An automated pathology specimen preparation device for use in pathology departments

Abstract

This invention discloses an automated pathology specimen preparation device for pathology departments, belonging to the field of medical device technology. It includes a specimen cutting and fixing module, a dehydration and clearing module, a paraffin embedding module, a sectioning and mounting module, and a staining and mounting module. The sectioning and mounting module includes a first motor, the output end of which is connected to a lifting block. First electric telescopic rods are mounted on both sides of the lifting block, and mounting blocks are connected to the telescopic ends of the first electric telescopic rods. A blade is mounted on the bottom of the mounting block, and a pusher rod and a first rack are mounted on both sides of the mounting block. Through the arrangement of the mounting block, the first gear, the first rack, the worm gear, the worm shaft, the second gear, and the second rack, this invention enables the movement of the whetstone when one blade sections the paraffin specimen, thereby sharpening the other blade. Simultaneously, the pusher rod enables the propulsion and extension of the air bladder, and the air box facilitates the self-cleaning of the whetstone.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a specimen preparation device, and more particularly to an automated pathological specimen preparation device for use in pathology departments, belonging to the technical field of pathological specimen preparation equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Automated pathology specimen preparation equipment used in pathology departments is a device that automates the entire process of preparing pathology specimens. It utilizes automated equipment and instruments to sequentially complete the processes of tissue fixation, dehydration and clearing, paraffin embedding, sectioning, mounting, staining, and mounting. This significantly frees up the hands of pathologists preparing specimens. Biopsy is a method of collecting tissue from a patient for pathological examination. In the sectioning module, the microtome blade used for sectioning needs to be sharpened after cutting a certain number of paraffin blocks. If disposable blades are used, they must be replaced after cutting a certain number of paraffin blocks. The blades, especially the sharpening time, are usually controlled to be 10-15 minutes, and the sharpening stone must be free of dust. Otherwise, it will cause small nicks to form on the blades during sharpening, affecting the flatness and thickness of the slices. The slicing action cannot be linked with the sharpening action and the functions are independent of each other. However, biopsy pathology specimen examination usually requires the pathology department to issue a diagnostic report within 48 hours after receiving the specimen. Therefore, the separation of slicing, blade changing and sharpening leads to low efficiency of the microtome, prolongs the specimen preparation time, and is not conducive to the timely issuance of pathology specimen diagnostic reports by the pathology department.

[0003] To address the above shortcomings, the urgent problem to be solved is how to develop an automated pathology specimen preparation device for pathology departments that can simultaneously perform slicing operations in the slicing module and achieve self-cleaning of the shaving blade and whetstone. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to solve the problem of low efficiency in pathological specimen preparation caused by the independent and separate self-cleaning functions of the slicing module, scalpel, and whetstone in existing automated pathological specimen preparation equipment. Therefore, this invention provides an automated pathological specimen preparation device for pathology departments.

[0005] The objective of this invention can be achieved by adopting the following technical solution: An automated pathology specimen preparation device for pathology departments includes a specimen cutting and fixing module, a dehydration and clearing module, a paraffin embedding module, a slide mounting module, and a staining and mounting module. The slide mounting module includes a first motor, the output of which is connected to a lifting block. First electric telescopic rods are mounted on both sides of the lifting block. The telescopic ends of the first electric telescopic rods are connected to a mounting block. A blade is mounted on the bottom of the mounting block. A pusher rod and a first rack are mounted on both sides of the mounting block. One side of one of the first racks has a rotating shaft with a first gear mounted on it. Worms are connected to both sides of the first gear, and a worm wheel is located on one side of the worm. A second gear is connected below the worm wheel. A second rack meshes with one side of the second gear, and a whetstone is connected to the other side of the second rack. An air bladder is movably connected to the top of one of the pusher rods, and an air inflator is connected to the top of the air bladder via an air supply pipe.

[0006] Preferably, a fixing plate is installed on the airbag, and the air supply pipe is arranged through the fixing plate.

[0007] Preferably, a mounting bracket for fixing and mounting the first motor is installed on one side of the fixing plate.

