Classifications

• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
  • C12M29/00—Means for introduction, extraction or recirculation of materials, e.g. pumps
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
  • C12M33/00—Means for introduction, transport, positioning, extraction, harvesting, peeling or sampling of biological material in or from the apparatus

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates to a fluid transferring device. More particularly relates to the fluid transferring device equipped with a synchronized valve assembly or mechanism for transfer of fluid from one container to another container.
• valves or valve systems equipped in various fluid flow systems.
• Fluid flow systems are of various types, these include for e.g., delicate transfer of biological tissue fluid from containers in the laboratories to high pressure gushing of water in dams, rivers reservoirs etc.
• the valves play an important role in directing, controlling and regulating the flow of a fluid from one point to another.
• Valves are generally installed at crucial passageways in the fluid flow paths for regulating the flow of the fluid based on the requirement and time intervals.
• the valves can be of manual type operation or can be completely automated and programmed by the use of control systems.
• actuation valves such as electrically operated valves, hydraulically operated valves are utilized.
• manual valve operation such as hand operated valve mechanism, foot and knee operated valve mechanism will suffice.
• the valves arc of different types based on the requirement and the type of process system as explained above. Many of the common valves range from hydraulic, pneumatic, manual, solenoid and motor operated valves.
• Various other types of vales are gate valves, ball valves, needle valves, butterfly valves and check valves etc.,. These above mentioned valves can be used for obtaining and controlling the desired fluid flow rate.
• valves for various fluid flows There are different types of valves for various fluid flows and the most important and common flows are of pressurized fluid flow and gravitational flow due to the action of gravitational force.
• a pressurized fluid flow uses pumps fixed at crucial locations within the flow system to pump the fluid from one point to another.
• This kind of pressurized flow is generally used to transfer fluids through certain distances by means of channels, tubes, hoses etc.
• This kind of transfer of fluid is used in cases where there are no delicate elements to be transferred, for e.g. transfer of water from a storage tank for domestic usage, fuel injection systems etc.
• the valve systems equipped in such pressurized flow systems are very durable and can withstand high pressures and stresses. These valve systems can be programmed accordingly for opening and closing of the valve to obstruct and allow the fluid flow.
• Valves are basically of ball valves, needle valves, disc valves etc. These types of valves are generally used in flow processes where the flow of the fluid occurs due to the gravitational forces.
• valve assembly or mechanism which eradicates the use of tube or hoses as a means for transferring fluid between the dispensing container (also termed as storage container) and the receiving container.
• synchronized valve system which aids in transferring of fluid from the dispensing container to the receiving container directly wherein no pumps for developing pressurized flow of fluid is required.
• a fluid transferring device comprising: at least one dispensing container and at least one receiving container coupled to a first robotic assembly and a second robotic assembly respectively, the first robotic assembly is configured to revolve the at least one dispensing container in a horizontal rotary axis towards each of the at least one receiving container.
• the second robotic assembly is configured to traverse the at least one receiving container towards the at least one dispensing container. Aligning and mating a dispensing port of the at least one dispensing container with an inlet port of the at least one receiving container.
• At least one valve mechanism installed at neck portion of the at least one dispensing container and the at least one receiving container for regulating flow of at least one of biological tissue fluid, buffer solutions, enzymes and reagents.
• At least one sensor installed at mouth of the dispensing port of the at least one dispensing container and the inlet port of the at least one receiving container, wherein the at least one sensor senses mating of the dispensing container and receiving container to operate the valve mechanism.
• the second robotic assembly equipped with the receiving container traverses in a multi plane axis towards the dispensing container for receiving the fluid and for performing different processing actions.
• the fluid which is at least one of biological tissue fluid, buffer solutions, enzymes and reagents dispense from the dispensing container into the receiving container due to gravitational pull.
