Cartridge-based dispensing system and method using multiple rotary conveyors

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 775,030, filed on December 4, 2018, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] To test the effectiveness of various reagents in an automated laboratory environment, a system is needed that can consistently introduce precise amounts of one or more selected reagents to precise predetermined locations on a test medium within a designated one or more culture media or test vessels (such as plates or Petri dishes). For example, systems and methods for automatically dispensing antibiotic disks onto an inoculated agar culture medium held in a Petri dish are known in the art. Such systems generally use a dispenser for a plurality of disks mounted on a movable platform and a specific loading area where the target Petri dish is placed. The platform is moved to position a selected dispenser containing a disk impregnated with a specific antibiotic above or near a specific area of the Petri dish, and the disk is dispensed. Then, the movable platform is repositioned to move a dispenser containing a disk of a second type of antibiotic to a position corresponding to the Petri dish. And this second antibiotic disk can be dispensed onto the Petri dish. The Petri dish is repositioned before dispensing the next disk at a predetermined distance apart to clarify the area where antibacterial interactions with different microorganisms occur without interference from adjacent microbial colonies. The system can continue to dispense disks at several predetermined positions within the Petri dish. ​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0003] To maximize the adaptability of such a system, it is possible to dispense it onto a plate. It is desirable to have a wide variety of antibiotics on the disk. Dispensed by the system. To prevent cross-contamination between various antibiotics, multiple antibiotics are placed in the same dispenser. This is unacceptable. Therefore, for each individual type of antibiotic being dispensed, a mobile platform Different dispensers need to be attached to the foam. As a result, conventional systems are To receive the microorganisms dispensed by a dispenser like this, on top of the culture plate On a movable platform or culture plate that can be precisely and selectively positioned. A dispenser that can be rationally mounted on a culture plate support to align the dispenser. The number was limited by mechanical constraints. It rotates around the central hub. Dispensers are mounted around the rotary conveyor and positioned around the rotary conveyor. Various devices have been proposed that place a specific dispenser above the container. For example, Japanese Patent No. 8,996,163, "Disk dispensing device, using such disk dispensing device" Method for dispensing tubular containers and disks, and U.S. Patent No. 9,557,343. "Disk dispensing device, tubular container using such disk dispensing device, and disk See "How to dispense". Both of these are handed over to BD Kiestra BV. It has been passed on and is incorporated herein by reference. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] However, as the number of dispensers increases, such a single rotary conveyor-based system becomes less efficient. The stem is getting larger in diameter to accommodate more and more dispensers. Therefore, it may become very large. Inspection equipment with a large physical footprint is Generally, a controlled environment in a commercial sample testing laboratory, where space is typically limited. This is undesirable in a confined environment. Furthermore, using a dispenser mounted on a large-diameter rotary conveyor is also undesirable. As a result, the average time required to rotate the conveyor belt and dispense a specific antibiotic is: Assuming that the angular velocity at which the rotary conveyor can rotate is the same, a small diameter rotary conveyor It becomes longer than the ampere. This reduces the system's throughput. Furthermore, As the size of the rotary conveyor increases, its mass may also increase, requiring a more powerful... A drive mechanism is required, which increases the cost of the system. Therefore, a single rotation With a conventional conveyor system, the achievable density of cartridge-type dispensers is limited. Also, Large rotary conveyors are more difficult to handle, store, and clean.

[0005] Therefore, the selected dispenser is quickly and accurately positioned, and the test medium is placed within a small footprint. Improvements to dispense various reagents from different dedicated dispensers, dispensing the reagent selected above. It is necessary to provide a testing system and method in which the reagents are dispensed. - This needs to be achieved without negatively impacting the output. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This invention relates to the selection and dispensing of reagents onto the target test medium in an automated laboratory environment. The present invention provides an improved system and method for performing the operation on a central turntable. A plurality of rotary conveyors rotatably attached thereto are utilized. The central turntable position, and the rotation of each rotary conveyor, are controlled by a microprocessor-based control system . A plurality of dispensers capable of storing and dispensing specific reagents are attached around each rotary conveyor . The test medium is arranged at one or more loading stations . The control system turns the central turntable to a position where one of the plurality of rotary conveyors selected can rotate, and arranges a selected dispenser above the test medium . Then, the selected dispenser is actuated to release a predetermined amount of reagent onto the test medium, or onto an impregnated disk in the case of antibacterial . The present invention can be implemented such that a plurality of reagents can be simultaneously dispensed from associated dispensers onto a culture plate containing single or multiple culture media . An example of a suitable test medium is a culture medium. Plate-shaped culture media are well-known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail herein. Culture media and test media are used interchangeably herein. Each of these simultaneously operating dispensers is arranged above a target culture medium (or media) arranged at one or more loading stations .

[0007] One embodiment of the reagent dispensing system has a control system including a processor and a memory . The system has a rotatably attached central turntable that can be arranged in response to a command received from the control system . The system also has a plurality of rotary conveyors rotatably attached to the rotatably attached central turntable, each of which can be arranged in response to a command received from the control system ​​It is. The system further includes a plurality of dispensing cartridges attached around a plurality of rotary conveyors. The mechanical operation of the dispensing cartridge dispenses a predetermined reagent contained within the actuated dispensing cartridge. Optionally, the mechanical actuator is adapted to actuate at least one of the plurality of dispensing cartridges in response to a command received from the control system.

