CA2101950A1 - Probe wash for liquid analysis apparatus - Google Patents
Probe wash for liquid analysis apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA2101950A1 CA2101950A1 CA002101950A CA2101950A CA2101950A1 CA 2101950 A1 CA2101950 A1 CA 2101950A1 CA 002101950 A CA002101950 A CA 002101950A CA 2101950 A CA2101950 A CA 2101950A CA 2101950 A1 CA2101950 A1 CA 2101950A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- probe
- liquid
- diluent
- flow path
- receptacle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/10—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices
- G01N35/1004—Cleaning sample transfer devices
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T436/00—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
- Y10T436/11—Automated chemical analysis
- Y10T436/113332—Automated chemical analysis with conveyance of sample along a test line in a container or rack
- Y10T436/114998—Automated chemical analysis with conveyance of sample along a test line in a container or rack with treatment or replacement of aspirator element [e.g., cleaning, etc.]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T436/00—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
- Y10T436/11—Automated chemical analysis
- Y10T436/117497—Automated chemical analysis with a continuously flowing sample or carrier stream
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T436/00—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
- Y10T436/11—Automated chemical analysis
- Y10T436/117497—Automated chemical analysis with a continuously flowing sample or carrier stream
- Y10T436/118339—Automated chemical analysis with a continuously flowing sample or carrier stream with formation of a segmented stream
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T436/00—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
- Y10T436/11—Automated chemical analysis
- Y10T436/119163—Automated chemical analysis with aspirator of claimed structure
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T436/00—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
- Y10T436/25—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing including sample preparation
- Y10T436/2575—Volumetric liquid transfer
Abstract
The invention relates to an improved system for cleaning of a probe (10) used in analytic equipment, for example, that used in analysis of body fluids, between samples in order to reduce carry-over of materials from one sample to the next. A probe wash is provided in which the simultaneous introduction of pressurized air and water creates a turbulent flow including the use of a pressurized gas stream of short duration to blow the residue of the previous sample out of the probe prior to washing with additional diluent liquid. Also, a waste receptacle (35) is provided which uses a filtered air vent (38) and a liquid saturated material (42) around the probe receiving opening to prevent the escape of aerosols from the receptacle.
Description
21019a~
2 PCI~/US92/10661 PROBE WAS~I ~OR LIQUID ANALYSIS APPARATUS
~ield of t~e Inventio~
The present invention relates to liquid sam-ple analysis apparatus which uses a sampling probe to deliver liquids from a sample container to the analy-sis equipment. More particularly, the invention re-lates to an improved system for cleaning of the probe between samples in order to reduce carry-over of mate--rials from one sample to the next.
~acX~round Art Various systems are available for the analy-sis of li~uids, for example, body liquids which need to be qua~titatively analyzed with respect to specific ingredients. One such system known as the Paramax lS Analytic System is fully shown and fully described in U.S. Patent 4,528,159 (Liston) issued July 9, 1985.
Such analysis systems generally include a probe which enters the sample container such as a test tube either through the open top thereof or by temporarily enter- -ing through the closure, for example, by puncturing a rubber stopper to form a temporary opening. See, for example, U.S. ~atent 4,951,512 (Mazza et al.) issued August 28, 1990.
Reusable probes that are used to deliver 21iquots from successive containers such as blood col-21019~ ` :
WO93/12432 PCT/US92/10661 ~ -., ' . .' lection tubes or liquid reagent vessels are a source of intra-sample carryover or contamination. In order to minimize contamination and carry-over between sam-ples, it has been conventional to flush the probe with a diluent liquid such as water, for example, as de-scribed in the Liston patent. Another technique shown, for example, in U.S. Patent 3,266,322 (Negersmith et al.) issued August 16, 1966, has en-tailed aspiration of air through the probe by means of a vacuum pump or the aspirating pump used to withdraw the sample liquid from the sample container. Such - aspiration, however, introduces the possibility of drawing the unwanted carry-over contaminants deeper into the tubing and apparatus which comprises the sam-pling system. It has also been proposed to utilize a separate probe wash sleeve through which a pressurized rinse liquid is flushed. See for example U.S. Patent No. 4,756,201 (Uffenheimer) granted July 12, 1988. In light of these existing probe wash systems, a need has continued to exist for an improved method and appara-tus for effectively cleaning such probes.
