A laser printer adapted to print identification codes on histological BIO-cassettes and CYTO-histological slides

Abstract

The invention concerns a laser printer (1) adapted to print identification codes on histological bio-cassettes and cyto-histological slides, comprising: a frame (2) provided with a casing (3); feeding means (4) for feeding a plurality of bio-cassettes to be printed having a first size; a print laser head (5) adapted to emit a vertically-directed print laser beam; outlet means (6) for said printed bio-cassettes having a first size; an openable drawer (7) adapted to contain a bio-cassette (B) having a second size and to make available at least one upper face (B1) of said bio-cassette (B) having a second size below said laser head (5) for printing identification codes.

Description

[0001] A LASER PRINTER ADAPTED TO PRINT IDENTIFICATION CODES ON HISTOLOGICAL BIO-CASSETTES AND CYTO-HISTOLOGICAL SLIDES

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention refers to the field of pathological anatomy, and in particular the sector connected with the printing of codes on histological bio-cassettes and cyto-histological slides used in hospital departments.

[0004] In particular, the invention concerns a laser printer for histological bio-cassettes and cyto-histological slides having two different sizes, namely a first size with standard dimensions and a second size having larger non-standard dimensions.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] According to current hospital procedures, a biopsy is performed on oncology patients, on the part of the body with suspected tumour, and the sample taken is sent to a pathological anatomy department which carries out the following operations:

[0007] - receipt of the sample, via which an operator assigns a unique identification code to the sample;

[0008] - preparation by fixation and inclusion of the sample in paraffin: the tissue taken from the patient is placed, with specific treatments, inside a bio-cassette to protect and preserve it over time;

[0009] - cutting of the sample and preparation of the slide: from the bio- cassette, sections of tissue are cut and subsequently positioned on separate slides;

[0010] - reading of the slides, diagnosis and reporting: the slide is examined under the microscope by the pathologist for the diagnosis, also by means of automatic systems for scanning and digitalization of the image;

[0011] - storage of the slides and bio-cassettes.

[0012] It is essential for the bio-cassettes and slides to be marked stably and permanently with identification codes, namely strings of alphanumerical characters, symbols, QR codes or 2D barcodes, which guarantee one-to-one correspondence between patient, sample, bio-cassette and slide.

[0013] For the processing and inclusion of macrosections, and in particular for large samples, for example brain, prostate and breast samples, it is preferable to use bio-cassettes and slides having non-standard dimensions. For example, “Super Mega” bio-cassettes are known on the market having plan dimensions 52x80 mm, much larger than the dimensions of a standard bio-cassette (28.5x40 mm). In the same way, oversize slides exist (52x76mm), having the same length but double the width of the standard slides (26x76mm).

[0014] The traditional laser printers used in the field of pathological anatomy, of the type comprising a frame provided with a casing, feeding means for feeding a plurality of bio-cassettes to be printed having a first size, a laser print head adapted to emit a vertically- directed print laser beam, and outlet means for said bio-cassettes having a first size, cannot be used for bio-cassettes or slides having a second size, namely a non-standard size, i.e. with special dimensions.

[0015] From the patent application US 2021 / 122168 A1 a laser printer is known, adapted to mark only bio-cassettes and slides having one single size, namely a standard size, as described above.

[0016] No laser printers exist that can mark histological bio-cassettes and cyto-histological slides having a second size different from a first standard size.

[0017] For histological bio-cassettes and cyto-histological slides having a second size, at present the majority of laboratories affix the identification codes manually; in fact, the identification codes are written by the operator both on the walls of the bio-cassettes and on the appropriate surface of the slides.

[0018] Larger bio-cassettes exist on the market, therefore suitable for histological inclusions of macrosections, provided with an inner cavity for housing a bio-cassette having a first size printable with the automatic printers on the market. The bio-cassette having a first size arranged internally is empty and acts only as a support on which to affix the identification codes.

[0019] This solution, known on the market as “mother ship system”, eliminates the risks of error associated with hand-writing of the codes by the operator, but is a rather impractical and expensive solution. In fact, two cassettes are used, thus doubling the costs. Furthermore, during the sample processing phases, the two cassettes, the larger containment one and the smaller identification one, are separated, with the risk of losing the correspondence thereof and rendering the histological sample anonymous.

[0020] Presentation of the invention

[0021] The object of the invention is to provide a laser printer able to affix, by laser printing, identification codes on histological bio-cassettes and cyto-histological slides of two different sizes, namely slides and biocassettes having both standard and non-standard dimensions.

[0022] The object of the invention is achieved by a laser printer adapted to print identification codes on histological bio-cassettes and cyto- histological slides comprising:

[0023] - a frame provided with a casing;

[0024] - feeding means for feeding a plurality of bio-cassettes to be printed having a first size;

[0025] - a laser print head adapted to emit a vertically-directed print laser beam;

[0026] - outlet means for said printed bio-cassettes having a first size, characterized in that it comprises an openable drawer adapted to contain a bio-cassette having a second size and to make available at least one upper face of said bio-cassette having a second size below said laser head for printing identification codes.

