WO2023200324A1

WO2023200324A1 - Device for analysing liquid samples

Info

Publication number: WO2023200324A1
Application number: PCT/MX2022/050033
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jesús Raúl BELTRÁN RAMÍREZ
Original assignee: Beltran Ramirez Jesus Raul
Priority date: 2022-04-12
Filing date: 2022-04-12
Publication date: 2023-10-19

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for analysing liquid samples that has a rotating base to position capillaries, an injection system and a detection system, wherein the rotating base is formed by several vertically-stacked capillary holders each one comprising two discs, an internal cylinder and a motor, therefore being able to rotate independently, and wherein the upper discs are smaller than the lower discs to facilitate access to the capillaries. The injection system has a vertical and horizontal movement, which enables it to be selectively positioned in each capillary holder, thereby having access to all the capillaries. The detection system comprises a light emitter and receiver that are located next to the injection system. All this is connected to an external processor through a communication system.

Description

DEVICE FOR ANALYSIS OF LIQUID SAMPLES

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to the technical field of mechanics, electronics, physical-chemical analyses, laboratory samples and more specifically sample analysis methods, since it provides a device for analysis of liquid samples.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Laboratory equipment is essential in all laboratories in the scientific, industrial and academic sector, since, without them, experiments, health control, quality, process control, etc. could not be carried out.

Only through laboratory equipment are experiments, process controls and quality controls possible. Electronic meters or vacuum devices are the most important work tools in laboratory technology. The scientific sector of laboratory equipment would be unthinkable without this equipment. High-quality analysis apparatus, research equipment or laboratory devices have been developed for professional use and especially for laboratory technology.

User safety has been especially taken into account in the development and construction of all laboratory equipment. Laboratory equipment always has protection buttons, safety valves, contact buttons and thermostats, where they make sense.

A search of the state of the art of devices for analysis of liquid samples was carried out, where it was found that different devices have been developed for this purpose, as mentioned in European patent document number EP1789775 (Bl), with publication date of June 23, 2021, which has the title "METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING FOREIGN PARTICLES OR FAILURES IN A PLURALITY OF FULL CONTAINERS" which describes a method for detecting unwanted objects or failures in a plurality of containers that They have a fluid or liquid that provides a path along which the plurality of containers is transported and moves the plurality of containers along a path. The method further comprises a light source that emits light of a specific spectral distribution, the light source is placed on one side of the path, the containers are at least partially transparent or translucent to light in the specific spectral distribution , the fluid or liquid being at least partially transparent or translucent to light in the specific spectral distribution. The method also provides a camera that includes a CMOS (complementary metal semiconductor memory) electronic circuit to detect light in the specific spectral distribution emitted by the light source, the camera defines a field of view, the path of travel and intercepts the field of view, causing the electronic circuit to emit a digital image comprising a specific number of pixels, the camera recording a sequence of digital images as the container passes between the light source and the camera, selecting a portion of each of the digital images, the part that substantially corresponds to the outline of a specific container, transmitting each of the parts to a digital image processing unit and finally, processing the part of the digital image sequence to detect unwanted objects or failures in the specific container.

The document cited above refers to a device for detecting unwanted objects or failures through the use of light emitters and receivers, but does not show evidence of having a rotating base for placing containers that has different sections. which can rotate independently, nor does it describe that it has a dispenser with vertical movement for placing the reagent and the liquid sample to be analyzed in each of the containers found in the different sections, nor does it refer to that The operation is through a light source and a receiver connected to an external processor.

Another document that was found is the United States patent application number US5585068 (A), with publication date of December 17, 1996, which has the title "APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY SEPARATING A COMPOUND FROM A PLURALITY OF DISCRETE LIQUID SAMPLES " which describes the use of sample preparation columns that are automatically fed to a column transport disk. The transport disk is preferably provided with composite perforations that allow the columns to be easily positioned, transported through a plurality of reagent/gas dispensing stations and expelled after use.