• the first control unit which is interfaced with the first robotic assembly, rotates the at least one dispensing container in a horizontal rotary axis.
• a second control unit is interfaced with the second robotic assembly to traverse the at least one receiving container towards the at least one dispensing container.
• At least one sensor installed at mouth of the dispensing port of the at least one dispensing container and the inlet port of the at least one receiving container operate synchronously.
• at least one sensor provided on the at least one dispensing container and the at least one receiving container are interfaced to a drive motor for operating the at least one valve mechanism.
• a method of transferring tissue to a device comprising steps of: coupling at least one dispensing container and at least one receiving container to a first robotic assembly and a second robotic assembly, wherein; the first robotic assembly is configured to revolve the at least one dispensing container in a horizontal rotary axis towards each of the at least one receiving container.
• the second robotic assembly Coupling the second robotic assembly to the at least one receiving container, wherein the second robotic assembly is configured to: traverse the at least one receiving container towards each of the at least one dispensing container. Aligning and mating dispensing port of the at least one dispensing container, with an inlet port of each of the at least one receiving container. Installing at least one valve mechanism at neck portion of the at least one dispensing container and the at least one receiving container. Installing at least one sensor at mouth of the dispensing port of the at least one dispensing container and inlet port of each of the at least one receiving container senses mating of the dispensing container and receiving container to operate the valve mechanism for regulating flow of at least one of biological tissue fluid, buffer solutions, enzymes and reagents.
• Figure 1 illustrates fluid transfer device comprising a receiving container and a dispensing container each equipped with an intermediate valve mechanism driven by motor.
• Figure 2 illustrates valve mechanisms of the fluid transfer device installed at each of the mouth of the containers with sensors.
• Figure 3 illustrates perspecti ve view of the fluid transferring device.
• the fluid transferring device is used to transfer biological tissue fluid, buffer solutions, enzymes and reagents without the use of any tubes or hoses. Also, the fluid transferring device transfers the above mentioned samples only due to the action of gravitational pull.
• At least one dispensing container is coupled to a first robotic assembly wherein, the first robotic assembly revolves in a horizontal rotary axis in a single plane.
• At least one receiving container is coupled to a second robotic assembly which is configured to traverse the receiving container towards the dispensing container.
• the neck portions of each of the dispensing container and receiving containers are equipped with valve mechanism for regulating the flow of the biological tissue fluid, buffer solutions, enzymes and reagents.
• the valve mechanism is automatically operated to open and close the respective valves as per the defined logic preset by the user.
• the sensors which are installed at each of the neck portions of the containers sense the mating of the receiving container with the dispensing container and appropriately open the valve.
• the first robotic assembly and the second robotic assembly are controlled by a first control unit and the second control unit respectively.
• the valve mechanism can be individually programmed to open or close simultaneously, synchronously or sequentially based on the requirement.
• the first control unit and the second control unit control's the movement of the receiving containers to each of the dispensing container and also to operate the opening and closing of the valve mechanism.
• FIG 1 illustrates tissue processing unit (100) comprising a dispensing container (101) and a receiving container (102).
• the dispensing container (101) is coupled to a first robotic assembly (103) (refer figure 3) which is configured to revolve the dispensing container (101) in a horizontal rotary axis.
• the receiving container (102) is coupled to a second robotic assembly (104) which is configured to move the receiving container (102) in a multiple axis and also to traverse the receiving container (102) to the dispensing container (101).
• Figure 1 depicts the dispensing container (101) and the receiving container (102) in mated position.
• the neck portion (106) of the dispensing container (101) and the receiving container (102) is installed with a valve mechanism (105) to regulate the flow of fluid such as biological tissue fluid, buffer solutions, enzymes and reagents.
• the dispensing container (101) is provided with a dispensing port (101a) which dispenses the fluid such as biological tissue fluid, buffer solutions, enzymes and reagents into the receiving container (102) through an inlet port (102a).
