Patent Description:
Analyzer systems often use a probe for sample analysis. For example, a probe may be used to extract a sample from a container for testing. Fluid probes are commonly used for accessing and transferring materials. The probe may be cleaned regularly to avoid material contamination and carryover.

<CIT> describes a cleaning device to quickly clean a probe in such a manner that the probe can be freely inserted into and pulled upward from a cleaning chamber. The probe is so constituted that the probe can be freely inserted into and pulled upward form the cleaning chamber. Pure water is injected from plural pieces of a water injection nozzles diagonally provided to point to the central axis of the cleaning chamber when the probe is inserted in the central axis direction of the cleaning chamber. Cleaning is executed as the probe moves. An immersion cleaning tank is provided below the water injection nozzles and the probe is cleaned in the fluidized pure water supplied from a water feed pipe. Compressed air is blown to the probe from plural pieces of air injection nozzles provided above the water injection nozzles at the time when the probe is pulled upward after cleaning thereof, by which the probe is dried.

<CIT> describes an analyzing apparatus for applying samples and reagents to the surface of a reaction carrier and for optically analyzing each component contained in the various samples. The dispensing of the samples and reagents and the optical detection operation are performed by an optics/dispensing mechanism moved relative to the reaction carrier in two dimensions. The optics/dispensing mechanism is combined with a cleaning apparatus for cleansing reagents and samples from a dispensing needle by means of a rinsing agent and air ejected toward the needle. The apparatus further includes an automatic lifting mechanism for lifting and replacing a cover disposed on the reaction carrier, and is adapted to move the dispensing needle to a position over a nearby reagent/sample holder so that the needle may take up a desired reagent or sample from the holder and transfer it to the surface of the reaction carrier.

<CIT> describes a device that can clean at least one pipetting needle with a washing station. In the device, the inside and an outside of the pipetting needle are brought into contact at least for a portion with a washing liquid, at least temporarily during a cleaning process, and with at least one movement apparatus by which a relative movement is brought about between the pipetting needle and the washing station at least temporarily before, after, or during the cleaning process. The device has a drying device, which subjects at least one region of the pipetting needle brought into contact with washing liquid during the cleaning process to at least one flow of a drying agent.

<CIT> describes an automatic analyzer which includes a sample dispensing unit that dispenses a sample into a reaction vessel, a reagent dispensing unit that dispenses a reagent, a sample nozzle cleaning tank that cleans a nozzle of the sample dispensing unit, a reagent nozzle cleaning tank that cleans a nozzle of the reagent dispensing unit, a compressor that supplies compressed air, and cleaning water supply means that supplies cleaning water. The tanks each have an upper vent that allows a nozzle to have access for cleaning, a lower vent that drains the cleaning water, a cleaning water jet port that sprays the cleaning water to the nozzle, and a compressed air jet port that removes residual cleaning water left on the nozzle. The lower vent has an opening area wider than that of the upper vent.

<CIT> describes a nozzle cleaning unit capable of cleaning a nozzle with higher efficiency. The nozzle cleaning unit mounted on a dispensing apparatus includes a cleaning vessel, a cleaning solution sprayer spraying a cleaning solution in the cleaning vessel, a drying sprayer spraying air to blow away the cleaning solution adhered to the nozzle into the cleaning vessel, a moving mechanism causing the nozzle to ascend and descend and a controller controlling those units. The controller repeats, at least twice, a set operation consisting of a cleaning process of spraying the cleaning solution while causing the nozzle to descend and a drying process of spraying air while causing the nozzle to ascend, after the cleaning process.

<CIT> describes a piercer washing port which is provided at a position on the trajectory of a piercer differing from the sampling position. The piercer washing port is cylindrically shaped and has an opening for inserting the piercer in the upper surface and a washing space for housing the piercer inserted from the opening. Air injection ports for injecting air and washing liquid expelling ports for expelling water serving as a washing liquid are provided on the inside wall surface of the piercer washing port. The air injection ports are provided at four locations equally spaced on the periphery along the inside wall surface of the washing space. The washing liquid expelling ports are provided at four locations equally spaced on the periphery along the inside wall surface of the washing space at different positions than those of the air injection ports.

<CIT> also discloses a prior art cleaning device.

The claimed invention includes a cleaning device for cleaning a probe as defined in claim <NUM> and a method of cleaning a probe using a cleaning device according to claim <NUM>.