summarv of the Invention The principal object of the invention is to provide a new probe wash system that substantiall~
reduces carryover between samples aspirated by the probe. An important aspect of the invention is to provide a probe wash in which a turbulent flow is cre-ated in the probe by means of a simultaneous introduc-tion of pressurized air and water. Alternatively such turbulent flow is created by introduction of bursts of the air and water in rapid sequence. A related aspect of the invention involves the use of a pressurized gas stream of short duration to blow the residue of the previous sample out of the probe prior to washing with additional diluent liguid.
- '-- . ~ " . ~ :
:. : .,, 2~0195~ 1 The probe wash system further provides a segmented stream of air and water (or other gas and liquid) that effects thorough cleaning of the probe and its associated flow paths. An optional aspect of the invention relates to providing a cleaning method in which the air flowpath may be backflushed with dil-uent water at the end of the cleaning cycle thereby removing air from the system that could interfere with use of the probe in the next aspiration cycle.
A further aspect of the invention relates ~o providing a waste receptacle to receive wash liquids from the probe, which receptacle is provided with ar inlet opening and, optionally, a vent opening, each of which are provided with means to prevent discharge of aerosols into the atmosphere during the probe washing cycle.
Briefly summarized, the invention provides an improved system for cleaning a probe used for aspi-rating successive aliquots of liquid from successive containers. The improved means for cleaning said probe between aspiration of the successive aliquots includes a source of diluent liquid such as water ~hich is connected to probe by means of a first fluid ~low pat~.. Means such as a syringe pump is provided for pumping the diluent into the fluid flo~ path and to the probe. Appropriate control circuitry is pro-vided in order to control the time intervals during which the pump is activated. A source of pressurized gas such as air is connected by a second fluid flow path to the first fluid flow path, at a point interme-diate to the probe and the source of diluent liquid.
A valve, preferably solenoid controlled, is provided to control the flow of gas to the probe.
In a preferred embodiment of the inven'ion, 3~ a waste collectior. recep'acle or chambe- is incl~de~
..~
, - : ; ~, . .
.,: . . : . ~ .
210 1 9 ~
which is provided with an opening in its top for re-ceiving the probe d~ring the cleaning cycle. This opening is preferably provided with a filament or brush that is saturated with water to prevent the es-cape of aerosols from the waste receptacle. The cham-ber is also provided with a filtered outlet for ex-haust of gases therefrom, which is important to the proper function of the air purge effected by the in-vention.
A further aspect of the invention includes means for moving said chamber and said probe relative to each other whereby the probe is inserted through said opening during the cleaning cycle and removed therefrom during a liquid aliquot aspiration cycle.
Such motion is provided either by raising of the cham-ber toward the probe or alternatively by lowering of the probe into the chamber.
Another important aspect of the invention pertains to a method of cleaning a probe, after it has been used to aspirate and dispense a liquid, utilizing the apparatus of the invention. This aspect further contemplates a specific, controlled, rapid sequence of steps. These steps of the wash cycle include (1) opening the wash valve to cause pressurized gas to flow out through the probe, (2) resuming the pumping of diluent while continuing the flow of gas through the probe, (3) closing the valve while continuing the pumping of diluent to re-fill the probe with diluent, and (4) discontinuing the flow of liquid diluent. The probe can then be used for the next liquid aliquot aspiration cycle and the wash cycle repeated thereaf-ter.
Brief Description of the Drawings For more complete understanding of the in-3~ vention reference is made to the embodiment illust~a--.- ~ : . .
