JP2569672Y2 - Single tank embedding device with end time setting function - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[0001]

The one-tank embedding device having the function of setting an end time according to the present invention is used as a microscope specimen for pathological examination of a biological tissue piece. In the one-tank type embedding device that allows the penetration of the embedding process, the desired embedding process end time is input, and the embedding process start time is automatically calculated to end the embedding process at this time. The one-tank type embedding device is started at the time of starting the embedding process.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In order to embed a biological tissue piece (hereinafter, referred to as a sample in the present specification) cut from an affected part for pathological examination, the sample is dehydrated and degreased, and then melted. Paraffin is infiltrated.

As an embedding apparatus for performing the embedding process, a sample to be processed is placed in a single processing tank capable of supplying and discharging a chemical solution, and a series of processing chemicals (eg, alcohol, Formalin, etc.) and molten paraffin tanks are communicated, and these chemicals and molten paraffin are sequentially fed into a processing tank according to a predetermined program, and a single-tank embedding apparatus is known which processes a sample for a predetermined time. Have been.

[0004] Such a one-tank type embedding apparatus is configured as shown in FIG. An airtight lid 2 that can be opened and closed is provided at the upper end opening of the processing tank 1, and a basket 3 containing a sample can be stored from the upper end opening. Reference numeral 4 denotes a rotary valve, which is switching means for communicating the bottom of the processing tank 1 through a pipe 5.

The rotary valve 4 has a valve seat 4a and a valve plate 4b.
It is composed of The other ends of the pipes 8 and 9 each having one end inserted into the plurality of chemical liquid tanks 6 and 6 and the paraffin tanks 7 and 7 are respectively connected to the valve seat 4a. By rotating the valve plate 4b by the motor 10, the passage of the rotary valve 4 is appropriately switched, and one of the tanks 6, 7 and the processing tank 1 are connected to the pipe 5, the pipe 8, 8 or Communicates with either of the pipes 9, 9.

[0006] Further, a pressurizing and depressurizing means 11 is connected to the upper portion of the processing tank 1 through a pipe 12, so that the inside of the processing tank 1 can be freely pressurized and depressurized. The pressurizing and depressurizing means 11 is configured such that one of the suction port and the discharge port of the compressor can be connected to the pipe 12 and the other can be connected to the atmosphere by switching a valve (not shown).

When the embedding processing of a sample is performed by the single-tank embedding apparatus configured as described above, first, the processing tank 1 and a desired chemical solution tank 6 are communicated with each other, and the pressurizing and decompressing means 11 is used. The pressure inside the processing tank 1 is reduced. As a result, the chemical solution in the chemical solution tank 6 is sucked into the processing tank 1 through any one of the pipes 8, the rotary valve 4 and the pipe 5, and the basket 3 in the processing tank 1 is immersed. Process the sample in.

When the treatment for a predetermined time is completed, the inside of the processing tank 1 is pressurized by the pressurizing and depressurizing means 11. As a result, the chemical solution in the processing tank 1 is pushed out through the pipes 5 and 8 and sent to the original chemical solution tank 6.

Thereafter, the controller supplies and discharges a desired chemical solution into and from the processing tank 1 in the same manner as described above, and processes the sample. Finally, the molten paraffin is supplied to and discharged from the processing tank 1 from the paraffin tank 7 in the same manner as the above-mentioned chemical solution, and the sample is infiltrated with the molten paraffin.

The valve (not shown) and the motor 10 constituting the pressurizing and depressurizing means 11 are operable based on a command from a controller (not shown). A series of embedding processes are performed. For this reason, by using the one-tank embedding device described above, it is possible to embed a sample even in an unmanned state such as at midnight.

By the way, when the embedding process of a sample is performed using the one-tank type embedding apparatus as described above, the embedding process is performed at the time when a person who performs a pathological examination of the sample such as an inspection technician starts the examination. Upon completion, the pathological examination of the sample can be performed efficiently.
Therefore, there is a case where the time at which the embedding process is started is calculated so that the embedding process is completed at the above time, and the one-tank type embedding device is started at this time. The time at which the embedding process is started is calculated by subtracting the time required for the embedding process from the desired embedding process end time. The time required for this embedding process is to supply and discharge the chemical once in the processing tank 1,
It is calculated based on the time required for this one supply / discharge operation.

[0012] By performing the embedding process as described above, if the embedding process operation is performed at night so that the embedding process is completed in time with the attending time of the laboratory technician, for example, At the same time, the pathological examination of the sample can be performed, so that the pathological examination is performed efficiently.

[0013]

However, when the single-tank type embedding apparatus is operated so that the embedding process is completed at a desired time as described above, the indoor environment in which the single-tank type embedding apparatus is installed is required. Depending on the state or the like, the embedding process may not be completed even at the desired time.