[0008] Preferably, the airbag push rod is an L-shaped airbag push rod, the bottom of the airbag is provided with an iron plate, and the top of the airbag push rod is provided with an electromagnet for movably connecting the iron plate.

[0009] Preferably, the top of the blade is provided with a T-shaped slider, and the bottom of the mounting block is provided with a T-shaped groove that is adapted to the T-shaped slider. The blade and the mounting block are fixed to each other by fastening bolts passing through the slider and the groove.

[0010] Preferably, a fixed seat is provided below the second gear, and a support platform is installed on one side of the fixed seat. The support platform is rotatably connected to the second gear, and two extension rods are installed on the other side of the support platform. The top of the extension rods is connected to the end of the worm gear through a support column.

[0011] Preferably, a second motor is installed at the bottom of the support platform, and the output end of the second motor is connected to a lead screw via a coupling. A moving block is provided on the lead screw, and a slot is installed on the top of the moving block. A receiving tray is installed on one side of the slot.

[0012] Preferably, a base plate is installed at the bottom of the support platform, and a first groove is formed on the base plate to guide the moving direction of the moving block. A limiting plate connected to the base plate is provided on one side of the first groove, and a second groove that cooperates with the receiving tray is formed on the top of the limiting plate.

[0013] Preferably, the second rack is connected to the whetstone via a connecting plate. The bottom of the connecting plate is provided with a T-shaped guide strip, the top of the fixing seat is provided with a T-shaped guide groove that cooperates with the guide strip, and the top of the whetstone is provided with a whetstone groove that adapts to the blade.

[0014] Preferably, the bottom of the connecting plate is provided with two symmetrically distributed second electric telescopic rods. The telescopic ends of the second electric telescopic rods are connected to the whetstone through an L-shaped connecting block. The air blowing box is provided with a plurality of evenly distributed air blowing holes, and the direction of the airflow blown out of the air blowing holes is directly facing the whetstone groove.

[0015] The beneficial technical effects of the present invention are as follows: The automated pathological specimen preparation equipment for pathology departments according to the present invention, through the arrangement of mounting block, first gear, first rack, worm gear, worm, second gear and second rack, enables the movement of the whetstone when one blade slices the specimen wax block, thereby enabling the other blade to be sharpened. At the same time, the setting of the pusher rod enables the propulsion and extension of the air bag, and the air box enables the self-cleaning of the whetstone. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the automated pathology specimen preparation equipment for pathology departments according to the present invention; Figure 2 A side view of the automated pathology specimen preparation equipment for pathology departments according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a front view of the overall structure of the automated pathology specimen preparation equipment for pathology departments according to the present invention; Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the overall operation of the automated pathology specimen preparation equipment for pathology departments according to the present invention.

[0017] In the diagram: 1-First electric telescopic rod, 2-Mounting block, 3-Blade, 4-First rack, 5-Rotating shaft, 6-First gear, 7-Worm, 8-Worm wheel, 9-Second gear, 10-Second rack, 11-Sharpening stone, 12-First motor, 13-Lifting block, 14-Push-bag rod, 15-Airbag, 16-Blow-air box, 17-Fixed plate, 18-Mounting base, 19-Iron plate, 20-Electromagnet, 21-Fixed base, 22-Supporting platform, 23-Extension rod, 24-Second motor, 25-Lead screw, 26-Moving block, 27-Slot, 28-Receiving tray, 29-Base plate, 30-First groove, 31-Limiting plate, 32-Second groove, 33-Connecting plate, 34-Guide strip, 35-Guide groove, 36-Sharpening groove, 37-Second electric telescopic rod. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To enable those skilled in the art to understand the technical solution of the present invention more clearly, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0019] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the automated pathology specimen preparation equipment for pathology departments provided in this embodiment includes a specimen cutting and fixing module, a dehydration and clearing module, a paraffin embedding module, a slide mounting module, and a staining and mounting module. The slide mounting module includes a first motor 12, the output end of which is connected to a lifting block 13. A first electric telescopic rod 1 is installed on both sides of the lifting block 13. The telescopic end of the first electric telescopic rod 1 is connected to a mounting block 2. A blade 3 is installed at the bottom of the mounting block 2. A pusher rod 14 and a first rack 4 are respectively installed on both sides of the mounting block 2. A rotating shaft 5 is provided on one side of one of the first racks 4. A first gear 6 is installed on the rotating shaft 5. A worm gear 7 is connected to both sides of the first gear 6. A worm wheel 8 is provided on one side of the worm gear 7. A second gear 9 is connected below the worm wheel 8. A second rack 10 meshes with one side of the second gear 9. A whetstone 11 is connected to the other side of the second rack 10. An air bladder 15 is movably connected to the top of one of the pusher rods 14. An air inflator 16 is connected to the top of the air bladder 15 through an air supply pipe. By installing block 2, first gear 6, first rack 4, worm gear 8, worm 7, second gear 9 and second rack 10, the whetstone 11 can be moved when one of the blades 3 slices the specimen wax block, thereby sharpening the other blade 3. At the same time, the airbag 15 can be pushed and stretched by the pusher rod 14, and the whetstone 11 can be self-cleaned by the air box 16.

