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WO2024214022A1 - Dispositif de collecte et de manipulation d'échantillons et procédé associé - Google Patents

Dispositif de collecte et de manipulation d'échantillons et procédé associé Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024214022A1
WO2024214022A1 PCT/IB2024/053505 IB2024053505W WO2024214022A1 WO 2024214022 A1 WO2024214022 A1 WO 2024214022A1 IB 2024053505 W IB2024053505 W IB 2024053505W WO 2024214022 A1 WO2024214022 A1 WO 2024214022A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
unit
support
container
primary container
primary
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/IB2024/053505
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Arnalda GIAMBRA
Mario Savarese
Salvatore Balzano
Andrea Bonatti
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Copan Italia SpA
Original Assignee
Copan Italia SpA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Copan Italia SpA filed Critical Copan Italia SpA
Priority to AU2024250064A priority Critical patent/AU2024250064A1/en
Publication of WO2024214022A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024214022A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N2035/00465—Separating and mixing arrangements
    • G01N2035/00495—Centrifuges
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N2035/00465—Separating and mixing arrangements
    • G01N2035/00524—Mixing by agitating sample carrier
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/02—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
    • G01N35/04—Details of the conveyor system
    • G01N2035/0401—Sample carriers, cuvettes or reaction vessels
    • G01N2035/0403—Sample carriers with closing or sealing means
    • G01N2035/0405—Sample carriers with closing or sealing means manipulating closing or opening means, e.g. stoppers, screw caps, lids or covers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/00584—Control arrangements for automatic analysers
    • G01N35/00722—Communications; Identification
    • G01N35/00732—Identification of carriers, materials or components in automatic analysers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/10—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices
    • G01N35/1009—Characterised by arrangements for controlling the aspiration or dispense of liquids
    • G01N35/1016—Control of the volume dispensed or introduced
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/10—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices
    • G01N35/1065—Multiple transfer devices

Definitions

  • the present disclosure pertains to the field of devices for the handling of containers for samples, preferably for samples of biological or microbiological or chemical type.
  • the present disclosure concerns a device for the collection and the handling of samples, preferably biological, microbiological or chemical samples.
  • the present disclosure also concerns a method for the collection and the handling of samples, preferably biological, microbiological or chemical samples.
  • the present disclosure also concerns a computer program that when executed is destined to cause the execution of said method.
  • the present disclosure also concerns a use of said device.
  • the current technology of analysis of biological and/or microbiological and/or chemical samples allows a very accurate analysis in the potential detection of particular substances and/or components in the above- mentioned samples.
  • analyses aimed at detecting the presence of particular viruses, bacteria, fungi, molds, protozoa, proteins, blood or plasma or particular cell types can be carried out with great reliability.
  • machines of known type are known machines that transfer samples from a primary container to a secondary support.
  • the primary container is the container wherein it is typically collected the sample.
  • the secondary support is the one on which a part of sample is transferred for the execution of one or more analyses.
  • the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a device for the collection and the handling of samples, a relative method, a computer program and the use of said device that allow to overcome the above-described drawbacks.
  • At least one support (2) configured for retaining at least one between a primary container (100) and/or a secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) in a predefined position
  • sample collection unit (3) collects at least part of the sample contained in said primary container (100), and retains a volume (V) of said sample;
  • the device (1) comprises a data processing unit (4) configured at least for determining the execution, in a substantially automated way, of:
  • At least one support (2) configured for retaining at least one between a primary container (100) and/or a secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) in a predefined position
  • sample collection unit (3) movable between at least: - a collecting position (3a) wherein said sample collection unit (3) collects at least part of the sample contained in said primary container (100), and retains a volume (V) of said sample;
  • the device (1) comprises a data processing unit (4) configured at least for determining the execution, in a substantially automated way, of:
  • the device (1) further comprising a handling unit (5), configured at least for opening and/or closing a stopper (100t) of said primary container (100) configured for being removably coupled to a body (100b) of said primary container (100); and wherein the handling unit (5) is configured and specifically destined to open and/or close primary containers (100) having stoppers and/or bodies (100b) of different size and/or shape.
  • a handling unit (5) configured at least for opening and/or closing a stopper (100t) of said primary container (100) configured for being removably coupled to a body (100b) of said primary container (100); and wherein the handling unit (5) is configured and specifically destined to open and/or close primary containers (100) having stoppers and/or bodies (100b) of different size and/or shape.
  • the assembly formed by the support (2) and by the handling unit (5) is configured and specifically destined to adapt in a substantially automated way at least at the opening and/or closing of:
  • the first and the second primary container (100) differ in correspondence of said first and respectively second stopper (1 OOt), for type and/or shape and/or size or the first and the second primary container (100) differ in correspondence of said body (100b) for type and/or shape and/or size.
  • the handling unit (5) is configured and specifically destined to adapt in a substantially automated way at least to the opening and/or closing of:
  • the handling unit (5) is configured for directly contacting the stopper (100t) of said primary container (100) and/or said first stopper (1 OOt) of said first primary container (100) and said second stopper of said second primary container (100).
  • said data processing unit (4) is configured for determining the activation, in a substantially automated way, of said handling unit (5), for at least the unscrewing of said stopper (100t), before the activation and/or the control in movement of the sample collection unit (3) or in substantial temporal simultaneity with the activation and/or the control in movement of the sample collection unit (3).
  • said handling unit (5) is configured at least for opening said stopper (100t) when said primary container (100) is in said collecting position (3a).
  • said handling unit (5) is configured for separating said stopper (100t) from said body (100b) when in said collecting position (3a) and/or said handling unit (5) is configured for opening said stopper (1 OOt) by means of at least one between a movement of rotation and translation and preferably by means of a combined and simultaneous movement of rototranslation.
  • said gripper is radially movable between at least: a distanced position with respect to said stopper (1 OOt), a contact position with said stopper (1 OOt).
  • the handling unit (5) is configured for moving said gripper (5p) between said distanced position and said contact position when said gripper (5p) is radially aligned to said stopper (100t).
  • said sample collection unit (3) and/or said handling unit (5) are arranged at a height higher with respect to a height at which lies said support (2).
  • the distanced position with respect to said stopper (1 OOt) and the contact position with said stopper (1 OOt) are both at a same height with respect to said support (2).
  • the sample collection unit (3) is configured for releasing at least part of the volume (V) of said sample collected in secondary containers or supports (102, 103, 104) of heterogeneous type, and/or the sample collection unit (3) is movable between said collecting position (3a) and/or said first releasing position (3b) and a second releasing position (3b').
  • said sample collection unit (3) releases at least a first part of the volume (V) of said sample collected in a first secondary container or support (102);
  • said sample collection unit (3) releases at least second part of the volume (V) of said sample collected in at least one second secondary container or support (103, 104).
  • the data processing unit (4) is configured for determining, in a substantially automated way, a control in movement of the sample collection unit (3) from the collecting position (3a) to the first releasing position (3b) and, subsequently, from the first releasing position (3b) to the second releasing position (3b').
  • said sample collection unit (3) comprises, or is, a pipetting unit.
  • said sample collection unit (3) comprises a sample collection element in form of a hollow tip, configured for retaining at least said volume (V) of said sample.
  • said hollow tip is configured for being removably connected to a support for tips of said sample collection unit (3).
  • the sample collection unit (3) comprises a pump, operatively connected to said hollow tip and configured for sucking or pushing at least part of said volume (V) of said sample respectively inside or outside of said hollow tip.
  • the sample collection unit (3) is configured for determining said volume (V) of said sample collected from said primary container (100) or at least partially released in said at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) and/or sucked or pushed respectively inside or outside of said hollow tip in function of a movement of an actuator of said pump.
  • At least one between the sample collection unit (3) and/or said hollow tip presents a volume sensor configured for detecting a volume of sample present within said hollow tip.
  • said volume sensor is configured for transmitting a control signal having a value function of said volume of sample present within said hollow tip.
  • the sample collection unit (3) is configured for determining said volume (V) of said sample collected from said primary container (100) or at least partially released in said at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) and/or sucked or pushed respectively inside or outside of said hollow tip in function of the control signal provided by said volume sensor.
  • the sample collection unit (3) is a pipetting unit.
  • said pipetting unit comprises at least one pump for the sucking and/or the controlled release of said volume (V) of said sample.
  • said sample collection unit (3) comprises at least one support for a sample collection element (3p).
  • said sample collection element (3p) comprises a collection loop and/or a spoon and/or a cylinder and/or a ring and/or a hollow tip.
  • said sample collection element (3p) is of disposable type.
  • said sample collection element (3p) is removably connected to the sample collection unit (3) on said support.
  • said hollow tip is operatively connected to said at least one pump for allowing the collection and the retaining of said volume (V) of said sample.
  • said device (1) comprises a disposal unit for said sample collection element (3p).
  • said disposal unit comprises a duct or discharging hopper (3k) and a disposal container connected to said duct or discharging hopper (3k).
  • said disposal container (3c) is placed under said duct or discharging hopper (3k).
  • At least two between said collecting position (3a), said first releasing position (3b) and said second releasing position (3b') are arranged at a same height.
  • the data processing unit (4) is configured for determining, in a substantially automated way, a control in movement of the sample collection unit (3) from the collecting position (3a) to the first releasing position (3b) by means of a composite movement comprising:
  • the device (1) comprises at least one between a centrifugation unit (6) and an agitation unit (7) for said at least one primary container (100) and/or said secondary container or support (102, 103, 104).
  • said centrifugation unit (6) is configured for centrifugating said primary container (100) pushing by centrifugal force a part of the sample within a predefined portion, optionally a bottom portion, of said at least one primary container (100) and/or of said secondary container or support (102, 103, 104).
  • said agitation unit (7) is configured for agitating said sample contained in said primary container (100) and/or said secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) preferably moving said primary container (100) and/or said secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) on a movement of rotation eccentric with respect to a reference axis (K).
  • said reference axis (K) is substantially vertical.
  • said data processing unit (4) is configured for activating said centrifugation unit (6) and/or said agitation unit (7) in a predefined temporal sequence with respect to the activation of said sample collection unit (3), and optionally for activating said centrifugation unit (6) and/or said agitation unit (7) before the activation of said sample collection unit (3).
  • At least one between said agitation unit (7) and said centrifugation unit (6) is positioned in substantial correspondence of said support (2), preferably said centrifugation unit (6) is positioned in substantial correspondence of said support (2).
  • the centrifugation unit (6) is positioned remotely with respect to said support (2) or lies on a same support plane (2) on which lies or is installed the support (2).
  • the centrifugation unit (6) comprises a secondary support (6s) configured for housing and retaining said primary container (100) and/or said secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) during its centrifugation.
  • said handling unit (5) is configured for moving said at least one primary container (100) between said support (2) and said centrifugation unit (6), in particular said secondary support (6s) by means of a predefined movement, preferably composite of rotation, of translation or of rototranslation.
  • said handling unit (5) is configured for moving said at least one primary container (100) between said support (2) and said centrifugation unit (6) retaining said at least one primary container (100) in correspondence of a predefined retaining portion, preferably in correspondence of said stopper (100t).
  • said data processing unit (4) is configured for activating said handling unit (5) for moving said at least one primary container (100) between said support (2) and said centrifugation unit (6) in a predefined temporal sequence with respect to the activation of said sample collection unit (3), and optionally for activating said handling unit (5) for moving said at least one primary container (100) before the activation of said sample collection unit (3).
  • the gripper (5p) is configured for contacting said surface, preferably outer, of said stopper (1 OOt) and for retaining said surface, at least during the movement of said primary container (100) between said support (2) and said centrifugation unit (6).
  • the device (1) comprises at least one filling unit (8, 8'), comprising at least one feeding duct (8c, 8c') of at least a substance, preferably fluid, preferably within said at least one between said at least one primary container (100) and said secondary container or support (102, 103, 104).
  • said at least one filling unit (8, 8') is configured for carrying out a rehydration and/or dilution and/or a lysis and/or a reaction of the sample contained in said at least one between said at least one primary container (100) and said secondary container or support (102, 103, 104).
  • said at least one filling unit (8, 8') is configured for adding a controlled volume of said at least a substance in said at least one primary container (100) when said primary container (100) is in correspondence of said support (2) and/or in said at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) when said secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) is in correspondence of said support (2).
  • said at least one filling unit (8, 8') comprises a pump (8p), optionally an occlusive pump, operatively connected to said duct (8c, 8c').
  • said at least one duct (8c, 8c') is of flexible and/or compressible type.
  • said occlusive pump acts in use on said duct (8c, 8c') compressing it, determining said feeding of said controlled volume of said at least a substance within said at least one between said at least one primary container (100) and said secondary container or support (102, 103, 104).
  • said filling unit comprises at least one tank (8k, 8k') connected, preferably removably, to said duct (8c, 8c').
  • said tank (8k, 8k') is substantially floppy and/or compressible, preferably configured for deforming after a progressive emptying from said substance.
  • said at least one filling unit (8, 8') is configured and specifically destined to add said at least a substance, simultaneously, in a plurality of primary containers (100) or in a plurality of secondary containers or supports (102, 103, 104) or in at least one first primary container (100) and in at least one first secondary container or support (102, 103, 104).
  • said at least one filling unit (8, 8') comprises a movable actuator (8m, 8m'), connected to a predefined portion, preferably an ending portion, of said duct (8c, 8c').
  • said movable actuator (8m, 8m') is configured for being moved at least between:
  • the movement between said first operating position and said second operating position occurs by means of a rotation of said movable actuator (8m, 8m') around a predefined axis, preferably substantially vertical.
  • said data processing unit (4) is configured for: keeping deactivated said pump (8p) when said movable actuator (8m, 8m') is in said second operating position; activating said pump (8p) when said movable actuator (8m, 8m') is in said first operating position; and optionally keeping activated said pump (8p) for a time sufficient to supply a predefined volume of the at least a substance; deactivating the pump (8p) before the movement of the movable actuator (8m, 8m') from the first operating position to the second operating position.
  • the device (1) comprises at least one first loading station (9, 39) configured for housing a plurality of primary containers (100) and said handling unit (5) is configured for moving at least one primary container (100) from said at least one first loading station (9, 39) to said support (2) by means of a predefined movement, preferably composite of rotation, of translation or of rototranslation.
  • said at least one first loading station (9, 39) comprises at least one slide (9s) configured for housing removably at least one magazine (9c) having a plurality of seats for said primary containers (100).
  • said seats are suitable for housing, each one, a respective primary container (100).
  • said at least one first loading station (9, 39) comprises a plurality of slides (9s) configured for housing removably a respective plurality of said magazines (9c).
  • said plurality of slides (9s) allows the independent introduction and/or extraction of a respective magazine (9c).
  • said plurality of slides (9s) comprises at least a first and a second slide, said first and said second slide being arranged along a respective first and second direction substantially parallel and/or being arranged on a same plane.
  • said at least one first loading station (9, 39) is configured for allowing the electronic identification of said at least one magazine (9c), preferably for allowing the selective electronic identification of each magazine of said plurality of magazines (9c).
  • each magazine of said plurality of magazines (9c) comprises an electronic identification tag (9z)
  • said at least one first loading station (9, 39) comprises a reader (9r) for said electronic identification tag
  • the electronic identification of said at least one magazine (9c) comprises a reading of electronic data stored in said electronic identification tag (9z).
  • said at least one first loading station (39) comprises:
  • a conveyor (39c) configured for moving a primary container (100) from a first starting position to a second arrival position (39e),
  • At least one magazine (39c) configured for housing a plurality of primary containers (100).
  • said at least one magazine (39c) comprises, and/or is joined to, at least one singularizer or separator (39b) configured for transferring a primary container (100) of said plurality of primary containers (100) from said magazine (39c) to said first starting position.
  • said data processing unit (4) is configured for activating the handling unit (5) for moving at least one primary container (100) from said second arrival position to said support (2) by means of a predefined movement, preferably composite of rotation, of translation or of rototranslation, and for opening and/or closing the stopper (1 OOt) of said primary container (100) when the primary container (100) is in correspondence of said support (2), or said data processing unit (4) is configured for activating the handling unit (5) for opening and/or closing the stopper (100t) of said primary container (100) when the primary container (100) is in said second arrival position (39e), or for activating the handling unit (5) for transferring the primary container (100) from said second arrival position (39e) or from said support (2) to a storage area (39g) of said at least one first loading station (39).
  • said device comprises a first loading station (9) and a second loading station (39), each one configured for housing a plurality of primary containers (100), preferably wherein said first loading station (9) is configured for housing a plurality of primary containers (100) of a first type and/or size and/or shape and said second loading station (39) is configured for housing a plurality of primary containers (100) of a second type and/or size and/or shape.
  • said handling unit (5) is configured for moving at least one primary container (100) from said first loading station (9) to said support (2) by means of a predefined movement, preferably composite, of rotation, of translation or of rototranslation, and for moving at least one primary container (100) from said second loading station (39) to said support (2), or from a first position to a second position within said second loading station (39) and/or for opening and/or closing at least one primary container (100) when positioned in said second loading station (39).
  • a predefined movement preferably composite, of rotation, of translation or of rototranslation
  • said first loading station (9) comprises at least one magazine (9c) having a plurality of seats configured for retaining, when housed, a plurality of primary containers (100) in a predefined spatial configuration.
  • said second loading station (39) comprises at least one magazine (39c) configured for housing a plurality of primary containers (100).
  • said at least one magazine (39c) is configured for allowing a relative movement between primary containers of said plurality of primary containers (100) when housed herein.
  • the device (1) comprises at least one releasing station (11) configured for housing a plurality of secondary containers (102, 103, 104).
  • said at least one releasing station (11) is configured for housing secondary containers (102, 103, 104) of different shape and/or size.
  • said first releasing position (3b) is arranged, optionally said first releasing position and said second releasing position (3b') are arranged, in correspondence of said at least one releasing station (11).
  • said device (1) comprises an auxiliary support (13) for at least one secondary container (104), said auxiliary support (13) being arranged in a position different with respect to said releasing station (11).
  • said first releasing position (3b) is arranged in correspondence of said auxiliary support (13).
  • said handling unit (5) is configured for moving at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) from said auxiliary support (13) to said releasing station (11) and/or for moving said primary container (100) from said support (2) to said releasing station (11) by means of a predefined movement, preferably composite of rotation, of translation or of rototranslation.
  • said device (1) comprises a conveying unit (12) independently movable with respect to said handling unit (5) and configured for moving at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) from said auxiliary support (13) to said releasing station (11) and/or for moving said at least one primary container (100) from said support (2) to said releasing station (11).
  • the data processing unit (4) is configured for activating in a simultaneous or alternative way said handling unit (5) and said conveying unit (12), and preferably for activating in a simultaneous way the handling unit (5) and the conveying unit (12) respectively for moving at least one primary container (100) from said support (2) to said releasing station (11) and for moving said at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) from said auxiliary support (13) to said releasing station (11).
  • said releasing station (11) comprises at least one slide (11s) configured for housing removably at least one magazine (11c) having a plurality of seats for said secondary containers (102, 103, 104).
  • said seats are configured for housing, each one, a respective secondary container or support (102, 103, 104).
  • said releasing station (11) comprises a plurality of slides (11s) configured for housing removably a respective plurality of said magazines (11c).
  • said plurality of slides (11s) allows the independent introduction and/or extraction of a respective magazine (11c).
  • the data processing unit (4) is configured for automatically activating said handling unit (5) and/or said conveying unit (12) for moving at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) from said auxiliary support (13) to said releasing station (11) and/or for moving said primary container (100) from said support (2) to said releasing station (11) after said control in movement of the sample collection unit (3) from the collecting position (3a) to the first releasing position (3b) and, optionally, from the first releasing position (3b) to the second releasing position (3b').
  • said at least one magazine (9c) comprises at least one first seat for a first primary container (100) and a second seat for a second primary container (100).
  • the data processing unit (4) is configured for determining the activation, in a substantially automated way, of said handling unit (5), for:
  • the device (1) comprises a fracturation unit, configured for fracturing a predetermined portion (U) of an elongated body (1 OOd) of a swab (100c) joined to the stopper (1 OOt) of said primary container (100).
  • said fracturation unit is configured for causing a permanence of a collecting portion (1 OOe) joined to said elongated body (1 OOd) within said primary container (100) after the fracture.
  • said fracturation unit is configured for moving said stopper (100t) with respect to a body (100b) of said primary container (100) for causing said fracturation.
  • said fracturation unit is configured for translating said stopper (100t) with respect to said body (100b) and determining said fracturation by means of an interference between the elongated body (100d) of said swab (100c) and said body (100b) of the primary container (100), preferably in substantial correspondence of said predetermined portion (U).
  • said handling unit (5) acts in quality of said fracturation unit.
  • the data processing unit (4) is configured for determining the activation of the sample collection unit (3) after said fracturation.
  • At least one support (2) configured for retaining at least one between a primary container (100) and/or a secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) in a predefined position;
  • sample collection unit (3) collects at least part of the sample contained in said primary container (100), and retains a volume (V) of said sample;
  • the device (1) comprises a data processing unit (4) configured at least for determining the execution, in a substantially automated way, of:
  • the device (1) comprising at least one filling unit (8, 8'), comprising at least one feeding duct (8c, 8c') of at least a substance, preferably fluid, preferably within said at least one between said at least one primary container (100) and said secondary container or support (102, 103, 104); wherein said at least one filling unit (8, 8') comprises at least one tank (8k) removably connected to said duct (8c, 8c'), and/or wherein said at least one filling unit (8, 8') is configured and specifically destined to add said at least a substance, preferably simultaneously, in a plurality of primary containers (100) or in a plurality of secondary containers or supports (102, 103, 104) or in at least one first primary container (100) and in at least one first secondary container or support (102, 103, 104).
  • said tank (8k) is substantially floppy and/or compressible, preferably configured for deforming after a progressive emptying from said substance.
  • said tank (8k) is substantially rigid, and is preferably realized in plastic or vitreous material.
  • At least one support (2) configured for retaining at least one between a primary container (100) and/or a secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) in a predefined position
  • sample collection unit (3) collects at least part of the sample contained in said primary container (100), and retains a volume (V) of said sample;
  • the device (1) comprises a data processing unit (4) configured at least for determining the execution, in a substantially automated way, of:
  • sample collection unit (3) is configured for releasing at least part of the volume (V) of said sample collected in secondary containers or supports (102, 103, 104) of heterogeneous type.
  • said secondary containers or supports (102, 103, 104) of heterogeneous type comprise at least one first secondary container or support of a first type and/or shape and/or size and at least one second container or support of a second type and/or shape and/or size.
  • the sample collection unit (3) is configured for releasing at least part of the volume (V) of said sample collected in at least one first secondary container or support of a first type and/or shape and/or size and in at least one second container or support of a second type and/or shape and/or size.
  • the device (1) comprises a tagging unit (30) configured for applying at least one tag (100k) on at least one between said at least one primary container (100) and/or a secondary container or support (102, 103, 104).
  • the tagging unit (30) comprises a tag applying tool (100k) and is configured for applying said tag (100k) by means of at least one movement of relative rotation occurring between said at least one between said at least one primary container (100) and/or a secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) and said tag applying tool (100k).
  • the data processing unit (4) is configured for activating the tagging unit (30) before the activation of said sample collection unit (3) and/or before the control in movement of the sample collection unit (3) such that the tagging of said at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) occurs on at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) empty and/or free from said at least part of said volume (V) released by the sample collection unit (3), or for activating the tagging unit (30) after the activation of said sample collection unit (3) and/or after the control in movement of the sample collection unit (3) such that the tagging of said at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) occurs on at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) at least partially filled and/or provided with said at least part of said volume (V) released by the sample collection unit (3).
  • the tagging unit (30) comprises at least one printer, configured for printing at least one code, on said tag (100k).
  • said code comprises at least a first part, optionally a first part and a second part, said second part being different from said first part.
  • said first part corresponds to a code, or to a corresponding first part of a code, electronically retrieved on a tag of said at least one primary container (100).
  • the tagging unit (30) is configured for activating said printer for printing a plurality of tags on a respective plurality of secondary containers or supports (102, 103, 104) in such a way that said plurality of tags contains codes having, each one, a first common part, in particular a first part corresponding to said code or said first part of code electronically retrieved by the tag of said at least one primary container (100), and having, each one, a second univocal part, different for each secondary container or support of said plurality of secondary containers or supports (102, 103, 104).
  • At least one container (100) for samples in correspondence of at least one support (2) configured for retaining at least one between a primary container (100) and/or a secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) in a predefined position;
  • sample collection unit (3) collects at least part of the sample contained in said primary container (100), and retains a volume (V) of said sample;
  • At least one container (100) for samples in correspondence of at least one support (2) configured for retaining at least one between a primary container (100) and/or a secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) in a predefined position;
  • sample collection unit (3) collects at least part of the sample contained in said primary container (100), and retains a volume (V) of said sample;
  • the method further comprising an activation of a handling unit (5), for carrying out at least an opening and/or a closing of a stopper (1 OOt) of said primary container (100) configured for being removably coupled to a body (100b) of said primary container (100); and wherein the handling unit (5) is configured and specifically destined to open and/or close stoppers (1 OOt) and/or bodies (100b) of different size and/or shape.
  • the assembly formed by the support (2) and by the handling unit (5) adapts in a substantially automatic way at least at the opening and/or closing of:
  • the first and the second primary container (100) differ in correspondence of said first and respectively second stopper (1 OOt), for type and/or shape and/or size or the first and the second primary container (100) differ in correspondence of said body (100b) for type and/or shape and/or size.
  • the activation, in a substantially automated way, of said handling unit (5) comprises a substantially automatic adaptation of said handling unit (5) at least at the opening and/or closing of:
  • the method comprises directly contacting the stopper (100t) of said primary container (100) and/or said first stopper (1 OOt) of said first primary container (100) and said second stopper (100t) of said second primary container (100).
  • the activation, in a substantially automated way, of said handling unit (5), for at least the unscrewing of said stopper (1 OOt), occurs before the activation of the sample collection unit (3) or occurs in substantial temporal simultaneity with the activation of the sample collection unit (3) and/or with the movement of the sample collection unit (3).
  • the activation of said handling unit (5) causes at least the opening of said stopper (1 OOt) when said primary container (100) is in said collecting position (3a). According to another non-limiting aspect, the activation of said handling unit (5) causes a separation of said stopper (100t) from said body (100b) when in said collecting position (3a).
  • the activation of said handling unit (5) causes the opening of said stopper (100t) by means of at least one between a movement of rotation and translation and preferably by means of a combined and simultaneous movement of rototranslation.
  • the activation of said handling unit (5) causes the activation of at least one gripper (5p) of said handling unit (5) and determines a contact, by said gripper (5p), of a surface, preferably outer, of said stopper (100t).
  • the activation of said handling unit (5) causes a retaining of said surface, at least during the opening and the separation of the stopper (1 OOt) from the body (100b) preventing a relative rotation of said stopper (100t) with respect to said gripper (5p) and/or preventing a relative translation between said stopper (100t) and said gripper (5p).
  • the activation of said at least one gripper (5p) determines a movement thereof between at least: a distanced position with respect to said stopper (1 OOt), a contact position with said stopper (1 OOt).
  • the activation of said handling unit (5) causes a movement of said gripper (5p) between said distanced position and said contact position when said gripper (5p) is radially aligned to said stopper (100t).
  • said sample collection unit (3) and/or said handling unit (5) are arranged at a height higher with respect to a height at which lies said support (2).
  • the distanced position with respect to said stopper (1 OOt) and the contact position with said stopper (1 OOt) are both at a same height with respect to said support (2).
  • the sample collection unit (3) releases at least part of the volume (V) of said sample collected in secondary containers or supports (102, 103, 104) of heterogeneous type.
  • the movement of the sample collection unit (3) occurs between at least the collecting position (3a) and/or the first releasing position (3b) and a second releasing position (3b').
  • said sample collection unit (3) releases at least a first part of the volume (V) of said sample collected in a first secondary container or support (102); - in said second releasing position (3b') said sample collection unit (3) releases at least one second part of the volume (V) of said sample collected in at least one second secondary container or support (103,104).
  • the movement of the sample collection unit (3) occurs automatically from the collecting position (3a) to the first releasing position (3b) and, subsequently, from the first releasing position (3b) to the second releasing position (3b').
  • said sample collection unit (3) comprises, or is, a pipetting unit.
  • said sample collection unit (3) comprises a sample collection element in form of a hollow tip and the method comprises retaining at least said volume (V) of said sample by means of said hollow tip.
  • said hollow tip is configured for being removably connected to a support for tips of said sample collection unit (3).
  • the method comprises sucking or pushing at least part of said volume (V) of said sample respectively inside or outside of said hollow tip by means of a pump of said sample collection unit (3), operatively connected to said hollow tip.
  • the method comprises activating the sample collection unit (3) for causing a movement of an actuator of said pump, and determining said volume (V) of said sample collected from said primary container (100) or at least partially released in said at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) and/or sucked or pushed respectively inside or outside of said hollow tip in function of the movement of said actuator.
  • the method comprises detecting a volume of sample present within said hollow tip by means of a volume sensor positioned on at least one between the sample collection unit (3) and/or said hollow tip.
  • the method comprises transmitting, starting from said volume sensor, a control signal having a value function of said volume of sample present within said hollow tip.
  • a determination of said volume (V) of said sample collected from said primary container (100) or at least partially released in said at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) and/or sucked or pushed respectively inside or outside of said hollow tip occurs in function of the control signal provided by said volume sensor.
  • the sample collection unit (3) is a pipetting unit.
  • the method comprises the activation of at least one pump of said pipetting unit, for a sucking and/or controlled release of said volume (V) of said sample.
  • the method comprises supporting a sample collection element (3p) in correspondence of a support of said sample collection unit (3).
  • said sample collection element (3p) comprises a loop and/or a spoon and/or a cylinder and/or a collection ring and/or a hollow tip.
  • the method comprises a removable connection of said sample collection element (3p) in correspondence of said support.
  • said sample collection element (3p) is of disposable type.
  • the method comprises connecting said hollow tip to said at least one pump for allowing the collection and the retaining of said volume (V) of said sample.
  • the method comprises transferring said sample collection element (3p) in a disposal unit for said sample collection element (3p).
  • the method comprises transferring or determining the transfer of the sample collection element (3p) from the support to a disposal container of said disposal unit, through a duct or discharging hopper (3k) connected to said disposal container.
  • the method comprises letting fall said sample collection element (3p) in said disposal container (3c) placed under said duct or discharging hopper (3k).
  • the method comprises arranging at least two between said collecting position (3a), said first releasing position (3b) and said second releasing position (3b') at a same height.
  • the method comprises actuating in a substantially automated way a control in movement of the sample collection unit (3) from the collecting position (3a) to the first releasing position (3b) by means of a composite movement comprising:
  • the method comprises a step of activation of at least one between a centrifugation unit (6) and an agitation unit (7) for said at least one primary container (100) and/or said secondary container or support (102, 103, 104).
  • the step of activation comprises:
  • centrifugation unit (6) by means of said centrifugation unit (6), of said primary container (100) and/or of said secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) pushing by centrifugal force a part of the sample within a predefined portion, optionally a bottom portion, of said at least one primary container (100) and/or of said secondary container or support (102, 103, 104); and/or
  • the activation of said centrifugation unit (6) and/or of said agitation unit (7) occurs in a predefined temporal sequence with respect to the activation of said sample collection unit (3), optionally the activation of said centrifugation unit (6) and/or of said agitation unit (7) occurring before the activation of said sample collection unit (3).
  • At least one between said agitation unit (7) and said centrifugation unit (6) is positioned in substantial correspondence of said support (2).
  • said centrifugation unit (6) is positioned in substantial correspondence of said support (2) and the centrifugation unit (6) is positioned remotely with respect to said support (2) or is positioned in correspondence of a same support plane (1 p) on which lies or is installed the support (2).
  • the method comprises housing and retaining said primary container (100) and/or said secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) during its centrifugation in a secondary support (6s) of said centrifugation unit (6).
  • the method comprises a step of movement, with said handling unit (5), of said at least one primary container (100) between said support (2) and said centrifugation unit (6), in particular said secondary support (6s), by means of a predefined movement, preferably composite of rotation, of translation or of rototranslation.
  • the movement, with said handling unit (5) of said at least one primary container (100) between said support (2) and said centrifugation unit (6) occurs retaining by means of said handling unit (5) said at least one primary container in correspondence of a predefined retaining position, preferably in correspondence of said stopper (1 OOt).
  • the activation of said handling unit (5) for moving said at least one primary container (100) between said support (2) and said centrifugation unit (6) occurs in a predefined temporal sequence with respect to the activation of said sample collection unit (3), and optionally occurs before the activation of said sample collection unit (3).
  • the activation of at least one gripper (5p) of said handling unit (5) determines a contact, by said gripper (5p), of a surface, preferably outer, of said stopper (1 OOt) and a retaining of said surface, at least during the movement of said primary container (100) between said support (2) and said centrifugation unit (6).
  • the method comprises a step of feeding of at least a substance, preferably fluid, by means of at least one filling unit (8, 8'), comprising at least one duct (8c, 8c') of feeding of said at least a substance, said feeding occurring preferably within at least one between said at least one primary container (100) and said secondary container or support (102, 103, 104).
  • the step of feeding determines a rehydration and/or dilution and/or a lysis and/or a reaction of a sample contained in said at least one between said at least one primary container (100) and said secondary container or support (102, 103, 104).
  • the step of feeding determines, by means of said at least one filling unit (8, 8'), the feeding of a controlled volume of said at least a substance in said at least one primary container (100) when said primary container (100) is in correspondence of said support (2) and/or in said secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) when said secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) is in correspondence of said support (2).
  • the step of feeding comprises the activation of a pump (8p) of said at least one filling unit (8, 8'), optionally an occlusive pump, operatively connected to said duct (8c, 8c').
  • said at least one duct (8c, 8c') is of flexible and/or compressible type and the activation of said occlusive pump determines a compression of said duct, determining said feeding of said controlled volume of said at least a substance within said at least one between said at least one primary container (100) and said secondary container or support (102, 103, 104).
  • the method comprises a step of extraction of said substance from at least one tank (8k, 8k') of said filling unit, said tank (8k, 8k') being removably connected to said duct (8c, 8c').
  • said tank (8k, 8k') is substantially floppy and/or compressible.
  • said tank (8k, 8k') is substantially rigid, and is preferably realized in plastic or vitreous material.
  • the extraction of said substance determines a deformation of said tank (8k, 8k') after a progressive emptying from said substance.
  • the step of feeding of said substance occurs, by means of said at least one filling unit (8, 8'), simultaneously, in a plurality of primary containers (100) or in a plurality of secondary containers or supports (102, 103, 104) or in at least one first primary container (100) and in at least one first secondary container or support (102, 103, 104).
  • the method comprises a step of activation of a movable actuator (8m, 8m') of said at least one filling unit (8, 8'), wherein the movable actuator (8m, 8m') is connected to a predefined portion, preferably an ending portion, of said duct (8c, 8c').
  • the step of activation of a movable actuator (8m, 8m') determines the movement thereof at least between:
  • the movement between said first operating position and said second operating position comprises a rotation of said movable actuator (8m, 8m') around a predefined axis, preferably substantially vertical.
  • the method comprises: keeping deactivated said pump (8p) when said movable actuator (8m, 8m') is in said second operating position; activating said pump (8p) when said movable actuator (8m, 8m') is in said first operating position; and optionally keeping activated said pump (8p) for a time sufficient to supply a predefined volume of the at least a substance; deactivating the pump (8p) before the movement of the movable actuator (8m, 8m') from the first operating position to the second operating position.
  • the method comprises a step of housing of a plurality of primary containers (100) in at least one first loading station (9, 39).
  • the method comprises a movement of said handling unit (5) and comprises moving by means of said handling unit (5) at least one primary container (100) from said at least one first loading station (9, 39) to said support (2) by means of a predefined movement, preferably composite of rotation, of translation or of rototranslation.
  • the housing of said plurality of primary containers (100) in said at least one first loading station (9, 39) comprises housing removably at least one magazine (9c) having a plurality of seats for said primary containers (100) on at least one slide (9s) of said at least one first loading station (9, 39).
  • said seats are configured for housing, each one, a respective primary container (100).
  • the housing of said plurality of primary containers (100) in said at least one first loading station (9, 39) comprises housing removably a plurality of magazines (9c) having each one a plurality of seats for said primary containers (100) on a respective plurality of slides (9s) of said at least one first loading station (9, 39).
  • the method comprises an electronic identification of said at least one magazine (9c) in said at least one first loading station (9, 39), preferably a selective electronic identification of each magazine of said plurality of magazines (9c) in said at least one first loading station (9, 39).
  • the electronic identification occurs by means of an electronic identification tag (9z) of each magazine of said plurality of magazines (9c) and by means of a reading of electronic data stored in said electronic identification tag (9z) by means of a reader (9r) for said electronic identification tag of said at least one first loading station (9, 39).
  • the step of housing of said plurality of primary containers (100) in at least one first loading station (9, 39) comprises:
  • a housing of said plurality of primary containers (100) in at least one magazine (39c) comprising, and/or joined to, at least one singularizer or separator (39b) configured for transferring a primary container (100) of said plurality of primary containers (100) from said magazine (39c) to said first starting position.
  • the method comprises activating the handling unit (5) for moving at least one primary container (100) from said second arrival position to said support (2) by means of a predefined movement, preferably composite of rotation, of translation or of rototranslation, and for opening and/or closing the stopper (100t) of said primary container (100) when the primary container (100) is in correspondence of said support (2), or activating the handling unit (5) for opening and/or closing the stopper (1 OOt) of said primary container (100) when the primary container (100) is in said second arrival position (39e), or transferring the primary container (100) from said second arrival position (39e) or from said support (2) to a storage area (39g) of said at least one first loading station (39).
  • a predefined movement preferably composite of rotation, of translation or of rototranslation
  • the method comprises a step of housing of a plurality of primary containers (100) in a first loading station (9) and a step of housing of a plurality of primary containers (100) in a second loading station (39), preferably wherein said first loading station (9) is configured for housing a plurality of primary containers (100) of a first type and/or size and/or shape and said second loading station (39) is configured for housing a plurality of primary containers (100) of a second type and/or size and/or shape.
  • the method comprises a movement of said handling unit (5) for moving, by means of said handling unit (5), at least one primary container (100) from said first loading station (9) to said support (2) by means of a predefined movement, preferably composite, of rotation, of translation or of rototranslation, and for moving, by means of said handling unit (5), at least one primary container (100) from said second loading station (9) to said support (2) by means of a predefined movement, preferably composite, of rotation, of translation or of rototranslation, or for moving, by means of said handling unit (5), at least one primary container (100) from a first position to a second position within said second loading station (39) and/or for opening and/or closing at least one primary container (100) when positioned in said second loading station (39).
  • a predefined movement preferably composite, of rotation, of translation or of rototranslation
  • the movement of said at least one primary container (100) occurs starting from at least one magazine (9c) of said first loading station (9).
  • said at least one magazine (9) has a plurality of seats configured for retaining, when housed, a plurality of primary containers (100) in a predefined spatial configuration.
  • the movement of said at least one primary container (100) occurs starting from at least one magazine (39) of said second loading station (39).
  • said at least one magazine (39c) is configured for allowing a relative movement between primary containers of said plurality of primary containers (100) when housed herein.
  • the method comprises a step of housing of at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) in at least one releasing station (11) configured for housing a plurality of secondary containers (102, 103, 104), said at least one releasing station (11) being configured for housing secondary containers (102, 103, 104) of different shape and/or size.
  • said first releasing position (3b) is arranged, optionally said first releasing position and said second releasing position (3b') are arranged, in correspondence of said at least one releasing station (11).
  • said method comprises housing at least one secondary container (104) in an auxiliary support (13) arranged in a position different with respect to said releasing station (11).
  • said first releasing position (3b) is arranged in correspondence of said auxiliary support (13).
  • the method comprises a movement of said handling unit (5) and moving by means of said handling unit (5) at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) from said auxiliary support (13) to said releasing station (11) and/or moving by means of said handling unit (5) said primary container (100) from said support (2) to said releasing station (11 ) by means of a predefined movement, preferably composite of rotation, of translation or of rototranslation.
  • the method comprises activating a conveying unit (12) independently movable with respect to said handling unit (5) and moving by means of said conveying unit (12) at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) from said auxiliary support (13) to said releasing station (11) and/or moving said primary container (100) from said support (2) to said releasing station (11).
  • the method comprises activating in a simultaneous or alternative way said handling unit (5) and said conveying unit (12), and preferably activating in a simultaneous way the handling unit (5) and the conveying unit (12) and moving respectively at least one primary container (100) from said support (2) to said releasing station (1 1 ) by means of said handling unit (5) and moving said at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) from said auxiliary support (13) to said releasing station (11) by means of said conveying unit (12).
  • the method comprises housing a plurality of secondary containers (102, 103 ,104) in a plurality of seats of a magazine (11c) housed removably on a slide (11s) of said releasing station (11).
  • said seats are suitable for housing, each one, a respective secondary container or support (102, 103, 104).
  • said method comprises housing a plurality of said magazines (11c) in a respective plurality of slides (11s) of said releasing station (11).
  • said plurality of slides (11s) allows the independent introduction and/or extraction of a respective magazine (11c).
  • said method comprises an automatic movement of said handling unit (5) and/or of said conveying unit (12) and comprises moving by means of said handling unit (5) and/or said conveying unit (12) at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) from said auxiliary support (13) to said releasing station (11) and/or moving by means of said handling unit (5) and/or said conveying unit (12) said primary container (100) from said support (2) to said releasing station (11) after said control in movement of the sample collection unit (3) from the collecting position (3a) to the first releasing position (3b) and, optionally, from the first releasing position (3b) to the second releasing position (3b').
  • said at least one magazine (9c) comprises at least one first seat for a first primary container (100) and a second seat for a second primary container (100).
  • the activation, in a substantially automated way, of said handling unit (5) causes:
  • the movement of the sample collection unit (3) occurring after said transport of said at least one first primary container (100) from the first seat of the magazine (9c) towards said position different with respect to a position of said first seat.
  • the method comprises a step of fracturation, by means of a fracturation unit, of a predetermined portion (U) of an elongated body (1 OOd) of a swab (100c) joined to the stopper (100t) of said primary container (100).
  • the step of fracturation causes a permanence of a collecting portion (1 OOe) joined to said elongated body (1 OOd) within said primary container (100) after the fracture.
  • the step of fracturation comprises the movement of said stopper (100t) with respect to a body (100b) of said primary container (100) for causing said fracturation, more preferably wherein said step of fracturation comprises translating said stopper (100t) with respect to said body (100b).
  • the method comprises make the elongated body (100d) of said swab (100c) interfere with said body (100b) of the primary container (100), preferably in substantial correspondence of said predetermined portion (U), for carrying out said fracturation.
  • said step of fracturation occurs by means of said handling unit (5).
  • the activation of the sample collection unit (3) occurs after said step of fracturation.
  • a method for the collection of samples preferably biological, microbiological or chemical samples, from a primary container (100), the method comprising:
  • At least one container (100) for samples in correspondence of at least one support (2) configured for retaining said at least one between an at least one primary container (100) and at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) in a predefined position;
  • the method comprising a step of feeding of at least a substance, preferably fluid, by means of at least one filling unit (8), comprising at least one feeding duct (8c, 8c') of said at least a substance, said feeding occurring preferably within at least one between said at least one primary container (100) and said secondary container or support (102, 103, 104); wherein the method comprises a step of extraction of said substance from at least one tank (8k) of said filling unit and, preferably removably, connected to said duct (8c, 8c'), and/or wherein the step of feeding of said substance occurs, by means of said at least one filling unit (8, 8'), preferably simultaneously, in a plurality of primary containers (100) or in a plurality of secondary containers or supports (102, 103, 104) or in at least one first primary container (100) and in at least one first secondary container or support (
  • said tank (8k) is substantially floppy and/or compressible, and preferably the extraction of said substance determines a deformation of said tank (8k) after a progressive emptying from said substance.
  • said tank (8k, 8k') is substantially rigid, and is preferably realized in plastic or vitreous material.
  • At least one container (100) for samples in correspondence of at least one support (2) configured for retaining at least one between a primary container (100) and/or a secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) in a predefined position;
  • the sample collection unit (3) releases at least part of the volume (V) of said sample collected in at least one first secondary container or support of a first type and/or having a first size and/or shape and releases at least part of the volume (V) of said sample collected in at least one second secondary container or support of a second type and/or having a second size and/or shape.
  • the method comprises a step of activation of a tagging unit (30) and of applying, by means of said tagging unit (30), of at least a tag on at least one between said at least one primary container (100) and/or a secondary container or support (102, 103, 104).
  • the step of applying of said at least a tag comprises the actuation of a tag applying tool (100k) of said tagging unit (30) and an applying of said tag (100k) by means of at least one movement of relative rotation occurring between said at least one between said at least one primary container (100) and/or a secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) and said tag applying tool (100k).
  • the method comprises activating the tagging unit (30) before the activation of said sample collection unit (3) and/or before the control in movement of the sample collection unit (3) in such a way that the tagging of said at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) occurs on at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) empty and/or free from said at least part of said volume (V) released by the sample collection unit (3), or activating the tagging unit (30) after the activation of said sample collection unit (3) and/or after the control in movement of the sample collection unit (3) such that the tagging of said at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) occurs on at least one secondary container or support (102, 103, 104) at least partially filled and/or provided with said at least part of said volume (V) released by the sample collection unit (3).
  • the method comprises an activation of at least one printer of said tagging unit (30) for printing, by means of said printer, at least one code on said tag (100k).
  • said code comprises at least a first part, optionally a first part and a second part, said second part being different from said first part.
  • said first part corresponds to a code, or to a corresponding first part of a code, electronically retrieved on a tag of said at least one primary container (100).
  • the method comprises a step of electronic retrieval of said code, or of said first part of said code, by the tag of said at least one primary container (100).
  • the method comprises activating said printer for printing a plurality of tags on a respective plurality of secondary containers or supports (102, 103, 104) in such a way that said plurality of tags contains codes having, each one, a first common part, in particular a first part corresponding to said code or said first part of code electronically retrieved by the tag of said at least one primary container (100), and having, each one, a second univocal part, different for each secondary container or support of said plurality of secondary containers or supports (102, 103, 104).
  • a computer program stored on a memory support; said computer program comprising software code portions that, when executed from at least one data processing unit, cause the execution of the method according to one or more of the aspects herein described.
  • the device according to one or more of the aspects herein described for forensic applications and/or for analysis of samples of urine and/or fecal and/or blood, and/or for the execution of a pathogen screening, preferably of the respiratory, genital, urinary and/or gastrointestinal tracts, or for the execution of Papilloma Virus (HPV) screening and/or for the detection, and/or processing, of samples of blood or plasma, or proteins.
  • a pathogen screening preferably of the respiratory, genital, urinary and/or gastrointestinal tracts
  • HPV Papilloma Virus
  • said samples are collected by means of a swab from at least one predefined part of the human or animal body, or are collected by means of a swab from a natural or artificial surface or environment.
  • Figure 1 shows a front view of the device object of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 2 shows a lateral view of the device object of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 3 shows a plant view of a main support plane, wherein different units suitable for manipulating a plurality of containers are present.
  • Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a support for a primary container.
  • Figure 5 shows a detailed view of a handling unit of the device object of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 6 shows an alternative configuration of the handling unit and of the support for the primary container.
  • Figure 7 shows a schematic view of an agitation unit.
  • Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the device object of the present disclosure, wherein is also visible a loading station and a filling unit.
  • Figure 9 shows a perspective view of part of the filling unit; in figure 5 a movable actuator of the filling unit is arranged in a first position.
  • Figure 10 shows a perspective view of part of the filling unit; in figure 6 a movable actuator of the filling unit is arranged in a second position.
  • Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a releasing station of the device object of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a unit of movement specifically configured for determining the fracturation of a portion of a swab.
  • Figure 13 shows a detailed view of part of a loading station wherein the magazines for primary containers are provided with RFID tag.
  • the device 1 for the collection and handling of samples is a device of a floor standing type.
  • the device 1 herein described comprises a support frame that supports a main support plane 1 p at a predefined height with respect to the ground.
