System and method for cleaning analyzer probes

Abstract

A cleaning device for cleaning a probe and a method for using the same. The device includes a main body defining an internal chamber. An air inlet is connected through the main body to at least one air channel, the at least one air channel being configured to allow air from the air inlet to flow into and toward the internal chamber. A liquid inlet is connected through the main body to at least one liquid channel, the at least one liquid channel being configured to allow liquid from the liquid inlet to flow into the internal chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to cleaning systems and methods, and more particularly to systems and methods for cleaning analyzer probes. Background Art

[0002] Analytical systems often use probes to analyze samples. For example, a probe can be used to extract a sample from a container for testing. Fluid probes are often used to access and transfer materials. Probes can be cleaned regularly to prevent contamination and residual material. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An example cleaning device is used to clean a probe. The cleaning device includes a body defining an interior chamber, the body including an opening near an upper end of the cleaning device that allows the probe to enter the interior chamber. The cleaning device includes an air inlet connected to at least one air channel formed in the body, the at least one air channel being configured to allow air from the air inlet to flow into the interior chamber. The cleaning device includes a liquid inlet connected to at least one liquid channel formed in the body, the at least one liquid channel being configured to allow liquid from the liquid inlet to flow into the interior chamber. The cleaning device may have a waste outlet near a lower end of the cleaning device.

[0004] The at least one air channel of the cleaning device can be configured so that air flows toward the tip of the probe at a vertical downward angle toward the probe placed in the device. The at least one air channel of the cleaning device can be vertically positioned above the at least one liquid channel. The at least one air channel of the cleaning device can be a single air channel extending around the periphery of the internal chamber. The at least one air channel can be a single air channel and is formed by the distance between opposite side walls, the distance including a first distance between the opposite side walls at the first end of the air channel at the internal chamber. The distance also includes a second distance at the second end of the air channel at the air inlet, the first distance being less than the second distance. The opposite side walls of the cleaning device can extend into the internal chamber.

[0005] The at least one air passage of the cleaning device can include a plurality of air passages that are separated, and each air passage forms a cylindrical tunnel that passes through the main body and enters the inner chamber. The at least one liquid passage can also include a plurality of liquid passages that are separated, and each liquid passage forms a cylindrical tunnel that passes through the main body and enters the inner chamber. The air passages that separate the cleaning device can be spaced apart around the periphery of the inner chamber. The liquid passages that separate the cleaning device can be spaced apart around the periphery of the inner chamber. Exemplary cleaning device can include a lower body that is between the main body and the waste outlet, the lower body defining a lower chamber around an axis, and can form a path for air to leave the cleaning device between the main body and the lower body.

[0006] One exemplary method involves cleaning the probe using a cleaning device. The method includes placing at least a portion of the probe into a chamber of the cleaning device. Air is directed from an air inlet through an air channel of the cleaning device toward the probe. Liquid is directed from a liquid inlet through multiple liquid channels of the cleaning device toward the probe, positioned vertically below the air channel.

[0007] The probe may be within the perforator, and the method may include inserting the probe and perforator through the opening and into the chamber. The method may then include extending the probe from the perforator. The method may then include delivering a first liquid into the probe such that the first liquid passes through the probe and enters a waste outlet near the lower end of the cleaning device. The method may then include opening the air system of the cleaning device to allow air to enter the internal chamber through an air inlet and at least one air passage. The method may then include delivering a second liquid into the internal chamber through the liquid inlet and at least one liquid passage. The method may then include retracting the probe into the perforator. The method may then include raising the probe to a position just above the air passage and ceasing delivery of the first liquid into the probe. The method may then include lifting the probe and perforator from the cleaning device. Finally, the method may include, after lifting the probe and perforator, closing the air system and ceasing delivery of the second liquid into the internal chamber.

[0008] An example method may include delivering a first liquid into the probe such that the first liquid passes through the probe and enters a waste outlet near a lower end of the cleaning apparatus. The method may then include opening an air system of the cleaning apparatus to allow air to enter the internal chamber through an air inlet and at least one air passage. The method may then include delivering a second liquid into the internal chamber through the liquid inlet and at least one liquid passage. The method may then include stopping delivery of the first liquid into the probe and lifting the probe from the cleaning apparatus. After lifting the probe, the method may then include closing the air system and stopping delivery of the second liquid into the internal chamber.

[0009] An example method may include, during the step of passing air into the interior chamber through the air inlet and the at least one air passage, passing the air into the interior chamber at a vertically downward angle. During the step of passing air into the interior chamber through the air inlet and the at least one air passage, the air may flow through the at least one air passage in a stream such that the stream narrows as it approaches the interior chamber.

[0010] The method may include, after placing at least a portion of the probe into a chamber of a cleaning device, delivering a first liquid into the probe such that the first liquid passes through the probe and enters a waste outlet near a lower end of the cleaning device. The method may then include opening an air system of the cleaning device to allow air to enter the interior chamber through an air inlet and at least one air passage. The method may then include delivering a second liquid into the interior chamber through a liquid inlet and at least one liquid passage. The method may then include ceasing delivery of the first liquid into the probe and closing the air system. Finally, the method may include ceasing delivery of the second liquid into the interior chamber and lifting the probe out of the cleaning device.

[0011] Two or more features described in this specification, including this Summary, may be combined to form embodiments not specifically described in this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In order to make it easier for those skilled in the art to understand how to make and use the disclosed system, reference is made to the following drawings.

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example cleaning apparatus for a probe.

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A vertical cross-sectional view of a cleaning device.

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A close-up view of a portion of a cleaning device includes arrows indicating the path of air through the device.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A close up view of a portion of a cleaning device is shown showing the air passages of the cleaning device.

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A close-up view of a portion of a cleaning device includes arrows indicating the path of fluid through the device.

[0018] Figure 6A yes Figure 1 A vertical cross-sectional view of a cleaning device main body section.

[0019] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A top view of the main body section of the cleaning device.

[0020] Figure 6C yes Figure 6A A perspective view of a cleaning device body section.

[0021] Figure 7is a perspective view of another example cleaning apparatus for a probe.

[0022] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A vertical cross-sectional view of a cleaning device.

[0023] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an example cleaning system including a cleaning apparatus for a probe.

[0024] Figure 10 is a flow chart of a method of using a cleaning device for a probe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Figure 1-6C The analyzer probe 102 ( Figure 2 ) is an exemplary embodiment of the cleaning device 100. It is worth noting that Figure 1 and 3 In FIG-6C, the probe 102 is omitted to more clearly illustrate other features. The cleaning device 100 is configured to clean the analyzer probe 102 after the probe 102 has been used for sampling within an analyzer system. While the probe 102 is described as an analyzer probe 102 by way of example, it should be understood that the probe 102 may be any contact probe used in a fluid or sample processing system. Generally, the probe 102 is effective when used in systems processing any type of sample, including plasma, whole blood, urine, other bodily fluids, non-biological samples, or other samples. Cleaning the probe between sampling prevents contamination of subsequently sampled material with previously sampled material. Cross-contamination, sometimes referred to as carryover contamination, can damage the material on the plate and affect sampling results. Without proper cleaning, contamination can occur when switching to a new sample, particularly when using analytical materials such as reagents, preparative materials such as diluents, and sample modifiers such as defective plasma. The probe 102 can be cleaned through a rinse (e.g., water rinse) and drying process, or through chemical cleaning using a chemically active cleaning material. The probe 102 can be immersed in or sprayed with the cleaning material. If chemicals are used, a second rinse step can be added to the cleaning process to remove the chemicals. The rinse or wash step when chemicals are not used wets the probe and then dries it. This can be a passive immersion or an active spray and is typically accompanied by a cleaning of the interior surface of the probe 102.

[0026] The example probe 102 shown here is within a piercer 104 that can be used to pierce a sample container, although the probe 102 can also be used within the cleaning apparatus 100 without the piercer 104. Typically, the analyzer system includes a robotic system that can mechanically control the probe 102 to generally move the probe 102 within the system and guide the probe 102 into position for cleaning.

[0027] exist Figure 1-2 In the example shown, the cleaning device 100 includes an upper body 106 that defines a cylindrical interior chamber 108 in which the probe 102 and the perforator 104 can be cleaned. An opening 110 is formed in the upper end of the body 106. When the probe 102 is ready to be cleaned, the probe 102 is lowered into the interior chamber 108 through the opening 110 along the central axis "y" by the control system of the cleaning device 100. As the probe 102 is lowered into the interior chamber 108, the foot 112 of the probe 102 acts as a guide, positioning the probe 102 within a base 114 defined by the top of the body 106 of the cleaning device 100. The base 114 engages the foot 112 of the probe 102 to help keep the probe 102 in place during cleaning. It is worth noting that the probe 102 need not include the foot 112 in all cases.