. . '. ' .: ' ' ~ WO93/12432 21019 ~ ~ PCT/US92/106~1 ~
ed in greater detail in the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a probe of the type used in a liquid sampling system showing a stoppered container of the type in conjunction with which the probe is typically used and a waste recepta-cle;
Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a preferred fluid flow path used in conjunction with the invention;
Figure 3 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view illustrating a probe of the invention in conjunc-tion with a waste collection chamber;
Figure 4 is a top view of a waste collection chamber illustrating a different form of top closure;
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view o~
yet another alternative form of a top for the waste collection chamber of Figure ~; and, Figure 6 is a diagram in chart form illus-trating a sequence of steps used to clean a probe in accordance with the invention.
Detailed Description Referring first to Figure 1 there is seen a probe 10 adapted to enter the inte-io- of a con~aine-such as a glass tube 12 which contains a liquid sample 14. Container 12 can be positioned upon a lift plat-form 16 which is adapted to raise the stoppered con-tainer. A puncture tube 20 which includes a non-cor-ing, hollow needle is disposed above container 12 so that it will puncture stoppered end 15 of container 12 when the container is raised. A boom assembly 22 can be provided to lower probe 10 through puncture tube 20 into the interior of container 12 where fluid 1~ can be aspirated into probe 10.
As seen in the embodimen_ of Figu~e ~ obe 210 1 ~
lO is connected by fluid flow path 24 to a syringe pump 26 (and optionally an additional syringe pump 27), see Figure 2, which supplies a diluent liquid 25, such as water, to the probe. An air pump 28 is also connected by means of a flow path 29 and T-connection 31 to the fluid flow path 24. A solenoid controlled valve 30 is positioned between air pump 28 and the T-connection 3l.
In the alternate embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, a solenoid-controlled valve 3l is used in-stead of a separate T-connection, as, with this ar-rangement, the function of the T-connection is per-formed by the valve. Fluid flow path 29a is supplied with air from a suitable supply 33, with the pressure and flow rate thereof being controlled by means of an air accumulator 34.
A waste receiving container 35 is positioned at a location such that probe lO can be pivoted thereover and lowered therein through a probe receiv-ing opening 36. Waste receptacle 35, best seen in Figure 3, is preferably provided with air venting opening 37, which is provided with a hydrophobic air filter 38 to minimize escape of atomized liquids in'o the atmosphere, while permitting free escape of air from the waste receptacle. Filter 38 can be formed, for example, from an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene fibrous web or membrane. A drain opening 39 con-trolled by valves of conventional design (not shown) is provided for drainage of waste fluid 40 from the bottom of waste receptacle 35. Drainage may be accom-plished by gravity flow. Vent opening 37 can be omit-ted in its entirety if opening 39 is of a size large enough to permit efficient venting of gases from re-ceptacle 35.
The top of waste receptacle 35 provideG ~ _h - ' ' ' ' , - . ' , .
.
, . : . . ~ : ~: . .
:. ~ :
- :
. ~
- . :
2 1~ 9 a water-saturated closure 42, which performs the dual functions of cleaning the outside of probe lO and pre-venting escape of aerosols. Closure 42 can, alterna-tively, be formed from bristles 43, a woven fabric 44, or non-woven fabric 45. Closure 42 is kept in a satu-rated condition by means of liquid 47 which is caused to flow through flow path 48 by means of a suitable pump 49. Fluid 47 is preferably water, but can, de-pending on the type of fluid being handled by probe lO, constitute or contain a disinfectant material.
In operation the effectiveness of the probe wash is enhanced by nearly simultaneous introduction of pressurized air and water which creates a turbulent flow. A segmented stream is created in flow path 2~
lS by rapidly causing a burst of air to flow through the probe, followed by diluent liquid. The timing of the air flow to the probe, controlled by solenoid valve 30 or 31 is also such that flow path 24 will be filled with diluent liquid at the end of the wash cycle. The absence of air is critical to the normal system per-formance.
