Reservoir for unit for applying microscopically prepared sample mounting medium

Abstract

The technical scheme relates to the field of laboratory equipment, in particular to an automatic machine for installing a microscopically prepared sample below a cover glass. A reservoir for a unit for applying a micropreparative sample mounting medium includes a compartment for containing the micropreparative sample mounting medium. The technical effect is achieved by the following: the upper part of the reservoir is provided with a recess for immersing the applicator into the compartment for accommodating the microscopically prepared sample mounting medium; the upper part of the reservoir is provided with a mounting medium feeder compartment which is connected to the compartment for accommodating the mounting medium and is provided with means for maintaining a predetermined liquid level of the mounting medium in the compartment for accommodating the microscopically prepared sample mounting medium. The technical result is an increase in the processability of the subject reservoirs of the device for mounting a micropreparative sample under a cover glass and of the unit for applying a micropreparative sample mounting medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technical solution relates to the field of laboratory equipment, and more specifically to an automatic machine for mounting microscopically prepared samples under a cover glass. Background Art

[0002] Microscopic examination is widely used in medicine and biology. Microscopically prepared specimens (microspecimens) in the form of thin sections of tissue, smears of cell material, imprints, sediments, etc. are placed on slides for examination. Organic material of microscopically prepared specimens can be adversely affected both during storage (mechanical shock, exposure to microorganisms, exposure of microscopically prepared specimens to the atmosphere and vapors) and during microscopic examination (mechanical action, exposure to immersion oil when examining under an oil immersion lens).

[0003] In order to protect the microprepared sample from adverse effects, a cover glass covering the microprepared sample is used. In this case, the microprepared sample is set between the slide and the cover glass. In order to make the microprepared sample, the slide and the cover glass form an easy-to-handle assembly, the space between the slide and the cover glass in which the microprepared sample is set is filled with a mounting medium (Mounting medium, MM) having a refractive index close to that of the slide / cover glass. The mounting medium in the initial state is usually a transparent viscous liquid, including: a polymer such as polystyrene; a solvent (xylene, toluene, etc.); and a plasticizer (such as dibutyl phthalate). When in the initial state, the mounting medium is a viscous viscous liquid that dries quickly due to solvent evaporation. When the microprepared sample is mounted under the cover glass, the mounting medium in the form of droplets or in the form of a single long droplet elongated along the axis of the slide is applied to the surface of the microprepared sample and the proximal area of ​​the slide. Before applying the mounting medium, the microprepared sample (e.g. in the form of a blood smear) can be dried; or it can be saturated with a solvent similar to the solvent that is part of the mounting medium. The coverslip is placed on a drop of mounting medium (MM) and pressed onto the microprepared sample, and the MM is distributed in the space between the slide and the coverslip. Excess MM can be squeezed out of the space between the slide and the coverslip. Preferably, the excess MM is minimized. Before microscopic examination, the assembly containing the microprepared sample, the slide, the coverslip and the MM is kept at room temperature or a temperature several tens of degrees above room temperature to evaporate the solvent and dry the MM around the coverslip, so that the examination can be carried out without the risk of damaging the microscope and the microprepared sample itself. However, in the space between the slide and the coverslip, in the mounting medium, a large amount of solvent may be present for a long time (the MM is still in a semi-liquid state).

[0004] In the case of manual mounting of microprepared specimens, dosing is usually performed using a glass (plastic) rod, which is dipped into the MM to collect the liquid on it and then applied to the surface of the microprepared specimen in the form of drops or single long drops. The drops spread and, due to the often irregular shapes of the microprepared specimen on the slide surface, the spreading may be locally delayed and the wetting lines may be fixed to the irregularities of the microprepared specimen, which may lead to the entrapment of air bubbles. Preferably, the drops of mounting medium have such a configuration that when they are covered by a cover slip, no air bubbles are formed that would damage the microprepared specimen, since some areas would be formed in which microscopic examination with very high resolution would not be possible. Dosing with a glass rod is not accurate and may result in excess MM being squeezed out of the periphery of the cover slip; there may also be insufficient MM, with parts of the microprepared specimen extending beyond the limits of the MM. In the case of manual mounting, the excess MM is usually removed with a rag; defects associated with insufficient MM can only be corrected by remounting the specimen, which requires the complete removal of the previously used cover slip. Therefore, the method of manually mounting microscopically prepared samples under a coverslip has low manufacturability, requires high skills and accuracy from laboratory personnel, and is not fast or accurate.