For example, in the heating process constituting the embedding process, there is a considerable difference in the process time between when the ambient temperature (room temperature) is high and when the ambient temperature is low. In addition, when the amount of the chemical stored in the chemical tank 6 is large or small, there is a non-negligible difference in the time for sucking the chemical into the processing tank 1. For this reason, as described above, the start time is obtained by subtracting the processing time calculated based on the time required for one chemical liquid supply / discharge operation from the desired end time, and the one-tank type embedding device is started at this time. In this case, the embedding process may not be completed even at the desired end time.

As described above, if the embedding process is not completed even at the desired end time, the laboratory technician cannot perform a pathological test on the sample and waits until the embedding process is completed. , Efficient pathological examination cannot be performed. The one-tank type embedding device having the end time setting function of the present invention has been conceived to solve the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0016]

Means for Solving the Problems The single-tank embedding apparatus having the end time setting function of the present invention is similar to the above-described conventional single-tank embedding apparatus in that it has a single processing tank and an embedding process. A plurality of chemical liquid tanks storing the used chemical liquids, a paraffin tank storing the paraffin also used for the embedding processing, and switching between these chemical liquid tanks and paraffin tanks for communicating a desired tank with the processing tank; A valve and a controller for controlling the switching of the switching valve are provided, and the sample contained in the processing tank is embedded by sequentially supplying and discharging a chemical solution and paraffin into and from the processing tank.

Further, the one-tank type embedding apparatus having the end time setting function of the present invention stores an input device for freely inputting a desired embedding processing end time and a time required for the last embedding processing. A computing unit that calculates an embedding process start time from the required time and the desired embedding process end time stored in the memory, and an embedding process start time calculated by the computing device. And a clock mechanism for sending a signal to the controller to start the one-tank type embedding device.

[0018]

The embedding process of the sample in the single-tank type embedding apparatus having the end time setting function of the present invention configured as described above is completely the same as the conventional single-tank type embedding apparatus described above. The same is true.

However, when the embedding process is completed at a desired time by using the one-tank type embedding device having the end time setting function of the present invention, the time required for the previous embedding process is required. Is stored in the storage device, the input device of the present invention calculates the embedding process start time only by inputting the desired end time, and automatically starts the embedding process at this time. The ambient temperature and the amount of chemical solution in the chemical tank to be used in the embedding process to be performed this time are not significantly different from those in the previous embedding process. By starting the embedding process at the start time calculated based on the required time, the embedding process ends almost exactly at the desired end time.

If the embedding process is to be terminated at a desired time, and the time required for the previous embedding process is not stored in the memory, the embedding process is performed based on a preset model time. The embedding process start time is calculated, and the embedding process is started at this time.

When the embedding process by the device of the present invention is completed, the time required for the embedding process is stored in the storage device.
Prepare for the next embedding process.

[0022]

Next, an embodiment shown in the drawings will be described. In addition, the one-tank type embedding device having the end time setting function in the present invention automatically inputs the desired end time, and automatically executes the embedding process to end the embedding process at this time. There is a feature in the point where it is started, and other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described conventional single-tank type embedding device. Therefore, a duplicate description will be omitted, and the following mainly describes the features of the present invention. .

In the present invention, as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1, an input device 14 for freely inputting a desired embedding processing end time is provided to the one-tank embedding device 13 shown in FIG. Memory 17 for storing the time required for the embedding process performed last time
A computing unit 15 for calculating an embedding process start time from the required time stored in the storage device 17 and the desired embedding process end time; A clock mechanism 16 is provided to send a signal to a controller 18 for controlling the operation and stop of the device 13 and to start the one-tank type embedding device 13.

Each of the above members 14, 15, 16, and 17 employs a conventionally known device such as a control panel, various adders, a timer, an IC memory, and the like. In addition to the configuration, a microcomputer can be employed.

That is, a keyboard or a touch screen constituting a microcomputer, a central processing unit (C
PU), clock generation circuit (clock generator),
Random access memory (RA) composed of semiconductor memory
M) Or, the magnetic storage means is the input unit 14, the arithmetic unit 15, the clock mechanism 16, and the storage unit 17 in the device of the present invention, respectively. A controller 18 for controlling switching of the rotary valve 4 or the like can be used.

Using the one-tank type embedding device having the end time setting function of the present invention configured as described above, the operation when embedding the sample and using it without setting the end time. The operation in this case is exactly the same as that of the conventional single-tank embedding device. Also, when the time required for the embedding process performed last time is not stored in the storage device 17 such as when the present invention device is used for the first time after the power is turned on, and a desired end time is set, The device of the present invention calculates the embedding process start time based on a preset model time (the time required for the embedding process theoretically obtained in advance). Then, when this time is reached, the clock mechanism 16 sets the controller 18
To start the embedding process by starting the single-tank embedding device 13. These fixed operations after calculating the embedding process start time are exactly the same as the case where the time required for the previous embedding process is stored in the storage unit 17 described below.

