US5133373A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for cleaning reagent delivery probes
Assignee: Akzo NV
•
Filing: 1991-08-22
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Granted: 1992-07-28
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Expires: 2011-08-22
Abstract
Abstract A cleaning apparatus for cleaning delivery probes used for dispensing protein-containing reagents. The apparatus includes: a bath of a cleaning solution for a protein-containing reagent; a device for lowering the probe into the cleaning solution for aspirating cleaning solution into the probe and for coating the outside of the probe; a device for raising the probe from the cleaning solution; a device for forcing primer liquid through the probe for expelling aspirated cleaning solution followed by primer liquid from the probe for washing the inside of the probe; and a device for deflecting cleaning solution and primer liquid expelled from the probe onto the outside of the probe for washing the outside of the probe.
Inventors
- 👤 Julie F. Hoffman
- 👤 Lionel E. Jones
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 03:50
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N35/00; G01N35/10; G01N35/1004; B; B01; B01L; B01L13/00; B01L13/02; B01L3/00; B01L3/02; B01L3/021; G01N35/1081; G01N35/1083
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
A cleaning apparatus for a hollow delivery probe which is repeatedly used in an automatic system for dispensing protein-containing reagents, comprising: a bath of a cleaning solution for a protein-containing reagent; means for immersing the probe into said cleaning solution for introducing cleaning solution into the probe and for coating the outside of the probe; means for withdrawing the probe from said cleaning solution; means for expelling cleaning solution from the probe; and means disposed below the probe for deflecting cleaning solution expelled from the probe onto the outside of the probe for washing the outside of the probe.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
99 words
A cleaning apparatus for a hollow delivery probe which is repeatedly used in an automatic system for dispensing protein-containing reagents, comprising: a bath of a cleaning solution for a protein-containing reagent; means for immersing the probe into said cleaning solution for introducing cleaning solution into the probe and for coating the outside of the probe; means for withdrawing the probe from said cleaning solution; means for expelling cleaning solution from the probe; and means disposed below the probe for deflecting cleaning solution expelled from the probe onto the outside of the probe for washing the outside of the probe.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cleaning solution comprises bleach.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cleaning solution comprises about 10% bleach.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for expelling cleaning solution from the probe includes means for introducing into and expelling from the probe a primer liquid.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 4, wherein about 10 μl of primer liquid is introduced into said probe for every 1 μl of bleach introduced into said probe.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said primer liquid comprises water.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said deflection means comprises a body including a recess therein having walls which surround the probe when the probe is lowered into said recess.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
115 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a container for enclosing said bath and housing said deflection means, said container including a top located above said cleaning solution, said top defining an opening for allowing the probe to be immersed into said cleaning solution, said container including means defining an inverted frustoconical passage disposed in said cleaning solution and communicating with said opening, wherein said deflection means comprises a ball which floats on said cleaning solution for closing said opening, said ball being constrained by said frustoconical passage means and being downwardly displaceable by the probe when the probe is immersed into said cleaning solution to allow cleaning solution to be introduced into the probe.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes means for expelling excess reagent from the probe prior to immersing the probe into said cleaning solution.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bath of cleaning solution is located at a first position and said deflection means is located at a second position and said apparatus further comprises means for moving the probe between said first and second positions.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a receptacle for receiving waste cleaning solution deflected by said deflection means and means for draining waste cleaning solution from said receptacle means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-07-28 | 1996-01-27 | 1996-07-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-07-28 | 2000-01-27 | 2000-07-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-07-28 | 2004-01-27 | 2004-07-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |