Diagnostic laboratory distribution system

Abstract

Diagnostic laboratory distribution system. The invention describes a diagnostic laboratory distribution system, wherein the distribution system comprises a plurality of carriers, wherein the carriers are adapted to carry one or more items. The distribution system comprises a transport plane, wherein the transport plane is adapted to support the carriers, and drive means, wherein the drive means are adapted to move the carriers on the transport plane, and a control device for controlling the drive means. The distribution system comprises a cover for the transport plane, and a humidity sensor connected to the control device and an air flow generating device connected to the control device. The air flow generating device is distributed over the distribution system to generate an air flow between the cover and the transport plane. The control device is configured to activate the air flow generating device in case the humidity sensor measures a humidity above a predetermined threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a diagnostic laboratory distribution system. Background Technology

[0002] Diagnostic laboratory dispensing systems are described, for example, in EP 3 095 739 A1 or WO2012 / 158541. These publications describe laboratory sample dispensing systems with passive or self-propelled carriers on the transport plane.

[0003] In the following text, a dispensing system is any type of probe delivery system in a diagnostic laboratory, both within and between any analyzer, pre-analysis system, post-analysis system, storage device, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of this invention is to make diagnostic laboratory dispensing systems more reliable and secure.

[0005] This is achieved by the apparatus according to claim 1 and the method according to claim 10.

[0006] A first aspect of the invention relates to a diagnostic laboratory dispensing system comprising a plurality of carriers adapted to carry one or more items. The items can be anything to be dispensed in a diagnostic laboratory, such as sample tubes, reagent containers, pipette tips, other consumables, quality control samples, or any form of waste.

[0007] The transport plane of the distribution system is suitable for supporting the load-bearing components.

[0008] The drive tool of the distribution system is adapted to move the carrier on the transport plane. The drive tool can be implemented, for example, as a magnetic coil associated with magnetic devices in the carrier below the transport plane, or as an electric motor in the carrier itself connected to the wheels of the carrier.

[0009] The control unit of the distribution system is used to control the drive tool. The control unit may be implemented, for example, as a central or distributed computing device connected to a driver of a coil below the transport plane, or as a distributed control unit in the carrier to control the motor of the carrier.

[0010] The distribution system includes a cover for transporting the flat surface. Additionally, the system includes a humidity sensor and an airflow generating device; the humidity sensor and the airflow generating device are both connected to the control unit. The humidity sensor measures the air humidity between the cover and the transport flat surface.

[0011] An airflow generating device is positioned above the distribution system to generate airflow between the cover and the transport plane.

[0012] The control device is configured to activate the airflow generation device when the humidity sensor measures that the humidity is higher than a predetermined threshold.

[0013] Depending on the geometry of the transport layout, the airflow generating device can be a single device or multiple devices. For example, a single straight path requires only one airflow generating device, while a complex design with multiple intersections and branches requires more than one airflow generating device.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the predetermined humidity threshold depends on the item to be shipped.

[0015] In another embodiment, a threshold well below the dew point is used in the range of 60% to 90% relative humidity (especially 70% to 80% or 75% relative humidity).

[0016] Another aspect of the invention is a distribution system in which a control device is configured to stop an airflow generating device when a humidity sensor measures a humidity value below a predetermined threshold.

[0017] A further aspect of the distribution system of the present invention is that the airflow generating device generates a stratified airflow.

[0018] Laminar flow means that air particles follow smooth paths within layers.

[0019] In a further embodiment, humidity sensors are positioned above the distribution system to control the humidity above the transport plane. This arrangement allows for the measurement of air humidity in all areas.

[0020] In yet another embodiment, the humidity sensor operates continuously. In a further embodiment, if the carrier is within the sensor range of the corresponding humidity sensor, the humidity sensor is adapted to measure humidity.

[0021] Another aspect of the invention is a distribution system in which the transport plane of the distribution system is arranged with lines and intersections, wherein the cover of the distribution system includes negative pressure discharge holes, wherein the negative pressure discharge holes are placed around or at the intersections, such that laminar airflow is maintained at the intersections.

