MXPA00008061A - Sperm analysis system - Google Patents

Abstract

A sperm analysis system has a sperm sample carrier (20) and"reader"module. The sperm sample carrier includes:1) a shank (24) defining a chamber (26) with an opening for ingress and egress of a sperm sample;a manually operated pump (28) for aspirating a sample of sperm into the chamber (26), and a plurality of distinct photon paths (34) intersecting and passing through the chamber (26). The module includes:a processor responsive to an actuation signal from an operator, a photon source, e.g. a light source, energized by the processor in response to the actuation signal, for sending respective beams of photons through each of the photon paths, a plurality of photosensors, one for each photon path, each for producing a signal indicative of the occurrence and frequency of perturbations in the beam of photons passing through said each's respective photon path and communicating the signal to the processor, and an algorithm run by the processor for processing the plurality of photosensor signals to produce a quantified figure of merit indicative of the motility of sperm within the chamber.

Description

SYSTEM OF SPERM ANALYSIS This application relates to the provisional patent application of the US. number 60 / 075,216, issued on February 19, 1998.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates generally to devices and methods for economically and rapidly analyzing the impregnation potential, or fertility, of a sperm sample outside a laboratory, and in particular to devices and methods in which the user performs only a few mechanical steps to introduce the sperm sample in a computerized module that performs an analysis automatically and provides a resulting quality coefficient. During the last decades, animals in general, from fish to humans, have suffered a significant reduction in their fertility. In most species the problem appears in proportions more or less equivalent in both male and female. This decline has been attributed to global environmental pollution, global warming, medical practices that contravene the Darwin model, the selection of desirable characteristics without taking into account fertility, as well as many other factors. This decrease in fertility has been confirmed and detected throughout the world, but its causes are not clear. In species important to humans, this decline is often our fault. Some animals intended for human consumption have been genetically engineered to meet the tastes and needs of man, but at the expense of the fertility of those species. For example, turkeys and chickens raised to maximize the production of white meat lose their fertility significantly. Even pets and working animals, selected over many generations to modify their appearance or performance characteristics, have suffered a significant deterioration in their fertility. Subfertility in poultry, livestock, pigs and other animals intended for food creates a worldwide loss of at least one billion dollars a year. Regardless of the species, there are several techniques to determine the fertility of females, including physical evaluations, hormonal therapies, egg harvest and other tests, but there are only two tests to determine male fertility: the "sperm count" and the Chemical analysis. The vast majority of subfertile males can be identified by the technique of sperm counting. It is very uncommon to discover a male that has a chemical effect and also has no other problem related to the sperm count. To determine the "sperm count" some expansion technique is used to increase the apparent size of the sperm or sperm cells, which are "counted" later by a person or by a computer. In some species, there are more than one billion cells per milliliter. These cells move very quickly, are very small and, therefore, are difficult to quantify even with the use of a microscope. Frequently an optical grid is used to divide the sample into several segments and thus improve the accuracy of the count. The cells are counted either by the naked eye or by a computer to determine (1) the total number per unit volume, (2) the degree of mobility, and sometimes (3) the general shape of the cells or "morphology" . The results of the sperm count are commonly recorded in a report that includes these and other factors, such as volume, color, pH, etc., which may reflect the general health status of the male. But, by far, the most important factor in almost all species is the amount of mobile cells available to penetrate the ovule. For purposes of this document, "sperm count" refers to "healthy sperm count": the concentration of cells capable of impregnating an egg. With regard to the treatment of subfertility, there are proven treatments through which it can improve or promote fertility in females, including various hormones; Among the animals intended for food, there are some veterinary drugs that are administered to females to increase the average size of the baits. But fertility in males is an entirely different matter. Regardless of the species and despite the efforts of the medical and veterinary sciences, only a very low percentage (< 1-2%) of subfertile males have conditions that can be treated to increase their sperm count. In almost all cases and in all species, there is no successful therapeutic approach to treating male subfertility. In animals intended for common feeding, there is a competition between males to mate with several females in the group. A subfertile but dominant male may seek to impregnate many females, thus driving away rivals perhaps less dominant but potentially more fertile. This has as a consequence a low reproductive capacity in many of the females, which becomes a very expensive practice. In veterinary medicine that deals with fertility, particularly applied to animals intended for food, subfertility has a direct and calculable impact. It is therefore very advantageous to be able to quickly and economically measure the impregnation potential of the males in the herds destined for feeding, in such a way that the subfertile males can be separated or discarded from the herd, so that only the fertile males compete for the females. Among the previous techniques to determine the impregnation or fertility potential of a semen sample are included, basically, computer-aided semen analysis ("CASA"), microscopy, a device known as a sperm quality analyzer (" SQA ") and biochemical analyzes carried out in a laboratory and therefore incompatible with the immediate or real-time analysis in the field. The CASA analysis is carried out by means of a microscope, one or more video cameras, hardware for the conversion of video images, a computer and one or more monitors or visualization devices. CASA systems have been developed by 3 companies, and have a price that fluctuates between USD $ 30,000 and USD $ 50,000. They are generally considered too expensive, even for clinical laboratories of hospitals, but especially