FR2474355A1 - WASHING METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CLEANING REUSABLE REACTION CONTAINERS - Google Patents

Abstract

THE INVENTION RELATES TO A WASHING DEVICE FOR CLEANING REUSABLE REACTIONAL CONTAINERS. ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION, THE CUP WASHER 10 CONTAINS PROBES 22 THAT CAN BE INTRODUCED IN REACTIONAL CONTAINERS 14 FOR WASHING AND DRYING THEM. THE INVENTION APPLIES IN PARTICULAR TO CHEMICAL ANALYZERS.

Description

The present invention relates to a system and method for

  clean the reaction fluids from a renewable feed into cuvettes or reaction vessels. More particularly, the present invention relates to the evacuation and washing of each bowl, the addition of a blank to the bowl to check its cleanliness and the removal of the white and the drying of the bowl for reuse with the sample and the fluid

  following reactions in a chemical analyzer.

  In a chemical analysis system, it is

  it is desirable to fill the cuvettes so that an agency

  endlessly the form of operation of the analyzer.

  In such analyzers, it is preferred that the cuvettes or reaction vessels be renewed without physically replacing them in the system while ensuring that the cuvettes are clean and uncontaminated by the preceding reaction fluids. Furthermore, it is preferable that these functions be processed in the smallest possible number of bowl positions so that the analyzer is free to use the remaining positions to observe the reactions of the sample fluids placed in the cuvettes. In addition, it is preferable that the cleaning and verification operations by means of a blank, are performed

  automatically to the cleaning station.

  The analyzers typically deliver sample portions to the reaction vessels, which are then monitored by measuring the absorbance of electromagnetic radiation at a particular wavelength or wavelengths by the fluids in the cuvette. The sample fluids placed in the cuvette can typically be body fluids related to a specific patient, with one or more exams

  undertaken on fluids from each patient.

  Therefore, it is extremely critical that the cuvettes that are reused be clean and free of any entrainment of previous reaction fluids that have been placed therein, usually from sample fluids.

from a different patient.

  The disadvantages of the bowl cleaning systems and techniques according to the prior art are overcome according to the present invention by providing a cleaning and examination station which discharges the spent fluids from the bowls, washes the bowls, examines the bowls to the length of the bowl. wave of the complete examination, inhibits the use of a bowl if it misses the examination or test and if it passes the test, examines the container and the white therein at a new wavelength of examination; remove the white and dry the bowl to prepare it for the new examination fluids to be introduced. The cuvettes are preferably placed in an arrangement which is sequentially moved through the cleaning and examination station to produce a substantially

  Endless cuvettes to the chemical analyzer.

  The invention will be better understood, and other purposes, features, details and advantages thereof

  will become clearer during the description

  explanatory document which will follow with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings given solely by way of example illustrating an embodiment of the invention and in which: - Figure 1 is a perspective view of the washing device according to the invention and a partial perspective view of a chemical analyzer; Figure 2 is a top plan view of a bowl washer; FIG. 2a is a top plan view of an oscillating element in the bowl washer;

  FIG. 3 is a front and plan view of

  bowl washer; FIG. 4 is a side and plan view of the bowl washer and a partial sectional view of a chemical analyzer and the bowl; Figure 5 is a rear plan view of the bowl washer; FIG. 6 is an enlarged side plan view of one of the washdown probes of cuvettes; - the probe of - the probe of - the enlarged of a washer; Figure 6a is a side view and in a washing plane of Figure 6; Figure 6b is a bottom plan view of Figure 6; Figure 7 is a side view and in plan of drying probe of a cuvette in Figure 7a is a side view and in plan Figure 7; Figure 7b is a plan view from below Figure 7; Figure 8 gives a block diagram of a cup examination arrangement in a chemical analyzer; and FIG. 9 is a hydraulic diagram of

  operations of a bowl washer embodiment.

  Referring now to FIG. 1, a device constructed in accordance with the invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The cuvette washer 10 is illustrated in use with a chemical analyzer 12 (partially shown). The analyzer 12 comprises a number of cuvettes or reaction vessels 14 which are at least partially translucent and may be separate cuvettes placed or molded in a rotor 16 of the analyzer 12. The rotor 16 may be rotated or indexed by a traditional drive mechanism (not shown) engaging a number of teeth or gears 18 on the periphery of the rotor 16. The cuvettes 14 could also be mounted in a chain type drive which, in turn,

  be advanced step by step through the positions of the washer 10.