[0008] An example of a predetermined reagent is a disk. Optionally, a vertical plunger is used to dispense the disk from the cartridge. Optionally, the vertical plunger is actuated by a rotary cam, and the rotary cam responds to a command received from the control system.

[0009] Optionally, the reagent dispensing system further includes a plunger assembly that houses the vertical plunger. The plunger assembly allows the vertical plunger to approach the medium on the disk to be dispensed before it is actuated.

[0010] During operation, the predetermined reagent is dispensed onto the surface of the test medium. The test medium is generally the culture medium dispensed onto a culture plate. The reagent dispensing system optionally has a proximity sensor adapted to communicate with the control system and scan and measure the surface of the test medium. An example of a proximity sensor is an ultrasonic sensor.

[0011] During operation, the disk reservoir is placed in the dispensing cartridge. The disk reservoir has a machine-readable identification label attached thereto. The system is adapted to communicate with the control system and has at least one optical sensor adapted to read the machine-readable identification label. The control system has (a) a dispensing cartridge (and the contents held therein) (b) Dispenser with machine-readable label The type of reagent contained in the disc reservoir, or (b) Dispenser with machine-readable label Each machine-readable identification label indicates at least one of the amounts of reagent available for dispensing within the cartridge. It contains information that associates it. Machine-readable identification labels are generally barcodes. At least one of the optical sensors is a barcode reader.

[0012] The culture plate optionally has a machine-readable identification label attached to it. The system communicates with the control system to read machine-readable identification labels. It further has at least one combined optical sensor. The control system's memory contains: (a) Type of test medium contained in the plate, (b) Type of reagent dispensed onto the test medium (c) the position on the test medium where the reagent is dispensed, (d) any additional reagent dispensed on the test medium Type of additional reagent, or (e) on the test medium on which additional reagent can be dispensed. The location of includes information that associates a machine-readable identification label with at least one of the locations. In some cases, machine-readable identification labels typically have a barcode and at least one An optical sensor is a barcode reader.

[0013] As an option, at least two rotary conveyors are mounted concentrically.

[0014] This specification also describes a method for automatically dispensing reagents within the system. The system includes a control system that includes a processor and memory. The system also controls Rotatably mounted cents that can be positioned in response to commands received from the system. It includes a turntable. The system also receives commands from the control system. Rotatably mounted central turntables, each individually configurable in response to the response. The system includes multiple rotary conveyors that are rotatably mounted on a bulldozer. Multiple dispensing cartridges are attached around each of the rotating conveyors. It contains. Due to the mechanical operation of the dispensing cartridge, the activated dispensing cartridge contains Dispense the specified amount of reagent contained within. The system is also held by a culture plate. It contains at least one test medium (e.g., culture medium).

[0015] According to the method described herein, a rotatably mounted central turntable Position the selected rotary conveyor so that it is close to at least one test medium. Place the selected rotary conveyor and rotate it so that at least one sample medium is placed on it. Place the selected dispensing cartridge at the location where the quantitative reagent will be dispensed. Activate the cartridge to dispense a predetermined amount of reagent onto the culture medium.

[0016] Optionally, a predetermined amount of reagent is in the form of a disk. The disk is connected to the disk reservoir. It is then supplied to the dispensing cartridge. When the selected dispensing cartridge is activated, The disc is dispensed via a vertical plunger. Optionally, a cam is selected. Activate the dispensing cartridge. As described above, an example of the test medium is in a culture plate. It is a culture medium that is maintained. Optionally, the surface of the test medium is disc on the surface. The dispensing process is evaluated using a proximity sensor.

[0017] Optionally, each dispensing cartridge comes with an associated machine-readable identification label. It has. Optionally, a machine-readable identification label is held in the dispensing cartridge. The discs are transported by a dispenser. The machine-readable identification labels are connected to an optical sensor. It is read by the control system. The data associated with the read machine-readable identification label is used by the control system. Accessed from the system's memory. The accessed data is (a) in the dispensing cartridge. (b) Dispensing cartridge type having a machine-readable identification label attached, or Available in dispensing cartridges with machine-readable identification labels attached to the cartridge. It indicates at least one of the quantities of the reagent.

[0018] Optionally, the culture plate has a machine-readable identification label attached to it. According to this method, machine-readable identification labels are read by optical sensors. The data associated with the assigned label is accessed from the control system's memory. The accessed data includes (a) the type of test medium or culture medium contained in the culture plate, (b) the type of reagent dispensed onto the culture medium, (c) the location on the culture medium where the reagent was dispensed. (d) Optionally, the type of additional reagent dispensed onto the test medium, or (e) Optional As a point of reference, indicate at least one location on the test medium where additional reagents can be dispensed. It is. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] Features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are described below, in the appended claims, and in the appended drawings. You will be able to understand it better.

[0020] [Figure 1]This is a perspective view of a cartridge-based dispensing system with four rotary conveyors according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] Figure 1 is a top view of a cartridge-based dispensing system with four rotary conveyors arranged to prepare dispensers. [Figure 2B] Figure 1 is a top view of a cartridge-based dispensing system with four rotary conveyors arranged to dispense reagent discs. [Figure 3A] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a reagent disc dispensing cartridge utilizing a cartridge-based dispensing system with multiple rotary conveyors. [Figure 3B] These are side views, front views, and cross-sectional views of the composite cam. [Figure 3C] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a partial cross-section of the reagent disk dispensing cartridge in an unprepared state. [Figure 3D] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a partial cross-section of the reagent disk dispensing cartridge during the preparation process. [Figure 3E] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a partial cross-section of the reagent disk dispensing cartridge in its prepared state. [Figure 3F] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a partial cross-section of the reagent disk dispensing cartridge, engaged by the outer cam. [Figure 3G] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a partial cross-section of the reagent disk dispensing cartridge, fully engaged by the composite cam. [Figure 4A] This is a side view of the reagent disk dispensing cartridge shown in Figure 3A, before it engages with the composite cam. [Figure 4B] Figure 3A is a side view of the reagent disk dispensing cartridge, partially engaged by the outer cam. [Figure 4C] Figure 3A is a side view of the reagent disk dispensing cartridge fully engaged by the composite cam. [Figure 4D] Figure 3A is a side view of the reagent disk dispensing cartridge after engagement with the composite cam. [Figure 5] This is a top view of a cartridge-based reagent disc dispensing system with four rotary conveyors and an X-shaped central turntable. [Figure 6A] This is a top view of a cartridge-based reagent disc dispensing system with five rotary conveyors according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] This is a top view of a cartridge-based reagent disc dispensing system with two rotary conveyors according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] This is a top view of a cartridge-based reagent disc dispensing system with two concentrically arranged rotary conveyors, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] This is a top view of a cartridge-based reagent disc dispensing system with two concentrically arranged rotary conveyors according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] As used herein, the term "turntable" refers to a rotary conveyor 102,10 Used to describe rotatable supports such as 4,106. This term does not mean that the turntable must be circular. However, as described herein, the geometric shape of the turntable is primarily designed The above is the selection. Use a turntable to transport the rotary conveyor to the required position. A rotary conveyor aligns the selected reagent disc dispensing cartridge with the culture plate. The selected reagent disk dispensing cartridge is placed on the selected culture plate. Make it possible to dispense the liquid.

[0022] Figure 1 shows a partial perspective view of four embodiments of the rotary conveyor of the present invention. As shown, the rotary conveyors 102, 104, 106 and 108 are central turn- Each of these rotary conveyors is rotatably mounted on table 110. This rotates clockwise or counterclockwise around the center hubs 111, 112, 114 and 116. They are configured to rotate in each direction. This rotation is microprocessor-based. Responds to the control signal received from the control system (117) of each rotary conveyor. The rotation can be driven by any conventional mechanism well known to those skilled in the art. For example... Examples include belts, gears, or other similar transmission systems known in the art. via a servo motor or stepping motor mounted on the central turntable It is a motor and can be driven by such a motor. Such a mechanism is This is well known in the art and will not be described in detail herein. Similarly, central turntable Bull 118 responds to control signals from a microprocessor-based control system, An electric motor system connected to an electric drive or transmission controls the center hub 1 It is configured to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise around 20. Rotatable plate The system responds to control signals from a microprocessor-based control system, directly The center hub is positioned by an electric motor system connected to the drive or transmission. Such a microprocessor system has a processor 119, memory 121, and various Sensors (optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, etc.), motor controllers, and user interfaces It contains face.

[0023] Each rotary conveyor in this embodiment has 32 radially mounted, removable trial It has a drug dispenser. In Figure 1, for the sake of visual clarity, a group of a limited number of dispensers is shown. The loops (130, 132, 134 and 138) are connected to four rotary conveyors (102, 104 Figure 2 shows the cartridge base of Figure 1. This is a top view of the dispenser, with 30 cartridge-type dispensers 218 attached to each rotary conveyor. The disk indicates that the total number of dispensers in the system is 128. Primer station 202 (from actuator 204 and barcode reader 206) (, loading station 208 (plate platform 122, ultrasound near) (consisting of a contact sensor 210, a barcode reader 212), a composite cam 214, and a camshaft T216 is also shown in Figures 2A and 2B.

[0024] Figure 3A shows a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge-type dispenser 218. The dispenser consists of an outer casing 302, a plunger assembly 303, and a vertical plunger. 304, reagent disk reservoir 306, reagent disk priming port 308, and Includes a machine-readable identification label 310. As shown in the figure, a cartridge-type dispenser 21 The outer casing of part 8 includes insertion guides 312 and 313. Insertion guide 31 2 and 313 are fitted with complementary devices at the mounting position of each dispenser on a predetermined rotary conveyor. This allows the dispenser to be easily removed when needed, while also allowing the dispenser to be used. It can be securely fixed to a rotary conveyor. This click-in / click-out device... This allows for the rapid replacement of empty dispensers with filled dispensers, or the replacement of dispensers containing specific reagents. It is possible to replace the dispenser with one containing a different reagent. Similar mountings are available in the art. This is well known, and it can be made from nylon or other polymers.

[0025] Figure 3B shows a side view, a front view, and a cross-sectional view of the composite cam 214 and camshaft 216. As shown in the figure, the composite cam consists of outer cams 318, 320 and inner cam 322 It consists of the following. The distance (g) between the inner surfaces of the outer cam is the vertical of the vertical plunger 304. It is fixed at a distance greater than the diameter, thereby preventing contact with the vertical plunger. The outer cam can rotate.