for the reproducers of animals intended for human consumption, for example poultry breeders. As far as microscopy is concerned, a conventional laboratory microscope is used, commonly together with a device that compresses the sample until obtaining a very thin film that lies on a grid of very fine mesh to facilitate counting. This method requires a lot of time, is expensive and laborious, and the results are subjective, that is, based on the ability of a person to count the density of sperm in a unit of volume. The SQA computerized device is used in sperm banks, fertility clinics and laboratories to measure certain characteristics of sperm. A sperm sample is inserted into a capillary tube with precise internal dimensions. Once the sample rises through the capillary tube, the vehicle is inserted into an elongated slot, where a calibrated light is directed through a fiber optic conduit to illuminate a small segment of the capillary tube. On the side of the capillary tube opposite to the light there is a photodetector or photosensor that detects the occurrence and frequency of very small disturbances in the light that passes through the capillary tube. These disturbances, caused by the movement of the sperm cells within the capillary tube, are converted into digital data and transmitted to a computer. The computer applies a known algorithm on these data and produces a sperm motility index (SMI) expressed numerically on an arbitrary scale that reflects the general quality of the sperm or the relative fertility of the sperm samples. The SMI values in human patients range from 0, in totally azoospermic astenzoospermic patients, and 160 SMI units, in a good quality sperm. In essence, it is a measurement of the number of mobile cells and the nature of their mobility. This invention uses some of the principles of the device SQA (optical detection of sperm movement within a certain amount of semen) to obtain a quality coefficient or fertility quality factor, for example, an SMI or similar information, but also resolves or overcomes many of the problems that characterize to the SQA. In addition, it includes novel and unique processes that distinguish it from the SQA. Likewise, it has characteristics not linked to the SQA, for example, the possibility of adapting to dirty animal environments. In this regard, the SQA was designed for a laboratory environment and presents serious problems with contamination of the slot in which the vehicle is inserted to make a reading. Small particles of dirt can penetrate the slot easily and cause erroneous readings, and much of the device must be disassembled to clean this slot. In the present invention there is very little probability of contamination, and if this contamination exists, it can be cleaned easily and quickly. This invention also has a variety of portable measuring modules and each of these modules can be connected to a box to be charged or interconnected with at least one printer and a monitor. In addition, the SQA takes 40 seconds to provide an SMI value, since it performs its basic tests four times to ensure its accuracy. This invention provides a novel disposable capillary vehicle, which allows the measuring module to perform multiple tests simultaneously, thus reducing the analysis time to a fraction of the time it takes to the SQA device, making it more practical for application in the animal industries. intended for food. This invention is the most economical technique for determining male fertility in both men and animals. This is due to the fact that only low-cost equipment is used (as will be appreciated later), minimum user training is required, the low costs of materials for consumption per test, and results are obtained quickly. The latter is very important, since in the business of measuring fertility time is money. Another important advantage is the total absence of subjectivity in the results achieved. The computer performs all the calculations. Multiple simultaneous sampling in the laboratories produces results with a wide bell curve due to the inherent subjectivity, whereas in this invention the simultaneous measurements are very consistent and the results are defined by a "peak" and not by a bell curve. An example of the advantages of this invention relates to the poultry industry. "Accelerated broilers" are chickens raised to produce meat. In the United States accelerated broiler industry approximately 9 billion chickens are incubated annually, with much higher efficiency than anywhere else in the world. These 9 billion eggs are incubated among 10.7 billion eggs laid by approximately 70 million hens, which are fertilized by around 7 million roosters. But a high percentage of these roosters is subfertile, so there is a loss of about 16% of all laid eggs, or about 1.7 billion. Until now, there has not been a practical and economical method to differentiate fertile roosters from sub-fertile roosters, so the industry has so far only achieved an incubation rate of 84%. However, in a study conducted at Mississippi State University by Dr. Chris McDaniel, using an SQA device, positive correlations of the IMS were detected with sperm penetration of the ovules and the concentration of live sperm, but a negative correlation with the percentage of dead sperm. Dr. McDaniel concluded that these correlations indicate that the IMS can be used to improve the fertilization potential of males in accelerated broilers. During your study, Dr. McDaniel developed what is now known as the "McDaniel protocol", which defines a scale of SMl that is applied to roosters and that also defines the proportion in which the rooster's sperm sample must be diluted. This dilution is necessary, since the cock's semen has concentrations of billions of cells per milliliter, so the dilution moves the concentration towards the more linear range of the instrument. The preferred dilution is a part of sperm for five parts of diluent, which in this case is a simple saline solution. In this regard, the invention also includes a means for rapidly, cleanly, accurately and economically diluting a sample of rooster sperm or of any other species in the proper proportion. In summary, this invention refers to a simple and economical proven methodology by means of which it is possible to detect which roosters or males of any other species are subfertile, with the purpose of separating them from a breeding group or breeding herd, thus improving the fertility of that group or flock and the amount of offspring that results. Other advantages and attributes of this invention will be described later.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION It is an object of this invention to provide a portable system for rapidly, accurately and economically analyzing, on-site, the impregnation potential, or fertility potential of different male animals, and the term "in the place" means in the place where the animals live, that is, a barn, chicken coop or even a field.