[0028] Liquid and air are delivered to the interior chamber 108 to clean, for example, rinse and dry the probe 102. Thus, the device 100 includes an air inlet 116 ( Figure 2 、 3 and 5), which is defined by a solid outer wall surrounding an open interior, which can be in fluid communication with an air system (not shown) (the air system is, for example, an air pump or a compressed air tank) to receive air through the interior. In some embodiments, the outer wall of the air inlet 116 is threaded to couple the threads of the air inlet 116 with the threaded nozzle 120 ( Figure 3 ) coupling, the threaded nozzle 120 is connected to the air system. Other coupling mechanisms, such as rivets, clips, screws, bolts, etc., can be used to connect the nozzle 120 and the air inlet 116. Cleaning device 100 also includes a liquid inlet 118, which is limited by a solid outer wall around the open interior, and it can be in fluid communication with a liquid source (not shown). The liquid source can include deionized water, or other rinse agents and / or detergents. Similarly, the liquid inlet 118 is threaded to allow it to be coupled to the threaded nozzle 122, although other couplings, such as rivets, clips, screws, bolts, etc., can also be used, or alternatively, the nozzle 122 can be omitted, and the inlet 118 can be directly connected to the liquid source. As shown, the threaded nozzle 122 can be connected to a water pipe leading to the liquid source. In some embodiments, one or more pumps can be used to deliver cleaning fluid and air to the inlets 116, 118. In other embodiments, the cleaning fluid can be delivered to the inlet 118 only by gravity.

[0029] Air passage 124 provides air flow through body 106 and into interior chamber 108 ( Figure 3As will be discussed in more detail below, the air passage 124 extends around the entire perimeter of the probe 102, allowing air to flow from the air inlet 116 into the interior chamber 108 and toward the probe 102 so that the air contacts the probe 102 around its entire perimeter. One or more liquid passages 126 ( Figure 3 ) provides an opening (e.g., a tubular passage) through the body 106 to direct the flushing liquid from the liquid inlet 118 into the interior chamber 108 and toward the probe 102. The passages 124, 126 may be angled at a vertically downward angle to direct the liquid or air into the interior chamber 108 and toward the probe 102 at a vertically downward angle according to gravity. This allows waste to be flushed downward on the probe 102, consistent with the angle of the passages 124, 126, so that the waste passes through the lower chamber 128 of the lower body 130 and enters the waste outlet 132. The waste outlet 132 ( Figure 2 ) is defined by a solid wall forming an opening through which waste can pass. Waste outlet 132 is connected to waste nozzle 133, for example, by threads or other mechanisms such as rivets, clips, screws, bolts, etc., for directing waste out of device 100, for example, through a waste line, for capture and disposal. In addition to directing any waste toward nozzle 133, lower chamber 128 extends the entire length of interior chamber 108, allowing probe 102 to fit within device 100.

[0030] exist Figure 1-6C In the exemplary embodiment, air passages 124 extend within the body 106 for directing air. Figure 4As best shown in FIG. 1 , air passage 124 is formed between sidewalls 134, 136, which are formed by two separate surfaces of body 106 and separated by distances 138a, 138b. The height of air passage 124 (i.e., the distance 138a, 138b between sidewalls 134, 136) decreases as air passage 124 approaches interior chamber 108, thereby forming a narrow slot. More specifically, distance 138a is greater at the end of air passage 124 near air inlet 116, while distance 138b is smaller at the end of air passage closer to interior chamber 108. This causes the air passing through air passage 124 to narrow into a thin curtain (e.g., sheet-like or film-like) as it is directed out of air passage 124, into interior chamber 108, and onto probe 102. Forming a thin curtain of air may be particularly helpful in drying the probe 102 and directing the flushing fluid and waste downwardly toward the waste outlet 132 because the narrow curtain of air creates a greater downward pressure on the waste than would be exerted if the air stream were not narrowed. In addition, to facilitate drying the entire probe 102, the air passage 124 extends around the entire diameter of the interior chamber 108, providing air from multiple directions, for example, 360 degrees around the probe 102. In some embodiments, the sidewalls 134, 136 of the air passage 124 extend into (see Figure 4 The extending walls 134a, 136a) of the interior chamber 108 and terminate in a narrow perimeter 135 surrounding the probe 102 (see e.g. Figure 5 ). This can reduce the distance air needs to travel to reach the probe 102 after exiting the air passage 124. Furthermore, the extended sidewalls 134a, 136a can act as a splash shield, preventing cleaning fluid splashed from the probe 102 during rinsing from escaping through the opening 110 of the body 106. In other embodiments, differently shaped passages and / or additional passages can also be used as an alternative to the passages 124, 126 shown in the cleaning device 100.

