WO2019162736A1

WO2019162736A1 - A smearing device

Info

Publication number: WO2019162736A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/053244
Authority: WO
Inventors: Abhishek Shukla; Atheev Raja; Vijay MURALIDHARAN; Rohit Kumar Pandey
Original assignee: Sigtuple Technologies Private Limited
Priority date: 2018-02-26
Filing date: 2018-05-10
Publication date: 2019-08-29

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses a mechanism for operating a smearing blade assembly of a smearing device between a rest position and an extended position. The mechanism comprises a first link pivotable to a housing, wherein the first link is operable between a first position and a second position. At least one second link is provided such that, one end is pivotally coupled to a coupling end of the first link. A carriage is disposed in housing and is configured to accommodate smearing blade assembly, wherein carriage is coupled to another end of at least one second link. The at least one second link moves the carriage linearly between rest position and extended position, when the first link is operated between first position and second position. The mechanism of present disclosure is simple in constructions and involves less number of components.

Description

TITLE:“A SMEARING DEVICE”

TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure generally relates to a field of medical devices. Particularly, but not exclusively the present disclosure relates to a device for smearing biological fluids. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a mechanism for operating a smearing blade assembly of the smearing device.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Diagnosis of liquid samples such as biological samples including but not limiting to blood samples, urine/stool samples etc., are gaining prominence with advancements in the field of medical industry. The biological samples may be subjected for various diagnostic tests to determine medical condition of a subject. One such common biological sample subjected for diagnosis may include blood samples, as blood flows throughout the body of the subject and acts as a major transport means of oxygen and nutrients to tissues. Consequently, the blood flow in the body may influence many medical conditions of the subject and thus, analysis of blood samples provides accurate diagnosis of the subject’s medical condition.

In order to analyse blood samples, it is necessary to prepare a sample slide, with the blood sample smeared on the sample slide. The blood smear may be made such that, a monolayer of blood may be formed on the slide, so that the cells may be examined under a microscope by a technician. The blood smear technique may be used to diagnose abnormalities in blood cells of the subject.

Typically, the blood sample may be smeared on the sample slide by glass slide technique. This technique utilizes two glass slides, with a drop of blood placed on a first slide and a second slide may be manually glided over the first slide, to disperse blood along the first slide. During such process, the blood sample may form a parabolic pattern over the first slide after dispersion and may be allowed to dry. The dried glass slide may be viewed via a microscope by the technician for diagnosis of subject’s medical condition. However, the glass slide technique for smearing blood samples may involve critical parameters to be considered, such as angle between the first slide and the second slide, and speed of movement of the second slide over the first slide. Moreover, the glass slides are difficult to grip due to their relatively smaller dimensions. Owing to these complexities, a lack of uniformity in the smear is apparent in manual glass slide techniques, even when the same person has prepared multiple sample slides.

With the advancements in the technology, blood smearing devices are developed, for the purpose of smearing blood sample over the glass slide. The conventional blood smearing devices may include a support structure for supporting the glass slide, with a marker for receiving a specified quantity of the blood sample from the technician, and a smearer configured to glide over the support structure for smearing the blood sample.

However, conventional blood smearing devices employ complex mechanical arrangements for mounting and operating the smearer. This arrangement may prevent replacement of the spreader after completion of the smearing process, which may inherently affect quality of the blood smear and may also contaminate the blood sample during prolonged usage. Further, complex mechanical arrangements involved in manufacturing these blood smearing devices makes the device expensive and cumbersome for replacement and service.

The present disclosure is directed to address one or more problems as discussed above or any other limitation associated with the prior arts.

The information disclosed in this background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the disclosure and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more drawbacks of conventional smearing devices are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the mechanism and device as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure a mechanism for operating a smearing blade assembly of a smearing device between a rest position and an extended position is provided. The mechanism comprises a first link pivot to a housing of the smearing device, wherein the first link is operable between a first position and a second position. At least one second link is provided such that, one end of the at least one second link is pivotally coupled to a coupling end of the first link. The mechanism also includes a carriage disposed in the housing and is configured to accommodate the smearing blade assembly, wherein the carriage is coupled to another end of the at least one second link. The at least one second link moves the carriage accommodating the smearing blade assembly linearly between the rest position and the extended position, when the first link is operated between the first position and the second position.

In an embodiment, the carriage is disposed longitudinally in the housing, and is slidably mounted in a guide member provided in the housing. The carriage extends above the housing and includes at least one aperture for receiving the smearing blade assembly.

In an embodiment, the first link is operable from the first position to the second position through a free end.

In an embodiment, a first resilient member is coupled between the first link and the housing, the first resilient member is adapted to be energized, when the first link is operated from the first position to the second position. The first resilient member de-energizes to retract the first link from the second position to the first position.

In an embodiment, a damping member is coupled between the first link and the housing. The damping member is adapted to control retraction of the first link from the second position to the first position.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a device for smearing liquid samples is provided. The device comprises a housing having a platform configured to accommodate a slide stage, and a base. A smearing blade assembly is provided on the platform and is configured to be operable between a rest position and an extended position over the slide stage. The device also comprises a mechanism for operating the smearing blade assembly between the rest position and the extended position. The mechanism includes the first link pivotable to the housing, wherein the first link is operable between the first position and the second position. The at least one second link is provided, wherein one end of the at least one second link is pivotally coupled to a coupling end of the first link. The carriage is disposed in the housing, and is configured to accommodate the smearing blade assembly, wherein the carriage is coupled to another end of the at least one second link. The at least one second link moves the carriage accommodating the smearing blade assembly linearly between the rest position and the extended position, when the first link is operated between the first position and the second position.

In an embodiment, the platform includes at least one first slot provided on either sides of the slide stage to trace a path for linear movement of the carriage.

In an embodiment, the housing includes at least one second slot adapted to receive the free end of the first link. The at least one second slot traces a path for movement of the free end during operation of the first link between the first position and the second position.

In an embodiment, the carriage extends above the platform and includes at least one aperture for receiving the smearing blade assembly.

In an embodiment, the smearing blade assembly includes a smearing head pivotally connected to the at least one aperture in the carriage through one or more pins.

In an embodiment, the one or more pins are configured to form a clearance fit with at least one aperture to enable tilting of the smearing blade assembly.

In an embodiment, the smearing head includes an opening for receiving a smearing blade. The smearing blade is fixed to the smearing head through a plurality of fasteners.

In an embodiment, a stopper is provided on the carriage, the stopper is adapted to maintain the smearing head at a predetermined angle.

In an embodiment, the mechanism comprises a second resilient member mounted on the one or more pins, to resist angular displacement of a smearing blade during operation of the smearing blade assembly between the rest position and the extended position.

In an embodiment, the mechanism comprises a first resilient member coupled between the first link and the platform. The first resilient member is adapted to be energized, when the first link is operated from the first position to the second position and the first resilient member de-energizes to retract the first link from the second position to the first position.

In an embodiment, the mechanism comprises a damping member coupled between the first link and the base, the damping member is adapted to control retraction of the first link from the second position to the first position.

In an embodiment, the slide stage defines a provision for receiving a glass slide for smearing a sample. The slide stage is also defined with at least one groove on at least one end, for ease of handling of the glass slide on the slide stage.

In an embodiment, the smearing of the liquid sample occurs during retraction of the smearing blade assembly from the extended position to the rest position.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a smearing device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 illustrates a side perspective view of smearing device of Figure 1 in open condition, showing a mechanism for operating a smearing blade assembly of the smearing device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 illustrates another side perspective view of the smearing device of Figure 2.

Figure 4 illustrates a magnified top perspective view of the smearing device showing smearing blade assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 illustrates an open side view of the smearing device, showing configuration of the mechanism when the smearing blade assembly is in a rest position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 6 illustrates an open side view of the smearing device showing the configuration of the mechanism, when the smearing blade assembly is in an extended position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure to arrive at a mechanism for operating a smearing blade of smearing device and a smearing device thereof. The mechanism for operating the smearing blade and the smearing device, may vary based on configuration of the smearing device. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings illustrate only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

The terms“comprises”,“comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, a system, an assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device preceeded by“comprises ... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device. In the foregoing description, words such as top, bottom, upper, lower are used with respect to particular orientation of the device illustrated in figures for the purpose of understanding. However, such positions may change with change in orientation of the device in the figures.

The present disclosure provides a mechanism for operating a smearing blade assembly of a smearing device. The smearing device of the present disclosure is configured to produce high quality smears irrespective of characteristics of the body fluids or biological samples, while being simple in construction and operation.

The mechanism according to embodiments of the disclosure, can be employed in the smearing device to operate the smearing blade assembly between a rest position and an extended position in the smearing blade assembly. The mechanism comprises a first link having a coupling end and a free end. The first link is pivotable to a housing of the smearing device, and is operable between a first position and a second position. At least one second link is provided in the housing, such that one end of the at least one second link is pivotally coupled to the coupling end of the first link. The mechanism also includes a carriage disposed in the housing, such that the carriage is connected to another end of the at least one second link. The carriage is also configured to accommodate the smearing blade assembly. The configuration of the carriage ensures that, the at least one second link moves the carriage linearly between the rest position and the extended position, when the first link is operated between the first position and the second position. Further, the mechanism includes a first resilient member coupled between the first link and the housing. The first resilient member may be energized when the first link is operated from the first position to the second position and may be de-energized when the first link retracts from the second position to the first position. Further, a damping member may be coupled between the first link and the housing, for controlling retraction of the first link from the second position to the first position. This configuration of the first resilient member and the damping member ensure that the speed of retraction of the carriage is controlled, and thereby smear the body fluids or biological samples.

Further, the mechanism may be enclosed within the housing, wherein the housing may include a platform configured to accommodate a slide stage, which is adapted to receive a glass slide for smearing body fluids or biological samples. The combination of the housing, the smearing blade assembly and the mechanism forms the smearing device for smearing body fluids or biological samples. An indicating means may be provided on the platform, for indicating an ideal position for drooping the liquid sample to be smeared by the smearing blade assembly.

In an operational embodiment, upon dropping the body fluids or biological samples on or at the vicinity of the visual indicator, the technician may operate the free end of the first link, from the first position to the second position. This actuates the smearing blade assembly connected to the carriage, from the rest position to the extended position, while energizing the first resilient member. At this stage, the technician or operator may release the free end of the first link, to enable retraction of the first link from the second position to the first position. The speed of retraction of the first link may be controlled by actuation of the damping member connected to first link. The movement of the first link from the second position to the first position, enables smearing of the body fluids or biological samples on the glass slide.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to figures 1 and 6. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

Figure 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a perspective view of a device (102) for smearing liquid samples, such as but not limiting to body fluids or biological samples. The device (102) is configured to produce high quality smears for any body fluids or biological samples irrespective of viscosity of the body fluids or biological samples, in a simple and efficient manner. As an example, the body fluids or biological samples may include but not limiting to blood samples. The device (102) comprises a housing (1) defined by a plurality of walls (le) to form an enclosure. A top wall of the plurality of walls (le), may be adapted as a platform (la) of the device (102) and is configured to accommodate a slide stage (9). The slide stage (9) is configured with a provision [not shown in Figures] for receiving a glass slide (12). A bottom wall of the plurality of walls (le) may be adapted to be a base (lb) of the device (102), for supporting the device (102) on a surface. The plurality of walls (le) may include mounting arrangements such as but not limiting to fastening arrangement, snap-fit arrangement and the like, for joining or securing each of the plurality of the walls (le) together.

Referring to Figure 2, a mechanism (100) for operating a smearing blade assembly (101) is disclosed. The mechanism (100) is configured to operate the smearing blade assembly (101) between a rest position (RP) and an extended position (EP) for smearing the body fluids or biological samples. The mechanism (100) comprises a first link (2) pivotally mounted in the housing (1) and is operable between a first position (FP) and a second position (SP) by an operator or a technician. In an embodiment, the first link (2) may be pivotally mounted in the housing (1) by means of a dowel pin (16) extending from one of the plurality of walls (le) of the housing (1). The first link (2) includes a free end (2a) accessible to the user for operating the first link (2) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP), and a coupling end (2b). The first link (2) may act as a lever for initiating actuation of the mechanism (100). The configuration of the first link (2) may be selected such that, minimum effort is required for the user for operating the mechanism (100). In an embodiment, the first link (2) may be an L-shaped bracket, pivotally mounted to the housing (1). The mounting point of the first link (2) is selected such that, maximum force may be transferred for operating the mechanism (100) with minimum effort of the operator. A handle (2c) may be provisioned in the free end (2a) of the first link (2) to enable ease of handling of the first link (2). The handle (2c) may protrude from the free end (2a) or may be attached to the free end (2a) of the first link (2). In an embodiment, the handle (2c) extends from the housing (1) via at least one second slot (ld), to ensure that the handle (2c) is accessible to the operator. The at least one second slot (ld) traces a path for movement of the free end (2a) of the first link (2) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP), during actuation of the handle (2c). Further, at least one second link (3) is provided in the mechanism (100) such that, one end of the at least one second link (3) is pivotally connected to the coupling end (2b) of the first link (2) and the other end is pivotally connected to a carriage (4). The at least one second link (3) acts as a transport link for transferring movement of the first link (2) to the carriage (4). The configuration of the at least one second link (3) is selected such that, transfer of movement is achieved from the first link (2) to the carriage (4). In an embodiment, the at least one second link (3) is a straight link, with ends of the straight link pivotally mounted to the coupling end (2b) of the first link and to the carriage (4).