  The washer 10 and the rotor 16 can be mounted on a

  base plate 20 of the analyzer 12.

  The cups 14 or cup positions 2474355z are identified by a separate location number 1, 2, 3 etc. to the cup position number 14 in

  the rotor or other drive such as number 120.

  Assuming that the rotor 16 is advanced in the direction indicated by the arrow "At", then the positions 1 to 5, etc. and 120 are illustrated as having passed through the bowl washer 10 and are receptive to receiving new portions of sample and reagents

  are placed for the respective examinations to perform there.

  The cuvettes 107, 108 and 109 approach just the first position in the scrubber 10 and contain spent reaction fluids to evacuate it, assuming that they have previously passed through the fluid dispensing stations (not shown) after have passed the cleanliness test in the bowl washer. Even if empty, the bowls will be washed and examined before

use them.

  The washer 10 contains a number of probes 22 during a mounting plate 24 to perform the various functions required of the washer 10. Each of the probes will be connected by appropriate connectors and connected to the required lines of supply and discharge, that can be seen schematically in Figure 9, but who

  are not more fully represented.

  As best seen in FIG. 2, the mounting plate 24 is mounted offset on a drive plate 26. However, placement of the plates 24 and 26 relative to each other n is not critical, and the plate 24 can be one with the plate S

  if you wish. The only critical point is that the line

  probes 22 is such that each probe fits simultaneously in a separate bowl 14 in the arrangement

  bowls, whether on an arch as represented

  felt on the rotor 16 or in a different alignment in another type of analyzer. The mounting plate 24 is adjustably mounted on the drive plate 26 by two screws 28. The plate-24 contains a number of slots (not shown) o fit the probes 22. The probes 22 fit into the slits of the plate 24 with possible access to the tips of the probes by a number of openings 30 in a retaining plate 32 of the probes. The connections and lines (not shown) are aligned with the openings 30 through which they pass. The retaining plate 32 is mounted on the mounting plate 24 by two screws 34. The probes 22 are captured and prevented from exiting the front of the slots by a retaining plate 36 which is mounted on one of the plates 24 or 32 by two

screw 38.

  It may be desirable to obtain a final temperature reading of the reaction fluids in the cuvettes when they reach the first position in the scrubber 10. In this case, a temperature probe 40 (best shown in FIG. T-shaped plate 42 (FIG. 2a) which has a slot 44 in which is rotatably engaged an eccentric pin 46. The eccentric pin 46 is driven by a motor 48 which is mounted at the end of the retaining plate 32. While the When the motor is operating, the temperature sensor 40 oscillates back and forth through the operation of the eccentric pin 46 engaged in the drive slot 44 of the T-shaped plate which is retained in a groove or two tracks 49 of the plate. 32 to swing

  the probe in the longitudinal direction of the bowl 14.

  The oscillation of the probe 40 overcomes any barrier

  between it and the fluids in contact with it.

  Typically, the probe will be a stainless steel probe with a thermistor sealed to it. The probe 40 will extend through two aligned slots in the plates

24 and 32.

  Referring now to Figures 1 and 3 to 5, the probes 22 and the scrubber drive assembly 10 will be better described. The drive plate 26 is mounted on two drive rods 50 and 52 which pass through

  a drive housing 54 C-shaped or throat.

  The housing 54 may be mounted on the base plate 20 or other apparatus on which the analyzer 12 is mounted, so that the probes 22 are aligned directly above

  cuvettes 14 for the operations described below.

  The housing 54 contains upper and lower plates 56 and 58. The rods 50 and 52 pass through the two upper and lower plates 56 and 58 and are urged upwardly by two biasing springs 60 and 62. The springs 60 and 62 respectively are mounted around the rods 50 and 52 between the plates 56 and 58. The rods 50 and 52 comprise a transverse drive rod or pin 64 fixed or inserted into respective openings therein. The pin 64 can be used to retain the upper parts of the springs 60 and 62. The rod or pin 64 has a drive block 66 mounted thereon.

  near its center between rods 50 and 52.

  In the block 66 is screwed or otherwise fixed a drive shaft 68 of a pneumatic or hydraulic drive cylinder 70. In use, the probes 22 are driven into respective cups 14 by the actuation of the pneumatic cylinder 70 which removes the Shaft 68, thereby driving plate 26 and probes 22 down into them. The probes 22 are used to take the temperature, evacuate, wash, insert a blank, evacuate and dry each bowl 14 before it leaves the washer 10. Referring to FIG. FIG. 3, the first position may optionally be the temperature probe 40, previously described, which measures the temperature of

any fluid in the cuvettes 14.

