ES2371983B1 - DEVICE AND PROCEDURE FOR THE PROCESSING OF BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES. - Google Patents

Abstract

Device and method for processing biological samples. # The device comprises a conveyor (6) of sample containers (14), an uncovering and capping unit (8), and a unit (9) for sample collection and transfer to culture plates (15); the conveyor (6) transports the containers (14) in two opposite directions, from an uncapped and capped position (P1) to a sample collection position (P2), and again to the uncovered and capped position (P1) . The method comprises transporting a container (14) to an uncapping and capping position (P1), uncovering it, transporting it to a sample collection position (P2), collecting the sample and depositing it on a culture plate (15); transport the container (14) back to the uncovering and capping position (P1), and cover the container (14).

Description

Device and procedure for processing biological samples.

The present invention relates to a device for processing biological samples, which comprises means for transporting sample containers, a unit for uncovering and capping containers, and a unit for collecting samples from containers and for transporting them. to culture plates; and to a procedure to process the samples.

Background of the invention

Different types of machines and devices are known to automate the processing of biological samples, for example the process of collecting biological samples from a series of containers, such as test tubes containing urine or feces, and the deposit and sowing of these samples on petri dishes containing a suitable culture medium, such as agar. Subsequently, a culture process is carried out for the identification and evaluation of bacterial colonies.

Some machines work from test tubes that are fed to the machine uncovered, which obviously represents an important limitation; in others the covered containers are introduced, and the process carried out by the machine includes uncovering the containers, introducing them into a suitable planting handle to collect a sample and perform with it the sowing of a Petri dish, and recapping the containers .

There are different solutions in the prior art for uncovering and recapping the containers: for example, US6617146 describes a machine in which the containers travel on a conveyor belt to a work station, where four rollers hold the container on the belt and they turn it, while a manipulator with a clamp picks up the cap and removes it from the container, up and to the side.

A disadvantage of some of the known machines for the processing of biological samples is the use of manipulators or robots of the "pick and place" type, which although they allow to perform any type of movement, and therefore simplify the design and are very versatile, they are high cost

In a known machine the containers are introduced one by one on a conveyor belt by means of individual supports, and the belt moves them from an entry station to a work station, and from there to an exit station. At the workstation, a first manipulator uncovers a container and moves away with the cap, so that a second manipulator can advance to the position of the container and introduce a sowing handle into it to collect a sample. Once the second manipulator moves the handle to the sowing position on the Petri dish, the first manipulator advances again with the cap until it reaches the position on the container, and covers it again.

In this machine the containers are fed one by one and require individual supports, which makes the operation of feeding the containers difficult; in addition, the manipulator that uncovers and recaps the containers is relatively complex, since it must give way to the sowing handle and interference between the two manipulators must be avoided.

Description of the invention

An objective of the present invention is to provide a device for the processing of biological samples that allows simplifying at least some units by reducing the electromechanical elements, and thus reducing the cost of the device and its maintenance, avoiding for example high-cost manipulators such as “pick and place” robots, without substantially reducing performance and versatility with respect to known machines.

In accordance with this objective, a device for processing biological samples according to an aspect of the present invention comprises means for transporting sample containers, an uncapping and capping unit for containers, and a unit for collecting samples from containers and for transfer to culture plates; and is characterized by the fact that the transport means comprise a linear conveyor adapted to transport the containers successively in two opposite directions, from an uncapped and covered position of the containers to a sample collection position, and again to the uncovering and capping position.

In this way, the containers are uncovered in one position, moved to another position for the collection of the sample, and returned to the uncapped position in order to replace the cap: the capping and uncapping unit can be very simple movements, since you do not have to leave the passage free for another unit to work with the container in the same position, and you do not need to move the cap to another location on the device. For its part, the conveyor should only hold the containers and move them successively in both directions, and this is simple if it is implemented, for example, as a conveyor belt.

The existence of two different positions, for the uncovering / capping and for the collection of the sample, also facilitates the placement of the different work units in the device.

In short, the device as a whole can be simple and relatively low cost, both for installation and cleaning, maintenance, etc., without sacrificing satisfactory performance.

In particular, the time necessary for the movement of the container from one position to another does not have to significantly increase the cycle time of the device: in fact, the movement to return a first container from the sample collection position to the position of uncovering / capping, and to uncover a second container and move it to the sample collection position it can be done while the other unit, which has collected a sample from the first container, deposits the sample on a culture plate, optionally performs a seeding on the plate, and finally change or sterilize a sowing handle before going to collect the sample from the second container.

The device may further comprise a container loading unit located along the conveyor, and a container unloading unit located along the conveyor.

Preferably the linear conveyor is a conveyor belt on which the containers are held.

In embodiments of the invention, the device comprises container support modules during the processing of samples in the device. The modules are adapted to support at least two containers, and preferably a plurality of containers aligned in the forward direction of the conveyor.

The support modules stabilize the containers and simplify the loading and unloading operations on the machine and, in general, the transport of the containers between the different units; In addition, they can simplify the mechanisms related to the identification, uncovering and capping of containers.

In embodiments of the invention, the container support modules comprise a body with at least two pieces, movable relative to each other to define a position for releasing the containers, in which the containers are housed with play between the two body parts. , and a holding position thereof, in which the containers are trapped between the two pieces.

In addition, the two pieces of the module body can have a recess for each container, the recesses of one piece being faced with the recesses of the other piece to define between them some housings for the containers, and the module presenting means for maintaining both pieces in the position of release of the containers, in the absence of external forces.

To accommodate the containers more securely, the recesses of the two pieces can be equipped with half-shells of flexible material.

According to advantageous embodiments, the support modules are adapted to be transported by the linear conveyor: In this way the containers can be processed while they are in the modules, from loading to unloading.

Preferably, the device comprises, in correspondence with the uncovering and capping unit, means for acting on each container support module and causing the passage of the container release position to the container holding position; Thus, the uncovering and capping operations can be carried out safely and stability, without removing the containers from the module and without needing to hold the container directly.

The device comprises, in some embodiments of the invention, means for loading the modules onto the linear conveyor. In one embodiment, these loading means comprise a first storage tray of the modules, in which the modules are stored next to each other in a position parallel to the direction of the linear conveyor, and a pushing mechanism of the modules from the first tray towards said conveyor.

The device also comprises, in some embodiments of the invention, means for unloading the modules of the linear conveyor; in this case the unloading means may comprise a second storage tray of the modules, in which the modules are stored next to each other in a position parallel to the direction of the linear conveyor, and a pushing mechanism of the modules from the Conveyor to the second tray.

Preferably the uncovering and capping unit comprises sensing means for placing a particular container of a container support module in the uncapping and capping position.

Also preferably the unit for collecting samples from the containers and their transfer to culture plates comprises sensing means for placing a particular container of a container support module in the sample collection position.

In both units the sensor means advantageously comprise sensors for detecting the position of the container support module along the path of the modules, which in one embodiment comprise a plurality of sensors, in number equal to that of the containers that can support a module, located along the path of the modules and arranged to detect a label associated with the modules.

In some embodiments, the device of the invention comprises a code reader for detecting an identification code associated with each container, the code reader being arranged in correspondence with the uncovering and capping position.

In embodiments of the invention, the uncovering and capping unit of the containers comprises a clamp for gripping the cap of a container, located in the uncapping and capping position of the device, said clamp being provided with at least one opening movement and closure to release or hold a plug, and a vertical movement; the grip clamp of the plug can also be provided with a rotational movement around the vertical axis.

It is envisaged that in some embodiments of the device the unit for collecting samples from the containers and transferring them to culture plates comprises a manipulator for at least one planting handle, said means manipulator being provided to move the handle between the position sample collection, in which a free end of the handle is inserted into a sample container, and a position of deposit of the sample on a culture plate, in which said free end of the handle comes into contact with the plate of cultivation

According to one embodiment, the manipulator is suitable for holding at least a first sowing handle and a second sowing handle different from the first, and is provided with means for placing a sowing handle in an active or working condition and any another planting handle in an inactive condition.

The fact that the manipulator can work with two different handles and place each one in an active position

or an inactive one makes it possible to work with samples of different types in the same batch, simply by programming the device so that the manipulator puts the appropriate handle in active position, depending on the identification of each individual container.

Preferably the means for placing a sowing handle in an active or working condition and any other sowing handle in an inactive condition comprise a rotating head about a horizontal axis, intended to hold the sowing handles perpendicular to the axis of rotation. of the head.

In embodiments where reusable seeding handles are used, the manipulator is also provided with means to move at least one seeding handle to a sterilizing station.

Advantageously, the manipulator for the sowing handle is also provided with means to move the free end of the sowing handle over the cultivation plate according to at least one sowing movement.

The manipulator is preferably suitable for moving the free end of the seeding handle over the culture plate according to a plurality of seeding movements.

It may be convenient in some embodiments that the device comprises a platform with rotating means for holding a culture plate in said position of depositing a sample on a plate.

In some embodiments, the device comprises first storage means for storing virgin culture plates, and feeding means of said plates from the first storage means to the position of depositing a sample on a plate.

Similarly, in some embodiments the device comprises second storage means for storing culture plates on which a sample has been deposited, and means for removing said plates from the position of deposit of a sample on a plate to the second storage means .

These storage means for blank plates and for sample plates advantageously comprise a generally cylindrical housing, adapted to rotate about its axis, and having a series of recesses defined at its periphery, each suitable for housing a plurality of plates stacked crop.

In accordance with another aspect, the present invention relates to a process for processing biological samples comprising the steps of:

a) load sample containers onto a conveyor,

b) transport a container to an uncovering and capping position,

c) uncover the container on the conveyor in the uncovering and capping position,

d) transport the uncapped container to a sample collection position,

e) collect a sample of the uncapped container that is located on the conveyor in the sample collection position and deposit it on a culture plate;

f) transport the container back to the uncovering and capping position,

g) cover again the container on the conveyor in the uncapped and covered position, and

h) unload the conveyor container.

In the case of using container support modules, the process for processing biological samples comprises the steps of: i) loading a carrier module with a plurality of sample containers onto a conveyor, j) transporting the module to a position of uncovering and capping, k) uncovering a module container, l) transporting the module with the uncapped container to a sample collection position, m) collecting a sample from the container and depositing it on a culture plate; n) transport the module back to the uncovering and capping position, o) cover the container again, p) repeat steps j) ao) with the other containers of the module, and q) unload the conveyor module once it is They have processed all the containers it supports.

According to one embodiment, at least for step k) the container support module is passed from a container release position, in which the containers are accommodated with play in the module, and a holding position of these, in which the containers are imprisoned in the module.

Brief description of the fi gures

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which have only the character of non-limiting examples to facilitate the understanding of the present specification. In these drawings:

Figure 1a is a general perspective view of a device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1b is a plan view of the device of Figure 1a;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the linear conveyor and the load unit of the container modules

dores on the conveyor;

Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a tray of the container loading unit;

Figures 4 and 5 are enlarged views of a container support module, and one of the parts that

they form it, respectively;

Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the uncovering and capping unit of the containers;

Figures 7a, 7b are schematics illustrating the operation of the sensor system;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a tool with two different planting handles;

Figure 9a is a perspective view of the manipulator and the sample collection area;

Figure 9b is a plan view of the manipulator;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the inoculation and sowing area;

Figure 11 is a view of the storage media of virgin Petri dishes, and

Figure 12 is a view of the storage media of seeded Petri dishes.

Description of embodiments of the invention

A device according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1a, in this case intended to carry out a sowing in Petri dishes from container tubes with urine and / or stool samples.

Broadly speaking, the process that the device must do in this case includes collecting a sample, submerging in a tube or other container a sowing handle adapted for urine or feces, inoculating a Petri dish with this sample, that is, depositing the sample on a Petri dish containing a suitable culture medium (for example agar), and sowing to distribute the sample on the plate. The sowing consists of rubbing the sowing handle with the sample on the plate, following a certain pattern; Depending on the pattern, sowing is called quadrant, radiant, T-shaped, continuous, etc.

In the device, the containers must also be transported and other operations carried out, such as the uncovering and subsequent capping of each container, the identification of each container by reading its barcode or similar, sterilization or changing the handle sowing between one sample and the next, the feeding and handling of the Petri dishes, the labeling or identification of each Petri dish that has been sown in order to associate it with the container from which the sample comes, etc.

The device of Figure 1a comprises a bed 1 with a working surface 2, on which the samples of the container tubes and the sowing of the Petri dishes are made. Below the working surface 2, the housing 1 also forms housings 3 and 4 intended to store the virgin Petri dishes and the seeded Petri dishes, respectively.

In bench 1, the appropriate fairings and gates are also arranged to isolate the work area and the housings, in order to maintain the necessary hygiene conditions and visualize the process.

The device includes a programming and control unit 5, with the display means and the appropriate data input means.

Mounted on work surface 2, which can also be seen on the floor in Figure 1b, there are:

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a linear conveyor 6 to move the containers along a direction of advance on the work surface 2;

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a loading unit 7 to feed the containers containing the urine and / or stool samples to the conveyor 6;

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an uncovering and capping area of the containers, to remove the cap of each container and then reinstalling it, with a corresponding uncovering and capping unit 8;

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a sample collection area with a sample manipulator 9, to collect the samples from the containers and be able to inoculate / sow with them the culture plates;

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a discharge unit 10 to remove the containers from the conveyor once the samples have been processed;

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a zone of inoculation and sowing, where the samples are deposited on the Petri dishes, and in which there are means of handling 11 of the plates.

On figure 1b, the three positions P1, P2 and P3 have been indicated in which, as will be explained later, the operations of uncovering / capping a container, collecting a sample from a container, and depositing the sample are carried out. on a Petri dish, respectively.

Each of the elements present on the work surface are described in more detail below.

2.

Figure 2 shows the linear conveyor 6 and the loading unit 7. The conveyor 6 comprises a conveyor belt 61, fed by a reversible motor 62, and has a longitudinal guide 63 to adequately drive the containers.

The loading unit 7 comprises a tray 71 with the bottom partially open, on which are arranged next to each other, as shown in Figure 2, a series of modules 13 each of which holds a plurality of sample containers 14, each with its corresponding cap; Tray 71 is manually loaded with the container modules to be processed, and then placed in the device, in the position indicated in Figure 2.

The charging unit 7 has an electric actuator 72 with a pusher 73 intended to push the modules 13 until one of them is arranged on the conveyor belt 61, supported against the guide 63. The actuator 72 will normally be installed under the work surface. 2 (not shown in Figure 2), which will have a suitable opening for pusher 73.

Thus, once the tray 71 is placed in position, the loading unit 7 pushes the first module 13 of the tray 71 on the conveyor 6, which will move the module (initially to the right in the fi gures) to the uncovering and capping unit 8 to start processing the containers of the first module. Once the containers have been processed and the conveyor module 6 has been ejected, the loading operation will be repeated with the next module 13 of the tray 71.

The tray 71 comprises, as seen in the detail view of Figure 3, a bottom 74 with an opening, fixed walls 75 on three sides, a front cover 76 which serves to prevent the modules from falling when the tray is handled and transported by an operator, and which can be pivoted so that it is parallel to the base and allows the exit of the modules 13, and a guide 77 to guide the modules 13 in their displacement.

Next, the structure of the modules 13 according to an embodiment of the invention will be described, with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

Each module 13 comprises an elongated body formed by two pieces 131a, 131b having a series of semi-cylindrical recesses 132 (see Figure 5), facing those of one piece with those of the other, so that between the two pieces a series is defined of accommodation for containers; in the recesses 132 half-shells 133 of flexible material are arranged.

Therefore, the module can hold several containers 14 (seven in the example of the fi gures), which are aligned in the longitudinal direction thereof, which is, as can be seen in Figure 2, the direction of travel of the conveyor 6.

The two pieces 131a, 131b are movable relative to each other, so that they can approach and move slightly away so that the body of the module 13 can successively assume two different positions: a position for releasing the containers, in which the containers 14 are housed with play between the two pieces 131a and 131b of the body, and a holding position of the containers, in which the containers are trapped between the two pieces.

The module presents the necessary construction elements so that the two pieces 131a and 131b form a stable body, such as screws 136 only partially threaded, with the head housed in the piece 131b and threaded in the piece 131a, so that the part 131b can slide along the unthreaded part of screw 136; and also springs 137 or similar elements to keep them slightly separated from each other, so that with the system at rest, in the absence of external forces, the module 13 is in the position of release of the containers, facilitating insertion and removal of the containers of the same.

As seen in the figures, the pieces 131a, 131b that form the body have a cutout 134 at one end, intended to cooperate with the guide 77 of the tray 71 so that the modules move correctly during loading.

Figure 6 shows in an overview the container uncovering and capping unit 8. The unit 8 is located along the conveyor 6, in an uncovering and capping area adjacent to the loading area of the modules to the conveyor.

This unit comprises a series of sensors, designed to allow successively placing the different module containers in an uncapped and capped position for individual processing.

First, the unit 8 comprises seven inductive sensors 81, located along the path of the modules 13 in this area and intended to detect a small metal plate 135 (Figure 4) that is associated with the modules 13 a label mode, in order to determine the position of the module in the area and therefore determine which container 14v is located in the uncapped and capped position.

The term "tag" is used herein to indicate any type of element that is arranged to be detected by a sensor, and in other embodiments its specific form will depend on the sensor used. For example, the label could consist of a printed mark to be detected by an optical sensor.

