Patent ID: 8894949

Claim:
A clog detection device for an analyzer comprising: a suction nozzle, having a nozzle electrode associated therewith, that is configured for sucking liquid in a vessel; a pipe connecting to the suction nozzle to a discard vessel; a first electrode coupled to the pipe; a second electrode coupled to the pipe and disposed in between the nozzle electrode and the first electrode; a detecting unit coupled to the suction nozzle, the first electrode, and the second electrode, wherein the detecting unit is programmed to (i) detect an output signal between the first electrode and the second electrode, between the suction nozzle and the second electrode, or between the suction nozzle and the first electrode; (ii) compare the output signal to a threshold value; and (iii) output the difference between the output signal and the threshold value over time to a determination unit coupled to the detecting unit; and the determination unit, wherein the determination unit is programmed to (i) set a predetermined time difference threshold value; and (ii) determine that the suction nozzle is clogged when a time difference between a time, at which the output signal value exceeds the threshold value when the suction nozzle is not clogged, and a time, at which the output signal value exceeds the threshold value at the time of determination, is not less than the predetermined time difference threshold value.