• the fluid is a biological fluid.
• the flow fluid such as biological tissue fluid, buffer solutions, enzymes and reagents from the dispensing container (101) into the receiving container ( 102) takes place only when the mating of the dispensing port ( 101 a) of dispensing container (101) with that of the inlet port (102a) of the receiving container (102) via regulation or controlled sensing by the at least one sensor (107).
• the mating of the dispensing container (101) and the receiving container (102) forms a passage for the flow of fluid such as biological tissue fluid, buffer solutions, enzymes and reagents eliminating the use of lubes or hoses.
• the dispensing container (101) and the receiving container (102) are designed in such a way that, the neck portion (106) of the dispensing container (101) diverges to a single exit point [(i.e. dispensing port (101a)] for the flow of fluid such as biological tissue fluid, buffer solutions, enzymes and reagents.
• fluid such as biological tissue fluid, buffer solutions, enzymes and reagents.
• valve mechanism (105) installed at the neck portion (106) of the dispensing container (101) and the receiving container (102) is at least one of ball valve, butterfly valve, spool valve, check valve and any other valves which serve the purpose.
• the sensors (107) are installed at mouth (108) (refer figure 2) of the dispensing port (101a) of the dispensing container (101) and also at the mouth (108) of the inlet port (102a) of the receiving container (102).
• the sensor (107) is programmed to sense the mating of the dispensing container (101) and the receiving container (102).
• the sensor triggers the valve mechanism (105) to operate [i.e. toggle between open and closed positions].
• the valve mechanism (105) operates between open position and closed position simultaneously, synchronously or sequentially based on the requirement.
• the sensor (107) is at least one of proximity sensor, contact sensor, laser sensor and any other sensor which serves the purpose.
• the receiving container (102) has an inlet port (102a) wherein, fluid such as the biological tissue fluid, buffer solutions, enzymes and reagents flows into the receiving container (102) from the dispensing container (101) eliminating the use of tubes or hoses.
• fluid such as the biological tissue fluid, buffer solutions, enzymes and reagents
• the valve mechanism (105) is operated by a drive motor (111) which is at least one of gear drive, belt drive, chain drive or any other mechanism which serves the purpose.
• These drive motors (1 1 1) receives signals for operation from units such as a control unit, programmable logic controller or any other device which serves the purpose.
• FIG. 2 illustrates valve mechanism (105) of the fluid transfer device (100) installed at each of the mouth (108) of the containers (101 and 102) with sensors (107) and drive motor (111).
• the valve mechanism (105) consists of a ball valve mechanism which is mated to a drive motor (111).
• the drive motor (111) is in turn mated to a sensor (107) which senses the mating of the dispensing container (101) with the receiving container (102).
• Mating of the dispensing container (101) with the receiving container (102) eliminates the use of transfer means such as tubes or hoses. Thereby reducing the cost involved in manufacturing additional components for fluid transfer and also eliminates the need of performing maintenance operations such as cleaning of clogged tubes or hoses which is time consuming.
• tubes and hoses leads to sterile conditions during transfer of fluid from the dispensing container (101) into the receiving container (102). Also, since the transfer of fluid is taking place due to the gravitational forces or gravitational pull, the damage caused to the fluids is eliminated. Further, use of pressure pumps or external devices for fluid transfer is also eliminated. Moreover, diameter and path of tubes or hoses may limit fluid flow [for example; in case of fat to be transferred etc.]. Therefore, only specific size and shape of particles can flow through the lubes or hoses. Users have to choose specific diameters of tubes or hoses for specific size and shape of particles to be transferred which leads to operational downtime.
• the neck portion (106) of each of the dispensing container (101) and the receiving container (102) consists of at least one valve mechanism (105).
• the neck portion (106) further consists of a dispensing port (101a) in the dispensing container (101) and an inlet port (102a) in the receiving container (102). Fluid such as the biological tissue fluid, buffer solutions, enzymes and reagents are transferred from the dispensing container (101) into the receiving container (102) through these dispensing and inlet ports (101a and 102a).