Figures 7a, 7b show how the inductive sensor system 81 operates to successively place the containers of a module in the uncovering and capping position: the figures represent schematically, in plan, the arrangement in unit 8 of the position of uncovered and capped P1, the seven inductive sensors 81, numbered as S1, S2, ... S7, and the successive positions of a module 13 with seven containers C1, C2, ... C7.

When a module 13 has been loaded onto the conveyor 6 and advances towards the uncovering and capping unit, the sensor S1 is activated in the sensor system. When the sensor S1 detects the tag 135 of the module 13, the movement stops (Figure 7a); Since the active sensor is S1, the system knows that the container present in the uncapping and capping position P1 is the first of the module, the container C1.

Once the container C1 has been uncovered, the module 13 with the uncapped container C1 moves to the sample manipulator 9 (to the right in the fi gure) for processing the sample of C1, as will be explained later. After processing, the conveyor 6 moves the module 13 in the opposite direction, again to the uncovering and capping unit. Since S1 is the active sensor, module 13 will be placed back in the position of Figure 7a, where the container cap C1 will be replaced.

Then the sensor S1 is deactivated and the sensor S2 is activated, and the conveyor 6 is advanced with the module 13 again to the right, until the sensor S2 detects the tag 135: at this time the module is stopped again 13, and it will be the second container C2 that faces the uncovering and capping position P1, as shown in Figure 7b.

The cycle is repeated, successively activating the sensors S3, S4, S5, S6 and S7, until all the containers of a module have been uncovered, processed, and recapped.

Referring again to Figure 6, the unit 8 also comprises a sensor 82, for example a capacitive sensor or an optical sensor, arranged to confirm the presence of a container 14 in the module housing that is in the uncapped position. and covered. If the sensor 82 does not detect the presence of a container, which would indicate that one of the housings of the module 13 is empty, the inductive sensor 81 active at that time would be deactivated and the next one activated, in order to advance the module a position.

On the other hand, also in correspondence with the uncapping and capping position, a code reader 83, for example a bar code reader, is placed to be able to detect the identification code that is associated with each tube or container and that identifies precisely the sample contained in the tube. In the fi gures the support of the reader 83 on the bench has been omitted for greater clarity.

To remove the caps from the containers, and then replace them, the unit 8 has a manipulator 84 with a clamp 85 for holding the cap; The clip 85 can move in the vertical direction, can be opened and closed to hold or release the plug, and can rotate around the vertical axis.

Finally, next to the linear conveyor 6, and on the opposite side of the guide 63, an actuator 86 is provided, for example an electric or pneumatic cylinder, suitable for acting on the module 13 which is in the uncovering and capping zone and make it move from the position of release of the containers to the position of holding or blocking them. The fastening of the containers will be necessary, for example, when removing the cap from a container.

Thus, unit 8 is arranged to perform the following sequence of operations when the module advances and a container stops in the uncapping and capping position P1:

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sensor 82 confirms the presence of a container;

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the clamp 85 descends open until it reaches the cap that is on the container, and closes to hold the cap,

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the clamp 85 is raised, dragging the cap and the container associated therewith, until the container is placed in front of the code reader 83,

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the clip 85 performs a 360 ° rotation so that the code reader 83 detects the code of the container,

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the clamp 85 descends until the container resumes in module 13,

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the actuator 86 presses the module 13 against the guide 63 of the conveyor 6, so that the module 13 passes to a locked position of the containers,

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the clamp 85 performs a lifting and rotating movement, separates the cap from the container, and stops,

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actuator 86 is removed, releasing the containers in the module.

Next, the conveyor 6 drives the module 13 with the uncapped container towards the sample manipulator 9, expects the sample from inside the container to be collected (as will be explained later), and drives the module back to the uncovering unit 8 and covered. When module 13 moves back and the uncapped container stops again in position P1, unit 8 performs the following sequence of operations:

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the actuator 86 again presses the module, which goes into a position of blocking the containers, -the clamp 85 performs a downward and rotating movement, replacing the cap on the container,

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the clip 85 opens to release the plug, rises and stops.

Next, the sample manipulator 9 will be described, that is the unit to collect the samples from the containers, in a sample collection area, and then transfer them to Petri dishes to inoculate the culture medium and perform a seeding, in an area of inoculation and sowing. The manipulator 9 is shown as a whole in Figures 9a and 9b.

First of all, it should be noted that the collection of the sample from a container and the inoculation and sowing on a Petri dish is carried out by means of a tool called “sowing handle” (Figure 8). The sowing handle generally comprises a wire that forms a small ring at its end, which is immersed in the sample and collects a small amount of liquid in the ring, by surface tension. Reusable planting handles are sterilized after each use, to avoid contamination between one sample and another.

Therefore, the sample manipulator 9 has the main function of holding a sowing handle to lead it to the different positions (harvesting, sowing, sterilization) and performing the necessary movements for sowing.

In the embodiment shown, in the sample manipulator 9 two planting handles are mounted simultaneously, different from each other, for example one suitable for feces and another suitable for urine. For each container from which a sample must be collected, and depending on the type of sample to be collected, the manipulator places a sowing handle in active or working condition, and the other sowing handle in an inactive condition.

Figure 8 shows a tool 90 that includes two sowing handles 91 and 92, the first one suitable for urine samples and the second one suitable for stool samples. The extended details of the figure allow us to appreciate the difference between the two. Handles 91 and 92 protrude in opposite directions from a common base that presents means for attachment to the manipulator 9.

The manipulator 9 has a head 94, provided with the possibility of displacement along the three axes X, Y, Z, and rotating around a horizontal axis (Y axis). The tool 90 is fixed to the head 94, with the sowing handles 91, 92 perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the head.

More specifically, in the specific embodiment shown, the manipulator 9 comprises: a first horizontal guide 95, fixed to the bench, along which a carriage 96 can be moved (direction X); a second guide 97, mounted on the carriage 96, which is horizontal and perpendicular to the first guide 95, along which another carriage 98 can be moved (direction Y); and a third guide 99, mounted on the carriage 98, which is vertical, along which the head 94 can be moved (direction Z).

Spindle rotation is indicated by arrow F3 in the enlarged detail visible in Figure 10.

Thanks to the three displacements and the rotation of the head, the manipulator 9 can perform all the necessary movements, including a plurality of different sowing movements on the Petri dish, depending on the needs of each case.

In the vicinity of the manipulator 9, the sterilizer 130 for the sowing handle is located, which can be for example an incinerator that sterilizes by infrared. The manipulator 9 horizontally sets the active seeding handle with which a plate has been seeded, and inserts its end into the sterilizer 130 for the necessary time.

The sample collection area with the collection position P2, where the sowing handle is inserted into the containers that have been previously uncapped, is along the path of the linear conveyor 6, following the uncovering and capping area (to the left in Figures 1a and 1b).

In this zone there are seven inductive sensors 120, analogous to the sensors 81 of the uncovering and capping zone and which are activated and deactivated in the same way; if, for example, the first container C1 of a module 13 has been uncovered, the sensors 120 in the collection zone are configured so that the module stops when the container C1 is located in the collection position P2.

When the module 13 stops with an uncapped container in the sample collection position P2, the manipulator 9 then performs the following sequence of operations:

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keeping the handle vertical, the head 94 descends to introduce the free end of the handle into the container, and rises again,

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with displacements along the axes X, Y, Z, and a rotation of the head 94 to tilt the handle, the manipulator 9 moves the free end of the handle with the sample to a position P3 of inoculation and seeding, where there is a Petri dish 15 with a culture medium,

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the manipulator 9 contacts the free end of the handle with the culture medium in the plate, and performs a programmed sowing movement with the free end of the handle,

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head 94 raises the handle again, and rotates to place it horizontally;

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the head 94 moves the handle to the sterilizer 130 and introduces it therein the necessary time,

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head 94 removes the handle from the sterilizer, and rotates to place one of the handles in active position to collect the next sample.

Obviously, the device control unit derives the information about the handle 91 or 92 that must be placed in an active position from the reading of the container code, which is carried out in the uncovering and capping area, and governs the movements of the manipulator 9 accordingly .

Once all the containers of a module 13 have been processed, the conveyor 6 places the module in a suitable position so that the discharge unit 10 (Figures 1a, 1b) removes the module 13 from the conveyor.

The discharge unit comprises a tray 101, equal to the tray 71 described above, and an actuator 102, such as an electric or pneumatic cylinder, which comes into contact with the side wall of the module 13 above the guide 63 of the conveyor The actuator 102 pushes the module 13 out of the conveyor 6 until it is housed in the tray 101, while pushing the modules already in the tray.

On the working surface 2, on the left side in Figure 1b, a deposit area of a sample on a plate, or inoculation and sowing area, can be defined, which can be seen in Figure 10, in which it has been the head 94 of the manipulator 9 is also shown with the sowing handles 91 and 92. In this area a position P3 for depositing a sample on a plate, or for inoculating and sowing the plate, is defined, which is the position where they are placed successively the Petri dishes 15 so that the sowing handle 91 or 92 performs the corresponding operations on the plate 15.

In the vicinity of the position P3 there are manipulation means 11 of the plates 15, and two openings 21 and 22 made in the working surface 2: the first is for the entrance of the virgin Petri dishes 15 from the housing 3 located below of the work surface 2 (see Figure 1a), and the second is for the output of the Petri dishes 15 already seeded into the housing 4 also located below the work surface 2.

The handling means 11 of the plates comprise a clamp 111, which can be opened and closed, rotated around a horizontal axis (see arrow F1) to rise, and rotated around a vertical axis (see arrow F2) to move a plate of one point to another in the inoculation zone.

The virgin Petri dishes 15 are stored in storage means, which will be described later, inside the housing 3; from these storage means a plate 15 is ejected upwards through the opening 21; Then the clamp 111 is closed by taking the plate and without rising, it rotates around the vertical axis (arrow F1), driving the plate to one side by sliding it on the working surface 2, to place it in the position P3 of deposit of a sample, and then rotate around the horizontal axis (arrow F2) to raise the cover of the plate 15 and leave the plate open.

In this way, the plate 15 is ready for sowing by the manipulator 9 with the sowing handle 91 or 92.

Once the plate 15 is planted, the clamp descends again to replace the cover, and then pushes the plate, by a further rotation around the vertical axis, to the outlet opening 22. In correspondence with the opening 22 a exit ramp, which will be described later.

It is also provided that when the plate 15 is in the position P3 of the sample deposit, an identification code is printed thereon, or a label with an identification code is placed, so that the plate can be associated with the sample concrete and / or the container from which it comes; alternatively, the plates could have a printed code before being introduced into the device, and the device control unit would software associate a container with a corresponding Petri dish.

In order to allow several sowing patterns to be made on the plates 15 in a simple manner, it is also provided that in the sample deposit position P3 there is a rotating platform or support (not shown) that allows printing a rotation to the plates 15 of so that sowing could be done by combining a rotation of the plate with movements of the sowing handle.

The storage means 16, 17 of the Petri dishes in the housings 3 and 4 of the device, under the working surface 2, are described below with reference to Figures 11 and 12.

In Figure 11, the storage means 16 of the blank plates comprise an inlet rotor 161 and a plate lifter 162. In the figure, the clip 111 for the handling of the plates described above is also shown, but has been omitted for greater clarity the work surface 2 with the opening 21 for the passage of the plates.

As can be seen, the rotor 161 has a general cylindrical shape, with a series of recesses 163 at its periphery, in which columns of Petri dishes are stored, one above the other; in each column there can be for example 18 plates. A motor (not shown) allows the rotor 161 to rotate about its vertical axis, to successively place one of the columns under the opening 22 of the working surface 2.

