Patent ID: 7861607

Claim:
An automated sampling device incorporated within a rinse station, comprising: an automated sampling device for assaying and processing samples, the automated sampling device including a sample probe, the automated sampling device including a plurality of sample arm assemblies, each of the plurality of sample arm assemblies including a sample probe a pressurized fluid station disposed within the automated sampling device for removal of blockages from at least one of the sample probes of the plurality of sample arm assemblies, the pressurized fluid station constantly pressurized to increase the flow of a rinsing solution above a self-aspiration rate, the pressurized fluid station including a vessel for receiving at least one of the sample probes of the plurality of sample arm assemblies, the vessel including inner contoured walls substantially narrowing from a wider top region to a narrower lower region, the narrower lower region forming a seal around the sample probe, the seal making contact with the sample probe, the seal having a diameter less than the diameter of the sample probe; and a delivery system coupled to the vessel configured to deliver a pressurized fluid to the sample probe while the sample probe is disposed within the vessel, wherein the arrangement of the automated sampling device with the pressurized fluid station allows for removal of sample blockage from the automated sampling device sample probe as well as high speed rinsing of the sample probe in between analyses.