JPH0210371B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates primarily to a backwash device that utilizes vessels, valves and connecting conduits for mixing and/or diluting fluids for purposes of measuring and testing the fluid.

More particularly, the present invention is advantageous in conjunction with automatic analyzers of the type described in U.S. Pat. used for.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,976,429 discloses a dispensing cylinder and valve for directing diluent to a sampling valve used to dilute from a source as a backwash and then to a sampler in the form of an aspirator tube introduced into the fluid. A backwash system comprising a device was proposed and a container was provided to receive the backwash fluid. A device was provided to aspirate backwash fluid to waste. Only if the diluent was to be dispensed as a backwash, the container and aspirator tube were placed in the container, one relative to the other, to accommodate the backwash. The aspirator tube and one of the collection containers were returned to a so-called normal state with respect to the other by moving the tube relative to the collection container or moving the collection container relative to the tube. Appropriate controls were used to ensure that backwashing occurred only when the pipes and vessels were in a relative relationship to accept backwashing.

One construction of the device, described in the last-mentioned US patent, has a receiving vessel in the form of a hollow, separate vessel with an inlet opening in one wall. The container was pivoted for selectively controlled rotation about an axis passing through its corners. A gear was provided to pivot the container about the mounting axis to align the inlet opening with the aspirator tube so that the redirected diluent was dispensed from the aspirator tube to the inlet opening. Backflow diluent received in the collection container was removed from the container by applying a vacuum to the container and directed by piping to a waste container spaced from the apparatus.

Some problems were encountered while using the above backwash system. One problem is manipulating the vessel from a quiescent condition to a backwash acceptance condition. Although the inlet opening of the container had to be located near the delivery end of the aspirator tube, the inlet opening of the container and the delivery end of the aspirator tube were disjoint.
Some liquid scattering therefore occurs during delivery. Not only may some portion of the pumped fluid be lost, but there is also an annular contamination problem. This is particularly disadvantageous when the contents contain potentially corrosive infectious diseases or chemically active fluids, such as hepatitis-causing organisms.

In the last-mentioned patent, only a vacuum is used to draw backflow from a container or collection container and direct it to a waste container. and providing a device for achieving a sealed connection between the delivery end of the probe and the container and the delivery end of the aspirator tube;
It is important that means are provided to ensure that backwashing can only occur if a sealing connection is made between the backwash fluid and the device provided for receiving the residual material displaced by the backwash fluid.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a backwashing device that is operatively connected to a fluid transfer system to separate a precise volume of a fluid sample in a first state and to add a predetermined amount of diluent to the separated sample in a second state. a control valve for mixing and supplying the sample to the test location; and a probe for inserting into the fluidic sample source to receive the sample.
an aspirate system for drawing a fluid sample from a fluid sample source in one direction to a probe, a conduit system for moving fluid in the transfer system, a pump, a liquid diluent source, the diluent source, the pump, A conduit connecting the control valve and the probe, and a receiving container arranged to receive a diluent delivered as a cleaning solution from the probe, the receiving container and the probe being relatively movable, and the receiving container and the probe being movable relative to each other. The diluent from the diluent source is used as a backwash liquid only when it is determined that the receiving vessel is located in suitable conditions to allow the liquid to flow without leaking during draining into the receiving vessel. a control mechanism for actuating a pump to direct the valve and probe along a passageway through which the probe is evacuated, but in a direction opposite to the one direction for evacuation from the probe; The first stage of movement from the offset state to the second state where the inlet of the probe and the liquid delivery end are coaxially aligned with the inlet of the receiving container, and then the backwashing liquid is discharged from the probe and the probe is moved. a second stage of movement to a third state in which a bonded communication relationship is achieved between the delivery end of the probe and the inlet of the receiving vessel such that the liquid being drained from the probe can be received without leaking into the receiving vessel; a drive mechanism for reciprocating at least one of the receiving container and the probe along a predetermined continuous path defined by the receiving container and the probe; a sensing device disposed therein, the sensing device detects when a moving one of the receiving container and the probe enters the sensing area to confirm when the coupling communication is performed, and connects to the sensing device; 1. A backwashing device characterized in that said means is configured to send out a diluent liquid as a backwashing liquid only when the sensing device confirms that the above-mentioned state of connection and communication has been achieved. It is.

Fluid samples may be obtained in any convenient manner. An aspirator sample probe is introduced into the sample and draws a volume of sample into the first portion of the fluid transfer valve of the system. The valve is operated to separate a small portion of the sample to be measured, and this portion is diluted with a predetermined amount of diluent. The resulting suspension, together with added diluent, can be transferred to a test device where one or more tests or manipulations can be performed. In the systems of US Pat. Nos. 3,549,994 and 3,567,390, a portion of the first diluted solution is taken from the first test device to another part of the valve and directed along with a precise volume of diluent to the second test device. Following dispensation and transfer, the valve is returned to its initial or sampling position.

The backwash system described herein can be used in other dilution systems where a pair of different dilutions can be formed from a whole blood sample by measuring different volumes of the sample in combination with a diluent. These dilutions can be performed simultaneously, with the sample and diluent unit simultaneously directed to each pair of sample positions. The transfer valve can be returned to its initial position and backwashing can be carried out through this valve.

In the case of the last-mentioned dilution system, it is necessary to use a single backwash pump in order to simultaneously deliver the cleaning liquid to the two measuring positions of the valve.

In the system described, the sample consisted of whole blood. Blood samples tended to remain in the sample probe and within the sample receiving portion of the transfer valve. Removal of residual sample from the sample probe was dependent on a large volume of subsequent sample acting as a flushing agent. Additionally, the fluid transfer valves also needed to be cleaned to remove residual portions of old samples, thereby preventing subsequent partial mixing or carryover of samples. Repetition of a portion of a previous sample can lead to errors, especially if there are significant differences in properties between the samples.

FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows the dilution system. 10 control valves or fluid transfer valves for careful sample measurement
Indicated by The valve 10 is formed from three members, an intermediate member (or central member) 14 that is movable relative to fixed outer members 12 and 16. member 12,
14 and 16 are arranged coaxially. The intervening member (center member) 14 is of carefully constructed and highly precise construction with conduits P9 and P10, respectively, on either side of the central axis, and is rotatable about the central axis. Each of these conduits is designed to carry a precise amount or volume of some fluid, and has two positions so that it dispenses or takes in said volume of liquid into itself as it moves between positions. , to pass or transport. This function is illustrated by lines showing the alignment of conduits P9 and P10 with other conduits attached by fixed side outer members 12 and 16 of valve 10. Although valve 10 is shown in FIG. 1 as a block or rectangular construction, members 12, 14 and 16 are preferably of cylindrical construction. The fluid transfer operation of valve 10 will be described here only with respect to the fluid passage device, shown in the drawings as a rectangular valve configuration, which provides the transfer and respective dilution.

The outer members 12 and 16 are secured to each other and are each provided with two pairs of portions or passageways. These are part 12
P1, P2, P3 and P4 in and member 1
P5, P6, P7 and P8 in 6.
When the central member 14 is in one position, e.g. the first position, the left-hand conduit or passageway P9 is connected to the passageway P9.
1 and P5, while the right conduit or passageway P10 is aligned with passageways P3 and P7. When the central member 14 is rotated, passages P9 and P10 move to the positions indicated by the broken lines. Further flow between passages P1 and P5 is blocked, as is further flow between passages P3 and P7. Passage P9 is aligned with passages P2 and P6, and passage P10 is aligned with passages P4 and P8.

Rotation of the central member 14 is effective in dispensing or drawing a precise amount of fluid from one passageway, allowing this fluid to be inserted into the other passageway while blocking the first passageway. This means that the transfer valve 10
is done in both positions.

In one system shown here as an example of a dilution system in which the backwash system of the present invention may be effectively used, it represents an example of a peripheral portion that does not form part of the present invention and therefore The various fluid lines are described below for convenience.

A fluid line 20 connects passageway P1 with a normally closed conduit 22 of an air-operated pinch valve 24, which acts as a sample control valve. The conduit 26 is connected to the piping 2 of the Y-shaped connecting pipe 29.
8 is connected to a sample pump, shown in the form of a diaphragm pump 30. This sample pump can also be an aspirator cylinder. If a diaphragm or other positive drain pump is used, it is connected to an alternating source of vacuum and pressure to operate the pump. Piping 32 of Y-shaped connecting pipe 29
into a normally open conduit (hereinafter referred to as the normally open conduit) 34 of the pinch valve 24. Conduit 34 is connected to waste container W by piping 36.

Actuator 10 of diaphragm pump 30 and valve 24
8 is connected by lines 109 and 107 to the aspirator logic of all programs in the system.

Fluid line 38 connects passage P2 to line 90' of diluent pinch valve 40.

Fluid piping 42 connects passage P3 and fluid piping 38 at point 42'.