The base of the recesses 163 of the rotor is partially open, to give way to a finger 164 associated with the elevator 162, which is responsible for pushing the column of plates 15 upwards, until the first plate crosses the opening 22 until reaching the height of the working surface 2 so that the clamp 111 places it in the position of the sample container.

Figure 12, for its part, shows the storage means 17 of the plates already sown, comprising an exit rotor 171, an elevator 172, and a ramp for lowering the plates 175.

The output rotor 171 is configured similarly to the input rotor 161, with recesses to accommodate plate columns, but in this case the base of the recesses 173 is fully open, so that seeded Petri dishes can be introduced from the bottom . Unidirectional retention means are arranged on the wall of the recesses 173 to allow the plates to be pushed upwards in the recesses 173 overcoming the retention means, but instead cannot overcome the retention means in the opposite direction, so that are retained in the recesses, supported on the retention means. The retaining means can be constituted by examples of pivots 176 perpendicular to the side wall of the recesses, which can be elastically bent upwards to allow the plates to pass upwards.

The exit ramp 175 of the plates is arranged to collect the plates 15 at the level of the working surface 2, through the opening 22, and drive them by gravity to the base of one of the recesses 173 of the rotor 171. The end of the ramp 175 (not visible in the fi gure) it has the partially open bottom, so that a finger 174 associated with the elevator 172 can pass through it, which drives the plates upwards into the recess 173, pushing all the column of plates, until they are housed above the retention means.

Alternatively, the exit of the plates could also be carried out without ramp 175, with an inverse operation to that performed for the entrance: that is, by making the finger 174 of the elevator 172 maintain the entire plate column of one of the recesses 173 with the upper plate just below the work surface, so that the projecting plate was deposited on it, and then descended so that this last plate was just below the work surface; in this case the base of the recess 173 would not be completely open, but analogous to that of the recesses of the inlet rotor, in order to hold the plate column once full.

In cases where you want to work for example with batches of containers that include both urine samples and stool samples, which generally require different culture media in Petri dishes, it will be sufficient to place columns of Petri dishes with a first medium of culture in some of the recesses 163 of the inlet rotor 161, and once planted place them in some of the recesses 173 of the exit rotor 171, and place columns of Petri dishes with a second different culture medium in the other recesses 163 of the input rotor 161, and once planted place them in the other recesses 173 of the output rotor 171.

When the barcode of a given container of the batch is read, with a sample to be processed, the control unit sets the type of sample, drives the manipulator 9 to place the appropriate sowing handle 91 or 92 in active position, and drives also the rotation motors of the input rotor 161 and the output rotor 171 to place them with the plate column suitable for that sample in correspondence with the elevator 162 and the ramp 175, respectively.

The following describes the set of the procedure performed by the device.

To prepare the device, an operator fills with urine sample containers and / or feces to process a tray 71 of modules 13, places the tray in position in the loading unit 7; it places in the appropriate housings 3 and 4 an input rotor 161 with virgin Petri dishes and an empty output rotor 171; and program the necessary parameters in the programming and control unit 5.

The following process is basically performed on the device:

-

the loading unit 7 pushes the first module 13 on the conveyor 6;

-

the conveyor 6 takes the module 13 to the uncovering and capping unit 8, where the barcode of the first container is read and the container is uncovered; meanwhile, a first virgin Petri dish is supplied from the input rotor 161 to the inoculation and seeding position P3;

-

the conveyor 6 takes the module 13 to the sample collection unit 9, where the head 94 collects the sample from the uncapped container with a sowing handle 91 or 92, and sows the Petri dish with it;

-

the conveyor 6 brings the module back to the uncovering and capping unit 8, where the first container is recapped and the conveyor 6 advances to process the next container; Meanwhile, the head 94 carries the sowing handle to the sterilizer 130, and the first seeded Petri dish is removed from the work surface 2 and stored in the output rotor 171;

-

the same operations are repeated for the other containers that are present in module 13, so that a Petri dish is planted for each container;

-

the discharge unit 10 pushes the conveyor module to a tray 101;

-

operations are repeated with the next module in tray 71.

At the end of the process, the operator will remove tray 101 with the containers already processed, and the output rotor with the seeded Petri dishes.

In addition to these described steps, the device will obviously perform the rest of the necessary operations such as activating and deactivating sensors 81 and 120 properly, identifying the seeded Petri dishes, etc.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described, the person skilled in the art will be able to modify elements and details of the device according to the needs of each case.

For example, although in the device according to the described embodiment reusable seeding handles are used which are sterilized between one sample and the next, in other embodiments the device could use disposable type handles, in which case instead of a Sterilizer the device would present a supplier of new handles and a tank of used handles, and the manipulator 9 would be appropriate for the corresponding operations.

Although an embodiment of the invention has been described in which Petri dishes are inoculated and seeded, provided with a culture medium, with urine or feces samples, in order to perform bacterial cultures, a device with the essential characteristics of the present invention could also be used for another type of biological sample processing: for example, it could be used to perform antibiograms, of the type used to determine the sensitivity of a bacterial colony to an antibiotic or group of antibiotics: in this case the Sample containers would contain samples of the bacteria to be studied, and Petri dishes would include antibiotics, but the process performed by the sample processing device would be similar.

It should also be noted that modules for supporting a plurality of containers, preferably aligned, with the characteristic of having two moving parts that define a release position and a holding position of the containers, and in particular modules with the described configuration, could also be used in other types of sample processing devices, which have units for uncovering and capping containers and collecting and transferring samples to culture plates, and any type of conveyor to move the modules to work positions that are necessary. This processing device could also use the loading and unloading units of the modules and other machine elements described and claimed herein.

Similarly, in a sample processing device provided with an uncapping and capping unit for the containers, a unit for collecting and transferring samples to culture plates, and any type of conveyor to move the containers to the different positions of work, a suitable head could be used in the collection and transfer unit to hold at least a first sowing handle and a second sowing handle different from the first, and provide means to place a sowing handle in an active or work and any other planting handle in an inactive condition. The two planting handles could be mounted in the manner described in relation to Figure 8.

