Apparatus for supplying reagents to a flow cytometry system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an exemplary rinse station apparatus, cartridge, and method for flow cytometry. The rinse station apparatus includes: (a) a cartridge docking station having a base with a recessed receptacle for a cartridge, a vertical support coupled to a first end of the base, and a top support coupled to the vertical support and cantilevered over the base, the top support having an opening that aligns with an opening of the cartridge; (b) a locking arm coupled to a second end of the base, a free end of the locking arm having a ridge to mate with a detent coupled to a back wall of the cartridge to hold the cartridge in place; (c) a spring coupled to a front face of the vertical support to apply a force to a front wall of the cartridge to bias the cartridge toward the locking arm; and (d) a load cell coupled to the base of the cartridge docking station, the load cell measuring a weight of the cartridge.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Application Serial No. 16 / 422814, filed May 24, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] In flow cytometry, a stream of cells or particles suspended in a fluid passes in front of a laser beam. A detector captures how the laser is reflected and scattered from each particle to measure its physical properties. Typically, this requires sampling from a fluid in which the particles are undissolved and will settle from the suspension over time due to gravity. Once the particles have settled from the suspension, the device used to sample the fluid will not be able to reach all of them. The fluid is usually contained in vials, assay plates, or consumable cartridges.

[0004] This is problematic for fluids that are sampled for extended periods or remain stationary for a long time before sampling. For example, if a fluid is sampled for more than several hours, the number of events passing through the flow cytometer will decrease over time as particles settle from the suspension. This risks experimental failure and the potential loss of expensive tests and reagents. The current solution is for users to periodically stir the container or vial every few hours to resuspend the particles. This presents a problem if the user needs to stop or pause the experiment to do so.

[0005] Specifically, the iQue·PLUS is a flow cytometry system for measuring cells and / or beads in liquid suspensions from 96-, 384-, and 1536-well microplates. For this purpose, the flow cytometry system uses a metal probe connected to a plastic tube to pump the sample from the microplate to the cytometer for measurement. The pump runs continuously while the cytometer performs measurements and the probe moves between liquid samples within the microplate. As the probe moves between samples, air is drawn into the tube, and this air keeps the different samples separated within the tube. ForeCyt TM The software views the data stream received from the cytometer and virtually separates and identifies different samples (a process known as well identification or well ID).

[0006] If no detectable analyte is present in the sample, air-gap sampling methods can become confounded. To address this, additional samples with fluorescent beads (called “labeled beads”) can be introduced into the sample stream around each sample from the plate. Labeled beads are fluorescently stained polystyrene microspheres mixed with a liquid buffer in a labeling cartridge. Labeled beads are used to improve well ID when there may not be sufficient data for the software to correctly identify and virtually separate samples. During sampling, probes are aspirated from the labeling cartridge, then from the microplate, then from the labeling cartridge again, and this process is repeated. This technique surrounds the microplate sample with labeled bead “sips” that the flow cytometry system can identify and use for well ID.

[0007] Furthermore, known containers containing various liquids for flow cytometry systems are not resealable, allowing liquids and samples to spill or splash during loading into the flow cytometry system, and are difficult to load and unload from the flow cytometry system. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In a first aspect, an exemplary flushing station apparatus for flow cytometry is disclosed. The flushing station apparatus includes: (a) at least one cassette docking station having a base with a recessed container configured to receive a cassette, a vertical support coupled to a first end of the base, and a top support coupled to the vertical support and cantilevered above the base, wherein the top support has an opening disposed therethrough, the opening being configured to align with an opening in the cassette; (b) a locking arm coupled to a second end of the base, the free end of the locking arm having a ridge configured to engage with a pawl coupled to a rear wall of the cassette to hold the cassette in situ on the at least one cassette docking station; (c) a spring coupled to the front of the vertical support and configured to apply a force to the front wall of the cassette to bias the cassette toward the locking arm; and (d) at least one force-measuring element coupled to the base of the at least one cassette docking station, wherein the force-measuring element is configured to measure the weight of the cassette.

[0009] In a second aspect, an exemplary cassette for flow cytometry is disclosed. The cassette includes: (a) a housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, a pair of opposing sidewalls, a front wall, and a rear wall that collectively define a cavity, wherein an opening is defined through the top surface adjacent to the front wall of the housing, and the opening is surrounded by an annular ring having shoulders at a first and a second end extending into the cavity; and (b) a resealable plug having a tubular body having a flange disposed at a first end such that the tubular body is disposed within the annular ring and the flange abuts the shoulder of the annular ring, a cap being coupled to the flange of the resealable plug via a movable hinge and configured to move between a sealed position and an unsealed position, in which a portion of the cap is recessed into the opening of the resealable plug, and in the unsealed position, the cap and the movable hinge extending beyond a portion of the top surface.

[0010] In a third aspect, an exemplary method of using a flushing station apparatus for flow cytometry is disclosed. The method includes: (a) removably coupling the at least one cartridge according to the second aspect to the flushing station apparatus according to the first aspect; (b) determining the weight of the at least one cartridge and its contents via the at least one force-measuring element; (c) receiving a signal via a microcontroller, the signal including a force-measuring element value corresponding to the weight of the at least one cartridge; (d) in response to receiving the signal including the force-measuring element value corresponding to the weight of the at least one cartridge, sending a signal via the microcontroller to an embedded processor, the embedded processor controlling a motorized carrier coupled to a probe for sampling within the at least one cartridge; and (e) determining the depth of the contents of the at least one cartridge via the embedded processor based on the force-measuring element value.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, an exemplary non-transitory computer-readable medium is disclosed. The computer-readable medium stores program instructions thereon that, when executed by a processor, cause the execution of a set of actions, the set of actions including: (a) determining the weight of at least one box and its contents according to the second aspect based on at least one force-measuring element of the flushing station equipment of the first aspect; (b) a microcontroller receiving a signal including a force-measuring element value corresponding to the weight of the at least one box; (c) in response to receiving the signal including the force-measuring element value corresponding to the weight of the at least one box, the microcontroller sending a signal to an embedded processor, the embedded processor controlling a motorized carrier coupled to a probe for sampling within the at least one box; and (d) the embedded processor determining the depth of the contents of the at least one box based on the force-measuring element value.

[0012] The features, functions, and advantages already discussed can be implemented independently in various examples or combined in other examples, and further details can be found in the following description and figures. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a functional block diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0014] Figure 2 A block diagram depicts a computing device and a computer network according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0015] Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a flushing station apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0016] Figure 4 It shows that according to Figure 3 An assembly perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a flushing station equipment;

[0017] Figure 5A A side sectional view of a flushing station device with a box according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0018] Figure 5B A side sectional view of a flushing station device with a box according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0019] Figure 6 A flow cytometry system including a flushing station apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0020] Figure 7 A side cross-sectional view of a box and probe according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0021] Figure 8 It shows that according to Figure 7 A partial side cross-sectional view of a box according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0022] Figure 9 A partial side cross-sectional view of a box according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0023] Figure 10 A perspective view of a vortex micro-centrifugal shaker according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0024] Figure 11 A block diagram depicts a computing device and a computer network according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0025] Figure 12 A flowchart of a method according to an exemplary implementation is shown.