[0031] Figure 3Flow arrows 140 in FIG. 1 depict an example path for air through the cleaning device 100. As shown, air arrives at the air inlet 116, passes downward through the air passage 124, and contacts the probe 102. The air then passes downward through the interior chamber 108 toward the lower chamber 128 of the lower body 130. The lower body 130 is connected to the upper body 106 by any mechanical means (e.g., screws) that maintains a separation distance 142 between the lower body 130 and the upper body 106. The separation distance 142 provides a path 144 for air to exit the cleaning device 100 and prevents pressure buildup within the cleaning device 100 (e.g., from excess air accumulation in the lower chamber 128), which could cause misting and splashing during the cleaning process. To help direct air 140 along path 144, lower body 130 includes an inner sidewall 146 above lower chamber 128, and body 106 includes an outer sidewall 148 defining path 144 such that path 144 initially slopes upward and away from the central vertical axis "y" of device 100 before extending directly upward and parallel to the central vertical axis "y" of device 100. After extending straight upward, path 144 slopes horizontally away from the central axis y of probe 102. Furthermore, because path 144 is defined by upwardly sloping walls 146, path 144 can prevent irrigation fluid or waste from escaping through path 114.

[0032] Figure 5 Flow arrows 150 in FIG. 1 depict an exemplary path of irrigation fluid through the device 100. A pump and reservoir (not shown) provide fluid to the fluid inlet 118. From the fluid inlet 118, the fluid flows through a plurality of separate fluid channels 126, which may be cylindrical bores through the body 106, and toward the probe 102. The fluid approaches the probe 102 at a vertically downward angle ( Figure 6A ). The flushing fluid strikes the probe 102, cleaning sample residue from the outer surface of the probe 102. The fluid then enters the lower chamber 128 and exits the device 100 through the waste outlet 132 (and nozzle 133, if included). Figure 3 and 5 , the probe 102 is omitted for ease of illustrating the air and water flows 140 , 150 .

[0033] refer to Figures 6A-6C , the device 100 may include a plurality (e.g., three, four, five, or other number) of separate liquid channels 126, all of which are individually connected to the liquid inlet 118 for transporting liquid from the liquid inlet 118 to the internal chamber 108. Figure 6B -C, an exemplary cleaning fluid path after exiting channel 126 is shown by liquid 152. Separate liquid channels 126 may be provided around the inner periphery 109 ( Figure 6A) are spaced equidistantly from each other so that the irrigating fluid 152 strikes the probe 102 on different sides of the probe (omitted for ease of illustration of the irrigating fluid 152), which helps clean the entire probe 102. Figure 6A 102 is omitted from the diagram, but the liquid 152 is shown forming a ring 153 at the center where the liquid 152 typically strikes the probe 152 from multiple angles. The channel 126 may be cylindrical, forming a separate channel to direct the jet of liquid 152 to the probe 102. This example arrangement may be effective for cleaning the probe 102 within the cleaning device 100. However, other shapes and orientations of the liquid channel 126 may be used, such as a cubic or triangular channel 126.

[0034] Reference again Figure 1-6C , the air channel 124 is located above the liquid channel 126 along the central axis y. This arrangement can allow air to contact the probe 102 at a location above where the flushing liquid 152 contacts the probe, moving the liquid 152 downward within the device 100 and drying the probe 102 as the probe is lifted upward and out of the internal chamber 108. In this arrangement, the tip 158 of the probe 102 can initially be lowered into the internal chamber 108, with the lower portion 154 of the probe 102 ultimately positioned below the channel 126. Below the liquid channel 126, the lower portion 154 of the probe 102 will be flushed by the liquid 152 during cleaning. In particular, once the probe 102 has been lowered into the chamber 108 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ), the lower portion 154 of the probe 102 will be flushed by the liquid 152 during cleaning. Figure 2 ), air and rinsing fluid 152 can be provided through the channels 124, 126, and the probe 102 can be lifted to rinse and dry the lower region 154 of the probe 102 (and the perforator 104, if included). In addition, while the probe 102 is within the cleaning apparatus 100, the top 156 (of the probe 102, which has a tubular structure) of the probe 102 can be lifted. Figure 2 ) is connected to an additional flushing line to provide flushing liquid to the interior of the probe 102. The liquid within the interior of the probe 102 can flow through the probe 102, out of the tip 158 of the probe 102, and to the waste outlet 132. As the probe 102 is lifted, the flushing liquid 152 from the liquid channel 126 directly contacts the entire lower area 154 of the probe 102 to clean the lower area. Similarly, air from the air channel 124 directly contacts the probe 102 when it is lifted, thereby drying the entire lower area 154 of the probe 102 after it has just been cleaned with the flushing liquid 152. Therefore, after the probe 102 is in place within the cleaning device 100, the probe 102 can be cleaned by simply moving it upward. This avoids the need for any further manipulation of the probe 102, resulting in a simple cleaning and drying sequence that can be performed quickly to increase or maximize the throughput of the corresponding analyzer system.