[0005] The prior art provides various automated systems for mounting microprepared samples, and the Leica ST5010-CV5030 (https: / / www.leicabiosystems.com / histology-equipment / he-slide-stainers-special-stainers-coverslippers / leica-st5010-cv5030 / ) is particularly known, which includes a housing that accommodates a unit for loading slides with microprepared samples, a unit for applying a microprepared sample mounting medium, a unit for mounting a coverslip, a unit for unloading slides with microprepared samples under the coverslip mounted on the slide, and a slide transport unit constructed to move slides from the slide loading unit through the unit for applying a microprepared sample mounting medium and the unit for mounting a coverslip to the unit for unloading slides with microprepared samples.

[0006] In the case of automated mounting of microprepared specimens under coverslips, the dosing of the mounting medium and its application is performed by a mounting medium application unit equipped with a dosing element that draws MM from a container via an MM supply line and squeezes the MM through a dosing hole. When using rectangular non-equiaxed (round or square) coverslips, the extrusion of MM can be performed simultaneously with the movement of the dosing hole along the slide. This makes it possible to form elongated MM droplets of the correct shape on the surface of the microprepared specimen. However, even in the case of automated application of MM, some difficulties are encountered, in particular dosing problems due to high viscosity and drying of the MM in the dosing hole during short dosing interruptions. Despite the improvement in precision and speed of mounting of microprepared specimens compared to manual methods, the known automated mounting devices for microprepared specimens also have low manufacturability, since they require constant maintenance, preparation and cleaning of the MM supply line, in particular the dosing element in the device for applying the mounting medium for microprepared specimens needs to be cleaned regularly every day and during the day when the device is idle, since the mounting medium is a viscous, sticky and fast-drying liquid. If the mounting medium in the MM supply lines is to be dried, the device must be stopped, the corresponding lines must be cleaned, and in some cases individual tubes or entire feed elements must be replaced, etc. If timely maintenance of the known units for applying mounting medium for microprepared specimens is neglected, the quality of microprepared specimen mounting is significantly reduced, and excess mounting medium may enter other units of the device, causing them to fail or become contaminated after drying. There are various cases where a malfunction in the operation of the device may cause damage to the microprepared specimens, requiring further work to save damaged or improperly handled microprepared specimens. For example, when slides with microprepared specimens enter the unloading unit, an excess of mounting medium may cause adhesion between multiple slides and the microprepared specimens and make them subsequently unusable for laboratory examinations.

[0007] The advantages of known devices for mounting microscopically prepared samples are greatly reduced by the large amount of auxiliary work and sometimes downtime due to malfunctions. Therefore, the known automatic devices for mounting microscopically prepared samples and methods for manually mounting microscopically prepared samples need to be improved in workability.

[0008] The purpose of the present technical solution is to increase the manufacturability of a device for mounting a microscopically prepared sample and a reservoir of a unit for applying a microscopically prepared sample mounting medium. Summary of the invention

[0009] The subject of the technical solution is a device for mounting a microscopically prepared sample under a coverslip, comprising a housing, a unit for applying a microscopically prepared sample sealing agent, and a unit for mounting a coverslip. The technical effect is achieved by: the unit for applying a microscopically prepared sample sealing agent comprises an applicator, a liquid reservoir having a recess for immersing the applicator, and a sealing agent supplier, the device also comprises a mechanism for moving the applicator, the mechanism for moving the applicator is constructed to: when a slide is placed in the device, immerse the applicator in the liquid reservoir, then take out the applicator and position it on the slide, the unit for mounting a coverslip is constructed to: when a slide is placed in the device, grab, move, and position the coverslip on the slide.

[0010] In one possible embodiment, the applicator is made in the form of a plate, an end surface of which is configured to be immersed in a reservoir containing the sealing medium and to retain a predetermined amount of the sealing medium when the applicator is removed from the reservoir.

[0011] In one possible embodiment, the applicator is configured to have a transverse notch on the end surface immersed in the reservoir containing the sealing medium.

[0012] In one possible embodiment, the applicator is configured to have at least one longitudinal notch on the end surface immersed in the reservoir containing the sealing medium.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the applicator is provided with a stopper, and the stopper is configured to limit a predetermined depth to which the applicator can be immersed in the liquid reservoir.

[0014] In a possible embodiment, the applicator is provided with a stopper, and the stopper is configured to prevent an end surface of the applicator from contacting the microscopically prepared sample.

[0015] In one possible embodiment, the applicator is configured to be spring-loaded and self-positioned on the stop.

[0016] In one possible embodiment, the applicator is configured to be freely suspended and self-positioned on the stop.

[0017] In one possible embodiment, the length of the end surface of the applicator does not exceed the length of the glass slide placed in the device.

[0018] In a possible embodiment, the applicator is configured to be detachable.

[0019] In one possible embodiment, the applicator is configured in the form of a disposable article.

[0020] In one possible embodiment, the supplier is configured in the form of a container configured to be detachably connected to the reservoir of the unit for applying a micropreparation sample mounting medium.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the unit for mounting the cover glass further includes a mechanism for pressing the cover glass onto the slide.