An example cleaning device is for cleaning a probe. The cleaning device includes a body defining an inner chamber, the body comprising an opening proximate an upper end of the cleaning device, the opening allowing the probe to enter the inner chamber. The cleaning device includes an air intake connected to at least one air channel formed within the body, the at least one air channel being configured to allow air from the air intake to flow into the inner chamber. The cleaning device includes a liquid intake connected to at least one liquid channel formed within the body, the at least one liquid channel being configured to allow liquid from the liquid intake to flow into the inner chamber. The cleaning device may have a waste outlet proximate a lower end of the cleaning device.

The at least one air channel of the cleaning device may be configured such that air flows towards a probe placed in the device at a vertically downward angle towards a tip of the probe. The at least one air channel of the cleaning device may be positioned vertically above the at least one liquid channel. The at least one air channel of the cleaning device may be a single air channel extending around a circumference of the inner chamber. The at least one air channel may be a single air channel and formed by a distance between opposing sidewalls, the distance including a first distance between the opposing sidewalls at a first end of the air channel at the inner chamber. The distance further includes a second distance being at a second end of the air channel at the air intake, the first distance being less than the second distance. The opposing sidewalls of the cleaning device may extend into the inner chamber.

The at least one air channel of the cleaning device may comprise a plurality of separate air channels, each air channel forming a cylindrical tunnel through the body and into the inner chamber. The at least one liquid channel may further comprise a plurality of separate liquid channels, each liquid channel forming a cylindrical tunnel through the body and into the inner chamber. The separate air channels of the cleaning device may be spaced around a circumference of the inner chamber. The separate liquid channels of the cleaning device may be spaced around the circumference of the inner chamber. The example cleaning device comprises a lower body positioned between the body and the waste outlet, the lower body defining a lower chamber around the axis and a path is formed between the body and the lower body for air to exit the cleaning device.

An example method is for cleaning a probe using a cleaning device. The method includes placing at least a part of the probe into a chamber of the cleaning device. Air is directed from an air intake and through an air channel of the cleaning device and towards the probe. Liquid is directed from a liquid intake through a plurality of liquid channels of the cleaning device and towards the probe at a position vertically below the air channel.

The probe may be within a piercer and the method may include inserting the probe and piercer through the opening and into the chamber. The method may then include extending the probe from the piercer. The method may then include delivering a first liquid into the probe such that the first liquid passes through the probe and into a waste outlet proximate a lower end of the cleaning device. The method may then include turning on an air system of the cleaning device to pass air through the air intake and the at least one air channel into the inner chamber. The method may then include delivering a second liquid through the liquid intake and the at least one liquid channel into the inner chamber. The method may then include retracting the probe into the piercer. The method may then include lifting the probe to a position just above the air channel and stopping delivery of the first liquid into the probe. The method may then include lifting the probe and piercer out of the cleaning device. Finally, the method may include, after lifting the probe and piercer, turning off the air system and stopping the delivery of the second liquid into the inner chamber.

The example method may include delivering a first liquid into the probe such that the first liquid passes through the probe and into a waste outlet proximate a lower end of the cleaning device. The method may then include turning on an air system of the cleaning device to pass air through the air intake and the at least one air channel into the inner chamber. The method may then include delivering a second liquid through the liquid intake and the at least one liquid channel into the inner chamber. The method may then include stopping delivery of the first liquid into the probe and lifting the probe out of the cleaning device. After lifting the probe, the method may then include turning off the air system and stopping the delivery of the second liquid into the inner chamber.

The example method may include, during the step of passing air through the air intake and the at least one air channel into the inner chamber, passing the air into the inner chamber at a vertically downward angle. During the step of passing air through the air intake and the at least one air channel into the inner chamber, the air may be passed through the at least one air channel in an air stream such that the air stream narrows as it approaches the inner chamber.

The method may include, after placing at least a part of the probe into a chamber of the cleaning device, delivering a first liquid into the probe such that the first liquid passes through the probe and into a waste outlet proximate a lower end of the cleaning device. The method may then include turning on an air system of the cleaning device to pass air through the air intake and the at least one air channel into the inner chamber. The method may then include delivering a second liquid through the liquid intake and the at least one liquid channel into the inner chamber. The method may then include stopping delivery of the first liquid into the probe and turning off the air system. Finally, the method may include stopping the delivery of the second liquid into the inner chamber and lifting the probe out of the cleaning device.

Two or more of the features described in this specification, including this summary section, may be combined to form implementations not specifically described in this specification.

So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed system pertains will more readily understand how to make and use the same, reference may be had to the following drawings.