[0022] In a particular embodiment, the negative pressure discharge ports are placed in pairs on opposite sides of the intersection.

[0023] A further aspect of the dispensing system of the present invention is that the cover includes a heating element to heat the cover; wherein a control device is connected to the heating element, and wherein the control device is configured to start and stop the heating element according to a predetermined second threshold signal from a humidity sensor.

[0024] In a further embodiment, a predetermined second threshold is used for humidity sensor signals below the dew point in the range of 70% to 99% relative humidity (particularly 80% to 90% or 95% relative humidity). In another embodiment, the predetermined second threshold is higher than a predetermined threshold measured in relative humidity.

[0025] Sensors for measuring relative humidity are well known in the art, for example, as described in US5844138.

[0026] Another aspect of the invention is a dispensing system comprising a microbial sensor disposed between a transport plane and a cover and connected to a control device, wherein the control device is configured to activate an airflow generating device upon receiving a signal from the microbial sensor that is above a predetermined biological threshold.

[0027] A further aspect of the distribution system of the present invention is that the control device is configured to stop the airflow generation device when the signal of the microbial sensor is lower than a predetermined biological threshold.

[0028] The threshold depends on the sensor used. Examples of microbial sensors include real-time bioaerosol sensors, such as those described in US20170209860.

[0029] Another aspect of the invention is a dispensing system, wherein the dispensing system includes a UV light generating device.

[0030] In other embodiments, the UV light generating device may be implemented as one or more light bulbs, LEDs, lasers, LED lasers, etc. The wavelength of the UV light is particularly between 100 nm and 400 nm or between 200 nm and 300 nm.

[0031] A further aspect of the distribution system of the present invention is that the control device is connected to the UV light generating device and starts the UV light generating device when the signal of the microbial sensor is higher than a second predetermined biological threshold, and stops the UV light generating device in particular when the signal of the microbial sensor is lower than the second biological threshold.

[0032] In a further embodiment, the fact that the second predetermined biological threshold is higher than the predetermined biological sensor means that as pollution increases, the airflow generating device is activated first, and if pollution continues to increase, the UV light generating device is activated.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the microbial sensor measures the opacity of nutrient-rich detection sites, and the higher the signal, the more opaque the nutrient-rich detection sites are and / or the faster the opacity increases.

[0034] Another aspect of the invention is a method for a dispensing system, wherein the dispensing system includes: a plurality of carriers, wherein the carriers are adapted to carry one or more articles;

[0035] A transport plane, wherein the transport plane is adapted to support the load-bearing component;

[0036] A drive tool, wherein the drive tool is adapted to move a carrier on a transport plane; and a control device for controlling the drive tool.

[0037] The distribution system includes a cover for transporting the flat surface.

[0038] The distribution system includes a humidity sensor and an airflow generating device. The humidity sensor is connected to a control device, and the airflow generating device is also connected to the control device.

[0039] An airflow generating device is positioned above a distribution system to generate airflow between the cover and the transport plane, wherein a control device activates the airflow generating device when a humidity sensor measures humidity above a predetermined threshold.

[0040] Specifically, the method used in the distribution system is a method for analyzing the air in the distribution system and maintaining the air safety within the distribution system. More specifically, the method allows for the reduction of cross-contamination between substances transported by the distribution system.

[0041] A further aspect of the method for a distribution system of the present invention is that the distribution system includes a microbial sensor, wherein if the microbial sensor connected to a control device sends a signal higher than a microbial threshold, the control device activates an airflow generating device, and if the signal is lower than the microbial threshold, the control device stops the airflow generating device.

[0042] Another aspect of the invention is a method for a distribution system, wherein the distribution system includes a UV light generating device connected to a control device, wherein the control device activates the UV light generating device if a microbial sensor connected to the control device sends a signal higher than a second microbial threshold, and stops the UV light generating device if the signal is lower than the second microbial threshold.

[0043] A further aspect of the method of the present invention for a distribution system is that the control device activates the driving tool such that, before the UV light generating device is turned on, all carriers are moved out of the region of the transport plane in which the signal of the microbial sensor is higher than the second microbial threshold.

