pump to adjust the pressure of the mixed fluid.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein (he controller is configured to adjust pumping velocity of both the water pump and the bulk pump to adjust the pressure of the mixed fluid.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the properties of the mixed fluid include a concentration ra tio of the bulk fluid relative to the water in the mixed fluid,7. The system of claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to adjust a pumping velocity ratio between the water pump and the bulk pump to control the concentration ratio of the mixed fluid.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein:the bulk fluid includes a concentrated reagent; the mixer sensors include a conductivity sensor; the conductivity sensor is configured to measure concentration of the reagent in the water; and the controller is configured to adjust a pumping velocity ratio between the water pump and the bulk pump to control the concentration of the reagent.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein: the bulk fluid includes a concentrated decontamination agent; the mixer sensors include a pH sensor; the pH sensor is configured to measure concentration of the decontamination agent in the water; and the controller is configured to adjust a pumping velocity ratio between the water pump and the bulk pump to control the concen tration of the decontamination agent,10. The system of claim 1. further comprising: a waiter conditioning section; wherein the water conditioning section includes a water coanectioa configured to supply water; wherein the water conditioning section includes a pressure regulator to regulate pressure of the water; wherein the water conditioning section includes a pressure sensor configured to measure pressure of the water; and wherein the water conditioning section includes a germicidal device.

11. The system of claim 1 , further comprising: a decontamination agent reservoir configured to store a decontamination agent in a concentrated form; a reagent reservoir configured to store a reagent in a concentrated form; a selector valve being fluidly coupled to (he decontamination agent reservoir; wherein the selector valve is fluidly coupled to the reagent reservoir; and wherein the controller is configured to control the selector valve to select between the reagent and the decontamination agent.

12. The system of ciaim 11, further comprising: a level sensor configured to measure the level of the reagent in the reagent reservoir.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the mixer is a static continuous mixer.

14. The system of claim 1 , wherein the mixer is a static helical mixer.

15. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a mixed fluid conduit being fluidly coupled to the mixer; an air trap being fluidly coupled to the mixed fluid conduit; and wherein the air trap includes an air vent to vent gas from the mixed fluid.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising: one or more dispenser valves being fluidly coupled to the air trap; and wherein the dispenser valves are configured to dispense the mixed fluid.

17. The system of claim 16, further comprising: a dispenser being configured to dispense the mixed fluid onto a slide.

18. The system of claim I, wherein: the water pump is a peristaltic pump; and the bulk pump is a peristaltic pump.

19. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a static reservoir configured to store the water; and wherein the water is deionized (DI) water.

20. The system of claim 19, further comprising: a water conditioning section including a germicidal device; and wherein the static reservoir is fluidly coupled to the germicidal device.

21. The system of claim 19, further comprising: a water supply conduit; andwherein the static reservoir is fluidly coupled to the water supply conduit.

22. A method, comprising: pumping water with a water pump; pumping a bulk fluid with a bulk pump; mixing the water and the bulk fluid with a mixer to form a mixed fluid; measuring one or more properties of the mixed fluid with one or more mixer sensors; and controlling the water pump and the bulk pump with a controller to control the properties of the mixed fluid based on measurements from the mixer sensor.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising: wherein the properties of the mixed fluid include pressure of the mixed fluid; and adjusting pumping velocity of the water pump and' or the bulk pump with the controller to adjust the pressure of the mixed fluid,24. The method of claim 22, further comprising: wherein the properties of the mi xed fluid include a concentration ratio of the bulk fluid relative to the water in the mixed fluid; and adjusting a pumping velocity ratio between the water pump and the bulk pump with the controller to control the concentration ratio of the mi xed fluid.

25. The method of claim 22, further comprising: measuring a concentration of the mixed fluid with at least one of (he mixer sensors; setting a pumping velocity ratio between the water pump and the bulk pump with the controller to set the concentration of the mixed fluid based on the measuring the concentration; wherein the mixer sensors include a pressure sensor; measuring pressure of the mixed fluid with a pressure sensor; and pressurizing the mixed fluid to a target pressure by adjusting operation of the water pump and / or the bulk pump with the controller based on the measuring the pressure of the mixed fluid.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the measuring the pressure occurs after the setting the pumping velocity ratio.

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