Another object of this invention is to provide a system in which the user performs a few simple mechanical steps in the place (for example, sucking the semen into a vehicle, inserting the vehicle in a portable analysis module, pressing a button) ) to obtain an indication of fertility quickly. Another objective of this invention is to provide a system such as the one described in the previous paragraph that produces a sperm motility index value ("SMl"), or some other index of relative fertility. Another objective of this invention is to provide a system as described in the two previous paragraphs, which can be used in dirty animal environments. Another objective of this invention is to provide a system as described in the previous three paragraphs, in which the individual spermatic samples are taken by economic sperm vehicles that are placed in a measuring module for analysis, and subsequently discarded. Another objective of this invention is to provide a system as described in the previous paragraph, in which the sperm vehicle is further designed to house a calibrated dilution of a sperm sample therein. Another objective of this invention is to provide a system as described in the preceding paragraphs, in which a variety of measurement modules can be connected to a transport vehicle of the modules so that these modules are activated and interconnected with at least one printer and a display. Another objective relates to a system as described in the previous paragraphs that has at least one additional optical path through the vehicle to obtain readings other than mobility, for example, to obtain a reading or indication with no semen to measure the density of the sperm along with its mobility. Another objective refers to a system like the one described in the previous paragraphs that can also measure the density of the sperm of a semen sample together with the mobility. Another objective of this invention is to provide a system as described above in which a vehicle for the sample is included that has a code that can be read by a processor to identify the species from which the sample was obtained. Another objective of this invention is to provide a system as described in the previous paragraph in which the code can not be read by the processor after a time, by the action of a semen sample solution. These and others and objectives, explicit or implicit, are met by a sperm analysis system that has a deposit of sperm samples and a "reader" module. The deposit of spermatic samples includes: (1) a handle that defines a chamber and an opening towards that chamber to introduce and extract a sample of sperm, (2) a hand pump to suck a sample of sperm into the chamber, and (3) a variety of different photon trajectories that intercept and pass through the camera. The module includes: (1) a processor that responds to an activation signal sent by an operator, (2) a source of photons, for example a light source, activated by the processor in response to the activation signal, to emit the beams of respective photons through each of the photon trajectories, (3) a variety of photodetectors or photosensors, one for each photon path, and each of which produces a signal indicative of the occurrence and frequency of the photons. disturbances in the photon beam that passes through each of these photon trajectories, and that transmit the signal to the processor, (4) an algorithm executed by the processor to process the diversity of signals of the photodetector and produce a quantified quality coefficient, indicative of the mobility of the sperm inside the camera, (5) a medium to transmit this quality coefficient to an operator. Preferably, the photon source includes a light source and a variety of photon conduits, for example, fiber optic cables, and each conduit receives photons from the light source and directs them to penetrate one end of a path of light. respective photons, with a respective photodetector placed at the opposite end of the path to detect the photons that leave this path. Preferably, the system also includes signals or indications disposed in the deposit of sperm samples to transmit to the processor the biological classification of the donor of a sperm sample that is located inside the chamber of the tank. Preferably, the system also includes a tray defining a plurality of closed cavities, and each cavity contains a determined amount of semen extender. Preferably, the cavities are sealed by a frangible seal that can be pierced by the handle of a vehicle to eject a sample of semen from this vehicle and deposit it in the diluent to later mix them, and this mixture is sucked into the interior of the tank of samples for evaluation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a reservoir of SQA sperm samples from a prior art. Figure 2 is an average cross-section of the sample reservoir of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a diagram of the operation of the prior art SQA device. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a sperm sampling device in accordance with this invention. Figure 5 is a cross-section of the sample reservoir of Figure 2 along line 5-5. Figure 6 is a diagram of functions of the optics of this invention. Figure 7 is a cross section along the same line as in the case of Figure 5, but illustrating a deposit of samples in a stage prior to its manufacture. Figure 8 is a perspective view of an analysis module in accordance with this invention. Figure 9 is a diagram of functions of the optical characteristics of an analysis module in accordance with this invention. Figure 10 is a perspective view of a dual analysis module according to the invention. Figure 11 is a perspective view of a transport vehicle of an analysis module according to the invention. Figure 12 is a partial sectional view from above of a diluent tray in accordance with this invention. Figure 13 is a perspective view illustrating the manner in which the sperm sample is diluted in accordance with this invention. Fig. 14 is a diagram of functions of an alternative sperm deposit that provides an additional optical path for obtaining additional readings, such as a reference reading with no semen to determine sperm density.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES With reference to figures 1 to 3, there is illustrated a prior art SQA device having a reservoir of spermatic samples 2 in which a capillary tube 4 is mounted. A sample of sperm is introduced into the reservoir by capillary action. The reservoir is inserted into a slot (not shown) of a laboratory analysis computer 6. When the operator inputs and activates the test, the computer turns on a light 8 that shines through the capillary through holes 10 and 12, defined for the deposit. The light that passes through the capillary tube is captured by an optical detector 14. The detector's response to light is digitized 16 and sent to the computer, which applies an algorithm. This is repeated four times, and the results of the four tests are compared and integrated to produce an SMl value of the sample analyzed. Subsequently, this value is transmitted to the operator by means of a visualizing device 18. This process takes at least one minute (ten seconds for each test, plus the adjustment or assembly time) for each sample. With reference to Figures 4 to 6, the deposit of spermatic samples 20 in accordance with this invention has a disc-shaped handle 22 and an elongated handle 24. The handle defines a longitudinal channel 26 into which a sample of sperm, preferably by means of the vacuum created by the activation of a flexible elastic bulb 28 which is located at the center of the handle.

Preferably, the reservoir is made of plastic material and its preferred general dimensions are: 7 cm in total length, 2 cm in diameter of the handle, 2 mm in thickness of the channel which is 1.5 mm by 0.3 mm. Below the bulb there is a pumping chamber 30 which communicates with the channel 26. When the bulb is depressed, the volume of the chamber decreases and forces the air out of this and the channel, and when the bulb recovers its original shape it creates a momentary vacuum that sucks the sample towards the inside of the channel until reaching a certain mark in it. This process is much faster than if you wait to enter the sample by capillarity. The vacuum introduction method works even with high viscosity semen, like the semen of the roosters, while the capillary action is inefficient or unreliable in those cases. The extent to which the volume of the chamber can be reduced is preferably controlled by a separator 32 which may be constituted, for example, of molded ridges protruding from the base of the chamber 30. The internal dimensions of the channel are suitable for retaining a sample once it has been introduced. As will be explained later, this pumping action also facilitates the momentary aspiration of a sperm sample to dilute it and subsequently reintroduce this diluted sample into the canal. With reference to figures 4 to 6, the sample deposit is preferably made of a transparent plastic material, but its upper part is painted with a logo and other information, and in general is opaque, except for certain holes defined by the paint for allow the passage of light through the deposit. Four of the holes 34 are used to make optical measurements. The light sources 36 shine towards the interior of the channel on the one hand, and optical detectors 38, aligned with each of the optical holes 34, on the opposite side, detect the light 40 passing through these holes. Preferably, there is a variety of such holes to allow a similar diversity of tests to be developed in parallel, instead of developing them consecutively as in SQA. Preferably, there is a variety of binary-coded optical ports 42 (illustrated herein by way of example only, to be a binary pattern of "111") to create a multiple-bit pattern to identify the species of which obtained the semen. The deposits for each species are made with different bit patterns. For example, the illustrated code would mean that the sample comes from a rooster, while the code of "001" would mean that the sample comes from a bull. The computer uses this information to select a corresponding calibration. With reference to Figure 6, the lateral cross-section of the upper part 32 of the channel 26 has a lens shape to help focus the light passing through the optical holes in the lower part. The lens shape is designed to ensure that a greater amount of light coming from a wider cross section of the sample reaches the optical detector, thereby increasing the amount of information available for calculation. With reference to Figure 7, the reservoir of the sample 20 is preferably molded as a hollow handle 24 whose handle 22 is open in the shape of a clam shell. The clam shell shaped end is wrapped around and ultrasonically welded. The assembly is screen-printed or otherwise printed to make the proper portions opaque and to carry an operational message. Preferably, it is packaged with a paper cover that peels off and is discarded just before use. The paper protects the entrance of channel 26, the optical holes with ink definition and the plastic until it is used. With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, an analysis module 44A is shown to include a "reader" of the sperm sample having the configuration in the shape of a clam shell so that it closes over the located sample reservoir 20. The reader has a base 46 that houses a light source 48, and a plurality of fiber optic conduits 50 for conveying light from the source to the translucent points 52 (FIG. 10) that align with the respective optical holes on the reservoir that is is going to read. The light emanating from these translucent dots passes through the reservoir is sensitized by a variety of corresponding optical detectors 38, placed in the upper portion 54 of the reader. Preferably, the upper part is joined by spring-loaded hinges and is normally open because it also functions as a switch that must be closed to initiate an analysis. The reservoir to be read precisely is preferably located by four pins 56 to properly align the optical ports of the reservoir with the translucent dots and the optical detectors. Alternatively, the module can define a slit or location seat (not shown) within which the deposit is placed for reading. To