[0027] Further characteristics of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0028] The laser printer according to the invention has an important advantage, namely it allows the printing of identification codes on biocassettes having a second size (different from a first standard size), even in two different positions, both on the upper face and on a lateral face, thus allowing the identification thereof in any storage position.

[0029] The laser printer according to the invention is easy to produce; starting from a traditional laser printer, with few modifications, it is possible to adapt it to printing bio-cassettes and cyto-histological slides having non-standard dimensions.

[0030] Even more advantageously, said laser printer is adaptable to any logistical and storage requirements and therefore suitable for use both in small analysis laboratories and large research centres.

[0031] Brief description of the drawings

[0032] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the more detailed description provided below, with the help of the drawings that show a preferred embodiment thereof, illustrated by way of non-limiting example, in which:

[0033] - fig. 1 shows, in front view, a laser printer adapted to print identification codes on histological bio-cassettes and cyto- histological slides according to the invention;

[0034] - fig. 2-3 show, in section along a vertical plane, the laser printer of fig. 1 , in two phases of use;

[0035] - fig. 4-7 show, in axonometric view, in front view, in lateral view and in section along a vertical plane respectively, a component of the laser printer according to the invention;

[0036] - fig. 8, 9 and 10 show, in axonometric view, a component of the invention in three possible configurations of use.

[0037] Detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention With reference to figures 1 -3, a laser printer 1 is illustrated, indifferently of UV or IR type, adapted to print identification codes (Datamatrix, QR Code, etc..) on histological bio-cassettes and cyto- histological slides having a first size, for example of standard dimensions, and on bio-cassettes B and slides V having a second size, for example of non-standard dimensions, comprising:

[0038] - a frame 2 provided with a casing 3;

[0039] - feeding means 4 for a plurality of bio-cassettes to be printed having a first size;

[0040] - a print laser head 5 adapted to emit a vertically-directed print laser beam;

[0041] - outlet means 6 for said printed bio-cassettes having a first size.

[0042] Said laser printer 1 comprises an openable drawer 7 adapted to contain a bio-cassette B having a second size, with larger dimensions than the first one, namely non-standard, and known on the market as “Super Mega” bio-cassette, and to make available at least one upper face B1 of said bio-cassette B having a second size below said laser head 5 for printing identification codes.

[0043] Said drawer 7 comprises a front wall 8 adapted to occupy a corresponding opening 9 appropriately provided in said casing 3 so that said drawer 7 is accessible from the outside of said laser printer 1.

[0044] As can be seen from the two sections of figures 2 and 3, said drawer 7 is revolvingly associated with said frame 2 so that it can be opened by tilting; said drawer 7 comprises two hinges 10 and said frame 2 comprises a horizontal pin 11 on which said hinges 10 rotate.

[0045] Figures 3-7 illustrate in detail the conformation of said drawer 7.

[0046] Said drawer 7 comprises a first side shoulder 17, a second side shoulder 27, a base wall 37, and a back wall, adapted to cooperate with said front wall 8 to provide a housing compartment 12 for said bio-cassette B having a second size.

[0047] In particular, said back wall comprises a first 47 and a second 57 containment edge, each arranged bordering on said first 17 and second 27 side shoulder.

[0048] Said drawer 7 comprises a spacer 13 adapted to act as an upper stop to keep said bio-cassette B having a second size in position inside the housing compartment 12.

[0049] Said spacer 13 comprises a recess 14 adapted to facilitate the extraction of said bio-cassette B having a second size after being printed: the user can withdraw the bio-cassette B by inserting his / her thumb in the recess 14 and gripping with a second finger in the free space between the two containment edges 47, 57 that provide the back wall.

[0050] Often the bio-cassettes B having a second size different from the standard one, with larger dimensions, are stored horizontally and not vertically due to their bulkier shape, hence printing of the identification codes only on the upper face B1 makes identification, once stored, almost impossible, particularly when using automatic reading systems.

[0051] Therefore, since identification codes must be affixed on several faces of each bio-cassette B, thus allowing the identification thereof in whatever direction it is oriented, said laser printer 1 is advantageously adapted to print also on one side of said bio-cassette B having a second size.

[0052] Said drawer 7 comprises an inclined mirror 15 adapted to receive said vertically-directed print laser beam and to divert it in a horizontal direction.

[0053] In particular, said inclined mirror 15 overhangs said first side shoulder 17 of said drawer 7, and said first side shoulder 17 comprises an opening 16 adapted to allow the passage of said print laser beam.

[0054] Said laser beam is emitted vertically by said laser head 5 but is reflected by said mirror 15 towards a side of said bio-cassette B having a second size, thus allowing printing of said identification codes also on a lateral face B2 thereof.

[0055] To facilitate the opening of said drawer 7, a gripping knob 18 is provided arranged on said front wall 8.

[0056] Figure 8 illustrates a drawer 7 in which a bio-cassette B is housed having a second size, showing the upper face B1 and part of a lateral face B2 on which identification codes can be printed.