Claims (37)

one.

Device for the processing of biological samples, comprising means of transport (6) of sample containers (14), a unit (8) for uncovering and capping the containers, and a unit (9) for collecting samples of the samples. containers (14) and for transfer to culture plates (15), characterized in that the transport means comprise a linear conveyor (6) adapted to transport the containers (14) successively in two opposite directions, from a position from uncovering and capping (P1) of the containers to a sample collection position (P2), and again to the uncapping and capping position (P1).

2.

Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a container loading unit (7) (14) located along the conveyor (6).

3.

Device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises a container unloading unit (10) (14) located along the conveyor (6).

Four.

Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the linear conveyor (6) is a conveyor belt (61) on which the containers (14) are held.

5.

Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises support modules (13) of the containers (14) during the processing of the samples in the device.

6.

Device according to claim 5, characterized in that each support module (13) is adapted to support at least two containers (14).

7.

Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the modules (13) are adapted to support a plurality of containers (14) aligned in the direction of advance of the conveyor.

8.

Device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the container support modules (13) (14) comprise a body with at least two parts (131a, 131b), movable relative to each other to define a position for releasing the containers, in which the containers (14) are housed with play between the two pieces (131a, 131b) of the body, and a position for holding them, in which the containers are trapped between the two pieces (131a, 131b).

9.

Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the two pieces (131a, 131b) of the module body have a recess (132) for each container (14), the recesses (132) of one piece (131a) facing each other with the recesses (132) of the other part (131b) to define between them some housings for the containers (14), and presenting the module (13) means to keep the two pieces in the position of release of the containers (14) , in the absence of external forces.

10.

Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the recesses (132) of the two pieces (131a, 131b) are provided with half-shells (133) of flexible material.

eleven.

Device according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the support modules (13) are adapted to be transported by the linear conveyor (6).

12.

Device according to any one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that it comprises, in correspondence with the uncovering and capping unit (8), means (86) for acting on each support module

(13) of containers and cause the passage of the position of release of the containers to the position of holding of the containers.

13.

Device according to any one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that it comprises loading means (7) of the modules (13) on the linear conveyor (6).

14.

Device according to claim 13, characterized in that the loading means (7) of the modules comprise a first storage tray (71) of the modules (13), in which the modules are stored next to each other in a position parallel to the direction of the linear conveyor (6), and a pushing mechanism (72, 73) of the modules (13) from the first tray (71) towards said conveyor (6).

fifteen.

Device according to any one of claims 5 to 14, characterized in that it comprises discharge means (10) of the modules (13) of the linear conveyor (6).

16.

Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the discharge means (10) of the modules (13) comprise a second storage tray (101) of the modules (13), in which the modules are stored together to another in a position parallel to the direction of the linear conveyor (6), and a pushing mechanism (102) of the modules from the conveyor (6) to the second tray (6).

17. Device according to any one of claims 5 to 16, characterized in that the uncovering and capping unit (8) comprises sensing means (81) for placing a particular container (14) of a container support module (13) in containers the uncovering and capping position (P1). 18. Device according to any one of claims 5 to 17, characterized in that the unit (9) for the collection of samples from the containers (14) and their transfer to culture plates (15) comprises sensor means (120) to place a specific container (14) of a container support module (13) in the container sample collection position (P2). 19. Device according to any one of claims 17 or 18, characterized in that said sensor means (120) comprise sensors for detecting the position of the support module (13) of the containers (14) along the path of the modules (13).

twenty.

Device according to claim 19, characterized in that the sensors for detecting the position of the module comprise a plurality of sensors (120), in number equal to that of the containers (14) that a module (13) can support, located at along the path of the modules (13) and arranged to detect a label (135) associated with the modules (13).

twenty-one.

Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a code reader (82) for detecting an identification code associated with each container (14), the code reader (82) being arranged in correspondence with the uncovering and capping position (P1).

22

Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the uncovering and capping unit (8) of the containers (14) comprises an gripper (85) of the cap of a container (14), located in the uncovering and capping position (P1) of the device, said clip (85) being provided with at least one opening and closing movement in order to release or hold a plug, and a vertical movement.

2. 3.

Device according to claim 22, characterized in that the gripper (85) of the plug is also provided with a rotational movement around the vertical axis.

24.

Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the unit (9) for collecting samples from the containers (14) and their transfer to culture plates (15) comprises a manipulator (9) for at least a sowing handle (91, 92), said manipulator (9) being provided with means to move the handle between the sample collection position (P2), in which a free end of the handle (91, 92) is introduced into the inside a sample container (14), and a position (P3) for depositing the sample on a culture plate (15), in which said free end of the handle (91, 92) comes into contact with the culture plate (fifteen).

25.

Device according to claim 24, characterized in that the manipulator (9) is suitable for holding at least a first planting handle (91) and a second planting handle 92) different from the first, and is provided with means for place a planting handle in an active or working condition and any other planting handle in an inactive condition.

26.

Device according to claim 25, characterized in that the means for placing a sowing handle in an active or working condition and any other sowing handle in an inactive condition comprise a rotating head (94) about a horizontal axis, intended to hold the sowing handles (91, 92) perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the head (94).

27.

Device according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the manipulator (9) is also provided with means for moving at least one seeding handle (91, 92) to a sterilizing station (130).

28.

Device according to any one of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that the manipulator (9) for the sowing handle (91, 92) is also provided with means for displacing the free end of the sowing handle (91, 92 ) on the culture plate (15) according to at least one seeding movement.

29.

Device according to claim 28, characterized in that the manipulator (9) is suitable for moving the free end of the sowing handle (91, 92) over the culture plate (15) according to a plurality of sowing movements.

30

Device according to any one of claims 24 to 29, characterized in that it comprises a platform with rotating means for holding a culture plate (15) in said position (P3) for depositing a sample on a plate.

31.

Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises first storage means (16) for storing virgin culture plates (15), and feeding means (162, 164) of said plates from the first means of storage (16) to the position (P3) of depositing a sample on a plate.

