Device for installing microscopically prepared sample below cover glass

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 device for mounting a microfabricated sample under a cover glass includes a housing, a unit for applying a microfabricated sample mounting medium, and a unit for mounting the cover glass. The technical result is achieved by the unit for applying a microscopically prepared sample mounting medium comprising an applicator, a reservoir having a recess for submerging the applicator, and a mounting medium supply, the device further comprising a mechanism for moving the applicator, and a mechanism for moving the applicator configured to immerse the applicator into the reservoir when a slide is placed in the device and then take out the applicator and position it onto the slide, and a unit for mounting a cover glass configured to mount the cover glass on the reservoir when a slide is placed in the device, and to mount the cover glass on the reservoir when the slide is placed in the device. And the cover glass is grabbed and moved, and the cover glass is positioned on the glass slide. 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 a microscopic preparation sample under a coverslip. Background Art

[0002] Microscopic examination is widely used in medicine and biology. Microscopic preparation samples (micro-samples) in the form of thin sections of tissue, smears of cell material, imprints, precipitates, etc. are placed on a glass slide for examination. During storage (mechanical shock, exposure to microorganisms, exposure of the microscopic preparation sample to the atmosphere and steam) and during microscopic examination (mechanical action, exposure to immersion oil when examining under an oil immersion lens), the organic material of the microscopic preparation sample may be adversely affected.

[0003] To protect the microscopic preparation sample from adverse effects, a coverslip covering the microscopic preparation sample is used. In this case, the microscopic preparation sample is arranged between the glass slide and the coverslip. To make the microscopic preparation sample, the glass slide, and the coverslip form an easily handled assembly, the space between the glass slide and the coverslip where the microscopic preparation sample is located is filled with a mounting medium (MM) whose refractive index is close to that of the glass slide / coverslip. The mounting medium in its initial state is usually a transparent viscous liquid, including: polymers such as polystyrene; solvents (xylene, toluene, etc.); and plasticizers (e.g., dibutyl phthalate). When in the initial state, the mounting medium is a viscous liquid, and it dries quickly due to solvent evaporation. When the microscopic preparation sample is mounted under the coverslip, the mounting medium in the form of a droplet or a single long droplet elongated along the axis of the glass slide is applied to the surface of the microscopic preparation sample and the proximal region of the glass slide. Before applying the mounting medium, the microscopic preparation sample (e.g., a microscopic preparation sample 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 the mounting medium (MM) and pressed on the microscopic preparation sample, and the MM will be distributed in the space between the glass slide and the coverslip. The excess MM can be squeezed out from the space between the glass slide and the coverslip. Preferably, the excess MM should be minimized. Before microscopic examination, the assembly containing the microscopic preparation sample, the glass slide, the coverslip, and the MM is kept at room temperature or at a temperature dozens of degrees higher than room temperature to evaporate the solvent and dry the MM around the coverslip so that examination can be carried out without the risk of damaging the microscope and the microscopic preparation sample itself. However, in the space between the glass slide and the coverslip, in the mounting medium, a large amount of solvent may remain for a long time (the MM is still in a semi-liquid state).

[0004] In the case of manually mounting a microscopic preparation sample, a glass (plastic) rod is usually used for feeding. The glass (plastic) rod is immersed in the MM to collect the liquid thereon, and then dropped onto the surface of the microscopic preparation sample in the form of droplets or a single long droplet. The droplets will spread, and due to the presence of a microscopic preparation sample with an irregular shape on the slide surface, the spread may experience local delays, and the wetting line will be fixed at the irregularities of the microscopic preparation sample, which may lead to the retention of air bubbles. Preferably, the droplets of the mounting medium have such a configuration that when they are covered with a coverslip, no air bubbles that would damage the microscopic preparation sample are formed, because there will be some areas where microscopic examination with high resolution cannot be performed. Feeding with a glass rod is not accurate and may cause excess MM to be squeezed out of the periphery of the coverslip; there may also be a situation of insufficient MM, and the microscopic preparation sample portion will extend beyond the range of the MM. In the case of manual mounting, excess MM is usually removed with a rag; defects related to insufficient MM can only be corrected by reinstalling the specimen, which requires completely removing the previously used coverslip. Therefore, the method of manually mounting a microscopic preparation sample under a coverslip has low processability, requires high skills and accuracy of laboratory personnel, and is not high in speed and accuracy either.

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

[0006] When automatically mounting a microscopic preparation sample under a coverslip, the feeding and application of the mounting medium are performed by a mounting medium application unit, which is equipped with a feeding element that extracts the mounting medium (MM) from a container through an MM supply line and extrudes the MM through a feeding hole. When using rectangular non-isometric (circular or square) coverslips, the extrusion of the MM can be carried out simultaneously with the movement of the feeding hole along the slide. This makes it possible to form an elongated MM droplet with the correct shape on the surface of the microscopic preparation sample. However, even in the case of automatic application of the MM, some difficulties are encountered, especially feeding problems due to high viscosity, and drying of the MM in the feeding hole during short-term feeding interruptions. Although the mounting accuracy and speed of microscopic preparation samples have been improved compared to manual methods, the processability of known automatic mounting devices for microscopic preparation samples is also very low because they require continuous maintenance, preparation, and cleaning of the MM supply line, especially the feeding element in the device for applying the mounting medium for microscopic preparation samples needs to be regularly cleaned every day and during the idle daytime of the equipment, because the mounting medium is a viscous, sticky, and fast-drying liquid. If the mounting medium in the MM supply line is to be dried, the operation of the device must be stopped, the corresponding line must be cleaned, and in some cases, individual tubes or the entire feeding element need to be replaced, etc. If timely maintenance of the known unit for applying the mounting medium for microscopic preparation samples is neglected, the quality of mounting microscopic preparation samples will be greatly reduced, and excess mounting medium may enter other units of the device, resulting in its failure or contamination after drying. In all cases, there is such a trouble that device operation failures may damage the microscopic preparation samples, and further work is required to preserve the damaged or improperly processed microscopic preparation samples. For example, when a slide with a microscopic preparation sample enters the unloading unit, excess mounting medium may cause adhesion between multiple slides and microscopic preparation samples, and render them subsequently unusable in laboratory examinations.

[0007] The advantages of known devices for mounting microscopic preparation samples are greatly reduced by a large amount of auxiliary work and sometimes downtime due to malfunctions. Therefore, known automatic devices for mounting microscopic preparation samples and manual methods for mounting microscopic preparation samples need to improve their processability.

[0008] The aim of this technical solution is to increase the processability of devices for mounting microscopic preparation samples. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The subject of this technical solution is a device for mounting a microscopic preparation sample under a coverslip, including a housing, a unit for applying a mounting medium for the microscopic preparation sample, and a unit for mounting the coverslip. The technical effect is achieved as follows: The unit for applying the mounting medium for the microscopic preparation sample includes an applicator, a reservoir having a notch for submerging the applicator, and a mounting medium feeder. The device further includes a mechanism for moving the applicator, and the mechanism for moving the applicator is configured to: when a slide is placed in the device, submerge the applicator into the reservoir, then take out the applicator and position it on the slide. The unit for mounting the coverslip is configured to: when a slide is placed in the device, grasp, move the coverslip and position the coverslip on the slide.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the applicator is made in the form of a plate, and its end face is configured to be submerged into a reservoir containing the mounting medium, and is also configured to retain a predetermined amount of the mounting medium when the applicator is taken out of the reservoir.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the applicator is configured to have a transverse notch on the end face submerged into the reservoir containing the mounting medium.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the applicator is configured to have at least one longitudinal notch on the end face submerged into the reservoir containing the mounting medium.

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

[0014] In a possible implementation, the applicator is provided with a stop, and the stop is configured to prevent the end face of the applicator from contacting the surface of the microscopic preparation sample on the slide.

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

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

[0017] In a possible implementation, the length of the end face of the applicator does not exceed the length of the slide placed in the device.

[0018] In a possible implementation, 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 feeder is configured in the form of a container which is configured to be detachably connected to the reservoir of the unit for applying the mounting medium for microscopic specimens.

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

[0022] In one possible embodiment, the device further includes a transport unit which is configured to move the slide from the unit for applying the mounting medium for microscopic specimens to the unit for mounting the cover glass.

[0023] In one possible embodiment, the transport unit is configured in the form of a turntable which has compartments for mounting slides.

[0024] In one possible embodiment, the transport unit is configured in the form of a conveyor belt which has compartments for mounting slides.

[0025] In one possible embodiment, the transport unit is configured in the form of a moving carriage which has notches for mounting slides.

[0026] In one possible embodiment, the device further includes a loading unit for loading slides with microscopic specimens, the loading unit being configured to load a plurality of slides onto a rack.

[0027] In one possible embodiment, the device further includes a storage unit for storing slides with microscopic specimens which have been mounted under a cover glass, wherein the storage unit includes a heater with a temperature regulator.

[0028] In one possible embodiment, the storage unit includes a rack for horizontally placing slides with microscopic specimens which have been mounted under a cover glass.

[0029] In one possible embodiment, the device further includes a loading unit for loading slides with microscopic specimens and a storage unit for storing slides with microscopic specimens which have been mounted under a cover glass, wherein the transport unit is further configured to move the slides from the unit for loading the slides through the unit for applying the mounting medium for microscopic specimens and the unit for mounting the cover glass to the storage unit for storing slides with microscopic specimens which have been mounted under a cover glass.

[0030] Another subject of this technical solution is a reservoir of a unit for applying a mounting medium for a microscopic preparation sample, which includes a compartment for containing the mounting medium for the microscopic preparation sample. This technical effect is achieved by: a notch is provided at the upper part of the reservoir, and the notch is used to immerse the applicator into the compartment for containing the mounting medium for the microscopic preparation sample; a mounting medium feeder compartment is provided at the upper part of the reservoir, the mounting medium feeder compartment is connected to the compartment for containing the mounting medium and is provided with a component for maintaining a predetermined liquid level of the mounting medium in the compartment for containing the mounting medium for the microscopic preparation sample.

[0031] In a possible implementation manner, the notch includes a limiter for the immersion depth of the applicator.

[0032] In a possible implementation manner, a limiter for the immersion depth of the applicator is provided at the bottom of the compartment for containing the mounting medium for the microscopic preparation sample.

[0033] In a possible implementation manner, the component for maintaining a predetermined liquid level of the mounting medium in the compartment for containing the mounting medium for the microscopic preparation sample is a channel, and the channel is used to make the mounting medium flow from the feeder compartment to the compartment for containing the mounting medium for the microscopic preparation sample by capillary action.

[0034] In a possible implementation manner, the component for maintaining a predetermined liquid level of the mounting medium in the compartment for containing the mounting medium for the microscopic preparation sample is a valve, and the valve can quantitatively extract the mounting medium from the feeder compartment into the compartment for containing the mounting medium for the microscopic preparation sample.

[0035] In a possible implementation manner, the feeder compartment includes a connecting component of a container filled with the mounting medium.

[0036] In a possible implementation manner, the component for maintaining a predetermined liquid level of the mounting medium in the compartment for containing the mounting medium for the microscopic preparation sample is a feeder compartment, which includes a connecting component of a container filled with the mounting medium, and there is a predetermined distance between the end face of the neck of the container and the bottom of the reservoir.

[0037] In a possible implementation manner, the feeder compartment includes an inlet neck for filling the mounting medium.

[0038] In a possible implementation manner, the reservoir is constructed to be detachable so as to be able to access the feeder compartment and the compartment for containing the mounting medium for the microscopic preparation sample, so that maintenance can be carried out on them.

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

[0040] In one possible implementation, the reservoir or a part of the reservoir is configured to be disposable.

[0041] The technical effect of the subject device for mounting a micro-prepared sample under a coverslip and the subject reservoir of the unit for applying a micro-prepared sample mounting medium is to increase processability.

[0042] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0043] Figure 1 is a general layout plan view of a device for mounting a micro-prepared sample under a coverslip according to a non-limiting implementation.

[0044] Figure 2.1 and Figure 2.2 schematically shows a non-limiting implementation of a reservoir of a unit for applying a micro-prepared sample mounting medium.

[0045] Figure 3 schematically shows a non-limiting implementation of an applicator. Detailed Implementation Modes

[0046] Figure 1 is a general layout plan view of a device 100 for mounting a micro-prepared sample under a coverslip according to a non-limiting implementation. As those skilled in the art will understand, this illustrative example is not restrictive, and the various implementations of the device 100 for mounting a micro-prepared sample under a coverslip have more or less complexity within the scope of the claims of the present utility model and will be disclosed in more detail in the following detailed description.

[0047] The device 100 includes a housing 102, a unit 104 for applying a micro-prepared sample mounting medium, and a unit 106 for mounting a coverslip.

[0048] The unit 104 for applying a mounting medium to a microscopic preparation sample includes an applicator 1041, a reservoir 200 having a notch 202 for immersing the applicator 1041, and a mounting medium feeder 204. The apparatus 100 further includes a mechanism for moving the applicator 1041, which is configured to: when a glass slide is placed in the apparatus 100, immerse the applicator 1041 into the reservoir 200, and then remove the applicator and position it on the glass slide. The mechanism for moving can be an electromechanical driver that enables the applicator 1041 to move in two or three planes. Compared with various tubes and needles known in the prior art for applying a mounting medium to a glass slide, the operation of immersing the applicator 1041 into the reservoir 200 is simpler and easier. The cleaning of the applicator 1041 can be performed by laboratory personnel without disassembling individual elements of the apparatus 100 and without performing complex technological operations such as cleaning tubes, needles, nozzles, etc., because this requires the participation of technicians, the availability of spare parts, additional service equipment, and also causes downtime of laboratory equipment. In contrast, in the claimed apparatus 100, the applicator can be cleaned, for example, with a solvent cloth, and then the apparatus 100 can immediately proceed to the next operation. The reservoir 200 can be cleaned with a solvent in a similar manner. As understood by those skilled in the art, the process of cleaning and / or washing the reservoir 200 is simpler and easier to operate compared with cleaning fine tubes, needles, nozzles, etc. containing dried mounting medium. The reservoir 200 can also be cleaned by laboratory personnel without the participation of additional technicians, which also improves processability and avoids a significant amount of equipment downtime.

[0049] In a possible embodiment, the feeder 204 is configured in the form of a container that is configured to be detachably connected to the reservoir 200 of the unit 104 for applying a mounting medium to a microscopic preparation sample. The additional possibility of refilling and cleaning the feeder 204 further improves the processability of the design of the apparatus 100.

[0050] In a possible embodiment, the applicator 1041 is made in the form of a plate, the end face of which is configured to be immersed into the reservoir 200 filled with a mounting medium and also to retain a predetermined amount of the mounting medium when the applicator 1041 is removed from the reservoir. Thus, the applicator 1041 is configured to pick up a predetermined amount of the mounting medium due to adhesion to the end face of the applicator 1041 and thereby transfer the mounting medium to the glass slide.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the applicator 1041 is configured to have a lateral or longitudinal notch on the end face immersed in the reservoir 200 filled with the mounting medium. The presence of the notch can further capture and retain the mounting medium on the applicator 1041 by surface tension. The parameters of the notch, especially its size, and whether there is a notch on the end face of the applicator 1041 can be selected according to the fluidity of the mounting medium, the overall size and manufacturing material parameters of the applicator 1041, and the predetermined amount of the mounting medium to be transferred from the reservoir 200 to the glass slide.

[0052] The applicator 1041 can be made of metal, polymer or composite material, or a combination of multiple different materials.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the applicator 1041 is provided with a stopper 1042, which is configured to limit the immersion depth of the applicator 1041 in the reservoir 200 to a predetermined depth. The stopper can be, for example, a protrusion (as Figure 3 shown) or other limiting components, which prevent the applicator 1041 from being immersed in the reservoir 200 to a depth exceeding a predetermined threshold. In some implementations, the applicator 1041 may not include the stopper 1042, and the depth at which the applicator 1041 is immersed in the reservoir 200 can be provided by a mechanism for moving the applicator 1041 or other limiting components or stoppers provided on other elements of the device, especially in the reservoir 200 itself.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the applicator 1041 is provided with a stopper 1042, which is configured to prevent the end face surface of the applicator from contacting the microscopic preparation sample 300 (as Figure 3 shown).

[0055] In one possible implementation, 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 mounting medium 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 avoid the mounting medium entering outside the range of the glass slide, resulting in contamination of the device 100 and sticking multiple different glass slides together.

[0056] In one possible implementation, the applicator 1041 is configured to be detachable. Configuring the applicator 1041 to be detachable allows for quick replacement and / or cleaning of the applicator 1041, thereby further improving the processability of the device 100. In a specific implementation, before the device 100 starts operating, a different (clean) applicator 1041 can be installed for each set of slides, thereby ensuring that there are no traces of dried mounting medium during the installation of the microscopic preparation sample and eliminating defects, including the retention of air bubbles or uneven distribution of the mounting medium on the slide surface. The detachable applicator 1041 can be attached to the unit 104 for applying the mounting medium of the microscopic preparation sample by fastening elements in the form of, for example, screws or latches, which further ensures the processability of the device design and maintainability by laboratory personnel.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the applicator 1041 is provided with a stop 1042, which is configured to prevent the end face of the applicator from contacting the surface of the microscopic preparation sample 300 on the slide 302 (as Figure 3 shown).

[0058] In one possible implementation, the applicator 1041 is configured to be spring-loaded and self-positioned on the stop.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the applicator 1041 is configured to be freely suspended and self-positioned on the stop.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the applicator is configured in the form of a disposable manufactured product.

[0061] The unit 106 for mounting the coverslip is configured to: grasp, move the coverslip and position it on the slide when the slide is placed in the device 100. The unit 106 can be configured in the form of, for example, a vacuum, mechanical or other gripper, which is coupled to a drive device configured to move the gripper with the coverslip from the coverslip storage compartment to the position of the slide for positioning the coverslip on the slide pre-coated with the mounting medium by means of the corresponding unit 104.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the unit 106 for mounting the coverslip further includes a mechanism for pressing the coverslip onto the slide. The pressing mechanism (not shown) can be implemented either by an existing drive device for moving the gripper with the coverslip or in the form of a separate pressing mechanism installed in the placement area of the slide. The separate pressing mechanism can be implemented in the form of a press connected to a driver and configured to press the coverslip onto the slide after the slide is placed.

[0063] In a possible implementation, the device 100 further includes a transport unit 108, which is configured to move the slide from the unit 104 for applying the microscopic preparation sample mounting agent to the unit 106 for mounting the cover glass (as Figure 1 shown). In an alternative simplified implementation of the device 100, the transport unit 108 may not be used. In this case, the slide is placed inside the device 100, and the unit 104 for applying the microscopic preparation sample mounting agent and the unit 106 for mounting the cover glass apply the mounting agent and the cover glass in sequence without moving the slide. However, in some implementations, providing the transport unit 108 can additionally improve the processability and operating speed of the device 100.

[0064] In a possible implementation, the transport unit 108 is configured in the form of a turntable, and the turntable has compartments for mounting slides (as Figure 1 shown). Using a turntable in the form of a rotating disk with compartments for multiple slides improves the processability of the device 100 because the operator can load new slides, apply the mounting agent through the unit 104, mount the cover glass through the unit 106, and unload the mounted slides by the operator without stopping the device 100 by using the conveyor belt principle. The turntable of the device 100 is provided with a driver, which can be configured to automatically or semi-automatically rotate to a predetermined position, for example, by receiving user input from the operator or rotating in an automatic mode according to a predetermined operation cycle.

[0065] In a possible implementation, the transport unit 108 is configured in the form of a conveyor belt, and the conveyor belt has compartments for mounting slides. (Not shown) The transport unit 108 can be implemented based on the belt conveyor principle.

[0066] In a possible implementation, the transport unit 108 is configured in the form of a moving carriage, and the moving carriage has notches for mounting slides. The carriage may include one or more notches for mounting one or more slides. The carriage can be configured to move the slide between the units, individual components, and regions inside the housing 102 of the device 100.

[0067] In a possible implementation, the device 100 further includes a unit 110 for loading a slide with a micro-prepared sample, and the unit is 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 the slides with micro-prepared samples into the device 100 to mount the micro-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 driving device configured to move the gripper with the slide from the unit 110 for loading slides to the transport unit 108, or directly to the position where the slide is placed on the unit 104 for applying a mounting medium.

[0068] In a possible implementation, the device 100 further includes a unit 112 for storing a slide with a micro-prepared sample, which is installed under the cover glass, wherein the unit 112 for storage includes a heater with a temperature regulator. The temperature regulator can heat the slide to provide the necessary conditions for the drying or polymerization of the mounting medium, thereby further improving the processability of the device 100.

[0069] In a possible implementation, the unit 112 for storage includes a rack for horizontally placing slides with micro-prepared samples installed under the cover glass 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.

[0070] In a possible implementation, the device 100 further includes a unit 110 for loading a slide with a micro-prepared sample and a unit 112 for storing a slide with a micro-prepared sample, which is installed under the cover glass. The transport unit 108 is further configured to move the slide from the unit 110 for loading slides through the unit 104 for applying a mounting medium for the micro-prepared sample and the unit 106 for mounting the cover glass to the unit 112 for storing a slide with a micro-prepared sample installed under the cover glass. Therefore, in the subject device 100, the entire movement cycle of the slide and the micro-prepared sample can be automated.

[0071] Another subject of this technical solution is a reservoir 200 of the unit 104 for applying a mounting medium for a micro-prepared sample, and its non-limiting implementation is in Figures 2.1 to 2.2is shown in more detail. The reservoir 200 includes a compartment 206 for containing a microscopic preparation sample mounting medium. The upper part of the reservoir 200 is provided with a notch 202 for immersing the applicator 1041 into the compartment 206 for containing the microscopic preparation sample mounting medium. The upper part of the reservoir 200 is provided with a compartment 208 for a mounting medium feeder 204, which is connected to the compartment 206 for containing the microscopic preparation sample mounting medium and is provided with a component for maintaining a predetermined mounting medium liquid level in the compartment 206 for containing the microscopic preparation sample mounting medium. Compared with using the pipes, needles and nozzles known in the prior art, the soaking and wetting operations of the applicator 1041 are more processable, and the residue of the unused mounting medium on the reservoir 200 itself and its inner surface can be washed off, which also improves the processability because the process of cleaning the reservoir is simpler than cleaning the syringe and other known components for supplying the slide mounting medium. In addition, disposable applicators 1041 and MM reservoirs 200 can be used.

[0072] In a possible embodiment, the notch 202 includes a limiter for the immersion depth of the applicator 1041. The immersion depth limiter can be a protrusion (not shown) in the lower part of the notch 202, which prevents the applicator 1041 from passing below the predetermined liquid level.

[0073] In a possible embodiment, the bottom of the compartment 206 for containing the microscopic preparation sample mounting medium is provided with a limiter for the immersion depth of the applicator 1041 (not shown). The immersion depth limiter can be formed in the form of one or more protrusions at the immersion position of the applicator 1041, which limits the immersion depth to the bottom of the compartment 206 for containing the microscopic preparation sample mounting medium.

[0074] In a possible embodiment, the component for maintaining a predetermined mounting medium liquid level in the compartment 206 for containing the microscopic preparation sample mounting medium is a channel for flowing the mounting medium from the feeder compartment 208 to the compartment 206 for containing the microscopic preparation sample mounting medium by capillary action.

[0075] In a possible embodiment, the component for maintaining a predetermined mounting medium liquid level in the compartment 206 for containing the microscopic preparation sample mounting medium is a channel for flowing the mounting medium by forming a cavity while reducing the mounting medium liquid level, wherein it collapses into the feeder compartment 208 and the mounting medium flows to the compartment 206 for containing the microscopic preparation sample mounting medium.

[0076] In a possible embodiment, the component for maintaining a predetermined mounting medium liquid level in the compartment 206 for containing the microscopic preparation sample mounting medium is a valve that enables quantitative extraction of the mounting medium from the feeder compartment 208 into the compartment for containing the microscopic preparation sample.

[0077] In a possible implementation, the feeder compartment 208 includes a connecting component for a container filled with a mounting medium. The container filled with the mounting medium can be a vial or other container filled with the mounting medium. When selecting the container volume, the amount of the required mounting medium can be considered, and at the same time, the number of slides to be installed can be considered.

[0078] In a possible implementation, the feeder compartment 208 includes a connecting component for a container filled with a mounting medium. The neck of the container filled with the mounting medium faces the bottom of the feeder compartment 208, and the container filled with the mounting medium is fixed at a predetermined distance from the bottom of the reservoir 200 by a stopper.

[0079] In a possible implementation, the feeder compartment 208 includes an inlet neck for filling the mounting medium. Therefore, the mounting medium can be directly poured into the feeder compartment 208 immediately, and in this way, the mounting medium can also be replenished while the device 100 is operating. In this case, the processability of the device is further improved because the reservoir 200 can be filled with the required amount of the mounting medium without excess.

[0080] In a possible implementation, the reservoir 200 is configured to be detachable so as to be able to access the feeder compartment 208 and the compartment 206 for accommodating the mounting medium for microscopic preparation samples, so that maintenance can be performed on them. 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 the quick disassembly and assembly of the reservoir 200, for example, when cleaning and washing the reservoir. Figure 2.2 The reservoir 200 composed of two parts is shown, and the two parts are coupled to each other by a clamp 2081, and the clamp is configured to engage with a notch 2082, making the components of the reservoir 200 detachably connected. The detachability of the reservoir 200 further improves the processability of the design and allows the mounting medium to be washed off the reservoir 200 after operating the device 100 to avoid the deposition of the mounting medium on the inner surface of the reservoir 200.

[0081] The reservoir 200 can be an integral body or composed of multiple composite elements. The reservoir 200 can include elements made of the same and / or different materials, especially plastics, metals, rubbers or other materials resistant to exposure to the mounting medium, solvents and other components that the reservoir 200 may contact during the operation of the device 100. Each part or element of the reservoir 200 can be made of a transparent material.

[0082] In a possible implementation, the reservoir 200 is made of a plastic based on polyolefin or fluoropolymer.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the reservoir or a part of the reservoir is configured in the form of a disposable article.

[0084] The overall dimensions of the notch 202 should allow the end face of the applicator 1041 to pass through so as to be wetted with the mounting medium.

[0085] The shape of the reservoir 200 is not subject to any specific restrictions. For example, it can be generally parallelogram-shaped or other geometric shapes. In particular, it can also be a complex shape, such as Figure 2.1 shown.

[0086] As those skilled in the art will understand, in a specific implementation, the housing 102 of the device 100 can further include a control unit that is 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 start the respective units of the device 100 to perform operations. In another possible implementation, 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 these units are completely or partially manually controlled by an operator. For example, loading, moving, and extracting the slide can be manually performed by the operator without using the corresponding units 108, 110, and 112. The device 100 can 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.

[0087] The device 100 can further include a data transmission interface (not shown) that allows receiving and / or communicating data regarding the status of the device 100 or its respective units, or data regarding the operation of the device 100 through a data transmission network. The device 100 can also include one or more input devices and one or more output devices. In Figure 1 the illustrative example shown, the device 100 includes a screen 114 and a button block 116. In a specific implementation, the device 100 can include a touch screen that serves as both an input and an output device. In a specific simplified implementation, the device 100 can not include input / output devices, and the operating mode of the device can be pre-determined by the operator from an external device or at the manufacturer.

[0088] The claimed technical solution operates as follows.

[0089] Before the device starts running, a cover glass is loaded into the unit 106 for mounting the cover glass, and a required volume of mounting medium is loaded into the mounting medium feeder 204 of the reservoir 200. The mounting medium flows from the feeder 206 into the mounting medium compartment 206 until it reaches the desired liquid level, and then is maintained at the predetermined liquid level by replenishment from the mounting medium feeder 204. The applicator 1041 is installed in the unit 104 for applying the mounting medium to the microscopic preparation sample, and / or its position is checked. Then, the device 100 can be turned on and ready to run.

[0090] The slide with the microscopic preparation sample is placed in the unit 110 for loading the slide (if the unit 110 exists), or the slide with the microscopic preparation sample is manually mounted on the transport unit 108 (if any). The transport unit 108 configured in the form of a turntable (as Figure 1 shown) moves the slide with the microscopic preparation sample into the operating area of the unit 104 for applying the mounting medium to the microscopic preparation sample. In a specific embodiment, in the absence of the transport unit 108, the slide with the microscopic preparation sample is mounted in the housing 102 of the device 100 so as to enter the operating area of the unit 104 for applying the mounting medium to the microscopic preparation sample.

[0091] The unit 104 for applying the mounting medium to the microscopic preparation sample moves the applicator 1041 by means of an applicator moving mechanism and immerses it through the notch 202 into the mounting medium compartment 206 of the reservoir 200. The applicator 1041 is wetted and adheres to itself a predetermined amount of the mounting medium (e.g., on the end face surface), and then the applicator 1041 is withdrawn from the reservoir 200 by the moving mechanism and transferred to the area where the slide with the microscopic preparation sample is placed. The applicator 1041 is positioned on the slide so as to transfer the mounting medium from the applicator 1041 to the surface of the slide with the microscopic preparation sample.

[0092] Then, the slide is moved to the operating area of the unit 106 for mounting the cover glass by the transport unit 108 or manually. In a specific embodiment, as long as the slide is placed within the operating areas of the unit 104 for applying the mounting medium to the microscopic preparation sample and the unit 106 for mounting the cover glass, the slide does not move.

[0093] The unit 106 for mounting the cover glass can grasp the cover glass and move it to the area where the slide with the micro-prepared sample and the area coated with the mounting medium are placed, and then position (mount) the cover glass on the slide. Then, the unit 106 for mounting the cover glass 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 further mounted in the unit 106 for mounting the cover glass of the device 100).

[0094] The mounted slide with the micro-prepared sample is moved to the unit 112 for storing the slides with the micro-prepared samples mounted under the cover glass (if any) by the transport unit 108 or manually. In an alternative embodiment, the unit 112 for storing the slides with the micro-prepared samples mounted under the cover glass is not provided, and the mounted slide can be removed from the device 100 by the transport unit 108 or manually and manually positioned, for example, in a slide rack. After that, the operation of the device 100 can be completed, or the above cycle can be repeated to mount the required number of micro-prepared samples under the cover glass.

[0095] According to various embodiments, during the operation of the device 100, information about the performed operation or data about the micro-prepared sample being mounted can be displayed on the screen 114 (if any), and the operator can also input partial control commands through the button block 116 (if any).

[0096] After the operation of the device 100 is completed, the applicator 1041 can be treated with a composition to remove the residue of the mounting medium, the reservoir 200 can be cleaned to remove the residue of the mounting medium, and the container with the mounting medium (if any) can be removed to be replenished and / or reinstalled on the reservoir 200. In a specific embodiment, the applicator 1041 can be further removed from the device 100 for treatment or completely replaced. In some embodiments, the reservoir 200 can also be further removed from the device 100 for treatment or completely replaced according to the principle of replacing the filter element.

[0097] The subject device for mounting the micro-prepared sample under the cover glass and the subject reservoir of the unit for applying the mounting medium for the micro-prepared sample have high processability because of their simple and reliable design, can be maintained in a laboratory environment without additional technicians, and also avoid long equipment downtimes.

[0098] The above illustrative embodiments, examples and detailed descriptions are only used to explain the related technical solutions and are not restrictive. For those skilled in the art, other possible embodiments will become obvious from the above detailed description. The scope of the present utility model is only limited by the appended claims of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A device for mounting a microscopically prepared sample under a cover glass, comprising a housing, a unit for applying a microscopically prepared sample mounting medium and a unit for mounting a cover glass, characterized in that: The unit for applying microscopic sample preparation sealing agent includes an applicator, a liquid reservoir having a recess for immersing the applicator, and a sealing agent supplier. The device also includes a mechanism for moving the applicator, and 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 remove the applicator and position the applicator on the slide. The unit for installing a cover glass is constructed to: when a slide is placed in the device, grab, move and position the cover glass on the slide.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The applicator is made in the form of a plate, the end surface of which is configured to be immersed in a reservoir containing the sealing medium and also to retain a predetermined amount of the sealing medium when the applicator is removed from the reservoir.

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The applicator is configured with a transverse recess configured to be immersed in the reservoir containing the sealing medium.

4. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The applicator is configured to have one or more longitudinal notches on an end surface, the longitudinal notches being configured to be submersible into the reservoir containing the sealing medium.

5. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The applicator is provided with a stopper configured to limit a predetermined depth to which the applicator can be submerged in the reservoir.

6. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The applicator is provided with a stopper configured to prevent an end face of the applicator from contacting a surface of a microscopically prepared sample on the slide.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that The applicator is configured to be spring loaded, self-positioning on the stop.

8. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that The applicator is configured to be free hanging, self-positioning on the stop.

9. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The length of the end face of the applicator does not exceed the length of the slide placed in the device.

10. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The applicator is configured to be detachable.

11. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The applicator is configured as a disposable article of manufacture.

12. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The feeder is configured in the form of a container configured to be detachably connected to a reservoir of the unit for applying a micropreparation specimen mounting medium.

13. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The unit for mounting the cover glass also includes a mechanism for pressing the cover glass onto the slide.

14. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The apparatus further comprises a transport unit configured to move the slide from the unit for applying a microscopy preparation sample mounting medium to the unit for mounting a cover slip.

15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that The transport unit is configured in the form of a turntable having compartments for mounting slides.

16. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that The transport unit is configured in the form of a conveyor belt having compartments for mounting the slides.

17. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that The transport unit is configured in the form of a moving carriage having a recess for mounting a slide.

18. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The apparatus further includes a loading unit for loading a slide having a microscopically prepared sample, the loading unit being configured to load a plurality of slides on the rack.

19. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The apparatus further comprises a storage unit for storing slides having microscopically prepared samples mounted under coverslips, wherein the storage unit comprises a heater having a temperature regulator.

20. The device according to claim 19, characterized in that The storage unit includes a rack for horizontally placing slides having microscopically prepared samples mounted under a cover glass.

21. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that 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 loading unit for loading slides through the unit for applying microscopically prepared sample mounting medium and the unit for mounting coverslips to the storage unit for storing slides with microscopically prepared samples mounted under coverslips.

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