As illustrated in Figure 6, a rapid, timed sequence of steps is used in the preferred bacXflushing procedure. In Figure 6 the time inter-vals t l to to~ to to t~, t, to t2, etc. are preferably in the range of 0.5 to l.0 second. As seen in Figure 6, at time t1 the boom 22 will lower the sample probe lO into waste receptacle 35 so that the tip of the probe is roughly 0.4 inch into the waste receptacle.
Then, at to the syringe pump will charge flow path 24 with diluent. At time t the air valve is activated to force air through the system thus forcing contaminated fluid out into waste receptacle 35. Pressurized a -is vented out of the waste recept2cle 35 through ven' 3; filter 38. At time t. the sy-i~ge w ~' s~a-' 'o pu--21~Ji~3~
WO93/1~32 PCT/US92/10661 ~ ;
!
liquid through the system. At time t3, the air pump will turn off, allowing fluid to be pumped through all legs of T-coupling 31. At time t3 the solenoid valve turns off allowing the remaining liguid to flush any S remaining air out of the tip of probe lO. At any time while the probe 10 is in waste receptacle 35 the pump 49 will flood closure 42 with liquid 47 to clean the exterior of probe tip 10. At t5 the flow of diluent liquid is discontinued and the probe is raised out of the waste receptacle.
When the probe wash of this invention is used to clean a probe that is used to aspirate a liq-uid reagent rather than samples of liquids such as bodily fluids, it will be apparent that a stoppered tube would not be used as shown in the drawings.
Rather the probe would be inserted into a suitable receptacle, which may have an open top, for aspiration of the desired reagent. The probe wash system of this invention is readily adapted to such applications.
The particular sequence or timing of wash steps also can be varied somewhat, as will be readily apparent to those s~illed in the art. Modification of other aspects of the procedure may also be made with-out departing from the spirit of the invention.
. . . .
. ' ' - ~: ' : . . -, .
, - . . . , :: ~ .: ~
. . : : . . : . , - - ,;
~ield of t~e Inventio~
The present invention relates to liquid sam-ple analysis apparatus which uses a sampling probe to deliver liquids from a sample container to the analy-sis equipment. More particularly, the invention re-lates to an improved system for cleaning of the probe between samples in order to reduce carry-over of mate--rials from one sample to the next.
~acX~round Art Various systems are available for the analy-sis of li~uids, for example, body liquids which need to be qua~titatively analyzed with respect to specific ingredients. One such system known as the Paramax lS Analytic System is fully shown and fully described in U.S. Patent 4,528,159 (Liston) issued July 9, 1985.
Such analysis systems generally include a probe which enters the sample container such as a test tube either through the open top thereof or by temporarily enter- -ing through the closure, for example, by puncturing a rubber stopper to form a temporary opening. See, for example, U.S. ~atent 4,951,512 (Mazza et al.) issued August 28, 1990.
Reusable probes that are used to deliver 21iquots from successive containers such as blood col-21019~ ` :
WO93/12432 PCT/US92/10661 ~ -., ' . .' lection tubes or liquid reagent vessels are a source of intra-sample carryover or contamination. In order to minimize contamination and carry-over between sam-ples, it has been conventional to flush the probe with a diluent liquid such as water, for example, as de-scribed in the Liston patent. Another technique shown, for example, in U.S. Patent 3,266,322 (Negersmith et al.) issued August 16, 1966, has en-tailed aspiration of air through the probe by means of a vacuum pump or the aspirating pump used to withdraw the sample liquid from the sample container. Such - aspiration, however, introduces the possibility of drawing the unwanted carry-over contaminants deeper into the tubing and apparatus which comprises the sam-pling system. It has also been proposed to utilize a separate probe wash sleeve through which a pressurized rinse liquid is flushed. See for example U.S. Patent No. 4,756,201 (Uffenheimer) granted July 12, 1988. In light of these existing probe wash systems, a need has continued to exist for an improved method and appara-tus for effectively cleaning such probes.
summarv of the Invention The principal object of the invention is to provide a new probe wash system that substantiall~
reduces carryover between samples aspirated by the probe. An important aspect of the invention is to provide a probe wash in which a turbulent flow is cre-ated in the probe by means of a simultaneous introduc-tion of pressurized air and water. Alternatively such turbulent flow is created by introduction of bursts of the air and water in rapid sequence. A related aspect of the invention involves the use of a pressurized gas stream of short duration to blow the residue of the previous sample out of the probe prior to washing with additional diluent liguid.
