Sampler for transferring a sample from an automatic pipetting machine to an analyzer, use of the sampler and system for transferring a sample from an automatic pipetting machine to an analyzer by means of a sampler

Abstract

The invention relates to a sampler (1) for transferring a sample (2) from an automatic pipetting machine (3), with a sample chamber (4) and at least one sample vessel (10) therein, to an analyzer (5), comprising - a hollow needle (6), - a first movement device (7), which is designed to move the hollow needle (6) along a vertical axis, - a fluidic line (8), which is designed to connect the hollow needle (6) fluidically to the analyzer (5), - a delivering and dosing means (9), which is designed to aspirate the sample (2) from the at least one sample vessel (10) by means of the hollow needle (6) and to transport it to the analyzer (5) by means of the fluidic line (8), and - a holding device (11), which is designed to fasten the hollow needle (6) to the automatic pipetting machine (3). The invention also relates to a use of the sampler and to a system with a sampler, to an automatic pipetting machine and to an analyzer.

Description

[0001] Sample dispenser for transferring a sample from an automatic pipetting device to an analysis device, use of the sample dispenser and system for transferring a sample from an automatic pipetting device to an analysis device by means of a sample dispenser

[0002] The invention relates to a sample dispenser for transferring a sample from an automatic pipetting device having a sample chamber and at least one sample vessel arranged therein to an analysis device, a use of the sample dispenser and a system for transferring a sample from an automatic pipetting device to an analysis device by means of a sample dispenser.

[0003] Repetitive tasks in the laboratory are increasingly being taken over by automated laboratory equipment. Systems for the automated handling of liquid samples are particularly desirable for biochemical analyses in the fields of chemistry and pharmacy. Liquid handling systems are used for sample preparation and / or analysis of the prepared samples. Such laboratory equipment is also known as pipetting robots or pipetting and analysis devices. The tasks of these pipetting devices include the addition and removal of defined volumes of liquids in laboratory elements, for example, to initiate a biochemical reaction by adding a reagent, as well as the preparation of samples for subsequent analysis in an analytical device, such as sample drying.All devices that determine at least one chemical and / or physical information of the sample can be considered as analytical devices, such as devices for spectroscopy and spectrometry, but also pH and conductivity probes, as well as other devices.

[0004] Corresponding automated pipetting devices contain one, usually several, pipettes, which are often arranged in, sometimes interchangeable, pipetting heads. Simple automated pipetting or dispensing devices simply dispense a defined amount of a liquid, while in larger automated pipetting devices, the pipetting heads can be moved in two or three spatial directions. More complex automated pipetting devices often perform additional tasks such as transporting and handling laboratory elements, as well as mixing and incubating samples.

[0005] A pipette is used to take in and dispense defined volumes of liquid. The pipette is usually designed to prevent the liquid from entering the interior of the pipette. Instead, a pipette tip is placed onto one end of the pipette, into which the liquid is taken up. The end of the pipette is usually conical or shaft-shaped. The pipette tip is, for example, frictionally connected to the end of the pipette and sometimes additionally secured with a sealing element, such as an O-ring. The pipette tip can also be connected to the end of the pipette by means of a positive connection or a combination of friction and positive connection. The liquids are usually taken in and dispensed by means of negative and positive pressure, which is generated by a movable piston. The piston is guided in a channel in which a sealing agent is arranged.By pressure-tight sealing the channel, the sealant ensures that a defined movement or displacement of the piston leads to the absorption or release of a defined volume of liquid.

[0006] After sample preparation using a pipetting device, the samples must be transferred to an analysis device, which analyzes them, for example, for their chemical composition. To do this, an operator must remove the samples from the pipetting device and transfer them to an analysis device. In some cases, a sample feeder is installed upstream of the analysis device, into which the samples can be inserted and which feeds them successively and automatically into the analysis device. However, an operator or a robot is always required to transfer the prepared samples from the pipetting device to the periphery of the analysis device.

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a sample dispenser and a system by means of which samples can be easily transferred from an automatic pipetting device to an analysis device.

[0008] According to the invention, the object is achieved by a sample dispenser according to claim 1, a use according to claim 8 and a system according to claim 9.

[0009] With regard to the sample dispenser, the object is achieved according to the invention by a sample dispenser for transferring a sample from an automatic pipetting device having a sample chamber and at least one sample vessel arranged therein to an analysis device, with a hollow needle, a first movement device which is designed to move the hollow needle along a vertical axis, a fluidic line which is designed to fluidically connect the hollow needle to the analysis device, a conveying and dosing means which is designed to suck the sample from the at least one sample vessel by means of the hollow needle and to transport it to the analysis device by means of the fluidic line, and a holding device which is designed to fasten at least the hollow needle to the automatic pipetting device.