  One second of the probes 22 may be a washing and evacuation probe 72. This probe removes fluids that are close to its bottom or its lower part.

  with a washing fluid flowing cascading around the -

  probe to form a turbulent washing action between the probe 72 and the interior of the bowl 14. The probe 72 has essentially the same external configuration as the internal configuration of the bowl 14, but it is slightly smaller than this, to produce a scrubbing action due to water flowing from the top of the probe 72 to the bottom of the bowl or vice versa. The details of the probe and its hydraulic operation will be described by referring

Figures 6, 7 and 8.

  The number of probes 72 is not critical, the only critical point being that the previous reaction fluids are completely removed from each bowl 14 before the next sample is introduced therein so that there is no Contamination or entrainment in the trough 14. As can be seen in Figure 5, there may be only one wash and discharge probe.

  or there may be a second wash and evacuation probe

  As shown in FIG. 3, the probe 74 will produce a washing and evacuation function similar to that described with respect to the probe 72, but to the next or adjacent trough 14. Each of the probes 22 preferably performs simultaneously these operations

  respective in the separate cuvettes 14.

  The probe 74 can operate to distribute the fluids through the bottom of the probe and evacuate near its top in association with the top of the bowl 14. With this operation, when the washing cycle is completed before advancing the rotor 16 step or step to move the cuvettes 14 from a position in the direction A (Figure 1), water such as deionized water (DI) can be left while the probe 74 is removed to leave a predetermined amount of washing fluid in the bowl 14. The fluid can then be used as white in the bowl 14 for the time it takes to move it between the position

  of the probe 74 and that of a drying probe 76.

  The drying probe 76 will also preferably

  ence a configuration substantially identical to the internal configuration of the bowl 14; however, it is preferred that the drying probe 76 removes moisture

  by its bottom and therefore the bottom of the bowl 14.

  Air will flow from the outside of the bowl 14 around the probe 76 to draw all the moisture out of the bowl 14 to prepare it for the introduction of

  the next sample after leaving the washer 10.

  Examination of the blank in the cuvette 14 as it moves between the position of the last wash probe 72 or 74 and the drying probe 76 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The drying probe 76 may also be be

  alone or there may be more than one.

  The drive housing 54 may also contain two optical readers 78 and 80 mounted on a rear wall 82 of the housing 54. The optical readers 78 and 80 will preferably be conventional U-shaped readers producing a signal when the light path extends

  between the arms of the U will be interrupted. Block 66 can -

  have an L-shaped extension 84 that will move

  with the driving arm 68 to activate the readers 78 and 80.

  In the rest position, the extension will block the reader 78 to produce a signal indicating that the cuvette washer is at its upper rest position, the probes 22 being removed from the cuvettes 14, so that the analyzer 12 can advance the rotor without breaking or damaging

  the probes 22 by the transverse movement of the rotor 16.

  The extension 84 will block the light path in the optical drive 80 when the shaft 68 is completely removed, indicating that the probes 22 are at their lowest position in the cuvettes 14. This signal can be used to control the functions of the probes. 22 or can be used simply to check that the cylinder 70

works correctly.

  A washing and evacuation probe, for example

  the probe 72 is best illustrated in Figures 6, 6a and 6b.

  The probe 74 Ets atrE washing and evacuation probes will have an identical construction. The probe 72 has an upper mounting flange 86 whose width is greater than that of the upper main body 88 of the probe 72. The thickness and the width of the body 88 are substantially identical to the internal dimensions of the bowl 14, being correct. sufficiently smaller to ensure that the probe 72 can be easily inserted into and removed from the bowl 14 during operation of the washer 10. The mounting flange 86 is wider than the slot in the mounting plate 24 and the retaining plate 32. After assembly, the plate 32 can bear against the top 90 of the probe and the plate 24 will carry, by its upper surface, on a lower flange portion

  92 to fix the probe 72 in the washer 10.

  Each of the probes 22 will preferably have the mounting flange 86 so that it can be mounted in a similar manner in the scrubber 10. The probe 72 contains a lower body portion 94 whose width and thickness are slightly smaller than the crimps. the main portion 88. The main portion 88 contains a number of spacing ribs 96 extending from the main body 88 to the lower body 94. At the bottom or

  bottom of the probe 72 are other pieces of space-

  98 having the same thickness as the ribs 96. The probes 72, 74 and 76 are preferably formed of a plastics material and the ribs and other parts 96 and

  98 are molded in the form of a unitary probe.

  The probe 72 contains a number of passages, each communicating with its apex 90. A first central passage 100 extends at the center of the probe 72 from the apex 90 and opens at the bottom or bottom 102 of the probe 72. passage 100 has an upper recess 104 in which can be inserted a connector for a fluid line. The probe 72 also contains two external passages 106 and 110 pierced or molded in the probe 72 and which extend only partially. The external passages 106 and 110 terminate in a number of transverse openings 112, each passage

  opening to three sides of the probe.

  During operation of the probe 72, the external passages 106 and 110 are both connected to a source of vacuum or vacuum or a source of fluid, the passage 104 being oppositely connected to the source of fluid or the source depression or vacuum. We will first describe the operation of the probe 72 with the passage 104 connected to a source of depression and the passages 106 and 110 connected to one or more sources of washing fluid, the probe 72 will then be inserted in the bowl 14 preferably with the vacuum source connected to the passage 100 operating before arrival at the top of the bowl 14, or the source is still in operation. While the probe 72 is inserted into the bowl 14, the reaction fluids therein are sucked into the passage

from the bottom 102.

  Preferably, the probe 72 will be inserted in the bowl 14 so that the reaction fluids therein do not reach the bottom of the spacing ribs 96 and the top of the bowl will be above the openings 112. The fluid The wash can be pumped through the passages 106 and 110 to flow along the sides of the lower portion 94 between the walls of the bowl 14 and the walls of the portion 94, where it will be sucked along with the fluids. The small spacing between the body 94 and the walls of the bowl 14 provides a turbulent scrubbing action to remove all reaction fluids and foreign matter from the bowl 14.

  elsewhere, the spacers 98 have a surface area

  As a minimum, they provide a minimum surface area for fluid entrainment or contamination of the next bowl 14 where they will be inserted. The washing probe 72 may operate automatically by providing a seal or pad 114 (Fig. 5) around its top above the openings 112, which seal engages the top of the bowl 14 and automatically draws the wash fluids through them. openings 112 by the action of the vacuum source connected to the

passage 100.

  The probe 72 may also operate in the opposite mode by connecting the external passages 106 and 110 to the vacuum source and the central passage 100 to the washing fluid source. In this case, the washing fluid will pass through the passage 100 leaving the bottom 102 and up along the walls of the portion 94 to exit through the openings 112 to the vacuum source or vacuum pump connected thereto. This operation will preferably be performed with the second wash and sweep probe 74, which together with seal 114 will automatically leave the wash fluid portion.

  of white in the bowl 14 when removed.

  The white will be left as soon as the seal is broken because the fluid stops flowing along the passage 100, but there will be a certain amount that will be left because the fluid is discharged through the openings or orifices

higher 112.

  Referring now to FIGS. 7, 7a and 7b, the details of the drying probe 76 will be described. The probe 76 is formed in a manner analogous to the washing probe 72 and the same numbering will be used to describe similar elements. of the probe 76. The probe 76 has the spacing ribs 96 extending from its upper body portion 88 to its smaller body bottom portion 94. The portion 94 does not exhibit the spacers 98 The probe 76 also does not contain the sealing pad 114 and the passage 100 is connected only to the vacuum source to evacuate the white of the bowl 14 as well as to dry the bowl before insertion.

of the next sample fluid.

  Each of the probes 22 may be somewhat flexibly mounted in the washer 10 by inserting a flexible mounting pad 116 (FIG. 4) between the vertices

  probes and the bottom or bottom of the retaining plate 32.

  On the other hand, although plate 32 has been illustrated as a one-piece plate, one or more of the positions may be on separate parts or plates

  adjustable to facilitate the alignment of individual probes

  dual 72, 74 and 76 so that they are easily

  inserted and removed from the respective cuvettes 14.

  Referring now to FIG. 8, it shows, in block diagram form, the photometric control and examination circuit. The chemical analyzer 12 will typically contain a control or command 118 that can determine whether the bowl 14 is clean, that there is a bowl placed at the position, that the bowl is not broken or that the light path through it is is not otherwise obscured. As previously described, the cups 14 form a light path through at least

  a translucent lower part of each of them.