- '-- . ~ " . ~ :
:. : .,, 2~0195~ 1 The probe wash system further provides a segmented stream of air and water (or other gas and liquid) that effects thorough cleaning of the probe and its associated flow paths. An optional aspect of the invention relates to providing a cleaning method in which the air flowpath may be backflushed with dil-uent water at the end of the cleaning cycle thereby removing air from the system that could interfere with use of the probe in the next aspiration cycle.
A further aspect of the invention relates ~o providing a waste receptacle to receive wash liquids from the probe, which receptacle is provided with ar inlet opening and, optionally, a vent opening, each of which are provided with means to prevent discharge of aerosols into the atmosphere during the probe washing cycle.
Briefly summarized, the invention provides an improved system for cleaning a probe used for aspi-rating successive aliquots of liquid from successive containers. The improved means for cleaning said probe between aspiration of the successive aliquots includes a source of diluent liquid such as water ~hich is connected to probe by means of a first fluid ~low pat~.. Means such as a syringe pump is provided for pumping the diluent into the fluid flo~ path and to the probe. Appropriate control circuitry is pro-vided in order to control the time intervals during which the pump is activated. A source of pressurized gas such as air is connected by a second fluid flow path to the first fluid flow path, at a point interme-diate to the probe and the source of diluent liquid.
A valve, preferably solenoid controlled, is provided to control the flow of gas to the probe.
In a preferred embodiment of the inven'ion, 3~ a waste collectior. recep'acle or chambe- is incl~de~
..~
, - : ; ~, . .
.,: . . : . ~ .
210 1 9 ~
which is provided with an opening in its top for re-ceiving the probe d~ring the cleaning cycle. This opening is preferably provided with a filament or brush that is saturated with water to prevent the es-cape of aerosols from the waste receptacle. The cham-ber is also provided with a filtered outlet for ex-haust of gases therefrom, which is important to the proper function of the air purge effected by the in-vention.
A further aspect of the invention includes means for moving said chamber and said probe relative to each other whereby the probe is inserted through said opening during the cleaning cycle and removed therefrom during a liquid aliquot aspiration cycle.
Such motion is provided either by raising of the cham-ber toward the probe or alternatively by lowering of the probe into the chamber.
Another important aspect of the invention pertains to a method of cleaning a probe, after it has been used to aspirate and dispense a liquid, utilizing the apparatus of the invention. This aspect further contemplates a specific, controlled, rapid sequence of steps. These steps of the wash cycle include (1) opening the wash valve to cause pressurized gas to flow out through the probe, (2) resuming the pumping of diluent while continuing the flow of gas through the probe, (3) closing the valve while continuing the pumping of diluent to re-fill the probe with diluent, and (4) discontinuing the flow of liquid diluent. The probe can then be used for the next liquid aliquot aspiration cycle and the wash cycle repeated thereaf-ter.
Brief Description of the Drawings For more complete understanding of the in-3~ vention reference is made to the embodiment illust~a--.- ~ : . .
. . '. ' .: ' ' ~ WO93/12432 21019 ~ ~ PCT/US92/106~1 ~
ed in greater detail in the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a probe of the type used in a liquid sampling system showing a stoppered container of the type in conjunction with which the probe is typically used and a waste recepta-cle;
Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a preferred fluid flow path used in conjunction with the invention;
Figure 3 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view illustrating a probe of the invention in conjunc-tion with a waste collection chamber;
Figure 4 is a top view of a waste collection chamber illustrating a different form of top closure;
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view o~
yet another alternative form of a top for the waste collection chamber of Figure ~; and, Figure 6 is a diagram in chart form illus-trating a sequence of steps used to clean a probe in accordance with the invention.