<FIG> show an example implementation of a cleaning device <NUM> for an analyzer probe <NUM> (<FIG>). Notably, in <FIG> and <FIG>, the probe <NUM> is omitted to more clearly illustrate other features. The cleaning device <NUM> is configured to clean the analyzer probe <NUM> after the probe <NUM> has been used for sampling within an analyzer system. While the probe <NUM> is described as an analyzer probe <NUM> by way of example, it should be understood that the probe <NUM> may be any contact style probe for a fluid or sample handling system. In general, the probe <NUM> is effective when used within systems which work with any type of sample, including plasma, whole blood, urine, other bodily fluids, a non-biological sample, or others. Cleaning the probe between sampling avoids contamination of subsequently sampled materials by the previously sampled materials. Cross contamination, sometimes called carryover, can ruin on board materials and affect sampling results. Without proper cleaning, contamination can occur when switching to a new sample, and particularly when using analytical materials such as reagents, preparative materials such as diluents, and sample modifiers such as deficient plasmas. The probe <NUM> can be cleaned either by a rinse (e.g. a water rinse) and dry process, or by chemical cleaning using chemically active cleaning materials. The probe <NUM> can be dipped or sprayed with the cleaning material. If chemicals are used, a second water rinsing step may be incorporated in the cleaning process to remove the chemical. The rinsing or washing step when not using chemicals will wet the probe and then dry. This can be a passive dip or active spray and is often accompanied by washing of the internal surface of the probe <NUM>.

The example probe <NUM> shown here is seated within a piercer <NUM>, which can be used to puncture a sample container, although a probe <NUM> with no piercer <NUM> may also be used within the cleaning device <NUM>. In general, analyzer systems include robotic systems which can mechanically control the probe <NUM> to move the probe <NUM> within the system generally and guide the probe <NUM> to a location for cleaning.

In the example shown in the <FIG>, the cleaning device <NUM> includes an upper body <NUM>, which defines a cylindrical inner chamber <NUM> within which the probe <NUM> and piercer <NUM> can be cleaned. An opening <NUM> is formed within the upper end of the body <NUM>. When the probe <NUM> is ready to be cleaned, the probe <NUM> is lowered, by a control system of the cleaning device <NUM>, through the opening <NUM>, into the inner chamber <NUM> along a central axis "y". As the probe <NUM> is lowered into the inner chamber <NUM>, a foot <NUM> of the probe <NUM> acts as a guide, situating the probe <NUM> within a seat <NUM> defined by the top of the body <NUM> of the cleaning device <NUM>. The seat <NUM> engages the foot <NUM> of the probe <NUM> to assist in holding the probe <NUM> in place during cleaning. Notably, the probe <NUM> need not include a foot <NUM> in all cases.

Liquid and air are delivered into the inner chamber <NUM> to clean, e.g., rinse off and dry, the probe <NUM>. As such, the device <NUM> includes an air intake <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>), defined by a solid outer wall around an open interior, which can be in fluid communication with an air system (not shown), such as an air pump or pressurized air canister, to receive air through the interior. In some implementations, the outer wall of the air intake <NUM> is threaded to couple with a threaded nozzle <NUM> (<FIG>), by coupling the threads of the air intake <NUM> and threaded nozzle <NUM>, the threaded nozzle <NUM> in turn connecting to the air system. Other coupling mechanisms, such as rivets, clips, screws, bolts, etc., can be used to couple the nozzle <NUM> and intake <NUM>. The cleaning device <NUM> also includes a liquid intake <NUM>, defined by a solid outer wall around an open interior, which can be in fluid communication with a liquid source (not shown). The liquid source can include deionized water, or another rinsing and/or cleaning agent. Likewise, the liquid intake <NUM> is threaded to allow for coupling to a threaded nozzle <NUM>, although other couplings, e.g., such as rivets, clips, screws, bolts, etc., can be used, or alternatively, no nozzle <NUM> can be used and the intake <NUM> can be connected directly to a liquid source. As shown, the threaded nozzle <NUM> enables connection of a water line leading to the liquid source. In some implementations, the cleaning liquid and the air can be sent to the intakes <NUM>, <NUM> using one or more pumps. In other implementations, the cleaning liquid can be sent to the intake <NUM> via the force of gravity alone.

