Multi-cylinder-chamber tissue dehydrator and dehydration method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of medical dehydration equipment, in particular to a multi-cylinder tissue dehydrator and a dehydration method.The multi-cylinder tissue dehydrator comprises at least two tissue treatment cylinders, a reagent supply unit, a reagent distribution valve connected with the reagent supply unit through a pipeline and a central channel connected with the reagent distribution valve through a pipeline, a cylinder chamber distribution valve configured to selectively communicate the central passage with any one of the tissue treatment cylinders; a pneumatic pump unit; and a control system; wherein one set of reagent supply unit commonly serves all the tissue treatment cylinders, and the control system is configured to prevent the multiple tissue treatment cylinders from using the same reagent barrel at the same time through time scheduling; according to the invention, multiple cylinder chambers share one set of reagent supply unit and distribution valve structure, on the premise of not greatly increasing the equipment volume, the processing capacity is improved, the dehydration efficiency is remarkably improved, meanwhile, the intelligent algorithm based on time scheduling is adopted to avoid reagent use conflicts, and the stability of the dehydration process and efficient utilization of resources are ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical dehydration equipment technology, and more particularly to a multi-chamber tissue dehydrator and dehydration method. Background Technology

[0002] Biological tissue dehydrators are key equipment in pathological testing. Their function is to soak tissue samples in a series of reagents (such as formaldehyde, alcohol, xylene, and paraffin) in a programmed sequence to remove moisture and replace it with paraffin, facilitating subsequent sectioning and testing. Traditional fully enclosed dehydrators typically use a single-cylinder design, where one tissue processing cylinder is equipped with an independent reagent supply unit (including multiple reagent tanks and a paraffin tank). Reagents are delivered to the processing cylinder through a piping system and a pneumatic pump, and returned to the reagent unit after soaking. This single-cylinder equipment has a simple structure, but it can only process tissue samples of a single cylinder's capacity at a time, which cannot meet the increasingly demanding needs of hospitals.

[0003] To improve efficiency, multi-cylinder dehydrators have emerged in existing technologies, but most adopt a simple stacking method, that is, each cylinder is equipped with an independent reagent supply unit; for example, multi-cylinder operation is achieved by adding a set of reagent tanks and pipelines. Although this design increases the processing capacity, it leads to a significant increase in equipment size and space occupation. Hospitals often place them in narrow areas such as corridors, making them inconvenient to use. In addition, the independent operation of multiple cylinders may lead to reagent waste and uneven resource utilization.

[0004] Therefore, to address the above problems, a multi-chamber tissue dehydrator and dehydration method are proposed. By sharing a single reagent supply unit and distribution valve structure across multiple chambers, the processing capacity is increased without significantly increasing the equipment size, thus greatly improving the dehydration efficiency. At the same time, a time-based intelligent algorithm is used to avoid reagent usage conflicts, ensuring the stability of the dehydration process and efficient resource utilization. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the problems of low efficiency, large size and low reagent utilization in existing dehydrators which mostly adopt a simple stacking method.

[0006] The technical solution of this invention is: a multi-chamber tissue dehydrator, comprising:

[0007] At least two tissue processing tanks are used to hold the biological tissues to be processed;

[0008] A reagent supply unit includes multiple reagent containers for storing reagents used for dehydration;

[0009] A reagent dispensing valve is connected to the reagent supply unit via a pipeline, the reagent dispensing valve being configured to selectively connect any reagent in the reagent supply unit to the central pathway;

[0010] A chamber dispensing valve is connected via a tubing to the central passage of the reagent dispensing valve, the chamber dispensing valve being configured to selectively connect the central passage to any tissue processing chamber;

[0011] A pneumatic pump unit, connected to the tissue processing cylinder, is used to generate positive or negative pressure in the tissue processing cylinder to drive reagents to flow into or out of the tissue processing cylinder.

[0012] The control system is electrically connected to the reagent dispensing valve, cylinder dispensing valve, and pneumatic pump unit, and is used to control the switching of each valve and the start and stop of the pneumatic pump.

[0013] The reagent supply unit is shared by all tissue processing cylinders, and the control system is configured to avoid multiple tissue processing cylinders using the same reagent source at the same time through time scheduling.