read a reservoir, the upper part is closed and the switch 58 is actuated. A computer within the module develops the analysis and subsequently displays a SMl value by means of a display panel 60. The clam shell design performs the cleaning of the trajectories optics very easily, especially because the optical terminals of the reader, both upper and lower, are rinsed and therefore can be cleaned without difficulty. Therefore, the opportunity of erroneous readings due to contamination of the optical paths is considerably reduced. With reference to figures 10 and 11, a simple channel analysis module 44A can be made with an optical reader as in figure 8 or it can be realized by a multiple channel 44B having a diversity of readers, as in figure 10. The latter still provides an additional acceleration of the test procedure due to the reading of more than one reservoir that may overlap depending on the speed and capabilities of the processor in the module. Preferably, each analysis module is driven by a rechargeable battery and completely sealed within a sterilizable package. The battery has a considerable advantage in the animal environment, for example in chicken coops, where it would be very difficult, if not impossible to connect around an extension cable while trying to take and emit semen samples from the animals. The transportation capacity allows the user to perform the test very quickly, and based on the score of the animal provided, and decide if that animal is removed from the breeding stock. In addition, the analysis module preferably stores the information in a non-volatile flash memory, thereby allowing the operators to accumulate all the data from, ie, a group of roosters and a subsequent printout of the data. With reference to Figure 11, preferably the analysis modules are stored, transported and recharged in a conveyor box 62, and when they are returned to the box, the data of each module can be selectively printed, generate accumulated information to support the management decisions. As illustrated, the modules, while stored in the box, reside in individual supports that are also inductively or capacitively connected modules with circuits inside the box. While in their respective supports they are recharged in interface to the printer or to an intermediate processor that resides in said box. Preferably, each analysis module is inductively coupled to the charging system in the box and capacitively coupled to a data port in the box, both to avoid contamination of the box and its circuit with contamination that can be collected through the orifices and / or fissures in the module. The box also provides a display panel 64 for displaying the appropriate information, and operator controls for controlling the refill procedure 66 and for controlling the printer 68. With reference to figures 12 and 13, for many species, dilution of the semen is necessary or preferred for sperm mobility measurements. In addition, in the animals, (particularly birds) in said measurements, usually large numbers of tests are conducted simultaneously. So a diluent tray 70 has been developed to provide a quick, easy and inexpensive way to achieve accurate dilution. This consists of a flat tray defining a plurality of uniform cavities 72 preferably molded therein. Each cavity contains a precise amount of a saline solution 74 known in the laboratory industry. The amount of saline or other diluent is in some way multiple of the capacity of the semen channel of the reservoir (26 of FIG. 5), the multiple depends on the species and viscosities of your semen. The entire tray is covered with a frangible film 76, such as a thin aluminum film, which is adhesively bonded to seal and isolate all the cavities. Circular marks 78 on the film cover indicate the precise location of each cavity. To dilute a semen sample in a reservoir 20, the tip of the reservoir is pushed through the aluminum cover and the unused cavity in the diluent tray. The bulb in the handle of the reservoir is pressed to spread the semen into the cavity, and then into the diluent. The tip of the deposit is then used to remove the sample in the diluent. The resulting mixture is sucked back into the reservoir by depressing the bulb to expel any gas or liquid into the channel while the tip is immersed in the diluted sample. Relaxing the pressure causes the tank to aspirate the diluted sample, and refill the channel. In effect, the deposit operates as a "dropper" which allows the expulsion and re-aspirate the samples. The tip of the tank can be rinsed. Subsequently, the deposit is placed in an optical reader for analysis. During its operation, each analysis module, when activated, first checks to see