Detailed Description Referring first to Figure 1 there is seen a probe 10 adapted to enter the inte-io- of a con~aine-such as a glass tube 12 which contains a liquid sample 14. Container 12 can be positioned upon a lift plat-form 16 which is adapted to raise the stoppered con-tainer. A puncture tube 20 which includes a non-cor-ing, hollow needle is disposed above container 12 so that it will puncture stoppered end 15 of container 12 when the container is raised. A boom assembly 22 can be provided to lower probe 10 through puncture tube 20 into the interior of container 12 where fluid 1~ can be aspirated into probe 10.
As seen in the embodimen_ of Figu~e ~ obe 210 1 ~
lO is connected by fluid flow path 24 to a syringe pump 26 (and optionally an additional syringe pump 27), see Figure 2, which supplies a diluent liquid 25, such as water, to the probe. An air pump 28 is also connected by means of a flow path 29 and T-connection 31 to the fluid flow path 24. A solenoid controlled valve 30 is positioned between air pump 28 and the T-connection 3l.
In the alternate embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, a solenoid-controlled valve 3l is used in-stead of a separate T-connection, as, with this ar-rangement, the function of the T-connection is per-formed by the valve. Fluid flow path 29a is supplied with air from a suitable supply 33, with the pressure and flow rate thereof being controlled by means of an air accumulator 34.
A waste receiving container 35 is positioned at a location such that probe lO can be pivoted thereover and lowered therein through a probe receiv-ing opening 36. Waste receptacle 35, best seen in Figure 3, is preferably provided with air venting opening 37, which is provided with a hydrophobic air filter 38 to minimize escape of atomized liquids in'o the atmosphere, while permitting free escape of air from the waste receptacle. Filter 38 can be formed, for example, from an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene fibrous web or membrane. A drain opening 39 con-trolled by valves of conventional design (not shown) is provided for drainage of waste fluid 40 from the bottom of waste receptacle 35. Drainage may be accom-plished by gravity flow. Vent opening 37 can be omit-ted in its entirety if opening 39 is of a size large enough to permit efficient venting of gases from re-ceptacle 35.
The top of waste receptacle 35 provideG ~ _h - ' ' ' ' , - . ' , .
.
, . : . . ~ : ~: . .
:. ~ :
- :
. ~
- . :
2 1~ 9 a water-saturated closure 42, which performs the dual functions of cleaning the outside of probe lO and pre-venting escape of aerosols. Closure 42 can, alterna-tively, be formed from bristles 43, a woven fabric 44, or non-woven fabric 45. Closure 42 is kept in a satu-rated condition by means of liquid 47 which is caused to flow through flow path 48 by means of a suitable pump 49. Fluid 47 is preferably water, but can, de-pending on the type of fluid being handled by probe lO, constitute or contain a disinfectant material.
In operation the effectiveness of the probe wash is enhanced by nearly simultaneous introduction of pressurized air and water which creates a turbulent flow. A segmented stream is created in flow path 2~
lS by rapidly causing a burst of air to flow through the probe, followed by diluent liquid. The timing of the air flow to the probe, controlled by solenoid valve 30 or 31 is also such that flow path 24 will be filled with diluent liquid at the end of the wash cycle. The absence of air is critical to the normal system per-formance.
As illustrated in Figure 6, a rapid, timed sequence of steps is used in the preferred bacXflushing procedure. In Figure 6 the time inter-vals t l to to~ to to t~, t, to t2, etc. are preferably in the range of 0.5 to l.0 second. As seen in Figure 6, at time t1 the boom 22 will lower the sample probe lO into waste receptacle 35 so that the tip of the probe is roughly 0.4 inch into the waste receptacle.