[0035] exist Figure 1-6C In the example of FIG, the upper body 106 of the cleaning device can include members 160a, 160b, 160c, and 160d. The members 160a-160d can be formed separately and connected after formation, or one or more or all of the members can be formed as an integral part. The top member 160a is plate-shaped and forms the opening 110 and the base 114 for the probe 102. The air channel 124 is formed between the top member 160a and the central outer member 160c. For example, the bottom surface of the top member 160a forms the air channel 124 ( Figure 4 ) of a side wall 136. The opposite side wall 134 of the air passage 124 is a central outer member 160c ( Figure 4 ) of the surface. In addition, the air inlet 116, the liquid inlet 118 and the starting point 127 of the liquid channel 126 close to the inlet 118 ( Figure 5 ) can be formed in the central outer member 160c. The remainder of each liquid passage 126 is formed in the central inner member 160b, which is located between the central outer member 160c and the internal chamber 108. The central inner member 160b has an open center that defines the top of the internal chamber 108. The lower member 160d adjacent to the members 160b, 160c forms the bottom of the upper body 106. The internal opening in the lower member 160d defines the bottom of the internal chamber 108 that leads to the lower body 130. The lower member 160d includes a lower protruding end 162 whose outer diameter 163 is smaller than the upper inner diameter 165 ( Figure 3 ). This allows the lower end 162 to be contained within the lower body 130. The outer sidewall 148 of the lower end 162 defines one side of the air path 144, while the inner sidewall 146 of the lower body 130 forms the opposite side of the air path 144. The central outer member 160c and the central inner member 160b each include flanges 164, 166 that couple to secure the central inner member 160b between the central outer member 160c and the lower member 160d. O-rings 168 are provided between adjacent members 160a, 160b, 160c to form a seal therebetween ( Figure 2-5 ).

[0036] Figure 7-8 Another exemplary embodiment of a probe cleaning device 700 is shown. The configuration of the device 700 is similar to Figure 1-6C, unless otherwise shown and described herein. Specifically, the device 700 includes an air channel 702 for directing air, which is constructed or formed similarly to the liquid channel 126 described above. The air channel 702 can include a plurality (e.g., three, four, five, or other number) of separate tunnels, such as tubular tunnels, that direct air from an air inlet 716 into an interior chamber 706 of the device 700, as indicated by airflow arrows 704. The air channels 702 can be spaced around the perimeter of the interior chamber 706, such as at equal distances, to dry the probe 708 from different directions. The liquid channel 720 can include a plurality (e.g., three, four, five, or other number) of tunnels similarly formed and located below the air channel 702 to provide liquid (e.g., arrows 736) to the probe 708 for cleaning, such as the liquid channel 126. Waste liquid is discharged through a waste liquid nozzle 740 including an outer wall defining an opening, similar to waste nozzle 133 , while excess air may be discharged through an air path 726 similar to air path 144 .

[0037] The upper body 710 of cleaning device 700 comprises two members 712a, 712b, and these two members are formed separately and connected, or are formed in one piece. External member 712a limits the opening 714, import 716,718 and the upper part and liquid passage 702,720 part for receiving probe 708. Nozzle 730,732 is connected to import 702,720 to provide air and liquid respectively. Internal member 712b disperses air 704 and liquid 736 from passage 702,720 into inner chamber 706 to contact probe 708. The cylindrical opening at the center of internal member 712b forms the top of inner chamber 706. The bottom of inner chamber 706 is formed by the cylindrical opening in the bottom of external member 712a. The top and bottom of chamber 706 can have the same shape and size, for example, the same diameter. The bottom of the outer member 712a also forms a protruding lower end 722 that defines the sidewalls of the air path 726. The outer and inner members 712a, 712b can be sealed together with O-rings 738 on either side of the upper and liquid channels 702, 720. The outer member 712a can be rigidly connected to the lower body 724 via a rod 742 in the air path 726 while keeping the air path open.