[0044] Another aspect of the invention is a method for a distribution system, wherein a start signal always has a higher priority than any stop signal of the airflow generating device.

[0045] However, other embodiments involving combinations of the features disclosed herein are also possible. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of a diagnostic laboratory with a diagnostic laboratory allocation system.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-section of the delivery device of the diagnostic dispensing system.

[0048] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of a method for the allocation system.

[0049] Further optional features and embodiments of the invention will be disclosed in more detail, preferably in conjunction with the dependent claims, in the following description of the preferred embodiments. As those skilled in the art will recognize, each optional feature can be implemented individually and in any feasible combination. The scope of the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments. Embodiments are schematically depicted in the accompanying drawings. In these drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same or functionally equivalent elements. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of the diagnostic laboratory dispensing system 100.

[0051] The pre-analysis system 110 is capable of receiving items by an operator. In diagnostic laboratories, these items are typically test tubes containing patient bodily fluids. These tubes are sorted, centrifuged, and the quality of the bodily fluids is checked. The pre-analysis system 230 transfers the items 230 to the carrier 240.

[0052] The carrier 240 transports the article / test tube 230 to the analyzer 120 on the transport plane 200. In the analyzer 120, a portion of the body fluid is aspirated from the test tube for analysis. After the desired measurement is completed, the test tube 230 is transported by the carrier 240 to the post-analysis station 130 on the transport plane 200.

[0053] These post-analytical stations 130 have sorting devices to place test tubes 230 into carriers, which are then transported to a refrigerator. If further measurements are required for a particular test tube, the post-analytical station 130 can retrieve the test tube and place it back into the carrier 240, allowing the test tube to be transported again to the analyzer 120 for the required measurements.

[0054] The transport system with transport plane 200 connects the pre-analysis system 110, the analyzer 120 and the post-analysis station 130, so that the transport carrier 240 can be moved on the transport plane 200.

[0055] Humidity sensor 10 and microbial sensor 20 are disposed on the transport system. Figure 2 illustrates one possibility for fixing these sensors. Humidity sensor 10 and microbial sensor 20 are fixed at a cover 220 above the transport plane 200. Thus, these sensors are placed in a tubular space defined by the transport plane 200 and the cover 220.

[0056] Examples of microbial sensors include real-time bioaerosol sensors, such as those described in US20170209860. Sensors for measuring relative humidity are well known in the art, for example, those described in US5844138. Combinations of microbial sensors with relative humidity sensors are also known, so that microbial sensor 20 and humidity sensor 10 can be implemented in a single device.

[0057] Figure 1 only shows the connection between the control unit 215 and the airflow generating device 40. Other connections to the transport system, sensors 10, 20, and possibly the pre-analysis system 110, analyzer 120, and post-analysis device 130 are omitted to maintain an overview. These connections can be implemented via industrial bus standard cables based on or utilizing wireless communication. All the connections shown in Figure 2 for each corresponding device also exist for the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

[0058] As can be seen in Figure 1, four airflow generating devices 40 are positioned to generate stratified airflow. No special airflow generating devices 40 are installed on the small branches of the transport system connected to the pre-analysis system 110 or the post-analysis device 130.

[0059] At the main joint of the transport plane 200, a negative pressure discharge port 30 is installed in the cover 220. This allows a laminar airflow to be generated in the area where the analyzer is connected to the transport plane 200 via an airflow generating device 40.

[0060] Laminar airflow minimizes the risk of cross-contamination between test tubes 230 transported by carrier 240 on transport plane 200. Open test tubes 230 are typically transported in such diagnostic laboratory dispensing systems 100.

[0061] At the left junction in Figure 1, two negative pressure discharge holes are positioned opposite each other to maintain the airflow layer. An additional airflow generating device 40 is required to branch off to the corresponding pre-analysis system 110. This additional airflow generating device 40 is connected to the control device 215 via wireless communication.