The previous document refers to an apparatus for separating a compound from a liquid sample, but does not describe have a rotating base for placing samples with different sections, where each section has independent movement, nor does it detail having a dispenser that has vertical movement to place the reagent and the sample to be analyzed in the different sections in which they are stored. Where the sample containers are located, another characteristic that is not evident in the previous document is that the preparation, the application of the reagent and the placement of the sample are carried out at the same point.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a device for analysis of liquid samples, which has a rotating base with different sections for placing a plurality of capillaries in each of its sections.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for analysis of liquid samples, which allows each of the sections of the rotating base to rotate independently.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a device for analysis of liquid samples with a dispenser that has vertical movement to move between the different sections of the rotating base.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for analysis of liquid samples that allows the preparation, placement of the liquid sample, application of the reagent and carrying out the analysis of the sample at the same point. An additional object of the present invention is to provide a device for analysis of liquid samples that has an integrated light emitter and receiver for the analysis of the samples connected to an external processor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The characteristic details of this novel device for analysis of liquid samples are clearly shown in the following description and in the accompanying figures, as well as an illustration of that, and following the same reference signs to indicate the parts shown. However, said figures are shown by way of example and should not be considered as limiting the present invention.

Figure 1 shows the transparency of a top perspective view of the device for analysis of liquid samples.

Figure 2 shows the transparency of a front perspective view of the device for analysis of liquid samples.

Figure 3 shows a side perspective view of the device for analysis of liquid samples.

Figure 4 shows a rear perspective view of the structure of the device for analysis of liquid samples.

Figure 5 shows a side perspective view of the capillary holder of the device for analysis of liquid samples.

Figure 6 shows a rear perspective view of the capillary holder of the device for analysis of liquid samples, without capillaries. Figure 7 shows a transparent rear view of the capillary holder of the device for analysis of liquid samples, without capillaries.

Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the capillary holder of the device for analysis of liquid samples.

Figure 9 shows a side view of the guide of the device for analysis of liquid samples.

Figure 10 shows a top perspective view of the guide of the device for analysis of liquid samples.

Figure 11 shows a top view of the guide of the device for analysis of liquid samples.

Figure 12 shows a detailed view of the guide of the device for analysis of liquid samples, with the elevator.

Figure 13 shows a rear perspective view of the elevator of the device for analysis of liquid samples.

Figure 14 shows a front perspective view of the elevator of the device for analysis of liquid samples.

Figure 15 shows a detailed view of the support of the device for analysis of liquid samples, with the analysis elements.

Figure 16 shows a detailed view of the analysis elements of the device for analysis of liquid samples.

Figure 17 shows a view of the capillary of the device for analysis of liquid samples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For a better understanding of the present invention, the parts that make up the device for analysis of liquid samples are listed below:

1. Structure

2. Cover

3. Cooling element

4. Switch

5. Screen

6. Base

7. Capillary holder

8. Discs

9. Drilling

10. Holes

11. Cylinder

12. Engine

13. Capillary

14. Platform

15. Handle

16. Guide

17. Rails

18. Slots

19. Zipper

20. Elevator

21. Outgoings

22. Pinion

23. Actuator

24. Support

25. Suction element

26. Injection element

27. Fixing element

28. Duct 29. Receiver

30. Light emitter

31. Plate

With reference to the figures, the device for analysis of liquid samples is made up of a structure (1) that is prismatic in shape, preferably rectangular and with one of the sides exposed; a cover (2) is installed on the side of the structure (1) that is uncovered; A handle (15) is installed on the outside of the lid (2), this configuration allows said lid (2) to be opened and closed.

At least one cooling element (3), which is preferably a Peltier plate, is installed in the lower part of the interior of the structure (1), which is configured to maintain a certain temperature inside the device for analysis. of liquid samples.

A switch (4) is installed on the outside of the structure (1), preferably on the front face, which is configured to activate the cooling element (3); a sensor (not illustrated) which is preferably a thermocouple, is installed inside the structure (1), and is configured to detect the temperature inside said structure (1); A screen (5) which is preferably LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is installed on the outside of the structure (1) and is configured to display the temperature inside said structure (1). A base (6), which is preferably circular in shape, is installed in the lower part, inside the structure (1); At least one capillary holder (7) is installed in the upper part of the base (6).