[0038] Figure 9An exemplary probe cleaning system 900 for use with the exemplary probe cleaning apparatus described herein is shown. System 900 includes a cleaning apparatus 902, which may include one of the cleaning apparatuses 100, 700 shown and described herein. Cleaning apparatus 902 has an air nozzle 904 and a liquid nozzle 906 that connect cleaning apparatus 902 to air and liquid lines, respectively. Air nozzle 904 is supplied with air by an air system 908, which may include a pump, a pressurized air tank, or other device for delivering air via connected air lines. When air system 908 is turned on, air from air system 908 passes through air nozzle 904 and into the air inlet of cleaning apparatus 902 to dry probe 910 after it is lowered into cleaning apparatus 902.

[0039] The degassing module 912 can prepare a liquid as a cleaning fluid for use within the system 900. The degassing module can be used for precision fluids, but it should be understood that degassing and therefore the degassing module 912 are not required in all cases. For example, when cleaning the probe 902 by rinsing it with water, the degassing module 912 is not required. The rinse bottle 914 within the degassing module 912 (or a separate rinse bottle if the degassing module 912 is not used) contains a liquid, such as deionized water. A pump 916 transfers the liquid from the rinse bottle 914 through a check valve 915 to a degasser 918 (if included), which allows excess gas to be discharged as the liquid passes through. If necessary, some of the liquid can be circulated back to the rinse bottle 914 to form a holding loop for precision fluids. However, for cleaning with rinsing with water, it is not necessary to recirculate back to the rinse bottle 914. The liquid is then sufficient to be used as a cleaning fluid. When degasser 918 is used, some additional water evaporates and is transferred through the degassing membrane, drawn in by vacuum pump 941 , and then discharged to waste container 940 .

[0040] The cleaning fluid exits the degassing module 912 and is split between two separate lines 920 and 922. A pump 924 on the first line 920 is operable to direct the cleaning fluid through a check valve 926 and to the liquid nozzle 906 of the cleaning apparatus 902. A pump 928 on the second line 922 is operable to direct the cleaning fluid to a syringe pump 932 connected to the probe 910. When the probe 910 is placed within the cleaning apparatus 902, the syringe pump 932 is operable to pump the cleaning fluid into the interior of the probe 910 for cleaning. A valve 943 on the probe 910 can be opened to allow the cleaning fluid inside the probe 910 to drain through the probe tip 934. After cleaning the probe 910, all cleaning fluid and any waste removed from the probe 910 flow to a waste outlet 936 at the bottom of the cleaning apparatus 902. A waste line 938 directs the liquid and waste mixture to a waste container 940 for storage and disposal. It is then ejected from the vacuum pump outlet and sent to waste.

[0041] Typically, the cleaning system 900 can remain connected until the probe is ready to be cleaned. Once the probe is ready, the syringe pump 932 can be manually connected to the probe 910 or automatically connected by the analyzer's robotic system. The analyzer's robotic system can then move the probe 910 for cleaning as described herein.

[0042] Figure 10 Operations included in an example method for cleaning a probe using a cleaning device such as the cleaning devices 100, 700, 902 described herein are shown. In this example, method 1000 is directed to cleaning a probe that includes a peripheral perforator within the cleaning device. However, it should be understood that probes without perforators can also be cleaned using the systems and methods described herein. In this example, the method begins at operation 1001 after the probe and perforator have been used for sampling and require cleaning. Then, at operation 1002, the probe and perforator (or just the probe, if no perforator is included) are lowered through the upper opening of the cleaning device. For example, initially, the foot of the probe can be positioned above the top of the cleaning device. A valve on the probe is switched to bypass to allow liquid to flow through the probe (e.g., as Figure 9 The probe is then lowered further so that the foot of the probe is positioned within the base of the cleaning device. Alternatively, the bypass valve can be opened after the probe is lowered. The probe and perforator are on independent motion axes, allowing them to be extended independently of each other for cleaning. Thus, once the foot is within the base, the probe is extended from the perforator and into the internal chamber (e.g., Figure 2 of the interior chamber 108 and the lower chamber 128).