[0010] By attaching the sample dispenser according to the invention to the automatic pipetting device, samples which have been prepared using the automatic pipetting device can be easily transferred from the automatic pipetting device to the analysis device. The sample is in particular a liquid or gaseous sample or a sample liquid or a sample gas. The sample dispenser enables an automated transfer of samples after their preparation or processing using the automatic pipetting device to an analysis device. There is no need for an operator to manually transfer the sample containers containing the samples to an external sample dispenser, i.e. one located outside the automatic pipetting device. By means of the first movement device, the sample dispenser can be moved vertically downwards from a position above the sample container into the sample container and can then suck in the sample using the conveying and dosing means.The sample can be fed directly into the analyzer via the first fluidic line.

[0011] The sample chamber of the automated pipetting device is designed to accommodate sample vessels. If necessary, the sample chamber can be designed to be movable, at least in sections, so that at least one sample vessel can be moved to a position below the hollow needle. The hollow needle can be, for example, a cannula or an injection needle. The hollow needle is a needle with an interior space designed to receive a liquid or gas into the interior space. The analysis device is designed to analyze the sample, in particular with regard to its chemical composition.

[0012] Preferably, in addition to the hollow needle, the first movement device can also be attached to the automatic pipetting device by means of the holding device. The sample dispenser is arranged within the automatic pipetting device, at least with regard to the hollow needle, the first movement device, the holding device, and a section of the fluidic line connected to the hollow needle, while the conveying and dosing means can optionally also be arranged outside the automatic pipetting device. In particular, the automatic pipetting device can have a control unit designed to control both the automatic pipetting device, in particular a pipetting head of the automatic pipetting device, and the sample dispenser.

[0013] The hollow needle, the fluidic line, the first movement device, and the conveying and dosing means can be at least partially enclosed by a first housing. The holding device can be arranged on an outer wall of the first housing. In one embodiment, the holding device comprises a magnetic means, a hook-and-loop strip, a screw connection, or an adhesive connection. Particularly preferably, the holding device can be attached to the automatic pipetting device by means of a magnetic means, e.g., a magnet.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the holding device is designed to fasten the hollow needle to the automatic pipetting device such that the hollow needle can be moved into the sample chamber. The holding device is, in particular, designed to fasten the hollow needle to the automatic pipetting device such that the hollow needle is arranged above the sample chamber. "Above the sample chamber" in the context of the application means that a component, here the hollow needle, is arranged in a plane above the plane of the sample chamber, in particular in a region arranged perpendicular to the plane of the sample chamber. By arranging the hollow needle above the sample chamber, it can be moved into the sample chamber and thus into the at least one sample vessel by means of the first movement device.

[0015] In a further development, the first movement device comprises a motor. The motor is, for example, a stepper motor. The motor can, for example, drive a linear actuator on which the hollow needle is arranged.

[0016] In a further development, the conveying and dosing medium is a peristaltic or syringe pump.

[0017] In one embodiment, the sample dispenser has a switching valve. The switching valve can assist in conveying the sample along the fluidic line or enable flushing of the fluidic line with a rinsing fluid. The switching valve is arranged, for example, between the hollow needle and the analyzer and integrated into the fluidic line. The switching valve can be located inside or outside the automated pipetting system.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the automated pipetting device has a pipetting head, wherein the holding device is designed to attach the hollow needle to the pipetting head. The pipetting head can be designed to prepare samples. Since the pipetting head is usually arranged above the sample chamber, the sample dispenser can also be mounted above the sample chamber by being attached to the pipetting head.

[0019] The pipetting head, in particular, has an end region designed to accommodate at least one pipette tip, wherein the pipetting head is designed to aspirate a defined volume of a liquid into the at least one pipette tip and to dispense the liquid from the at least one pipette tip. The pipetting head is, in particular, designed to be movable at least in a vertical and / or a horizontal axis by means of a second movement device of the automatic pipetting device. By attaching the hollow needle of the sample dispenser to the movable pipetting head, the hollow needle is given additional freedom of movement. Thus, the hollow needle can be moved above the at least one sample vessel by means of the pipetting head, and the hollow needle can then be lowered into the sample vessel by means of the first movement device.For this purpose, it may be advantageous if the automatic pipetting device has a control unit which is designed to control both the pipetting head and the sample dispenser.