[0026] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes, but it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the arrangements and means shown in the drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0027] I. Overview

[0028] The embodiments of the flushing station apparatus, cassette, and method described herein can be used to determine the weight of the cassette and its contents, the depth of the contents of the cassette, and the sampling depth of the probe tip within the cassette. The disclosed exemplary flushing station apparatus, cassette, and method are also advantageously capable of controlling localized vortex microcentrifuges, vibration motors, and / or linear actuators to place labeled beads or cells in a suspension.

[0029] II. Exemplary Architecture

[0030] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an operating environment 100, which includes or relates to, for example, in... Figures 3 to 11 The flushing station equipment 105 and at least one box 110 are shown in detail and described below. (The following description...) Figure 12 Method 300 illustrates an implementation of the method that can be carried out within the operating environment 100.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computing device 200 according to an exemplary embodiment, configured to interact directly or indirectly with an operating environment 100. The computing device 200 can be used to perform... Figure 12 The functions of the methods shown and described below are as follows. Specifically, the computing device 200 can be configured to perform one or more functions, including, for example, determining the depth of the contents of at least one box based on force element values ​​and determining the sampling depth of the tip of a probe within the box. The computing device 200 has a processor 202 and also has a communication interface 204, a data storage device 206, an output interface 208, and a display 210, each connected to a communication bus 212. The computing device 200 may also include hardware to enable communication within the computing device 200 and between the computing device 200 and other devices (e.g., not shown). For example, the hardware may include a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna.

[0032] Communication interface 204 may be a wireless interface and / or one or more wired interfaces, allowing short-range and long-range communication to one or more networks 214 or one or more remote computing devices 216 (e.g., tablet 216a, personal computer 216b, laptop 216c, and mobile computing device 216d). Such a wireless interface can provide communication under one or more wireless communication protocols, such as Bluetooth, WiFi (e.g., IEEE 802.11), LTE, cellular communication, Near Field Communication (NFC), and / or other wireless communication protocols. Such wired interfaces may include Ethernet interfaces, Universal Serial Bus (USB) interfaces, or similar interfaces for communication via wires, twisted pairs, coaxial cables, optical links, fiber optic links, or other physical connections to a wired network. Therefore, communication interface 204 can be configured to receive input data from one or more devices and can also be configured to send output data to other devices.

[0033] The communication interface 204 may also include user input devices, such as keyboards, keypads, touchscreens, touchpads, computer mice, trackballs and / or other similar devices.

[0034] Data storage device 206 may include or take the form of one or more computer-readable storage media that can be read or accessed by processor 202. The computer-readable storage medium may include volatile and / or non-volatile storage components, such as optical, magnetic, organic, or other memory or disk storage devices, which may be integrated wholly or partially with processor 202. Data storage device 206 is considered a non-transitory computer-readable medium. In some examples, data storage device 206 may be implemented using a single physical device (e.g., a single optical, magnetic, organic, or other memory or disk storage unit), while in other examples, data storage device 206 may be implemented using two or more physical devices.

[0035] Data storage device 206 is therefore a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and executable instructions 218 are stored thereon. Instructions 218 include computer-executable code. When instructions 218 are executed by processor 202, processor 202 performs functions. Such functions include, but are not limited to, determining the weight of the box and its contents, and determining the depth of the contents of at least one box based on force-measuring element values.

[0036] Processor 202 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor (e.g., a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, etc.). Processor 202 may receive input from communication interface 204 and process the input to generate output stored in data storage device 206 and output to display 210. Processor 202 may be configured to execute executable instructions 218 (e.g., computer-readable program instructions) stored in data storage device 206 and executable to provide the functions of computing device 200 described herein.

[0037] Output interface 208 outputs information to display 210 or other components. Therefore, output interface 208 can be similar to communication interface 204 and can be a wireless interface (e.g., a transmitter) or a wired interface. For example, output interface 208 can send commands to one or more controllable devices.

[0038] Figure 2 The computing device 200 shown may also represent a local computing device 200a in the operating environment 100, for example, communicating with the flushing station equipment 105. This local computing device 200a may perform one or more steps of the method 300 described below, may receive input from a user and / or may send image data and user input to the computing device 200 to perform all or some steps of method 300. Furthermore, in an optional exemplary embodiment, the iQue·PLUS flow cytometry platform may be used to perform method 300 and includes the combined functionality of the computing device 200 and the flushing station equipment 105.

[0039] Figure 12 A flowchart of an exemplary method 300 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown to determine the depth of the contents of at least one box based on force element values ​​via an embedded processor. For example, Figure 12 The method 300 shown presents a way to interact with Figure 2 An example of a method used in conjunction with a computing device 200. Furthermore, the device or system can be used or configured to perform... Figure 12 The logical functions presented in it, such as Figure 11The microcontrollers, embedded processors, and workstation computers shown are illustrated. In some cases, components of the device and / or system can be configured to perform functions, such that the components are configured and constructed with hardware and / or software to achieve this performance. Components of the device and / or system can be arranged such that, when operated in a particular manner, they are suited, capable of, or adapted to perform functions. Method 300 may include one or more operations, functions, or actions as shown in one or more of the boxes 305 to 325. Although these boxes are shown in a sequential order, some of these boxes may also be executed in parallel, and / or in an order different from that described herein. Furthermore, multiple boxes may be combined into fewer boxes, split into additional boxes, and / or removed based on the target implementation.

[0040] It should be understood that, for the processes and methods disclosed herein, as well as other processes and methods, the flowchart illustrates the function and operation of one possible implementation of this example. In this respect, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of program code, which includes one or more instructions executable by a processor to implement a specific logical function or step in the process. The program code may be stored on any type of computer-readable medium or data storage device, such as storage devices including disks or hard disk drives. Furthermore, the program code may be encoded in a machine-readable format on a computer-readable storage medium or on other non-transitory media or articles of art. Computer-readable media may include non-transitory computer-readable media or memories, such as computer-readable media that store data for short periods, such as register memories, processor caches, and random access memory (RAM). Computer-readable media may also include non-transitory media, such as secondary or permanent long-term storage devices, such as read-only memory (ROM), optical discs or disks, and optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). Computer-readable media may also be any other volatile or non-volatile storage system. Computer-readable media can be considered, for example, tangible computer-readable storage media.