[0022] In a possible embodiment, the device further comprises a transport unit configured to move the slide from the unit for applying the microscopy preparation sample mounting medium to the unit for mounting the cover glass.

[0023] In a possible embodiment, the transport unit is configured in the form of a turntable having a compartment for mounting the slides.

[0024] In a possible embodiment, the transport unit is configured in the form of a conveyor belt having compartments for receiving the slides.

[0025] In a possible embodiment, the transport unit is configured in the form of a moving bracket having a recess for mounting a slide.

[0026] In a possible embodiment, the device further includes a loading unit for loading a glass slide having a microscopically prepared sample, and the loading unit is configured to load a plurality of glass slides on the rack.

[0027] In one possible embodiment, the device further comprises a storage unit for storing the slide with the microscopically prepared sample mounted under the cover glass, wherein the storage unit comprises a heater with a temperature regulator.

[0028] In a possible embodiment, the storage unit comprises a rack for horizontally placing a slide having a microscopically prepared sample mounted under a cover glass.

[0029] In one possible embodiment, the device also includes a loading unit for loading slides with microscopically prepared samples and a storage unit for storing slides with microscopically prepared samples mounted under coverslips, wherein the transport unit is also configured to move the slides from the unit for loading slides through the unit for applying microscopically prepared sample sealing agents and the unit for mounting coverslips to the storage unit for storing slides with microscopically prepared samples mounted under coverslips.

[0030] Another subject of the technical solution is a liquid reservoir of a unit for applying a micro-prepared sample sealing agent, which includes a compartment for accommodating a micro-prepared sample sealing agent. This technical effect is achieved by: a recess is provided at the upper part of the liquid reservoir, and the recess is used to immerse the applicator into the compartment for accommodating a micro-prepared sample sealing agent; a sealing agent feeder compartment is provided at the upper part of the liquid reservoir, and the sealing agent feeder compartment is connected to the compartment for accommodating a sealing agent and is provided with a component for maintaining a predetermined liquid level of the sealing agent in the compartment for accommodating a micro-prepared sample sealing agent.

[0031] In one possible embodiment, the recess comprises a limiter for the immersion depth of the applicator.

[0032] In a possible embodiment, a limiter for the immersion depth of the applicator is provided at the bottom of the compartment for accommodating the microscopy preparation sample mounting medium.

[0033] In one possible embodiment, the component for maintaining the predetermined liquid level of the sealing agent in the compartment for accommodating the sealing agent for microscopy preparation samples is a channel, which is used to allow the sealing agent to flow from the feeder compartment to the compartment for accommodating the sealing agent for microscopy preparation samples through capillary effect.

[0034] In one possible embodiment, the component for maintaining the predetermined liquid level of the sealing agent in the compartment for accommodating the sealing agent for microscopy preparation samples is a valve, which can quantitatively extract the sealing agent from the feeder compartment into the compartment for accommodating the sealing agent for microscopy preparation samples.

[0035] In one possible embodiment, the feeder compartment comprises a connection part for a container containing the sealing medium.

[0036] In one possible embodiment, the component for maintaining the predetermined liquid level of the sealing agent in the compartment for accommodating the sealing agent for microscopic preparation samples is a feeder compartment, which includes a connecting component of a container containing the sealing agent, and there is a predetermined distance between the end surface of the neck of the container and the bottom of the liquid reservoir.

[0037] In one possible embodiment, the feeder compartment comprises an inlet neck for filling with mounting medium.

[0038] In one possible embodiment, the reservoir is constructed to be detachable so as to allow access to the feeder compartment and the compartment for accommodating the micro-preparation sample mounting medium, thereby enabling maintenance thereof.

[0039] In one possible embodiment, the reservoir is made of a plastic based on polyolefin or fluoropolymer.

[0040] In a possible embodiment, the liquid reservoir or a part of the liquid reservoir is constructed in the form of a disposable product.

[0041] The technical effect of the subject device for mounting a microprepared sample under a cover glass and the subject reservoir of the unit for applying a mounting medium for a microprepared sample is increased processability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 is a general plan layout of an apparatus for mounting a microscopically prepared sample beneath a coverslip according to one non-limiting embodiment.

[0043] Figure 2.1 and Figure 2.2 One non-limiting embodiment of a reservoir of a unit for applying a micropreparation sample mounting medium is schematically shown.

[0044] Figure 3 One non-limiting embodiment of an applicator is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Figure 1 1 is a general plan view of an apparatus 100 for mounting a microscopically prepared sample under a coverslip according to a non-limiting embodiment. As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, this illustrative example is not limiting, and various embodiments of the apparatus 100 for mounting a microscopically prepared sample under a coverslip may be more or less complex within the scope of the claims of the present invention and will be disclosed in greater detail in the following detailed description.

