Patent ID: 7808642

Claim:
An optical measurement system with ultrasonically cleaned components, said system comprising: a cuvette defining an interior for holding a test sample, the cuvette having a first portion adapted and configured to engage a flow head and a second portion that is at least partially transparent; a flow head having a body defining a cap portion selectively engaged to the first portion for enclosing the interior of the cuvette, the flow head being adapted to direct the test sample into and out of the cuvette; an ultrasonic transducer permanently fastened to the cuvette, said transducer including material that vibrates when a selected voltage is applied to said transducer; a connector for establishing electrical contact with said transducer; and an ultrasonic control circuit for delivering an electrical signal with the selected voltage through said connector to said transducer such that said transducer vibrates to dislodge particulate matter from the at least partially transparent second portion of the cuvette and prevent particulate matter from collecting on the at least partially transparent second portion of the cuvette.