Then, at to the syringe pump will charge flow path 24 with diluent. At time t the air valve is activated to force air through the system thus forcing contaminated fluid out into waste receptacle 35. Pressurized a -is vented out of the waste recept2cle 35 through ven' 3; filter 38. At time t. the sy-i~ge w ~' s~a-' 'o pu--21~Ji~3~
WO93/1~32 PCT/US92/10661 ~ ;
!
liquid through the system. At time t3, the air pump will turn off, allowing fluid to be pumped through all legs of T-coupling 31. At time t3 the solenoid valve turns off allowing the remaining liguid to flush any S remaining air out of the tip of probe lO. At any time while the probe 10 is in waste receptacle 35 the pump 49 will flood closure 42 with liquid 47 to clean the exterior of probe tip 10. At t5 the flow of diluent liquid is discontinued and the probe is raised out of the waste receptacle.
When the probe wash of this invention is used to clean a probe that is used to aspirate a liq-uid reagent rather than samples of liquids such as bodily fluids, it will be apparent that a stoppered tube would not be used as shown in the drawings.
Rather the probe would be inserted into a suitable receptacle, which may have an open top, for aspiration of the desired reagent. The probe wash system of this invention is readily adapted to such applications.
The particular sequence or timing of wash steps also can be varied somewhat, as will be readily apparent to those s~illed in the art. Modification of other aspects of the procedure may also be made with-out departing from the spirit of the invention.
. . . .
. ' ' - ~: ' : . . -, .
, - . . . , :: ~ .: ~
. . : : . . : . , - - ,;
Claims (14)
1. In combination with a probe for aspi-rating successive aliquots of liquid from successive containers, improved means for cleaning said probe be-tween aspiration of the successive aliquots compris-ing:
a source of diluent liquid connected to said probe by means of a first fluid flow path, means for pumping said diluent liquid into said fluid flow path at controlled intervals, a source of pressurized gas connected by a second fluid flow path to the first fluid flow path at a point intermediate to the probe and the source of diluent liquid, and valve means to control the flow of gas to said probe.
a source of diluent liquid connected to said probe by means of a first fluid flow path, means for pumping said diluent liquid into said fluid flow path at controlled intervals, a source of pressurized gas connected by a second fluid flow path to the first fluid flow path at a point intermediate to the probe and the source of diluent liquid, and valve means to control the flow of gas to said probe.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said gas comprises air.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a waste collection chamber having an open-ing in its top for receiving said probe during a cleaning cycle, said chamber further comprising an outlet for exhaust of gases therefrom, and means for moving said chamber and said probe relative to each other whereby the probe is inserted through said opening during the cleaning cycle and removed therefrom during a liquid aliquot aspiration cycle.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said opening to said waste receptacle is provided in an air permeable material that surrounds said opening, and further comprising means to supply a flow of liq-uid to said air permeable material to maintain the same in a saturated condition.
5. A method of cleaning a probe for aspi-rating successive aliquots of liquid from successive containers between aspiration of the successive aliquots comprising:
providing a source of a diluent liquid con-nected to said probe by means of a first fluid flow path, providing a source of pressurized gas con-nected by a second fluid flow path to the first fluid flow path at a point intermediate to the probe and the source of diluent liquid, valve means being provided in said flow path, pumping said diluent liquid into said first fluid flow path after discharge from said probe of a liquid aliquot while maintaining said valve means in the closed position, stopping the pumping of said diluent and opening said valve to cause pressurized gas to flow out through said probe, resuming the pumping of said diluent while continuing the flow of said gas, and, closing said valve and maintaining the same in the closed position during the next liquid aliquot aspiration cycle, and, discontinuing the flow of said diluent liq-uid.
providing a source of a diluent liquid con-nected to said probe by means of a first fluid flow path, providing a source of pressurized gas con-nected by a second fluid flow path to the first fluid flow path at a point intermediate to the probe and the source of diluent liquid, valve means being provided in said flow path, pumping said diluent liquid into said first fluid flow path after discharge from said probe of a liquid aliquot while maintaining said valve means in the closed position, stopping the pumping of said diluent and opening said valve to cause pressurized gas to flow out through said probe, resuming the pumping of said diluent while continuing the flow of said gas, and, closing said valve and maintaining the same in the closed position during the next liquid aliquot aspiration cycle, and, discontinuing the flow of said diluent liq-uid.