[0041] also, Figure 12 Each box in the present disclosure, as well as each box in other processes and methods disclosed herein, may represent a circuit that is wired to perform a specific logical function of the process. Alternative implementations are included within the scope of the examples of this disclosure, wherein, depending on the function involved, the functions may not be performed in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order, as will reasonably be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0042] III. Exemplary flushing station equipment

[0043] In the first aspect, such as Figures 3 to 11As shown, the flushing station device 105 for flow cytometry includes at least one cassette docking station 115 having a base 120 with a recessed container 125 configured to receive a cassette 110, a vertical support 130 coupled to a first end 121 of the base 120, and a top support 135 coupled to the vertical support 130 and cantilevered above the base 120. The top support 135 has an opening 136 arranged therethrough, which is configured to align with an opening 147 in the cassette 110. In an alternative embodiment, the surface 126 of the recessed container 125 configured to support the cassette 110 has an angle ranging from 1 degree to 45 degrees, such that the surface 126 of the recessed container 125 is inclined from the first end 121 of the base 120 toward a second end 122 of the base 120.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment, the flushing station device 105 includes at least one housing 110 removably coupled to at least one housing docking station 115. The housing 110 includes a housing 140 having a top surface 141, a bottom surface 142, a pair of opposing sidewalls 143, a front wall 144, and a rear wall 145 that together define a cavity 146. An opening 147 is defined by an adjacent front wall 144 extending through the top surface 141 of the housing 140. The opening 147 is surrounded by an annular ring 148 having shoulders 149 at a first end 150 and a second end 151 that extend into the cavity 146. The housing 110 also includes a resealable plug 155 having a tubular body with a flange 156 disposed at the first end 157, such that the tubular body 158 is disposed within the annular ring 148 and the flange 156 abuts the shoulder 149 of the annular ring 148. The cap 160 is connected to the flange 156 of the resealable stopper 155 via a movable hinge 161 and is configured to move between a sealed position and an unsealed position, in which a portion of the cap 160 is recessed into the opening 163 of the resealable stopper 155, and in the unsealed position, the cap 160 and the movable hinge 161 extend over a portion of the top surface 141. In an alternative embodiment, a threaded cap or a cork-like stopper may be used instead of the resealable stopper 155. An exemplary box 110 has a maximum filling volume of 51 ml, a normal filling volume of 42 ml, and a dead volume of 5 ml. The exemplary box 110 may be made of polypropylene with 3% white colorant. Furthermore, the exemplary box 110 may be made of two injection-molded parts ultrasonically welded together. The resealable stopper 155 can then be press-fitted into the opening 147 of the top surface 141.

[0045] In one alternative embodiment, the cartridge 110 includes a tapered baffle 165 coupled to a second end 151 of the annular ring 148. The technical effect of the tapered baffle 165 is to minimize any spillage of the contents of the cartridge 110 from the opening 147 by inhibiting liquid movement around the resealable stopper 155. In an alternative embodiment, the baffle may take the form of an edge or plate extending radially inward from the second end 151 of the annular ring 148, thereby reducing the diameter of the opening 147 at the second end 151.

[0046] In another alternative embodiment, the box 110 includes a protrusion 165' that engages with and extends from the rear wall 145 of the housing 140, which is adjacent to and extends from the top surface 141 of the housing 140. In operation, when the boxes 110 are mounted on the box docking station 115, the boxes 110 are arranged in a closely spaced array. This reduces the accessibility of the boxes 110 for handling. The protrusion 165' serves as a handle configured to be gripped between the operator's fingers and thumb. The protrusion 165' may optionally include ridges 166 on the top and bottom sides to improve grip strength. The ridges 166 may also provide the operator with a visual cue regarding the location of the gripping protrusion 165'. For aesthetic purposes, the ridges 166 are curved on the top surface.

[0047] In another alternative embodiment, housing 110 includes a pawl 170 that engages with the rear wall 145 of housing 140 adjacent to the bottom surface 142 of housing 140. In this example, pawl 170 locks the heel in place by acting on locking arm 175, described below.

[0048] In yet another alternative implementation, such as Figure 8 As shown, the shoulder 149 of the annular ring 148 is inserted into the top surface 141 of the housing 140. Figure 9 In another alternative embodiment shown, the shoulder 149 of the annular ring 148 corresponds to the first end 150 of the annular ring 148 extending above the top surface 141 of the housing 140. In another alternative embodiment, the bottom surface 142 of the housing 140 has an angle ranging from 1 degree to 45 degrees, such that the cartridge 110 is inclined from the front wall 144 toward the rear wall 145. The technical effect of this arrangement is that when the volume of the contents decreases due to sampling, the liquid contents of the cartridge 110 are collected below the opening 147.

[0049] The flushing station device 105 also includes a locking arm 175 coupled to a second end 122 of the base 120. The free end 176 of the locking arm 175 has a ridge 177 configured to engage with a pawl coupled to the rear wall of the housing 110 to hold the housing 110 in place on at least one housing docking station 115. In an alternative embodiment, the locking arm 175 is biased toward a locked position and configured to bend outward to an open position upon application of a downward or upward force from the pawl 170 of the housing 110.

[0050] The rinsing station device 105 also includes a spring 180 coupled to the front 131 of the vertical support 130 and configured to apply force to the front wall 144 of the cassette 110 to bias the cassette 110 toward the locking arm 175 in the recessed container 125. The technical effect of the spring 180 is to help hold the cassette 110 in place on the cassette docking station 115, in an exemplary embodiment where an optional pawl 170 of the cassette 110 is located below the ridge 177 of the locking arm 175. Furthermore, when an operator grasps the optional protrusion 165' of the cassette 110 and applies an upward force, the spring 180 applies force to the front wall 144 of the cassette, thereby advancing the cassette toward the second end 122 of the base 120, thus increasing the ease of removing the cassette 110 from the cassette docking station 115.

[0051] The flushing station equipment 105 also includes at least one force-measuring element 185, which is coupled to the base 120 of at least one cassette docking station 115. The force-measuring element 185 is configured to measure the weight of the cassette 110 and its contents. The technical effect of the force-measuring element 185 and the corresponding weight value is to help determine the sampling depth of the tip 109 of the probe 103 within the cassette 110 and to help the operator determine and alarm when the cassette is low, empty, or not loaded onto the cassette docking station 115. The force-measuring element 185 and the corresponding weight value can also be used to calculate the sampling run time or determine the number of orifices remaining for sampling. Furthermore, alarms can be generated based on user-defined limits or thresholds preset on the system.

[0052] In one alternative embodiment, at least one force-measuring element 185 has a crossarm 186 with a fixed geometry stop 187 configured to limit displacement of the force-measuring element 185 in response to a mating force from the housing 110. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the fixed geometry stop 187 has a keying notch that divides the crossarm 186 into a first portion 188 and a second portion 189, which overlap such that the first portion 188 of the crossarm 186 is configured to buckle downward in response to a force from the housing 110 during mating until the first portion 188 contacts the second portion 189 of the crossarm 186 at the keying notch. As used herein, a “keying notch” refers to the gap between the first and second portions of the crossarm of the force-measuring element, wherein the gap is shaped to provide a mutually convex-concave arrangement between the first and second portions such that these first and second portions of the crossarm overlap and “bond” together. The fixed geometry stop 187 can take various forms to prevent the force measuring element 185 from shifting too far and damaging the strain gauge of the force measuring element. For example, a lockable adjusting screw, shim, or other type of machined clearance can be attached to the force measuring element to contact the base 120 during shifting and to set a predetermined shift distance. In one example, the maximum shift is approximately 0.3 mm.

[0053] In one alternative embodiment, the rinsing station apparatus 105 includes a vortex microcentrifuge 195 having a motor 196 connected via a ball joint 198 to a first end 182 of a carrier container 197 for microcentrifuge tubes 172; a platform 199 suspended above the motor 196 via a plurality of columns 181 supporting a second end 183 of the carrier container 197; and a cap retaining cavity 184 arranged adjacent to the second end 183 of the carrier container 197 and configured to receive a cap 171 connected to the microcentrifuge tubes 172 via a movable hinge 173. The motor may be in the form of an eccentric gear motor or a DC motor. In one embodiment, the ball joint 198 is connected to the motor 196 via an eccentric connection to the motor shaft, thereby imparting eccentric motion to the carrier container 197. In operation, the rinsing station apparatus 105 can aspirate samples from the microcentrifuge tubes 172 for analysis. For example, the microcentrifuge tube 172 may contain samples for analysis, which are typically beads or cells. The microcentrifuge tube 172 may also contain quality control beads with specific fluorescent properties and allow the rinsing station device 105 to self-test the flow cytometer to confirm whether the flow cytometer is measuring within specifications.

[0054] An eccentric gear motor 196 is configured to rotate an off-axis at a first end 182 of a carrier container 197. This rotation at the first end 182 causes a three-dimensional rotation about a ball joint 198 at a second end 183 of the carrier container 197. This rotation causes the liquid in the microcentrifuge tube 172 to move upwards to the side of the microcentrifuge tube 172 and slide along the side as it rotates, resulting in mixing. Experiments show that the vortex microcentrifuge shaker 195 effectively suspends beads and cells in the liquid and can resuspend them within 15 seconds of the eccentric gear motor 196 being energized.

[0055] In one alternative embodiment, at least one cartridge docking station 115 is a plurality of cartridge docking stations 115 arranged adjacent to each other, and at least one force element 185 is a plurality of force elements 185, each force element being coupled to a base 120 of one of the plurality of cartridge docking stations 115. These cartridges 110 may include reagents such as decontamination solutions, cleaning solutions, buffer solutions, rinsing water, and labeling bead solutions. The reagents can be aspirated by the probe 103 and provide different functions. One function is to provide a buffer solution that maintains the correct gas-liquid ratio in the tube when the probe 103 is not temporarily aspirating samples from the well plate 106. Another function is to provide a cleaning solution to the probe 103 and the tube, which rinses or dissolves contaminants.

[0056] In one alternative embodiment, the flushing station device 105 includes a uniform housing 132 having a top surface 133 configured to cover a top support 135 of each of a plurality of box docking stations 115 and a platform 199 of a vortex microcentrifugal shaker 195. The top surface 133 of the uniform housing 132 has a plurality of openings 134 therethrough, each opening aligned with one of the openings 136 of the top support 135 of the plurality of box docking stations 115, the opening of the carrier container 197 of the vortex microcentrifugal shaker 195, and a cap retaining cavity 184. The uniform housing 132 has a first vertical support 137 coupled to the top surface 133 at a first end. The first vertical support 137 forms a cavity configured to receive the vortex microcentrifugal shaker 195. The uniform housing 132 has a second vertical support 138 coupled to the top surface 133 at a second end. The unified housing 132 has a vertical wall 139 extending between a first vertical support 137 and a second vertical support 138, which together form a recess 127 to receive a first end 121 of the base 120, the vertical support 130, and the top support 135 of each of the plurality of box docking stations 115. The unified housing 132 also has a base frame 128 extending outward from the vertical wall 139, the frame having an opening 129 configured to surround the plurality of box docking stations 115 and the plurality of force measuring elements 185. The height of the base frame 128 corresponds to the combined height of one of the plurality of force measuring elements 185 coupled to one of the plurality of box docking stations 115.

[0057] In such Figure 11In one alternative embodiment shown, the flushing station device 105 includes a fluid station circuit board 101 electrically connected to at least one force-sensing element 185. As used herein, "electrical connection" refers to a connection using conductors such as wires or conductive traces, as well as inductive, magnetic, and wireless connections. The flushing station device 105 also includes an analog-to-digital converter electrically connected to the fluid station circuit board 101 and the at least one force-sensing element 185. The flushing station device 105 also includes a microcontroller 102 electrically connected to the fluid station circuit board 101. Furthermore, the flushing station device 105 includes a probe 103 coupled to a motorized carrier 104 electrically connected to the microcontroller 102. The motorized carrier 104 is configured to move between at least one box docking station 115 and an orifice plate 106. The probe 103 has an outer support sleeve 107 and an inner probe 108 extending beyond the outer support sleeve 107 by a certain distance. The outer support sleeve 107 provides mechanical support for the inner probe 108. However, a small gap exists between the outer support sleeve 107 and the inner probe 108, which could allow wicking and thus contamination. Therefore, the microcontroller 102 is configured to receive a signal including a force element value corresponding to the weight of the cartridge 110 and to transmit a signal to the motorized carrier 104 including the sampling depth of the tip 109 of the probe 103 within the cartridge 110. This has the advantage of preventing wicking and avoiding contamination. In an alternative embodiment, the signal including the sampling depth of the tip 109 of the probe 103 within the cartridge 110 is transmitted to the motorized carrier 104 via another processor in the operating environment 100, such as an embedded processor 111 or a workstation computer 112.

[0058] In one alternative embodiment, the vortex microcentrifugal shaker 195 is electrically connected to the fluid station circuit board 101, and the microcontroller 102 is configured to send signals via the fluid station circuit board 101 to the eccentric gear motor 196 of the vortex microcentrifugal shaker 195 to energize, de-energize, or energize for a specified duration.

[0059] In one alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the base 120 of at least one box docking station 115 is coupled to at least one force-measuring element 185 such that a first end 121 of the base 120 extends over a first end 190 of the force-measuring element 185. In another alternative embodiment, the base 120 of at least one box docking station 115 is coupled to the first end 190 of at least one force-measuring element 185 via a pivot mount 191 such that the first end 121 of the base 120 extends over a first end 190 of the force-measuring element 185, and the base 120 is raised above at least one force-measuring element 185. In yet another alternative embodiment, the flushing station device 105 includes a pair of flexible supports 192 having a first end 193 coupled to the base 120 and a second end 194 coupled to the force-measuring element 185. The pair of flexible supports 192 are arranged on either side of the pivot mount 191 and configured to provide a restoring force to the base 120 in response to compression. These flexible supports 192 may take the form of leaf springs, torsion springs, compression springs, or any other mechanism configured to provide restoring force. The flushing station equipment 105 also includes a vibration motor 113 coupled to the underside of a first end 121 of the base 120 of at least one cassette docking station 115 and configured to impart a rocking motion to the at least one cassette docking station 115 about a pivot mount 191. In an alternative embodiment, a fluid station circuit board 101 is electrically connected to the vibration motor 113, and a microcontroller 102 is configured to send signals to the vibration motor 113 via the fluid station circuit board 101 to energize, de-energize, or energize for a specified duration. A probe 103 is capable of sampling from the cassette 110 during vibration.

[0060] To demonstrate the effectiveness of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, four tests were conducted using a prototype cartridge docking station 115 connected to the vibration motor 113. Two tests were performed with the vibration motor 113 running, and the other two tests were performed with the vibration motor 113 powered off. For each test run, a 29 mL cartridge 110 was filled with a solution containing labeled beads. The cartridge 110 was sampled every minute over a 25-hour period. Samples were passed through a flow cytometry system to count the number of labeled beads in each sample.

[0061] Without any agitation by the vibrating motor 113, the number of labeled beads decreased linearly over 25 hours for both test runs, with the bead count approaching zero. This indicates that the labeled beads settled and precipitated from the suspension. The two test runs with agitation by the vibrating motor 113 did not show a linear decrease in the labeled bead count. Instead, the labeled bead count decreased rapidly in the initial few hours until the system reached a steady state between 100 and 120 particles per sample. The labeled bead count and concentration then tended to stabilize and remained constant for the remainder of the experiment.

[0062] For operational purposes, the particle concentration does not need to be maintained at a uniform level. Instead, the concentration should be maintained above a certain threshold to prevent orifice-ID failure. The vibratory motor 113 can increase the number of particles in the fluid within the housing 110 to prevent the steady-state particle concentration from falling below a minimum threshold. The duration and amplitude of the agitation by the vibratory motor 113 can be increased to achieve the same result. The amplitude and duration of agitation can also be adjusted based on a liquid level measurement received from the force measuring element 185.

[0063] In one alternative embodiment, the flushing station device 105 includes a linear actuator 114 fixedly coupled to a first end 190 or a second end 179 of at least one force-sensing element 185. The linear actuator 114 has an actuating arm 116 coupled to a first end 121 or a second end 122 of a base 120 of at least one box docking station 115 and is configured to impart a rocking motion about a pivot mount 191 to the at least one box docking station 115. In an alternative embodiment, the linear actuator 114 may have an actuating arm 116 coupled to a second end 122 of the base 120 of at least one box docking station 115. In one alternative embodiment, a fluid station circuit board 101 is electrically coupled to the linear actuator 114, and a microcontroller 102 is configured to send signals to the linear actuator 114 via the fluid station circuit board 101 to energize, de-energize, or energize for a specified duration. Furthermore, the amplitude and frequency of the linear actuator 114 can be adjusted based on liquid level measurements received from the force-sensing element 185. Probe 103 is able to sample from cartridge 110 during linear actuation.

[0064] During operation, the technical effect of the vibration motor 113 and the linear actuator is to shake the container 110 to avoid the operator having to manually resuspend the fluid in the container 110. Activation of the vibration motor 113 or the linear actuator 114 causes the container docking station 115 to vibrate or shake, thereby promoting mixing of the fluid in the container 110. The vibration motor 113 and the linear actuator 114 can advantageously allow for extended testing without pausing or stopping the experiment and resuspending the fluid, faster start-up of future experiments, improved consistency of particle concentration within the container 110, prevention of particle adhesion to the walls of the container 110, and allow for adjustments for a variety of different fluid and particle solutions.

[0065] In one alternative embodiment, the rinsing station device 105 includes a shielded circuit board 117 electrically connected to a microcontroller 102. During operation, the shielded circuit board 117 progressively reduces voltage to properly interface with the rinsing station device 105 and various motors included therein. The shielded circuit board 117 also includes relays for controlling the motors of the rinsing station device 105. The rinsing station device 105 also includes an embedded processor 111 electrically connected to the microcontroller 102 and the shielded circuit board 117. Furthermore, the rinsing station device 105 includes a workstation computer 112 electrically connected to the embedded processor 111 and configured to receive and process commands from an operator. In another alternative embodiment, a USB hub 118 may be electrically connected to a power supply 119, the embedded processor 111, and the microcontroller 102 to power the embedded processor 111 and the microcontroller 102.

[0066] In another alternative embodiment, the rinsing station device 105 includes mutually cooperating components between at least one box 110 and at least one box docking station 115. The mutually cooperating components include: (i) at least one convex component and at least one corresponding concave component, the convex component extending from the base 120 of at least one box docking station 115 or the bottom surface 142 of the housing 140 of at least one box 110, the concave component being defined within another of the base 120 of at least one box docking station 115 or the bottom surface 142 of the housing 140 of at least one box 110; or (ii) a first RFID tag coupled to at least one box docking station 115, the first RFID tag being configured to pair with a second RFID tag coupled to at least one box 110 and to send a signal to a microcontroller 102 to indicate a match; (iii) a barcode coupled to at least one box and a scanner coupled to at least one box docking station; or (iv) a QR code coupled to at least one box and a camera and processor with imaging software coupled to at least one box docking station. The technical effect of the interlocking components is to help the operator place the box 110 with the correct liquid contents into the corresponding box docking station 115.

[0067] IV. Exemplary Methods

[0068] Now for reference Figure 12 ,use Figures 3 to 11 The washing station equipment 105 and Figures 1 to 2The method 300 is illustrated using a computing device. Method 300 includes, at block 305, removably connecting at least one box 110 according to any of the preceding embodiments to a flushing station device 105 according to any of the preceding embodiments. Then, at block 310, at least one force-measuring element 185 determines the weight of at least one box 110 and its contents. Next, at block 315, a microcontroller 102 receives a signal including a force-measuring element value corresponding to the weight of at least one box 110. In an alternative embodiment, the signal including the force-measuring element value may be received by an embedded processor 111 or a workstation computer 112. Then, at block 320, in response to receiving a signal including a force-measuring element value corresponding to the weight of at least one box 110, the microcontroller 102 sends a signal to the embedded processor 111, which controls a motorized carrier 104 coupled to a probe 103 to sample within at least one box 110. At block 325, the microcontroller 102 or the embedded processor 111 determines the depth of the contents of at least one box 110 based on the force-measuring element value.