Fluid piping 44 connects passageway P5 to sample probe or aspirator tube 48. The delivery end 48' of the probe 48 is suitable for immersion into a sample source container 50, shown in phantom. This container 50 may be of any suitable construction and is withdrawn or removed when the required amount of sample has been drawn therefrom.

The liquid pipe 52 connects the passage P6 to the test equipment T-
1 mixing container 56.

A fluid line 60 connects the mixing vessel 56 to line P8, often referred to as a thief.

The passage P7 is connected to the test device T-2 by the fluid piping 62.
connection to a mixing container 66 for use.

Fluid line 70 connects passageway P4 to line 20 and normally closed conduit 22 of sample control pinch valve 24.

Fluid piping 72 connects normally closed conduit 74 to control valve 76
is connected to line 20 at point 20' for diluent delivery.

A fluid line 78 connects a diluent source 80 pneumatically to a normally open conduit 82 of pinch valve 76 .
The conduit 96 is connected to the pipe 102 of the Y-shaped connecting pipe 97.
It is connected to a backwash distributor, which can be shown in the form of a diaphragm pump 84 or can be a distribution cylinder. If a diaphragm pump or other positive drainage pump is used, connect it to an alternating source of vacuum and pressure to operate the pump. The Y-shaped connecting pipe 97 is connected to the normally closed conduit 74 of the control section 76 by a pipe 104 .

Valve 24 has an intermediate condition in which normally closed conduit 22 is opened and preconduits 22 and 34 are closed. This operating characteristic clearly separates the opening and closing of conduits 22 and 34 of valve 24.

Diluent pump 88 is connected to pinch valve 40 by lines 90 and 92. pinch valve 40
may be similar in structure to pinch valve 24 and control valve 76. As described above, fluid line 38 is connected to normally closed conduit 90' of pinch valve 40. Fluid line 94 connects diluent source 80 and normally open conduit 92'. Fluid lines 90 and 92 of Y-shaped manifold 93 connect valve 40 to diluent pump 88 via line 95. Pump 88 is operated by pressurizing device 88'. The pump draws and dispenses a predetermined amount of diluent from a diluent source.

The sample and diluent pumps may be of any construction, but may include a cylinder or other equivalent construction with a chamber or piston having a positive drainage means that moves to move a fixed volume of fluid from end to end. It is preferable to have the following. Each pump draws the same volume of fluid into it as it can pump out.

Pump 88 may be comprised of a diaphragm pump with a flexible diaphragm operated pneumatically by alternating vacuum and pressure sources. A drainage pump having a chamber with a solid rod is satisfactory, the rod being driven reciprocatingly in seal with the chamber by an air cylinder, the cylinders alternately directing pressurized air to either end of the cylinder. It is driven by the introduction of

The pump has a spring and is capable of performing a return step in which liquid is introduced into the chamber that was last evacuated.

Superior backwash systems of the present invention are generally designated as 100. This system 100 can be used in conjunction with the dilution systems and other fluid transfer systems described above, and is optionally coupled to a diluent source 80. A line 78 connects a diluent source 80 to a normally open conduit 82 of the backwash fluid control valve 76 . Connect the conduit 82 to one pipe 96 of the Y-shaped connecting pipe 97.
and connect the pipe 102 to the distributor. Y9
7 to the normally closed conduit 7 of the control valve 76.
4 and is connected to the passage P of the transfer valve 10 by the piping 72.
Connect to 1.

The cylinder 172 is controlled by the operation of the solenoid operated valve 97', and the piston 204 and the plunger 1 are connected to each other.
Perform 70 ascents. Carrier 132 is pivoted to move receiver 110 initially outward in the direction of arrow A. Carrier 132 is then raised in the direction of arrow B to bring the container into sealing engagement with delivery end 48' of probe 48.

At the same time, valve 99' allows passage 120 of container 110 to
It can be pulled into a vacuum. Check switch S ₁
controls a solenoid valve 98 which controls the operation of the pump 84 and similarly controls the operation of a valve 99 to discard the flow. After a suitable period of time has elapsed, switch _S1 is operated electronically to sense whether it is open or closed. If open, when a sealing engagement of the receiving vessel probe (tube) is achieved, a high vacuum is created and switch S ₁ is actuated to close, thus creating a hermetic connection between the tube 48 and the receiving vessel 110. Indicates that there is no

If proper seating is achieved, solenoid-operated valve 98 is energized, activating pump 84 to dispense cleaning fluid, and opening valve 99 to discard the flow. When solenoid operated valve 97' is deenergized, the container is returned by reverse operation of piston 204.