An air channel <NUM> provides an opening through the body <NUM> and into the inner chamber <NUM> (<FIG>). As will be discussed in more detail below, the air channel <NUM> extends around the entire circumference of the probe <NUM>, allowing air from the air intake <NUM> to flow into the inner chamber <NUM> and towards the probe <NUM> such that the air contacts the probe <NUM> around the entire circumference of the probe <NUM>. One or more liquid channels <NUM> (<FIG>) provide an opening (e.g. a tube shaped tunnel) through the body <NUM> to direct rinse liquid from the liquid intake <NUM> into the inner chamber <NUM> and towards the probe <NUM>. The channels <NUM>, <NUM> can be angled at a vertically downward angle, to direct liquid or air into the inner chamber <NUM> and towards the probe <NUM> at a vertically downward angle in accordance with gravity. This allows waste on the probe <NUM> to be rinsed downward, consistent with the angle of the channels <NUM>, <NUM>, such that the waste passes through a lower chamber <NUM> of a lower body <NUM> and into a waste outlet <NUM>. The waste outlet <NUM> (<FIG>) is defined by a solid wall forming an opening through which waste can pass. The waste outlet <NUM> is connected to a waste nozzle <NUM>, e.g., through threads or other mechanisms such as rivets, clips, screws, bolts, etc., for directing waste, e.g., through a waste line, out of the device <NUM> for capture and disposal. In addition to directing any waste towards the nozzle <NUM>, the lower chamber <NUM> extends the overall length of the inner chamber <NUM> such that the probe <NUM> fits within the device <NUM>.

In the example implementation of <FIG>, an air channel <NUM> extends within the body <NUM> for directing air. As best seen in <FIG>, the air channel <NUM> is formed between sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> formed by two separate surfaces of the body <NUM> separated by a distance 138a, 138b. The height of the air channel <NUM> (i.e. the distance 138a, 138b between the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>) decreases as the air channel <NUM> approaches the inner chamber <NUM>, forming a narrowing slot. More particularly, the distance 138a is greater at an end of the air channel <NUM> at the air intake <NUM>, and the distance 138b is less at an end of the air channel near the inner chamber <NUM>. This causes air passing through the air channel <NUM> to narrow into the shape of a thin curtain (e.g., a sheet or film shape) as the air is directed out of the air channel <NUM> and into the inner chamber <NUM> and onto the probe <NUM>. Forming a thin curtain of air may be particularly helpful in drying the probe <NUM> and directing the rinse liquid and waste downward toward the waste outlet <NUM>, since the narrow curtain results in a greater downward pressure on the waste, as compared to the pressure that would be applied were the air stream not narrowed. Further, to facilitate drying of the entire probe <NUM>, the air channel <NUM> extends around the entire diameter of the inner chamber <NUM>, providing air from multiple directions, e.g., all around and <NUM> degrees, around the probe <NUM>. In some implementations, the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of the air channel <NUM> extend into (see extended walls 134a, 136a of <FIG>) the inner chamber <NUM> and terminate in a narrow circumference <NUM> around the probe <NUM> (see e.g. <FIG>). This can reduce the distance the air is required to travel to reach the probe <NUM> after leaving the air channel <NUM>. Further, the extended sidewalls 134a, 136a can act a splatter shield, blocking cleaning liquid that splatters off the probe <NUM> during rinsing from exiting through the opening <NUM> of the body <NUM>. In other implementations, differently shaped channels and/or additional channels may also be used as an alternative to the channels <NUM>, <NUM> shown in the cleaning device <NUM>.

Flow arrows <NUM> in <FIG> depict an example path of air through the device <NUM>. As shown, air reaches the intake <NUM>, travels downward through the air channel <NUM>, and contacts the probe <NUM>. The air then passes downwards through the inner chamber <NUM>, towards the lower chamber <NUM> of the lower body <NUM>. The lower body <NUM> is connected to the upper body <NUM> by any mechanical means (e.g. screws) such that a separation distance <NUM> between the lower and upper bodies <NUM>, <NUM> is maintained. The separation distance <NUM> provides a path <NUM> for the air out of the cleaning device cleaning <NUM>, and prevents pressure from building up within the cleaning device <NUM> (e.g. from excessive air buildup in the lower chamber <NUM>), which could result in misting and splatter during the cleaning process. To help direct the air <NUM> along the path <NUM>, the lower body <NUM> includes interior sidewalls <NUM> above the lower chamber <NUM> and the body <NUM> includes exterior sidewalls <NUM>, which define the path <NUM>, causing the path <NUM> to initially slope upwards and away from the central axis y before extending directly upwards and parallel to a central vertical axis "y" of the device <NUM>. After extending straight upwards, the path <NUM> slopes horizontally away from the central axis y of the probe <NUM>. Further, since the path <NUM> is defined by upwardly sloped walls <NUM>, the path <NUM> can prevent rinse liquid or waste from exiting the through the path <NUM>.