[0014] Preferably, by sharing a single reagent supply unit and distribution valve structure across multiple chambers, the processing capacity is increased without significantly increasing the equipment volume, thus greatly improving the dehydration efficiency.

[0015] Preferably, both the reagent dispensing valve and the cylinder dispensing valve are rotary dispensing valves, which connect a specific channel on the circumference with the central hole by rotating the valve plate; wherein, the rotary valve plate is driven by a stepper motor, and the control system sends pulse signals to control the rotation angle to ensure accurate docking of the reagent channel and the cylinder channel.

[0016] Preferably, the reagent supply unit includes a liquid reagent tank and a paraffin cylinder, wherein the paraffin cylinder is connected to the reagent dispensing valve via an insulated pipeline; wherein the insulated pipeline uses double-layer heat insulation material and an electric heating tape to prevent the paraffin from solidifying and clogging during transportation, thereby improving equipment reliability.

[0017] Preferably, the number of tissue processing cylinders is three or more, and all tissue processing cylinders are connected to the reagent dispensing valve and the cylinder chamber dispensing valve through the same piping system; by sharing the piping, the equipment does not require an additional reagent supply unit when increasing the processing capacity, and the increase in volume is limited; for example, three cylinders only require the addition of cylinder chambers and dispensing valve interfaces, reducing the increase in volume.

[0018] Preferably, the control system includes a program storage unit and a scheduling algorithm unit. The program storage unit is used to store the dehydration program of each tissue processing cylinder, and the scheduling algorithm unit is used to calculate reagent usage conflicts based on the time axis of each dehydration program and avoid conflicts by adjusting the start-up sequence of the tissue processing cylinders. The scheduling algorithm unit adopts a time axis comparison method: the cylinder program that starts first is defined as the reference axis, and the subsequent cylinder programs are compared with the reference axis to identify overlapping time periods and calculate the minimum delay time.

[0019] Preferably, the scheduling algorithm unit is configured as follows: for the tissue processing tank that starts later, its dehydration program time axis is compared with the time axis of the tissue processing tank that starts earlier, the overlapping time periods of reagent use are identified, and the minimum delay time is calculated to adjust the start time of the tank that starts later; specifically, the algorithm checks whether the same reagent is requested by multiple tanks at the same time by traversing each time point on the time axis. If there is a conflict, the program time axis of the tank that starts later is shifted by the difference of the conflict time periods until there is no overlap; the algorithm optimization objective is to minimize the total delay and ensure maximum resource utilization.

[0020] The dehydration method of a multi-chamber tissue dehydrator includes the following steps:

[0021] A dehydration program is set for each tissue processing tank, the dehydration program including multiple time stages and the reagents to be used in each stage;

[0022] The program of the first tissue processing cylinder to be started is arranged on the time axis and defined as the first reference axis;

[0023] When another tissue processing cylinder is started, its program is arranged along the time axis and defined as the second reference axis;

[0024] The second reference axis is compared with the first reference axis to check for conflicts where the same reagent is occupied at the same time stage.

[0025] If a conflict exists, the start-up time of the second tissue processing cylinder will be delayed until the conflict is resolved.

[0026] The system controls the switching of reagent dispensing valve and cylinder dispensing valve, as well as the start and stop of the pneumatic pump, so that reagents are injected into or flow out of the tissue processing cylinder according to the program.

[0027] Preferably, in the delayed start-up step, the delay time is calculated by an algorithm, and the minimum delay value is selected under the premise of ensuring that reagent resources do not conflict; wherein, the algorithm adopts the sliding window comparison method: the second reference axis is offset relative to the first reference axis in time, the number of conflicts under each offset is calculated, and the minimum offset with zero conflict is selected as the delay time to ensure optimal processing efficiency.

[0028] Preferably, when there are three or more cylinders, for each subsequently started cylinder, its program timeline is compared with the program timelines of all started cylinders, and the global minimum delay time is calculated to adjust the start-up sequence. The global minimum delay is achieved through iterative calculation: for the nth cylinder, its timeline is compared with the timeline set of the previous n-1 cylinders to find the minimum delay value that eliminates all conflicts, thereby expanding the multi-cylinder applicability of the method and avoiding cumulative errors.

[0029] Preferably, the method further includes real-time monitoring of the program execution status of each tissue processing cylinder, and dynamic adjustment of the switching sequence of the dispensing valve or the timing of the cylinder program when a reagent use conflict risk occurs; the monitoring is achieved through sensor feedback, such as when the flow sensor detects the reagent flow status, if a potential conflict is detected, the control system dynamically reschedules, for example, advancing or delaying the reagent extraction sequence of a certain cylinder to ensure process continuity.

[0030] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0031] This invention increases processing capacity and significantly improves dehydration efficiency by sharing a single reagent supply unit and distribution valve across multiple chambers without drastically increasing equipment size. Simultaneously, it employs a time-based intelligent algorithm to avoid reagent usage conflicts, ensuring the stability of the dehydration process and efficient resource utilization. Furthermore, by optimizing startup timing and dynamically adjusting, it reduces energy consumption and reagent waste, making it suitable for high-throughput scenarios in hospitals and demonstrating high practicality and economy. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a first three-dimensional structural schematic of the multi-chamber tissue dehydrator of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a second three-dimensional structural schematic of the multi-chamber tissue dehydrator of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of the distribution valve of the multi-chamber tissue dehydrator of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the internal connections of the multi-chamber tissue dehydrator of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 The diagram shows the steps of the dehydration method of the multi-chamber tissue dehydrator of the present invention;

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Tissue processing cylinder; 2. Reagent supply unit; 3. Reagent dispensing valve; 4. Cylinder chamber dispensing valve; 5. Pneumatic pump unit; 31. Valve plate; 32. Center hole; 33. Stepper motor. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0039] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The present invention provides an embodiment of a multi-chamber tissue dehydrator, comprising:

[0040] At least two tissue processing tanks 1 are used to contain the biological tissues to be processed;

[0041] A reagent supply unit 2 includes multiple reagent containers for storing reagents for dehydration;

[0042] A reagent dispensing valve 3 is connected to a reagent supply unit 2 via a pipeline. The reagent dispensing valve 3 is configured to selectively connect any reagent in the reagent supply unit 2 to the central passage.

[0043] A chamber dispensing valve 4 is connected to the central passage of a reagent dispensing valve 3 via a tubing. The chamber dispensing valve 4 is configured to selectively connect the central passage to any tissue processing chamber 1.

[0044] The pneumatic pump unit 5 is connected to the tissue processing cylinder 1 and is used to generate positive or negative pressure in the tissue processing cylinder 1 to drive the reagent to flow into or out of the tissue processing cylinder 1.

[0045] The control system is electrically connected to the reagent dispensing valve 3, the cylinder dispensing valve 4, and the pneumatic pump unit 5, and is used to control the switching of each valve and the start and stop of the pneumatic pump.

[0046] One reagent supply unit 2 serves all tissue processing cylinders 1, and the control system is configured to avoid multiple tissue processing cylinders 1 using the same reagent source at the same time through time scheduling.

[0047] By sharing a single reagent supply unit 2 and distribution valve structure across multiple chambers, the processing capacity is increased without significantly increasing the equipment volume, thus greatly improving the dehydration efficiency.

[0048] Furthermore, both the reagent dispensing valve 3 and the cylinder dispensing valve 4 are rotary dispensing valves. The rotary valve plate 31 connects a specific channel on the circumference with the central hole 32. The rotary valve plate 31 is driven by a stepper motor 33, and the control system sends pulse signals to control the rotation angle to ensure accurate docking of the reagent channel and the cylinder channel.

[0049] Furthermore, the reagent supply unit 2 includes a liquid reagent tank and a paraffin cylinder, wherein the paraffin cylinder is connected to the reagent dispensing valve 3 via an insulated pipeline; wherein the insulated pipeline uses double-layer heat insulation material and an electric heating tape to prevent the paraffin from solidifying and clogging during transportation, thereby improving the reliability of the equipment.

[0050] Furthermore, the number of tissue processing cylinders 1 is three or more, and all tissue processing cylinders 1 are connected to reagent dispensing valve 3 and cylinder chamber dispensing valve 4 through the same piping system; by sharing the piping, the equipment does not require an additional reagent supply unit 2 when increasing the processing capacity, and the increase in volume is limited; for example, three cylinders only require the addition of cylinder chambers and dispensing valve interfaces, reducing the increase in volume.