[0069] In one alternative implementation, the embedded processor 111 or microcontroller 102 determines the sampling depth of the tip 109 of the probe 103 within the at least one cartridge 110 based on a defined depth of the contents of the at least one cartridge 110. In operation, the sampling depth is set to approximately 8 mm of immersion to prevent tolerance accumulation that could cause the probe 103 to miss the liquid contents of the cartridge 110. The tolerances are determined based on probe positioning, mechanical sensing of the cartridge position, and force element measurements corresponding to the level of the liquid contents therein. The sampling depth is also calculated to maintain the probe 103 at least 0.5 mm from the bottom surface 142 of the cartridge 110.

[0070] In one alternative implementation, the microcontroller 102 sends a signal to the eccentric gear motor 196 of the vortex microcentrifugal rocker 195 to energize, de-energize, or energize for a specified duration to the vortex microcentrifugal rocker 195.

[0071] In one alternative embodiment, method 300 further includes a microcontroller 102 sending a signal to a vibration motor 113 to energize, de-energize, or energize for a specified duration, the vibration motor being coupled to a base 120 of at least one box docking station 115. In an alternative embodiment, method 300 includes the microcontroller 102 sending a signal to a linear actuator 114 to energize, de-energize, or energize for a specified duration, the linear actuator being coupled to a base 120 of at least one box docking station 115.

[0072] In an alternative implementation, method 300 further includes microcontroller 102 determining that the depth of the determined contents of at least one cartridge 110 is below a sampling threshold, and microcontroller 102 signaling to workstation computer 112 to display an alarm to the operator. The sampling threshold may be set at a depth that allows the system to continue operation for a set duration (e.g., several minutes) after displaying the alarm before microcontroller 102, embedded processor 111, or workstation computer 112 stops or pauses sampling activity. Alternatively, the sampling threshold may be set at a depth that immediately causes microcontroller 102, embedded processor 111, or workstation computer 112 to stop or pause sampling activity.

[0073] In an alternative embodiment, method 300 further includes applying force via an operator to a protrusion coupled to and extending from a rear wall 145 of the housing 140 of at least one housing 110 adjacent to and from the top surface 141 of the housing 140 of at least one housing 110, thereby causing a locking arm 175 to flex outward and releasing a pawl 170 from the locking arm 175. In this embodiment, method 300 further includes applying force to the front wall 144 of at least one housing 110 via a spring 180 coupled to the front 131 of a vertical support 130 of at least one housing docking station 115.

[0074] In an alternative implementation, method 300 further includes converting the analog signal from force element 185 into a digital signal via an analog-to-digital converter electrically connected to fluid station circuit board 101 and force element 185.

[0075] In one alternative embodiment, a pair of cooperating components are disposed between at least one box 110 and at least one box docking station 115. The cooperating components include a first RFID tag coupled to at least one box docking station 115, the first RFID tag being configured to pair with a second RFID tag coupled to at least one box 110 and to send a signal to microcontroller 102 indicating a match. In this embodiment, method 300 further includes receiving a signal identifying the first RFID tag via microcontroller 102. Then, microcontroller 102 receives a signal identifying the second RFID tag. Next, microcontroller 102 determines whether the first RFID tag is paired with the second RFID tag. And microcontroller 102 sends a signal confirming the pairing between the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag.

[0076] In an alternative implementation, method 300 includes an embedded processor 111 determining, based on force element values, that the depth of the contents of the first box 110 is at or below a minimum threshold. The embedded processor 111 then sends a signal to the motorized carrier 104 to sample from the second box 110.

[0077] As described above, thereon is a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program instructions that, when executed by processor 202, can be used to cause the execution of any function of the aforementioned method.

[0078] As an example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program instructions, which, when executed by a processor, cause the execution of a set of actions, including determining the weight of at least one cassette 110 and its contents according to any of the foregoing embodiments by at least one force-measuring element 185 of the flushing station device 105. A microcontroller 102 then receives a signal including a force-measuring element value corresponding to the weight of the at least one cassette 110. In response to receiving the signal including a force-measuring element value corresponding to the weight of the at least one cassette 110, the microcontroller 102 sends a signal to an embedded processor 111, which controls a motorized carrier 104 coupled to a probe 103 to sample within the at least one cassette 110. The embedded processor 111 then determines the depth of the contents of the at least one cassette 110 based on the force-measuring element value.

[0079] In an alternative embodiment, the non-transitory computer-readable medium further includes an embedded processor 111 that determines the sampling depth of the tip 109 of the probe 103 within the at least one cartridge 110 based on a defined depth of the contents of the at least one cartridge 110.

[0080] In another alternative embodiment, the non-transitory computer-readable medium further includes a microcontroller 102 that signals an eccentric gear motor 196 of a vortex microcentrifugal shaker 195 to energize, de-energize, or energize for a specified duration to the vortex microcentrifugal shaker 195.

[0081] In another alternative embodiment, the non-transitory computer-readable medium further includes a microcontroller 102 that sends signals to a vibration motor 113 to energize, de-energize, or energize for a specified duration, the vibration motor being coupled to the base 120 of at least one cassette docking station 115. In an alternative embodiment, the microcontroller 102 sends signals to a linear actuator 114 to energize, de-energize, or energize for a specified duration, the linear actuator being coupled to the base 120 of at least one cassette docking station 115.

[0082] In another alternative embodiment, the non-transitory computer-readable medium also includes a microcontroller 102 that determines that the depth of the contents of at least one cartridge 110 is below a sampling threshold. The microcontroller 102 then sends a signal to a workstation computer 112 to display an alarm to the operator.

[0083] In another alternative embodiment, the non-transitory computer-readable medium also includes an analog-to-digital converter electrically connected to the fluid station circuit board 101 and the force measuring element 185, which converts analog signals from the force measuring element 185 into digital signals.

[0084] In another alternative embodiment, a pair of cooperating components are disposed between at least one box 110 and at least one box docking station 115. The cooperating components include a first RFID tag coupled to at least one box docking station 115, the first RFID tag being configured to pair with a second RFID tag coupled to at least one box 110 and to send a signal to microcontroller 102 indicating a match. Furthermore, a set of actions of the non-transitory computer-readable medium includes: microcontroller 102 receiving a signal identifying the first RFID tag, microcontroller 102 receiving a signal identifying the second RFID tag, microcontroller 102 determining whether the first RFID tag is paired with the second RFID tag, and microcontroller 102 sending a signal confirming the pairing between the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag.

[0085] In another alternative embodiment, the non-transitory computer-readable medium further includes an embedded processor 111 that determines, based on force element values, that the depth of the contents of the first box 110 is at or below a minimum threshold, and that the embedded processor 111 sends a signal to the motorized carrier 104 to sample from the second box 110.

[0086] Various advantageous arrangements have been described for purposes of illustration and description, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the forms presented. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, different advantageous examples may describe different advantages compared to other advantageous examples. The selection and description of one or more examples are intended to best explain the principles and practical applications of the examples, and to enable those skilled in the art to understand the various examples of this disclosure and the various modifications suitable for the particular intended use.