[0026] A cross-sectional view of the dispenser is shown in Figure 3C. Reagent disc 312 is located in the reagent reservoir. It is shown that they are stacked inside 306. Generally, they are stacked inside a particular dispenser. All reagent disks that have been prepared contain the same reagent (or multiple reagents). The memory of the stem contains a unique machine-readable identification label (31) attached to a designated reservoir. 0) contains information that associates it with a specific type of reagent disk. The control system's memory also controls a specific dispenser to a specific rotary conveyor (this specific implementation). In this state, information can be stored that is associated with a specific slot (one of the four) above. This information is used by the control system, and the central turntable and rotary control By selectively positioning the bare material, the selected dispenser is placed at a specific location within the dispensing system, and the culture A reagent disc of a selected type can be dispensed at a selected location on the culture plate. Furthermore, when the rotary conveyor is replaced, the configuration sequence will be affected by all standard or rotary changes. It reads barcodes in the surrounding area that are not affected by the sound. This allows the attached disc reservoir This allows reading regardless of the label's position, and enables the creation of a placement map. The disc primer 314 is made capable of moving horizontally within the cavity 316. It is mounted inside the outer casing 302 and is propped by the spring 324. It is shown that it is biased toward the rimming port 308. Figure 3C shows the disk The primer actuator 204 is also shown.

[0027] The operation of dispensing a reagent disk containing a specific reagent from a cartridge-based dispensing system. This includes a central turntable 110, rotary conveyors 102, 104, 106 and 10 8. Plate platform 122, and reagent disk primer actuator 2 The coordinated operation of 04 is required. The arrangement and operation of these components are controlled by the microprocessor. It is controlled by the base control system. The processing operation is performed on the plate platform 12 The process begins by placing the culture medium (126) containing the culture plate 124 on top of 2. This can be achieved by an automated plate handling system well known in the art. Alternatively, this can be done manually. After placing the culture plate, plate platform 1 22 is rotated by a microprocessor-based control system, and machine-readable identification labels are displayed. The barcode 128 is positioned to be read by the barcode reader 212. The barcode is stored in the memory of a microcomputer-based control system. Cross-referenced with the report, culture plate 124 is suitable for dispensing reagents from dispenser 218. You can check / confirm whether it is a plate. You can also use label 128. Orient the plate in the direction of rotation and position the reagent disc relative to the label location.

[0028] As a result of a pre-programmed routine, or received via the user interface In response to the received instructions, the control system controls the central turntable 118 and related Rotary conveyors 102, 104, 106, and 108 are operated to dispense the desired reagents. Align the dispenser (218) containing the primer with the disc primer actuator 204. The disc primer actuator 204 is mounted to the surface of the rotary conveyor. When this is activated, the disk primer actuator is properly aligned in the dispenser 21 This allows access to priming port 308 (port 8).

[0029] When the dispenser 218 aligns with the disc primer actuator 204, machine-readable identification is performed. Label 310 is read by barcode reader 206. The barcode information is controlled The barcode is cross-referenced with your system's memory and instructs the system to dispense the product. Verify that the information is associated with the reagent disk type. Once confirmed, the dispensing process continues. If there is a mismatch, the system will determine that the desired dispenser is not available. It generates an error signal indicating that the disc primer was not properly aligned and positioned. This is due to the positioning system of the central turntable or individual rotary conveyors. This is likely the result of various system failures, including malfunctions. Error signals inform technicians and workers of the situation. Helps to warn to correct. Confirms that the correct barcode / reagent association has been verified. Assuming the control system operates the disk primer actuator 204 Send the command.

[0030] This action causes the reagent disk primer actuator 204 to move the primer of the dispenser. It is biased and pushed toward the ming port 308 (see Figure 3D). This action is electrically It can be a pneumatic, hydraulic, or air-pressure type. Disc primer actuation When Ta204 enters the priming port 308 of the dispenser, the disc primer actuator Diverter 204 directs reagent disc primer 314 toward reagent disc reservoir 306. It is biased, moves through cavity 316, compresses spring 324, and reagent From the bottom of the stack of disks (312), the bottom reagent disk 326 is inserted into the vertical plunger 3 Push it out to the position directly below 04. Then, as shown in Figure 3E, the disc primer act The tuner 204 retracts, and the spring 324 moves the disc primer 308 to its initial position. It is biased to return to its original position. In this state, the reagent disk 326 is relative to the vertical plunger 304. It remains positioned below. The disc primer actuator 204 is monitored, and This confirms that the reagent disk has traveled the full distance and dispensed the reagent disk primer. The actuator 204 does not operate, or otherwise the disc reservoir 306 does not discharge. If the disk is not progressing, it means the disk reservoir is empty or clogged. This indicates an error condition has occurred and a technician is called. The vertical plunger 304 is in this position. Throughout the entire mechanism, it is biased to an upward extended position by an internal spring (not shown). It remains as is. And the control system rearranges the rotary conveyor (e.g., 102). A command is sent, and the dispenser 218 is positioned above the culture plate 124, and plunge The upper parts of the cam assembly 303 and the vertical plunger 304 are positioned directly below the composite cam 214. Make it so.

[0031] After the dispenser 218 is positioned as described above, the control system controls the camshaft 216 (Figure A signal is sent to the drive system (not shown) connected to 4A), and the camshaft rotates clockwise. Rotate the torch 360°. This rotation causes the composite cam fixed to the camshaft 216 to rotate. 214 rotates around the shaft axis, and the composite cam 214 comes into contact with the vertical plunger 304. And eventually push it down completely. This action is shown in Figures 3F, 3G and 4A-4D. It is being done.

[0032] Figure 4A shows a side view of the dispenser 218 before it engages with the composite cam 214. The upper part of the Ranja 304 is attached upward in the extended position by an internal spring (not shown). It is being driven (see also Figures 3C and 3E). As shown in Figure 4A, the outer cam ( Outer cam 320 is shown), and inner cam (its position is indicated by a dotted shaded area). None of the areas (shown in the region) are in contact with the dispenser 218. Camshaft 216 The position is indicated by the dotted circular area. In Figure 4B, the composite cam 214 rotates clockwise. Then, outer cams 318 and 320 (only 320 is shown) are plunger assembly It contacts the top of the Bri 303 and pushes it down, compressing the internal spring (not shown), Move the plunger assembly 303 downwards toward the surface of the culture medium 126. - Note that the cam does not engage with the vertical plunger 304. Rather, the outer cam The gap g between the inner walls is such that the vertical plunger 304 does not come into contact with the plunger assembly. This allows engagement with 303. In Figure 4C, the composite cam 214 is connected to the inner cam 32 This shows that 2 has rotated to a position where it is fully engaged with the vertical plunger 304. When fully depressed, the bottom of the vertical plunger 304 is pressed against the tamper spring 3 With a predetermined force supplied by 28, the reagent is applied to the surface of the culture medium 126 on the culture plate 124. Press the disc 326 (see also Figure 3F). Then the composite cam 214, Figure 4 As shown in D, it rotates a full 360° and returns to its initial starting position. Bridge 303 and vertical plunger 304 (which are biased by an internal spring as shown in the figure) (The part that is not attached) moves away from plate 124 and retracts upward.

[0033] The above two-stage dispensing operation uses a vertical plunger and a static plunger assembly. There are advantages to the system. During the initial dispensing stage, the plunger assembly 303 Engaged by outer cams 318 and 322, it descends toward the surface of the culture medium. Then, the inner cam (322) engages with the vertical plunger 304, and the plunger Extend the opposite end downwards from the plunger assembly 303 and place the reagent disc into the target culture. Press it against the surface of the culture medium. First, lower the plunger assembly to the surface of the target culture medium. By bringing it closer to the surface, the vertical plunger presses the reagent disc against the surface of the culture medium. The distance that must be moved during this process is minimized. The plunger assembly is positioned on the surface of the culture medium. Mechanical stability is provided by approaching the surface, and the vertical plunger divides the disc. The combination of the resulting decrease in the distance that must be extended in order to note, The accuracy and reproducibility of disc placement will improve.

[0034] The self-contained nature of each dispenser offers many advantages to the dispensing system, as previously explained. Thus, each dispenser can be easily attached to and detached from a predetermined rotary conveyor. There are no force connections or complex mechanical linkages. Cam action makes such connections easy for the dispenser. To enable mutual exchange and to physically connect with the operating mechanism that hinders the rotation of the rotary conveyor By avoiding this, each dispenser can be made independent of any dependencies. This is a self-contained characteristic. It also provides a unique guard against cross-contamination. The reagent disk comes into contact with the final test. The mechanism for facilitating the ejection of drug discs is fully integrated into the dispenser. There is no dispensing mechanism associated with the loading station that comes into contact with the disks.

[0035] Dispensing reagent disk 326 updates the control system's memory, and the reagent disk The reagent disk of the dispensing cartridge 218 is stored in the dispenser 306. The count decreases by one. The control system's memory is located on the four rotary conveyors. Maintain the same number of disks for each dispenser attached, and the dispensing system will maintain the same number of disks within the system. It is possible to maintain an accurate inventory of the number of disks in all reagent disk dispensing cartridges. The system will then avoid selecting an empty dispenser and will select a specific dispenser. When it becomes empty, a warning can be issued to the worker (via the user interface). .

[0036] When the reagent disc is dispensed into the culture medium contained in the designated culture plate, additional reagents are added. If the disc is not dispensed onto it, the culture plate is removed from the dispensing system. You may do so. If you need to dispense additional reagent discs into the culture plate, use a microphone. Commands from a processor-based control system control the culture plate. The foam 122 rotates, aligning properly with different regions of the culture medium within the plate, and then... Additional reagent discs can be dispensed onto them. These additional reagent discs consist of four Any reagent disk dispensing cartridge attached to any one of the rotary conveyors It can be dispensed from there. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, 6 between the dispensed reagent disks A minimum radial spacing of 0° is imposed. This allows six reagent disks to be placed on a single plate. They can be placed at equal distances on the board, and the antibiotics have spread from adjacent disks to overlapping areas. Multiple antibiotics (or antibiotic concentrations) in microbial colonies in the region and its overlapping region. Due to the effects of ), reagent disks should not be brought close to each other, thereby reducing the risk of cross-contamination. This can avoid erroneous results and maximize the usefulness of any given plate. .