[0020] In this embodiment, as Figure 1As shown, a fixing plate 17 is installed on the airbag 15, and the air supply pipe passes through the fixing plate 17. A mounting seat 18 for fixing and installing the first motor 12 is installed on one side of the fixing plate 17. The fixing plate 17 can fix the airbag 15, and the mounting seat 18 facilitates the connection between the fixing plate and the first motor 12, thereby fixing the first motor. The airbag push rod 14 is an L-shaped push rod. The bottom of the airbag 15 is provided with an iron plate 19, and the top of the push rod 14 is provided with an electromagnet 20 for movably connecting the iron plate 19. By setting the airbag pusher 14 to an L-shape, it is easier to bypass the first electric telescopic rod 1, allowing the slicing action of the mounting block 2 to be achieved by raising and lowering the electric airbag pusher 14. This, in turn, enables the pusher and puller of the airbag 15 when the electromagnet 20 attracts the iron plate 19. This facilitates the transmission of air through the air pipe to the air blowing box 16 to clean the sharpening stone 11, preventing dust from adhering to the sharpening stone 11 and leaving fine lines on the blade 3 during sharpening, thus ensuring uneven cutting and affecting the sharpness and uniformity of the blade 3. The top of the blade 3 has a T-shaped slider, and the bottom of the mounting block 2 has a T-shaped groove that adapts to the T-shaped slider. The blade 3 and the mounting block 2 are fixed together by fastening bolts passing through the slider and groove. The T-shaped slider and T-shaped groove facilitate the disassembly and installation of the blade 3, while the fastening bolts help to fix the blade 3 to the mounting block 2.