When using the micro switch 220,
The operation of stitch S ₁ is coordinated by the operation of switch 220, and switch S ₁ is not used even if it is present in the system. Switch 220 and S ₁ can be operated as a fail-safe system so that both must be operated to backwash.

Next, according to FIGS. 2 and 3, the receiving container 110
and its installation will be explained. Receptacle 110 has a body 112 having a generally rectangular configuration. Generally, the recess 114 having a right circular column structure is the main body 112.
and opens in the upper wall 118 of the main body. A hole 120 is formed through the body 112 and the recess 11
4 and the mounting member 124 are communicated with each other.

An insert member 126, typically cylindrical, of construction and dimensions to fit the recess 114 snugly engages within the recess 114. Insert member 126 is preferably formed from a chemically resistant material, such as silicone rubber. Insert member 126 has a conical recess 128 and a through hole 130 at the bottom of recess 128. When the insert member 126 is seated within the recess 114, the through hole 130 is coaxial and in sealing communication with the entrance of the hole 120 in the receiving receptacle 110, and the recess 128
10 and the insert member is flush with said top wall. The bottom 126 of the receiver 110 is angled to facilitate seating of the receiver in the carrier trough 132.

Carrier trough 132 is defined by a flat floor 134 and a pair of vertical parallel side walls 136 and 138. Floor 134 extends to the outside of walls 136 and 138 and defines a protrusion 140. Opposite ends of trough 132 are rounded inwardly, as shown at 142, near the ends of sidewalls 136 and 138.

A U-ring block 144 is secured to trough 132 adjacent the rounded portions of walls 136 and 138. A coaxial passageway 146 is formed in walls 136 and 138 as shown in FIG. 4, and a hole 148 is formed through U-ring block 144. When the pin 150 is seated through the coaxial passageway and hole 148 and the clevis block 144 is installed, the ends 152 of the pin 150 extend outwardly from the walls 136,138.

The U-link block 144 is connected to the spaced apart wall portion 15.
4, between which a U-link 156 can be attached. A pair of aligned passageways 158 are connected to the wall 154.
form through. Clevis 156 has a passageway 160 that is axially aligned with passageway 158 . pin 162
through passages 158 and 160 to seat the U
Holding link 156, ends 164 of pin 162
extend outward on both sides of the U-link block. A portion 166 of the U-link 156 is provided with a threaded socket 168 that connects the plunger 1 of the air cylinder 172.
Accept the tight end of the 70 thread.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, guide plates 174 and 1
76 are vertically spaced apart by spacers 178, 180 and 182, and in such arrangement spacers 178, 180 and 182 are arranged vertically to define a frame.
It is secured by a securing device such as a screw 184 that seats in a threaded passageway 186 formed in the. Board 1
A pair of grooves are provided in each of plates 74 and 176, i.e., plate 174.
grooves 188 and 190 in plate 176, and groove 188' in plate 176.
and 190' are provided. Grooves 188 and 188' are arranged in a straight line with opposite ends 192, 194 and 192', respectively.
194'. Grooves 190 and 190' are groove 188
and longer than 188'. Grooves 190 and 190' have opposing ends 196, 198 and 196', 198', respectively. Ends 196 and 196' are aligned and spaced apart by a distance equal to the axial distance between pins 150 and 162. The distance between ends 194 and 198 as well as the distance between ends 194' and 198' is equal to the axial distance between pins 150 and 162. Groove 1
90 and 190' respectively have curved portions 200, 2 from ends 196, 196' to portions 202, 202'.
00', and from this section grooves 190, 190' extend to grooves 188 and 18 to ends 194, 194'.
Proceed along a line parallel to 8'.

When guide plates 174 and 176 are combined to define a frame, grooves 188 and 190 are similar to groove 18.
8' and 190', in which end 152 of pin 150 and end 164 of pin 162 are seated, respectively, thereby defining a trajectory in which the ends of the pin may move. End 152 of pin 150 is seated within grooves 188 and 188' while pin 162 is seated in grooves 188 and 188'.
ends 164 of are seated within grooves 190 and 190'.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the plunger 1
70 to a piston which may be passed through a cylinder 206 having an inlet fitting 208 and an outlet fitting 210 connecting it to a source of pneumatic pressure, not shown, through appropriate valve operation and control associated with the operation of the diluent dispenser. Fix it. Attach the upper free end to the pin 21
6, the U link 2 formed on the mounting member 218
14 to be seated.

The receiving container 110 is placed in the carrier trough 132 at the end adjacent the protrusion 140 with the angled bottom 1
26' is engaged and secured to the floor 134 such that the axis of the recess is at an angle to the walls 136 and 138 of the trough 132.