32

Device according to claim 31, characterized in that it comprises second storage means (17) for storing culture plates (15) on which a sample has been deposited, and withdrawal means (175, 172, 174) of said plates from the position (P3) of depositing a sample onto a plate to the second storage means (17).

33.

Device according to any one of claims 31 or 32, characterized in that the storage means (16, 17) comprise a housing (161, 171) of a generally cylindrical shape, adapted to rotate about its axis, and having defined in its periphery a series of recesses (163, 173), each suitable to accommodate a plurality of stacked culture plates.

34. Procedure for processing biological samples, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) loading sample containers (14) on a conveyor (6), b) transporting a container (14) to an uncovering and capping position (P1), c) uncover the container (14) that is on the conveyor (6) in the uncapped position and capped (P1), d) transport the uncapped container (14) to a sample collection position (P2), e) collect a sample of the uncapped container (14) that is located on the conveyor in the position sample collection (P2), and deposit it on a culture plate (15); f) transport the container (14) back to the uncapping and capping position (P1), g) recapping the container (14) that is located on the conveyor in the uncapping position and covered (P1), and h) unload the container (14) from the conveyor (6). 35. Procedure for processing biological samples, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: i) loading onto a conveyor (6) a support module (13) with a plurality of sample containers (14), j) transporting the module (13) to an uncovering and capping position (P1), k) uncovering a container (14) of the module (13), l) transporting the module (13) with the uncapped container (14) to a sample collection position (P2) , m) collect a sample from the container (14) and deposit it on a culture plate (15); n) transport the module (13) back to the uncovering and capping position (P1), o) cover the container (14) again, p) repeat steps j) to o) with the other containers (14) of the module (13), and q) unload the module (13) from the conveyor (6) once all the containers (14) have been processed It supports. 36. Method according to claim 35, characterized in that at least for stage k) the container support module (13) is passed (14) from a container release position, in which the containers (14) are housed with play in the module (13), and a holding position thereof, in which the containers (14) are trapped in the module (13). SPANISH OFFICE OF THE PATENTS AND BRAND Application no .: 200930738 SPAIN Date of submission of the application: 25.09.2009 Priority Date: REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE 51 Int. Cl.: G01N35 / 02 (2006.01) RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

Category

Documents cited Claims Affected

Y

US 6617146 B1 (NACCARATO et al.) 09.09.2003, summary; column 3, lines 25-29; column 3, line 67 - column 4, line 5; column 6, lines 32-34.50-54; Figures 1a, 1b. (Cited in the application) 1-36

Y

US 5623415 A (O'BRYAN et al.) 04.24.1996, summary; Figure 1. 1-36

Y

US 2008 170967 A1 (ITOH) 07.17.2008, summary; paragraph [0026]; Figures 3-10. 5-23.35.36

TO

US 3844896 A (SHARPE) 29.10.1974, the entire document. 1-36

TO

DE 20310332 U1 (MWG-BIOTECH) 11.11.2004, summary; Figures 1-3. 1-36

Category of the documents cited X: of particular relevance Y: of particular relevance combined with other / s of the same category A: reflects the state of the art O: refers to unwritten disclosure P: published between the priority date and the date of priority submission of the application E: previous document, but published after the date of submission of the application

This report has been prepared • for all claims • for claims no:

Date of realization of the report 19.12.2011

Examiner F. Monge Zamorano Page 1/4

REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE Application number: 200930738 Minimum documentation sought (classification system followed by classification symbols) G01N Electronic databases consulted during the search (name of the database and, if possible, terms of search used) INVENES, EPODOC State of the Art Report Page 2/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 200930738 Date of Written Opinion: 19.12.2011 Statement

Novelty (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986)

Claims Claims 1-36 IF NOT

Inventive activity (Art. 8.1 LP11 / 1986)

Claims Claims 1-36 IF NOT

The application is considered to comply with the industrial application requirement. This requirement was evaluated during the formal and technical examination phase of the application (Article 31.2 Law 11/1986).  Opinion Base.- This opinion has been made on the basis of the patent application as published. State of the Art Report Page 3/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 200930738 1. Documents considered.- The documents belonging to the state of the art taken into consideration for the realization of this opinion are listed below.

Document

Publication or Identification Number publication date

D01

US 6617146 B1 (NACCARATO et al.) 09.09.2003

D02

US 5623415 A (O'BRYAN et al.) 04/22/1996

D03

US 2008 170967 A1 (ITOH) 07.17.2008

D04

US 3844896 A (SHARPE) 10/29/1974

D05

DE 20310332 U1 (MWG-BIOTECH) 11.11.2004

2. Statement motivated according to articles 29.6 and 29.7 of the Regulations for the execution of Law 11/1986, of March 20, on Patents on novelty and inventive activity; quotes and explanations in support of this statement The purpose of the application is a machine for handling biological samples and the procedure that said machine follows. The request consists of 36 claims, of which the first and the thirty-fourth are independent. The second to thirty-third claims depend on the first and the thirty-fifth and thirty-sixth depend on the thirty-fourth. All claims characterize the invention by technical elements, either of the machine, or of the process, known in the state of the art. This does not mean that they are all disclosed in the same document, but that the request brings together elements of different devices belonging to the state of the art, so that the characteristics claimed in the application can be obtained by mere combination of features previously disclosed in devices similar. The disclosures of documents D1 (Naccarato), D2 (O’Bryan) and D3 (Itoh) have been considered closer to the invention. Spread over them are the characteristics claimed in the first to thirty-sixth claims. Documents D4 (Sharpe) and D5 (MWG) are cited illustratively of the state of the art. Thus, in the opinion of the examiner, it would be possible to recognize the attribute of novelty, within the meaning of article 6 of the current Patent Law 11/1986 to all claims, from the first to the thirty-sixth, but the attribute of inventive activity, within the meaning of article 8 of the aforementioned law to any of them. State of the Art Report Page 4/4