Sample carrier transport device
The sample carrier transport device addresses the limitations of conventional systems by providing a lifting mechanism for reliable and space-efficient transport to workstations, improving performance and reducing glass breakage in analytical systems.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- F HOFFMANN LA ROCHE & CO AG
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-20
Smart Images
Figure 2026512639000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a sample carrier transport device for transporting a sample carrier to a workstation for sample processing, an analysis system, and a method for transporting a sample carrier to a plurality of workstations of an analysis system. The method and device may be specifically used in the field of medical or chemical laboratories. However, for the present invention, other application fields are also feasible.
Background Art
[0002] In the field of medical or chemical laboratories, a sample carrier transport device is used to distribute a sample carrier, such as a slide glass, from a workstation, to a workstation, and between workstations, for example, within one or more instruments of an analysis system. Conventional methods for moving a sample carrier within an instrument include, for example, a vacuum gripper having many actuators. Due to the limited space within the instrument and the complex handling sequence, this type of internal slide transport is a limiting factor for the performance and reliability of the entire instrument.
[0003] U.S. Patent No. 5,225,266 describes a specimen slide in the form of a strip of glass plate. To improve the creation and handling of the slide, the glass plate is surrounded on all sides by a plastic frame.
[0004] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0191128 describes a microscope slide staining device including a platform for supporting a plurality of microscope slides. The platform includes a surface area heated by a resistive heater under the microscope slide. The liquid dispenser is disposed above the platform, and the dispenser and the platform are adapted to move relative to each other. The dispenser dispenses a liquid reagent onto a slide carrying a biological sample.
[0005] International Publication No. 2011 / 161353 describes a fluid dispensing apparatus comprising: at least one rotary tool holder to which an injection device having a plurality of fluid injection members is attached; a rotary tool holder having a space for receiving a rotary collector, the tool holder being rotatably mounted to allow each injection member to enter an injection-ready position; and an actuator capable of acting on at least one injection member when the injection member is in its injection-ready position, the actuator also being able to move upward and downward so as to enable the injection member to be actuated when the injection member is in its injection-ready position. The rotation axes of the collector and tool holder and the vertical motion axis of the actuator are parallel to each other. The tool holder is also provided with a gripping member.
[0006] International Publication No. 2007 / 139892 describes a fluid dispensing apparatus including a fluid reservoir and a dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly includes a housing and a deformable member defining a metering chamber configured to receive a predetermined amount of fluid from a fluid reservoir. The deformable member is deformed from a resting position to a discharge position, and the deformation changes the volume of the metering chamber, resulting in a change in the fluid pressure within the metering chamber. The increase in fluid pressure within the metering chamber causes a predetermined amount of fluid to be discharged from the metering chamber, and the decrease in fluid pressure within the metering chamber draws fluid from the reservoir into the metering chamber.
[0007] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 104655851 describes an antibody chip kit comprising an antibody chip, a receptor standard mixture, a biotin-labeled detection antibody mixture, and Cy3 fluorescent dye-labeled streptavidin. A standard tissue slide coated with reactive amino groups is selected as the surface carrier of the antibody chip, and various antigen-specific antibodies are firmly adsorbed onto the surface of the slide by a non-contact spot-deposition robot to form 16 microarrays. The 16 microarrays are then separated into small, non-interfering regions by using a plastic frame and a closed latex frame with 2 × 8 holes that are aligned and removable. Each capture antibody has four repeating spots in each antibody microarray.
[0008] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 161150 describes an analyzer for mixing a material to be analyzed and a flux in a sample holder supported by a movable platform in a furnace. A tilting member having multiple stations is provided. Each station has an upright pin offset in a different direction from the center point of the station. The platform is indexed to the tilting member so that the sample holder is sequentially aligned with each station. Once the sample holder is aligned with each station, the platform moves toward the tilting member so that the pins of the aligned stations contact the sample holder and tilt in a different direction. Repeated tilting of the sample holder in different directions mixes the material and flux. The contents of the sample holder may also be agitated by rapidly moving the platform back and forth with abrupt stops. [Overview of the Initiative]
[0009] Issues to be resolved Therefore, it is desirable to provide methods and devices that address, at least partially, the aforementioned technical challenges of similar known methods and devices. Specifically, methods and devices are proposed that enable increased performance and reliability of internal slide transport within an analytical system.
[0010] This problem is addressed by a sample carrier transport device for transporting a sample carrier to a workstation for sample processing, an analytical system, and a method for transporting a sample carrier to multiple workstations of the analytical system, having the features of an independent claim. Convenient embodiments, which may be implemented individually or in any combination, are listed in the dependent claims and throughout the specification.
[0011] When used below, the terms "have," "equip," or "contain," or any grammatical variations thereof, are used in a non-exclusive manner. Thus, these terms can refer to both situations in which the entity described in this context has no further features in addition to the features introduced by these terms, and situations in which one or more further features exist. For example, the expressions "A has B," "A contains B," and "A contains B" can refer to both situations in which A has no other elements besides B (i.e., A consists only of B), and situations in which entity A has one or more further elements besides B, such as element C, elements C and D, or further elements.
[0012] Furthermore, note that the terms "at least one" or "one or more," or similar expressions indicating that a feature or element may exist more than once, are typically used only once when introducing each feature or element. In most cases below, when referring to each feature or element, the expressions "at least one" or "one or more" will not be repeated, despite the fact that each feature or element may exist more than once.
[0013] Furthermore, when used below, the terms “preferably,” “more preferably,” “particularly,” “even more particularly,” “specifically,” “more specifically,” or similar terms, are used with any feature without limiting the possibility of alternatives. Thus, the features introduced by these terms are arbitrary features and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the claims in any way. The present invention may be carried out using alternative features as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. Similarly, features introduced by “in embodiments of the present invention” or similar expressions are intended to be arbitrary features without any limitation with respect to alternative embodiments of the present invention, without any limitation with respect to the technical scope of the present invention, and without any limitation with respect to the possibility of combining such features with other arbitrary or non-arbitrary features of the present invention.
[0014] In a first aspect of the present invention, a sample carrier transport device is disclosed for transporting a sample carrier to a workstation for sample processing.
[0015] As used herein, the term “sample” is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and should not be limited to any special or customized meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to a separation of a substance, such as a chemical or biological compound, but is not limited to this. Specifically, a sample may be, or include, at least one biological specimen, such as one or more of a tissue sample, blood, serum, plasma, urine, or saliva. Additionally or alternatively, a sample may be, or include a chemical substance or compound and / or a reagent. A biological specimen disclosed herein may include one or more biological specimens, which may be one or more tissue samples (e.g., any collection of cells) taken from a subject. A tissue sample may be a collection of interconnected cells that perform similar functions in a living organism. Biological samples may also be any solid or fluid samples obtained from, excreted by, or secreted by any organism, including, but not limited to, single-celled or multicellular organisms such as bacteria, yeasts, protozoa, and amoebas (including, for example, plants or animals, samples from healthy or apparently healthy human subjects or human patients suffering from symptoms or diseases being diagnosed or investigated, such as cancer). For example, a sample may include tissue, organ, tumor section, smear, frozen section, cytological preparation, or cell line section. Samples may be obtained using incisional biopsy, core biopsy, excisional biopsy, needle aspiration biopsy, core needle biopsy, stereotactic biopsy, direct biopsy, or surgical biopsy.
[0016] As used herein, the term “sample carrier” is a broad term and should be given its usual, customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and should not be limited to any special or customized meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to a support structure configured for one or more of the support functions, such as containing, storing, and / or transporting a sample. A sample carrier may be a slide, for example, a specimen slide. A sample carrier may be in strip or disc form. For example, a sample carrier may be a slide glass such as a washable, reusable glass disc or glass arm. A sample carrier may be disposable, for example, made of glass or plastic, and / or reusable, for example, made of glass. For example, a sample carrier may be washable.
[0017] The sample carrier may include at least one frame. The term “frame” as used herein is a broad term, and its usual customary meaning should be given to those skilled in the art, and should not be limited to any special or customized meaning. The term may particularly refer to a structure surrounding a sample carrier, configured for one or more of the following purposes: support, protection, and stabilization of the sample carrier. The frame may comprise an outer structure and a receptacle for receiving the sample carrier. The frame and sample carrier may be molded according to a key-lock principle. The sample carrier may be detachably inserted into the frame or inseparably connected to the frame. The frame may be disposable or reusable. The frame may be a rigid frame made from, for example, one or more of the following materials: polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), aluminum, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), polyoxymethylene (POM-C), and polypropylene (PP). For example, disposable frames may use at least one of the following materials: polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS). For example, reusable frames may use at least one of the following materials: aluminum, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), polyoxymethylene (POM-C), or polypropylene (PP).
[0018] The sample carrier may have at least one identifier attached directly to the sample carrier and / or attached to the frame of the sample carrier. The sample carrier may be identifiable by an identification system or by a human (plain text). The identification system may be a camera system or optical sensor and scanner that identifies one or more of any optical signatures on the sample carrier, such as a barcode, QR code, or other type of code. The identification system may be an element of a workstation or a separate element of an analytical system including a workstation. For example, the sample carrier may be a slide without a labeling area. The sample carrier may be automatically placed, for example by a gripper, into a frame that provides a unique ID to ensure traceability.
[0019] As used herein, the term “workstation” is a broad term and should be given its general and ordinary meaning to those skilled in the art, and should not be limited to any particular or special meaning. The term may, in particular, refer to a location within an analytical system, for example, within laboratory equipment, configured to perform a predetermined function for a sample and / or sample carrier. A workstation may be configured for sample processing. Sample processing may include one or more sample-specific steps such as printing, smearing, staining, heating, drying, cooling, separation, mixing, washing, elution, dilution, chemical reaction, aliquoting, imaging, scanning, etc. Each workstation may include at least one workstation selected from the group consisting of a printing workstation, a staining workstation, a waste station, an analysis station, an imaging station, a waste station, an imaging station, a labeling station, an intermediate storage station, a reprocessing station, and a transfer station for further manual testing. A workstation may be an element of an analytical system, for example, an element of laboratory equipment of an analytical system. An analytical system, for example, laboratory equipment, may include multiple workstations. A sample carrier transport device may be configured to transport a sample carrier from one workstation to another. The sample carrier transport device may be configured to transport sample carriers between workstations.
[0020] As used herein, the term “system” is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and common meaning to those skilled in the art, and should not be limited to a specific or special meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to, but is not limited to, any set of interactive or interdependent components that form a whole. Specifically, the components may interact with one another to perform at least one common function. A system may comprise at least two components, which may be treated independently, combined, or connectable.
[0021] As used herein, the term “analytical system” is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and common meaning to those skilled in the art, and should not be limited to a specific or special meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to an environment comprising at least one laboratory instrument, but is not limited to that. The analytical system may be at least one analytical system selected from the group consisting of hematological blood analysis systems, tissue analysis systems, and urine sediment analysis systems.
[0022] As used herein, the term “laboratory instrument” is a broad term and should be given its usual and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and should not be limited to a specific or special meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to any device configured to perform at least one sample preparation step, or multiple preparation steps, such as a predefined workflow, but not limited to these. For example, a laboratory instrument may be a clinical diagnostic analyzer. A laboratory instrument may be one or more of a pre-analytical instrument, an analytical instrument, or a post-analytical instrument, or a combination of laboratory instruments. A pre-analytical instrument may typically be used for the preliminary preparation of a sample. A pre-analytical instrument may include, for example, a workstation for heating, printing, staining, drying, cooling, pipetting, separating, mixing, washing, eluting, diluting, chemical reactions, aliquoting, storage, or detection of at least one sample quality check of the sample and / or reagents. An analytical instrument, also indicated as an analyzer, may be designed, for example, to use a sample or a portion of a sample and reagents to generate a measurable signal, on which it is possible to determine whether an analyte is present and, if necessary, at what concentration and quality it is present. For example, the analytical instrument may be capable of operating to determine parameter values of a sample or its components through various chemical, biological, physical, optical, or other technical procedures. The analytical instrument may be capable of measuring the above parameters of a sample or at least one test substance and returning obtained measurements, such as analytical results. For example, analytical results that may be returned by the analytical instrument may be the concentration of the test substance in the sample. The analytical instrument may comprise at least one workstation, for example, at least one analytical station for imaging, scanning, result determination, etc. Post-analytical equipment may typically be used for post-processing of the sample, such as storage and / or disposal of the sample. Post-analytical equipment may comprise a transfer station for further manual testing.
[0023] A workstation may have at least one head. The term “head” is a broad term, as used herein, and its general and customary meaning is given to those skilled in the art, and is not limited to a specific or custom meaning. The term may, in particular, refer to one or more elements configured to carry out one or more processing steps on a sample, which are performed at each workstation. The head may be movable, for example, by using at least one movable arm.
[0024] The workstation may be equipped with a seal configured to prevent leakage from the sample carrier during processing, such as staining and washing. For example, the seal may include at least one axial sealing lip. For example, the workstation head may be pressed against the sample carrier using the axial sealing lip. This ensures that leakage during sample processing is prevented. The axial sealing lip can prevent contamination from the instrument to the sample and / or cross-contamination (from sample to sample).
[0025] The sample carrier transport device includes a surface having a plurality of sample carrier holder portions. Each sample carrier holder portion is configured to detachably hold at least one sample carrier while the sample carrier is being transported to a workstation. The surface is configured to perform the movement for transporting the sample carrier to the workstation. The sample carrier transport device includes at least one lifting mechanism configured to move the surface to at least one transport position and at least one transfer position. The transport position and transfer position refer to different heights of the surface. In the transport position, the lifting mechanism is configured to hold the surface while transporting the sample carrier to the workstation. In the transfer position, the sample carrier transport device is configured to hand over the sample carrier to the workstation and receive the sample carrier from the workstation.
[0026] As used herein, the term "sample carrier transport device" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and should not be limited to a special or customized meaning. This term can refer, among other things, but not limited to, a device configured to transport a sample carrier from an initial position to a target workstation and / or from one workstation to another workstation. For example, an analysis system may include a plurality of workstations. The analysis system can be configured to perform a predefined workflow of sample processing steps at a plurality of different workstations. The sample carrier transport device may be configured to continuously transport the sample carrier to each workstation to perform the workflow.
[0027] The sample carrier transport device may be configured to transport the sample carrier to a plurality of workstations. As used herein, the term "transport" is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and should not be limited to a special or customized meaning. This term can refer, among other things, but not limited to, the relative movement of the sample carrier transport device, for example, the surface of the sample carrier transport device, with respect to the workstation. For example, the transport may include a rotational movement about a rotation axis. However, the movement of the surface of the sample carrier transport device may not be limited to a rotational movement. Additionally, or alternatively, linear movement in the x-axis and / or y-axis can be performed.
[0028] For example, the sample carrier transport device is a rotor. The surface may be a circular surface. The rotor may be configured to perform rotational motion of 360° or less than 360° about the rotor's axis of rotation. However, motion greater than 360° may also be possible. Thus, the sample carrier transport device may comprise a sample carrier rotor having a sample carrier holder portion used to transport sample carriers from workstation to workstation. The sample carrier transport device may comprise at least one drive mechanism configured to drive the rotational motion of the surface. Such drive mechanisms are known to those skilled in the art.
[0029] Other embodiments of the sample carrier transport device are possible. For example, the sample carrier transport device may be, for example, at least one arm made of aluminum, or may comprise at least one arm.
[0030] For example, the sample carrier transport device is a linear stage. The surface may be an elongated surface along at least one direction, for example, the x-direction or the y-direction. The workstations may be arranged at different x-positions or y-positions, respectively, and may be spaced apart at equal intervals, for example. The linear stage may be configured to perform a linear step motion corresponding to the distance between two workstations or a multiple of the distance between two workstations. Therefore, the sample carrier transport device may include a linear sample carrier having sample carrier holder portions linearly spaced apart therebetween with a distance therebetween corresponding to the distance between two consecutive sample carrier holders used to transport the sample carrier from one workstation to another workstation. The sample carrier transport device may include at least one drive mechanism configured to drive the linear motion of the surface. Such drive mechanisms are known to those skilled in the art. The sample carrier transport device may further include a curved component configured to change the direction of the linear motion to a curved motion, for example, and may be configured to perform a linear motion within a loop, and the workstations are arranged at a plurality of different positions along the loop. Additionally or alternatively, the direction of the linear motion can be reversed in the opposite direction. Also, the linear stage may be configured to move in both the x- and y-directions, and some workstations may be arranged along both the x- and y-directions, and the distance between the workstations can be arbitrary.
[0031] As used herein, the term “sample carrier holder portion” is a broad term and should be given its usual and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and should not be limited to any special or customized meaning. The term may, in particular, refer to a surface element configured to detachably hold at least one sample carrier while the sample carrier is being transported to a workstation. The sample carrier holder portion may be configured to movably position the sample carrier on a sample carrier transport device. For example, the sample carrier holder portion may be configured to receive and hold the sample carrier and / or the frame of the sample carrier. The sample carrier holder portion may be a receiving portion configured to receive and hold the sample carrier and / or the frame of the sample carrier. The sample carrier holder portion may be designed, for example, as a surface recess and / or at least one attachment for a mechanical connection between the sample carrier holder portion and the sample carrier. The sample carrier holder portion, e.g., attachment, may be designed so that the attachment provides distance between the sample carrier and the sample carrier transport device. The sample carrier holder portion, e.g., attachment, may be designed so that the sample carrier does not come into direct contact with the sample carrier transport device. For example, the attachment may be a frame. The sample carrier holder portion may be configured to surround the sample carrier in a circumferential direction. The sample carrier holder portion may be configured to hold the sample carrier by using one or more of the following connections: suction, vacuum evacuation, shape fitting and / or press-fit.
[0032] The sample carrier transport system may include at least one gripper configured to load a sample carrier onto its surface. Once the sample carrier is loaded onto the rotor by the gripper, the rotor can transport the sample carrier to a first workstation by rotation.
[0033] As used herein, the term “gripper” is a broad term and should be given its usual and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and should not be limited to any special or customized meaning. The term may, in particular, refer to a device designed to grip a sample carrier, but is not limited thereto. As used herein, the term “gripping” is a broad term and should be given its usual and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and should not be limited to any special or customized meaning. Specifically, the term may, but is not limited, refer to temporarily connecting a sample carrier to a gripper so that the sample carrier can be raised by the gripper or otherwise moved. Griping may include one or more of the following: gripping by suction, vacuum evacuation, gripping by shape fitting, and gripping by press-fitting.
[0034] Multiple sample carrier holder portions may be arranged on the surface of the sample carrier transport device. The presence of multiple sample carrier holder portions means that the sample carrier transport device may have multiple sample carriers. Therefore, parallel processing of multiple sample carriers on different workstations may be possible. Multiple workstations allow parallel operations to be performed on different workstations independently of each other. Parallel operations on different workstations may include, for example, printing, staining, and imaging. For example, the sample carrier holder portions may be uniformly distributed on the surface. For example, the sample carrier holder portions may be arranged on the surface in relation to the distance between each workstation.
[0035] This invention proposes a special mechanism for the interaction between a sample carrier and a workstation. Specifically, this invention proposes a lifting mechanism.
[0036] As used herein, the term “lifting mechanism” is a broad term and should be given its usual and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and should not be limited to any special or customized meaning. The term may, in particular, refer to any mechanism configured to set the height of a surface, though not limited to it. A lifting mechanism may be configured to perform at least one lifting motion. A lifting mechanism may be configured to set the height of a surface to at least two different positions. A lifting mechanism may be configured to set the height of a surface to a transport position and a conveying position. A lifting mechanism is configured to move, for example, raise, a surface from a first position, for example, one of the transport position and the conveying position, to a second position, for example, the other of the transport position and the conveying position. A lifting mechanism is configured to move, for example, lower, a surface from a second position to a first position. For example, a lifting mechanism may comprise at least one lifting stage. A lifting mechanism may comprise at least one drive mechanism configured to drive the lifting motion of a surface. Such drive mechanisms are known to those skilled in the art.
[0037] As used herein, the term “transport position” is a broad term and should be given its usual customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and should not be limited to any special or customized meaning. This term may, in particular, but not limited to, the height of the surface during the transport of the sample carrier to the workstation. As used herein, the term “transfer position” is a broad term and should be given its usual customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and should not be limited to any special or customized meaning. This term may, in particular, but not limited to, the height of the surface during the transfer of the sample carrier to and from the workstation. Transport position and transfer position refer to different heights of the surface.
[0038] As used herein, the term “transfer” is a broad term and should be given its general and ordinary meaning to those skilled in the art, and should not be limited to a specific or special meaning. The term may, in particular, but not limited to, the process of releasing a sample carrier from the surface of a sample carrier transport device and transferring the sample carrier to a workstation for processing. The transfer of the sample carrier at the transfer position may include providing access to the sample carrier from the workstation. Each of the sample carrier holder portions may have at least one opening. The opening may be configured to provide access to the sample carrier from the workstation by one or more of the following: engagement, suction, vacuum evacuation, gripping by shape fitting, and gripping by press-fitting.
[0039] A workstation may include a stage configured to move a received sample carrier to a processing position along the x and / or y axes. The term “stage” as used herein is broad and should be given its usual, conventional meaning to those skilled in the art, and not limited to any special or customized meaning. The term may, in particular, refer to a movable element configured to receive a sample carrier and move the sample carrier to a processing position within the workstation. A stage in a particular workstation may be configured, for example, to move the sample carrier to an intended processing position along the x and / or y axes. Movement of the surface of the sample carrier transport device and the workstation stage may be described in Cartesian coordinates. Movement of the surface may be along the z axis, with the x and y axes perpendicular to it. In addition to, or instead of, movement of the stage along the x and / or y axes, the stage may be configured to move the sample carrier along the z axis. As outlined above, a workstation may include a head. The head may be configured to move to a processing position along the z axis.
[0040] In the analysis system, the workstation and the sample carrier transport device are positioned relative to each other at the transfer location so that the sample carrier can be transferred from the sample carrier transport device to the workstation and received from the workstation by the sample carrier transport device.
[0041] For example, the transport position is above the transfer position. The lifting mechanism may be configured to raise its surface from the transfer position to the transport position in order to receive the sample carrier from the workstation and transport the sample carrier, and to lower its surface from the transport position to the transport position in order to hand over the sample carrier to the workstation.
[0042] For example, the transport position is lower than the transfer position. The lifting mechanism may be configured to lower its surface from the transfer position to the transport position in order to receive the sample carrier from the workstation and transport the sample carrier, and to raise its surface from the transport position to the transport position in order to hand over the sample carrier to the workstation.
[0043] The transfer of the sample carrier may include positioning the sample carrier on the workstation stage by moving its surface to a transfer position. The workstation may include at least one gripper configured to hold the sample carrier when it is transferred to the workstation. For example, the gripper may be configured to hold the sample carrier by one or more of the following: suction, vacuum evacuation, shape-fit gripping, and press-fit gripping. The gripper may be configured to raise the sample carrier from the surface of the sample carrier transport device to the workstation stage.
[0044] Each sample carrier holder portion may be provided with at least one sliding mechanism. The sliding mechanism may be configured to provide the sample carrier to the transfer position by sliding the sample carrier from the sample carrier holder portion into the workstation. The term “slide” as used herein is a broad term and should be given its usual customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and should not be limited to any special or customized meaning. The term may, in particular, but not limited to, frictional motion between two surfaces, for example, between the contacting surface of the sample carrier and the surface of the sample carrier holder portion, and / or between the surface of the sample carrier and the surface of the workstation stage.
[0045] Each sample carrier holder portion may be provided with at least one inversion mechanism. The inversion mechanism may be configured to provide the sample carrier to the transfer position by inverting the sample carrier from the sample carrier holder portion into the workstation. The term “inversion” as used herein is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and common meaning to those skilled in the art, and should not be limited to any special or customized meaning. The term may, in particular, refer to the discharge and / or swirling and / or release movement of the sample carrier from the sample carrier holder portion, but is not limited to this.
[0046] The transfer may be carried out as follows: The lifting mechanism may lower the surface, and the sample carrier may be placed on one of the workstation stages. Once the sample carrier is placed on the workstation stage, the vacuum pump may immediately hold the sample carrier tightly. Adjustment of the x and y tilt of the sample carrier may not be necessary. The workstation stage may move the sample carrier to the intended processing position (along the x and / or y axes). The workstation head may then move to the intended processing position (e.g., along the z axis). The process, such as printing, staining, or imaging, can then be started.
[0047] The receipt of the sample carrier by the sample carrier holder portion from the workstation can be carried out to include a return step as a step of handing over to the workstation. For example, after processing is completed at each workstation, the workstation stage may return the sample carrier to the initial handover position. A gripper may lift the sample carrier from the stage to the sample carrier holder portion. A gripper, such as a vacuum evacuation device, may terminate the vacuum. The surface of the sample carrier transport device may then transport the sample carrier to the next workstation. At the next workstation, the sample carrier may be processed again. At the end of sample processing, i.e., after the sample carrier has passed through all workstations it approaches according to a predefined workflow, the sample carrier may be, for example, automatically discarded or prepared for further manual testing.
[0048] As outlined above, conventional methods for moving glass slides within an instrument include, for example, vacuum grippers with multiple actuators. Due to the limited space within the instrument and the complex handling sequence, this type of internal slide transport is a limiting factor in the overall performance and reliability of the instrument. The proposed handling of the sample carrier has the advantage that the sample carrier can be transported carefully and reliably by a sample carrier transport device, such as a rotor, resulting in virtually no glass breakage. The proposed concept may enable space-saving sample transport designs within instruments.
[0049] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 161150 describes an internal carousel for moving within a preheating furnace to produce a homogeneous mixture of samples in a sample holder. Such an internal carousel is not suitable for transporting sample carriers to any workstation, but relates to an internal carousel within a work station. Furthermore, the rise is not configured to move the surface to at least one transport position and at least one transfer position.
[0050] In a further aspect of the present invention, an analytical system is disclosed. The analytical system comprises a plurality of workstations for sample processing and at least one sample carrier transport device according to the present invention. The workstations and the sample carrier transport device are positioned relative to each other at the transport position so that a sample carrier can be transferred from the sample carrier transport device to the workstation and received from the workstation by the sample carrier transport device.
[0051] With regard to the definition and embodiments of the analytical system, refer to the definition and embodiments of the sample carrier transport device, including those according to any one of the embodiments disclosed above and / or any one of the embodiments disclosed in more detail below.
[0052] The analytical system may include at least one control unit for controlling a sample carrier transport device. The control unit may be configured to control the transfer of the sample carrier between the sample carrier transport device and the work station. For example, the control unit may be configured to control one or more of the following: movement of the surface of the sample carrier transport device, lifting mechanism, transfer of sample carrier interacting with a workstation, e.g., gripper, process in the workstation, e.g., movement of stage and / or head, processing steps, etc. As used herein, the term “control unit” is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and should not be limited to any special or customized meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to any device adapted to perform control and processing by, but not limited to, preferably at least one data processing device, more preferably at least one processor and / or at least one application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, as an example, the control unit may include one or more programmable devices such as one or more computers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other devices configured to perform control and / or processing. Therefore, for example, the control unit may include at least one data processing device that stores software code containing several computer commands. The control unit may provide one or more hardware elements for performing one or more of the specified operations, and / or provide one or more processors with software to be executed for performing one or more of the specified operations.
[0053] In a further aspect of the present invention, a method for transporting sample carriers to multiple workstations of an analytical system according to the present invention is disclosed.
[0054] The method is described in each independent claim and includes the method steps listed below. The method steps may be performed in a given order. However, other orders of the method steps are also possible. Furthermore, one or more of the method steps may be performed in parallel and / or overlapping manner as timely as possible. Furthermore, one or more of the method steps may be performed repeatedly. Furthermore, there may be additional method steps that are not listed.
[0055] This method, a) Providing the sample carrier to the sample carrier holder portion on the surface of the sample carrier transport device, b) Transporting the sample carrier to each workstation by moving the surface, wherein each of the sample carrier holder portions detachably holds the sample carrier during transport, and the surface is held in the transport position during transport by a lifting mechanism, c) Transferring a sample carrier from a sample carrier transport device to each workstation by using a lifting mechanism, the transfer including moving the surface from a transport position to a transfer position so that the workstation can access the sample carrier.
[0056] With regard to the definitions and embodiments of the methods, refer to the definitions and embodiments of the sample carrier transport device and analytical system, including those provided above and / or those provided below in more detail.
[0057] This method may further include processing the sample in a workstation.
[0058] This method may further include receiving the sample carrier from the workstation by a sample carrier transport device at the transport position, and moving the surface from the transport position to the transport position in order to further transport the sample carrier.
[0059] This method may be carried out automatically. The term “automatically” as used herein is a broad term, and its usual and customary meaning should be given to those skilled in the art, and should not be limited to any special or customized meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to a process carried out entirely by at least one computer and / or computer network and / or machine without requiring any manual action and / or user interaction.
[0060] The method may be computer-implemented. As used herein, the term “computer implementation” is a broad term, and its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art should be given, and not limited to any special or customized meaning. Specifically, the term may refer to a process that is fully or partially implemented by using data processing means, such as data processing means comprising at least one processor, in particular a processing unit. Thus, the term “computer” may generally refer to a device or combination of devices or a network having at least one data processing means, such as at least one processor. The computer may further comprise one or more further components, such as at least one of data storage devices, electronic interfaces, or human-machine interfaces.
[0061] Further disclosures and proposals herein include computer programs that, when executed on a computer or computer network, include computer-executable instructions for performing a method according to the present invention in one or more embodiments included herein. Specifically, the computer programs may be stored on a computer-readable data carrier and / or computer-readable storage medium.
[0062] As used herein, the terms “computer-readable data carrier” and “computer-readable storage medium” may specifically refer to non-temporary data storage means such as hardware storage media storing computer executable instructions. Specifically, the computer-readable data carrier or storage medium may be, or may include, storage media such as random access memory (RAM) and / or read-only memory (ROM).
[0063] Therefore, specifically, one, two or more, or even all of the above method steps a) to c) can be carried out using a computer or computer network, preferably using a computer program.
[0064] Further disclosures and proposals herein include computer program products having program code means for carrying out methods according to one or more embodiments included herein when the program is executed on a computer or computer network. Specifically, the program code means may be stored in a computer-readable data carrier and / or computer-readable storage medium.
[0065] For example, data carriers storing data structures that, after being loaded into a computer or computer network, can perform methods according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein are further disclosed and proposed herein, such as the working memory or main memory of a computer or computer network.
[0066] Further disclosures and proposals herein include non-temporary computer-readable storage media containing instructions, wherein the instructions cause one or more processors to implement the methods according to the present invention when executed by one or more processors.
[0067] Further disclosures and proposals herein include computer program products, in which program code means are stored on a machine-readable carrier, for carrying out one or more methods of the embodiments disclosed herein when the program is executed on a computer or computer network. As used herein, a computer program product refers to a program as a tradable product. The product may generally exist in any format, such as paper format, or on a computer-readable data carrier and / or computer-readable storage medium. Specifically, a computer program product may be distributed over a data network.
[0068] Finally, modulated data signals containing instructions readable to a computer system or computer network for carrying out one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein are disclosed and proposed herein.
[0069] With regard to computer implementations of the present invention, one or more or all of the method steps of one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein may be performed using a computer or computer network. Therefore, generally, any method step involving data provision and / or manipulation may be performed using a computer or computer network. Generally, these method steps may include any method step except for those requiring manual intervention, such as in certain embodiments that typically involve sample provision and / or actual measurement.
[0070] Specifically, in this specification, - A computer or computer network comprising at least one processor, wherein the processor is adapted to carry out a method according to one of the embodiments described herein, - A computer-loadable data structure adapted to perform a method according to one of the embodiments described herein while the data structure is being performed on a computer, - A computer program configured to perform a method according to one of the embodiments described herein when being performed on a computer, - A computer program comprising programming means for carrying out a method according to one of the embodiments described herein while the computer program is being executed on a computer or on a computer network, - A computer program comprising the program means according to a prior embodiment, wherein the program means is stored on a storage medium readable by a computer. - A storage medium that stores a data structure, and is configured to carry out a method according to one of the embodiments described herein after being loaded into the main memory and / or working memory of a computer or computer network, and Further disclosures include computer program products having program code means that can be stored on or stored on a storage medium, wherein when the program code means is executed on a computer or computer network, a method according to one of the embodiments described herein is carried out.
[0071] In summary, without ruling out the possibility of further embodiments, the following embodiments can be envisioned.
[0072] Embodiment 1. A sample carrier transport device for transporting a sample carrier to a workstation for sample processing, The sample carrier transport device includes a surface having a plurality of sample carrier holder portions, each of which is configured to detachably hold at least one sample carrier while transporting the sample carrier to a workstation, and the surface is configured to move the sample carrier to the workstation. A sample carrier transport device comprising at least one lifting mechanism configured to move a surface to at least one transport position and at least one transfer position, wherein the transport position and transfer position refer to different heights of the surface, the lifting mechanism configured to hold the surface while transporting the sample carrier to a workstation at the transport position, and the sample carrier transport device configured to transfer the sample carrier to a workstation and receive the sample carrier from the workstation at the transfer position.
[0073] Embodiment 2. A sample carrier transport device according to a prior embodiment, wherein the transfer of the sample carrier at the transfer position includes providing access to the sample carrier from a workstation.
[0074] Embodiment 3. A sample carrier transport device according to any one of the prior embodiments, wherein the transfer of the sample carrier includes placing the sample carrier on a workstation stage by moving its surface to a transport position.
[0075] Embodiment 4. A sample carrier transport device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each sample carrier holder portion includes at least one opening, the opening being configured to provide access to the sample carrier from a workstation by one or more of the following: engagement, suction, vacuum evacuation, gripping by shape fitting, and gripping by press-fitting.
[0076] Embodiment 5. A sample carrier transport device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the sample carrier holder portions comprises at least one slide mechanism, the slide mechanism configured to provide the sample carrier at the transport position by sliding the sample carrier from the sample carrier holder portion into the workstation.
[0077] Embodiment 6. A sample carrier transport device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each of the sample carrier holder portions comprises at least one inversion mechanism, the inversion mechanism configured to provide the sample carrier at the transport position by inverting the sample carrier from the sample carrier holder portion into the workstation.
[0078] Embodiment 7. The transport position is located above the transfer position, and the lifting mechanism is configured to raise its surface from the transfer position to the transport position in order to receive the sample carrier from the workstation and transport the sample carrier, and to lower its surface from the transport position to the transport position in order to hand over the sample carrier to the workstation, or A sample carrier transport device according to any one of the prior embodiments, wherein the transport position is below the transfer position, and the lifting mechanism is configured to lower the surface from the transfer position to the transport position in order to receive the sample carrier from the workstation and transport the sample carrier, and to raise the surface from the transport position to the transport position in order to hand over the sample carrier to the workstation.
[0079] Embodiment 8. A sample carrier transport device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sample carrier holder portion is configured to surround the sample carrier in the circumferential direction.
[0080] Embodiment 9. A sample carrier transport device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sample carrier holder portion is configured to hold a sample carrier by using suction, vacuum evacuation, shape fitting and / or press-fit connections.
[0081] Embodiment 10. A sample carrier transport device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sample carrier transport device is configured to transport sample carriers to a plurality of workstations, and the sample carrier holder portion is positioned on a surface in relation to the distance between each workstation.
[0082] Embodiment 11. A sample carrier transport device according to any one of the prior embodiments, wherein the sample carrier transport device is a rotor and its surface is a circular surface.
[0083] Embodiment 12. A sample carrier transport device according to one of the two prior embodiments, wherein the rotor is configured to perform rotational motion of 360° or less than 360° about the rotor's axis of rotation.
[0084] Embodiment 13. A sample carrier transport device according to any one of the two prior embodiments, wherein the sample carrier transport device is at least one arm, or includes one arm.
[0085] Embodiment 14. A sample carrier transport device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sample carrier transport device is configured to perform linear motion in the x-axis and / or y-axis.
[0086] Embodiment 15. A sample carrier transport device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sample carrier is a slide glass such as a washable, reusable glass disk or glass arm.
[0087] Embodiment 16. A sample carrier transport device according to any one of the prior embodiments, wherein the sample carrier is disposable and / or reusable.
[0088] Embodiment 17. A sample carrier transport device according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sample carrier includes at least one identifier that is directly attached to the sample carrier and / or attached to the sample carrier by using a disposable or reusable frame.
[0089] Embodiment 18. An analytical system comprising a plurality of workstations for sample processing and at least one sample carrier transport device as described in any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the workstations and the sample carrier transport device are arranged relative to each other at a transport position so that a sample carrier can be transferred from the sample carrier transport device to the workstation and received from the workstation by the sample carrier transport device.
[0090] Embodiment 19. The analytical system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the workstation comprises a stage configured to move the delivered sample carrier to a processing position along the x-axis and / or y-axis.
[0091] Embodiment 20. The analysis system according to the prior embodiment, wherein the workstation comprises a head configured to move along the z-axis to a processing position.
[0092] Embodiment 21. An analytical system according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein each workstation includes at least one workstation selected from the group consisting of a printing workstation, a dyeing workstation, an analysis station, an imaging station, a waste station, a labeling station, an intermediate storage station, a reprocessing station, and a transfer station for further manual testing.
[0093] Embodiment 22. The analytical system according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the workstation comprises at least one sample carrier gripper configured to hold the sample carrier when the sample carrier is delivered to the workstation.
[0094] Embodiment 23. The analytical system according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the workstation comprises a sealing configured to prevent leakage from the sample carrier during processing.
[0095] Embodiment 24. An analytical system according to any one of the prior embodiments relating to an analytical system, wherein the sample carrier transport system comprises at least one gripper configured to load a sample carrier onto its surface.
[0096] Embodiment 25. The analytical system according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the analytical system comprises at least one control unit for controlling a sample carrier transport device, the control unit being configured to control the transfer of a sample carrier between the sample carrier transport device and a work station.
[0097] Embodiment 26. The analytical system according to any one of the prior embodiments relating to an analytical system, wherein the analytical system is at least one analytical system selected from the group consisting of a hematological blood analysis system, a tissue analysis system, and a urine sediment analysis system.
[0098] Embodiment 27. A method for transporting a sample carrier to multiple workstations of an analytical system according to one of the prior embodiments relating to an analytical system, a) Providing the sample carrier to the sample carrier holder portion on the surface of the sample carrier transport device, b) Transporting the sample carrier to each workstation by moving the surface, wherein each of the sample carrier holder portions detachably holds the sample carrier during transport, and the surface is held in the transport position during transport by a lifting mechanism, c) A method comprising transferring a sample carrier from a sample carrier transport device to each workstation by using a lifting mechanism, wherein the surface is moved from a transport position to a transfer position so that the workstation can access the sample carrier.
[0099] Embodiment 28. The method according to the preceding embodiment, further comprising processing the sample in a workstation.
[0100] Embodiment 29. The method according to any one of the two prior embodiments, further comprising receiving a sample carrier from a workstation by a sample carrier transport device at a transfer position, and moving a surface from the transfer position to a transport position in order to further transport the sample carrier.
[0101] Further optional features and embodiments are disclosed in more detail in subsequent descriptions of embodiments, preferably in conjunction with dependent claims. Each of these optional features may be realized in an independent manner or in any viable combination, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The scope of the present invention is not limited by preferred embodiments. Embodiments are schematically shown in the figures, where the same reference numerals in these figures refer to the same or functionally equivalent elements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0102] [Figure 1A] This invention provides a method for transporting sample carriers to multiple workstations of an analytical system and an embodiment of the analytical system. [Figure 1B] This invention provides a method for transporting sample carriers to multiple workstations of an analytical system and an embodiment of the analytical system. [Figure 1C] This invention provides a method for transporting sample carriers to multiple workstations of an analytical system and an embodiment of the analytical system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0103] Figures 1A to 1C show a method for transporting a sample carrier 110 to multiple workstations 112 of the analysis system 114 according to the present invention, and an embodiment of the analysis system 114.
[0104] As shown in Figure 1A, an analytical system 114 is shown comprising multiple workstations 112 for sample processing and further comprising at least one sample carrier transport device 116. The analytical system 114 may, exemplary, be a hematological blood analysis system 118.
[0105] Workstation 112 may be configured for sample processing. Sample processing may include one or more sample-specific steps such as printing, smearing, staining, heating, drying, cooling, separation, mixing, washing, elution, dilution, chemical reaction, aliquoting, imaging, and scanning. The analytical system shown in Figure 1A may include an imaging workstation 120, a staining workstation 122, and a printing workstation 124.
[0106] Each workstation 112 may be equipped with at least one head 126. The head 126 may be configured to perform one or more processing steps on a sample, which are performed in each workstation 122. The head 126 may be movable.
[0107] The workstation 112 and the sample carrier transport device 116 are positioned relative to each other at the transfer position so that the sample carrier 110 can be transferred from the sample carrier transport device 116 to one of the workstations 112 and can be received from one of the workstations 112 by the sample carrier transport device 116.
[0108] The sample carrier transport device 116 comprises a surface 128 having a plurality of sample carrier holder portions 130. For example, the sample carrier transport device 116 is a rotor 132. The surface 128 may be a circular surface 134. The rotor 132 may be configured to perform rotational motion of 360° or less than 360° about the rotation axis 136 of the rotor 132. However, motion greater than 360° may also be possible. Therefore, the sample carrier transport device 116 may comprise a sample carrier rotor 138 having sample carrier holder portions 130 used to transport sample carriers 110 from workstation 112 to workstation 112. The sample carrier transport device 116 may comprise at least one drive mechanism configured to drive the rotational motion of the surface 128.
[0109] Each of the sample carrier holder portions 130 is configured to removably hold at least one sample carrier 110 while the sample carrier 110 is being transported to the workstation 112. The sample carrier 110 may be a slide 140, for example, a specimen slide 142. The sample carrier 110 may be in the shape of a strip or a disk. For example, the sample carrier 110 is a glass slide 144.
[0110] The sample carrier holder portion 130 may also be a receiving portion 146 configured to receive and hold the sample carrier 110 and / or the frame 148 of the sample carrier 110. The sample carrier holder portion 130 may be designed as a recess 150 of the surface 128. The sample carrier holder portion 130 may be configured to surround the sample carrier 110 in the circumferential direction. The sample carrier holder portion 130 may be configured to hold the sample carrier 110 by using one or more of the following connections: suction, vacuum evacuation, shape fitting and / or press-fit.
[0111] The sample carrier holder portion 130 can act as a holder 152 for the sample carrier 110 during transport. The sample carrier 110 can be held circumferentially within the frame 148, although it may be precisely positioned so as to be movable within the sample carrier holder portion 130 on the surface 128. The frame 148 and the sample carrier 110 may be formed according to a key-lock principle. The sample carrier 110 may be detachably inserted into the frame 148 or may be inseparably connected to the frame 148.
[0112] Simple positioning and removal of the sample carrier 110 on the sample carrier transport device 116 can be ensured. Each of the sample carrier holder portions 130 on the sample carrier transport device 116 may have an opening 154 that allows access to the sample carrier 110 from the workstation 112. The opening 154 may be configured to provide access to the sample carrier 110 from the workstation 112 by one or more of the following: engagement, suction, vacuum evacuation, gripping by shape fitting, or gripping by press-fitting.
[0113] As shown in Figure 1A, the sample carrier 110 is provided to the sample carrier holder portion 130 on the surface 128 of the sample carrier transport device 116. Exemplarily, the analysis system 110 may include at least one gripper (not shown in Figures 1A-1C) configured to load the sample carrier 110 onto the surface 128.
[0114] The sample carrier transport device 116 includes at least one lifting mechanism configured to move the surface to at least one transport position and at least one transfer position. The transport position and transfer position refer to different heights of the surface 128. The lifting mechanism is configured to hold the surface 128 in the transport position while transporting the sample carrier 110 to the workstation 112.
[0115] As further shown in Figure 1A, the sample carrier 110 is transported to each workstation 112 by moving the surface 128, each of the sample carrier holder portions 130 detachably holds the sample carrier 110 during transport, and the surface 128 is held in the transport position during transport by a lifting mechanism.
[0116] Surface 128 is configured to perform movement for transporting the sample carrier 110 to the workstation 112. Once the sample carrier 110 is loaded onto the rotor 132 by the gripper, the rotor 132 can transport the sample carrier 110 to the first workstation by rotation. The rotation is indicated by arrow 158 in Figure 1A.
[0117] The sample carrier transport device 116 is configured to transfer the sample carrier 110 to the workstation 112 and to receive the sample carrier 110 from the workstation 112 at the transfer location.
[0118] As shown in Figure 1B, the sample carrier 110 is transferred from the sample carrier transport device 116 to each workstation 112 using a lifting mechanism, and the surface 128 is moved from the transport position to the transfer position so that the workstation 112 can access the sample carrier 110.
[0119] The rotor 132 may descend as shown by arrow 160 in Figure 1B, and the sample carrier 110 may be placed on the stage 162 of the workstation 112. The stage 162 may be configured to move the handed-over sample carrier 110 to a processing position along the x and / or y axes. The stage 162 of a particular workstation 112 may be configured, for example, to move the sample carrier 110 to an intended processing position along the x and / or y axes. The head 126 may be configured to move to a processing position along the z axis.
[0120] Once the sample carrier 110 is placed on the stage 162 of the workstation 112, the vacuum evacuation device 168 can immediately hold the sample carrier 110 tightly. Adjustment of the x and y tilt of the sample carrier 110 may not be necessary.
[0121] As shown in Figure 1C, the stage 162 of a particular workstation 112 may move the sample carrier 110 to the intended processing position, particularly in the x and y axes, as indicated by arrow 164. Subsequently, the head 126 of the particular workstation 112 may move to the intended processing position, particularly along the z axis, as indicated by arrow 166. Then, a process, such as printing, staining, or imaging, may be initiated.
[0122] A sample carrier holder portion 130 on a rotor 132, which may be positioned between the staining workstation 122 and the imaging workstation 120, may be configured to dry the printed sample carrier by free air convection.
[0123] In the staining workstation 122, the head 126 of the staining workstation 122 may be pressed against the sample carrier 110 using at least one axial sealing lip, in particular to ensure that no leakage occurs during the staining process.
[0124] After the process is complete, the stage 162 of the workstation 112 may return the sample carrier 110 to its initial rotor transfer position.
[0125] The vacuum pump 168 can terminate the vacuum evacuation. The rotor 132 can transfer the sample carrier 110 by raising it.
[0126] Subsequently, the rotor 132 may transport the sample carrier 110 to the next workstation 112. The sample carrier 110 may be processed again. Once the results are determined, the sample carrier 110 may be automatically discarded or prepared for further manual testing.
[0127] Generally, the sample carrier 110 can be transported by the rotor 132 in a careful and reliable manner, minimizing the generation of glass powder. The concept of a sample carrier rotor can enable a space-saving sample transport design in the analytical system 114. [Explanation of symbols]
[0128] 110 Sample Carrier 112 Workstations 114 Analysis Systems 116 Sample carrier transport device 118 Hematological Blood Analysis System 120 Imaging Workstations 122 Staining Workstation 124 Print Workstations 126 heads 128 Surface 130 Sample carrier holder section 132 Rotor 134 circular surfaces 136 Rotation axis 138 Sample carrier rotor 140 slides 142 specimen slides 144 microscope slides 146 Receptor part 148 frames 150 recesses 152 Holder 154 Opening 158 Arrow: "Rotation of sample carrier transport device" 160 Arrow: "z-direction of the sample carrier transport device" 162 stages 164 Arrows: "x and y directions of the stage" 166 Arrow "Z-direction of the head" 168 Vacuum Exhaust System
Claims
1. A sample carrier transport device (116) for transporting a sample carrier (110) to a plurality of workstations (112) for sample processing, wherein the sample carrier transport device (116) includes a surface (128) having a plurality of sample carrier holder portions (130), each of which is configured to detachably hold at least one sample carrier (110) while transporting the sample carrier (110) to the workstation (112), the surface (128) is configured to move the sample carrier (110) to the workstation (112), and the sample carrier transport device (116) is configured to move the surface A sample carrier transport device (116) comprising at least one lifting mechanism configured to move (128) to at least one transport position and at least one transfer position, wherein the transport position and the transfer position refer to different heights of the surface (128), the lifting mechanism configured to hold the surface (128) while transporting the sample carrier (110) to the workstation (112) at the transport position, and the sample carrier transport device (116) configured to hand over the sample carrier (110) to the workstation (112) and receive the sample carrier (110) from the workstation (112) at the transfer position.
2. The sample carrier transport device (116) according to claim 1, wherein the transfer of the sample carrier (110) at the transfer position includes providing access to the sample carrier (110) from the workstation (112).
3. The sample carrier transport device (116) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transfer of the sample carrier (110) includes moving the surface to the transport position, thereby placing the sample carrier (110) on the stage (162) of each of the workstations (112).
4. Each of the sample carrier holder portions (130) includes at least one opening (154), the opening (154) configured to provide access to the sample carrier from the workstation (112) by one or more of the following: engagement, suction, vacuum evacuation, gripping by shape fitting, and gripping by press-fit, the sample carrier transport device (116) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
5. The transport position is located above the transfer position, and the lifting mechanism is configured to raise the surface (128) from the transfer position to the transport position in order to receive the sample carrier (110) from the workstation (112) and transport the sample carrier (110), and to lower the surface (128) from the transfer position to the transport position in order to hand over the sample carrier (110) to the workstation (112), or The sample carrier transport device (116) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the transport position is located below the transfer position, and the lifting mechanism is configured to lower the surface (128) from the transfer position to the transport position in order to receive the sample carrier (110) from the workstation (112) and transport the sample carrier (110), and to raise the surface (128) from the transport position to the transport position in order to hand over the sample carrier (110) to the workstation (112).
6. The sample carrier transport device (116) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sample carrier holder portion (130) is configured to hold the sample carrier (110) by using suction, vacuum evacuation, shape fitting and / or press-fit connection.
7. The sample carrier transport device (116) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sample carrier holder portion (130) is positioned on the surface (128) in relation to the distance between each of the workstations (112).
8. The sample carrier transport device (116) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sample carrier transport device (116) is a rotor (132) and the surface (128) is a circular surface (134).
9. The sample carrier transport device (116) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the rotor (132) is configured to perform rotational motion of 360° or less than 360° about the rotation axis (136) of the rotor (132).
10. An analytical system (114) comprising a plurality of workstations (112) for sample processing and at least one sample carrier transport device (116) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the workstations (112) and the sample carrier transport device (116) are arranged relative to each other such that, at the transport position, the sample carrier (110) can be transferred from the sample carrier transport device (116) to the workstation (112) and can be received from the workstation (112) by the sample carrier transport device (116).
11. The analytical system (114) according to claim 10, wherein each of the workstations (112) includes at least one workstation (112) selected from the group consisting of a printing workstation (124), a staining workstation (122), an analysis station, an imaging station (120), a waste station, a labeling station, an intermediate storage station, a reprocessing station, and a transfer station for further manual testing.
12. The analysis system (114) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the analysis system (114) is at least one analysis system (114) selected from the group consisting of a hematological blood analysis system (118), a tissue analysis system, and a urine sediment analysis system.
13. A method for transporting a sample carrier (110) to a plurality of workstations (112) of an analytical system (114) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, a) Providing the sample carrier (110) to the sample carrier holder portion (130) of the surface (128) of the sample carrier transport device (116), b) Transporting the sample carrier (110) to each of the workstations (112) by moving the surface (128), wherein each of the sample carrier holder portions (130) detachably holds the sample carrier (110) during transport, and the surface (128) is held in the transport position during transport by the lifting mechanism, c) Transferring the sample carrier (110) from the sample carrier transport device (116) to each of the workstations (112) by using the lifting mechanism, wherein the surface (128) is moved from the transport position to the transfer position so that the workstation (112) can access the sample carrier, Methods that include...
14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising processing the sample in the workstation (112).
15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising receiving the sample carrier (110) from the workstation (112) by the sample carrier transport device (116) at the transport position, and moving the surface (128) from the transport position to the transport position in order to further transport the sample carrier (110).