When the required time in the previous embedding process is stored in the storage device 17 and a desired end time is set, the desired end time is input through the input unit 14. The device of the present invention automatically calculates the required time and the embedding process start time, and when the time has reached, the clock mechanism 16 sends a signal to the controller 18 to operate the single-tank embedding device 13. .

More specifically, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 2, when a desired end time is input through the input unit 14, the arithmetic unit 15 such as a CPU performs the last embedding process. It is determined whether or not the required time is stored in the storage device 17.
Calculates the embedding process start time by subtracting the time required for the previous embedding process from the desired end time. The time required for the embedding process performed this time is not much different from the time required for the previous embedding process under various conditions such as the ambient temperature and the amount of stored chemical solution, so the required time required for this previous processing is The embedding process start time calculated based on the time is almost accurate.

When the computing unit 15 calculates the embedding process start time, a signal representing the start time is sent to a clock mechanism 16 such as a clock generation circuit. This clock mechanism 16
When the input start time comes, a signal is sent to the controller 18, and the single-tank embedding device 13 is started via the controller 18.

As described above, the time required for the embedding process calculated by the computing unit 15 is substantially the same as the time required for the previous embedding process, The embedding process ends.

When the embedding process is completed, the clock mechanism 16
Sends a signal indicating the end time to the arithmetic unit 15, and the arithmetic unit 15 obtains the time required for the current embedding process from the end time and the embedding process start time, and this is stored in the storage unit 17. Memorize and prepare for the next embedding process.

When using the above-described device of the present invention to set the end time, it is necessary to satisfy the following two preconditions. That is, first, the procedure of the embedding processing performed this time must be the same as the procedure of the embedding processing performed last time. Second, the required time stored in the storage device 17 must not be longer than a certain period (for example, one month). If these conditions are not satisfied, the arithmetic unit 15 determines that nothing is stored in the storage unit 17 and calculates the embedding process start time based on the model time as described above.

In order to avoid the above-mentioned restrictions, the controller 18, the storage unit 17, and the arithmetic unit 15 can be configured as follows. That is, the controller 18 allows the embedding processing procedure specified in advance via the input unit 14 to be freely selected and executed from among the plurality of types of embedding processing procedures.
7 makes it possible to store the date, the embedment processing procedure, and the required time in the plurality of embedding processes performed earlier. Further, the arithmetic unit 15 selects the stored contents relating to the latest embedding process from among the embedding processes stored in the storage device 17 and having the same procedure as the embedding process to be performed this time. If the date of the embedding process is within the predetermined period, the embedding process start time is calculated from the required time in the latest embedding process and the desired end time input from the input unit 14 . With such a configuration, the above-described precondition can be avoided.

Further, it is possible to control a plurality of single-tank embedding devices 13 by the members 14 to 18 as described above.

[0035]

[Effect of the Invention] The one-tank type embedding device having the end time setting function of the present invention is configured and operates as described above, so that the embedding process can be almost accurately completed at a desired end time. Pathological examinations can be performed efficiently. Further, since the start time is automatically calculated only by inputting the desired end time, the practical effect that the burden on the operator is reduced is great.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main part of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a one-tank type embedding device which is an object of the present invention.

[Description of sign]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Processing tank 2 Airtight lid 3 Basket 4 Rotary valve 4a Valve seat 4b Valve plate 5 Tube 6 Chemical liquid tank 7 Paraffin tank 8 Tube 9 Tube 10 Motor 11 Pressurizing and decompression means 12 Tube 13 Single-tank embedding device 14 Input device 15 Calculation Container 16 clock mechanism 17 storage device 18 controller

Claims (1)

(57) [Scope of request for utility model registration] A single processing tank, a plurality of chemical liquid tanks storing a chemical used for embedding processing, a paraffin tank storing paraffin also used for embedding processing,
Among these chemical tanks and paraffin tanks, there is provided a switching valve for communicating a desired tank with the processing tank, and a controller for controlling the switching of the switching valve. The chemical tank and the paraffin are sequentially supplied to the processing tank. In a one-tank type embedding device that embeds the sample stored in the processing tank by discharging, an input device that allows the user to input the desired embedment end time and the necessary A storage unit for storing the required time, a computing unit for calculating an embedding process start time from the required time stored in the storage unit and the desired embedding process end time, and a package calculated by the computing unit. A single tank type embedding apparatus having an end time setting function, characterized in that a clock mechanism for sending a signal to the controller at the start time of the embedding process and starting the single tank type embedding apparatus is provided.