Wash ring assembly and method of use

A wash ring assembly for washing a probe, the wash ring assembly comprising:

• i) a frame mountable on a robotic probe assembly comprising a probe;
• ii) a wash ring comprising:
• a top surface;
• a bottom surface;
• an outer side surface;
• an inner surface forming a bore comprising an inner diameter, a long axis, an upper bore portion, and a lower bore portion, wherein the upper bore portion has an opening in the top surface and the lower bore portion has an opening in the bottom surface;
• an inlet comprising an opening in the top surface, bottom surface or outer side surface, and an opening in the upper bore portion;
• an outlet comprising an opening in the top surface, bottom surface or outer side surface, and an opening in the lower bore portion;
• wherein the inner diameter of the bore is adapted to receive the probe such that when the probe is present in the bore, a capillary is formed between the probe and the inner surface;
• and
• iii) a coupling means, wherein the wash ring is coupled to the frame by the coupling means, wherein the coupling means is capable of moving the wash ring toward and away from the frame in parallel to a longitudinal axis of the probe when the probe is present in the bore.

A method for cleaning a probe in a robotic aspiration and dispensing system as the probe is in motion, aspirating and/or dispensing, the method comprising:

• providing a wash ring comprising:
• a top surface, a bottom surface, a side surface, an inner surface forming a bore comprising an upper portion with an opening in the top surface and a lower portion with an opening in the lower surface, an inlet port comprising an opening in the side surface and an opening in the upper bore portion;
• and an outlet port comprising an opening in the side surface and an opening in the lower bore portion,
• a probe assembly comprising a probe, wherein a portion of a probe to be washed is present in the bore forming a capillary between the probe and the inner surface of the bore.
• adding fluid into the bore of the wash ring through the inlet port;
• removing fluid by suction from the bore of the wash ring through the outlet port;
• wherein the adding fluid and removing fluid steps can be performed as the probe is in motion, aspirating and/or dispensing.