[0037] The geometric shape of the alternative central turntable, and the number of mounted units Different physical configurations using rotary conveyors may be used without departing from the scope of the disclosed invention. This can be implemented. For example, Figure 5 shows four rotary conveyors (504, 506, 50 The image shows an X-shaped central turntable 502 with 8 and 510) attached. This X-shaped turntable is a circular turntable system as described in detail above. It operates similarly to the M. However, this configuration is related to the distribution of loading station 512. Regarding placement, reagents are dispensed from the dispenser 514 (attached to the rotary conveyor 504). The reagent discs from the dispenser 516 (attached to the rotary conveyor 506) This allows for simultaneous dispensing onto the surface of the culture medium on plate 518. Such simultaneous dispensing allows for simultaneous dispensing. Multiple composite cams may be required, and the arrangement of two reagent disk dispensing cartridges may be necessary. A control system will be needed. One cartridge will be needed for each of the opposing rotary conveyors. Position the reagent discs and simultaneously place them at the target locations on the opposing culture plates 124. This achieves the ability to dispense into two separate plates. This dual dispensing capability allows for the dispensing of plates within the dispensing system. Loop-through is improved. Other turntable / rotary conveyor configurations according to the present invention are shown in Figure Figures 6A (configuration of five rotary conveyors) and 6B (configuration of two rotary conveyors) show It is being done.

[0038] Figure 7A shows yet another embodiment of the rotary conveyor of the present invention. In the installation configuration, two rotating conveyors (702, 704) are arranged concentrically, forming a ring shape. It is rotatably mounted on the turntable (706). These rotary conveyors respond individually to command signals received from the control system. It can rotate. As shown in the diagram, the outer rotary conveyor 702 is positioned radially. It has 64 individual cartridges attached, and the reagent disk is contained in plate 708. This allows for dispensing onto the surface of the culture medium. This dispensing is performed in the same manner as in the previously described embodiment. It is carried out by law. The outer rotary conveyor 702 is connected to the associated primer station (7 10) including a loading station (712) and a composite cam device (714), It should be noted that all of these operate in much the same manner as the embodiments described above. The rotating conveyor 704 on the side has 32 dispensers mounted radially, and reagents It has been shown that it is possible to dispense the squirt onto the surface of the culture medium contained in plate 716. In this case as well, this dispensing is performed at the primer station 718, loading station This can be carried out in the same manner as the previously described embodiment, utilizing the cam 720 and the composite cam device 722. It will be done.

[0039] Figure 7B shows an alternative embodiment of a concentric conveyor. The embodiment shown in Figure 7A. As shown, the outer rotary conveyor 702 is connected to the associated primer station (710) It has a loading station (712) and a composite cam device (714). The rotary conveyor 704 is connected to the primer station 718 and the loading station. It has 720 and a composite cam device 722. Unlike the embodiment in Figure 7A, this embodiment The configuration consists of two rotary conveyors, which straddle plate 716, and the outer rotary conveyor This allows discs to be dispensed from the conveyor belt, as well as from the inner rotary conveyor belt. This allows other disks to be dispensed. These disks are located on both sides of plate 716. Located at the end, separated by a 180° angular distance. Dispensing disks simultaneously or consecutively. This type of dispensing strategy can significantly reduce system throughput time. ru.

[0040] Additional sensors and controls may be included in the system. For example, (ultrasonic proximity sensors) By equipping each plate platform with proximity sensors (such as SA210), a predetermined plate It can sense the surface height of the culture medium contained within the container. This information is then used by the system. The system can be used for multiple purposes. For example, this measurement can be used on the surface of the culture medium. This enables the detection of pre-dispensed disks. This allows for the detection of the culture medium in the identified plate. The system acts as a fail-safe by internally tracking the disk placement dispensed onto the surface. The control system's memory identifies a location on a specific plate that is not occupied by the system. A specific disk is detected or identified as being occupied in the control system's memory. If the sensor does not indicate the presence of the disk at the location, the system will show a clear discrepancy. It generates an error signal. Then, a technician or worker, via the user interface... Handling the problem.

[0041] Using proximity sensors, the quality of the culture medium is checked in real time, and reagent tablets are monitored. Before introducing it, you can scan the surface of the culture medium to check for consistency in height / thickness. Identify plates containing inferior quality culture medium and dispense any reagent disc into the culture medium. Before doing so, it can be removed from the system and replaced with an acceptable alternative. You can also use the microphone to precisely adjust the height of the plate platform. A hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric system that responds to control signals from a processor-based control system. A pneumatic vertical platform height adjustment system is implemented as a function of surface proximity measurement. The plate height can be precisely adjusted. By adjusting the height, each dispensed portion can be precisely adjusted. The vertical plunger of the dispenser ensures that the predetermined penetration into the surface of the culture medium is carried out precisely. This is guaranteed. This ensures that the reagents (multiple reagents are possible) contained within each disk are It is guaranteed that the reaction will occur consistently within and between the specified plates.

[0042] While this specification has described the present invention with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments and other devices can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The claims at the time of filing were as follows: [Claim 1] A control system including a processor and memory, A rotatably mounted central turntable, which can be positioned in response to commands received from the control system, Multiple rotary conveyors rotatably mounted on the rotatably mounted central table, which can be positioned in response to commands received from the control system, Multiple dispensing cartridges mounted around the aforementioned multiple rotary conveyors, Equipped with, The mechanical operation of the dispensing cartridge dispenses a predetermined reagent contained within the activated dispensing cartridge. Reagent dispensing system. [Claim 2] The system further comprises a mechanical actuator adapted to operate at least one of the plurality of dispensing cartridges in response to a command received from the control system, The reagent dispensing system according to claim 1. [Claim 3] The aforementioned predetermined reagent is a disk, The disc reservoir is held in the dispensing cartridge. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 1. [Claim 4] The disk is dispensed via a vertical plunger. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 3. [Claim 5] The vertical plunger is actuated by a rotating cam, The rotating cam responds to a command received from the control system. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 4. [Claim 6] The plunger assembly further comprises the vertical plunger, The plunger assembly approaches the culture medium on the disk to be dispensed before the vertical plunger is activated. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 5. [Claim 7] The predetermined reagent is dispensed onto the surface of the test medium. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 1. [Claim 8] The aforementioned test medium is contained in the plate, The reagent dispensing system according to claim 7. [Claim 9] The system further comprises a proximity sensor adapted to communicate with the control system and scan the surface of the test culture medium for measurement, The reagent dispensing system according to claim 7. [Claim 10] The proximity sensor includes an ultrasonic sensor, The reagent dispensing system according to claim 9. [Claim 11] Each disk reservoir has a machine-readable identification label attached to it. The system further comprises at least one optical sensor adapted to communicate with the control system and read the machine-readable identification label, The memory of the control system includes information associating each machine-readable identification label with at least one of (a) the type of reagent contained in the dispensing cartridge having the machine-readable identification label, or (b) the amount of reagent available for dispensing in the labeled dispensing cartridge. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 3. [Claim 12] The machine-readable identification label includes a barcode, The at least one optical sensor is a barcode reader. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 11. [Claim 13] The plate has a machine-readable identification label attached to it. The system further comprises at least one optical sensor adapted to communicate with the control system and read the machine-readable identification label, The memory of the control system includes information relating the machine-readable identification label to at least one of the following: (a) the type of test medium contained in the plate, (b) the type of reagent dispensed onto the test medium, (c) the location on the test medium where the reagent is dispensed, (d) the type of additional reagent dispensed onto the test medium, or (e) a location on the test medium available for dispensing additional reagents. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 8. [Claim 14] The machine-readable identification label includes a barcode, The at least one optical sensor is a barcode reader. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 13. [Claim 15] At least two rotary conveyors were mounted concentrically. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 1. [Claim 16] A method for automatically dispensing reagents in a system comprising: a control system including a processor and memory; a rotatably mounted central turntable that can be positioned in response to a command received from the control system; a plurality of rotary conveyors rotatably mounted on the rotatably mounted central turntable, which can be individually positioned in response to a command received from the control system; a plurality of dispensing cartridges mounted around each of the plurality of rotary conveyors; and at least one test medium held by a culture plate, wherein a predetermined amount of reagent contained in the activated dispensing cartridge is dispensed by the mechanical operation of the dispensing cartridge, The steps include arranging the rotatably mounted central turntable and positioning a selected rotary conveyor in close proximity to the at least one test culture medium, The steps include: rotating the selected rotary conveyor to position the selected dispensing cartridge at a location for dispensing a predetermined amount of reagent onto at least one test medium; The steps include: activating the selected dispensing cartridge to dispense a predetermined amount of reagent onto the test culture medium; A method for providing it. [Claim 17] The predetermined amount of reagent is a disk held in the disk reservoir of the dispensing cartridge. The method according to claim 16. [Claim 18] The selected dispensing cartridge is activated to dispense the disc via the vertical plunger. The method according to claim 17. [Claim 19] The cam activates the selected dispensing cartridge. The method according to claim 17. [Claim 20] The aforementioned test medium is contained in the plate, The method according to claim 16. [Claim 21] The method further comprises the step of evaluating the surface of the test culture medium with a proximity sensor. The method according to claim 16. [Claim 22] Each dispensing cartridge has a machine-readable identification label associated with that dispensing cartridge. The steps include reading the machine-readable identification label with an optical sensor, The steps include accessing the data associated with the machine-readable identification label read from the memory of the control system, Furthermore, The accessed data indicates at least one of the following: (a) the type of reagent contained in the dispensing cartridge having the machine-readable identification label affixed to the dispensing cartridge, or (b) the amount of reagent available in the dispensing cartridge having the machine-readable identification label affixed to the dispensing cartridge. The method according to claim 16. [Claim 23] The culture plate has a machine-readable identification label attached to the culture plate, The steps include reading the machine-readable identification label with an optical sensor, The steps include accessing the data associated with the machine-readable identification label read from the memory of the control system, Furthermore, The accessed data indicates at least one of the following: (a) the type of test medium contained in the culture plate; (b) the type of reagent dispensed onto the test medium; (c) the location on the test medium where the reagent was dispensed; (d) optionally the type of additional reagent dispensed onto the test medium; or (e) optionally the location on the test medium where the additional reagent can be dispensed. The method according to claim 19.

Claims

1. A control system including a processor and memory, A rotatably mounted central turntable, which can be positioned in response to commands received from the control system, Multiple rotary conveyors, which are held by and rotatably mounted on the rotatably mounted central turntable, and which can be positioned in response to a command received from the control system, A plurality of dispensing cartridges mounted around each of a plurality of rotary conveyors held by the rotatably mounted central turntable, each of which includes a reagent disc reservoir for holding reagent discs to be dispensed from the dispensing cartridges, and a plunger assembly for housing vertical plungers, A mechanical actuator positioned above a loading station, wherein, when the dispensing cartridge rotates and aligns with the mechanical actuator, the mechanical action of the dispensing cartridge brings the plunger assembly closer to the culture medium into which the reagent disc is dispensed, before the vertical plunger is activated, thereby dispensing the reagent disc contained within the activated dispensing cartridge. Equipped with, The test medium is placed in the loading station, thereby dispensing the reagent disc onto the surface of the test medium. Reagent dispensing system.

2. The mechanical actuator is configured to actuate at least one of the plurality of dispensing cartridges in response to a command received from the control system. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 1.

3. The vertical plunger of the dispensing cartridge is actuated by the rotating cam of the mechanical actuator. The rotating cam responds to a command received from the control system. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 1.

4. The reagent disc is dispensed onto the surface of the culture medium. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned test medium is contained in the plate, The reagent dispensing system according to claim 4.

6. The system further comprises a proximity sensor adapted to communicate with the control system and scan the surface of the test culture medium for measurement, The reagent dispensing system according to claim 4.

7. The proximity sensor includes an ultrasonic sensor, The reagent dispensing system according to claim 6.

8. Each reagent disk reservoir has a machine-readable identification label attached to it. The system further comprises at least one optical sensor adapted to communicate with the control system and read the machine-readable identification label, The memory of the control system includes information that associates each machine-readable identification label with at least one of the following: (a) the type of reagent contained in the dispensing cartridge having the machine-readable identification label, or (b) the amount of reagent available for dispensing in the dispensing cartridge. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 1.

9. The machine-readable identification label includes a barcode, The at least one optical sensor is a barcode reader. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 8.

10. The plate has a machine-readable identification label attached to it. The system further comprises at least one optical sensor adapted to communicate with the control system and read the machine-readable identification label, The memory of the control system includes information relating the machine-readable identification label to at least one of the following: (a) the type of test medium contained in the plate, (b) the type of reagent dispensed onto the test medium, (c) the location on the test medium where the reagent is dispensed, (d) the type of additional reagent dispensed onto the test medium, or (e) a location on the test medium available for dispensing additional reagents. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 5.

11. The machine-readable identification label includes a barcode, The at least one optical sensor is a barcode reader. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 10.

12. At least two rotary conveyors were mounted concentrically. The reagent dispensing system according to claim 1.

13. A method for automatically dispensing reagents in a system comprising: a control system including a processor and memory; a rotatably mounted central turntable that can be positioned in response to a command received from the control system; a plurality of rotary conveyors that are held by the rotatably mounted central turntable and rotatably mounted on the central turntable, and can be individually positioned in response to a command received from the control system; a plurality of dispensing cartridges mounted around each of the plurality of rotary conveyors, each including a reagent disc reservoir for holding reagent discs to be dispensed from the dispensing cartridges and a vertical plunger; a mechanical actuator positioned above a loading station, which, when a dispensing cartridge rotates and aligns with the mechanical actuator, dispenses the reagent discs contained in the activated dispensing cartridge by mechanical action of the dispensing cartridge; and at least one test medium held by a culture plate; The steps include: positioning the rotatably mounted central turntable and positioning a selected rotary conveyor in close proximity to the at least one test culture medium placed in the loading station; The steps include rotating the selected rotary conveyor to position the selected dispensing cartridge at a location for dispensing the reagent disc onto the at least one test medium, The steps include: operating the mechanical actuator to cause the selected dispensing cartridge to dispense the reagent disc onto the test medium via the vertical plunger; A method for providing it.

14. The aforementioned dispensing cartridge includes a vertical plunger, The step of activating the selected dispensing cartridge causes the reagent disk to be dispensed via the vertical plunger of the dispensing cartridge. The method according to claim 13.

15. The cam activates the selected dispensing cartridge. The method according to claim 14.

16. The method further comprises the step of evaluating the surface of the test culture medium with a proximity sensor. The method according to claim 13.

17. Each dispensing cartridge has a machine-readable identification label associated with that dispensing cartridge. The steps include reading the machine-readable identification label with an optical sensor, The steps include accessing the data associated with the machine-readable identification label read from the memory of the control system, Furthermore, The accessed data indicates at least one of the following: (a) the type of reagent contained in the dispensing cartridge having the machine-readable identification label affixed to the dispensing cartridge, or (b) the amount of reagent available in the dispensing cartridge having the machine-readable identification label affixed to the dispensing cartridge. The method according to claim 13.

18. The culture plate has a machine-readable identification label attached to the culture plate, The steps include reading the machine-readable identification label with an optical sensor, The steps include accessing the data associated with the machine-readable identification label read from the memory of the control system, Furthermore, The accessed data indicates at least one of the following: (a) the type of test medium contained in the culture plate; (b) the type of reagent dispensed onto the test medium; (c) the location on the test medium where the reagent was dispensed; (d) the type of additional reagent dispensed onto the test medium; or (e) optionally, the location on the test medium where additional reagents can be dispensed. The method according to claim 13.

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