Claims

1. A flushing station device for flow cytometry, comprising: At least one box docking station having a base with a recessed container configured to receive a box, a vertical support attached to a first end of the base, and a top support attached to the vertical support and cantilevered above the base, wherein the top support has an opening disposed therethrough, the opening being configured to align with an opening in the box. A locking arm, which is connected to a second end of the base, has a ridge at its free end, the ridge being configured to engage with a pawl connected to the rear wall of the box to hold the box in place on the at least one box docking station. A spring, connected to the front of the vertical support, is configured to apply a force to the front wall of the box to bias the box toward the locking arm; as well as At least one force-measuring element is coupled to the base of the at least one box docking station, wherein the force-measuring element is configured to measure the weight of the box.

2. The flushing station equipment according to claim 1, wherein the recessed container is configured such that the surface supporting the box has an angle ranging from 1 degree to 45 degrees, such that the surface of the recessed container is inclined from the first end of the base toward the second end of the base.

3. The flushing station equipment according to claim 1, wherein the at least one force-measuring element has a cross arm with a stop of fixed geometry, the stop being configured to limit the displacement of the force-measuring element in response to a contact force from the housing.

4. The flushing station equipment according to claim 1, wherein the base of the at least one box docking station is connected to the at least one force measuring element such that the first end of the base extends out from the first end of the force measuring element.

5. The flushing station apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking arm is biased toward the locked position and configured to bend outward to the open position upon application of a downward or upward force from the housing.

6. The flushing station equipment according to claim 1, further comprising: A vortex microcentrifuge shaker, the vortex microcentrifuge shaker having a motor connected via a ball joint to a first end of a carrier container for microcentrifuge tubes; The platform is suspended above the motor via multiple columns, supports the second end of the carrier container, and has a cap holding cavity arranged adjacent to the second end of the carrier and configured to receive a cap connected to the microcentrifuge tube via a movable hinge.

7. The flushing station equipment according to claim 6, wherein the at least one box docking station is a plurality of box docking stations arranged adjacent to each other, wherein the at least one force measuring element is a plurality of force measuring elements, each force measuring element being connected to the base of one of the plurality of box docking stations.

8. The flushing station equipment of claim 7, further comprising a uniform housing having a top surface configured to cover the top support of each of the plurality of box docking stations and the platform of the vortex micro-centrifugal shaker, the top surface of the uniform housing having a plurality of openings therethrough, each opening aligned with an opening of the top support of the plurality of box docking stations, an opening of the carrier container of the vortex micro-centrifugal shaker, and a cap retaining cavity, the uniform housing having a first vertical support attached to the top surface at a first end, the first vertical support forming a cavity configured to receive the vortex micro-centrifugal shaker, the uniform housing... The shell has a second vertical support attached to the top surface at a second end, and the unified shell has a vertical wall extending between the first vertical support and the second vertical support, the first vertical support and the second vertical support together forming a groove to receive the first end of the base of each of the plurality of box docking stations, the vertical support and the top support, and the unified shell has a base frame extending outward from the vertical wall, the frame having an opening configured to surround the plurality of box docking stations and the plurality of force measuring elements, wherein the height of the base frame corresponds to the combined height of one of the plurality of force measuring elements attached to one of the plurality of box docking stations.

9. The flushing station equipment according to claim 6, further comprising: A fluid station circuit board, the fluid station circuit board being electrically connected to the at least one force measuring element; An analog-to-digital converter, the analog-to-digital converter being electrically connected to the fluid station circuit board and the at least one force-measuring element; A microcontroller, which is electrically connected to the fluid station circuit board; as well as A probe coupled to a motorized carrier electrically connected to a microcontroller, wherein the motorized carrier is configured to move between the at least one cassette docking station and an orifice plate, wherein the probe has an outer support sleeve and an inner probe extending beyond the outer support sleeve by a certain distance, wherein the microcontroller is configured to receive signals including force element values ​​corresponding to the weight of the cassette and to transmit signals to the motorized carrier including the sampling depth of the tip of the probe within the cassette.

10. The flushing station equipment of claim 9, wherein the vortex micro-centrifugal shaker is electrically connected to the fluid station circuit board, and wherein the microcontroller is configured to send signals via the fluid station circuit board to the motor of the vortex micro-centrifugal shaker to energize, de-energize, or energize for a specified duration.

11. The flushing station equipment of claim 10, wherein the base of the at least one docking station is connected to a first end of the at least one force measuring element via a pivot mount, such that the first end of the base extends out from the first end of the force measuring element, and the base is raised above the at least one force measuring element.

12. The flushing station equipment according to claim 11, further comprising: A pair of flexible supports having a first end connected to the base and a second end connected to the force measuring element, the pair of flexible supports being arranged on either side of the pivot mount and configured to provide a restoring force to the base in response to compression; as well as A vibration motor is coupled to the bottom side of the first end of the base of the at least one box docking station and configured to impart a rocking motion to the at least one box docking station about the pivot mount.

13. The flushing station device of claim 12, wherein the fluid station circuit board is electrically connected to the vibrating motor, and wherein the microcontroller is configured to send a signal to the vibrating motor via the fluid station circuit board to energize, de-energize, or energize for a specified duration.

14. The flushing station equipment according to claim 11, further comprising: A linear actuator, fixedly coupled to a first end of the at least one force-measuring element, the linear actuator having an actuation arm coupled to the first end of the base of the at least one box docking station and configured to impart a rocking motion to the at least one box docking station about the pivot mount.

15. The flushing station apparatus of claim 14, wherein the fluid station circuit board is electrically connected to the linear actuator, and wherein the microcontroller is configured to send a signal to the linear actuator via the fluid station circuit board to energize, de-energize, or energize for a specified duration.

16. The flushing station equipment according to claim 9, further comprising: A shielding circuit board, which is electrically connected to the microcontroller; An embedded processor, the embedded processor being electrically connected to the microcontroller and the shielding circuit board; as well as A workstation computer electrically connected to the embedded processor and configured to receive and process commands from an operator.

17. The flushing station equipment of claim 16, further comprising at least one box removably coupled to the at least one box docking station, wherein the at least one box comprises: A housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, a pair of opposing sidewalls, a front wall, and a rear wall that together define a cavity, wherein an opening is defined through the top surface of the housing adjacent to the front wall, and the opening is surrounded by an annular ring having shoulders at a first end and a second end that extend into the cavity; as well as A resealable plug having a tubular body with a flange disposed at a first end such that the tubular body is disposed within the annular ring and the flange abuts the shoulder of the annular ring, a cap being connected to the flange of the resealable plug via a movable hinge and configured to move between a sealed position and an unsealed position, in which a portion of the cap is recessed into the opening of the resealable plug, and in the unsealed position, the cap and the movable hinge extend over a portion of the top surface.