• the senor (107) is programmed to sense the mating of the dispensing container (101) and the receiving container (102). Once the sensor (107) senses this mating sequence, a signal is transmitted to the drive motor (111) which operates the valve mechanism (105) by rotating the valve mechanism (105) (i.e. ball valve in the present disclosure) in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction for allowing flow of fluid such as the biological tissue fluid, buffer solutions, enzymes and reagents from the dispensing container (101) into the receiving container (102). Also, the second control unit (110) controls the movement of the robotic ami (104) which traverses the receiving container (102) in position for alignment and mating with the dispensing container (101) for fluid transfer.
• the drive motor 111
• the valve mechanism (105) i.e. ball valve in the present disclosure
• the second control unit (110) controls the movement of the robotic ami (104) which traverses the receiving container (102) in position for alignment and mating with the dispensing container (101) for fluid transfer.
• the drive motor (111) of the valve mechanism (105) is installed in line with each other so as to provide torque to the valve mechanism (105) for opening and closing during fluid transfer.
• the drive motor (111) and the sensors (107) are mounted on mounting brackets (112) which are fixed to the first robotic assembly (103) and the second robotic assembly (104) respectively.
• valve mechanism (105) can be programmed to operate opening and closing of the valve mechanism (105) simultaneously with some time lag between the opening of the valves.
• the valves are configured to work not only simultaneous but in sequential manner also.
• Figure 3 illustrates perspective view of the fluid transferring device (100).
• the first robotic assembly (103) is equipped with plurality of dispensing containers (101) which are held in place by holders (not shown in figure).
• the first robotic assembly (103) is configured to revolve the plurality of dispensing containers (101) in a horizontal rotary axis or in any multiple axis movement.
• the first robotic assembly (103) can be configured to be stationary without imparting any rotational movement in a horizontal axis to the dispensing container (101).
• the second robotic assembly (104) consists of a receiving container (102) which is held in place firmly by a gripper (113).
• the second robotic assembly (104) has multiple degrees of freedom and can be moved to each of the dispensing containers (101) for transferring fluid such as biological tissue fluid, buffer solutions, enzymes and reagents from dispensing container (101) to the receiving container ( 102).
• the first robotic assembly (103) and the second robotic assembly (104) is controlled by a first control unit (109) and the second control unit (110) respectively.
• the first control unit (109) and the second control unit (110) receives feedback from the sensors (107) and then operate the drive motor (111) for opening and closing the valve mechanism (105).
• the second control unit (110) controls the movement of the second robotic assembly (104) wherein, the second robotic assembly (104) traverses to each of the dispensing container (101) for receiving the fluid such as biological tissue fluid, buffer solutions, enzymes and reagents.
• the first robotic assembly (101) maybe programmed to revolve the dispensing container (101) in a horizontal rotary axis so as to dispense fluid such as the biological tissue fluid, buffer solutions, enzymes and reagents into the receiving container (102).
• direct mating of containers negates usage of tubes or hoses and in turn avoids limitation relating to volume of fluid transfer. Also, operational downtime in choosing different lubes or hoses during tissue transfer is avoided.
• transfer of fluid takes place only due to the gravitational force or gravitational pull and no external means such as pressure pumps are used, which avoids damage to the contents during transferring operation.
• transfer of fluid is automated based on the programming and hence avoiding manual intervention.
• the dispensing container is manufactured so as to have a single diverging dispensing port which aids in complete evacuation of the fluid from the dispensing container and avoids hung back condition of fluids.
• the rate of fluid flow can be automatically controlled by the user by controlling the opening and closing of the valve mechanism and thereby avoiding inadequate or surplus fluid flow.

Landscapes

• Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Organic Chemistry (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Zoology (AREA)
• Biomedical Technology (AREA)
• Sustainable Development (AREA)
• Microbiology (AREA)
• Biochemistry (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Genetics & Genomics (AREA)
• Biotechnology (AREA)
• Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=52014191

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (2)

Families Citing this family (1)

Citations (3)

• 2014
  • 2014-11-12 IN IN5149CH2013 patent/IN2013CH05149A/en unknown
  • 2014-11-12 WO PCT/IB2014/065979 patent/WO2015071832A1/en not_active Ceased

Patent Citations (3)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events