if the four optical reading paths in your reader are "clean". This activates the optical light source and takes a reading from the four optical detectors. If all is well within a normal scale, then the module assumes that all four paths are clean. If one or more are outside the normal scale, the module will then indicate that they are contaminated. Subsequently, the module adjusts its analysis sequence, as a consequence. For example, if all four paths are clean, then you will develop four concurrent analyzes, one for each path, and then compare the results to arrive at the MIS or similar data. If one of the trajectories is contaminated, it will develop three concurrent analyzes through the three uncontaminated trajectories and subsequently develop a fourth analysis in one of the uncontaminated trajectories so that once again four readings can be compared to arrive at the IMS. If two of the trajectories are contaminated, then you will develop two concurrent analyzes using the uncontaminated trajectories and subsequently develop two more to come back to four analyzes for the purpose of comparison. Even if three of four optical paths are contaminated, the module will continue to develop an exact analysis by developing four consecutive analyzes through the cleanup path. It should be noted that the number of individual readings to be compared is determined primarily by the level of accuracy needed. There may be situations in which four readings are not necessary, or where more than four readings are necessary. Once the analysis module is determined, clean trajectories, and its sequence of analysis has been established, the operator places a semen deposit in the optical chamber, that is, between the pins as illustrated in figure 8. operator then closes the lid that triggers or at least arms the analysis procedure and initiates a real test. At this point, the computer in the module turns on the optical light source once again. The computer then determines the species from which the semen has been extracted by the binary bit pattern in the tank, and autocalibrates accordingly. If no bit pattern is detected, no test is performed and the computer indicates that the deposit is not valid. From the light that passes through the semen sample in the reservoir and through the clean optical paths, the computer determines the mobility of the sperm using an algorithm that was previously described. Then the test data is stored in a non-volatile memory and the result is displayed to allow the operator to make a decision on site according to the particular male that is being tested. The module is then ready to test another sample from another male of the species. Thus, the operator can walk through the herd or herd, or similar, and perform multiple tests using the same module but with separate deposits for each test. When the unit is returned to the box, the battery in the module is recharged and the data stored in the module is preferably loaded for storage in the box, and the data is ready for printing. Subsequently, the operator optionally selects a printing mode and obtains the impression of all the males he or she has tested. Since the box can hold multiple modules, there could be multiple operators that walk through the group of animals and test and collect data. All the data that comes from all the modules is loaded into the box to print or subsequently transferred to another computer for further analysis. With reference to figure 14, it can be seen that the optical trajectories, that is to say photons, do not need to be of uniform size but can be larger, as of 80, to create a larger window through which the sample. For example, a wider cross section of the channel allows measuring the static optical density of the fluids evidenced by the relative absorption of light. In addition, the sperm density can be measured by comparing the signals of the photodetector from an optical reference trajectory 82, a path through a part of the channel without semen and a path through a portion of the channel filled with semen. The difference points to a total cell concentration. Another way to do the above is to obtain a reading in an empty deposit and remember the reading to compare them subsequently with the reading from the full carrier. In any of the cases, the measurement of densimetry with a mobility reading can be used to give a more accurate assessment of sperm fertility. The foregoing description and drawings were provided for illustrative purposes only, and it is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described, but the intention is to encompass them in any of the alternatives, equivalents, modifications and new arrangements of elements.

