Sonicator

class acq4.devices.Sonicator.Sonicator(deviceManager, config, name)[source]

Bases: Device

Base class for ultrasonic sonicator devices.

Provides common functionality for controlling ultrasonic cleaners and sonicators used for pipette cleaning and laboratory equipment maintenance.

Configuration options:

protocolsdict

Dictionary of predefined sonication protocols

Key: Protocol name (str)
Value: Protocol definition (format depends on subclass implementation)

unsafeSonicationBelowfloat

If set, disable sonication when the pipette is below the surface plus this value.

Subclasses define the specific format and implementation of protocols.

Emits sigSonicationChanged(status) when sonication state changes.

deviceInterface(win)[source]: Return a widget with a UI to put in the device rack

doProtocol(protocol: str | object, _future)[source]

property patchPipetteDevice

safeToSonicate(_future: Future = None, askUser=True) → bool[source]

sigSonicationChanged

pyqtSignal(*types, name: str = …, revision: int = …, arguments: Sequence = …) -> PYQT_SIGNAL

types is normally a sequence of individual types. Each type is either a type object or a string that is the name of a C++ type. Alternatively each type could itself be a sequence of types each describing a different overloaded signal. name is the optional C++ name of the signal. If it is not specified then the name of the class attribute that is bound to the signal is used. revision is the optional revision of the signal that is exported to QML. If it is not specified then 0 is used. arguments is the optional sequence of the names of the signal’s arguments.

The Sonicator device provides control for ultrasonic cleaning devices, typically used for cleaning patch pipette tips during automated patching procedures.

Configuration

Basic configuration for sonicator control:

Example configuration:

Sonicator:
    driver: 'Sonicator'
    # Implementation-specific settings would go here

Features

Ultrasonic Cleaning: * Controlled activation of ultrasonic cleaning * Configurable cleaning duration and intensity * Safety interlocks and monitoring

Integration with Patching: * Coordination with patch pipette devices * Automated cleaning sequences * State management during cleaning cycles

Safety Features: * Timeout protection * Status monitoring * Error handling and recovery

Usage

The sonicator is typically used as part of automated patching workflows to clean pipette tips when they become fouled or blocked.

Dependencies

Ultrasonic cleaning hardware
Appropriate control interface (DAQ, serial, etc.)
Safety interlocks and monitoring systems