METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CLEANING THE SAMPLE DELIVERY STYLUSOF MICROPROCESSOR CONTROLLED SPIRAL PLATERS

摘要

A method and apparatus for cleaning the sample delivery stylus tubing of spiral platers to prevent the carry over of disinfectants or microbes to succeeding samples by maintaining working levels of liquids (20) in the containers (17) to within prescribed limits so as to assure the cleaning of the stylus (11) relative to a defined depth of immersion in the preceding cleaning or sample intake station. Containers are marked to identify the minimum required and maximum allowable levels (18 and 19), providing the bas is for the timing and amount of liquid to be replenished. To minimize the frequency of replenishments, a digital (microprocessor implemented) control is used to avoid the use of excess liquids, beyond that needed to assure effective cleaning.