Claims (22)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A sperm analysis system comprising: (a) a deposit of sperm samples that includes: (1) a handle that defines a chamber and an opening to that chamber for introducing and extracting a sperm sample, (2) a pump manual for sucking a sample of sperm into the interior of the chamber; and (3) a variety of different photon trajectories that intercept and pass through the chamber; (b) a processor that responds to an activation signal sent by an operator; (c) a source of photons, for example a light source, activated by the processor in response to the activation signal, to emit the respective photon beams through each of the photon paths; (d) a variety of photodetectors or photosensors, one for each path of photons, and each of which produces a signal indicative of the occurrence and frequency of perturbations in the photon beam passing through each of these paths of photons, and that transmit the signal to the processor; (e) an algorithm executed by the processor to process the diversity of signals from the photodetector and produce a quantized quality coefficient, indicative of the mobility of the sperm within the camera; and (f) a means of transmitting this quality coefficient to an operator.

2. The system according to claim 1 further characterized in that the handle is transparent, and also comprises a coating around the handle that makes it opaque except for the diversity of holes in the coating, each path of photons is defined by a pair of holes aligned on opposite sides of the chamber.

3. The system according to claim 2 further characterized in that it comprises a wall of the camera that has a lens shape to focus photons through the photon trajectories.

4. The system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the source of photons means that it comprises a light source and a variety of photon conduits, each conduit receives photons from the light source and directs them to be introduced one end of a respective photon path, a respective photosensitization means that is positioned at an opposite end of the path to sensitize the photons leaving said path.

