Automated Microscope Slide Processing System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automated histological processing systems face challenges such as labor intensity, imprecision, cross-contamination, and high economic and environmental costs due to the use of open baths in dip and dunk machines, and throughput limitations in conveyor-based systems, which affect the accuracy and efficiency of specimen analysis.

Innovation Solution

An automated system that includes a heater apparatus with a circulation loop for convective, conductive, and radiant heating, and a method for processing specimens using robotically controlled slide carriers and fluid dispensing mechanisms to minimize cross-contamination and optimize processing time and temperature control, allowing for precise and efficient staining and deparaffinizing of specimens without shared baths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If dip and dunk machines with open baths are used for automated specimen processing, then labor intensity is reduced and automation is improved, but cross-contamination between specimens and degradation of processing liquids occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of specimen processingVSAvoidcross-contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the processing environment into separate sealed stations rather than using shared open baths. Each staining and processing step occurs in an isolated chamber, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining automation. Slides are transported between sealed stations where processing liquids are contained in closed vessels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A robotic arm or automated transfer mechanism serves as an intermediary to move slides between sealed processing stations without direct human intervention. This intermediary enables automated processing while maintaining isolation between different processing environments, preventing cross-contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If dip and dunk machines with open baths are used, then automation is improved, but processing liquid consumption and economic costs increase due to frequent bath replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of specimen processingVSAvoidprocessing liquid consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sealed chambers that create controlled environments for processing liquids. These closed systems prevent evaporation and contamination, allowing processing liquids to be reused multiple times without degradation, thereby reducing consumption and costs while maintaining automated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conveyor-based systems are used for specimen processing, then cross-contamination is reduced through individual slide treatment, but throughput is limited and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-contaminationVSAvoidsample throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the advantages of sealed individual processing chambers with high-throughput capabilities by implementing multiple parallel stations and an automated robotic transfer system. Multiple slides can be processed simultaneously across different sealed stations, maintaining isolation while increasing overall throughput beyond conventional conveyor systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If open baths of processing liquids are used, then ease of operation is improved, but evaporative losses and oxidative degradation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of processing systemVSAvoidevaporative losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Sealed chambers create controlled environments that prevent evaporation and oxidation of processing liquids. The closed systems maintain stable conditions for staining reagents and other chemicals, reducing degradation and extending their usable life while keeping the system relatively simple to operate through automated liquid delivery mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system achieves high sample throughput, reduces cross-contamination, and enhances the consistency and controllability of staining processes, leading to improved precision and reduced waste and costs, while maintaining elevated processing quality.

Implementation Method 1

heater apparatus with a circulation loop for convective, conductive, and radiant heating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

heater apparatus with a circulation loop for convective, conductive, and radiant heating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

heater apparatus with a circulation loop for convective, conductive, and radiant heating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation: Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS11567091B2Automated processing systems and methods of thermally processing microscope slides

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 VENTANA MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

Methods and apparatus that enable drying and curing a plurality of specimens carried by a plurality of microscope slides. Slide carriers are positioned at a first position while the slide carrier holds the microscope slides. Each of the specimens can be carried by one of the microscope slides. The slide carrier can be robotically moved to move the slide carrier into a circulation loop defined by a heater apparatus. The specimens and/or microscope slides can be convectively heated while the slide carrier is located in the circulation loop.