[0051] Furthermore, the control system includes a program storage unit and a scheduling algorithm unit. The program storage unit is used to store the dehydration program of each tissue processing cylinder 1. The scheduling algorithm unit is used to calculate reagent usage conflicts based on the time axis of each dehydration program and avoid conflicts by adjusting the start-up sequence of the tissue processing cylinder 1. The scheduling algorithm unit adopts a time axis comparison method: the cylinder program that starts first is defined as the reference axis, and the subsequent cylinder programs are compared with the reference axis to identify overlapping time periods and calculate the minimum delay time.

[0052] Furthermore, the scheduling algorithm unit is configured as follows: for the tissue processing tank 1 that starts later, its dehydration program time axis is compared with the time axis of the tissue processing tank 1 that starts earlier, the overlapping time periods of reagent use are identified, and the minimum delay time is calculated to adjust the start time of the tank that starts later; specifically, the algorithm checks whether the same reagent is requested by multiple tanks at the same time by traversing each time point on the time axis. If there is a conflict, the program time axis of the tank that starts later is shifted by the difference of the conflict time period until there is no overlap; the algorithm optimization objective is to minimize the total delay and ensure maximum resource utilization.

[0053] The dehydration method of a multi-chamber tissue dehydrator includes the following steps:

[0054] A dehydration program is set for each tissue processing tank 1. The dehydration program includes multiple time stages and the reagents to be used in each stage.

[0055] The program of the first tissue processing cylinder 1 is arranged on the time axis and defined as the first reference axis;

[0056] When another tissue processing cylinder 1 is started, its program is arranged according to the time axis and defined as the second reference axis;

[0057] The second reference axis is compared with the first reference axis to check for conflicts where the same reagent is occupied at the same time stage.

[0058] If a conflict exists, the start-up time of the second organization processing cylinder 1 will be delayed until the conflict is resolved.

[0059] The switching of reagent dispensing valve 3 and cylinder chamber dispensing valve 4, as well as the start and stop of the pneumatic pump, are controlled to allow reagents to be injected into or flow out of tissue processing cylinder 1 according to the program.

[0060] Furthermore, in the delayed start-up step, the delay time is calculated by an algorithm, and the minimum delay value is selected under the premise of ensuring that reagent resources do not conflict. The algorithm adopts the sliding window comparison method: the second reference axis is offset relative to the first reference axis in time, the number of conflicts under each offset is calculated, and the minimum offset with zero conflict is selected as the delay time to ensure optimal processing efficiency.

[0061] Furthermore, when there are three or more cylinders 1 being processed, for each subsequently started cylinder, its program timeline is compared with the program timelines of all started cylinders, and the global minimum delay time is calculated to adjust the start-up sequence. The global minimum delay is achieved through iterative calculation: for the nth cylinder, its timeline is compared with the timeline set of the previous n-1 cylinders to find the minimum delay value that eliminates all conflicts, thereby extending the multi-cylinder applicability of the method and avoiding cumulative errors.

[0062] Furthermore, the method also includes real-time monitoring of the program execution status of each tissue processing cylinder 1, and dynamic adjustment of the switching sequence of the dispensing valves or the timing of the cylinder program when a reagent use conflict risk occurs; the monitoring is achieved through sensor feedback, such as when the flow sensor detects the reagent flow status, if a potential conflict is detected, the control system dynamically reschedules, for example, advancing or delaying the reagent extraction sequence of a certain cylinder to ensure process continuity.

[0063] Through the above steps, by sharing a single reagent supply unit 2 and distribution valve across multiple chambers, the processing capacity is increased without significantly increasing the equipment size, thus greatly improving dehydration efficiency. At the same time, the use of a time-based intelligent algorithm avoids reagent usage conflicts, ensuring the stability of the dehydration process and efficient resource utilization. Furthermore, by optimizing the startup sequence and dynamically adjusting, energy consumption and reagent waste are reduced, making it suitable for high-throughput scenarios in hospitals, and demonstrating high practicality and economy.