While planning the system without operating a backwash cycle, the trough 132 remains stationary within the frame defined by the guide plates 174 and 176, and the air cylinder 172
extends the plunger 170 of the pin end 152
are seated in the ends 192, 192' of the grooves 188, 188', and the end 164 of the pin is seated in the grooves 190, 190'.
is seated near the ends 196, 196' of the. Grooves 190, 190' are made slightly longer than necessary to provide slightly more movement capacity for tolerance reasons.
The inward movement of the trough 132 is caused by the spacer 180,1
If protrusion 140 collides with the surface to which 82 is attached, it will stop. When a backwash cycle is reached, air pressure is applied to air cylinder 1 via inlet 208.
70 into the cylinder 206 and the piston 204
Push the plunger 170 upwards and move the plunger 170 to the cylinder 2.
06. Since the U-link 156 is secured to the U-shaped block 144 by a pin 162, when the plunger 170 is returned, the pin end 164 is pulled back along the curved portions 200, 200' of the grooves 190, 190', and the pin end 152 is groove 188,1
88', and the trough 132 rotates around the pin 150 at the groove ends 192, 192'. Pin end 164
is the position 203 near the position 202, 202',
Curved portion 200, 20 until reaching 203'
Passes through 0'. Plunger 170 to cylinder 2
When the pin end 164 is pulled out continuously at 06, the pin end 164 is in the groove 19
0,190' along the remainder.
At positions 202 and 202', the trough 132 pivots slowly. The pivoting motion causes the pin end 15 to move as the end 164 moves through the remainder of the curved section.
2 is gradually accelerated along the grooves 188, 188', so that it gradually decreases. In this way, trough 13
2 moves angularly outward relative to guide plates 174, 176 following path A, indicated by arrow A in FIG. The receiving container 110 has a through hole 1
30 is disposed below the delivery end of the sample probe 48 with the sample probe 48 being coaxial with the delivery end 48' of the sample probe 48.

As plunger 70 continues to be withdrawn, pin ends 152 and 164 are removed from grooves 188, 188' and 1.
90, 190' ends 194, 198 and 19
Passage B moves together until approaching 4', 198'
Movement along is stopped by the action of the probe in the wash cap and/or by the engagement of the clevis 144 and the microswitch 220. In this way, the delivery end 48' of the sample probe 48 is connected to the insertion member 1.
26 into the conical recess 128 to achieve a sealing connection to the bore 120 of the receptacle. Continuously pushing the piston 204 upwardly causes the insert member 12 to
Secure seating of delivery end 48' against 6 follows.

Diluent flows into the transfer valve 10 and is backwashed through the pipe 44 to the sample probe 48, through its delivery end 48' to the hole 120 and then to the waste reservoir W. Delivery end 48' of probe 48 and receiving container 11
Of course, no bounce occurs between 0 and 0. Only after backwashing is completed, air is transferred to outlet 2.
10 into the cylinder 206 and the piston 2
04 in the opposite direction, forcing plunger 170 out of cylinder 206. As the pin ends move along their respective grooves and return along the same path, the receiver 110 is first lowered and then guided by the guide plate 174 until the trough 132 is returned within the frame defined by the guide plates 174, 176. , 176.

Spacers 180 and 182 are connected to plates 174,1
The guide plate assembly serves as a mounting block means for assembling the carrier 132 so that the fully completed passageway of the carrier 132 is properly positioned in the receiving receptacle 110.
Since the backwash cycle is performed with the probe 4
8 in a position to achieve a sealing connection with the delivery end of the diluter.

A microswitch 220 can be placed in place of the vacuum switch _S1 .

The microswitch 220 is seated in a suitable recess 222 in the plate 174 and the actuator 224 is
It is seated in the passage taken by link block 144. Actuator 224 is blocked by the block when carrier 132 of receiver 110 reaches the extended position and moves to place pin ends 152 and 164 near the top of their respective tracks.
At this time, the receiving container 110 is sealingly engaged with the conical recess 128 of the insertion member 126 and the delivery end 48' of the probe is sealed.
can be accepted.

A modified dilution system in which the superior backwash system of the present invention can be used is shown in FIG. 5, in which a collection tube (thief ) is not used. Transfer valve 2 with a passageway to separate two different volumes of sample
By using 46, the required pairs of different dilutions are performed simultaneously. Only one pump is required to introduce cleaning fluid as a backwash into part 256 of the passageway, and only one pump is needed to introduce cleaning fluid into the other part 256 of the valve 246.
54 and into the aspirator tube.