[0046] The device 100 comprises a housing 102, a unit 104 for applying a micropreparation sample mounting medium, and a unit 106 for mounting a cover slip.

[0047] The unit 104 for applying a microscopically prepared sample mounting medium comprises an applicator 1041, a reservoir 200 having a recess 202 for immersing the applicator 1041, and a mounting medium feeder 204. The device 100 also comprises a mechanism for moving the applicator 1041, which is configured to immerse the applicator 1041 in the reservoir 200 when a slide is placed in the device 100, and then remove the applicator and position it on the slide. The mechanism for moving can be an electromechanical drive that can move the applicator 1041 in two or three planes. The operation of immersing the applicator 1041 in the reservoir 200 is simpler and easier than the various tubes and needles known in the prior art for applying mounting medium to a slide. Cleaning of the applicator 1041 can be performed by laboratory personnel without disassembling individual components of the device 100 and without performing complex process operations for cleaning pipes, needles, nozzles, etc., which require the involvement of technicians, the availability of spare parts, additional service equipment, and may cause laboratory equipment downtime. In contrast, in the claimed device 100, the applicator can be cleaned with, for example, a solvent cloth, and the device 100 can then be immediately operated. The reservoir 200 can be cleaned with a solvent in a similar manner. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the process of cleaning and / or washing the reservoir 200 is simpler and easier to operate than cleaning the capillaries, needles, nozzles, etc. containing the dried sealing agent. The reservoir 200 can also be cleaned by laboratory personnel without the involvement of additional technicians, which also improves processability and avoids a large amount of equipment downtime.

[0048] In one possible embodiment, the feeder 204 is configured in the form of a container configured to be detachably connected to the reservoir 200 of the unit 104 for applying the micropreparation sample mounting medium. The additional possibility of refilling and cleaning the feeder 204 further improves the manufacturability of the device 100 design.

[0049] In one possible embodiment, the applicator 1041 is made in the form of a plate, the end surface of which is configured to be immersed in the reservoir 200 containing the sealing agent, and also to retain a predetermined amount of the sealing agent when the applicator 1041 is removed from the reservoir. Therefore, the applicator 1041 is configured to grab a predetermined amount of the sealing agent due to adhesion to the end surface of the applicator 1041, thereby transferring the sealing agent to the slide glass.

[0050] In one possible embodiment, the applicator 1041 is constructed to have a transverse or longitudinal notch on the end surface immersed in the reservoir 200 containing the sealing medium. The presence of the notch can further grab and retain the sealing medium on the applicator 1041 through surface tension. The parameters of the notch, in particular its size, and whether the end surface of the applicator 1041 has a notch can be selected based on the fluidity of the sealing medium, the overall size and manufacturing material parameters of the applicator 1041, and the predetermined amount of sealing medium to be transferred from the reservoir 200 to the slide.

[0051] Applicator 1041 may be made of metal, polymer or composite materials, or a combination of various materials.

[0052] In one possible embodiment, the applicator 1041 is provided with a stopper 1042, which is configured to limit the applicator 1041 from being immersed in the reservoir 200 to a predetermined depth. The stopper may be, for example, a protrusion (such as Figure 3 1041) or other limiting member that prevents the applicator 1041 from being immersed in the reservoir 200 to a depth exceeding a predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, the applicator 1041 may not include the stopper 1042, and the depth to which the applicator 1041 is immersed in the reservoir 200 may be provided by a mechanism for moving the applicator 1041 or by other limiting members or stops provided on other elements of the device, particularly in the reservoir 200 itself.

[0053] In one possible embodiment, the applicator 1041 is provided with a stopper 1042, which is configured to prevent the end surface of the applicator from contacting the microscopically prepared sample 300 (eg, Figure 3 shown).

[0054] In one possible embodiment, the length of the end face of the applicator 1041 does not exceed the length of the glass slide 302 placed in the device 100. The length of the end face of the applicator 1041 can be selected according to the overall size of the glass slide 302 used so as to evenly distribute the sealing agent on the surface of the glass slide. Using an applicator 1041 with an end face length equal to or less than the length of the glass slide can prevent the sealing agent from entering the range of the glass slide, causing contamination of the device 100, and sticking multiple different glass slides together.

[0055] In one possible embodiment, the applicator 1041 is constructed to be detachable. By constructing the applicator 1041 to be detachable, the applicator 1041 can be quickly replaced and / or cleaned, thereby further improving the processability of the device 100. In a specific embodiment, before the device 100 starts to operate, a different (clean) applicator 1041 can be installed for each group of slides, thereby ensuring that there are no traces of dried sealing agent during the installation of microscopic preparation samples and eliminating defects, including the retention of bubbles or uneven distribution of sealing agent on the surface of the slide. The detachable applicator 1041 can be attached to the unit 104 for applying the microscopic preparation sample sealing agent by, for example, a fastening element in the form of a screw or a lock, which further ensures the processability of the device design and the maintainability of laboratory personnel.