[0064] Example 2

[0065] Optionally, the present invention provides another embodiment, which provides a multi-chamber tissue dehydrator; the dehydrator includes three tissue processing cylinders 1 (labeled A, B and C), a reagent supply unit 2, a reagent dispensing valve 3, a chamber dispensing valve 4, a pneumatic pump unit 5 (including a positive pressure pump and a negative pressure pump) and a control system.

[0066] The three tissue processing cylinders 1 (A, B and C) are arranged in a straight line, each with a volume of 5 liters and made of 316L stainless steel. The top of the cylinder is equipped with an airtight quick-opening cap and a corrosion-resistant sealing ring to ensure sealing under positive and negative pressure working conditions. Each processing cylinder has a reagent inlet and outlet at the bottom, which are connected to the pipeline system through quick-connect fittings.

[0067] The reagent supply unit 2 includes 16 reagent containers and a paraffin container, containing reagents such as 10% formalin, 75% ethanol, 85% ethanol, 95% ethanol, anhydrous ethanol, xylene, and paraffin. Some reagents are prepared in multiple portions, as the program may use the same reagent multiple times. It can also be used for scheduling and backup in case of reagent conflicts. The reagent containers are made of transparent polycarbonate material and have a volume of 5 liters, making it easy to observe the remaining reagent. All reagent containers are connected to the reagent dispensing valve 3 through polytetrafluoroethylene tubing.

[0068] Both reagent dispensing valve 3 and cylinder chamber dispensing valve 4 are rotary dispensing valves; the valve body is equipped with a ceramic rotary valve plate 31, which is driven by a stepper motor 33; the circumferential interface of reagent dispensing valve 3 is used to connect to the reagent source; of the circumferential interfaces of cylinder chamber dispensing valve 4, three are connected to the three tissue processing cylinders 1 respectively, and the remaining interfaces are reserved; the central holes 32 of the two dispensing valves are connected by polytetrafluoroethylene pipelines.

[0069] In pneumatic pump unit 5, the positive pressure pump and the negative pressure pump are oil-free piston air pumps; each pump outlet is equipped with a pressure regulating valve and a solenoid reversing valve, and the pressure is regulated by PLC control.

[0070] In the control system, the core controller adopts Siemens S7-1200 PLC. The system has a built-in dehydration program library, which includes a variety of preset programs such as standard dehydration program and fast dehydration program. The control system is connected to each actuator through the PROFINET communication protocol to monitor the system status in real time.

[0071] When reagents need to be replaced in processing cylinder A, the control system first drives reagent dispensing valve 3 to rotate to the angle position corresponding to the target reagent container, and simultaneously drives cylinder chamber dispensing valve 4 to rotate to the interface position of cylinder A; then, the negative pressure pump is started to establish a negative pressure of -0.06MPa in cylinder A, and the reagent flows into the processing cylinder under the action of pressure difference; after the soaking time reaches the set value, the positive pressure pump is started to establish a positive pressure of 0.04MPa in the cylinder, pushing the reagent back to the original reagent container; throughout the process, the control system monitors the program progress of the other two processing cylinders in real time and avoids reagent usage conflicts through time scheduling algorithms.

[0072] Example 3

[0073] Optionally, this embodiment is based on Embodiment 2, but with a special design for paraffin reagents.

[0074] The paraffin cylinder adopts a double-layer structure, with an inner liner made of stainless steel and an outer layer of engineering plastic, filled with polyurethane insulation material in between. Each paraffin cylinder is equipped with a 200W heating jacket, and the paraffin temperature is stabilized at 65±2℃ by a PID temperature controller. The paraffin delivery pipeline uses an electric heat tracing and insulation pipe with a heat tracing temperature of 70±5℃ to prevent the paraffin from solidifying during transportation.

[0075] Optionally, a heating device is added to the paraffin interface of reagent dispensing valve 3 to maintain the valve body temperature above 60°C; the internal channels of the valve body are specially polished to reduce paraffin residue.

[0076] Optionally, a temperature monitoring module can be added to monitor the temperature of the paraffin barrel, delivery pipeline, and distribution valve in real time using a PT100 temperature sensor; when the temperature deviates from the set range, the system automatically adjusts the heating power and issues an alarm.