For example, a diversion device 248 is provided in the outlet passage of the cleaning liquid from the valve portion 256 to avoid harmful effects that may occur due to liquid bubbling, eg, temporary clogging of the conduit. The flow of cleaning fluid is divided into two streams, one directed directly to the other measuring portion 254 of the valve, while the other portion is directed via the aspirator tube 48 to the receiving vessel 110. The above part 254
outlet wash liquid to valve 236 and then to waste liquid collector 25
Leads to 2.

In the system of FIG. 5, the solenoid 232 is operated to operate the valve 250 and the carrier 132 is first operated.
Raise the container 110 to the outside and then move the carrier upwardly to seat the insert member 126 against the end 48' of the tube 48. Switch 222 closes when a sealing connection between insert member 126 and end 48' is achieved. When switch 222 is closed, solenoid 230 is activated and normally closed valve 234 is opened. A valve 234 is coupled to the outlet of valve 232. Also valve 23
4 is activated and valves 236 and 242 open simultaneously. These valves 236 and 242 must open to allow cleaning fluid to pass to the delivery valve 246 when the pump 240 is activated by manipulating the valve 238.

Activation of valve 234 operates valve 238 and activates pump 240 to dispense cleaning fluid.
Flow exits a portion of valve 246 and is split by valve 248, with one portion directed to tube 48 and the other portion directed to valve 248.
46 and then to valve 236 and waste collector 252 . By operating the solenoid control valve 232, the receiving container 110 is lowered and a predetermined amount of cleaning liquid is loaded into the pump 240. The system is then ready for the next test.

In FIG. 6, the backwash system, indicated at 300, differs from system 100 in that the probe is movable and the container 304 is fixed to a vertical wall 306. container 30
4 is substantially the same as the container 110, and includes an insert member 126 seated in the recess 114 and a hole 3 formed in the wall 306.
Passage 120 leading to mounting member 124 passing through 08
Equipped with.

A gear 312 is placed on top of the gear 314 and meshed with the switching gear 316. The above gears 312 and 3
The axes 318 and 320 of 14 are parallel to and in a vertical relationship with the axis 322 of the switching gear 316 which is offset between the axes 318 and 320. A connecting rod 324 connects the pair of gears 312 and 314. Gear 312 is provided with an outer circumferentially extending trip lever 326. A support member 330 having an extension 328 on the connecting rod 324 on which the probe 302 can be held.
Install.

When the gear rotates in the counterclockwise direction of arrow 332, gear 314 similarly rotates in the same direction via gear 316. Microswitch 334 with activation lever 336 is similar in function to switch 220.

When the appropriate signal to backwash occurs, gear 312
is rotated 180 degrees, and the probe 302 is rotated 180 degrees by the dashed line.
It is conveyed to the state shown by 2'. Tritup Lever 3
26 engages the activation lever 336 of the switch 334, and the pin 224 closes the switch 334.
Closing of switch 334 is monitored;
Once secured, backwashing is performed by activating pump 84 and directing cleaning fluid through the delivery end of probe 302 and into container 304 .

FIG. 7 shows another modified backwash system 350,
This system differs from systems 100 and 300 in that the sample probe and container move simultaneously and the probe and container are sealed together at the same time.

Wall 306' includes openings 352 and 354.
A rack and pinion transfer mechanism 360 is provided to provide similar motion as described above. The mechanism 360 consists of a downwardly suspended toothed rack 362 that is secured to the probe support member 358. The rack 362 is spaced inwardly from one end 358' of the support member 358, while the probe 356 is provided adjacent the end 358'' of the support member 358.
is oriented parallel to the probe 356.

A pinion gear 364 is placed in mesh with rack 362 at the lowest end of the rack in a first condition. Carriage 366 has a free end 368 that secures container 370 and is rigidly secured to pinion gear 364 . The first rack and pinion mechanism 360
In this condition, the support member 358 is provided adjacent the top end of the wall opening 352, with the carriage 366 facing downwardly adjacent the opening 354 and with its free end at the level of its lower end.

Rotating the pinion gear 364 in the counterclockwise direction indicated by arrow 372 causes the carriage 366 to move in the direction indicated by arrow 3.
The container 370 can be moved in the angular direction indicated by 74 to place the container 370 in a second condition where the inlet 376 is located below the delivery end of the probe 356 as shown in phantom in FIG. Carriage 366 and container 3
Simultaneously with the angular movement of 70, the support member 358 moves 37
Move in direction 8.

