Cartridge-based dispensation system and method for plural rotary conveyor

Abstract

To provide a cartridge-based dispensation system and method, which select and dispense a reagent for a target testing medium in an automated laboratory environment.SOLUTION: The present invention uses a plurality of rotary conveyors rotatably attached onto a central turn table. A position of the central turn table and rotation of each rotary conveyor are controlled by a microprocessor-based control system. A plurality of dispensers capable of storing and dispensing a specific reagent are attached around each rotary conveyor. An inspection medium is arranged in one or more loading stations.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 775,030, filed December 4, 2018. No. 6,399,433, filed on Oct. 23, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] To test the effectiveness of various reagents in an automated laboratory environment, one or more designated The positive electrode is placed at a precise, predetermined position on the culture medium or on the test medium in the test container (such as a plate or petri dish). A system is needed that can consistently deliver precise amounts of one or more selected reagents. For example, a disk of antibiotics is automatically dispensed onto an inoculated agar culture medium held in a Petri dish. Systems and methods for doing so are known in the art. Such systems are generally a multi-disk dispenser mounted on a movable platform, and a target Petri Use a specific loading area where the dishes are placed. Move the platform to Contains a disk impregnated with a specific antibiotic over or near a specific area of ​​the petri dish The selected dispenser is placed and a disk is dispensed. The moving platform is then reset. 2. Place the dispenser containing the second type of antibiotic disk in a corresponding position on the Petri dish. The second antibiotic disk is then dispensed into the Petri dish. The Petri dish can be repositioned before dispensing so that the next disk is dispensed at a predetermined distance. to study antimicrobial interactions with different microorganisms without interference from neighboring microbial colonies. The system can clearly identify the area in which the phenomenon occurs and is observed. Dispensing of disks at predetermined locations can continue.

[0003] To maximize the flexibility of such a system, it can be used to dispense onto plates. It is desirable to have a wide variety of antibiotic disks that can be dispensed by the system. To prevent cross-contamination between different antibiotics, multiple antibiotics should be placed in the same dispenser. Therefore, a moving platform is required for each type of antibiotic dispensed. As a result, the prior art systems require different dispensers to be mounted on the foam. on the culture plate to receive the disks of microorganisms dispensed by a dispenser such as on a movable platform or culture plate that can be precisely and selectively positioned A dispenser that can be reasonably mounted on a culture plate support that aligns the The number of units was limited by mechanical constraints. The dispensers are mounted around the periphery of the carousel, and the Various devices have been proposed that place a specific dispenser above a container that is fitted with a liquid. Patent No. 8,996,163, "Disk dispensing device, "Tubular container and method for dispensing disks using the same" and U.S. Pat. No. 9,557,343 "Disk dispensing device, tubular container using such disk dispensing device, and disk See "How to Dispense 100% Buffers with BD Kiestra BV" for more information. No. 6,399,433, filed on Dec. 23, 2003, and is incorporated herein by reference. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, as the number of dispensers increases, such a single carousel-based system becomes The stem is designed to accommodate larger and larger diameter carousels to accommodate more and more dispensers. Test equipment with a large physical footprint can be very large. Typically, this is the controlled environment of a commercial sample testing laboratory, where space is usually limited. In a closed environment, it is not advisable to use a dispenser mounted on a large diameter carousel. As a result, the average time required to rotate the carousel and dispense a particular antibiotic is Assuming that the angular speed at which the rotating conveyor can rotate is the same, This reduces the throughput of the system. As the size of the conveyor increases, its mass may also increase, requiring a stronger conveyor. A drive mechanism is required, which increases the cost of the system. Conveyors with cartridges limit the achievable density of cartridge dispensers. Large carousels are more difficult to handle, store and clean.

[0005] Thus, selected dispensers can be quickly and accurately positioned to deliver test media within a small footprint. Improvements in dispensing a variety of different reagents from different dedicated dispensers that dispense selected reagents onto It is necessary to provide a testing system and method that is compatible with the above-mentioned features. This needs to be achieved without adversely affecting the investment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is a method for selecting and dispensing reagents onto target test media in an automated laboratory environment. The present invention provides an improved system and method for performing a multi-function multi-function multi-function on a central turntable. A central turntable is used to rotate the conveyors. The position of the wheels and the rotation of each carousel are controlled by a microprocessor-based control system. A number of dispensers, each capable of storing and dispensing a particular reagent, are connected to each carousel. The test medium is placed in one or more loading stations. The control system controls one selected carousel among multiple carousels. Orient the central turntable so that the conveyor can rotate and place the selected The selected dispenser is then operated to place the antibacterial agent on the test medium. In the case of a culture medium, a predetermined amount of the reagent is released onto the impregnated disk. The apparatus is mounted so that multiple reagents can be dispensed simultaneously from associated dispensers onto a culture plate containing the reagents. An example of a suitable test medium is a culture medium. The culture medium in the form of a plate may be These are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail herein. Test media are used interchangeably herein. Each is loaded with the target culture medium (or media) placed in one or more loading stations. ) is placed above the

[0007] One embodiment of the reagent dispensing system includes a control system including a processor and a memory. The system includes a rotating actuator that can be positioned in response to commands received from a control system. The system also has a central turntable mounted on the control system. rotatably mounted, each of which can be positioned in response to commands received from the stem. A plurality of carousels are rotatably mounted on a central turntable. The system includes multiple dispense cartridges mounted around multiple carousels. The dispense cartridge further includes a dispense cartridge holder. Optionally, the mechanical actuator dispenses a desired reagent contained within the ridge. at least one of the plurality of dispense cartridges in response to a command received from the control system; The device is adapted to operate the

[0008] An example of a predetermined reagent is a disk. Optionally, a vertical plunger is used to , the disk is dispensed from the cartridge. Optionally, the vertical plunger can be rotated Actuated by a cam, the rotating cam responds to commands received from a control system.

[0009] Optionally, the reagent dispensing system can be equipped with a plunger assembly that accommodates a vertical plunger. The plunger assembly further includes a vertical plunger. The medium on the disk of interest is accessible.

[0010] In operation, a predetermined reagent is dispensed onto the surface of a test medium. The culture medium is dispensed into the plate. The reagent dispense system can be optionally connected to a control system. a proximity sensor in communication with the stem adapted to scan and measure the surface of the test medium; One example of a proximity sensor is an ultrasonic sensor.

[0011] In operation, the disk reservoir is placed in the dispensing cartridge. The system has a machine-readable identification label affixed to it. at least one optical sensor adapted to receive and read the machine-readable identification label; The control system memory includes: (a) a dispense cartridge (and the data stored therein); (b) a machine-readable labeled aliquot of the type of reagent contained within the disc reservoir; a quantity of reagent available for dispensing within the cartridge, and The machine-readable identification label is typically a bar code. , at least one optical sensor is a barcode reader.

[0012] The culture plate optionally has a machine-readable identification label affixed thereto. The system is adapted to communicate with the control system and to read the machine-readable identification label. The control system further includes at least one optical sensor integrated with the at least one optical sensor. (a) the type of test medium contained in the plate; (b) the type of reagent dispensed onto the test medium; (c) the location on the test medium where the reagent was dispensed; (d) any additional reagent dispensed on the test medium. (e) the type of additional reagent, or (f) the amount of additional reagent available for dispensing onto the test medium; At least one of the locations includes information associating a machine-readable identification label. In any case, the machine-readable identification label generally includes a bar code and at least one The optical sensor is a bar code reader.

[0013] Optionally, at least two carousels are mounted concentrically.

[0014] Also described herein is a method for automatically dispensing reagents in the system. The system includes a control system including a processor and a memory. The system also includes a control A rotatably mounted centrifugal force sensor that can be positioned in response to commands received from the system. The system also receives commands from the control system. a rotatably mounted central turntable, each of which is individually positionable in response to a The system includes a plurality of carousels rotatably mounted on a conveyor. a plurality of dispense cartridges mounted around each of the plurality of carousels; The mechanical actuation of the dispense cartridge causes the dispenser cartridge to The system also includes a culture plate that is held by the culture plate and dispenses a predetermined amount of the reagent. It includes at least one test medium (eg, culture medium).

[0015] According to the method described herein, a rotatably mounted central turntable and positioning the selected carousel adjacent to at least one test medium. Rotate the selected carousel to place the selected sample on at least one test medium. A selected dispense cartridge is placed in a position to dispense a fixed amount of reagent. The cartridge is actuated to dispense a predetermined amount of reagent onto the test medium.

[0016] Optionally, the volume of reagent is a disk. The disk may include a disk reservoir and When the selected dispense cartridge is activated, the device The disk is dispensed via a vertical plunger. Optionally, a cam is Activate the dispense cartridge. As described above, an example of a test medium is Optionally, the surface of the test medium is a disc on the surface. The dispense of is evaluated by a proximity sensor.

[0017] Optionally, each dispense cartridge may have a machine-readable identification label associated with it. Optionally, a machine readable identification label is carried on the dispensing cartridge. The machine-readable identification label is carried by the dispenser of the disk. The data associated with the read machine-readable identification label is then transmitted to the control system. The accessed data is stored in the dispensing cartridge. (b) a type of dispensing cartridge having a machine-readable identification label affixed thereto; or Available in a dispensing cartridge having a machine-readable identification label affixed to the cartridge The table shows at least one of the following:

[0018] Optionally, the culture plate has a machine-readable identification label affixed thereto. According to this method, the machine-readable identification label is read by an optical sensor. The data associated with the assigned label is accessed from the memory of the control system. The data accessed were: (a) the type of test medium or culture medium contained in the culture plate; (b) the type of reagent dispensed onto the test medium; and (c) the location on the test medium where the reagent was dispensed. (d) optionally, the type of additional reagent to be dispensed onto the test medium; or (e) optionally, Optionally, indicate at least one of the following locations on the test medium available for dispensing additional reagents: is. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] Features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. You will have a better understanding of this.

[0020] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a four carousel cartridge-based dispensing system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a top view of the four carousel cartridge-based dispensing system of FIG. 1 positioned to prime the dispensers. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a top view of the four carousel cartridge-based dispensing system of FIG. 1 positioned to dispense reagent discs. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a reagent disk dispensing cartridge utilizing the multiple carousel cartridge-based dispensing system of FIG. [Figure 3B] 3A to 3C are a side view, a front view and a cross-sectional view of a composite cam. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3B is a perspective view in partial cross section of the reagent disk dispensing cartridge of FIG. 3A in an unprimed state. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3B is a perspective view in partial cross section of the reagent disk dispensing cartridge of FIG. 3A during priming processing. [Figure 3E] FIG. 3B is a perspective view in partial cross section of the reagent disk dispensing cartridge of FIG. 3A in a primed state. [Figure 3F] 3B is a perspective view in partial section of the reagent disk dispensing cartridge of FIG. 3A engaged by an outer cam. FIG. [Figure 3G] FIG. 3B is a perspective view in partial section of the reagent disk dispensing cartridge of FIG. 3A fully engaged by the composite cam. [Figure 4A] FIG. 3B is a side view of the reagent disk dispensing cartridge of FIG. 3A prior to engagement with the composite cam. [Figure 4B] FIG. 3B is a side view of the reagent disk dispensing cartridge of FIG. 3A partially engaged by an outer cam. [Figure 4C] FIG. 3B is a side view of the reagent disk dispensing cartridge of FIG. 3A fully engaged by the composite cam. [Figure 4D] FIG. 3B is a side view of the reagent disk dispensing cartridge of FIG. 3A after engagement with the composite cam. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a top view of a four carousel cartridge-based reagent disk dispensing system utilizing an X-shaped central turntable. [Figure 6A] FIG. 13 is a top view of a five carousel cartridge-based reagent disk dispensing system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] FIG. 13 is a top view of a two carousel cartridge-based reagent disk dispensing system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] FIG. 13 is a top view of a dual concentrically arranged carousel cartridge-based reagent disk dispensing system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] FIG. 13 is a top view of an alternative concentrically arranged two carousel cartridge-based reagent disk dispensing system in accordance with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] As used herein, the term "turntable" refers to the carousel 102, 10 4,106, etc. As used herein, The term does not imply that the turntable must be circular. However, as described herein, the geometry of the turntable is primarily a design decision. The above options are available. A turntable is used to move the carousel to the required position, A carousel aligns selected reagent disk dispense cartridges with culture plates. The selected reagent disk dispense cartridge is then placed on the selected culture plate location. This allows the drug to be dispensed.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a partial perspective view of four carousel embodiments of the present invention. As shown, carousels 102, 104, 106 and 108 have central turns. Each of these carousels is rotatably mounted on a table 110. It rotates clockwise or counterclockwise around center hubs 111, 112, 114 and 116. The rotation is controlled by a microprocessor-based The control system (117) is responsive to control signals received from the control system (117). The rotation can be driven by any conventional mechanism known to those skilled in the art. Such a system may include a belt, gears, or other similar transmission device known in the art. A servo motor or stepper motor is mounted on the central turntable via the Such a mechanism is a motor and can be driven by such a motor. These are well known in the art and will not be described in detail herein. The driver 118 responds to control signals from a microprocessor-based control system. Center hub 1 is driven by an electric motor system connected to an electric drive or transmission. The rotatable plate is configured to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise around the axis 20. The port responds directly to control signals from a microprocessor-based control system. The center hub is positioned by an electric motor system connected to the drive or transmission. Such a microprocessor system includes a processor 119, a memory 121, various Sensors (optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, etc.), motor controllers, and user interfaces Contains the

[0023] Each carousel in this embodiment is fitted with 32 radially mounted, removable test pieces. In FIG. 1, for reasons of visual clarity, a limited number of groups of dispensers are shown. The four carousels (102, 104, and 138) are connected to the , 106 and 108, respectively. FIG. 2 shows the cartridge base of FIG. FIG. 2 is a top view of the dispensers, with 30 cartridge-type dispensers 218 mounted on each carousel. The total number of dispensers in the system is 128. Primer station 202 (from actuator 204 and barcode reader 206 ), loading station 208 (plate platform 122, ultrasonic proximity A contact sensor 210, a bar code reader 212, a composite cam 214, and a camshaft Port 216 is also shown in Figures 2A and 2B.

[0024] A perspective view of an exemplary cartridge-based dispenser 218 is shown in FIG. The dispenser includes an outer casing 302, a plunger assembly 303, a vertical plunger 304, a reagent disk reservoir 306, a reagent disk priming port 308, and The cartridge-type dispenser 21 includes a machine-readable identification label 310. The outer casing of the cartridge 8 includes insertion guides 312 and 313. 2 and 313 mate with complementary devices at each dispenser mounting position on a given carousel. This allows the dispenser to be easily removed when necessary while still allowing the dispenser to be easily attached. This click-in / click-out device allows the product to be securely attached to the carousel. to quickly replace an empty dispenser with a full one or to select a dispenser containing a specific reagent. The dispenser can be replaced with one containing a different reagent. Similar attachments are known in the art. They are well known and can be made from nylon or other polymers.

[0025] FIG. 3B shows a side view, a front view, and a cross-sectional view of the composite cam 214 and the camshaft 216. As shown, the composite cam includes outer cams 318, 320 and an inner cam 322. The distance (g) between the inner surfaces of the outer cams is the same as the distance (g) between the vertical plunger 304. The plunger is fixed at a distance greater than the diameter of the plunger, allowing the plunger to move freely without contacting the vertical plunger. The Uttercam can rotate.

[0026] A cross-sectional view of the dispenser is shown in FIG. 3C. The reagent disk 312 is a reagent disk reservoir. 306. Generally, the number of stacks in a particular dispenser is All the reagent disks that are mixed contain the same reagent(s). The stem memory stores a unique machine-readable identification label (31) attached to a given reservoir. 0) to the particular type of reagent disk it contains. The control system memory also maps a particular dispenser to a particular carousel (as in this particular embodiment). It can store information that is associated with a particular slot on the This information is used by the control system to control the central turntable and rotary controller. Selectively positioning the bear to place selected dispensers at specific locations within the dispense system to dispense the cultures. A selected type of reagent disk can be dispensed into a selected location on the culture plate. Also, when a carousel is replaced, the configuration sequence is affected for all standard or rotating This allows the reader to read the surrounding barcodes without affecting the installed disk reservoir. This makes it possible to read labels regardless of their position, allowing the creation of location maps. The disk primer 314 is capable of moving horizontally within the cavity 316. The spring 324 is attached to the outer casing 302 so that the FIG. 3C shows the disk 306 being biased toward the rimming port 308. The primer actuator 204 is also shown.

[0027] The act of dispensing a reagent disk containing a particular reagent from a cartridge-based dispensing system The central turntable 110, the rotary conveyors 102, 104, 106 and 10 8, plate platform 122 and reagent disk primer actuator 2 The arrangement and operation of these components is controlled by a microprocessor. The processing operations are controlled by the control system of the plate platform 12. 2. The process begins with placing a culture plate 124 containing medium (126) on the This can be accomplished by automated plate handling systems well known in the art. After the culture plate is placed on the plate platform 1, 22 is rotated by a microprocessor-based control system to provide a machine-readable identification label. The bar code 128 is arranged to be read by the bar code reader 212. The barcodes are then read by a microcomputer-based control system, which stores the information in its memory. The information is cross-referenced to determine whether the culture plate 124 is in the correct position for dispensing reagents from the dispenser 218. Label 128 can also be used to check / verify that the plate is valid. Rotate the plate and place the reagent disk over the label location.

[0028] As a result of pre-programmed routines or received via a user interface In response to the received instructions, the control system controls the central turntable 118 and associated Activating the corresponding carousels 102, 104, 106 and 108 to dispense the desired reagent discs. The dispenser (218) containing the disk is aligned with the disk primer actuator 204. The disk primer actuator 204 is mounted against the surface of the carousel. When this is actuated, the disk primer actuator is aligned with the properly aligned dispenser 21 8 priming port 308.

[0029] When the dispenser 218 is aligned with the disk primer actuator 204, a machine readable identification The label 310 is read by the barcode reader 206. The information in the barcode is The barcode is cross-referenced with the control system's memory to tell the system to dispense Verify that the information in the disk is associated with the type of reagent disk. If confirmed, the dispense process continues. If there is a mismatch, the system will An error signal is generated indicating that the disc primer was not properly aligned with the disc primer. This may be due to the positioning system of the central turntable or the individual carousels. This may be the result of various system faults, including system failures. The error signal notifies the technician or operator of the situation. Once the proper barcode / reagent association has been confirmed, Assuming that the control system is a controller that activates the disk primer actuator 204, Send the command.

[0030] This actuation causes the reagent disk primer actuator 204 to prime the dispenser. The actuator is biased toward the input port 308 (see FIG. 3D). The actuator can be mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc. When the nozzle 204 enters the priming port 308 of the dispenser, the disk primer actuator The controller 204 directs the reagent disk primer 314 toward the reagent disk reservoir 306. 3, causing it to move through cavity 316, compressing spring 324 and causing reagent 3. Push the bottom reagent disc 326 from under the stack of discs (312) using the vertical plunger 3 04 to a position directly below the disk primer actuator as shown in Figure 3E. The actuator 204 retracts and the spring 324 holds the disk primer 308 in its initial position. In this state, the reagent disk 326 is biased back into the vertical plunger 304 position. The disk primer actuator 204 is monitored and Verify that it has traveled the full distance to dispense the reagent disk. If the actuator 204 is not actuated or otherwise withdraws fluid from the disk reservoir 306, the disk If the disk advance is prevented, the disk reservoir may be empty or clogged. The vertical plunger 304 indicates that an error condition has occurred and a technician is to be called. Throughout the process, the actuator is biased in its upward, extended position by an internal spring (not shown). The control system then repositions the carousel (e.g., 102). The dispenser 218 is positioned above the culture plate 124 and plunges The upper part of the plunger assembly 303 and the vertical plunger 304 are disposed directly below the compound cam 214. Make sure that.

[0031] After the dispenser 218 is positioned as described above, the control system drives the camshaft 216 (FIG. 4A) to drive the camshaft in a clockwise direction. This rotation rotates the composite cam fixed to the camshaft 216. 214 rotates around the axis of the shaft, and the composite cam 214 comes into contact with the vertical plunger 304. This action is shown in Figures 3F, 3G and 4A-4D. It is being done.

[0032] FIG. 4A shows a side view of the dispenser 218 prior to engagement with the composite cam 214. The upper portion of plunger 304 is held upward in the extended position by a built-in spring (not shown). As shown in FIG. 4A, the outer cam ( The outer cam 320 is shown), and the inner cam (whose location is indicated by the dotted shaded area). None of the camshafts 216 (shown in the figure) are in contact with the dispenser 218. The positions are indicated by the dotted circular areas. In FIG. 4B, the composite cam 214 rotates clockwise. Then, outer cams 318 and 320 (only 320 is shown) are attached to the plunger assembly. It contacts the top of bridge 303 and pushes it down, compressing the built-in spring (not shown). The plunger assembly 303 is moved downward toward the surface of the culture medium 126. Note that the inner cam does not engage the vertical plunger 304. Rather, the outer cam The spacing g between the inner walls of the plunger assembly 302 is such that the plunger assembly 302 can be moved without contacting the vertical plunger 304. 4C, the composite cam 214 engages with the inner cam 32. 2 has been rotated to a position where it is fully engaged with the vertical plunger 304. When fully depressed, the bottom of the vertical plunger 304 contacts the tamper spring 3 28, a predetermined force is applied to the surface of the culture medium 126 of the culture plate 124. 3F. Then, the composite cam 214 presses against the disk 326 (see FIG. 3F). As shown in D, the plunger assembly rotates a full 360° back to its initial starting position. A vertical plunger 303 and a vertical plunger 304 (not shown) are biased by a built-in spring. 124).

[0033] The above two-step dispensing action uses a vertical plunger and a static plunger assembly. During the initial dispense step, the plunger assembly 303 It is engaged by outer cams 318 and 322 and lowered toward the surface of the culture medium. Then, the inner cam (322) engages with the vertical plunger 304, The opposite end is extended below the plunger assembly 303 to insert the reagent disc into the target culture medium. First, press the plunger assembly down to the surface of the target culture medium. By approaching the surface, the vertical plunger presses the reagent disc against the surface of the culture medium. This minimizes the distance the plunger assembly must travel when inserting the The mechanical stability provided by the close proximity of the disk to the surface and the vertical plunger separating the disks The combination of the resulting reduction in the distance that must be stretched to The accuracy and repeatability of disk placement is improved.

[0034] The self-contained nature of each dispenser provides many advantages to the dispense system. Thus, each dispenser can be easily attached to and detached from a given carousel. There are no force connections or complicated mechanical interlocks. Cam action makes such connections easy to insert into the dispenser. Interchangeable and physically connected to the actuating mechanism that prevents the carousel from rotating This self-contained feature allows each dispenser to be free of attachments. It also provides an inherent guard against cross contamination. The mechanism for facilitating ejection of the medication disk is entirely contained within the dispenser. There is no dispensing mechanism associated with the loading station that comes into contact with these disks.

[0035] Dispensing the reagent disk 326 updates the memory of the control system to The reagent disk is stored in the dispenser 306 of the reagent disk of the dispense cartridge 218 of the The control system memory is Maintain the same number of disks for each attached dispenser and ensure that the dispense system is Maintain an accurate inventory of the number of disks in all reagent disk dispense cartridges The system then avoids selecting an empty dispenser and ensures that a particular dispenser is When empty, a warning can be given to the operator (via the user interface) .

[0036] When the reagent disk is dispensed into the culture medium contained within a given culture plate, additional reagent If no disks are dispensed onto it, the culture plate is removed from the dispense system. If additional reagent disks need to be dispensed into the culture plate, The culture plates are moved to the platform under commands from a microprocessor-based control system. The cells are rotated by the form 122 to properly align and add to different areas of the culture medium in the plate. An additional reagent disk can be dispensed onto it. This additional reagent disk is Any reagent disk dispense cartridge attached to any one of the carousels In a particular embodiment of the present invention, six reagents can be dispensed between the dispensed reagent disks. A minimum radial spacing of 0° is imposed. This allows six reagent disks to be placed on a single plate. The disks can be placed equidistant on the surface, creating overlapping areas where antibiotics diffuse from adjacent disks. Multiple antibiotics (or antibiotic concentrations) in the microbial colonies in the area and its overlapping area ) to keep the reagent disks away from each other, thereby reducing the risk of cross-contamination or This can avoid erroneous results and maximize the usefulness of any plate. .

[0037] Alternative central turntable geometries and different numbers of mounted Different physical configurations using the carousel may be used without departing from the scope of the disclosed invention. For example, FIG. 5 shows four carousels (504, 506, 50 5 shows an X-shaped central turntable 502 with attached casings (510 and 518). This X-shaped turntable is a direct replacement for the circular turntable system detailed above. However, this configuration differs from the arrangement of the loading station 512. For placement, reagent dispensers 514 (mounted on the carousel 504) dispense the reagents. and reagent disks from dispenser 516 (mounted on carousel 506). , allowing simultaneous dispensing onto the surface of the medium of the plate 518. Such simultaneous dispensing may include, Multiple compound cams may be required, allowing for placement of two reagent disk dispense cartridges. A system to control the conveyor is required. One cartridge is placed on each of the opposing carousels. 124. The reagent disks are then simultaneously placed at the target positions of the opposing culture plates 124. This dual dispense capability allows for the smooth flow of plates within the dispense system. Another turntable / carousel configuration according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 6A (five carousel configuration) and 6B (two carousel configuration). It has been done.

[0038] FIG. 7A illustrates yet another multiple carousel embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, two concentrically arranged carousels (702, 704) are arranged in a ring shape. The turntable (706) is rotatably mounted on the turntable (706). These carousels are individually controlled in response to command signals received from the control system. As shown, the outer carousel 702 is radially mounted. The plate 708 contains 64 individual cartridges attached to it. This dispensing is carried out in the same manner as in the previously described embodiment. The outer carousel 702 is connected to the associated primer station (7 10), a loading station (712), and a composite cam device (714), Note that all of these operate in much the same manner as the embodiment described above. The side carousel 704 has 32 radially mounted dispensers and It has been shown that this allows the dispense of a mask onto the surface of the medium contained in the plate 716. Again, this dispensing is performed at the primer station 718, the loading station 7. This is performed in the same manner as the previously described embodiment, utilizing a combination 720 and a compound cam arrangement 722. will be done.

[0039] An alternative concentric carousel embodiment is shown in Figure 7B. As such, the outer carousel 702 is connected to an associated primer station (710) , a loading station (712) and a compound cam device (714). The carousel 704 includes a primer station 718, a loading station 720 and a composite cam arrangement 722. Unlike the embodiment of FIG. In this embodiment, a double carousel is arranged so that they straddle the plate 716 and the outer carousel Allows discs to be dispensed from the inner carousel These disks are located on both sides of plate 716. Dispensing disks simultaneously or sequentially. This type of dispensing strategy can significantly reduce the throughput time of the system. do.

[0040] Additional sensors and controls may be included in the system, for example ultrasonic proximity sensors. Each plate platform may be equipped with a proximity sensor (e.g., sensor 210) to detect The height of the surface of the medium contained within the container can be sensed, and this information can be used to This measurement can be used for multiple purposes depending on the system. For example, This allows the detection of previously dispensed disks. This acts as a fail-safe as the system internally tracks the placement of the disks dispensed on the surface. The data is stored in a specific plate location that is identified in the control system memory as unoccupied. A specific disk is detected or identified as occupied in the control system memory. If the sensor does not indicate the presence of a disk at a location, the system will indicate an apparent discrepancy. An error signal is generated and the technician or operator can then Handle the problem.

[0041] Proximity sensors are used to check the quality of culture media in real time and to monitor the quality of reagent tablets. Prior to introducing the medium, the surface of the culture medium can be scanned to check for height / thickness consistency. Identify plates containing poor quality culture medium and dispense any reagent discs into the culture medium. Before installation, they may be removed from the system and replaced with an acceptable alternative. You can also use the microphone to precisely adjust the height of the plate platform. Hydraulic, pneumatic or electric actuators that respond to control signals from a processor-based control system. An electromechanical vertical platform height adjustment system was implemented to adjust the height of the platform as a function of the surface proximity measurement. The height of the plate can be precisely adjusted by adjusting the height. The vertical plunger of the dispenser ensures precise penetration of the culture medium surface. This ensures that the reagent(s) contained within each disk are Consistent responses are guaranteed within and between given plates.

[0042] Although the invention has been described herein with reference to specific embodiments, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It should be understood that the appended claims are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the invention. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined by the scope of the exemplary embodiments, It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made to the embodiment and that other arrangements may be devised. I want to be understood.

Claims

1. a control system including a processor and a memory; rotatably mounted, each positionable in response to commands received from the control system With the central turntable attached, the rotatably mounted device being positionable in response to commands received from the control system; a plurality of carousels rotatably mounted on a central table supported by the conveyor; a plurality of dispense cartridges mounted about the plurality of carousels; Equipped with Mechanical actuation of the dispense cartridge causes the dispensing cartridge to Dispense the specified reagent into the container; Reagent dispensing system.

2. In response to commands received from the control system, at least one of the plurality of dispense cartridges is a mechanical actuator adapted to actuate at least one of the The reagent dispensing system according to claim 1 .

3. the predetermined reagent is a disk, A disk reservoir is held in the dispensing cartridge. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 1 .

4. The disk is dispensed via a vertical plunger. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 3 .

5. The vertical plunger is actuated by a rotating cam; the rotating cam is responsive to commands received from the control system; The reagent dispensing system according to claim 4 .

6. a plunger assembly for housing the vertical plunger; The plunger assembly is adapted to move the vertical plunger to the Approaching the culture medium on the disk, The reagent dispensing system according to claim 5 .

7. The predetermined reagent is dispensed onto the surface of the test medium; The reagent dispensing system according to claim 1 .

8. The test medium is contained in a plate. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 7 .

9. and adapted to communicate with the control system to scan and measure a surface of the test medium. The device further includes a proximity sensor. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 7 .

10. The proximity sensor includes an ultrasonic sensor. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 9 .

11. Each disk reservoir has a machine-readable identification label affixed thereto. Has a small device adapted to communicate with the control system and read the machine-readable identification label; at least one optical sensor; The control system memory includes: (a) a memory for storing the dispenser cartridge having the machine readable identification label; (b) the type of reagent contained within the labeled dispense cartridge; and associating each machine readable identification label with at least one of the amounts of reagent available for dispensing within the Contains information to attach The reagent dispensing system according to claim 3 .

12. the machine-readable identification label includes a bar code; the at least one optical sensor is a barcode reader; The reagent dispensing system according to claim 11.

13. the plate having a machine-readable identification label affixed thereto; a small device adapted to communicate with the control system and read the machine-readable identification label; at least one optical sensor; The control system memory stores: (a) the type of test medium contained in the plate; b) the type of reagent dispensed onto the test medium; and (c) the type of reagent dispensed onto the test medium. (d) the type of additional reagent dispensed onto the test medium; or (e) the location of the additional reagent. a location on the test medium available for dispensing a machine readable identification Contains information that associates a label, The reagent dispensing system according to claim 8 .

14. the machine-readable identification label includes a bar code; the at least one optical sensor is a barcode reader; The reagent dispensing system according to claim 13.

15. At least two carousels are mounted concentrically; The reagent dispensing system according to claim 1 .

16. A control system including a processor and a memory, and a command received from the control system. a rotatably mounted central turntable disposable in response to said control; said rotatably mounted actuators being individually positionable in response to commands received from a control system. a plurality of carousels rotatably mounted on a central turntable provided with a plurality of conveyors; a plurality of dispense cartridges mounted around each of the plurality of carousels; at least one test medium held by the culture plate; The mechanical actuation of the cartridge releases a predetermined amount of reagent contained within the actuated cartridge.

1. A method for automatically dispensing a reagent in a system for dispensing a reagent, comprising: Positioning the rotatably mounted central turntable to positioning the selected carousel adjacent to one of the test media; Rotating the selected carousel to deposit a predetermined amount of liquid on the at least one test medium. placing a selected dispense cartridge in a position to dispense a quantity of reagent; Activating the selected dispense cartridge to dispense the predetermined amount of reagent onto the test medium. Dispensing; The method according to claim 1,

17. The predetermined amount of reagent is stored in a disk reservoir of the dispensing cartridge. That is, 17. The method of claim 16.

18. Activating the selected dispense cartridge to eject the disk via a vertical plunger Dispense 20. The method of claim 17.

19. a cam actuating the selected dispense cartridge; 20. The method of claim 17.

20. The test medium is contained in a plate.

17. The method of claim 16.

21. The method further comprises the step of evaluating a surface of the test medium with a proximity sensor.

17. The method of claim 16.

22. Each dispense cartridge has a machine readable identification label associated with it. Has reading the machine-readable identification label with an optical sensor; associated with the machine-readable identification label read from the memory of the control system. accessing the data; Further comprising: The accessed data is stored in the machine memory attached to the dispensing cartridge. (b) the type of reagent contained within the dispensing cartridge having a readable identification label; The dispensing cartridge has the machine-readable identification label attached thereto. indicating at least one of the amount of reagent available within the 17. The method of claim 16.

23. the culture plate having a machine-readable identification label affixed thereto; reading the machine-readable identification label with an optical sensor; associated with the machine-readable identification label read from the memory of the control system. accessing the data; Further comprising: The accessed data includes: (a) the type of test medium contained in the culture plate; (b) the type of reagent dispensed onto the test medium; and (c) the test medium onto which the reagent has been dispensed. (d) optionally, the type of additional reagent dispensed onto the test medium; or (e) optionally, locations on said test medium available for dispensing additional reagents, at least Also shows one, 20. The method of claim 19.

Images