[0077] When a processing tank requires paraffin reagent, the control system first checks the temperature status of the paraffin system to confirm that all temperature monitoring points are within the set range; then, the paraffin is transported according to the workflow of Example 2; after the paraffin soaking is completed, the system extends the return time to 1.5 times that of ordinary reagents to ensure that the viscous paraffin is completely returned to the reagent tank; this embodiment effectively solves the problem of easy solidification of paraffin and improves the reliability of the equipment in low temperature environments.

[0078] Example 4

[0079] Optionally, this embodiment optimizes the multi-cylinder scheduling algorithm based on embodiment 2.

[0080] In this embodiment, each program in the program storage unit contains no less than 20 processing steps, and each step can independently set parameters such as reagent type, soaking time, and stirring intensity.

[0081] In this embodiment, the scheduling algorithm unit adopts a dynamic scheduling algorithm based on conflict detection; the core of the algorithm includes three modules: time axis modeling, conflict detection, and delay calculation.

[0082] Timeline modeling: Representing the program for each processing cylinder as a time series:

[0083]

[0084] in, This represents the start time of the j-th step in the i-th cylinder. Indicate the reagent number used in this step;

[0085] Conflict detection: for any two cylinders in the program and Overlapping detection times:

[0086]

[0087] in, This represents the duration of the i-th step in the m-th cylinder;

[0088] Extending to the extreme case, when a collision is detected, calculate the minimum delay time:

[0089]

[0090] The scheduling process is as follows: The system first establishes the program time axis of cylinder A as a reference; when cylinder B starts, its program time axis is compared with the reference axis, and if a conflict is found, the minimum delay time Δt1 is calculated; cylinder C is processed in the same way, and the minimum delay time Δt2 relative to the first two cylinders is calculated; through this progressive scheduling, it is ensured that the three cylinders operate without conflict when sharing reagents.

[0091] Example 5

[0092] Optionally, based on Example 2, this example provides a method for controlling tissue dehydration in a three-chamber system.

[0093] The steps are as follows:

[0094] Program configuration phase:

[0095] Configure a dehydration program for each processing tank; taking the standard dehydration program as an example:

[0096] Cylinder A program: Formalin (30 min) → 85% ethanol (20 min) → 95% ethanol (20 min) → Anhydrous ethanol (10 min) → Paraffin (30 min);

[0097] Cylinder B program: Formalin (25 min) → 85% ethanol (25 min) → 95% ethanol (15 min) → anhydrous ethanol (15 min) → paraffin (25 min);

[0098] Cylinder C program: Formalin (35 min) → 85% ethanol (15 min) → 95% ethanol (25 min) → anhydrous ethanol (10 min) → paraffin (35 min);

[0099] Timeline creation phase:

[0100] Based on the start-up time of cylinder A, establish a reference time axis A(t):

[0101] A(t) = {(0, formalin), (30, 85% ethanol), (50, 95% ethanol), (70, anhydrous ethanol), (80, paraffin)};

[0102] Conflict resolution phase:

[0103] When cylinder B starts, its time axis B(t) is established. After comparing it with A(t), it is found that the formalin usage time overlaps; the minimum delay time Δt1 = 6 minutes is calculated.

[0104] The adjusted B'(t) = {(6, formalin), (31, 85% ethanol), ...}

[0105] Similarly, for cylinder C, calculate the minimum delay time Δt2 = 12 minutes relative to A(t) and B'(t);

[0106] Execution monitoring phase:

[0107] The system executes the dehydration process according to the adjusted timeline;

[0108] The system monitors the status of each tank in real time and automatically adjusts the timing of subsequent steps if any abnormalities are detected (such as pipe blockage or insufficient reagents).

[0109] For the paraffin waxing process, the heating system is started 5 minutes in advance to ensure the fluidity of the paraffin wax;

[0110] Dynamic optimization phase:

[0111] The system records the actual time data for each run and optimizes the latency calculation model using machine learning algorithms.

[0112] The basic time parameters for each step are automatically adjusted based on historical data to improve scheduling efficiency.

[0113] Furthermore, when the system detects insufficient reagent levels, it automatically selects the same type of reagent or the backup reagent tank to continue processing and prompts for reagent replacement; if a dispensing valve malfunctions, the system can automatically switch to the backup interface to ensure the normal operation of at least two tanks.