The capillary holder (7) is made up of at least two sections made up of two discs (8) which have a perforation (9) in the center; a plurality of holes (10) are found on the surface of the outer periphery of the upper face of the discs (8) passing through said discs (8) from side to side; a cylinder (11), which is preferably hollow inside, is configured to install a disc (8) at each of its ends; a motor (12) is installed inside the cylinder (11) and is configured to transmit a rotary movement in the capillary holder (7); a capillary (13) which is cylindrical in shape, hollow inside and closed at the bottom is placed in each hole (10); said capillaries (13) are configured to store liquid samples.

If the device for analyzing liquid samples has two or more capillary holders (7), the discs (8) at the top are smaller, so that the holes (10) are free to place the capillaries. (13), where each additional capillary holder (7) has a motor (12) installed, as well as the same number of holes (10) as the capillary holder (7) that is installed in the base (6).

A platform (14) is installed on one side of the base (6), preferably in the direction of the cover (2); A guide (16) is installed vertically in the upper part of the platform (14), so that the face open of the guide (16) is in the direction of the capillary holder (7); some rails (17) are located longitudinally in the middle part of the interior of the front face and the rear face of the guide (16); some slots (18) are found longitudinally inside the guide (16) parallel to the sides of the rails (17); A zipper (19) is installed inside one of the slots (18).

An elevator (20) of prismatic shape, preferably quadrangular and which is hollow inside, has a projection (21) on each of its side faces; the projections (21) are configured to install the elevator (20) inside the guide (16), assembling said projections (21) on the rails (17); a rotating element (not illustrated) is installed inside the elevator (20); a pinion (22) is installed on the rotating element (not shown), said pinion (22) is configured to assemble with the rack (19); The rotating element (not illustrated) is configured to transmit rotary movement to the pinion (22) and by means of the rack (19) move the elevator (20) within the guide (16) up or down to align it to the different heights at which the capillary holders (7) are located.

An actuator (23) is installed inside the elevator (20); a support (24) is installed vertically on the actuator stem (23); The actuator (23) is configured to transmit linear movement forward or backward in the support (24) and be able to move it to the required distance to bring it closer to the capillaries (13) that are in the capillary holder (7). A plate (31) is placed perpendicularly on the rear face of the support (24) in the upper part, on said plate (31) a suction element (25) is placed, which preferably has a fork shape at one of its ends. which is in the direction of the actuator (23), and the opposite end passes through a hole (not illustrated) in the support (24), protruding and remaining close to the capillary holder (7); The part of the suction element (25) that is shaped like a fork is configured to connect to hoses (not shown) that are located in the containers (not shown) that store the liquid samples that will be analyzed. An injection element (26) that preferably has the shape of an inverted "U" is installed at one of its ends to the end of the suction element (25) that protrudes from the support (24); The suction element (25) is configured to supply liquid samples that are in the suction element (25) and expel said samples through the injection element (26) into the capillary (13), for subsequent analysis.

A fixing element (27), which preferably has the shape of a fork, is installed in the upper part of the support (24); a duct (28), which is preferably flexible, is installed on the fixing element (27) in parallel to the suction element (25); The duct (28) is configured to introduce an optical fiber (not illustrated) and preferably the end that is close to the injection element (26) is bent, positioning it in the same direction and being able to introduce it into the capillary (13) in which it is located. said injection element (26); a receiver (29) is installed at the end of the duct (28) that is aligned with the injection element (26), said receiver (29) is connected to the optical fiber (not illustrated); a light emitter (30) that is preferably The LED (Light Emitting Diode) is installed in the lower part of the front face of the support (24), aligned with the lower part of the receiver (29). This configuration allows light to be transmitted through the capillary ( 13) that contains the liquid sample, and the receiver (29) captures the distortion of light when there are particles in said liquid sample, and thus sends the analysis information through the optical fiber (not illustrated) to a computer equipment (not shown) or to a smart device (not shown).