Referring to Figure 3 in conjunction with Figure 2, the carriage (4) is slidably disposed in the housing (1) and is configured to accommodate the smearing blade assembly (101). The carriage (4) may be slidably disposed in the housing (1) via at least one guide member (5) extending longitudinally along the plurality of walls (le) of the housing (1). This configuration enables the carriage (4) to be operable by the at least one second link (3) linearly i.e. along the axis between the rest position (RP) and the extended position (EP) along the at least one guide member (5) upon actuation of the first link (2). To ensure stability during sliding movement of the carriage (4), two guide members (5) may be provided. The carriage (4) may include a bearing assembly [not shown in figures] to minimize friction between contact surfaces of the carriage (4) and the at least one guide member (5) during sliding movement. In an embodiment, the at least one guide member (5) may be a rod, with a cross section selected from at least one of circular, rectangular and the like which serves the purpose. The carriage (4) may also include a mounting assembly (4b) for pivotally connecting with the at least one second link (3). Further, the carriage (4) extends above the housing (1) and includes at least one aperture (4a) for receiving the smearing blade assembly (101). The carriage (4) may include at least one arm (4c) extending above the housing (1) via at least one first slot (lc). The at least one first slot (lc) traces a path for linear movement of the carriage (4), during actuation of the first link (2). Additionally, the at least one arm (4c) may be provided with the at least one aperture (4a) for receiving the smearing blade assembly (101). In an embodiment, the at least one aperture (4a) is provided in an inner surface of the at least one arm (4c) to ensure that axial movement of the smearing blade assembly (101) is restricted, upon assembly. In another embodiment, the linkage assembly of the first link (2), the at least one second link (3) and the carriage (4) are configured to form a four-bar linkage mechanism. Further, a first resilient member (6) is provided in the housing (1), such that one end of the first resilient member (6) is connected to the first link (2) and the other end to the housing

(1). This arrangement ensures that the first resilient member (6) is axially actuated, while also oscillating between the pivoting points for ease of movement of the first link (2). The first resilient member (6) is configured to be energized, when the first link (2) is operated from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) and to be de-energized, when the first link (2) is retracted from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP). In an embodiment, the first resilient member (6) may be a spring member fixed to the first link

(2) and the housing (1). In an embodiment, the first resilient member (6) may be selected from at least one of a spring member, a dashpot, a diaphragm, a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator or any other resilient members, pivotally connected to the first link (2) and the housing (1). Further, the first resilient member (6) while deenergizing, may be adapted to retract the first link (2) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP) by utilizing the energy stored during operation of the first link (2) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP). In an embodiment, when the first resilient member (6) extends upon actuation of the first link (2) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) and retracts back to its initial size, while retracting the first link (2) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP).

The first link (2) may be further linked to a damping member (7) such that, one end of the damping member (7) is connected to the first link (2) and the other end to the housing (1). The damping member (7) may be connected such that, one end may be pivotally connected in the vicinity of the elbow portion of the first link (2) and the other end may be pivotally connected to the base (lb). This arrangement ensures that the damping member (7) is subjected to axial movement for energizing and de-energizing, while also oscillating between the pivotal points for ease of movement of the first link (2). Further, the damping member (7) may be adapted to control retraction of the first link (2) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP). The damping member (7) may also be configured to counteract or oppose movement during deenergizing of the first resilient member (6), thereby controlling speed of retraction of the first link (2). In other words, the first resilient member (6) and the damping member (7) are in opposing relation to each other, thereby controlling operation of the first link (2). In an embodiment, stiffness of the damping member (7) may be configured to be lesser than stiffness of the first resilient member (6), so that the damping member (7) will only reduce the speed of retraction of the first resilient member (6). In other words, the stiffness of the damping member (7) is selected to only reduce speed of retraction of the first resilient member (6) and without stopping movement of the first resilient member (6). The damping member (7) may be selected from at least one of the spring member, the pneumatic actuator, the hydraulic actuator, the diaphragm, the dashpot or the like, which serves the purpose.

Referring to Figure 4, the smearing blade assembly (101) includes a smearing head (lOla) having a through hole for receiving one or more pins (10). The one or more pins (10) along with the smearing head (10 la) are inserted into the at least one aperture (4a) for pivotally mounting the smearing head (10 la) onto the carriage (4). The smearing head (10 la) also includes an opening (lOlc) at its free end for receiving a smearing blade (lOlb). The smearing blade (lOlb) may be secured within the opening (lOlc) of the smearing head (lOla) by fasteners (11). This configuration of the smearing head (lOla) facilitates easy replacement of the smearing blade (lOlb) after use. Further, the smearing head (lOla) is mounted at an angle with respect to longitudinal direction of the housing (1), to establish an angular contact between the smearing blade (lOlb) and the glass slide (12). As an example, the smearing head (10 la) may be mounted at an angle 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the housing (1). To prevent angular displacement of the smearing head (lOla) during operation, a second resilient member (8) may be provided axially to the one or more pins (10). The second resilient member (8) is configured to resist angular displacement of the smearing head (10 la) during operation, thereby maintaining optimum angular contact with the glass slide (12). Also, a stopper (15) may be provided on one or more pins (10) to prevent angular displacement of the smearing head (10 la) during operation. This configuration ensures that the smearing head (lOla) maintains optimum angular contact with the glass slide (12) irrespective of the indentations or undulations on the surface of the glass slide (12). Additionally, dimensions of the one or more pins (10) and the at least one aperture (4a) are selected to ensure clearance fit, to provide flexibility to the smearing head (lOla) to match inclination of the glass slide (12) mounted on the slide stage (9), in the event of an error while mounting the glass slide (12) by the technician . This arrangement enables optimum angular contact between the smearing blade (lOlb) and the glass slide (12), irrespective of angular deviation of the glass slide (12). Further, the slide stage (9) may include an indication means [not shown in Figures] to indicate location for dropping the biological sample by the technician or the operator. The indication means may be provided at the extended position (EP) of the smearing blade assembly (101), so that the smearing blade (lOlb) contacts the biological sample when the smearing blade (lOlb) is at the extended position (EP).

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, an operational embodiment of the device (102) for smearing the biological sample is illustrated. For smearing the sample on the glass slide, the technician, assembles a glass side (12) on the provision provided on the slide stage (9) and a predetermined quantity of the biological sample may be dropped on the indication means. Subsequently, the technician actuates the first link (2) via the handle (2c) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP). The force of actuation of the first link (2) may be transferred into linear movement of the carriage (4) and to the smearing blade assembly (101) via the at least one second link (3), thereby operating the smearing blade assembly (101) from the rest position (RP) to the extended position (EP) [shown in Figure. 6]. At the extended position (EP), the smearing blade (lOlb) contacts the droplet of the biological sample, which spreads along the width of the smearing blade (lOlb). At this stage, the technician releases the force applied to the handle (2c), to allow the first resilient member (6) to de-energize. While deenergizing, the first resilient member (6) operates the first link (2) to retract from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP) [shown in Figure. 5]. The damping member (7) applies a counter force or opposes retraction of the first link (2), thereby controlling the speed of retraction of the first link (2) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP). Due to slower speed of retraction of the first link (2), the body fluids or biological samples may be smeared on the glass slide (12) by the smearing blade (lOlb).

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a mechanism for operating the smearing blade assembly and the device for smearing the body fluids or biological samples, which produces high-quality smear samples independent of characteristics of the body fluids or biological samples.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a mechanism for operating the smearing blade assembly and the device for smearing the body fluids or biological samples, which enables replacement of smearing blades, thereby maintaining smearing quality and preventing contamination of samples over prolonged usage. In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a mechanism for operating the smearing blade assembly and the device for smearing the body fluids or biological samples, which self-adjusts based on inclination of the glass slide.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a mechanism for operating the smearing blade assembly and the device for smearing the body fluids or biological samples, which is simple in construction, reliable and robust.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERRAL NUMERALS:

Claims

We Claim:

1. A mechanism (100) for operating a smearing blade assembly (101) of a smearing device (102) between a rest position (RP) and an extended position (EP), the mechanism (100) comprising:

a first link (2) pivotable to a housing (1) of the smearing device (102), wherein the first link (2) is operable between a first position (FP) and a second position (SP);

at least one second link (3), wherein one end of the at least one second link (3) is pivotally coupled to a coupling end (2b) of the first link (2); and

a carriage (4) disposed in the housing (1), the carriage (4) is configured to accommodate the smearing blade assembly (101), wherein the carriage (4) is coupled to another end of the at least one second link (3), such that, the at least one second link (3) moves the carriage (4) accommodating the smearing blade assembly (101) linearly between the rest position (RP) and the extended position (EP), when the first link (2) is operated between the first position (FP) and the second position

(SP).

2. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carriage (4) is disposed longitudinally in the housing (1), and is slidably mounted in at least one guide member (5) provided in the housing (1).

3. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carriage (4) extends above the housing (1) and includes at least one aperture (4a) for receiving the smearing blade assembly (101).

4. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first link (2) is operable from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) through a free end (2a).

5. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a first resilient member (6) coupled between the first link (2) and the housing (1), the first resilient member (6) is adapted to energize, when the first link (2) is operated from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP), and the first resilient member (6) de-energizes to retract the first link (2) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP).

6. The mechanism as claimed in claim 1 comprises a damping member (7) coupled between the first link (2) and the housing (1), the damping member (7) is adapted to control retraction of the first link (2) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP).

7. A device (102) for smearing liquid samples, the device (102) comprising:

a housing (1) having a platform (la) configured to accommodate a slide stage (9), and a base (lb);

a smearing blade assembly (101) provided on the platform (la) and configured to be operable between a rest position (RP) and an extended position (EP) over the slide stage (9); and

a mechanism (100) for operating the smearing blade assembly (101) between the rest position (RP) and the extended position (EP), the mechanism (100) comprising:

a first link (2) pivotable to the housing (1), wherein the first link (2) is operable between a first position (FP) and a second position (SP);

at least one second link (3), wherein one end of the at least one second link (3) is pivotally coupled to a coupling end (2b) of the first link (2); and a carriage (4) disposed in the housing (1), the carriage (4) is configured to accommodate the smearing blade assembly (101), wherein the carriage (4) is coupled to another end of the at least one second link (3), such that the at least one second link (3) moves the carriage (4) accommodating the smearing blade assembly (101) linearly between the rest position (RP) and the extended position (EP), when the first link (2) is operated between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP).

8. The device (102) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the platform (la) includes at least one first slot (lc) provided on either sides of the slide stage (9) tracing a path for linear movement of the carriage (4).

9. The device (102) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first link (2) is operable from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) through a free end (2a).

10. The device (102) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the housing (1) includes at least one second slot (ld) adapted to receive the free end (2a) of the first link (2), the at least one second slot (ld) traces a path for movement of the free end (2a) during operation of the first link (2) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP).

11. The device (102) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the carriage (4) extends above the platform (la) and includes at least one aperture (4a) for receiving the smearing blade assembly (101).

12. The device (102) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the smearing blade assembly (101) includes a smearing head (10 la) pivotally connected to the at least one aperture (4a) in the carriage (4) through one or more pins (10).

13. The device (102) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the one or more pins (10) are configured to form a clearance fit with the at least one aperture (4 a) to enable tilting of the smearing blade assembly (101).

14. The device (102) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the smearing head (lOla) includes an opening (lOlc) for receiving a smearing blade (lOlb).

15. The device (102) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the smearing blade (lOlb) is fixed to the smearing head (10 la) through a plurality of fasteners (11).

16. The device (102) as claimed in claim 12, comprises a stopper (15) provided on the carriage (4), the stopper (15) is adapted to maintain the smearing head (lOla) at a predetermined angle (a).

17. The device (102) as claimed in claim 7 comprises a second resilient member (8) mounted on the one or more pins (10), to resist angular displacement of a smearing blade (lOlb) during operation of the smearing blade assembly (101) between the rest position (RP) and the extended position (EP).

18. The device (102) as claimed in claim 7 comprises a first resilient member (6) coupled between the first link (2) and the platform (la), the first resilient member (6) is adapted to energize, when the first link (2) is operated from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) and the first resilient member (6) de-energizes to retract the first link (2) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP).

19. The device (102) as claimed in claim 18 comprises a damping member (7) coupled between the first link (2) and the base (lb), the damping member (7) is adapted to control retraction of the first link (2) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP).

20. The device (102) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the slide stage (9) defines a provision (13) for receiving a glass slide (12) for smearing the liquid sample.

21. The device (102) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the slide stage (9) is defined with at least one groove (l4a) on at least one end, for ease of handling of the glass slide

(12) on the slide stage (9).

22. The (102) as claimed in claim 7, wherein smearing of the liquid sample occurs during retraction of the smearing blade assembly (101) from the extended position (EP) to the rest position (RP).