Abstract
A device for wetting biological material with at least one liquid, comprising at least one retaining device and at least suction device, wherein the retaining device serves to receive a specimen slide in a support plane, wherein the specimen slide carries the biological material, and wherein the suction device serves to suction off liquid from the retaining device, wherein a front side of the suction device does not extend parallel to the support plane. Furthermore, a retaining device for a device for wetting biological material with at least one liquid and a method for wetting biological material with at least one liquid are disclosed.
Claims
1. A device for wetting biological material with at least one liquid, the device comprising: at least one retaining device and at least suction device, wherein the retaining device serves to receive a specimen slide in a support plane, wherein the specimen slide carries the biological material, wherein the suction device serves to suction off liquid from the retaining device, and wherein a front side of the suction device does not extend parallel to the support plane.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the front side of the suction device extends in a slanted manner with respect to the support plane.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the front side of the suction device extends overall in a single plane.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the front side of the suction device is concave or convex or irregularly shaped.
5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the front side of the suction device is formed in a slanted manner.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the front side of the suction device extends at an angle in the range from 5° to 45° with respect to the support plane.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the front side of the suction device is in contact with the specimen slide and a side wall of the retaining device and a back wall of the retaining device at least during a suction process.
8. The device according to claim 1, wherein a free end of the suction device is in contact with the specimen slide and with a rounded corner of the retaining device at least during a suction process, wherein the rounded corner connects a back wall and a side wall of the retaining device to one another.
9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the suction device is formed at least in regions as a hose or tube.
10. The device according to claim 1, wherein a bottom of the retaining device has at least two planes, such that an upper bottom surface and a lower bottom surface are realized.
11. The device according to claim 10, wherein a support is formed on the lower bottom surface, and wherein the support projects at least substantially up to the height of the upper bottom surface.
12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the support is formed spaced apart from further elements of the retaining device wherein it projects freely from the lower bottom surface.
13. The device according claim 1, wherein at least one support surface is formed on a bottom of the retaining device, and wherein the support surface extends from a side wall to a back wall of the retaining device.
14. The device according to claim 10, wherein a heating device with at least one heating element is arranged for heating the at least one retaining device, wherein the heating element is dimensioned in such a way that the entire bottom of the retaining device and/or, if appropriate, the entire upper bottom surface of the retaining device is sufficiently heated, irrespective of its size.
15. A suction device for a device for wetting biological material with at least one liquid, the suction device comprising: a free end for suctioning off the liquid, wherein the front side of the free end is formed in a slanted manner and/or can be arranged in such a way that the front side extends in a slanted manner with respect to a support plane for a specimen slide.
16. A method for wetting biological material with at least one liquid, wherein in a device are arranged a retaining device comprising an upper bottom surface and a lower bottom surface with a specimen slide held therefrom, the method comprising: lifting the specimen slide off the retaining device such that liquid located on the lower bottom surface is directed to the upper bottom surface.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] There are now various possibilities for advantageously designing and further developing the teaching of the present invention. For this purpose, reference should be made on the one hand to the claims and on the other hand to the following explanation of advantageous embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings. In connection with the elucidation of the advantageous embodiments of the invention on the basis of the drawings, generally advantageous configurations and further developments of the teaching are also elucidated. In the drawings:
[0034] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment example of a device for wetting biological material with a liquid in a schematic representation,
[0035] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment example of a device for wetting biological material with a liquid in a schematic representation,
[0036] FIG. 3 shows a perspective side view of an embodiment example of a suction device or means in a schematic representation,
[0037] FIG. 4 shows a perspective side view of the suction device or means according to FIG. 3 in a further schematic representation,
[0038] FIG. 5 shows a perspective side view of the suction device or means according to FIG. 3 in a further schematic representation,
[0039] FIG. 6 shows a perspective side view of a further embodiment of a suction device or means in a schematic representation,
[0040] FIG. 7 shows a perspective side view of the suction device or means according to FIG. 6 in a further schematic representation,
[0041] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a part of the embodiment example of a device according to the invention in a schematic representation,
[0042] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a part of the embodiment example according to FIG. 8 in a further schematic representation,
[0043] FIG. 10 shows a perspective side view of an embodiment example of a retaining device for use in a device for wetting biological material with a liquid in a schematic representation,
[0044] FIG. 11 shows the retaining device according to FIG. 10 in a further schematic representation,
[0045] FIG. 12 shows a perspective side view of a further embodiment of a retaining device for use in a device for wetting biological material with a liquid in a schematic representation,
[0046] FIG. 13 shows the retaining device according to FIG. 12 in a further schematic representation,
[0047] FIG. 14 shows a perspective side view of a further embodiment of a retaining device for use in a device for wetting biological material with a liquid in a schematic representation, and
[0048] FIG. 15 shows a perspective side view of a further embodiment of a suction device or means in a schematic representation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] In the figures, the same elements are provided with the same reference signs. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, not all elements are provided with a reference sign in each figure.
[0050] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a device according to an example embodiment of the invention for wetting biological material with a liquid in a schematic representation, wherein this embodiment serves generally to illustrate the general operation of such a device.
[0051] The device has a cartridge 1 consisting of a cartridge bottom 2 and a cartridge cover 3. The cartridge cover 3 is closed off by a cover disc 4 not shown in this embodiment.
[0052] The cartridge 1 is arranged on the console 5 and has a total of four cells 6, each of which is for one retaining device 7. A specimen slide 8 is placed on each of the retaining devices 7, which lies in the support plane 22 or extends parallel to it.
[0053] According to FIG. 1, the console 5 has a plate 9 which is designed as a single component, wherein the plate 9 can also be designed in several parts, for example, a first plate and a second plate could be provided.
[0054] It can be clearly seen that the plate 9 is formed on a slant. The slant can be in the range from 1.5° to 5°, in particular from 2° to 4°, preferably 3°. The slanted course of the plate 9 can be formed independently of the further construction of the device. This ensures that liquid that is pipetted into the retaining device 7 runs in the direction of any optional overflow channel formed in the cartridge bottom 2. In addition, the slant enables any bubbles in the liquid to better ascend.
[0055] Furthermore, four electric motors 11 are configured which serve as a drive for a deflection device not shown, by way of which the specimen slide 8 can be deflected in the cartridge 1. To enable tilting of the specimen slide 8 about its longitudinal axis, a protrusion 10 is provided against which a corner region of the specimen slide 8 abuts when the specimen slide 8 is lifted.
[0056] In addition, a suction arrangement can be seen, which suction arrangement comprises the suction device or means 12 and hose or conduit 13 serving as fluid connections, by which the liquid can be suctioned out of the individual retaining devices 7. For this purpose, the suction device or means 12 is connected by way of hoses or conduits 13, for example, to a pump or another device for generating a vacuum. Control means 14, for example electronic boards, are also provided. It is essential that the front side 18 of the free end 16 of the suction device or means 12 extends in a slanted manner with respect to the support plane 22 of the retaining device 7 or to the upper side of the specimen slide 8 arranged thereon. A pipetting opening 32 is formed next to each of the suction device or means 12, through which pipetting opening liquid or alternatively reagents can be introduced/applied to the retaining device 7.
[0057] The cartridge 1 and the console 5 can be connected to each other via magnets which are not shown. Likewise, the cartridge bottom 2 and the cartridge cover 3 may be connected to each other via magnets.
[0058] FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment example of a device for wetting biological material with a liquid. This corresponds essentially to the device shown in FIG. 1, so that reference is made to the description thereof. The main difference to the device shown in FIG. 1, is that the impact point realized in FIG. 1 as protrusion 10 is now realized as strut 29, which has a slant 30 on its side facing the specimen slide 8. The slant 30 serves to limit the maximum tilt of the specimen slide 8 about its longitudinal axis. In this manner, the slant 30 defines the maximum rotation. This defines a maximum angle at which suction can be optimally performed in conjunction with the suction device or means 12. Optimal suction exists, in particular, when a light vacuum suction that is fast (for example, a maximum duration of 2 seconds) and that does not leave any residues takes place. Furthermore, small tabs 31 are attached to the side walls of the cartridge cover 3 and to the cartridge bottom 2 respectively, which serve as points of application such that the components held together by magnetic forces can be separated more easily by hand.
[0059] FIG. 2 moreover shows the transparent cover disc 4. An identically constructed cover disc 4 can be arranged in the device according to FIG. 1. In this, it can be seen that two pipetting openings 32 are also formed in the cover disc 4 for each retaining device 7. In this manner, three pipetting openings 32 are formed on each retaining device 7, such that several liquids can be mixed particularly easily. However, the cover disc 4 can also have none, only one or more than two pipetting openings 32 for each retaining device 7. A barcode field 33 is usually formed on the specimen slides 8 so that the specimen slides 8 can be clearly identified.
[0060] FIGS. 3 to 5 show different representations of an embodiment example of a suction device or means 12 according to the invention. The suction device or means 12 has a suction channel which extends from the fluid inlet 15 of the free end 16 to the fluid outlet 17. It can be clearly seen that the free end 16 is formed in a slanted manner, so that when the suction device or means 12 is arranged, for example, in a device according to FIG. 1, the front side 18 does not extend parallel to the support plane 22. Since the front side 18 extends on a slant to the support plane 22 of the retaining device 7 or alternatively to the upper side of the specimen slide 8 arranged thereon, the front side 18 does not get stuck to the specimen slide 8 and/or the retaining device 7, in such a way that liquid can be suctioned off in an extremely reliable manner It is conceivable that the free end 16 is arranged opposite the retaining device 7 in such a way that it projects into a corner 19 of the retaining device 7, which is formed by a side wall 19 and a back wall 20.
[0061] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show different representations of a further embodiment example of a suction device or means 12. In this case, the suction device or means 12 has a fluid outlet 17 which, when installed in a device in ready-to-use state, extends at least substantially upwards, which is to say vertically. Such a suction device or means 12 is particularly suitable for the case in which the vacuum, which is generated continuously or on demand, is connected to the suction device or means 12 in such a way that a movable connection, for example, a suction hose or tube, is directed or placed onto the outlet of the suction device or means, for example, from above, by way of an articulation or other suitable device. This connection process could be synchronized with the insertion of the cartridge.
[0062] Furthermore, the suction device or means 12 shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 corresponds to the embodiment according to FIGS. 3 to 5, so that reference is made to the description thereof in order to avoid repetition.
[0063] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show schematic representations of a part of a device according to embodiments of the invention. In concrete terms, FIG. 8 shows a cartridge bottom 2 with four cells 6, in each of which a retaining device 7 is accommodated. The number of cells 6 can be lesser or higher, for example, only one single cell 6 and thus one single retaining device 7 can be provided. Furthermore, it is shown how the suction device or means 12 are arranged during the suction process. The suction device or means 12 correspond to the suction device or means 12 shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 and are each positioned opposite a retaining device 7 in such a way that the free end 16 projects into the corner 19 of the retaining device 7, the front side 18 not being parallel but inclined or slanted with respect to the support plane 22.
[0064] FIG. 9 shows the cartridge bottom 2 together with the retaining device 7 and suction device or means 12 according to FIG. 8 as well as a cartridge cover 3. The suction device or means 12 are arranged in the cartridge cover 3 (not shown in FIG. 5) in such a manner that in the closed state, they project into the corners 19 of the retaining device 7. In this way, the front sides 18 of the suction device or means 12 do not extend parallel to the support planes 22, but rather on a slant or inclined.
[0065] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show an embodiment example of a retaining device 7. The retaining device 7 has two side walls 21 and a back wall 20. Support tabs 23 are formed on the side walls 21, with which the retaining device 7 rests in/on the cells 7. Furthermore, it can be clearly seen that the bottom 24 has an upper bottom surface 25 and a lower bottom surface 26. The lower bottom surface 26 serves as a reservoir for holding liquid. If the liquid on the upper bottom surface 25 evaporates, the liquid is drawn up from this reservoir. A support 27 for the specimen slide 8 is further formed on the lower bottom surface 26. The support 27 is implemented here in the form of a point, but it can also be formed in the form of a surface or a line. Several possibly differently designed supports 27 can also be arranged. Support surfaces 28 are formed in each of the corners 19. Overall, the specimen slide 8 therefore rests on the support 27 as well as the support surfaces 28, such that the free ends of the support 27 as well as the support surfaces 28 define the support plane 22.
[0066] In FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, it can also be clearly seen that the support surfaces 28 each extend from a side wall 21 to the back wall 20 and are thus—depending on the design of the corner 19—essentially triangular or triangular with a semicircle at the apex. In this way, specimen slides 8 with different dimensions—for example, both 25 mm×75 mm as well as 1 inch×3 inch—can be accommodated.
[0067] FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 show another embodiment example of a retaining device 7. This corresponds to the retaining device 7 shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, with the difference that the upper bottom surface 25 is considerably larger or alternatively longer than the lower bottom surface 26. By way of example, the upper bottom surface 25 could have a length (going from the back wall 20 to support 27) of 55 mm. This allows reagents to reach the barcode field of a specimen slide, even if the specimen slide has a relatively large barcode field. A retaining device 7 according to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 can be operated in such a way that the support 27 does not come into contact, or hardly comes in contact with the liquid.
[0068] Furthermore, reference is made to the description of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, which applies analogously to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13.
[0069] FIG. 14 shows another embodiment example of a retaining device 7. This corresponds to the retaining device 7 shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, with the difference that the bottom 24 has a single continuous bottom surface. Furthermore, reference is made to the description of FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, which applies analogously to FIG. 14.
[0070] FIG. 15 shows a further embodiment example of a suction device or means 12. The suction device or means 12 is formed as a hose that defines a suction channel that extends from the fluid inlet 15 of the free end 16. It can be clearly seen that the free end 16 is formed in a slanted manner, so that when the suction device or means 12 is arranged, for example, in a device according to FIG. 1, the front side 18 does not extend parallel to the support plane 22. In this way, the embodiment example according to FIG. 15 corresponds essentially to the embodiment example shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, with the difference that the suction device or means 12 is realized overall by a hose arranged in a tubing guide element 34.
[0071] With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the appended claims in order to avoid repetition.
[0072] Finally, it should be expressly noted that the above-described embodiment examples of the device according to the invention merely serve to discuss the claimed teaching, but do not restrict it to the embodiment examples.
[0073] In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.
