초록 ▼

Method of and apparatus for handling a microsample comprising a probe for aspirating a sample and a cleaning mechanism having a passageway within which the probe is movable. The passageway has a cleaning chamber having opposite ends, one end being open to the atmosphere and proximate the sample. The

Method of and apparatus for handling a microsample comprising a probe for aspirating a sample and a cleaning mechanism having a passageway within which the probe is movable. The passageway has a cleaning chamber having opposite ends, one end being open to the atmosphere and proximate the sample. The cleaning mechanism further includes a fluid directing means and two vacuum applying means, the vacuum applying means being disposed at opposite ends of the chamber and the fluid directing means being disposed between them. During a cleaning mode the fluid directing means directs a wash fluid against the probe and the vacuum applying means removes the wash fluid, prevents exiting of the wash fluid and drys the probe, the later two by permitting gas from the atmosphere to flow into the cleaning chamber.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of cleaning a fluid probe means, having a probe tip, within a cleaning chamber of a cleaning station, said cleaning chamber having a first, open end and a second end, and a plurality of cleaning ports, comprising: moving said probe means to be cleaned into said cleaning chamber, and externa

A method of cleaning a fluid probe means, having a probe tip, within a cleaning chamber of a cleaning station, said cleaning chamber having a first, open end and a second end, and a plurality of cleaning ports, comprising: moving said probe means to be cleaned into said cleaning chamber, and externally: directing a flow of washing fluid against said probe means while said probe tip extends beyond the open end of said cleaning chamber, drawing said flow of washing fluid past said probe means, and drawing a flow of gas from the atmosphere past said probe tip when said probe tip is within said cleaning chamber.