  A light source 122 may form a light beam 124 that passes through the cup 14 and any fluid therein, each of which absorbs a portion of the light resulting in a transmitted light beam 126 detectable by a detector 128. detector 128 produces a signal indicating the intensity of the light received from the beam 126, this signal then being applied by a

line 130 to the control 118.

  The transmitted light beam 126 may pass through a filter or filter arrangement 132 allowing only the wavelength of interest to be received by the detector 128. In use, the analyzer 12 will read each of the bowl positions. . 1 to 120 as empty as with

  white as deionized water and memorize each -

  values received by the control 118 for the respective cup positions in a memory 134. The analyzer 12 thus has a normal value for each cup 14 and each of the positions 1 to 120 stored in the memory 134. Each of the cuvettes in the positions 1 at 120 is examined and the value is stored because each of the cuvettes,

  it is molded or separated from the rotor 16 has -

  slightly different physical characteristics, different alignments in the rotor 16, different optical paths between the light source 122 and the detector 128 and different integration or measurement windows in the detector 128. Thus, in use, with reference in FIG. 3, a bowl such as that at position 109 will arrive at dish 10. In the first cycle or step, the bowl at position 109 will be moved to align with temperature probe 40, if used . The cylinder 70 will be activated and the probes inserted into their respective cuvette with the probe 40 inserted in the cuvette 109 to measure the temperature

  reaction fluids in the cuvette if there are any.

  At the end of this cycle or step, the operation of the cylinder 70 is stopped and is vented, allowing the springs 60 and 62 to drive the plate 26 and the probes 22 upwards out of the cups 14 or the cylinder 70 itself can be used to return the probes 22 to their upper position. The rotor 16 is then advanced by one position and the washing probe 72 is inserted into the bowl at the position 109 to evacuate the reaction fluids and wash the bowl with the deionized water to completely remove the reaction fluids from its internal surfaces, so that the bowl 14 can

  again be used for the next sample fluid.

  In the next step, the probe 74 is inserted, assuming it is used, and the bowl 14 is still washed until the end of this cycle, where a quantity of wash water can be left in the bowl. at position 109 to serve as white. A separate white insertion tubing may also be used. In the steps or cycles between the probe 74 and the probe 76, the detector 128 produces a signal on the line 130 which is then compared by the control 118 in a block or comparator 136, to determine whether the bowl at the position 109 is as can be determined from the stored value for this cup position in the memory 134. The measured value and the stored value can be the same or within predetermined limits for the cup position 109 to pass the examination. of cleanliness. The filter 132 or the filter arrangement can be changed while the bowl 14 is advanced from one position to another or a certain number of

  number of light sources that can be rotated inde-

  pendamingsirbrotor 16 at a different rate of advance thereof to form a number of detectors each having different filters to obtain signals at different wavelengths of interest from each dish position. If the cuvette at position 109 passes the cleanliness check comparison between the value after washing and the previously stored value at that wavelength, the cuvette at position 109 is evacuated by the drying probe 76. The cuvette can then receive a new fluid sample at the

  insertion position of the analyzer sample 12.

  The cycle will then be repeated the next time the bowl at position 109 reaches the washer 10. The cuvettes are

  evacuated whether they pass the cleanliness exam or not. If, however, the bowl at position 109 does not pass the examination of

  cleanliness, this is noted by the control 118 and the analyzer 12 can not introduce sample fluid. There are many reasons why the bowl may not pass the clean examination to a passage through the scrubber 10, but it will then pass the cleanliness exam to the next pass in the scrubber 10 and therefore will be able to The detector 128 may not transmit the correct signal, the bowl may not be well washed, the light path itself may be momentarily blocked, causing the test to be missed at the bowl, may it can pass the examination the next time after passing through the washer 10. Preferably, each bowl will be examined at a number of wavelengths by one or more detectors 128 and the wavelength of the examination It has just been completed that the wavelength of the sample fluid and the subsequent examination to be placed in the cuvette by the analyzer 12 will be checked. This new wavelength of e-amen pa têe ieioea.u point in the memory 134 each time it is taken or it can also be compared atv test result at this stored wavelength. By examining the cuvettes 14 several times, between the washing probe and the drying probe, transient errors can be eliminated. The fluid circuit for a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 9. The washing fluid and the blank may be

  the deionized water provided in a container or source 138-.