[0021] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, a fixed base 21 is provided below the second gear 9. A support platform 22 is installed on one side of the fixed base 21, and the support platform 22 is rotatably connected to the second gear 9. Two extension rods 23 are installed on the other side of the support platform 22. The top of the extension rods 23 is connected to the end of the worm gear 7 through a support column. The fixed base 21 facilitates the installation of the support platform 22 on the fixed base 21, thereby mounting the rotating shafts of the two second gears 9 on the support platform 22, which helps the second gear 9 and the worm gear 8 to rotate more smoothly. The extension rods 23 and the support column can support the end of the worm gear 7, thereby enabling the worm gear 7 to rotate smoothly. A second motor 24 is installed at the bottom of the support platform 22. The output end of the second motor 24 is connected to a lead screw 25 through a coupling. A moving block 26 is provided on the lead screw 25. A slot 27 is installed on the top of the moving block 26, and a receiving tray 28 is installed on one side of the slot 27. The second motor 24 and lead screw 25 enable the second motor to drive the lead screw 25 to rotate, thereby moving the moving block 26. This, in turn, causes the specimen wax block inserted in the slot 27 to be sliced ​​by the blade 3 under the extension and retraction of the first electric telescopic rod 1. The receiving tray 28 collects the sliced ​​specimen inside, preventing it from falling elsewhere after cutting and becoming difficult to pick up and organize. A base plate 29 is installed at the bottom of the support platform 22. The base plate 29 has a first groove 30 for guiding the movement direction of the moving block 26. A limiting plate 31 connected to the base plate 29 is provided on one side of the first groove 30. A second groove 32 that cooperates with the receiving tray 28 is provided on the top of the limiting plate 31. The base plate 29 facilitates the fixing of the fixing seat 21. A first groove 30 is formed on the base plate 29, restricting the movement trajectory of the moving block 26 within the groove 30 to prevent rotation and thus enabling linear movement. The limiting plate 31 restricts the movement distance of the moving block 26, preventing it from slipping off the lead screw 25. The second groove 32 prevents the receiving tray from pressing against the limiting plate 31, thus preventing the moving block 26 from moving and further restricting its linear movement, resulting in smoother movement. The second rack 10 is connected to the whetstone 11 via a connecting plate 33. The bottom of the connecting plate 33 has a T-shaped guide strip 34, and the top of the fixing seat 21 has a T-shaped guide groove 35 that cooperates with the guide strip 34. The top of the whetstone 11 has a whetstone groove 36 that adapts to the blade 3.The connecting plate 33 facilitates the connection of the whetstone 11 and the second rack 10. The movement of the second rack 10 then moves the whetstone 11 to complete the sharpening action. The guide strip 34 and guide groove 35 ensure the straight movement of the connecting plate 33, thereby guaranteeing the straight movement of the whetstone 11 and improving the sharpening effect. The sharpening groove 36 allows the blade edge of the blade 3 to be inserted, facilitating sharpening of the blade edge using the inner wall of the groove. Two symmetrically distributed second electric telescopic rods 37 are located at the bottom of the connecting plate 33. The telescopic ends of the second electric telescopic rods 37 are connected to the whetstone 11 via L-shaped connecting blocks. The air blowing box 16 has multiple evenly distributed air holes, with the airflow directed towards the sharpening groove 36. The second electric telescopic rod 37 and the L-shaped connecting block facilitate the extension of the second electric telescopic rod 37 to lower the whetstone 11, thereby detaching it from the blade 3 and preventing sharpening. The retraction of the second electric telescopic rod 37 raises the sharpening groove 36, allowing the inner wall of the sharpening groove 36 to sharpen the blade 3, pressing the contact surface between the inner wall of the sharpening groove 36 and the blade 3, thus improving the sharpening effect. The air blowing hole allows the air inside the air box 16 to be evenly blown onto the sharpening groove 36, keeping the sharpening groove 36 clean and dust-free.

[0022] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the automated pathological specimen preparation equipment for pathology departments provided by this invention prepares pathological specimen slides as follows: Human tissue, after being removed from the body, is cut into blocks in the specimen processing and fixation module. The cut tissue blocks are then placed in a fixative solution for fixation. The fixed tissue blocks are then dehydrated in a clearing and dehydration module. After dehydration, the tissue blocks are coated with paraffin wax through a paraffin-impregnation module to form a paraffin block. The paraffin block is fixed inside the slot 27. A second motor 24 drives a lead screw 25 to rotate, while a first electric telescopic rod 1 extends and retracts, causing the blade 3 to cut the paraffin block to a certain thickness, forming a pathological specimen slide. The slide is then placed in a developing solution to develop. A glass slide is used to fix the pathological specimen slide. A staining and mounting module is used to stain and fix the pathological specimen slide, ultimately forming a pathological specimen slide that is easy to observe.