Flows arrows <NUM> in <FIG> depict an example path of the rinse liquid through the device <NUM>. A pump and liquid reservoir (not shown herein) provide liquid to the liquid intake <NUM>. From the liquid intake <NUM>, the liquid flows through a number of separate liquid channels <NUM>, which can be cylindrically shaped holes through the body <NUM>, and towards the probe <NUM>. The liquid approaches the probe <NUM> at a vertically downwards angle (<FIG>). The rinse liquid strikes the probe <NUM> cleaning sample residue off the outer surface of the probe <NUM>. The liquid then passes into the lower chamber <NUM> and exits the device <NUM> through the waste outlet <NUM> (and the nozzle <NUM>, if included). Notably, in <FIG> and <FIG>, the probe <NUM> is omitted for ease of illustration of the air and water flow <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the device <NUM> may include a plurality (e.g. three, four, five, or another number) of separate liquid channels <NUM>, all individually connected to the liquid intake <NUM> for delivering liquid from the liquid intake <NUM> into the inner chamber <NUM>. In <FIG>, the example path of cleaning liquid after exiting the channels <NUM> is shown via liquid <NUM>. The separate liquid channels <NUM> can be spaced equidistant from one another around the inner circumference <NUM> (<FIG>) of the inner chamber <NUM> to cause the rinse liquid <NUM> to strike the probe <NUM> (omitted for ease of illustration of the rinse liquid <NUM>) at different sides of the probe, helping cleaning of the entire probe <NUM>. While the probe <NUM> is omitted in <FIG>, the liquid <NUM> is shown as forming a ring <NUM> at the center where the liquid <NUM> would normally strike the probe <NUM> from multiple angles. The channels <NUM> can be cylindrically shaped, forming separate tunnels to direct jets of liquid <NUM> at the probe <NUM>. This example arrangement may be effective for cleaning a probe <NUM> within the cleaning device <NUM>. However, other shapes and orientations of liquid channels <NUM> may be used, such as cuboidal shaped or triangular shaped channels <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the air channel <NUM> is positioned above the liquid channels <NUM> with along the direction of the central axis y. This arrangement can allow the air to contact the probe <NUM> location(s) above the location(s) where the rinse liquid <NUM> contacts the probe, moving the liquid <NUM> downward inside the device <NUM> and drying the probe <NUM> as the probe is lifted upwards and out of the inner chamber <NUM>. In this arrangement, the tip <NUM> of the probe <NUM> can initially be lowered into the inner chamber <NUM>, with the lower portion <NUM> of the probe <NUM> eventually being positioned below the channels <NUM>. The lower portion <NUM> of the probe <NUM>, below the liquid channels <NUM> will be rinsed by the liquid <NUM> during cleaning. In particular, once the probe <NUM> has been lowered into the chamber <NUM> (e.g. as shown in <FIG>), air and rinse liquid <NUM> can be provided through the channels <NUM>, <NUM> and the probe <NUM> can be lifted to rinse and dry the lower area <NUM> of the probe <NUM> (and piercer <NUM> if included). Further, when the probe <NUM> is within the cleaning device <NUM>, an additional rinse line can be connected through the top end <NUM> (<FIG>) of the probe <NUM> (the probe <NUM> having a tubular structure) to provide rinse liquid to the interior of the probe <NUM>. The liquid within the interior of the probe <NUM> can pass through the probe <NUM>, exiting from the tip <NUM> of the probe <NUM> and passing to the waste outlet <NUM>. As the probe <NUM> is lifted, the rinse liquid <NUM> from the liquid channels <NUM> comes into direct contact with the entire lower area <NUM> of the probe <NUM> to clean the lower area. Similarly, air from the air channel <NUM> directly contacts the probe <NUM> as it is lifted, drying the entire lower area <NUM> of the probe <NUM> just after it is cleaned with the rinse liquid <NUM>. Therefore, after the probe <NUM> is seated within the cleaning device <NUM>, the probe <NUM> can be cleaned with a simple upward movement of the probe <NUM>. This avoids the need for any further manipulation of the probe <NUM>, resulting in a simple cleaning and drying sequence which can be carried out quickly to increase or to maximize throughput of the corresponding analyzer system.

In the example of <FIG>, the upper body <NUM> of the cleaning device may be include members 160a, 160b, 160c, and 160d. The members 160a-160d can be formed separately and connected after formation, or one or more or the entire members can be formed as an integral part. A top member 160a is in the shape of a plate which forms the opening <NUM> and seat <NUM> for the probe <NUM>. The air channel <NUM> is formed between the top member 160a and a central exterior member 160c. For example, the bottom surface of the top member 160a forms one sidewall <NUM> of the air channel <NUM> (<FIG>). The opposing sidewall <NUM> of the air channel <NUM> is part of a surface of a central exterior member 160c (<FIG>). Additionally, the air intake <NUM>, the liquid intake <NUM>, and a beginning <NUM> of the liquid channels <NUM> (<FIG>) proximate the intake <NUM> can be formed in the central exterior member 160c. The remainder of each liquid channel <NUM> is formed in a central interior member 160b that is located between the central exterior member 160c and the inner chamber <NUM>. The central interior member 160b has an open center, defining the top portion of the inner chamber <NUM>. A lower member 160d located adjacent to the members 160b, 160c forms the bottom of the upper body <NUM>. An inner opening within the lower member 160d defines the bottom of the inner chamber <NUM> leading into the lower body <NUM>. The lower member 160d includes a lower protruding end <NUM> having an outer diameter <NUM> smaller than an upper inner diameter <NUM> of the body <NUM> (<FIG>). This allows the lower end <NUM> to be contained within the lower body <NUM>. The exterior sidewalls <NUM> of the lower end <NUM> define one side of the air path <NUM>, and interior sidewalls <NUM> of the lower body <NUM> form the opposing side of the air path <NUM>. The central exterior member 160c and central interior member 160b each include a flange <NUM>, <NUM>, which couple to secure the central interior member 160b between the central exterior member 160c and the lower member 160d. O-rings <NUM> are provided between adjacent members 160a, 160b, 160c to create seals therebetween (<FIG>).

<FIG> show another example implementation of a probe cleaning device <NUM>. The device <NUM> is configured similarly to the device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, except as otherwise shown and described herein. In particularly, the device <NUM> includes air channels <NUM> for directing air which are constructed or formed similar to the liquid channels <NUM> described above. The air channels <NUM> can include a plurality (e.g. three, four, five, or another number) of separate tunnels, e.g., tube shaped tunnels, which direct air from an air intake <NUM> into the inner chamber <NUM> of the device <NUM>, as indicated by air flow arrows <NUM>. The air channels <NUM> can be spaced, e.g., in equal distance, around the circumference of the inner chamber <NUM> to dry the probe <NUM> from different directions. The liquid channels <NUM> can include a plurality (e.g. three, four, five, or another number) of tunnels which are similarly formed and located, below the air channels <NUM>, to provide liquid (e.g. arrows <NUM>) to the probe <NUM> for cleaning, as liquid channels <NUM>. Waste liquid exits through the waste nozzle <NUM>, which includes an outer wall defining an opening, similar to waste nozzle <NUM>, while excess air can exit through air path <NUM> similar to air path <NUM>.

The upper body <NUM> of the cleaning device <NUM> includes two members 712a, 712b, separately formed and connected or integrally formed. Exterior member 712a defines the opening <NUM> for receiving the probe <NUM>, the intakes <NUM>, <NUM>, and parts of the upper and liquid channels <NUM>, <NUM>. Nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> connect to the intakes <NUM>, <NUM> to provide air and liquid, respectively. The interior member 712b disperses air <NUM> and liquid <NUM> from the channels <NUM>, <NUM> into the inner chamber <NUM> to contact the probe <NUM>. A cylindrical opening in the center of the inner member 712b forms the top of the inner chamber <NUM>. The lower portion of the inner chamber <NUM> is formed by a cylindrical opening in the bottom portion of the exterior member 712a. The top and bottom of the chamber <NUM> can have the same shape and size, e.g., the same diameter. The bottom portion of the exterior member 712a also forms a protruding lower end <NUM>, which defines sidewalls of the air path <NUM>. The exterior and interior members 712a, 712b can be sealed together with O-rings <NUM> on either side of both the upper and liquid channels <NUM>, <NUM>. The exterior member 712a can be rigidly connected to the lower body <NUM> by rods <NUM> in the air path <NUM> while keeping the air path open.

<FIG> shows an example probe cleaning system <NUM> for use with the example probe cleaning devices described herein. The system <NUM> includes a cleaning device <NUM>, which can include one of the cleaning devices <NUM>, <NUM> shown and described herein. The cleaning device <NUM> has an air nozzle <NUM> and liquid nozzle <NUM> which connect the cleaning device <NUM> to air and liquid lines, respectively. The air nozzle <NUM> is fed air by an air system <NUM>, which can include a pump, pressurized air canister, or other device for delivering air via a connected air line. When the air system <NUM> is turned on, air from the air system <NUM> passes to the air nozzle <NUM> and into an air intake of the cleaning device <NUM> to dry the probe <NUM> after the probe <NUM> is lowered into the cleaning device <NUM>.

