WASH RING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USE

• US 20120138099A1
• Filed: 02/13/2012
• Published: 06/07/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 05/11/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories Incorporated
• Inventors: Jafari, Nasser, Blecka, Lawrence, Tsai, Chris
• Granted Patent: US 8,449,687 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 134/21
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 13/02 for receptacle or instruments
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/021 Pipettes, i.e. with only one conduit for withdrawing and redistributing liquids
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 3/022 Cleaning travelling work B08B3/042 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 9/00 Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto B08B6/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/1004 Cleaning sample transfer devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 134/902 Semiconductor wafer

Abstract

Devices, including a wash ring assembly, and methods are provided for the removal of excess fluid or solids from the exterior or interior of a probe used to transfer fluids, for instance, in an automated assay device. Typically, a probe is used to aspirate and dispense a sample fluid material such as whole blood or a reagent. The devices and methods provided herein are useful for removing excess fluid from the exterior or interior of the probe so as to prevent dripping and cross-contamination between samples or reagents. It is also contemplated that, utilizing the devices and methods provided herein, washing and/or drying can be performed simultaneously as the probe is in motion, aspirating a sample and/or dispensing a sample.

Claims

1-17. -17. (canceled)

18. 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 wash ring comprising;

a top surface, a bottom surface, a side surface, an inner surface forming a bore comprising an upper portion with an opening in the top surface and a lower portion with an opening in the lower surface, an inlet port comprising an opening in the side surface and an opening in the upper bore portion; and

an outlet port comprising an opening in the side surface and an opening in the lower bore portion,

a probe assembly comprising a probe, wherein a portion of a probe to be washed is present in the bore forming a capillary between the probe and the inner surface of the bore.

adding fluid into the bore of the wash ring through the inlet port;

removing fluid by suction from the bore of the wash ring through the outlet port;

wherein the adding fluid and removing fluid steps can be performed as the probe is in motion, aspirating and/or dispensing.

19. The method according to claim 18 further comprising the following step:

guiding the vertical movement of the wash ring with a guide shaft along a longitudinal axis of the probe.