[0020] With regard to the use, the object is further achieved according to the invention by using the sample dispenser according to one of the preceding embodiments for aerating a sample in a sample vessel, wherein the hollow needle is partially immersed in the sample vessel and into the sample by means of the first movement device, and wherein a gas is transported through the hollow needle into the sample by means of the conveying and dosing means. In addition to transferring samples from the automatic pipetting device to the analysis device, the sample dispenser according to the invention can also be used to aerate a sample with a gas. The gas is transported by means of the conveying and dosing means. If necessary, the gas can be transported through the fluidic line or a further fluidic line can be used which connects the hollow needle to the ambient air or a gas reservoir. The gas can be ambient air or a defined gas or gas mixture, which can be, for example,provided by a gas cylinder.

[0021] With regard to the system, the object underlying the present application is achieved by a system for transferring a sample from an automatic pipetting device to an analysis device by means of a sample dispenser, with the automatic pipetting device for handling liquids, with a sample chamber with at least one sample vessel containing a sample, the sample dispenser according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least the hollow needle is fastened to the automatic pipetting device by means of the holding device, and the analysis device for analyzing a sample, wherein the analysis device is fluidically connected to the sample dispenser by means of the fluidic line.

[0022] Using the system according to the invention, a sample can be automatically transferred from the automatic pipetting device to the analysis device. After the sample has been prepared or processed in the automatic pipetting device, it can be transferred directly to the analysis device using the sample dispenser. In a further development, the automatic pipetting device has a pipetting head with an end region, wherein the end region is designed to accommodate at least one pipette tip, wherein the pipetting head is designed to aspirate a defined volume of a liquid into the at least one pipette tip and to dispense the liquid from the at least one pipette tip.

[0023] In one embodiment, at least the hollow needle is attached to the pipetting head by means of the holding device. The pipetting head is generally arranged above the sample chamber. By attaching at least the hollow needle to the pipetting head, it is easily positioned above the sample chamber and thus in direct proximity to the at least one sample vessel.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the pipetting machine has a second movement device which is designed to move the pipetting head along at least one horizontal and / or one vertical axis.

[0025] This configuration is particularly advantageous in conjunction with the previous configuration. Because the sample injector is attached to the movable pipetting head, the sample injector moves in the same direction as the pipetting head when the pipetting head moves. This provides the sample injector with additional freedom of movement. This configuration is particularly advantageous for pipetting machines in which the sample chamber is designed to be immobile or only slightly movable, as it allows the sample injector to be more easily positioned above the at least one sample vessel.

[0026] One embodiment provides that the pipetting head has at least one channel and a movable piston arranged therein, wherein the pipetting head is designed to suck the defined volume of liquid into the at least one pipette tip and to dispense it from the latter by means of the movable piston.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the analytical device is a thermocycler for performing a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) on the sample or an elemental analyzer for determining the proportion of at least one chemical element in the sample. The elemental analyzer can be, for example, an optical emission spectrometer, in particular an ICP-OES spectrometer (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer), a mass spectrometer, in particular an ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer), an atomic absorption spectrometer, a gas chromatograph, or a liquid chromatograph.

[0028] A further embodiment provides that the automated pipetting device has a control unit configured to control the pipetting head and / or the sample injector. Preferably, the control unit is configured to control both the pipetting head and the sample injector.

[0029] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the following figures, Fig. 1 - 5. They show:

[0030] Fig. 1: an embodiment of a sample dispenser according to the invention in an oblique view.

[0031] Fig. 2: a design of a sample dispenser according to the invention in longitudinal section.

[0032] Fig. 3: an embodiment of a system according to the invention.

[0033] Fig. 4: a first embodiment of the pipetting head.

[0034] Fig. 5: another design of the pipetting head.

[0035] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a sample dispenser 1 according to the invention. The sample dispenser 1 serves to transfer a sample 2 from an automatic pipetting device 3 to an analysis device 5. The sample dispenser 1 has a hollow needle 6, by means of which the sample 2 can be received, and a fluidic line 8, which is designed to fluidically connect the hollow needle 6 to the analysis device 5. The fluidic line 8 can be designed, for example, as a hose. The sample dispenser 1 further has a holding device 11, by means of which at least the hollow needle 6 can be fastened to the automatic pipetting device 3. Preferably, the first movement device 7 can also be fastened to the automatic pipetting device 3 by means of the holding device 11. The holding device 11 can, for example, have one or more magnets. The automatic pipetting device 3 then preferably also has a correspondingly polarized magnet.Alternatively, the holding device 11 can be connected to the pipetting machine 3 by means of an adhesive, a Velcro strip or a screw connection.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the sample dispenser 1 according to the invention. In addition to the holding device 11, the hollow needle 6, and the fluidic line 8, the sample dispenser has a first movement device 7 for moving the hollow needle 6 along a vertical axis, and a conveying and dosing means 9. In this example, the aforementioned components of the sample dispenser 1 are at least partially enclosed by a first housing 30. The conveying and dosing means 9 can be designed as a peristaltic or syringe pump and is configured to suck the sample 2 out of the at least one sample vessel 10 by means of the hollow needle 6 and to transport it to the analysis device 5 by means of the fluidic line 8. The conveying and dosing means 9 can be arranged inside or outside the automatic pipetting device 3. In the embodiment shown in Fig.In the example shown in Figure 2, the conveying and dosing means is designed integrally with the other components of the sample dispenser 1, which are enclosed by a common first housing 30. The first movement device 7 has, for example, a motor 15 and a linear actuator 21 driven by the motor 15. The hollow needle 6 can be connected to the linear actuator 21 by means of an actuating means 22, so that the hollow needle 6 is moved by a movement of the linear actuator 21 along the vertical axis. In the sense of the application, a vertical axis is considered to be an axis perpendicular to the earth's surface. However, other embodiments of the first movement device 7 are also conceivable.

[0037] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a system 14 according to the invention. The system 14 comprises an automatic pipetting device 3, a sample dispenser 1, and an analysis device 5. The automatic pipetting device 3 is used to handle liquids and has a sample chamber 4 with at least one sample vessel 10 containing a sample 2. The sample chamber 4 can be designed as a movable surface. At least the hollow needle 6 of the sample dispenser 1 is attached to the automatic pipetting device 3 by means of the holding device 11, for example, such that the hollow needle 6 can be moved into the sample chamber 4.

[0038] For example, at least the hollow needle 6 can be attached to a second housing 31 or a rail 23 of the automatic pipetting device 3. Preferably, however, at least the hollow needle 6 is attached to a pipetting head 13. The pipetting head 13 has an end region 16 configured to receive at least one pipette tip 17. The pipetting head 13 is configured to aspirate a defined volume of a liquid into the at least one pipette tip 17 and to dispense the liquid from the at least one pipette tip 17.

[0039] The automated pipetting device 3 can have a second movement device 18, which is designed to move the pipetting head 13 along at least one horizontal and / or vertical axis. In particular, the second movement device 18 can be designed to move the pipetting head 13 along a horizontal and a vertical axis. A horizontal axis is an axis perpendicular to the vertical axis. The automated pipetting device 3 can have a control unit 32, which is designed to control the pipetting head 13, in particular the second movement device 18. In the example shown, the pipetting head 13 can be moved by means of the second movement device 18 along the rail 23 in a horizontal axis and in a vertical axis.The hollow needle 6 attached to the pipetting head 13 is thus movable by the pipetting head 13 along the horizontal and vertical axes, with the first movement device 7 providing additional freedom of movement along the vertical axis, so that the hollow needle 6 can be lowered with pinpoint accuracy into the sample chamber 4 or into a sample vessel 10. The control unit 32 can therefore be configured to control both the pipetting head 13 and the sample dispenser 1.

[0040] In this example, the conveying and dosing means 9 is arranged outside the automatic pipetting device 3, but can also be arranged inside the automatic pipetting device 3. The fluidic line 8 preferably opens into a sample receiving area 24 of the analysis device 5, which is designed to introduce the sample 2 into the analysis device 5. The analysis device 5 is, for example, an elemental analyzer for determining a proportion of at least one chemical element in the sample 2 or a thermocycler for performing a PCR of the sample 2.

[0041] Additionally, a switching valve 12 can be arranged in the fluidic line 8, which is arranged, for example, between the hollow needle 6 and the analysis device 5. The switching valve 12 can be connected to a further fluidic line 33, by means of which, for example, a rinsing liquid can be conveyed through the hollow needle 6 or by means of which a gas, e.g., air, can be conveyed through the hollow needle 6 to ventilate the sample 2.

[0042] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the pipetting head 13. The pipetting head 13 can have a channel 19 and a movable piston 20 arranged therein. The piston 20 can have a piston head 28 which is fastened in an upper plate 27 which can be moved along a vertical axis by means of a third movement device. The piston 20 is sealed from the environment by means of a sealing element 25 which is preferably arranged in a lower plate 26. A movement of the upper plate 27 moves the piston 20 so that a liquid can be sucked into the pipette tip 17 or dispensed from it by means of a pressure change. As shown by way of example in Fig. 5, the lower plate 27 can be connected to the channel 19 via a tube 20 to the pipette tip 17.