The motor (12) and the rotating element (not shown) can be an electric motor, a gear motor, a servo motor or a stepper motor.

The actuator (23) is preferably linear and can be pneumatic, electric or hydraulic.

A potentiometer (not illustrated) is installed on the outside of the structure (1) which is configured to regulate the operating temperature of the cooling medium (3).

A power source (not illustrated), which may be an electrical cord, a battery, a portable charger and/or a combination of the above, is installed inside the structure (1) and is configured to energize the electrical components of the device for analysis of liquid samples.

A general switch (not illustrated) is installed on the outside of the structure (1) which is configured to transmit electrical energy from the power source. power and activate all electrical and electronic components.

A communication unit (not illustrated) that can be through Bluetooth, WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) or UWB (Ultra Wide Band), is installed inside the structure (1 ), and is configured to control the operating parameters, as well as to view in real time and remotely the status of the device for liquid sample analysis through an intelligent device such as a computer, a tablet and/or a mobile phone. .

A microcontroller (not illustrated) is installed inside the structure (1) and is configured for the control and operation of the electronic components.

As a variant of the present invention, a pump (not illustrated) which is preferably peristaltic, can be installed inside the structure (1) that is configured to inject the liquid samples to the suction element (25).

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Examples

The following examples illustrate a preferred way of carrying out the implementation of the present invention, so they should not be considered as limiting it.

Example 1 . Filling and use of the device for analysis of liquid samples. With reference to the aforementioned figures, the hoses found in the liquid sample containers are taken and connected to the suction element (26), subsequently the main switch is activated (not illustrated) and the operating temperature of the cooling element (3) by means of the potentiometer (not illustrated), once the above is done, wait for the temperature inside the structure (1) to be the selected one, which is displayed on the screen (5). Once the temperature reached the selected parameter, the samples were analyzed.

The rotating element (not illustrated) will move the elevator (20) along the guide (16) until it is placed at the height where the capillary holder (7) is located and by means of the actuator (23) the support (24) will be brought closer to the capillary (13) to position the injection element (26) and the receiver (29) on said capillary (13), the liquid sample is introduced and the light emitter (30) is activated so that the receiver (29) performs the analysis detecting the existence of particles inside the supplied sample.

Once the analysis of the capillary where the sample was carried out is completed, the motor (12) of the capillary holder (7) rotates to position another capillary in the direction of the injection element (26) and perform a new analysis. The same operation is repeated until all the samples programmed in the device for liquid sample analysis are completed.

Finally, the actuator (23) will move back to the initial position and the rotating element (not shown) will raise the elevator (20) to its initial position. The invention has been described sufficiently so that a person with average knowledge in the field can reproduce and obtain the results that we mention in the present invention. However, any person skilled in the field of art that is the subject of the present invention may be able to make modifications not described in the present application, however, if for the application of these modifications in a given structure or in the process of manufacture of this, the material claimed in the following claims is required, said structures must be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS. A device for analysis of liquid samples, characterized in that it comprises: a structure (1) that has one of the sides exposed where a cover (2) is installed; at least one cooling element (3) is installed in the lower part of the interior of the structure (1); a switch (4) is installed on the outside of the structure (1); a sensor is installed inside the structure (1); a base (6) is installed in the lower part, inside the structure (1); at least one capillary holder (7) is installed in the upper part of the base (6); at least one capillary