The linear movement of rack 362 causes support member 358 to
can be moved downwardly, ie, lowered, to face the container, ie, the delivery end of the probe 356 engages within the inlet 376 of the container 370 in the desired sealing connection.

The micro switch 334' is attached to the support member 358.
An actuation lever 336 is located in the passageway of the end 358' of the probe and is triggered to close the switch when the desired distance of the support member 358 has been moved to ensure that a hermetic connection between the probe and the container has been achieved.

In FIG. 8, another modified backwashing device 380
shows. The apparatus moves the container outwardly as described with respect to system 100, provides a second cylinder and plunger arrangement, and continues to move the container to achieve a sealing engagement as described with respect to the structure shown in FIGS. 1-4. Instead move the probe towards the container.

A sample probe 384 is provided on a horizontally oriented support member with one end thereof facing downward. The solid line indicates that the plunger 386 of the cylinder 388 is in the extended state and the support member 382 is in the raised state. The cylinder, carriage and container are
This is almost the same as the device shown in Figures 4 to 4. However, orbit 1
The portion 190' of 90 does not need to be provided. part 2
Only 00, 203 and 202 are required.

When the cylinder 182 is operated to retract the plunger 180, the carriage moves toward the arrow 38.
As shown by 7, it rotates and moves in the state shown in FIG. When the plunger 386 is retracted, the support member 3
82 moves in the direction of arrow 390 toward and then sealingly engages insert member 126 at the entrance of container 392. Support member end 3
When 82' reaches the end of the movement path of the support member 382, the activation lever 33 of the switch 334'' is activated.
6''. In this position, the delivery end of the probe and the container are in sealing engagement and the actual backwashing occurs, as confirmed by activation of switch 334'.

As shown in Figures 6-8, the movable movement of one or both of the probe and container allows continuous movement rather than stepwise movement from one step to a sealed engagement condition. be. This is especially the case in FIGS. 6 and 7.

The resilient member described in the present invention as an insert member received at the entrance of the container may be a ring attached to the probe or the like which is capable of being received at the entrance of the container to effect a sealing engagement.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a systematic diagram of an example dilution system having an excellent backwash system of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a front view of a receiving container used in the backwash system of the present invention, and Fig. 3 is a receiving vessel of Fig. 2. FIG. 4 is a partially removed explanatory view of the carrier, receiving container and guide device used in the apparatus shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and FIG. FIGS. 6 to 8 are side views of the excellent backwashing device of the present invention, respectively. 10... Control valve or fluid transfer valve, 12, 16...
Outer member, 14... Central member, 24... Pinch valve, 30... Diaphragm type pump, 40... Pinch valve, 50... Sample source container, 55, 56... Mixing container, 76... Control valve or air actuated pinch valve, 80... Diluent Supply source, 84... Diaphragm pump, 88... Diluent pump, 97... Solenoid operated valve, 99, 99'... Valve, 108... Actuator, 11
0... Receiving container, 124... Mounting member, 126... Insertion member, 132... Carrier, 136, 138... Side wall, 140... Projection, 144... U-shaped block,
146... Coaxial passage, 150... Pin, 154... Wall, 156... U link, 162... Pin, 168...
Socket, 170... Plunger, 172... Air cylinder, 174, 176... Guide plate, 204... Piston, 206... Cylinder, 220... Switch, 2
30,232...Solenoid, 240...Pump, 2
52... Waste liquid collector, 300, 350, 380... Backwash system.

Claims (1)