[0023] In this embodiment, as Figures 1-4 As shown in this embodiment, the working process of an automated pathology specimen preparation device for pathology departments is as follows: Step 1: Insert the prepared specimen wax block into slot 27; Step 2: The first electric telescopic rod 1 extends and retracts, driving the mounting block 2 to rise and fall. The second motor 24 drives the lead screw 25 to rotate, thereby causing the moving block 26 to move, so that the blade 3 slices the specimen wax block according to a certain thickness. The sliced ​​pieces fall into the receiving tray 28. Step 3: While the blade 3 is slicing the specimen wax block, the first rack 4 on the mounting block 2 drives the first gear 6 to rotate, which in turn causes the two worm gears 7 to drive the two worm wheels 8 to rotate, which in turn causes the second gear 9 to drive the second rack 10 to move. The movement of the second rack 10 causes the whetstone 11 to sharpen the spare blade 3. At the same time, the second electric telescopic rod 37 drives the whetstone 11 to rise, so that the inner wall of the whetstone groove 36 is in close contact with both sides of the blade edge of the blade 3.

[0024] In summary, in this embodiment, the automated pathology specimen preparation equipment for pathology departments uses a fixed plate 17 to fix the airbag 15. The mounting base 18 facilitates connection between the fixed plate and the first motor 12, thus fixing the first motor. By setting the pusher rod 14 in an L-shape, it bypasses the first electric telescopic rod 1, allowing the electric pusher rod 14 to rise and fall during the slicing action of the mounting block 2. This, in turn, pushes and stretches the airbag 15 when the electromagnet 20 engages the iron plate 19. This facilitates the transmission of air through the air supply pipe to the air blowing box 16 to clean the sharpening stone 11, preventing dust from adhering to the sharpening stone 11 and leaving fine lines on the blade 3 during sharpening, resulting in uneven cutting and affecting the sharpness and uniformity of the blade 3. The T-shaped slider and T-shaped groove facilitate the disassembly and installation of the blade 3, and the fastening bolts help fix the blade 3 to the mounting block 2. The fixed base 21 facilitates the installation of a support platform 22 on it, allowing the rotating shafts of the two second gears 9 to be mounted on the support platform 22. This helps the second gears 9 and the worm gear 8 rotate more smoothly. The extension rod 23 and support column provide support for the end of the worm 7, ensuring its smooth rotation. The second motor 24 and lead screw 25 drive the lead screw 25 to rotate, thus moving the moving block 26. This, in turn, causes the specimen wax block inserted in the slot 27 to be sliced ​​by the blade 3 under the extension and retraction of the first electric telescopic rod 1. The receiving tray 28 collects the sliced ​​specimen inside, preventing it from falling elsewhere and becoming difficult to retrieve and organize. The base plate 29 facilitates the fixing of the fixing seat 21. At the same time, the first groove 30 can be opened on the base plate 29, so that the movement trajectory of the moving block 26 is restricted inside the first groove 30 and does not rotate, thereby realizing the linear movement of the moving block 26. The setting of the limiting plate 31 can limit the movement distance of the moving block 26, thereby preventing the moving block 26 from slipping off the lead screw 25. The setting of the second groove 32 can prevent the receiving tray from abutting against the limiting plate 31, causing the moving block 26 to be unable to move. At the same time, it can further restrict the linear movement of the moving block 26, thereby making the movement of the moving block 26 more stable. The connecting plate 33 facilitates the connection of the whetstone 11 and the second rack 10. The movement of the second rack 10 drives the whetstone 11 to complete the sharpening action. The guide bar 34 and guide groove 35 ensure that the connecting plate 33 moves straight, thus guaranteeing the straight movement of the whetstone 11 and improving the sharpening effect. The sharpening groove 36 allows the blade edge of the blade 3 to be inserted into the sharpening groove 36, making it easier to sharpen the blade edge of the blade 3 using the inner wall of the sharpening groove 36.The second electric telescopic rod 37 and the L-shaped connecting block facilitate the extension of the second electric telescopic rod 37 to lower the whetstone 11, thereby detaching it from the blade 3 and preventing sharpening. The retraction of the second electric telescopic rod 37 raises the sharpening groove 36, allowing the inner wall of the sharpening groove 36 to sharpen the blade 3, pressing the contact surface between the inner wall of the sharpening groove 36 and the blade 3, thus improving the sharpening effect. The air blowing hole allows the air inside the air box 16 to be evenly blown onto the sharpening groove 36, keeping the sharpening groove 36 clean and dust-free.

[0025] The above description is merely a further embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and concept of the present invention, shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated pathology specimen preparation device for use in a pathology department, characterized in that, The system includes a specimen processing and fixation module, a dehydration and clearing module, a paraffin embedding module, a sectioning and mounting module, and a staining and mounting module. The sectioning and mounting module includes a first motor (12), the output end of which is connected to a lifting block (13). A first electric telescopic rod (1) is mounted on both sides of the lifting block (13). The telescopic end of the first electric telescopic rod (1) is connected to a mounting block (2). A blade (3) is mounted on the bottom of the mounting block (2). A pusher rod (14) and a first rack (4) are mounted on both sides of the mounting block (2), respectively. One of the first racks (14)... 4) has a rotating shaft (5) on one side, a first gear (6) is installed on the rotating shaft (5), a worm (7) is connected to both sides of the first gear (6), a worm wheel (8) is provided on one side of the worm (7), a second gear (9) is connected below the worm wheel (8), a second rack (10) is meshed on one side of the second gear (9), a whetstone (11) is connected to the other side of the second rack (10), and an airbag (15) is movably connected to the top of one of the pusher rods (14), and an air box (16) is connected to the top of the airbag (15) through an air supply pipe.

2. The automated pathology specimen preparation equipment for pathology departments as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A fixing plate (17) is installed on the airbag (15), and the air supply pipe is arranged through the fixing plate (17).

3. The automated pathology specimen preparation equipment for pathology departments as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting base (18) for fixing and mounting the first motor (12) is installed on one side of the fixed plate (17).

4. The automated pathology specimen preparation equipment for pathology departments as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The push rod (14) is an L-shaped push rod, the bottom of the airbag (15) is provided with an iron plate (19), and the top of the push rod (14) is provided with an electromagnet (20) for movably connecting the iron plate (19).

5. The automated pathology specimen preparation equipment for pathology departments as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The blade (3) has a T-shaped slider at the top, and the mounting block (2) has a T-shaped groove at the bottom that is compatible with the T-shaped slider. The blade (3) and the mounting block (2) are fixed to each other by fastening bolts passing through the slider and the groove.

6. The automated pathology specimen preparation equipment for pathology departments as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A fixed seat (21) is provided below the second gear (9). A support platform (22) is installed on one side of the fixed seat (21). The support platform (22) is rotatably connected to the second gear (9). Two extension rods (23) are installed on the other side of the support platform (22). The top of the extension rods (23) is connected to the end of the worm gear (7) through a support column.

7. The automated pathology specimen preparation equipment for pathology departments as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom of the support platform (22) is equipped with a second motor (24), and the output end of the second motor (24) is connected to a lead screw (25) through a coupling. The lead screw (25) is provided with a moving block (26), and the top of the moving block (26) is equipped with a slot (27). A receiving tray (28) is installed on one side of the slot (27).

8. The automated pathology specimen preparation equipment for pathology departments as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The support platform (22) has a base plate (29) installed at the bottom. The base plate (29) has a first groove (30) for guiding the moving direction of the moving block (26). A limiting plate (31) connected to the base plate (29) is provided on one side of the first groove (30). A second groove (32) that cooperates with the receiving tray (28) is provided on the top of the limiting plate (31).

9. The automated pathology specimen preparation equipment for pathology departments as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The second rack (10) is connected to the whetstone (11) via a connecting plate (33). The bottom of the connecting plate (33) is provided with a T-shaped guide strip (34). The top of the fixed seat (21) is provided with a T-shaped guide groove (35) that cooperates with the guide strip (34). The top of the whetstone (11) is provided with a whetstone groove (36) that is adapted to the blade (3).

10. The automated pathology specimen preparation equipment for pathology departments as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The bottom of the connecting plate (33) is provided with two symmetrically distributed second electric telescopic rods (37). The telescopic ends of the second electric telescopic rods (37) are connected to the whetstone (11) through an L-shaped connecting block. The air blowing box (16) is provided with multiple evenly distributed air blowing holes. The direction of the airflow blown out of the air blowing holes is directly facing the whetstone groove (36).

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