[0056] In one possible embodiment, the applicator 1041 is provided with a stopper 1042, which is configured to prevent the end face of the applicator from contacting the surface of the microscopically prepared sample 300 on the slide 302 (eg, Figure 3 shown).

[0057] In one possible embodiment, the applicator 1041 is configured to be spring loaded, self-positioning against a stop.

[0058] In one possible embodiment, the applicator 1041 is configured to be free hanging and self-positioning on a stop.

[0059] In one possible embodiment, the applicator is configured in the form of a disposable article.

[0060] The unit 106 for mounting a cover glass is configured to grab, move and position the cover glass on the slide when the slide is placed in the device 100. The unit 106 can be configured, for example, in the form of a vacuum, mechanical or other gripper coupled to a drive device configured to move the gripper with the cover glass from the cover glass storage compartment to the position of the slide for positioning the cover glass on the slide pre-coated with the mounting medium with the help of the corresponding unit 104.

[0061] In a possible embodiment, the unit 106 for mounting the cover glass further comprises a mechanism for pressing the cover glass onto the slide glass. The pressing mechanism (not shown) can be implemented either by an existing drive device for moving the holder with the cover glass or in the form of a separate pressing mechanism, which is mounted in the placement area of ​​the slide glass. The separate pressing mechanism can be implemented in the form of a pressing machine, which is connected to the drive and is configured to press the cover glass onto the slide glass after the slide glass is placed.

[0062] In one possible embodiment, the device 100 further includes a transport unit 108, which is configured to move the slide from the unit 104 for applying the microscopy sample mounting medium to the unit 106 for installing the cover glass (e.g., Figure 1 In an alternative simplified embodiment of the apparatus 100, the transport unit 108 may not be used, wherein the slide is placed in the apparatus 100, and the unit 104 for applying the microscopic sample mounting medium and the unit 106 for installing the cover glass sequentially apply the mounting medium and the cover glass without moving the slide. However, in some embodiments, the transport unit 108 may be provided to further improve the processability and operation speed of the apparatus 100.

[0063] In a possible embodiment, the transport unit 108 is configured in the form of a turntable having a compartment (such as a Figure 1 ). Using a turntable in the form of a rotating disk having compartments for a plurality of slides improves the processability of the apparatus 100, since an operator can load new slides, apply a mounting medium by means of the unit 104, mount a cover slip by means of the unit 106, and unload the mounted slides by the operator without stopping the apparatus 100 by using the conveyor belt principle. The turntable of the apparatus 100 is provided with a drive and can be configured to rotate automatically or semi-automatically to a predetermined position, for example, by receiving a user input from an operator or rotating in an automatic mode according to a predetermined operation cycle.

[0064] In one possible embodiment, the transport unit 108 is constructed in the form of a conveyor belt having compartments for mounting the slides. (Not shown) The transport unit 108 can be implemented based on the belt conveyor principle.

[0065] In one possible embodiment, the transport unit 108 is configured in the form of a moving bracket having a recess for mounting a slide. The bracket may include one or more recesses for mounting one or more slides. The bracket may be configured to move slides between units and various components and areas within the housing 102 of the device 100.

[0066] In one possible embodiment, the device 100 also includes a unit 110 for loading slides with microscopically prepared samples, the unit being configured to load a plurality of slides on a rack. The unit 110 for loading slides can be configured to automatically, semi-automatically or manually load slides with microscopically prepared samples into the device 100 to mount the microscopically prepared samples. The automatic feeding and moving device can be configured similarly to the unit 106, for example, in the form of a vacuum, mechanical or other gripper, which is connected to a drive device, which is configured to move the gripper with the slide from the unit 110 for loading slides to the transport unit 108, or directly to a position for placing the slide on the unit 104 for applying the mounting medium.

[0067] In one possible embodiment, the device 100 further includes a unit 112 for storing a glass slide with a microscopically prepared sample installed below the cover glass, wherein the unit 112 for storing includes a heater with a temperature regulator. The temperature regulator can heat the glass slide to provide necessary conditions for polymerization of the cover glass, thereby further improving the processability of the device 100.

[0068] In one possible embodiment, the unit 112 for storage comprises a rack for horizontally placing slides with microscopically prepared samples mounted under cover slips in one or more layers. The presence of the slide rack facilitates the subsequent transportation of the slides and their use on other laboratory equipment.

[0069] In one possible embodiment, the device 100 further includes a unit 110 for loading a glass slide with a microscopically prepared sample and a unit 112 for storing a glass slide with a microscopically prepared sample installed under a cover glass, wherein the transport unit 108 is further configured to move the glass slide from the unit 110 for loading a glass slide through the unit 104 for applying a microscopically prepared sample mounting medium and the unit 106 for installing a cover glass to the unit 112 for storing a glass slide with a microscopically prepared sample installed under a cover glass. Therefore, in the subject device 100, the entire movement cycle of the glass slide and the microscopically prepared sample can be automated.

[0070] Another subject of the present invention is a reservoir 200 of a unit 104 for applying a microscopy specimen mounting medium, a non-limiting embodiment of which is Figures 2.1 to 2.2. The reservoir 200 includes a compartment 206 for accommodating a micro-prepared sample sealing agent. The upper portion of the reservoir 200 is provided with a recess 202 for immersing the applicator 1041 into the compartment 206 for accommodating a micro-prepared sample sealing agent. The upper portion of the reservoir 200 is provided with a compartment 208 of a sealing agent feeder 204, which is connected to the compartment 206 for accommodating a micro-prepared sample sealing agent, and is provided with a component for maintaining a predetermined sealing agent liquid level in the compartment 206 for accommodating a micro-prepared sample sealing agent. Compared with using the pipes, needles and nozzles known in the prior art, the immersion and wetting operations of the applicator 1041 are more processable, and the residues of the unused sealing agent on the reservoir 200 itself and its inner surface can be cleaned off, which also improves processability because the process operation of cleaning the reservoir is simpler than cleaning the needle tube and other known components for supplying slide sealing agents. In addition, a disposable applicator 1041 and MM reservoir 200 may be used.

[0071] In one possible embodiment the recess 202 comprises a limiter for the immersion depth of the applicator 1041. The immersion depth limiter may be a protrusion (not shown) in the lower portion of the recess 202 that prevents the applicator 1041 from passing below a predetermined liquid level.

[0072] In one possible embodiment, the bottom of the compartment 206 for accommodating the micro-preparation sample mounting medium is provided with a limiter (not shown) of the immersion depth of the applicator 1041. The immersion depth limiter can be made in the form of one or more protrusions at the immersion of the applicator 1041, which limits the immersion depth to the bottom of the compartment 206 for accommodating the micro-preparation sample mounting medium.

[0073] In one possible embodiment, the component for maintaining a predetermined sealing agent liquid level in the compartment 206 for accommodating the micro-preparation sample sealing agent is a channel, which is used to allow the sealing agent to flow from the feeder compartment 208 to the compartment 206 for accommodating the micro-preparation sample sealing agent through capillary effect.

[0074] In one possible embodiment, the component for maintaining a predetermined sealing agent liquid level in the compartment 206 for accommodating the sealing agent for micro-preparation samples is a channel, which is used to allow the sealing agent to flow by forming a cavity and simultaneously lowering the sealing agent liquid level, wherein the collapse enters the feeder compartment 208, and the sealing agent flows to the compartment 206 for accommodating the sealing agent for micro-preparation samples.

[0075] In one possible embodiment, the component for maintaining a predetermined sealing medium liquid level in the compartment 206 for accommodating microscopy preparation sample sealing medium is a valve, which enables the sealing medium to be quantitatively drawn from the feeder compartment 208 into the compartment for accommodating microscopy preparation sample sealing medium.

[0076] In one possible embodiment, the feeder compartment 208 includes a connection part for a container containing a sealing medium. The container containing the sealing medium can be a vial or other container containing the sealing medium. When selecting the volume of the container, the amount of the sealing medium required can be taken into account, while taking into account the number of slides to be mounted.

[0077] In one possible embodiment, the feeder compartment 208 includes a connection part for a container containing a sealing medium. The neck of the container containing the sealing medium faces the bottom of the feeder compartment 208, and the container containing the sealing medium is fixed at a predetermined distance from the bottom of the reservoir 200 by a stopper.

[0078] In one possible embodiment, the feeder compartment 208 includes an inlet neck for filling with mounting medium. Thus, the mounting medium can be directly poured into the feeder compartment 208 immediately, which also allows replenishment of the mounting medium while the device 100 is in operation. In this case, the manufacturability of the device is further improved, because the reservoir 200 can be filled with the required amount of mounting medium without excess.

[0079] In one possible embodiment, the reservoir 200 is configured to be detachable so that the feeder compartment 208 and the compartment 206 for accommodating the microscopy preparation sample mounting medium can be accessed so that they can be maintained. The reservoir 200 can be composed of two or more parts coupled to each other. The two or more parts can be configured to be detachable, for example, they can be coupled to each other using clamps, screws, latches, etc. The connection type can be selected as needed to facilitate quick disassembly and assembly of the reservoir 200, such as when cleaning and washing the reservoir. Figure 2.2 A reservoir 200 is shown consisting of two parts, which are coupled to each other by a clamp 2081, which is configured to engage with a recess 2082 to allow the elements of the reservoir 200 to be removably connected. The removability of the reservoir 200 further improves the manufacturability of the design and allows the sealing agent to be cleaned from the reservoir 200 after operating the device 100 to avoid the sealing agent being deposited on the inner surface of the reservoir 200.

[0080] The reservoir 200 can be a single unit or can be composed of multiple composite components. The reservoir 200 can include components made of the same and / or different materials, particularly plastic, metal, rubber or other materials that are resistant to exposure to sealing agents, solvents and other components that the reservoir 200 may contact during operation of the device 100. Various parts or components of the reservoir 200 can be made of transparent materials.

[0081] In one possible embodiment, the reservoir 200 is made of a polyolefin or fluoropolymer based plastic.

[0082] In one possible embodiment, the reservoir or a portion of the reservoir is constructed in the form of a disposable product.

[0083] The overall dimensions of the recess 202 are such that the end face of the applicator 1041 can pass through for wetting with the sealing agent.

[0084] The shape of the liquid reservoir 200 is not particularly limited. For example, it can be roughly a parallelogram or other geometric shapes. In particular, it can also be a complex shape, such as Figure 2.1 shown.

[0085] As will be appreciated by the skilled person, in a particular embodiment, the housing 102 of the device 100 may further include a control unit connected to one or more of the units 104, 106, 108, 110, 112. The control unit is configured to receive and process instructions in order to activate the various units of the device 100 to perform operations. In other possible embodiments, one or more of the units 104, 106, 108, 110, 112 (if any) of the device 100 are not coupled to a common control unit, but include separate control circuits, or the units are fully or partially controlled manually by an operator. For example, loading, moving and extracting slides may be performed manually by an operator without using the corresponding units 108, 110 and 112. The device 100 may be coupled to a power supply network and / or include an autonomous power source, such as a rechargeable battery that provides power to the elements and units of the device 100.

[0086] The device 100 may also include a data transmission interface (not shown) that allows data about the state of the device 100 or its individual units, or data about the operation of the device 100 to be received and / or communicated via a data transmission network. The device 100 may also include one or more input devices, and one or more output devices. Figure 1 In the illustrative example shown, the device 100 includes a screen 114 and a button block 116. In a particular embodiment, the device 100 may include a touch screen as both an input and output device. In a particular simplified embodiment, the device 100 may not include an input / output device, and the operating mode of the device may be predetermined by an operator from an external device or at the manufacturer.

[0087] The claimed technical solution operates as follows.

[0088] Before the device starts to operate, a cover glass is loaded into the unit 106 for mounting a cover glass, and a required volume of a mountant is loaded into the mountant feeder 204 of the reservoir 200, wherein the mountant flows from the feeder 206 into the mountant compartment 206 until a desired liquid level is reached, and then maintained at a predetermined liquid level by replenishing from the mountant feeder 204. The applicator 1041 is installed in the unit 104 for applying a mountant for microscopic preparation samples, and / or its position is checked. Then, the device 100 can be turned on and prepared for operation.

[0089] The slide with the microscopically prepared sample is placed in the unit 110 for loading slides (if the unit 110 exists), or the slide with the microscopically prepared sample is manually mounted on the transport unit 108 (if it exists). Figure 1 A transport unit 108 in the form of a transport unit 108 (shown) moves the slide with the microprepared sample to the operating area of ​​the unit 104 for applying a microprepared sample mounting medium. In a specific embodiment, without the transport unit 108, the slide with the microprepared sample is installed in the housing 102 of the device 100, thereby entering the operating area of ​​the unit 104 for applying a microprepared sample mounting medium.

[0090] The unit 104 for applying the micro-prepared sample mounting medium moves the applicator 1041 by means of the applicator moving mechanism and immerses it in the mounting medium compartment 206 of the reservoir 200 through the recess 202. The applicator 1041 is wetted, a predetermined amount of mounting medium is attached to itself (e.g., on the end surface), and then the applicator 1041 is withdrawn from the reservoir 200 by the moving mechanism and transferred to the area where the slide glass with the micro-prepared sample is placed. The applicator 1041 is positioned on the slide glass so that the mounting medium is transferred from the applicator 1041 to the surface of the slide glass with the micro-prepared sample.

[0091] Then, the slide is moved by the transport unit 108 or manually to the operating area of ​​the unit for mounting a cover glass 106. In a specific embodiment, the slide is not moved as long as it is placed in the operating area of ​​the unit for applying a microscopic sample mounting medium 104 and the operating area of ​​the unit for mounting a cover glass 106.

[0092] The unit 106 for mounting a cover glass can grab a cover glass and move it to an area where a slide with a microscopically prepared sample and a sealing agent are placed, and then position (mount) the cover glass on the slide. The unit 106 for mounting a cover glass then presses the mounted cover glass onto the slide, or, in a specific embodiment, this process step is performed manually or with the aid of a separate functional element (e.g., a press machine further installed in the unit 106 for mounting a cover glass of the device 100).

[0093] The mounted slide with the microscopically prepared sample is moved to a unit 112 for storing slides with microscopically prepared samples mounted under a cover glass (if any) by means of the transport unit 108 or manually. In an alternative embodiment, the unit 112 for storing slides with microscopically prepared samples mounted under a cover glass is not provided, and the mounted slide can be taken out of the apparatus 100 by means of the transport unit 108 or manually and manually positioned in, for example, a slide rack. The operation of the apparatus 100 can then be completed, or the above cycle can be repeated to mount the desired number of microscopically prepared samples under the cover glass.

[0094] According to various embodiments, during operation of the apparatus 100 , information about the operation being performed or data about the microscopically prepared sample being mounted may be displayed on the screen 114 (if any), and the operator may also input some control commands through the button block 116 (if any).

[0095] After the operation of the device 100 is completed, the applicator 1041 can be treated with a composition to remove the sealant residue, the reservoir 200 can be cleaned to remove the sealant residue, and the container containing the sealant (if any) can be removed to replenish and / or reinstalled on the reservoir 200. In certain embodiments, the applicator 1041 can be further extracted from the device 100 for processing or completely replaced. In some embodiments, the reservoir 200 can also be further removed from the device 100 for processing or completely replaced according to the principle of replacing the filter element.

[0096] The subject device for mounting a microscopically prepared sample under a coverslip and the subject reservoir of the unit for applying a microscopically prepared sample mounting medium have a simple and reliable design and can be maintained in a laboratory environment without the need for additional technicians and avoiding long equipment downtime, thus having high manufacturability.

[0097] The above illustrative embodiments, examples and detailed descriptions are only used to explain the relevant technical solutions and are not restrictive. For technicians, other possible embodiments will become obvious from the above detailed description. The scope of the utility model is limited only by the claims attached to the utility model.

Claims

1. A reservoir of a unit for applying a micropreparation sample mounting medium, comprising a compartment for accommodating a micropreparation sample mounting medium, characterized in that The upper portion of the reservoir is provided with a recess for immersing the applicator into the compartment for accommodating the microscopy preparation sample mounting medium; A sealing medium feeder compartment is provided at the upper portion of the liquid reservoir, which is connected to the compartment for accommodating the sealing medium for microscopic preparation samples and is provided with a component for maintaining the sealing medium at a predetermined liquid level in the compartment for accommodating the sealing medium for microscopic preparation samples.

2. The liquid storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The recess includes an applicator immersion depth limiter.

3. The liquid storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the compartment for containing the micropreparation sample mounting medium is provided with an applicator immersion depth limiter.

4. The liquid reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that The component for maintaining the predetermined liquid level of the sealing medium in the compartment for accommodating the sealing medium for microscopy preparation samples is a channel, and the channel is used to allow the sealing medium to flow from the feeder compartment to the compartment for accommodating the sealing medium for microscopy preparation samples through a capillary effect.

5. The liquid storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The component for maintaining the predetermined liquid level of the sealing agent in the compartment for accommodating the sealing agent for microscopy preparation samples is a channel, which is used to allow the sealing agent to flow from the feeder compartment to the compartment for accommodating the sealing agent for microscopy preparation samples by forming a cavity, wherein when the cavity is formed, the liquid level of the sealing agent is lowered and the cavity moves to the feeder compartment.

6. The liquid reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that The component for maintaining a predetermined liquid level of the sealing medium in the compartment for accommodating the sealing medium for microscopy preparation samples is a valve, which enables the sealing medium to be quantitatively withdrawn from the feeder compartment into the compartment for accommodating the sealing medium for microscopy preparation samples.

7. The liquid reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that The feeder compartment comprises a connection part for a container with mounting medium.

8. The liquid storage device according to any one of claims 1, 4, 5 and 7, characterized in that: The feeder compartment includes a connection part of a container having a sealing medium, the neck of the container faces the bottom of the feeder compartment, and the container is fixed at a predetermined distance from the bottom of the reservoir by a stopper.

9. The liquid reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that The feeder compartment comprises an access neck for filling with mounting medium.

10. The liquid reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that The reservoir is configured to be removable to allow access to the feeder compartment and the compartment for accommodating the micropreparation sample mounting medium, thereby enabling maintenance thereof.

11. The liquid reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that The reservoir is made of a polyolefin or fluoropolymer based plastic.

12. The liquid reservoir according to claim 1, characterized in that The reservoir is constructed in the form of a disposable article.

Images