Claims: 1. a probe 48 having a combination fluid inlet and delivery end 48'; a diluent source 80; a conduit connecting the diluent source to the probe; and receiving diluent conveyed from the probe; a receiving vessel 110 having an inlet 128 for backwashing the conduit and the probe; and for moving at least one of the probe and the receiving vessel relative to each other along a predetermined path of travel from a first position to a second position. drive device 172
and a control device for controlling the flow of diluent in the probe only while the receiving container and probe are in the second position, the probe and receiving container being offset in the first position, one of the receiving containers being offset from the other in the first position. separate from the other,
A backwashing device in an analytical device arranged to allow fluid delivery from the delivery end of the probe to the receiving container through the inlet of the receiving container in a second position, the predetermined moving passageway comprising: an intermediate position in which the inlet of the container is aligned with but spaced apart from the fluid delivery end of the probe, the movable one of the probe and receiving container being in the intermediate position before moving to the second position; the drive device is operable to return the probe and the receptacle movable along the predetermined path following receipt of diluent from the probe; and in the second position, fluid delivery of the probe. The receiving vessel inlet is positioned such that the ends are tightly coupled within the receiving vessel inlet and the diluent does not splash while in the receiving vessel; a sensing device disposed in the path of movement of the movable object, which verifies that the above-mentioned communication connection has taken place, and only when the above-mentioned sensing device verifies that the above-mentioned communication connection relationship has been achieved, the diluent is used as a backwash liquid; A backwashing device characterized in that it sends out. 2. The backwashing method according to claim 1, wherein the receiving container and the delivery end of the probe are engaged in a sealing connection at the inlet of the receiving container when the receiving container and the probe are in the coupled communication state. Device. 3. The probe mounting device includes a support device for supporting the probe, and the drive mechanism includes at least one transmission device coupled to the support device for moving the probe between the first and second states. A backwashing device according to claim 1 or 2. 4. The transmission device has a gear train, the support device is connected to the gear train and includes a connecting link carrying a probe coupled to the gear train, the probe is in the first offset state and the second state. 4. The backwashing device according to claim 3, wherein the probe occupies parallel planes in both states, and the probe is moved between the states by rotation of a gear train. 5. The backwashing device according to claim 4, wherein the moving path of the probe has a parallelogram shape. 6. The probe mounting device has a support device that supports the probe, and the drive mechanism includes a rack and pinion gear, a drive joint for moving the probe and the receiving container, and a mounting device for the receiving container, and the driving mechanism includes a rack and pinion gear. 4. The backwashing device of claim 3, wherein the pinion gear is coupled to a support device and the pinion gear is coupled to a mounting device for said receiving container to rotate the receiving container to place the receiving container in the second condition. 7. The backwash system of claim 4, wherein said control mechanism comprises a trip lever mounted by one of said gear trains and a switch disposed in intercepting relation to a path through which the trip lever passes during operation of the gear train. 8. an attachment device for the receiving container, the drive mechanism being operably coupled to the at least one hydraulically actuated cylinder and the attachment device for the receiving container for moving the receiving container to at least the second condition. 2. The backwash device of claim 1, further comprising a plunger and a drive mechanism operable relative to said receptacle attachment device and one of said support members for movement to effectuate said connection. 9 an attachment device for the receiver receptacle, the drive mechanism operably coupled to the at least one hydraulically actuated cylinder and the attachment device for the receiver container for moving the receiver to at least the second state; a plunger, the drive mechanism being operable to move one of the receiving container and the support member to effect the sealing connection, the drive mechanism moving the plunger toward the receiving container to effect the sealing connection; Claim 2 further comprising a plunger and a second hydraulically actuated cylinder operably connected to the support member for moving the probe to the
Or the backwashing device described in 3. 10 the control mechanism operates a source of pressure and vacuum, a control device that operates to allow diluent to pass through the probe, and coupling communication to allow delivery of diluent to the probe and receiving vessel during backwashing; Fail that can only be activated if the
The backwashing device according to claim 1, comprising a safe switch device. 11 The control mechanism operates a source of pressure and vacuum, a control device that operates to allow passage of diluent through the probe, and delivery of diluent to the probe and the receiving vessel during backwashing. 3. A backwashing device according to claim 2, further comprising a fail-safe switch device which is operable only when a hermetically sealed connection is achieved. 12 said fail-safe switch device having a check switch coupled to said control device for enabling placement between a first state and a second state, said fail-safe switch device coupling said receiving vessel to a vacuum source; 12. A backwashing device according to claim 10, wherein said fail-safe switch device is connected to said check switch. 13. Said safe switch device is disposed in the travel path and engages only when a certain position is reached, achieving the condition of the receiving container and the liquid delivery end of the probe, allowing the transfer of diluent to said probe. 13. A backwashing device according to claim 12, comprising an actuator arrangement suitable for. 14. The receiving receptacle comprises a body having a top-open recess, leading an internal bore from the recess to the outside through the body, and having a resilient insert seated tightly within the recess, the insert having a top-open recess. Claims further comprising an open bore and a passageway communicating with the bore, said bore being capable of receiving the delivery end of a probe to achieve said coupled communication, and having a vacuum source coupled to the other end of said internal bore. A backwashing device according to scope 1. 15. The receiving receptacle is formed as a body having a top-open recess, an internal hole leading from the recess, and a resilient insert for seating firmly within the recess, the insert having a passage communicating with the top-open recess and the hole. the recess is capable of receiving the delivery end of the probe when the receiving container reaches the return point of the travel passage to achieve a hermetic coupling, and the vacuum source is coupled to the other end of the internal bore. A backwashing device according to claim 2.