[0062] Figure 2 also shows a UV generating device 50. This device is positioned on the side of the cover 220. In a further embodiment, the UV generating device 50 is always placed together with the microbial sensor 20.

[0063] Furthermore, Figure 2 shows a heating element 225 connected to the cover 220 to heat the cover 220. The heating element 225 can be implemented as a discrete heating element at different locations on the cover 220, or as a distributed heating element.

[0064] In an embodiment not shown, the distributed heating element can be implemented by heating wires included in the cover material along the entire length of the cover 220.

[0065] Heating element 225 heats the cap, preventing any liquid from condensing at the cap 220. This avoids droplets potentially contaminating the contents of the test tubes 230 being transported on the transport plane 200.

[0066] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the method for a distribution system. In step 310, the air humidity in the distribution system is controlled.

[0067] In a particular embodiment, air is confined between a transport plane 200 that forms a certain tubular shape and a cover 220.

[0068] The signal from humidity sensor 10 is sent to control device 215. In step 332, control device 215 determines whether the signal from the humidity sensor, which corresponds to the relative humidity of the air in the tubular air volume, is higher or lower than a predetermined threshold.

[0069] If the value is higher than a predetermined threshold, the control device 215 will send a signal to start the airflow to the airflow generating device 40 in step 334, and if the signal is lower than the threshold, the control device 215 will send a stop signal to the airflow generating device in step 346 and the airflow will stop.

[0070] In step 330, control device 215 further determines whether the signal from humidity sensor 40, measured in step 310, is higher than a second predetermined value. If the signal is higher than the second predetermined value, control device 215 will activate the heating element 225 of cover 220 in step 340. If the signal is lower than the second predetermined value, control device 215 will send a stop signal to heating element 225 in step 342.

[0071] In step 320, the microbial sensor 20 measures the microbial contamination of the air in the tubular air volume between the transport plane 200 and the cover 220. In step 334, the control device 215 determines whether the value of the microbial sensor 20 is higher or lower than a predetermined microbial threshold. If the value is higher than the predetermined microbial threshold, the control device sends a start signal to the airflow generating device 40 in step 344. If the value is lower than the predetermined microbial threshold, the control device 215 sends a stop signal to the airflow generating device 40 in step 346.

[0072] The airflow generating device 40 will give a start signal with higher priority than any stop signal. For example, if the airflow generating device receives both the start signal from step 344 and the stop signal from step 346 simultaneously due to different results from the humidity sensor 10 in step 310 and the microbial sensor in step 320, the airflow generating device 40 will start generating airflow.

[0073] In step 336, the control device 215 determines whether the value of the microbial sensor 20 measured in step 320 is higher or lower than the second predetermined microbial threshold.

[0074] If the value is below a second predetermined microbial threshold, the control device sends a stop signal to the UV light generating device 50 in step 248. If the value is above the predetermined second microbial threshold, the control device 215 sends a signal to the drive tool 210 in step 350 to remove all items 230 from the transport plane. If all items have been removed, the control device 215 sends a start signal to the UV light generating device 50 in step 352. The control device 215 receives feedback from the transport plane and the drive tool, allowing the control device to know the position of all items on the transport plane.

[0075] In a further embodiment, the distribution system 100 is divided into separate sections, such that the air in the tubular air volume within each section is independently controlled by the control device 215 for each section. Specifically, the boundaries of the sections of the distribution system 100 are defined by negative pressure discharge ports 30.

[0076] This allows the methods described above to be used individually to control air pollution in each part of the distribution system 100.

Claims

1. A diagnostic laboratory dispensing system (100), wherein the dispensing system (100) comprises: Multiple carriers (240), wherein the carriers (240) are adapted to carry one or more articles (230), A transport plane (200), wherein the transport plane (200) is adapted to support the carrier (240), A drive tool (210) adapted to move the carrier (240) on the transport plane (200), and a control device (215) for controlling the drive tool (210). The dispensing system (100) includes a cover (220) for the transport plane (200). The distribution system (100) includes a humidity sensor (10) and an airflow generating device (40). The humidity sensor (10) is connected to the control device (215) to measure the humidity above the transport plane (200), and the airflow generating device (40) is connected to the control device (215). The airflow generating device (40) is distributed above the distribution system (100) to generate airflow between the cover (220) and the transport plane (200), wherein the airflow generating device (40) generates a lamellar airflow. The control device (215) is configured to activate the airflow generating device (40) when the humidity sensor (10) measures a humidity higher than a predefined threshold.

2. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the control device (215) is configured to stop the airflow generating device (40) when the humidity sensor (10) measures a humidity value below the predefined threshold.

3. The distribution system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transport plane (200) of the distribution system is arranged with lines and intersections, wherein the cover (220) of the distribution system includes a negative pressure discharge port (30), wherein the negative pressure discharge port (30) is placed at the intersection.

4. The dispensing system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover (220) includes a heating element (225) to heat the cover (220); wherein a control device (215) is connected to the heating element (225), wherein the control device (215) is configured to start and stop the heating element (225) according to a predefined second threshold of a signal from the humidity sensor (10).

5. The dispensing system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dispensing system (100) includes a microbial sensor (20) disposed between the transport plane (200) and the cover (220) and connected to the control device (215), and wherein the control device (215) is configured to activate the airflow generating device (40) upon receiving a signal from the microbial sensor (40) that is above a predefined biological threshold.

6. The distribution system (100) according to claim 5, wherein the control device (215) is configured to stop the airflow generating device (40) when the signal of the microbial sensor (20) is below the predefined biological threshold, wherein the start signal always has a higher priority than any stop signal of the airflow generating device (40).

7. The distribution system (100) according to claim 5, wherein the distribution system includes a UV light generating device (50).

8. The distribution system (100) according to claim 7, wherein the control device (215) is connected to the UV light generating device (50) and activates the UV light generating device (50) when the signal of the microbial sensor (20) is higher than the second biological threshold, and in particular stops the UV light generating device when the signal of the microbial sensor is lower than the second biological threshold.

9. A method for a diagnostic laboratory dispensing system (100), wherein the dispensing system (100) comprises: Multiple carriers (240), wherein the carriers (240) are adapted to carry one or more articles (230), A transport plane (200), wherein the transport plane (200) is adapted to support the carrier (240), A drive tool (210) adapted to move the carrier (240) on the transport plane (200), and a control device (215) for controlling the drive tool (210). The dispensing system (100) includes a cover (220) for the transport plane. The distribution system (100) includes a humidity sensor (10) and an airflow generating device (40), wherein the humidity sensor (10) is connected to the control device (215) and the airflow generating device (40) is connected to the control device (215). The airflow generating device (40) is distributed above the distribution system (100) to generate airflow between the cover (220) and the transport plane (200), wherein the airflow generating device (40) generates lamellar airflow, and wherein the control device (215) activates the airflow generating device (40) when the humidity sensor (10) measures that the humidity is higher than a predefined threshold.

10. The method for a diagnostic laboratory dispensing system (100) according to claim 9, wherein the dispensing system (100) includes a microbial sensor (20), wherein if the microbial sensor (20) connected to the control device (215) sends a signal higher than a predefined microbial threshold, the control device (215) activates the airflow generating device (40), and if the signal is lower than the predefined microbial threshold, the control device (215) stops the airflow generating device (40), wherein the activation signal always has a higher priority than any stop signal of the airflow generating device (40).

11. The method for a diagnostic laboratory dispensing system (100) according to claim 10, wherein the dispensing system includes a UV light generating device (50) connected to the control device (215), wherein the control device (215) activates the UV light generating device (50) if the microbial sensor connected to the control device (215) sends a signal higher than a second predefined microbial threshold, and stops the UV light generating device (50) if the signal is lower than the second predefined microbial threshold.

12. The method for a diagnostic laboratory dispensing system (100) according to claim 11, wherein the control device (215) activates the drive tool (210) such that, before the UV light generating device (50) is turned on, all carriers (240) are moved out of the region of the transport plane (200) where the signal of the microbial sensor (20) is higher than the second predefined microbial threshold.

Images