18. The flushing station equipment of claim 17, wherein the box further comprises a conical baffle connected to the second end of the annular ring.

19. The flushing station equipment of claim 17, wherein the housing further comprises a protrusion coupled to and extending therefrom the rear wall of the housing adjacent to the top surface of the housing.

20. The flushing station equipment of claim 17, wherein the housing further comprises a pawl engaged with the rear wall of the housing adjacent to the bottom surface of the housing.

21. The flushing station equipment of claim 17, wherein the shoulder of the annular ring is inserted into the top surface of the housing.

22. The flushing station equipment of claim 17, wherein the shoulder of the annular ring corresponds to the first end of the annular ring extending above the top surface of the housing.

23. The flushing station equipment of claim 17, wherein the bottom surface of the housing has an angle ranging from 1 degree to 45 degrees, such that the box is inclined from the front wall toward the rear wall.

24. The flushing station equipment according to claim 17, further comprising: The mutually cooperating components between the at least one box and the at least one box docking station, wherein the mutually cooperating components include: (i) at least one convex component and at least one corresponding concave component, the convex component extending from the bottom surface of the base of the at least one box docking station or the housing of the at least one box, the concave component being defined within another of the bottom surfaces of the base of the at least one box docking station or the housing of the at least one box; or (ii) a first RFID tag coupled to the at least one box docking station, the first RFID tag being configured to pair with a second RFID tag coupled to the at least one box and to send a signal to the microcontroller to indicate a match; (iii) a barcode coupled to the at least one box and a scanner coupled to the at least one box docking station; or (iv) a QR code coupled to the at least one box and a camera and processor coupled to the at least one box docking station with imaging software.

25. A method for using a flushing station apparatus for flow cytometry, comprising: At least one box according to any one of claims 17-24 is removably connected to the flushing station equipment according to any one of claims 1-16; The weight of the at least one box and its contents is determined via the at least one force-measuring element; The signal is received via a microcontroller, the signal including a force-measuring element value corresponding to the weight of the at least one box; In response to receiving the signal including the force element value corresponding to the weight of the at least one box, the signal is sent via the microcontroller to an embedded processor, which controls a motorized carrier coupled to the probe to sample within the at least one box; as well as The depth of the contents of the at least one box is determined by the embedded processor based on the force measurement element value.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising: The sampling depth of the probe tip within the at least one box is determined by the embedded processor based on a determined depth of the contents of the at least one box.

27. The method of claim 25, further comprising: The microcontroller sends a signal to the motor of the vortex micro centrifugal shaker to energize, de-energize, or energize for a specified duration.

28. The method of claim 25, further comprising: The microcontroller sends signals to the vibration motor to power on, power off, or power on for a specified duration, and the vibration motor is connected to the base of the at least one box docking station.

29. The method of claim 25, further comprising: The microcontroller sends signals to the linear actuator to power on, power off, or power on for a specified duration, the linear actuator being coupled to the base of the at least one box docking station.

30. The method of claim 25, further comprising: The microcontroller determines that the depth of the contents of the at least one box is below a sampling threshold; as well as The microcontroller sends a signal to the workstation computer to display an alarm to the operator.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising: By applying force to the protrusion by the operator, the protrusion is engaged with and extends from the rear wall of the outer shell of the at least one box adjacent to the top surface of the outer shell of the at least one box, thereby causing the locking arm to bend outward and release the pawl from the locking arm; as well as A force is applied to the front wall of the at least one box via the spring at the front of the vertical support member connected to the at least one box docking station.

32. The method of claim 25, further comprising: The analog signal from the force measuring element is converted into a digital signal via an analog-to-digital converter electrically connected to the fluid station circuit board and the force measuring element.

33. The method of claim 25, wherein a pair of cooperating components are disposed between the at least one box and the at least one box docking station, wherein the cooperating components include a first RFID tag coupled to the at least one box docking station, the first RFID tag being configured to pair with a second RFID tag coupled to the at least one box and to send a signal to the microcontroller to indicate a match, the method further comprising: The microcontroller receives the signal that identifies the first RFID tag; The microcontroller receives the signal that identifies the second RFID tag. The microcontroller determines whether the first RFID tag is paired with the second RFID tag. as well as The microcontroller sends a signal to determine the pairing between the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag.

34. The method of claim 25, further comprising: The embedded processor determines, based on the force measurement element value, that the depth of the contents of the first box is at or below a minimum threshold; as well as The embedded processor sends a signal to the motorized vehicle to sample from the second box.

35. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having program instructions stored thereon, the program instructions causing the execution of a set of actions when executed by a processor, the set of actions comprising: At least one force-measuring element of the flushing station equipment according to any one of claims 1-16 determines the weight of at least one box and its contents according to any one of claims 17-24; The microcontroller receives a signal, the signal including a force-measuring element value corresponding to the weight of the at least one box; In response to receiving a signal including a force element value corresponding to the weight of the at least one box, the microcontroller sends a signal to an embedded processor, which controls a motorized carrier coupled to a probe to sample within the at least one box; as well as The embedded processor determines the depth of the contents of the at least one box based on the force measurement element value.

36. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 35, further comprising: The embedded processor determines the sampling depth of the probe tip within the at least one box based on a defined depth of the contents of the at least one box.

37. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 35, further comprising: The microcontroller sends a signal to the motor of the vortex micro centrifugal shaker to energize, de-energize, or energize for a specified duration.

38. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 35, further comprising: The microcontroller sends signals to the vibration motor to power on, power off, or power on for a specified duration, the vibration motor being connected to the base of the at least one docking station.

39. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 35, further comprising: The microcontroller sends signals to the linear actuator to power on, power off, or power on for a specified duration, the linear actuator being coupled to the base of the at least one box docking station.

40. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 35, further comprising: The microcontroller determines that the depth of the contents of the at least one box is below a sampling threshold; as well as The microcontroller sends signals to the workstation computer to display alarms to the operator.

41. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 35, further comprising: An analog-to-digital converter electrically connected to the fluid station circuit board and the force measuring element converts the analog signal from the force measuring element into a digital signal.

42. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 35, wherein a pair of cooperating components are disposed between the at least one cartridge and the at least one cartridge docking station, wherein the cooperating components include a first RFID tag coupled to the at least one cartridge docking station, the first RFID tag being configured to pair with a second RFID tag coupled to the at least one cartridge and to send a signal to the microcontroller to indicate a match, the set of actions further comprising: The microcontroller receives a signal that identifies the first RFID tag; The microcontroller receives a signal that identifies the second RFID tag; The microcontroller determines whether the first RFID tag is paired with the second RFID tag; as well as The microcontroller sends a signal to determine the pairing between the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag.

43. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 35, further comprising: The embedded processor determines, based on the force measurement element value, that the depth of the contents of the first box is at or below a minimum threshold; as well as The embedded processor sends a signal to the motorized vehicle to sample from the second box.

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