[0114] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-chamber tissue dehydrator; characterized in that: include: At least two tissue processing tanks (1) are used to contain the biological tissue to be processed; A reagent supply unit (2) includes multiple reagent containers for storing reagents for dehydration; A reagent dispensing valve (3) is connected to the reagent supply unit (2) via a pipeline, the reagent dispensing valve (3) being configured to selectively connect any reagent in the reagent supply unit (2) to the central pathway; A chamber distribution valve (4) is connected via a tubing to the central passage of the reagent distribution valve (3), the chamber distribution valve (4) being configured to selectively connect the central passage to any tissue processing chamber (1); A pneumatic pump unit (5) is connected to the tissue processing cylinder (1) and is used to generate positive or negative pressure in the tissue processing cylinder (1) to drive reagents to flow into or out of the tissue processing cylinder (1). The control system is electrically connected to the reagent dispensing valve (3), the cylinder dispensing valve (4) and the pneumatic pump unit (5) to control the switching of each valve and the start and stop of the pneumatic pump. The reagent supply unit (2) serves all tissue processing cylinders (1) and the control system is configured to avoid multiple tissue processing cylinders (1) from using the same reagent source at the same time through time scheduling.

2. The multi-chamber tissue dehydrator according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the reagent dispensing valve (3) and the cylinder dispensing valve (4) are rotary dispensing valves, which connect a specific channel on the circumference with the central hole (32) by rotating the valve plate (31).

3. The multi-chamber tissue dehydrator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reagent supply unit (2) includes a liquid reagent tank and a paraffin cylinder, wherein the paraffin cylinder is connected to the reagent dispensing valve (3) through an insulated pipeline.

4. The multi-chamber tissue dehydrator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of tissue processing cylinders (1) is three or more, and all tissue processing cylinders (1) are connected to the reagent dispensing valve (3) and the cylinder dispensing valve (4) through the same piping system.

5. The multi-chamber tissue dehydrator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control system includes a program storage unit and a scheduling algorithm unit. The program storage unit is used to store the dehydration program of each tissue processing cylinder (1). The scheduling algorithm unit is used to calculate reagent usage conflicts based on the time axis of each dehydration program and avoid conflicts by adjusting the start-up sequence of the tissue processing cylinder (1).

6. The multi-chamber tissue dehydrator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The scheduling algorithm unit is configured as follows: for the tissue processing cylinder (1) that starts later, the time axis of its dehydration program is compared with the time axis of the tissue processing cylinder (1) that starts earlier, the time period of overlapping reagent use is identified, and the minimum delay time is calculated to adjust the start time of the cylinder that starts later.

7. A dehydration method for a multi-chamber tissue dehydrator, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: A dehydration program is set for each tissue processing tank (1), the dehydration program including multiple time stages and reagents to be used in each stage; The program of the first tissue processing cylinder (1) is arranged according to the time axis and defined as the first reference axis; When another tissue processing cylinder (1) is started, its program is arranged along the time axis and defined as the second reference axis; The second reference axis is compared with the first reference axis to check for conflicts where the same reagent is occupied at the same time stage. If a conflict exists, the start-up time of the second organization processing cylinder (1) will be delayed until the conflict is resolved; The switching of the reagent dispensing valve (3) and the cylinder dispensing valve (4), as well as the start and stop of the pneumatic pump, are controlled to allow the reagent to be injected into or flow out of the tissue processing cylinder (1) according to the program.

8. The dehydration method of the multi-chamber tissue dehydrator according to claim 7, characterized in that: In the delayed start-up step, the delay time is calculated by an algorithm, and the minimum delay value is taken under the premise of ensuring that reagent resources do not conflict.

9. The dehydration method of the multi-chamber tissue dehydrator according to claim 7, characterized in that: When there are three or more tissue processing cylinders (1), for each subsequently started cylinder, its program timeline is compared with the program timelines of all started cylinders, and the global minimum delay time is calculated to adjust the start-up sequence.

10. The dehydration method of the multi-chamber tissue dehydrator according to claim 7, characterized in that: The method also includes real-time monitoring of the program execution status of each tissue processing cylinder (1) and dynamic adjustment of the switching sequence of the dispensing valve or the timing of the cylinder program when a risk of reagent use conflict occurs.

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