[0057] Advantageously, said laser printer 1 is adapted to print also on slides V having a second size, namely with larger non-standard dimensions, further optimizing the use thereof.

[0058] For said purpose, said drawer 7 comprises a slot 19, provided on said front wall 9, adapted for the insertion in said laser printer 1 of two slides side-by-side having a first size or a cyto-histological slide V having a second size, or in any case with dimensions complementary to the dimensions of a “Super Mega” bio-cassette B.

[0059] To facilitate the insertion of the slide V and to keep it in position during the printing phases, said side shoulders 17, 27 and said containment edges 47, 57 comprise a guide and containment channel 20 for the edges of said cyto-histological slide V having a second size, or slides having a first size arranged side-by-side.

[0060] Figure 9 illustrates a drawer 7 housing in a stable manner a cyto- histological slide V having a second size.

[0061] In a possible embodiment variation, said drawer 7 comprises an adapter 21 adapted to be arranged in said housing compartment 12 to reduce the volume thereof and keep in position bio-cassettes B having a second size, namely non-standard dimensions and different from the dimensions of a “Super Mega” bio-cassette, between the latter and those of a standard bio-cassette.

[0062] Figure 10 illustrates a drawer 7 housing in a stable manner an adapter 21 which contains a “Mega” bio-cassette B having dimensions 40x26x13 mm.

[0063] It is clear that said adapter 21 can have different conformations in order to contain various bio-cassettes, while maintaining a maximum external dimension equal to the dimension of a “Super Mega” biocassette, thus occupying the housing compartment 12 of the drawer 7 of the laser printer 1 according to the invention.

[0064] Each type of adapter can be provided with an identification barcode I RFID / NFC antenna (13.5 MHz), such that when inserted in the laser printer 1 , it automatically recalls the appropriate configuration of the print file.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A laser printer (1 ) adapted to print identification codes on histological bio-cassettes and cyto-histological slides, comprising:- a frame (2) provided with a casing (3);- feeding means (4) for feeding a plurality of bio-cassettes to be printed having a first size;- a laser print head (5) adapted to emit a vertically-directed print laser beam;- outlet means (6) for said printed bio-cassettes having a first size, characterized in that it comprises an openable drawer (7) adapted to contain a bio-cassette (B) having a second size and to make available at least one upper face (B1 ) of said bio-cassette (B) having a second size below said laser head (5) for printing identification codes.

2. The laser printer (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said drawer (7) comprises a front wall (8) adapted to occupy a corresponding opening (9) appropriately provided in said casing (3) so that said drawer (8) is accessible from the outside of said laser printer (1 ).

3. The laser printer (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said drawer (7) is revolvingly associated with said frame (2) so that it can be opened by tilting.

4. The laser printer (1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that said drawer (7) comprises two hinges (10) and said frame (2)comprises at least one horizontal pin (11 ) on which said hinges (10) rotate.

5. The laser printer (1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that said drawer (7) comprises a first side shoulder (17), a second side shoulder (27), a base wall (37), and a back wall (47, 57), adapted to cooperate with said front wall (8) to provide a housing compartment (12) for said bio-cassette (B) having a second size.

6. The laser printer (1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that said back wall comprises a first (47) and a second (57) containment edge, each arranged bordering on said first (17) and second (27) side shoulder.

7. The laser printer (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said drawer (7) comprises an upper spacer (13) adapted to act as an upper stop to keep said bio-cassette (B) having a second size in position.

8. The laser printer (1 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that said spacer (13) comprises a recess (14) adapted to facilitate the extraction of said bio-cassette (B) having a second size after being printed.

9. The laser printer (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said drawer (7) comprises an inclined mirror (15) adapted to receive said vertically-directed print laser beam and divert it in a horizontal direction.

10. The laser printer (1 ) according to claims 5 and 9, characterized in that said inclined mirror (15) overhangs said first side shoulder(17), and said first side shoulder (17) comprises an opening (16) adapted to allow the passage of said print laser beam, emitted vertically from said laser head (5) and reflected from said mirror (15) towards a lateral face (B2) of said bio-cassette (B) having a second size for printing said identification codes.11 .The laser printer (1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that said drawer (7) comprises a gripping knob (18) provided on said front wall (8).

12. The laser printer (1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that said drawer (7) comprises a slot (19), provided on said front wall (8), adapted for the insertion into said laser printer (1 ) of a cyto- histological slide (V) having a second size.

13. The laser printer (1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that said side shoulders (17, 27) and / or said back wall (37) comprise a guide and containment channel (20) for the edges of said cyto- histological slide (V) having a second size, thus keeping it in position during the printing phase.

14. The laser printer (1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that said drawer (7) comprises an adapter (21 ) adapted to be arranged in said housing compartment (12) to reduce the volume thereof and keep in position bio-cassettes (B) having a second size but having at least one reduced dimension, namely different and smaller than a corresponding dimension of bio-cassette (B) having a second size.

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