A degassing module <NUM> can prepare liquid as cleaning liquid for use within the system <NUM>. Degassing can be used for precision fluids, but it should be understood that degassing, and therefore the degassing module <NUM>, are not required in all circumstances. For example, the degassing module <NUM> is not needed when the probe <NUM> is cleaned by rinsing with water. A rinse bottle <NUM> within the degassing module <NUM> (or separate, if no degassing module <NUM> is used) includes a liquid, such as deionized water. A pump <NUM> transfers liquid from the rinse bottle <NUM>, through a check valve <NUM> and to a degasser <NUM> (if included), which allows excess gas to bleed off as the liquid passes through. Some liquid can be circulated back to the rinse bottle <NUM> to create a holding loop for precision fluidics, if necessary. However, for cleaning with a water rinse, no recirculation back to the rinse bottle <NUM> is necessary. The liquid is then sufficient for use as a cleaning liquid. When the degasser <NUM> is used, some additional water evaporates and transfers thought the degassing membrane, being pulled in by the vacuum pump <NUM> to then be ejected to a waste container <NUM>.

The cleaning liquid exits the degassing module <NUM> and is split between two separate lines <NUM>, <NUM>. A pump <NUM> on the first line <NUM> is operable to direct the cleaning liquid through a check valve <NUM> and to the liquid nozzle <NUM> of the cleaning device <NUM>. A pump <NUM> on the second line <NUM> is operable to direct cleaning liquid to a syringe pump <NUM> connected to the probe <NUM>. When the probe <NUM> is placed within the cleaning device <NUM>, the syringe pump <NUM> is operable to pump cleaning liquid into the interior of the probe <NUM> for cleaning. A valve <NUM> on the probe <NUM> can be opened to allow cleaning liquid within the interior of the probe <NUM> to drain through the probe tip <NUM>. After cleaning the probe <NUM>, all cleaning liquid and any waste cleaned off the probe <NUM> passes to a waste outlet <NUM> at the bottom of the cleaning device <NUM>. A waste line <NUM> directs the liquid and waste mixture to the waste container <NUM> for storage and disposal. It is then ejected from the exit of the vacuum pump and sent to waste.

In general, the cleaning system <NUM> can remain connected until a probe is ready to be cleaned. Once the probe is ready, the syringe pump <NUM> can be connected to the probe <NUM> manually, or automatically via the robotic system of the analyzer. The robotic system of the analyzer can then move the probe <NUM> for cleaning, as described herein.

<FIG> shows operations included in an example method for cleaning a probe using a cleaning device, such as the cleaning devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> described herein. In this example, the method <NUM> relates to cleaning a probe that includes a surrounding piercer within a cleaning device. However, it should be understood that probes without piercers may also be cleaned using the systems and methods described herein. In this example, the method starts, at operation <NUM>, after the probe and piercer have been used for sampling and require cleaning. The probe and piercer (or just probe, if no piercer is included) are then lowered through the upper opening of a cleaning device, at operation <NUM>. 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 shown from valve <NUM> of <FIG>). The probe is then lowered further such that the foot of the probe is positioned within the seat of the cleaning device. Alternatively, the bypass valve can be switched on after the probe is lowered. The probe and the piercer are on independent motion axes, allowing each to independently extend from the other for cleaning. Therefore, once the foot is within the seat, the probe is extended from the piercer and into the inner chamber (e.g. inner chamber <NUM> and lower chamber <NUM> of <FIG>, for example).

At operation <NUM>, an interior rinse is performed. A pump connected to a cleaning liquid reservoir can deliver liquid to the interior of the probe for cleaning (e.g., via bypass valve <NUM> of <FIG>). The liquid rinses the interior of the probe, passing through the open bypass valve and into the inner chamber of the cleaning device. Next, an exterior rinse is performed at operation <NUM>. During the exterior rinse, a cleaning liquid is delivered from a liquid reservoir, e.g., using a pump, to the liquid intake (e.g., intake <NUM> of <FIG>) of the cleaning device, through the liquid channels (e.g., liquid channels <NUM> of <FIG>) and to the exterior of the probe and piercer for cleaning. Waste liquid running off the probe can go through the waste outlet <NUM> (e.g. <FIG>) to a waste container. In some implementations, the operations <NUM> and <NUM> can be performed, at least partially, simultaneously or the operation <NUM> can be performed before the operation <NUM>.

At operation <NUM>, an air system connected to the air intake 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 intake of the cleaning device which can be turned on to provide air. Alternatively, a transmission line connected between an air source (e.g. a pressurized air canister) and the air intake may include a valve which can be turned to an open position to allow pressured air to flow through the air intake. The air can be turned on while water rinsing is still in progress to rinse and dry simultaneously. Once the air system is turned on, air passes through the air intake (e.g., air intake <NUM> of <FIG>) into the air channel (e.g. channel <NUM> of <FIG>) of the cleaning device to the exterior of the probe to move the cleaning liquid downwards towards the waste outlet.

At operation <NUM>, the probe and piercer are then retracted out of the cleaning device and washed during the process of retraction. This can be carried out by first retracting the piercer into the foot. As the piercer is retracted, the lower region of the piercer will come in direct contact with the liquid from the exterior rinse. Further, just after contact with the cleaning liquid, the exterior will be contacted by the air jets or curtains, drying the piercer before the piercer has been completely removed from the cleaning device. The probe can then be lifted to a position just above the air and water channels, cleaning the probe as it is raised. The inner rinse is then turned off, (e.g., by closing bypass valve <NUM> of <FIG>), at operation <NUM>, stopping the delivery of the inner rinse liquid before the probe has been completely removed from the cleaning device. Once the inner rinse is turned off, the syringe bypass valve can then be closed at operation <NUM>. At operation <NUM>, the outer rinse is turned off. The probe and piercer are then removed from the cleaning device, at operation <NUM>, and the air system is turned off at operation <NUM>. Notably, in some cases, the outer rinse can be turned off (i.e. operation <NUM>), stopping the delivery of the outer rinse liquid, after removal of the probe and piercer at operation <NUM>. The probe and piercer have then been effectively cleaned and dried, and the method ends at operation <NUM>. The total time required to complete a cleaning (i.e. to rinse and dry the probe and piercer, if included) is determined on a case by case basis, depending on the carryover risk of materials. Overall, the method <NUM> allows the probe and piercer to be dried quickly by simply lowering the probe and piercer into the cleaning device, and then raising the probe and piercer directly out of the cleaning device, without the need to rotate the probe and piercer or place them in a separate device.

All orientations and arrangements of the components shown herein are used by way of example only. Further, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art that the functions of several elements may, in alternative implementations, be carried out by fewer elements or a single element. Similarly, in some implementations, any functional element may perform fewer, or different, operations than those described with respect to the illustrated implementation. Also, functional elements shown as distinct for purposes of illustration may be incorporated within other functional elements in a particular implementation.

Like reference numerals are used herein to denote like parts. Further, words denoting orientation such as "upper", "lower", "distal", and "proximate" are merely used to help describe the location of components with respect to one another. For example, an "upper" surface of a part is merely meant to describe a surface that is separate from the "lower" surface of that same part. No words denoting orientation are used to describe an absolute orientation (i.e. where an "upper" part must always at a higher elevation).

While the subject technology has been described with respect to preferred implementations, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the subject technology.

Claim 1:
A cleaning device (<NUM>) for cleaning a probe (<NUM>), comprising:
an upper body (<NUM>) defining an inner chamber (<NUM>), the upper body (<NUM>) comprising an opening (<NUM>) proximate an upper end of the cleaning device (<NUM>), the opening (<NUM>) allowing the probe (<NUM>) to enter the inner chamber (<NUM>);
an air intake (<NUM>) connected to at least one air channel (<NUM>) formed within the upper body (<NUM>), the at least one air channel (<NUM>) being configured to allow air from the air intake (<NUM>) to flow into the inner chamber (<NUM>);
a liquid intake (<NUM>) connected to at least one liquid channel (<NUM>) formed within the upper body (<NUM>), the at least one liquid channel being configured to allow liquid from the liquid intake (<NUM>) to flow into the inner chamber (<NUM>);
a waste outlet (<NUM>);
a lower body (<NUM>) mechanically connected to the upper body (<NUM>), wherein the lower body (<NUM>) is positioned between the upper body (<NUM>) and the waste outlet (<NUM>), the lower body (<NUM>) defining a lower chamber (<NUM>) around an axis; and
an air path (<NUM>) provided by a separation distance between the upper body (<NUM>) and the lower body (<NUM>) for air to exit the cleaning device.