  The vacuum or vacuum is obtained by a bellows pump or other fast pump 140. The washing source 138 is connected by a line 141 to two lines 142 and 144 respectively connected to the passages 106 and 110 in the washing probe 72. washing source 138 is also connected by a single line 146 to passage 100 in the wash and white probe 74. Each of the lines is connected by a valve 148 to ensure that the fluid does not flow.

will not return to source 138.

  The passage 100 of the probe 72 is connected to the pump 140 by a line 150. The passages 106 and 110 of the probe 74 are respectively connected to the pump 140 by two lines 152 and 154. The only passage 100 in the probe

  dryer 76 is connected to the pump 140 by a line 156.

  The probes 72 and 74 comprise the sealing pad 114 which closes the probes 72 and 74 in their respective cups 14 in the positions 108 and 109 when they are driven into the cups 14 by the plate.

  mounting or platform 24 and the pneumatic cylinder 70.

  The drying probe 76 does not have a seal and each cup 14 may have upwardly inclined upper edges 158, facilitating insertion of the probes. In this system, the deionized water source 138 is connected to the probes 70 and 72 and the vacuum or drain pump 140 is connected to each of the probes and is turned on so that vacuum or vacuum is maintained in each of the probes. lines 150, 152, 154 and 156 at any time. The fluids removed by these lines are pumped by the pump 140 to

a purge or drain 160.

  This embodiment allows automatic operation of the scrubber 10, because while the probes are inserted into the respective cuvettes 14 at positions 108, 109 and 113, the fluids therein are immediately sucked by the lines of depression when contact with the fluids in the cuvettes through the respective openings of the passages. While the probes 72 and 74 lie in the cuvettes at the positions 108 and 109, the buffers 114 close off the tops of the cuvettes and the pump 140 then draws the deionized wash water through the valves 148 and the respective lines.

  washing to wash cuvettes at positions 108 and 109.

  The probe 76 does not have a sealing pad and produces a rapid flow of air around its sides to draw all the moisture from the bowl to position 113 to dry. The vacuum source 140 will also draw the wash water around the sides of the probes 72 and 74 to form a confined sheath flow very precisely between the probe and the walls of the bowl, which will turbulently pass between them to scour the bowls. . The vacuum or vacuum created by the pads 114 could also be used to operate a pump to pump wash fluid through the fluid circuit. The wash pump 72 will essentially drain the bowl completely at position 108 with the pad 114 removed to break the seal, since the vacuum will be applied to the bottom 102 of the probe. The probe 74S at the same time brings fluid to the bottom of the probe through the passage 100 and withdraws through the orifices 112 passages 106 and 110 spaced above

  from its bottom. Probe 74 will therefore automatically leave

  only a small predetermined amount of fluid that can serve as a blank in the bowl at the position 109 when the seal 114 will be interrupted during its withdrawal

of the bowl.

  Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown which has been given by way of example. In particular, it includes all the means constituting technical equivalents of the means described and their combinations if they are executed according to its spirit and implemented.

  in the context of protection as claimed.

Claims (25)

R E V E N D I C A T I 0 N S   1. Washing process for cleaning reusable reaction containers, each having an open top and a closed bottom, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: A. Evacuate and wash a container in a cleaning station; B. Distribute a blank in said container; C. Examine the optical characteristics of said blank and said container at the last examination wavelength; D. Comparing the results of said examination to predetermined limits based on the results of the last examination at said examination wavelength on said container in said cleaning station; and E. i. if the examination has not passed, inhibit the use of said bowl at least until it is cleaned again or ii. if it passes the comparison test, check the optical characteristics of said blank and said container at a new test wavelength; and F. Remove the white and dry the container reaction for the next examination.   2. A process according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: evacuate and wash each container in a first washing position in the aforementioned washing station; and evacuate, wash and distribute the aforementioned white in each container in a second washing position at said cleaning station.   3. A process according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: inserting a washing probe in the aforementioned container, having substantially the same external configuration as the internal configuration of said container being very closely spaced from the walls of said container; causing a turbulent flow of wash water between the walls of said probe and the inner walls of said container; discharging said wash water and any remaining reaction fluid into said vessel and dispensing a blank by removing said probe and leaving a certain amount of wash water   serve as white in said container.   4. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises inserting and sealing a washing probe in the aforementioned container to evacuate and automatically wash said container and remove said seal las3I. washing to automatically distribute said white in said container.   5. A process according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises taking the temperature of any reaction fluid in said container before evacuate it and wash it.   6. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that it consists in taking the temperature by inserting a temperature probe into the aforementioned container and by oscillating said probe to overcome the thermal barriers between it and the fluids in contact with it. ; 7.Procédé according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists in washing the aforesaid container by causing a turbulent flow of washing water in at least one confined stream sheath very closely spaced internal walls of said container in a closed path from the proximity of one end of said container to the other. 8. A process according to claim 1, characterized   in that it comprises an arrangement of reaction vessels   and it consists of: evacuating, washing and distributing a blank in each container at a first washing position in the aforementioned washing station; examine each container in an examination position; remove the white and dry each container in a drying position and pass each container in sequence through each of said positions.   9. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises: inserting a washing probe into each container at the first washing position, having substantially the same external configuration as the internal configuration of said reaction vessel being very few spaced from the walls of said container; causing a turbulent flow of wash water between the walls of said probe and the internal walls of said container; evacuating said wash water and any remaining reaction fluid in said container; and dispensing a blank by removing said probe and leaving a certain amount of wash water serve as white.   10.- Method according to claim 9, characterized in that it consists in closing the aforementioned washing probe in the aforementioned container when it is inserted therein, to automatically evacuate and wash said container and remove said seal to automatically distribute said white in said container.   11. A process according to claim 8, characterized in that it consits to: -   evacuate and wash each container in the first washing position; and evacuate, wash and distribute the aforementioned white in each container to a second washing position in the cleaning station.   12. The process according to claim 11, characterized   in that it consists in: inserting a first washing probe into each   container at the first washing position, having   the same external configuration as the internal configuration of said container and very little spaced from the walls of said container; causing a turbulent flow of wash water between the walls of said first probe and the inner walls of said vessel from the top of said vessel to its bottom; discharging said wash water and any remaining reaction fluid from the bottom of said vessel; inserting a second washing probe into each of said containers at the second washing position, having   substantially the same external configuration as the   internal of said reaction vessel and very closely spaced from the walls of said container; causing a turbulent flow of wash water between the walls of said second probe and the inner walls of said vessel, from the bottom of said vessel to its top; discharging said wash water and any remaining reaction fluid from the top of said vessel; and dispensing a blank by removing said second probe and leaving a certain amount of wash water   which can serve as white in said container.   13. A process according to claim 12, characterized in that it consists in: closing the aforesaid probe area in each container when it is inserted therein, to evacuate and automatically wash said container; and seal the aforementioned probe octopus in each container   when it is inserted there to evacuate and wash automatically   said container and remove said second probe to automatically dispense the aforementioned white into said container.   14. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises inserting a drying probe in each container to a drying position, having substantially the same external configuration as the internal configuration of said reaction vessel and very closely spaced walls said container, and to remove the white through the bottom of said probe. 15. Washing device for cleaning reusable reaction containers, each having an open top and a closed bottom, characterized in that it comprises: A. means (72) for evacuating and washing a container (14) in a station of cleaning; B. means (74) for dispensing a blank into said container;   C. a means (78,80) to examine the characteristics   optical displays of said blank and said container at the last examination wavelength; D. means (136) for comparing the results of said examination to predetermined limits based on the results of the last examination at said examination wavelength on said container in said cleaning station; and E. a control means (11e) for i. if said comparison test is missed, inhibiting the use of said bowl at least until it is cleaned again and ii. if said comparison test is passed, examining the optical characteristics of said blank and said container at a new test wavelength; and F. means (76) for removing the white and drying   said reaction vessel for the new examination.   16.- Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the aforesaid evacuation and washing means comprises: first means (72) for evacuating and washing each container at a first washing position in said cleaning station; and second means (74) for evacuating, washing and dispensing the aforementioned blank in each container to a second washing position in said station. cleaning (10).   17.- Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the aforesaid means of evacuation and washing comprises: means (70) for inserting a washing probe means in the aforesaid container, said probe means having substantially the same external wall configuration than the internal configuration of said reaction vessel, and means for making the walls of said probe means of the walls of said vessel very narrowly spaced; means (112) for causing a turbulent flow of wash water between the walls of said probe means and the inner walls of said vessel; means (140) for discharging wash water and any remaining reaction fluid from the container; and means (138) for dispensing a blank by removing said probe means and leaving a   some amount of wash water that can be used as white.   18.- Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the aforesaid means of evacuation and washing comprises means for inserting and sealing a washing probe means in the aforementioned container for discharging and washing said container automatically and a means for removing said sealing means to automatically dispense the aforementioned blank into said container.   - 19.- Device according to claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises means (40) for taking the temperature of any reaction fluid   in the aforementioned container before evacuating it and washing it.   Device according to claim 19, characterized in that said means for taking the temperature comprises means (42) for inserting said temperature probe means into said container; and means (46, 48) for oscillating said probe means to overcome barriers   between him and the fluids in contact with him.   21.- Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the aforesaid means of evacuation and washing comprises means for washing the aforesaid container by causing a turbulent flow of washing water in at least one flow confined in sheath very little spaced from the inner walls of said container in a closed path to the proximity of a said receding eedrt to the other 22.- Device according to claim 21, characterized in that the aforesaid washing means comprises a probe means (72, 74) biased in the rest position above said container, said   probe means having substantially the same configuration   external wall configuration that the inner wall configuration of said container and can adapt to it; and means (70) for overcoming said biasing for inserting said probe means into said container, said probe means having a means for its walls to be spaced very closely from the inner walls said container.   23.- Device according to claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises an arrangement of reaction vessels (14) o:   the aforementioned means for evacuating, washing and distributing   pouring a blank in each container is placed at a first washing position in said cleaning station; the aforementioned means for examining each container is placed in an examination position; the aforesaid means for removing the white and drying each container is placed in a drying position; and with a means for passing each container through   sequence through each of said positions.   Device according to claim 23, characterized in that the aforesaid means for evacuation and washing comprises: means for inserting a washing probe means into each container at the first washing position, said probe means having substantially the same external wall configuration as the inner wall of said reaction vessel and means for spacing said inner means substantially from said vessel; means for causing a turbulent flow of wash water between the walls of said probe means and the inner walls of said vessel; means for discharging said wash water and any remaining reaction fluid from said container; and means for dispensing a blank by removing said probe means and leaving some   amount of wash water that can be used as white.   Device according to claim 24, characterized in that it further comprises means (114) for sealing the washing probe means in said container when inserted therein, for automatically discharging and washing said container and a means for removing said sealing means for dispensing   automatically the aforementioned white in said container.   26.- Device according to claim 23, characterized in that the aforementioned means of evacuation and washing comprises: a first means for evacuating and washing each container in the first washing position; and second means for evacuating, washing and dispensing the aforementioned white in each container to a second   washing position in said cleaning station.   Device according to claim 26, characterized in that the first aforementioned means comprises means for inserting a first washing probe means into each container in the first first washing position, said probe means   having substantially the same outer wall configuration.   that the inner wall configuration of said reaction vessel and being very closely spaced from said inner wall, means for causing a turbulent flow of wash water between the walls of said first probe means and the inner walls of said vessel from the top of said container to its bottom, a means for discharging the wash water and any remaining reaction fluid from the bottom of said container; and in that said second probe means comprises means for inserting a second washing probe means into each container at the second washing position, said probe means having substantially the same external wall configuration as the internal configuration of said container reaction and being very closely spaced, means for causing a turbulent flow of wash water between the walls of said second probe means and the inner walls of said vessel from the bottom of said vessel to its top, means for discharging said washing water and any remaining reaction fluid from the top of said vessel, and means for dispensing a blank by removing said second probe means and leaving a   some amount of wash water that can be used as white.   28.- Device according to claim 27, characterized in that it further comprises: means for closing said first probe means in each said container when inserted therein to automatically discharge and wash said container; and means for closing said second probe means in each container when inserted therein for automatically discharging and washing said container and for removing said sealing means for dispensing   automatically the aforementioned white in said container.   Device according to claim 28, characterized in that it further comprises: means for inserting a drying probe means into each container at a drying position, said probe means having substantially the same external wall configuration that the internal wall configuration of the reaction vessel and can adapt very precisely against the inner walls of said container, with a means for removing the white by the bottom of said means forming probe.   30.- Device according to claim 29, characterized in that each of the aforementioned means for insertion comprises a drive means (36, 54) biased above the aforementioned containers with the first and second washing probe means mentioned above and the means wherein said drive means is mounted for reciprocal movement of said probe means in and out of said containers in tandem and spaced apart from each other.