GB657574A - Improvements in washing apparatus for pipettes or similar tubular articles - Google Patents

Abstract

657,574. Washing pipettes. WEISKOPF, E. C. Dec. 14, 1948, No. 32344. [Class 138(i)] Relates to a washing apparatus for pipettes or similar tubular articles comprising a liquid container provided with a liquid inlet and a plurality of liquid outlets, siphons being connected to the outlets for periodically discharging liquid from the container. A container 10, preferably cylindrical, housed within a jacket 42, has a liquid inlet 16, Fig. 2, and a plurality of liquid outlets 18. The outlets, which are located at the same level in the container, are of the same size and are larger than the inlet. Each outlet is connected to a siphon 20, each siphon being identical in size and discharging into a common outlet 26. The U-bends 30 of the siphons are connected by an equalizing tube 28 which is connected by a tube 32 to an opening 40 in the container situated above the level of the outlets 18. Pipettes P to be washed are carried, in a substantially vertical position in a rack 53, Fig. 2, comprising a bottom 54 which is formed of wire mesh or is otherwise perforated, side members 56 to which are secured rings 62 and a handle 60, which rack is insertable into the container. In operation liquid may be permitted to flow continuously through the inlet 16. When the level of the liquid in the container reaches a level above the U-bends, the liquid automatically flows out of the container, the tubes 28 and 32 causing the siphons 20 to act in unison. When the liquid level falls to the level of the opening 40 the siphons cease to function, the container is then refilled and the operation repeated. The discharge period is quicker than the filling period since the outlets 18 are larger than the inlet 16. During both periods the liquid flows through the pipettes and also around them.