Patent ID: 8449687

Claim:
A method for cleaning a probe in a robotic aspiration and dispensing system as the probe is in motion, aspirating and/or dispensing, the method comprising: providing a robotic aspiration and dispensing system comprising a probe and a wash ring, the wash ring comprising: a top surface, a bottom surface, an outer side surface, an inner surface forming a bore comprising an inner diameter, a long axis, an upper portion with an opening in the top surface and a lower portion with an opening in the bottom surface, an inlet comprising an opening in the top surface, bottom surface or outer side surface and an opening in the upper bore portion; and an outlet comprising an opening in the top surface, bottom surface or outer side surface and an opening in the lower bore portion, wherein the inner diameter of the bore is adapted to receive the probe such that when the probe is present in the bore, a space is formed between the exterior surface of the probe and the inner surface forming the bore, wherein the width of the space between the exterior surface of the probe and inner surface forming the bore is about 0.008 inches to about 0.12 inches, wherein the diameter of the outlet opening in the lower bore portion is larger than the diameter of the inlet opening in the upper bore portion, and wherein the bore is cylindrical between the inlet opening in the upper bore portion and outlet opening in the lower bore portion; wherein a portion of the probe to be washed is present in the bore forming the space between the probe and the inner surface of the bore, adding fluid into the bore of the wash ring through the inlet; removing fluid by suction from the bore of the wash ring through the outlet; wherein the adding fluid and removing fluid steps can be performed as the probe is in motion, aspirating and/or dispensing.