6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the flow of diluent liquid is continued for a short time interval after said valve is closed thereby fur-ther washing the probe.
7. A method according to claim 5 wherein said gas comprises air.
8. A method according to claim 5 wherein said diluent liquid comprises water.
9. A method according to claim 5 wherein said probe is inserted into a waste liquid receptacle prior to opening of said valve.
10. A method according to claim 8 wherein gases are caused to exit said receptacle through a filtered vent outlet.
11. A method according to claim 8 wherein a fibrous, air permeable material surrounds the open-ing to said waste receptacle, and a liquid is pumped thereto to wet the same, whereby the exterior of said probe is cleaned, and whereby the escape of aerosols from said receptacle is prevented.
12. A method of cleaning a probe between the steps of aspirating successive aliquots of liquid from successive containers comprising:
subsequent to discharge of an aliquot of liquid from a probe, introducing the tip of said probe into a vented waste receptacle, expelling a diluent liquid through said probe, expelling a pressurized gas through said probe to form a turbulent flow of said liquid and said gas, discontinuing the flow of said gas while continuing to pump said diluent liquid into said probe, and, withdrawing said probe from said receptacle.
subsequent to discharge of an aliquot of liquid from a probe, introducing the tip of said probe into a vented waste receptacle, expelling a diluent liquid through said probe, expelling a pressurized gas through said probe to form a turbulent flow of said liquid and said gas, discontinuing the flow of said gas while continuing to pump said diluent liquid into said probe, and, withdrawing said probe from said receptacle.
13. A method according to claim 12 wherein said gas comprises air and said diluent liquid com-prises water.
14. A method according to claim 12 wherein a fibrous, air permeable material surrounds the open-ing to said waste receptacle, and a liquid is pumped thereto to wet the same, whereby the exterior of said probe is cleaned, and whereby the escape of aerosols from said receptacle is prevented.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US80716191A | 1991-12-13 | 1991-12-13 | |
| US807,161 | 1997-02-27 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2101950A1 true CA2101950A1 (en) | 1993-06-14 |
Family
ID=25195723
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002101950A Abandoned CA2101950A1 (en) | 1991-12-13 | 1992-12-10 | Probe wash for liquid analysis apparatus |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5506142A (en) |
| EP (2) | EP0785434B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH06508216A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU661544B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2101950A1 (en) |
| DE (2) | DE69224285T2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1993012432A1 (en) |
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-
1992
- 1992-12-10 WO PCT/US1992/010661 patent/WO1993012432A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1992-12-10 AU AU32465/93A patent/AU661544B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1992-12-10 DE DE69224285T patent/DE69224285T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-12-10 DE DE69232970T patent/DE69232970D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-12-10 JP JP5511065A patent/JPH06508216A/en active Pending
- 1992-12-10 EP EP97200915A patent/EP0785434B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-12-10 EP EP93900997A patent/EP0571611B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-12-10 CA CA002101950A patent/CA2101950A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
1994
- 1994-09-07 US US08/301,522 patent/US5506142A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU3246593A (en) | 1993-07-19 |
| US5506142A (en) | 1996-04-09 |
| DE69232970D1 (en) | 2003-04-24 |
| AU661544B2 (en) | 1995-07-27 |
| JPH06508216A (en) | 1994-09-14 |
| EP0785434A3 (en) | 1997-09-03 |
| EP0571611A1 (en) | 1993-12-01 |
| DE69224285T2 (en) | 1998-07-23 |
| EP0785434B1 (en) | 2003-03-19 |
| WO1993012432A1 (en) | 1993-06-24 |
| EP0785434A2 (en) | 1997-07-23 |
| DE69224285D1 (en) | 1998-03-05 |
| EP0571611B1 (en) | 1998-01-28 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |