US3879795A - Method and apparatus for cleaning the inner and/or outer surfaces of a cuvette - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for cleaning the inner and/or outer surfaces of a cuvette Download PDF

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Publication number
US3879795A
US3879795A US369506A US36950673A US3879795A US 3879795 A US3879795 A US 3879795A US 369506 A US369506 A US 369506A US 36950673 A US36950673 A US 36950673A US 3879795 A US3879795 A US 3879795A
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United States
Prior art keywords
cuvette
suction
fluid
chamber
cavity
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Expired - Lifetime
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US369506A
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English (en)
Inventor
Martin Gfeller
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Greiner Electronic AG
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Greiner Electronic AG
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Publication date
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Publication of US3879795A publication Critical patent/US3879795A/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks

Definitions

  • the primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for cleaning the outer and inner surfaces of the transparent cuvette of a fluid-specimen photometric testing system, characterized in that a cleaning fluid, such as rinse water. is drawn. in succession, longitudinally across the outer surface of the cuvette from the bottom wall to the top wall, inwardly along the top wall toward the specimen-receiving cavity contained therein, and downwardly along the inner wall surfaces of the cavity.
  • the cuvette is supported in an inverted condition. whereupon a cleaning head containing a chamber is displaced around the euvette with the chamber walls arranged adjacent and spaced from the outer surfaces of the cuvette.
  • a suction member extends from the bottom wall of the cleaning head chamber upwardly in spaced relation within the cuvette cavity, said suction member containing a suction passage having an orifice immediately adjacent the bottom wall of the cuvette cavity.
  • a plurality of transparent cuvettes are arranged on an endless conveyor for transport between a specimen filling station, a specimen inspection station, a cuvette washing station and a cuvette rinsing and drying station.
  • the endless conveyor includes vertically spaced horizontal upper and lower runs, said washing and said rinsing and drying stations being arranged beneath the lower horizontal runs for cleaning the cuvettes while in an inverted empty condition.
  • the conveyor means is operable in a step-by-step manner, the cleaning head being movable toward and away from the cuvette at the rinsing and drying station during a dwell period of the conveyor.
  • the dwell period of the conveyor is selected to permit sufficient time for the rinse fluid that is introduced between the outer surface of the euvette and the adjacent wall surfaces of the cleaning head chamber to be completely removed from the inner and outer surfaces by the flow of drying fluid produced by the suction means, whereby the cuvette will be in a fully dried condition when the cleaning head is removed therefrom at the end of the dwell period.
  • a vacuum source of suitable suction pressure such as a water jet pump, is operable to draw the drying fluid, such as air, through the space between the cleaning head and the cuvette to effect complete drying of the cuvette.
  • means are provided for cleaning and/or drying either the inner surfaces of the fluid receptacle, the outer surfaces of the receptacle, or both the inner and outer surfaces of the receptacle.
  • jets of washing, rinsing and/or drying fluids may be directed into the receptacle when in either the normal or an inverted position.
  • a sectional head may be provided having head sections adapted for assembly about a receptacle when it is supported in a vertical orientation by means of pins that extend laterally from the upper end thereof.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of the specimen inspection and cuvette cleaning station
  • FIG. 2 is an end elevation of the transparent cuvette
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the cuvette taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view, with certain parts broken away for clarity, of the rinsing head means
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 are top plan and side elevation views, respectively, of the lower portion of the rinse head
  • FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6'.
  • FIG. 8 is a detailed sectional view illustrating the manner in which an inverted cuvette is rinsed and dried in the rinsing head.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of the sectional head means for cleaning and/or drying the outer surfaces of the receptacle.
  • the fluid specimen to be photometrically or optically analyzed is transported to the inspection station via mixing receptacles 2 each provided at its upper end with lateral pivot pins 2a.
  • the receptacles are successively deposited on the pouring lever 4 which is pivoted about fixed pivot axis 6 by the cooperation between cam follower 8 and cam 10 which rotates about axis 12.
  • a tilting slide rod I4 which reciprocates relative to fixed guides I6 by the cooperation between follower 18 and a second cam 20 serves to tilt the receptacle about its pivot pins 20 when the receptacle has been displaced by pouring lever 4 to a position above the upper run of endless conveyor 22.
  • the cams l0 and 20 and the conveyor 22 are driven in timed relation by suitable drive means not shown.
  • a cuvette receives the liquid specimen that is poured from the tilted receptacle 2.
  • the pouring arm 4 is arranged to position the pouring lip of the receptacle immediately adjacent the cuvette. whereby the introduction of deleterious air bubbles into the mixture to be tested is avoided.
  • the pouring arm 4 is pivotally retracted in the clockwise direction slightly beyond the illustrated position to effect gravity disposal of the empty mixing receptacle.
  • the cuvette is now conveyed by conveyor means 22 in a step-by-step manner toward the inspection station II, at which the fluid contents in the transparent cuvette are examined by the photometric means 22 which includes a light source which produces a light beam 28 that passes through the transparent cuvette and the fluid specimen, and photocell pick-up means (not shown) that measure the opacity or other characteristic of the specimen
  • the liquid level of the specimen in the cuvette is just above the light beam 28, so that the minimum inner surface of the cuvette cavity is wetted by the specimen, thereby reducing to a minimum the surface area that requires cleaning.
  • the photometrically tested fluid is poured by gravity into the return funnel 30.
  • each cuvette cavity is washed at washing station IV by cleansing fluid supplied under pressure from source 32 via nozzle means 34.
  • the washed cuvette is then transferred to rinsing and drying station V, and during the dwell time that the cuvette is at this station, the cuvette cleaning head 36 is elevated by operating means (not shown) to partially enclose the downwardly directed cuvette as shown in FIG. 1.
  • Rinsing fluid is initially supplied from rinsing fluid source 38, whereupon the chamber in the cleaning head is connected with the suction means 40 to withdraw all fluid from the chamber and thereby dry the inner (i.e., the cavity) and the outer wall surfaces of the cuvette.
  • the cleaning head 36 is then retracted from the cuvette, whereupon the cleansed and thoroughly dried cuvette is transported to the supply end of the upper run for a further filling operation. Owing to the cleansing, rinsing and drying of the cuvette prior to return to the filling station I, all residue is completely removed from the cuvette surfaces that would otherwise deleteriously affect a subsequent photometric measurement.
  • each cuvette 24 is ofgenerally rectangular configuration and contains a cavity 24a having in longitudinal cross section the configuration defined by a line of generation transported parallel to itself along a generally parabolic path.
  • the cuvette is formed of a transparent material, such as glass.
  • the cuvette cleaning head 36 contains at its upper end an open-topped chamber 36a for receiving at rinsing and drying station V during corresponding dwell periods of conveyor means 22 successive downwardly directed cuvettes 24.
  • a plurality of spaced support feet 42 (FIGS. and 6) that support the inverted cuvette in spaced relation to the bottom wall 40 as shown in FIG. 8.
  • a plurality of spaced support feet 42 (FIGS. and 6) that support the inverted cuvette in spaced relation to the bottom wall 40 as shown in FIG. 8.
  • vertical spacer ribs 52 that engage the outer surfaces of the cuvette to maintain the cuvette spaced from the chamber wall surfaces.
  • a suction member 54 extends upwardly from the chamber bottom wall for insertion within the cuvette cavity, said suction member being provided with external vertical spacer ribs 56 that engage the cavity walls to support the cuvette in spaced relation to suction member 54 as shown in FIG. 6.
  • Suction member 54 contains a vertical suction passage 58, the upper end of which terminates at an inlet orifice 58a adjacent but spaced from the bottom wall of the cuvette cavity 240.
  • the lower end of scution passage 58 is connected with the cleaning head suction means 40 via conduit 60 and valve 62 as shown in FIG. 4.
  • the rinse head includes movably connected auxiliary side wall sections 440 and 46a the upper ends of which extend above the corresponding side walls 44 and 46 respectively, said auxiliary side wall sections being biased inwardly toward each other by spring means (not shown). Spacer feet carried by the auxiliary sidewalls maintain the same in spaced relation relative to the external surfaces of the cuvette as shown in FIG. 8.
  • the auxiliary side walls contain horizontal rinse passages 72 having discharge orifices 74 directed inwardly into chamber 360, said rinse passages being connected with the source of pressure rinse fluid 38 via conduits 76 and 78 and valve 80.
  • Each auxiliary side wall further contains above the rinse passage a suction passage 82 that is connected with suction means 40 via conduits 84 and 86 and valve 88.
  • the suction passages communicate with chamber 360 via vacuum slots 90.
  • valves 62 and are open and valve 88 is closed, rinse fluid is drawn by suction from orifices 74 downwardly in the space between the external wall surfaces of the cuvette and the side wall surfaces of chamber 36a. inwardly around the lower extremity of the cuvette, upwardly across the inner surfaces of the cuvette cavity 240, and downwardly through suction passage 58.
  • valves 62 and 88 are open and valve 80 is closed, the inner and outer surfaces of the cuvette are quickly dried by the vacuum removal of fluid therefrom. Consequently, in accor dance with the novel rinse head means of the present invention, a downwardly directed cuvette may be rinsed and dried within a single dwell period of the conveyor means 22 normally, about 6 seconds or less).
  • sectional head means I00 are provided for subjecting only the outer surfaces of the receptacle with a fluid (for example, suction air in the case of a drying operation).
  • the head means includes sections 1000 and 10% that are adapted to be brought together to enclose a receptacle 2 that is supported in the vertical orientation by means of the laterally extending pins at the upper end thereof.
  • normally closed valve means 102 is opened to connect the space 104 between the outer surfaces of the receptacle and the inner wall surfaces of the cleaning head with the suction source 40, whereby the outer surface of the receptacle is dried.
  • normally closed valve means 106 may be opened to permit cleaning fluid (such as a wash or a rinse fluid) under pressure to be supplied to the space 104 from the cleaning fluid source 108. ln this manner, cleaning of the outer surfaces only of the receptacle may be effected.
  • cleaning fluid such as a wash or a rinse fluid
  • Apparatus for cleaning the transparent cuvette of a fluid specimen photometric testing system comprisa. means for supporting the cuvette in an inverted condition;
  • a cleaning head member containing at its upper end an upwardly directed open-topped chamber for receiving said inverted cuvette, said head mem ber including bottom, side and end walls defining said chamber;
  • suction means extending from the bottom wall of said chamber upwardly within the cavity contained in said cuvette, said suction means containing a vertical suction passage having a first orifice at its upper end adjacent and spaced from the bottom portion of the cuvette cavity;
  • c. means subsequently connecting the lower end of said suction passage with a vacuum source, whereby said fluid is drawn by suction downwardly along the cuvette outer wall surfaces, inwardly along the end surface of the cuvette, upwardly along the inner wall surfaces of the cuvette cavity, and downwardly through said suction passage, thereby to clean the outer and inner surfaces of the cuvette.
  • Apparatus as defined in claim 1 and further including auxiliary suction passages contained in said chamber side walls and having second orifices arranged above said fluid supply means for communication with the upper portion of the space between said chamber walls and said cuvette, and means connecting said auxiliary suction passages with said vacuum source.
  • said conveyor means comprises an endless conveyor having vertically spaced upper and lower horizonital runs, said cuvette being carried by said conveyor means with the cuvette cavity directed outwardly therefrom, said washing means and said cleaning head being arranged adjacent the lower run of said conveyor means.
  • Apparatus as defined in claim 1 and further including a plurality of laterally spaced first vertical spacer ribs arranged on the lower portions of the side and end walls of the cleaning head chamber for engagement with the corresponding external wall surfaces of said cuvette, thereby to support said cuvette in spaced relation from said chamber side and end walls.
  • each of said side walls contains adjacent its upper end rinse orifice means for supplying said rinsing fluid in the space between said external surfaces of said cuvette and the corresponding side wall surfaces of said chamber, whereby when said suction passage is connected with said suction source, said rinsing fluid is drawn downwardly along the external surfaces of said cuvette, upwardly along the cavity inner wall surface, and downwardly through said suction passage.
  • auxiliary suction orifices for withdrawing by suction fluid contained in the upper portion of said chamber.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)
  • Automatic Analysis And Handling Materials Therefor (AREA)
  • Optical Measuring Cells (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
US369506A 1972-06-14 1973-06-13 Method and apparatus for cleaning the inner and/or outer surfaces of a cuvette Expired - Lifetime US3879795A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH891472 1972-06-14

Publications (1)

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US3879795A true US3879795A (en) 1975-04-29

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US369506A Expired - Lifetime US3879795A (en) 1972-06-14 1973-06-13 Method and apparatus for cleaning the inner and/or outer surfaces of a cuvette

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US (1) US3879795A (it)
JP (1) JPS5727037B2 (it)
CH (1) CH546603A (it)
DE (1) DE2330136C2 (it)
FR (1) FR2188466A5 (it)
GB (1) GB1397006A (it)
IT (1) IT988961B (it)
SE (1) SE383970B (it)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4274885A (en) * 1979-07-19 1981-06-23 Swartout Bobbye J Method for washing centrifugal analyzer test disks
WO1990002000A1 (en) * 1988-08-23 1990-03-08 Elcatech, Inc. Microtiter plate washer
US5186760A (en) * 1987-11-17 1993-02-16 Slt Labinstruments Gesellschaft M.B.H. Cleaning device for cuvettes
US5186223A (en) * 1988-09-29 1993-02-16 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Filling system
US5368828A (en) * 1992-11-12 1994-11-29 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. Method and apparatus for carton sterilization
US5518049A (en) * 1993-08-05 1996-05-21 Compagnie Generale Des Matieres Nucleaires Device for filling a receptacle closed by a needle and provided with cleaning means

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1498795A (en) * 1974-03-21 1978-01-25 Jackson J Method and apparatus for cleaning containers
DE3108912C2 (de) * 1981-03-09 1984-08-02 Hamba-Maschinenfabrik Hans A.Müller GmbH & Co KG, 5600 Wuppertal Verfahren zur Entfernung loser Partikel aus Bechern und Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens
DE3520476A1 (de) * 1985-06-07 1986-12-11 Kernforschungsanlage Jülich GmbH, 5170 Jülich Reinigungsapparatur fuer reagenzglasfoermige gefaesse
US6595977B1 (en) 2000-04-20 2003-07-22 Mcneil-Ppc, Inc. Absorbent article having a high coefficient of friction backsheet and a self-release tape tab

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3202187A (en) * 1961-06-08 1965-08-24 Strunck & Co Maschinenfabrik F Means for cleaning and filling ampoules, bottles and similar containers
US3277929A (en) * 1962-07-27 1966-10-11 Universal Equip Co Machine for washing and filling a container
US3495291A (en) * 1968-03-18 1970-02-17 Automatic Sprinkler Corp Container rinser apparatus

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2990302A (en) * 1958-07-25 1961-06-27 Purex Corp Ltd Method of agitating cleansing liquid
US3175567A (en) * 1962-08-10 1965-03-30 Elliott Brothers London Ltd Apparatus for effecting ultrasonic cleaning of the interior of vessels
BE731567A (it) * 1968-09-24 1969-10-01

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3202187A (en) * 1961-06-08 1965-08-24 Strunck & Co Maschinenfabrik F Means for cleaning and filling ampoules, bottles and similar containers
US3277929A (en) * 1962-07-27 1966-10-11 Universal Equip Co Machine for washing and filling a container
US3495291A (en) * 1968-03-18 1970-02-17 Automatic Sprinkler Corp Container rinser apparatus

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4274885A (en) * 1979-07-19 1981-06-23 Swartout Bobbye J Method for washing centrifugal analyzer test disks
US5186760A (en) * 1987-11-17 1993-02-16 Slt Labinstruments Gesellschaft M.B.H. Cleaning device for cuvettes
WO1990002000A1 (en) * 1988-08-23 1990-03-08 Elcatech, Inc. Microtiter plate washer
US5078164A (en) * 1988-08-23 1992-01-07 Elcatech, Inc. Microtiter plate washer
US5186223A (en) * 1988-09-29 1993-02-16 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Filling system
US5368828A (en) * 1992-11-12 1994-11-29 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. Method and apparatus for carton sterilization
US5587127A (en) * 1992-11-12 1996-12-24 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance Sa Method and apparatus for carton sterilization
US5639432A (en) * 1992-11-12 1997-06-17 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. Method and apparatus for carton sterilization
US5518049A (en) * 1993-08-05 1996-05-21 Compagnie Generale Des Matieres Nucleaires Device for filling a receptacle closed by a needle and provided with cleaning means

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB1397006A (en) 1975-06-11
CH546603A (de) 1974-03-15
DE2330136A1 (de) 1974-01-31
DE2330136C2 (de) 1983-12-29
FR2188466A5 (it) 1974-01-18
IT988961B (it) 1975-04-30
SE383970B (sv) 1976-04-12
JPS49108851A (it) 1974-10-16
JPS5727037B2 (it) 1982-06-08

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