[0043] At operation 1004, an internal flush is performed. A pump connected to a cleaning fluid reservoir can deliver fluid to the interior of the probe for cleaning (e.g., by Figure 9 The liquid flushes the interior of the probe and enters the internal chamber of the cleaning device through the opened bypass valve 943. Next, an external flush is performed at operation 1006. During the external flush, the cleaning liquid is transferred from the liquid reservoir to the liquid inlet of the cleaning device (e.g., using a pump). Figure 3 inlet 118), through the liquid channel (e.g. Figure 5-6C The waste liquid from the probe can be passed through the waste outlet 132 (e.g. Figure 2-3 ) to a waste container. In some embodiments, operations 1004 and 1006 can be performed at least partially simultaneously, or operation 1006 can be performed before operation 1004.

[0044] At operation 1008, the air system connected to the air inlet is then turned on. Various air systems can be used as part of the system. For example, the air system can include an air pump connected to the air inlet of the cleaning device, which can be turned on to provide air. Alternatively, the transmission line connected between the air source (e.g., a pressurized air tank) and the air inlet can include a valve that can be turned to an open position to allow pressurized air to flow through the air inlet. The air can be turned on while the water flush is still in progress to flush and dry at the same time. Once the air system is turned on, air is passed through the air inlet (e.g., Figure 2-3 The air inlet 116) enters the air passage of the cleaning device (e.g., Figure 2-5 A channel 124) is provided to the outside of the probe to move the cleaning fluid downward toward the waste outlet.

[0045] In operation 1010, the probe and perforator are then retracted from the cleaning apparatus and cleaned during the retraction process. This can be done by first retracting the perforator to the foot. As the perforator is retracted, the lower area of ​​the perforator will be in direct contact with the liquid from the external flush. In addition, just after contact with the cleaning liquid, the exterior will be in contact with an air jet or curtain, thereby drying the perforator before the perforator is completely removed from the cleaning apparatus. The probe can then be raised to a position just above the air and water channels and cleaned while the probe is raised. The internal flush is then turned off in operation 1012 (for example, by closing Figure 9 Bypass valve 943 is closed, thereby stopping the delivery of internal flushing liquid before the probe has been completely removed from the cleaning device. Once the internal flush is closed, the injection bypass valve can be closed in operation 1014. In operation 1016, the external flush is closed. The probe and perforator are then removed from the cleaning device in operation 1018, and the air system is turned off in operation 1020. It is worth noting that in some cases, the external flush (i.e., operation 1016) can be turned off after the probe and perforator are removed in operation 1018, thereby stopping the delivery of external flushing liquid. The probe and perforator have then been effectively cleaned and dried, and the method ends in operation 1022. The total time required to complete the cleaning (i.e., rinsing and drying the probe and perforator, if a perforator is included) depends on the specific situation, depending on the residual risk of the material. In general, method 1000 allows the probe and perforator to be quickly dried by simply lowering them into the cleaning device and then lifting them directly out of the cleaning device, without the need to rotate the probe and perforator or place them in a separate device.

[0046] All directions and the arrangement of parts shown here are used only as examples. In addition, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art that in alternative embodiments, the function of several elements can be performed by fewer elements or single elements. Similarly, in some embodiments, any functional element can be performed than those fewer or different operations described about illustrated embodiment. In addition, for the purpose of illustration, different functional elements can be combined in other functional elements in a particular embodiment.

[0047] Like reference numerals are used herein to refer to like components. Furthermore, directional terms such as "upper," "lower," "far," and "near" are used only to help describe the relative positions of components. For example, the "upper" surface of a component is used only to describe a surface that is separate from the "lower" surface of the same component. No directional terms are used to describe an absolute orientation (i.e., the "upper" part must always be at a higher elevation).

[0048] Although the subject technology has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and / or modifications may be made to the subject technology without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject technology. For example, each claim may reference any or all claims in a multiple reference manner, even if such claims were not originally claimed.

[0049] Elements of the various embodiments described may be combined to form other embodiments not specifically described herein. Elements may be excluded from the previously described system without generally adversely affecting their operation or the operation of the system. Furthermore, various separate elements may be combined into one or more separate elements to perform the functions described herein.

[0050] Other implementations not specifically described in this specification are also within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for cleaning a probe, comprising: a body defining an interior chamber, the body including an opening proximate an upper end of the cleaning device, the opening permitting a probe to enter the interior chamber; an air inlet connected to at least one air passage formed in the body, the at least one air passage configured to allow air to flow from the air inlet along at least a portion of the probe toward a lower end of the cleaning device into the interior chamber; and a liquid inlet connected to at least one liquid channel formed in the body, the at least one liquid channel being configured to allow liquid to flow from the liquid inlet into the interior chamber, wherein the body includes a passageway defining a flow path between the interior chamber and the exterior of the cleaning device, air exiting the cleaning device through the flow path, at least a portion of the passageway extending upwardly relative to the interior chamber toward an upper end of the cleaning device.

