Sample testing methods with automated cleaning
First Claim
1. A method of operating a sample testing system, the system comprising a test receptacle support structure and an optical element positioned for transmitting electromagnetic radiation emitted or reflected by a sample disposed in a test receptacle supported by the test receptacle support structure, the method comprising using an automated transport arm to:
- detachably couple a cleaning member to a working end of the transport arm, wherein the cleaning member comprises a proximal coupling element and a distal cleaning element;
move the detachably-coupled cleaning member into a position proximate to and/or contacting the optical element, such that the cleaning element thereby cleans and/or sterilizes the optical element; and
decouple the cleaning member from the working end of the transport arm.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A sample testing system includes a test receptacle support structure, an optical element positioned for transmitting electromagnetic radiation emitted or reflected by a sample disposed in a test receptacle supported by the test receptacle support structure, a cleaning member, and an automated transport arm configured to (i) detachably couple the cleaning member, (ii) move the detachably-coupled cleaning member into a position proximate to and/or contacting the optical element, and (iii) decouple the cleaning member.
26 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of operating a sample testing system, the system comprising a test receptacle support structure and an optical element positioned for transmitting electromagnetic radiation emitted or reflected by a sample disposed in a test receptacle supported by the test receptacle support structure, the method comprising using an automated transport arm to:
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detachably couple a cleaning member to a working end of the transport arm, wherein the cleaning member comprises a proximal coupling element and a distal cleaning element; move the detachably-coupled cleaning member into a position proximate to and/or contacting the optical element, such that the cleaning element thereby cleans and/or sterilizes the optical element; and decouple the cleaning member from the working end of the transport arm. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification