Ergonomic manual colony counter

Abstract

1. A manual colony counter (1) comprising: - a surface (2) called the functional surface, said functional surface including an area (3) called the counting area, intended for placing thereon a culture support for microorganisms intended to be counted manually; - a part (4) movable relative to the functional surface, said movable part being arranged to be placed in at least two different positions: a position (6) called the deployed position, in which the surface of the movable part forms a resting surface (41) for the user's hand and / or wrist and / or forearm and / or elbow; and a position (5) called the stored position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a counter for the manual counting of microorganisms, and in particular for the manual counting of bacterial colonies.

[0002] The invention finds applications in the fields of research and in the fields of agro-processing, medicine, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. [Background technology]

[0003] Manual colony counters are known in the art.

[0004] Current state-of-the-art colony counters include a touch area on which a Petri dish containing agar, typically seeded and then cultured, is placed. The user applies pressure with a stylus or pen onto each observable colony and generally simultaneously marks the identified colony. Holding the stylus or pen generally requires the operator's hand to rest close to the Petri dish during the counting / marking process. Furthermore, during the counting process, the user must assume a specific position relative to the Petri dish so that the observed area of ​​the Petri dish intersects the visual axis. This specific position is not universal across all colony counters and depends on the counter's shape and configuration, and particularly the placement of the illumination device in the touch area.

[0005] The colony counter also has a counting function that increments each time the user applies pressure, i.e., identifies a colony, so that the total number of colonies contained in the dish being analyzed can be determined.

[0006] A recurring problem with current state-of-the-art colony counters is that the user responsible for counting must perform this counting task on a significant number of samples in succession, and the posture required of the user quickly becomes uncomfortable. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The object of the present invention is further to provide - Optimized ergonomics and / or - reducing or even eliminating the discomfort experienced by the user when counting and / or making it possible to prevent musculoskeletal disorders, The aim is to propose a manual colony counter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] For this purpose, a manual colony counter is proposed which comprises a surface called the functional surface, said functional surface comprising an area called the counting area, on which and / or in which the culture supports of the microorganisms, preferably bacteria, intended to be counted manually are placed. The manual colony counter includes a part that is movable relative to a functional surface, the movable part being arranged to be positioned in at least two different positions: a position called the deployed position, in which the surfaces of the moving parts form resting surfaces for the user's hands and / or wrists and / or forearms and / or elbows; and · A position called the storage position.

[0009] Preferably, the colony counter comprises an optical device positioned to backlight the culture support.

[0010] Preferably, the counter may include a device arranged to increment a value each time pressure is applied to the touch area, or may be arranged to communicate with such a device.

[0011] Preferably, the area intended for placing the microbial culture support thereon comprises a device arranged such that the value increases with each application of pressure to the touch area. Preferably, the area intended for placing the microbial culture support thereon is a touch area.

[0012] The counter need not include a device arranged to increment its value each time pressure is applied to the touch area.

[0013] The touch area may be a touch surface.

[0014] A non-limiting example of a microbial culture support is a petri dish.

[0015] Preferably, the counter may include an additional resting surface on the functional surface, which may serve as a support for the user's hands.

[0016] Preferably, the movable part is arranged to change position relative to the functional surface and / or relative to an existing additional resting surface of the functional surface.

[0017] Preferably, the resting surface is close to or adjacent to the counting area.

[0018] Preferably, in the deployed position, the resting surface can constitute an extension of an additional resting surface of the functional surface. Preferably, in the deployed position, the resting surface and / or the movable part: - extends beyond functional areas and / or - Protruding in relation to the functional surface and / or - Forming surfaces or components that are distinct from the functional surface.

[0019] Preferably, in the stowed position, the moving parts do not provide a resting surface for the user, in particular a resting surface for the user's hands and / or wrists and / or forearms and / or elbows.

[0020] Preferably, pressure is exerted on the microbial support, which in reaction exerts pressure on the counting area.

[0021] Preferably, the functional surface extends mainly along one plane.

[0022] Preferably, when counting, the movable parts are in the deployed position.

[0023] Preferably, the deployed position allows the user to use the colony counter more comfortably.

[0024] Preferably, when the colony counter is not in use, the moving parts are in a stowed position.

[0025] Preferably, the storage location allows the colony counter to be smaller or less bulky for easier storage and / or reduced bulk.

[0026] Preferably, the surface of the movable part that forms the resting surface is the upper surface of the movable part.

[0027] Preferably, the counting area is suitable and / or positioned to allow illumination or backlighting of the culture support.

[0028] Preferably, the counting area is adapted, and more preferably arranged, to receive and more preferably cooperate with the culture support.

[0029] Preferably, when the movable part is in the deployed position, the axis connecting the center of the leaning surface to the center of the counting area, called the leaning axis, forms an angle λ of between 20° and 70°, preferably between 35° and 55°, in relation to a central axis extending between the side or face of the functional surface intended to be in front of the user, called the proximal side, and the center of the counting area.

[0030] The angle formed between the leaning axis and the central axis may be a positive angle or a negative angle. Depending on the clockwise direction, the angle formed between the leaning axis and the central axis may be a positive angle, preferably for a right-handed user, and a negative angle, preferably for a left-handed user.

[0031] Preferably, the central axis extends equidistant from the two lateral sides of the colony counter.

[0032] Preferably, each of the two lateral sides of the colony counter connects a proximal side of the colony counter to a so-called distal side of the colony counter opposite the proximal side.

[0033] Preferably, the functional surface and the movable part, preferably the resting surface of the movable part in the deployed and / or retracted position, form an angle of less than or equal to 45° between them and are preferably parallel to each other.

[0034] Preferably, the plane in which the functional surface and / or the additional resting surfaces of the functional surface mainly extend, called the plane of the functional surface, and the plane in which the movable parts and / or the resting surfaces mainly extend, preferably in the deployed position and / or in the retracted position, called the plane of the movable parts, form an angle of less than 20° with respect to each other and are preferably parallel to each other.

[0035] Preferably, the plane of the functional surface and the plane of the movable part, preferably the plane of the resting surface, preferably in the deployed position and / or in the retracted position, are formed so as to be contained in the same plane or to be contained in two integral planes.

[0036] Preferably, the functional surface and the movable part, preferably in the deployed position and / or in the retracted position, preferably with the resting surface of the movable part, form an angle of less than or equal to 20° between them.

[0037] Preferably, the functional surface forms an angle of between 12.5° and 27.5° with the surface on which the counter is intended to rest, preferably the underside of the counter.

[0038] Preferably, four sides of the colony counter, namely two lateral sides and a proximal and distal side, connect the underside of the colony counter to the functional surface.

[0039] Preferably, the angle formed between the functional surface and the underside of the colony counter is at least 12.5°, preferably at least 15°, more preferably at least 16°, advantageously at least 17°, preferably at least 18°, even more preferably at least 19°, and especially preferably at least 20°. Preferably, the angle formed between the functional surface and the underside of the colony counter is at most 27.5°, preferably at most 25°, more preferably at most 24°, advantageously at most 23°, preferably at most 22°, even more preferably at most 21°, and especially preferably at most 20°.

[0040] Preferably, the counting area and / or functional surface comprises: a recess (31) comprising a bottom (8) intended to place a microbial culture support thereon, or - a hole comprising at its periphery one or more gripping means intended for placing a microorganism culture support thereon.

[0041] Preferably, the gripping means or means is / are suitable and / or arranged to receive and / or support and / or locate and / or hold a microorganism culture support.

[0042] Preferably, the gripping means or means form or constitute a device arranged such that each application of pressure increases in value.

[0043] Preferably, the recess and the bottom form a receiving portion, which is suitable and / or arranged to receive a culture support and / or is intended to have a culture support placed therein.

[0044] Preferably, the hole and the gripping means or means form a receiving part and are suitable for receiving and / or positioning and / or supporting and / or fastening and / or holding the culture support and / or the receiving part into which the culture support is intended to be placed.

[0045] Preferably, the recess is or comprises a depression.

[0046] Preferably, the touch area forms the bottom of the recess.

[0047] Preferably, the recess is intended to cooperate with a culture support.

[0048] Preferably, the well is shaped to receive a culture support.

[0049] Preferably, when the movable part is in the retracted position, said movable part at least partially, preferably entirely, obscures the counting area and / or recess and / or indentation and / or hole.

[0050] Preferably, the moving parts obscure the counting area, thereby protecting the colony counter from, for example, shocks, splashes of liquid, or also dust.

[0051] Preferably, the movable part is arranged to translate along the functional surface or along a side adjacent to the functional surface.

[0052] Preferably, the movable part or part of the movable part arranged to translate along the functional surface or along a side adjacent to the functional surface can form a cover for the functional area.

[0053] Preferably, the movable part is arranged to pivot about an axis of rotation parallel to the functional surface or about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the functional surface.

[0054] The movable parts may be retractable and / or foldable and / or may pivot or translate to ensure transition from the stowed position to the deployed position or vice versa.

[0055] Preferably, the colony counter comprises a command unit arranged as follows: - Activating a colony counter in response to the transition of the moving parts from a stowed position to a deployed position; and / or - Release the colony counter in response to the transition of the moving parts from the deployed position to the stowed position.

[0056] Activation of the colony counter can be understood as a transition from an active state to an inactive or deactivated state. Activation of the colony counter can be understood as a transition from an inactive or deactivated state to an active state. Preferably, the command unit can be arranged to activate and / or deactivate the colony counter.

[0057] Preferably, the colony counter, preferably the command unit, can be arranged to delay activation and / or deactivation of the colony counter for a period of time, in other words a period of time can separate the transition of the moving parts from the stowed position to the deployed position or vice versa from the activation, or respectively deactivation, of the colony counter.

[0058] Preferably, the additional resting surface of the functional surface and / or the resting surface of the movable part is formed by an elastic material.

[0059] Preferably, the elastic material is a polymer, more preferably an elastomer.

[0060] Preferably, the elastic material is a foam.

[0061] Preferably, the elastic material is neoprene or ethylene propylene diene monomer, designated EPDM.

[0062] Preferably, the additional resting surfaces of the functional surface and / or the resting surfaces of the moving parts are smooth or have low roughness or are covered with a non-porous material.

[0063] Preferably, the microbial culture support intended to be placed on the counting area is a Petri dish.

[0064] The colony counter may include one or more adapters, preferably removable, arranged to cooperate with the counting area, intended for: - inserted or introduced into the counting area; and - To receive culture supports of microorganisms intended for manual enumeration.

[0065] For each pressure applied to the touch area, the colony counter, preferably the command unit, can be arranged as follows: - adjusting, preferably quickly, the light intensity emitted by an optical device arranged to backlight the culture support; - Emits a sound signal.

[0066] Preferably, the sound signal is emitted by an audio device of the colony counter, such as, but not limited to, a speaker.

[0067] The colony counter may include one or more optical filters intended and / or arranged to be placed over the counting area, the optical filter or filters being arranged to adjust or alter the contrast between the colonies and the medium in which the colonies are cultured.

[0068] Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from reading the detailed description of embodiments and implementations, which are in no way limiting, and the accompanying drawings which follow. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0069] [Figure 1a] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a colony counter according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 1b] 1 is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a colony counter according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2a] 1 is a schematic front view of a first embodiment of a colony counter according to the present invention, with the movable parts in a stowed position. FIG. [Figure 2b] 1 is a schematic front view of a first embodiment of a colony counter according to the present invention, with the movable parts in the deployed position. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a colony counter according to the present invention. [Figure 4a] 1 is a schematic front view of a second embodiment of a colony counter according to the present invention, with the movable parts in the retracted position. FIG. [Figure 4b] 1 is a schematic front view of a second embodiment of a colony counter according to the present invention, with the movable parts in the deployed position. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic front view of a third embodiment of a colony counter according to the present invention, with the movable parts in the retracted position. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic front view of a third embodiment of a colony counter according to the present invention, with the movable parts in the deployed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0070] The embodiments described below are not intended to be limiting in any way, and in particular, variations of the invention that include only a selection of the described features, considered in isolation from the other described features, may be considered, if this selection of features confers a technical advantage or is sufficient to distinguish the invention compared to the state of the prior art (including when this selection is extracted from a sentence that includes these other features). This selection includes at least one feature, preferably a functional feature with only some or no structural details, if this portion alone is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to distinguish the invention compared to the state of the prior art.

[0071] 1 to 6, there are shown three embodiments of a manual colony counter 1 according to the present invention. Unless otherwise indicated, the features described are common to each of the embodiments.

[0072] The colony counter 1 comprises a functional surface 2. The functional surface 2 comprises a counting area 3 intended to place a microbial culture support intended for manual counting thereon. The counting area 3 is adapted to allow backlighting of the culture support. In many cases, the culture support is a petri dish.

[0073] The colony counter 1 also includes an illumination device arranged to backlight the counting area 3. The light flux emitted by the illumination device is adjustable.

[0074] The colony counter 1 further includes a part 4 that is movable relative to the functional surface 2. The movable part 4 is arranged to be positioned in at least two different positions. Position 6 is referred to as the deployed position 6. In the deployed position 6, the upper surface of the movable part 4 forms a resting surface 41 for the user's forearm and elbow. The resting surface can be formed by the entire upper surface 41 of the movable part 4. The other position is referred to as the stowed position 5. In the stowed position 5, the movable part 4 is not arranged to form the resting surface 41 for the user's forearm and elbow.

[0075] According to the embodiment shown, the functional surface 2 includes a leaning surface 7, referred to as the additional leaning surface 7. The additional leaning surface 7 is adjacent to the counting area 3. The additional leaning surface 7 serves as a hand rest for the user. In the deployed position 6, the user can thus rest his / her hands and arms during counting, similar to the position assumed for writing with a pen. According to an embodiment, and without limitation, the leaning surface 41 and the additional leaning surface 7 are made of elastomer.

[0076] According to the embodiment shown, and without limitation, the counting area 3 comprises a recess 31. The bottom 8 of the recess 31 is formed by a transparent surface 8. A microbial culture support is intended to be placed on the transparent surface 8. The transparent surface 8 is a touch surface that is arranged such that each time a user applies pressure on the transparent surface 8, a value increases.

[0077] According to the embodiment shown, the functional surface 2 comprises a screen 9 on which the number of colonies as the value increases is displayed. According to an embodiment, the functional surface 2 further comprises a control panel 10. The control panel comprises commands that make it possible to adjust certain parameters of the counter, such as, for example, changing the volume and / or type of sound signal emitted by the counter upon an increase in value, and / or the sensitivity of a sensor arranged to detect pressure applied to a touch area, and / or the light intensity.

[0078] According to the embodiment shown, and with reference to FIG. 1B, the upper surface of the functional surface 2 forms an angle β of 12.5° to 27.5° with the surface 15 of the colony counter 1 on which the colony counter is intended to be placed, allowing the user to count with their elbows in a relaxed position. According to a non-limiting embodiment, the angle β is 20°.

[0079] According to the embodiment shown, when the mobile part 2 is in the deployed position 6, the axis 11 connecting the center of the leaning surface 41 to the center of the counting area 3 forms an angle λ of between 20° and 70° with a central axis 12 extending between the side of the functional surface 2 intended to be in front of the user, called the proximal side, and the center of the counting area 3. Furthermore, the leaning surface 41 is large enough to allow the user a sufficient range at their disposal to position their forearm so that an angle is formed relative to the central axis 12 that suits the user, between 20° and 70°.

[0080] 1 and 2a, the movable part 4 is arranged to pivot about a rotation axis 16 perpendicular to the upper surface 21 of the functional face 2. Furthermore, in the storage position 5, the movable part 4 conceals the counting area 3. Thus, in the storage position 5, the movable part 4 is used as a cover to protect the counting area 3. The colony counter 1 according to the first embodiment is suitable for both left-handed and right-handed people.

[0081] With reference to the first embodiment, the plane 13 in which the upper surface 21 of the functional surface 2 extends is parallel to the plane 14 in which the upper surface 42 of the movable part 4 extends in the storage position 5. In fact, the plane 13 in which the upper surface 21 of the functional surface 2 extends and the plane 14 in which the upper surface 42 of the movable part 4 extends in the storage position 5 preferably form an angle of less than 20° between each other. According to the embodiment, the movement of the movable part 4 takes place only in the plane 14. Thus, the upper surface 42 of the movable part 4 in the storage position 5 and in the deployed position 6 is contained within the plane 14. This allows the user to count with their wrist in a relaxed position.

[0082] 3 and 4, the movable part 4 is arranged to translate along the functional surface 2. According to an embodiment, and not exclusively, the movable part 4 is arranged to translate along a proximal side adjacent to the functional surface 2. The colony counter 1 according to the first embodiment is suitable for both left-handed and right-handed people.

[0083] Referring to the second embodiment, the movable part 4 may be arranged and disposed to translate along one of the lateral sides adjacent to the functional surface 2. In this case, to accommodate right-handed and left-handed people, the colony counter 1 preferably includes a movable part 4 arranged and disposed to translate along one of the two lateral sides adjacent to the functional surface 2, and a movable part 4 arranged and disposed to translate along the other of the two lateral sides adjacent to the functional surface 2.

[0084] With reference to the first and second embodiments, the angle λ is adjustable: indeed, by translating the movable part 4 more or less, or by pivoting the movable part 4 more or less, the user will be able to adapt the position of the movable part 4 in its deployed position 6, and thus the value of the angle λ, to his or her body shape.

[0085] According to the third embodiment, and with reference to Figures 5 and 6, the movable part 4 is arranged to pivot about a rotation axis 17 parallel to the upper surface 21 of the functional face 2. Furthermore, in the storage position 5, the movable part 4 conceals the counting area 3. Thus, in the storage position 5, the movable part 4 is used as a cover to protect the counting area 3. The colony counter 1 according to the third embodiment is suitable for right-handed people. However, the colony counter 1 can be arranged such that the movable part 4 is disassembled and can be arranged and positioned to be suitable for left-handed and right-handed people.

[0086] With reference to the third embodiment, the plane 13 in which the upper surface 21 of the functional surface 2 extends is congruent with the plane 14 in which the upper surface 42 of the movable part 4 extends in the deployed position 6. The plane 13 in which the upper surface 21 of the functional surface 2 extends is parallel to the plane 14 in which the upper surface 42 of the movable part 4 extends in the stored position 5. In practice, the plane 13 in which the upper surface 21 of the functional surface 2 extends and the plane 14 in which the upper surface 42 of the movable part 4 extends in the deployed position 6 preferably form an angle of less than 20° between each other, which allows the user to count with their wrist in a relaxed position.

[0087] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments just described, and many modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0088] Thus, in variants that can be combined with each other of the previously described embodiments: - in the deployed position 6, the surface 41 of the mobile part 4 forms a resting surface 41 for the hand and / or wrist and / or forearm and / or elbow of the user; and / or - the additional resting surface 7 serves as a hand rest and / or a wrist rest and / or a forearm rest for the user; and / or Alternatively, the functional surface 2 comprises holes intended to receive the microbial cultivation supports and one or more elements extending from the periphery of the holes into the holes.

[0089] Furthermore, the various features, forms, modifications, and embodiments of the invention can be associated with one another according to various combinations, unless they are mutually exclusive or mutually exclusive. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1 Manual colony counter 2 Functionality 3 areas 4 Moving parts 5 Storage position 6 Deployment position

Claims

1. a surface (2) called functional surface, said functional surface comprising an area (3) called counting area intended to place on it a culture support of microorganisms intended to be counted manually; a part that is movable relative to the functional surface, the movable part being capable of moving in at least two different positions: a position (6) called the deployed position, in which the surfaces of the moving parts form resting surfaces (41) for the user's hands and / or wrists and / or forearms and / or elbows; and a position called the storage position (5), a movable part (4) arranged to be placed on A manual colony counter (1) including:

2. Counter (1) according to claim 1, wherein when the movable part (4) is in the deployed position (6), the axis (11) connecting the centre of the resting surface (41) to the centre of the counting area (3) forms an angle λ of between 20° and 70° with respect to a central axis (12) extending between the side of the functional surface intended to be in front of the user and the centre of the counting area.

3. Counter (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the functional surface (2) and the movable part (4) in the deployed position (6) form an angle of less than 45° between each other and are preferably parallel to each other.

4. Counter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the functional surface (2) forms an angle β of between 12.5° and 27.5° with respect to the surface (15) of the counter on which the counter is intended to be placed.

5. The counting area is a recess (31) comprising a bottom (8) intended to place a microbial culture support thereon, or - a hole containing one or more gripping means on its periphery, intended to place a microbial culture support thereon; Counter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising:

6. Counter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the movable part (4) is in the storage position (5), at least a part of said movable part obscures the counting area (3).

7. Counter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the movable part (4) is arranged for translation along the functional surface (2) or along a side adjacent to the functional surface.

8. Counter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the movable part (4) is arranged to pivot about an axis of rotation (17) parallel to the functional surface (2) or about an axis of rotation (16) perpendicular to the functional surface.

9. - activating a colony counter in response to the transition of the movable part (4) from the stowed position (5) to the deployed position (6); and / or - Release the colony counter in response to the transition of the moving parts from the deployed position to the stowed position Counter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a command unit arranged so as to

10. Counter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resting surface (41) of the movable part (4) is formed by an elastic material.

11. Counter (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the microbial culture support intended to be placed on the counting area (3) is a Petri dish.

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