Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for the use of atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma to clean and sterilize the surfaces of liquid handling devices. In one embodiment, a method of cleaning a fluid handling device includes the steps of inserting a tip of the fluid handling device into an interior of a channel through a first opening disposed at a first end of the channel, wherein a first electrode is disposed adjacent an exterior of the channel; causing a plasma to be formed within the interior of the channel; and removing the fluid handling device from the channel through the first opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and surface conditioning objects using plasma are disclosed. One embodiment of the apparatus for cleaning conductive objects using plasma discloses at least one planar dielectric barrier plate having a first surface and a second surface, and at least one electrode proximate the second surface of the at least one planar dielectric barrier plate, wherein the planar dielectric barrier plate is positioned to receive at least one object substantially orthogonally proximate the first surface. Another embodiment of the apparatus includes a ground plane for cleaning non-conductive objects, wherein the ground plane has apertures sized and arranged for receiving each object to be cleaned.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning objects using plasma are disclosed. The apparatus provides a plurality of elongated dielectric barrier members arranged adjacent each other, a plurality of electrodes each contained within, and extending substantially along the length of, the plurality of elongated dielectric barrier members, and at least one buss bar for electrically coupling the plurality of electrodes to a voltage source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for the use of atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma to clean and sterilize the surfaces of liquid handling devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for the use of atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma to clean and sterilize the surfaces of liquid handling devices. In one embodiment, a method of cleaning a fluid handling device includes the steps of inserting a tip of the fluid handling device into an interior of a channel through a first opening disposed at a first end of the channel, wherein a first electrode is disposed adjacent an exterior of the channel; causing a plasma to be formed within the interior of the channel; and removing the fluid handling device from the channel through the first opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for the use of atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma to clean and sterilize the surfaces of liquid handling devices. In one embodiment, an apparatus for plasma cleaning includes a hollow dielectric member having a first opening disposed at a first end of the hollow dielectric member and an electrode coupled to a central portion of an outer surface of the hollow dielectric member. A conductive member is coupled to the outer surface of the hollow dielectric member proximate the first end of the hollow dielectric member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for the use of atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma to clean and sterilize the surfaces of liquid handling devices.