(13) is installed in the capillary holder (7); a plataform

(14) is installed on one side of the base (6) in the direction of the cover (2); a guide (16) is installed vertically in the upper part of the platform (14), with the open face facing the capillary holder (7); some rails (17) are located longitudinally in the middle part of the interior of the front face and the rear face of the guide (16); some slots (18) are found longitudinally inside the guide (16) parallel to the sides of the rails (17); a zipper (19) is installed inside one of the slots (18); an elevator (20) that is hollow inside and has a projection (21) on each of its side faces, is installed inside the guide (16) by assembling the projections (21) on the rails (17); a rotating element is installed inside the elevator (20); a pinion (22) is installed in the rotating element, assembled with the rack (19); an actuator (23) is installed inside the elevator (20); a support (24) is installed vertically on the actuator stem (23); a plate (31) is placed perpendicularly on the back face of the support (24) in the upper part, on said plate (31) a suction element (25) is placed and is installed in the upper part of one of the sides of the support (24) with one end in the direction of the actuator (23), and the opposite end passes through a hole in the support (24) and protrudes close to the capillary holder (7); an injection element (26) is installed at one of its ends to the end of the suction element (25) that protrudes from the support (24) on the side that is close to the capillary holder (7); a fixing element (27) is installed in the upper part of the support (24); a duct (28) is installed on the fixing element (27) in parallel to the suction element (25); an optical fiber is introduced into the duct (28); a receiver (29) is installed at the end of the duct (28) that is aligned with the injection element (26), the receiver (29) is connected to the optical fiber; a light emitter (30) is installed in the lower part of the front face of the support (24) being aligned with the lower part of the receiver (29); a potentiometer is installed on the outside of the structure (1); a power supply is installed inside the structure (1); A main switch is installed on the outside of the structure (1); a communication unit is installed inside the structure (1); and, a microcontroller is installed inside the structure (1). . The device of claim 1 characterized in that the structure (1) is prismatic in shape. . The device of the previous claims characterized in that the structure (1) is rectangular.

4. The device of claim 1 characterized in that a handle (15) is installed on the outside of the cover (2).

5. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the cooling element (3) is a peltier plate.

6. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the switch (4) is installed on the front face.

7. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the sensor is a thermocouple.

8. The device of claim 1 characterized in that a screen (5) is installed on the outside of the structure (1).

9. The device of the previous claim characterized in that the screen (5) is LCD.

10. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the base (6) is circular in shape.

11. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the capillary holder (7) is made up of two discs (8) which have a perforation (9) in the center; a plurality of holes (10) are found on the surface of the outer periphery of the upper face of the discs (8) passing through said discs (8) from side to side; The discs (8) are installed at each end of a cylinder (11); A motor (12) is installed inside the cylinder (11).

12. The device of claims 1 and 11 characterized in that a capillary (13) is placed in each hole (10) of the discs (8) of the capillary holder (7).

13. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the capillary (13) is cylindrical in shape, hollow inside and closed at the bottom. 14 The device of claim 1 characterized in that the elevator (20) is prismatic in shape.

15 The device of claims 1 and 14 characterized in that the prismatic shape is quadrangular.

16 The device of claim 1 characterized in that the suction element (25) is shaped like a fork at one of its ends.

17 The device of claim 1 characterized in that the injection element (26) has an inverted "U" shape.

18 The device of claim 1 characterized in that the fixing element (27) is preferably fork-shaped.

19 The device of claim 1 characterized in that the duct (28) is flexible.

20 The device of claims 1 and 19 characterized in that the duct (28) is bent at the end that is close to the injection element (26), positioning it in the same direction and being able to introduce it into the capillary (13) in which said is located. injection element (26).

21 The device of claim 1 characterized in that the light emitter (30) is made of LED.

22 The device of claim 1 characterized in that the motor (12) and the rotating element are an electric motor, a geared motor, a servomotor or a stepper motor.

23 The device of claim 1 characterized in that the actuator (23) is linear.

24 The device of claims 1 and 23 characterized in that the actuator (23) is pneumatic, electric or hydraulic.

25 The device of the previous claims characterized in that the power source is a electric cord, a battery, a portable charger and/or the combination of the above. . The device of the previous claims characterized in that the communication unit is through Bluetooth, WiFi or UWB. . The device of claims 1, 11, 12 and 13 characterized in that, by having two or more capillary holders (7), the discs (8) in the upper part are smaller, so that the holes (10) are free. to place the capillaries (13), where each additional capillary holder (7) has a motor (12) installed, as well as the same number of holes (10) as the capillary holder (7) that is installed on the base. (6).. The device for analysis of liquid samples of the previous claims characterized in that a pump is installed inside the structure (1). . The device for analysis of liquid samples of the previous claims characterized in that the pump is peristaltic.