[0043] List of reference symbols

[0044] 1 sampler

[0045] 2 Sample

[0046] 3 Automatic pipetting machine

[0047] 4 rehearsal room

[0048] 5 Analyzer

[0049] 6 hollow needle

[0050] 7 first movement device

[0051] 8 Fluidic line

[0052] 9 Conveying and dosing agents

[0053] 10 sample vessels

[0054] 11 Holding device

[0055] 12 switching valve

[0056] 13 Pipette head

[0057] 14 Systems

[0058] 15 Engine

[0059] 16 End area

[0060] 17 Pipette tip

[0061] 18 second movement device

[0062] 19 Channel

[0063] 20 pistons

[0064] 21 Linear actuator

[0065] 22 setting agents

[0066] 23 Rail

[0067] 24 Sample intake area

[0068] 25 Sealing element

[0069] 26 lower plate

[0070] 27 upper plate

[0071] 28 piston head

[0072] 29 hose

[0073] 30 first housings

[0074] 31 second housing

[0075] 32 Control unit

[0076] 33 additional fluid lines

Claims

Patent claims 1. Sample dispenser (1) for transferring a sample (2) from an automatic pipetting device (3) having a sample chamber (4) and at least one sample vessel (10) arranged therein to an analysis device (5), comprising a hollow needle (6), a first movement device (7) designed to move the hollow needle (6) along a vertical axis, a fluidic line (8) designed to fluidically connect the hollow needle (6) to the analysis device (5), a conveying and dosing means (9) designed to suck the sample (2) out of the at least one sample vessel (10) by means of the hollow needle (6) and to transport it to the analysis device (5) by means of the fluidic line (8), and a holding device (11) designed to fasten at least the hollow needle (6) to the automatic pipetting device (3).

2. Sample dispenser (1) according to claim 1, wherein the holding device (11) comprises a magnetic means, a Velcro strip, a screw connection or an adhesive.

3. Sample dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding device (11) is designed to fasten the hollow needle (6) to the pipetting machine (3) in such a way that the hollow needle (6) can be moved into the sample chamber (4).

4. Sample dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first movement device (7) comprises a motor.

5. Sample dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveying and dosing means (9) is a hose or syringe pump.

6. Sample dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sample dispenser (1) has a switching valve (12).

7. Sample dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the automatic pipetting device (3) has a pipetting head (13), wherein the holding device (11) is designed to fasten at least the hollow needle (6) to the pipetting head (13).

8. Use of the sample dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims for aerating a sample (2) in a sample vessel (10), wherein the hollow needle (6) is partially immersed into the sample vessel (10) and the sample (2) by means of the first movement device (7), and wherein a gas is transported through the hollow needle (6) into the sample (2) by means of the conveying and dosing means (9).

9. System (14) for transferring a sample (2) from an automatic pipetting device (3) to an analysis device (5) by means of a sample dispenser (1), with the automatic pipetting device (3) for handling liquids, with a sample chamber (4) with at least one sample vessel (10) containing a sample (2), the sample dispenser (1) according to one of claims 1-7, wherein at least the hollow needle (6) is fastened to the automatic pipetting device (3) by means of the holding device (11), and the analysis device (5) for analyzing the sample (2), wherein the analysis device (5) is fluidically connected to the sample dispenser (1) by means of the fluidic line (8).

10. System (14) according to claim 9, wherein the pipetting machine (3) has a pipetting head (13) with an end region (16), wherein the end region (16) is designed to receive at least one pipette tip (17), wherein the pipetting head (13) is designed to suck a defined volume of a liquid into the at least one pipette tip (17) and to dispense the liquid from the at least one pipette tip (17).

11. System (14) according to claim 10, wherein at least the hollow needle (6) is attached to the pipetting head (13) by means of the holding device (11).

12. System (14) according to one of claims 10-11, wherein the pipetting machine (3) has a second movement device (18) which is designed to move the pipetting head (13) along at least one horizontal and / or one vertical axis.

13. System (14) according to one of claims 10-12, wherein the pipetting head (13) has at least one channel (19) and a movable piston (20) arranged therein, wherein the pipetting head (13) is designed to suck the defined volume of liquid into the at least one pipette tip (17) and to dispense it therefrom by means of the movable piston (20).

14. System (14) according to any one of claims 9-13, wherein the analysis device (5) is a thermocycler for performing a PCR of the sample (2) or an elemental analyzer for determining a proportion of at least one chemical element in the sample (2).

15. System (14) according to any one of claims 9-14, wherein the automatic pipetting device comprises a control unit configured to control the pipetting head and / or the sample dispenser.

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