2. The cleaning device of claim 1 further comprising a waste outlet proximate a lower end of the cleaning device.

3. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein The at least one air passage is configured such that air flows at a vertically downward angle toward a probe positioned in the cleaning device toward a tip of the probe.

4. The cleaning device according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one air channel is disposed vertically above the at least one liquid channel.

5. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein The at least one air passage is a single air passage extending around the periphery of the interior chamber. The cleaning device according to claim 1 , wherein: The at least one air channel is a single air channel and is formed by a distance between opposing side walls, the distance including a first distance between opposing side walls at a first end of the air channel at the interior chamber, and the distance also including a second distance at a second end of the air channel at the air inlet, the first distance being less than the second distance.

7. The cleaning device according to claim 6, wherein: The opposing side walls extend into the interior chamber.

8. The cleaning device according to claim 4, wherein: the at least one air passage comprises a plurality of separate air passages, each air passage forming a cylindrical tunnel through the body and into the interior chamber; and The at least one liquid passage includes a plurality of separate liquid passages, each liquid passage forming a cylindrical tunnel through the body and into the interior chamber.

9. The cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein The separate air passages are spaced around a perimeter of the interior chamber.

10. The cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein The separate fluid passages are spaced apart around a periphery of the interior chamber.

11. The cleaning device of claim 2, further comprising a lower body located between the main body and the waste outlet, the lower body defining a lower chamber about an axis, in, A path is formed between the main body and the lower body for air to exit the cleaning device.

12. A method for cleaning a probe using a cleaning device, comprising: placing at least a portion of a probe into an interior chamber of the cleaning device, the interior chamber including an opening proximate an upper end of the cleaning device; directing air from an air inlet through an air passage of the cleaning device and toward the probe, the air being pressurized to flow along at least a portion of the probe toward a lower end of the cleaning device and through a passage defining a flow path between the interior chamber and an exterior of the cleaning device, the passage extending at least partially upward relative to the interior chamber toward an upper end of the cleaning device; as well as Liquid is directed from the liquid inlet through the plurality of liquid passages of the cleaning device and toward the probe at a location vertically below the air passage.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The probe is within the perforator, and the method further comprises: inserting a probe and a perforator through the opening into the interior chamber; Extend the probe from the perforator; delivering a first liquid into the probe so that the first liquid passes through the probe and enters a waste outlet proximate a lower end of the cleaning device; opening an air system of the cleaning device to allow air to enter the interior chamber through the air inlet and the at least one air passage; delivering a second liquid into the interior chamber through the liquid inlet and the at least one liquid passage; Retract the probe into the perforator; Lift the probe to a position just above the air passage and stop delivering the first liquid into the probe; Remove the probe and punch from the cleaning apparatus; and After the probe and piercer are lifted, the air system is turned off and delivery of the second liquid into the interior chamber is stopped.

14. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: delivering a first liquid into the probe so that the first liquid passes through the probe and enters a waste outlet proximate a lower end of the cleaning device; opening an air system of the cleaning device to allow air to enter the interior chamber through the air inlet and the at least one air passage; delivering a second liquid into the interior chamber through the liquid inlet and the at least one liquid passage; stopping delivery of the first liquid into the probe; Lift the probe out of the cleaning apparatus; and After the probe is lifted, the air system is turned off and delivery of the second liquid into the interior chamber is stopped.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein During the step of allowing air to enter the interior chamber through the air inlet and the at least one air passage, the air enters the interior chamber at a vertically downward angle.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein During the step of passing air into the interior chamber through the air inlet and the at least one air passage, the air passes through the at least one air passage in an airflow such that the airflow narrows as it approaches the interior chamber.

17. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: After placing at least a portion of the probe into the chamber of the cleaning device: delivering a first liquid into the probe so that the first liquid passes through the probe and enters a waste outlet proximate a lower end of the cleaning device; opening an air system of the cleaning device to allow air to enter the interior chamber through the air inlet and the at least one air passage; delivering a second liquid into the interior chamber through the liquid inlet and the at least one liquid passage; stopping delivery of the first liquid into the probe; Shut down the air system; ceasing delivery of the second liquid into the interior chamber; and Lift the probe out of the cleaning unit.

Images