5. The system according to claims 1, 2, 3 or 4, which also includes indications placed in the sperm sample reservoir, the indications can be read by the processor, said indications transfer to the processor at least the information in relation to the biological classification of a donor of a sperm sample inside the chamber of the deposit.

6. The system according to claim 5, further characterized in that the indications comprise a subgroup of the diversity of photon trajectories, each photon trajectory of the subgroup conveys a binary bit of information, either translucent or opaque.

7. The system according to claim 6, further characterized in that each path of opaque photons of the subgroup of indications includes an opaque spot deposited on an interior wall of the semen sample chamber in such a position, to block photons of the course of the trajectory.

8. The system according to claim 7, further characterized in that the opaque point disintegrates, after a time, by the action of a semen sample in contact therewith, the time that has been sufficiently long to allow the user obtains a mobility reading from the semen sample contained in the deposit.

9. The system according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, further characterized in that the means for aspirating a sample comprises a pump which, when it acts, expels fluids from the chamber and when it is subsequently released creates a partial vacuum in the chamber to eliminate fluids, the activation of the pump is limited to aspirate a predetermined amount of fluid.

10. The system according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, further characterized in that the means for aspirating a sample comprises a spring air chamber, which can be pressed with the fingers, which communicates with the camera of samples, which then propels the compressed air through the sample chamber to expel fluids from it, and when it is subsequently released, emits air from the sample chamber to create a partial vacuum in it and release fluids, the Compression of the air chamber is limited to aspirate a predetermined amount of fluid.

11. The system according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, further comprising: (a) a tray that defines a diversity of uniform, closed cavities; (b) each cavity contains an accurate amount of semen extender; and (c) each cavity includes means for inserting the handle of a reservoir into the cavity to expel a sample of semen from the reservoir into a diluent or to agitate them together, the mixture then being sucked into the reservoir to perform the test.

12. The system according to claim 11, further characterized in that the cavities are closed by a frangible seal that can be tracked by the handle of the tank.

13. The system according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 9 or 11, which also comprises a portable module where the processor, where the photon source means is incorporated and the diversity of photosensitization means, the module further comprises: (a) a base that includes the means for locating and positioning a tank, and (b) a wall that can be closed on the base to press a deposit placed between them, the base and the wall are separable for cleaning, (c) the photon trajectories of the placed tank are aligned between them , and in communication with the medium of the photon source and the respective photosensitization medium.

14. The system according to claim 13, further characterized in that the base and the wall open and close like a clam shell.

15. The system according to claim 13, further characterized in that the means of the photon source is incorporated in the base and wherein the means of photosensitization is incorporated in the wall.

16. The system according to claim 13, further characterized in that the module is powered by batteries, and further comprises a memory where the processor can store the results of a variety of analysis and other relative information.

17. The system according to claim 13, which includes a portable box for storing and transporting a variety of modules.

18. The system according to claim 17, further comprising: (a) for each module, a rechargeable battery to activate the module and (b) a means incorporated in the box, to recharge the modules, (c) a means of processing the box to load and store information from the memories of the modules to further process them.

19. The system according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 11 or 13, further characterized in that one of the diversity of the photon trajectories is placed at a point that does not contain semen, and it also comprises a second algorithm that is driven by the processor that recognizes this photon path as a reference path and that uses the photosensitization signal from the reference path and one of the signals from the photon path to quantify the density of sperm of a sample.

20. A sperm sample deposit comprising: (a) a handle defining a chamber and an opening within the chamber for introducing and extracting a sperm sample, (b) manually operated means for aspirating a sperm sample within the camera and (c) a variety of different trajectories of photons that are intercepted and passed through the camera for photodetection of sperm characteristics.

21. A supply of semen diluent comprising: (a) a tray defining a plurality of closed, uniform cavities; (b) each cavity contains an accurate amount of semen extender; and (c) each cavity has a frangible seal for inserting a handle of a sperm sample reservoir through the seal into the cavity to expel a sample of the semen from the reservoir to the diluent and to agitate them together.

22. The system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the handle is transparent, includes a variety of optically transparent holes, each path of photons is defined by a pair of holes aligned on opposite sides of the chamber.