  • the device 1 can be provided with wheels for the movement or, alternatively, be provided with feet if it is intended to arrange the above-mentioned device in a position fixed to the ground.
  • the device 1 by means of the support frame, detects a working volume B within which is positioned at least part of, preferably the most of, the components herein described below.
  • the working volume B can be ideally limited on the borders of the support frame or be physically limited by walls of the device 1 , that may be present or absent in correspondence of the above-mentioned working volume.
  • a main support plane 1p delimits the working volume B.
  • the main support plane 1 p is arranged at a predefined height with respect to the ground; however, it is conceivable that the main support plane 1 p can be adjusted in height.
  • the working volume B defined from the support frame, and that is above the main support plane 1 p, can be a controlled environment working volume.
  • the device 1 can comprise an air conditioning unit 19, configured for carrying out - preferably in an automatic way under the control of the data processing unit 4 and/or alternatively with manual control - one between the following technical functions:
  • a filtering at least of primary type (or pre-filtering) of the air by means of dust filters and/or by electrostatic way, carried out to remove the gross part of air dust or impurities, and/or of secondary type (absolute);
  • the air- conditioning unit 19 is placed in an upper ending portion of the device 1 , above the working volume B.
  • the air conditioning unit 19 is configured and specifically destined to allow the induction of an air laminar flow inside the working volume B.
  • this air laminar flow is directed from above toward the bottom.
  • the air laminar flow is directed at least in correspondence of areas of the working volume where it is present the sample collection unit 3 and/or the handling unit 5, that are better described hereinafter.
  • the effect of the air laminar flow is to contain the dispersion of pathogens and/or parts of the sample within the above- mentioned volume B.
  • the air laminar flow is filtered from the filter of the air conditioning unit 19.
  • the filter installed on board of the conditioning unit 19, in particular to perform the secondary filtration is a HEPA filter, preferably a filter of efficiency equal to or higher than E12 according to EN 1822-1 2019 or ISO20E according to ISO 29463-1 2017.
  • At least the working volume B is isolated so as to ensure standard according to BSL-2, and then an embodiment of the device 1 respects the standard BSL-2.
  • holes 1f On the main support plane 1p can be present holes 1f, in particular arranged according to a predefined pattern, configured alternately or in combination for:
  • the device 1 is configured and specifically destined to manipulate samples and/or collecting samples, preferably biological, microbiological or chemical samples, from a primary container 100.
  • chemical samples are nonbiological and nonmicrobiological samples including for example nonorganic or organic substances in solid, gel, liquid or at least partially gaseous form.
  • these substances may be for example in powdery form, in grains, in flakes.
  • Biological or microbiological samples may be of human origin, in particular collected within the body of a human being, or they may be of animal origin, or of plant origin.
  • Biological or microbiological samples as well as samples non-biological or microbiological chemical samples, can be collected from urban and/or natural environments.
  • the device 1 comprises:
  • At least one support 2 configured for retaining at least one primary container 100 in a predefined position
  • sample collection unit 3 collects at least part of the sample contained in the primary container 100, and retains a volume V of said sample
  • the device 1 comprises a data processing unit 4 configured at least for determining the execution, in a substantially automated way, di:
  • the automated handling of samples in terms of their at least partial collection from the primary container reduces the risk of mishandling by the user, of an exchange of samples, of contaminations and therefore increases the reliability of the analyses that are subsequently carried out on the samples themselves.
  • the device 1 object of the present disclosure can be operated at high speed and manipulate a large number of samples; in this way, the device 1 according to the present disclosure is particularly useful for carrying out tests on high volumes of samples, for example, for mass screening for applications such as, for example, detection of HPV or respiratory, genital, urinary and/or gastrointestinal pathogens, for the detection of the presence, or for the processing, of blood or plasma or proteins.
  • the primary container 100 is a container configured for containing samples preferably of biological or microbiological type.
  • the primary container 100 is a container in which the user, or the medical or paramedical specialist, collects the sample of biological or microbiological material.
  • the primary container can comprise a body 100b in the shape of a test tube with a substantially circular transversal section, provided with a convex bottom and realized for example in a plastic or glass material (es. Pyrex, Jena, borosilicate glass Schott Duran).
  • a plastic or glass material es. Pyrex, Jena, borosilicate glass Schott Duran.
  • the body 100b is a main body, i.e. with respect to the stopper 10Ot assumes a larger size.
  • the primary container 100 is provided with a stopper 100t.
  • the stopper 100t is configured for being screwed on the primary container 100. More in particular, the stopper 100t is configured for being screwed on a thread 100f realized on a head portion of the primary container 100, where it is present an opening.
  • the stopper 100t can be a stopper inserted in an ending portion of the primary container 100 by means of friction coupling.
  • the stopper 10Ot can be realized in a significantly deformable material, and in particular with marked elastic property.
  • the stopper 100t when properly connected to the body 100b of the primary container 100 (closed) is destined to isolate the environment (volume) of the primary container 100 to prevent the escape of dusts, liquids and/or gases possibly contained therein, and thus to prevent, in the field of biological handling, the escape of samples contaminated with e.g. viruses, bacteria, fungi, molds, etc.
  • the primary container 100 can be configured and specifically destined to contain within it a swab for the collection of biological and/or microbiological and/or chemical material, or a sub-container for this material.
  • the elongated shape of the primary container 100 can be such as to allow to house a swab that presents an elongated body with a stem shape the end of which houses a collecting portion.
  • Non-limiting examples of plastic materials that can be used for the partial or integral production of the primary container include: - polyester and derivatives, for example polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or polyethylene terephthalate
  • PEEK polyether ether ketone
  • ABS - acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
  • PVC polyvinylchloride
  • PMMA polymethylmethacrylate
  • HDPE high- or low-density polyester
  • polyamide in particular aliphatic polyamide, for example Nylon.
  • Plastic materials usable for the realization of the primary container 100 can be either of thermoplastic type or thermosetting type (for example, PU).
  • the collecting portion of the swab is for example and non-limiting thereto configured and specifically destined to allow the collection of at least 40ml, or 50ml, or 70ml, or 100ml. This is in particular valid where the collecting portion can be in form of sub-container. Where the collecting portion is of swab type, in particular flocked, typical quantities of samples, preferably fluids, that are collected may reach 50pl or 70pl, or 100pl or up to 150pl.
  • the collecting portion of the swab can be pre-imbibed or impregnated with a substance, in particular with a reagent.
  • This reagent alternatively or in combination with the above described, can be in principle contained within the primary container 100.
  • the swab 100c presents an elongated body 10Od that extends between the stopper 10Ot and the collecting portion 100e of the swab itself.
  • the swab can be fractured in a predetermined portion of the elongated body 10Od in order to allow to keep at least part of the swab 100c in the primary container 100 during the various operations executed from the device 1.
  • the fracture occurs by means of a fracturation unit that is better described in the following description portion.
  • the primary container 100 comprises a tag 100k, the quale comprises an alphanumeric or visual code capable of being read by an optical reader.
  • the tag 100k is positioned preferably on the body 100b, ma in another embodiment can also be arranged on the stopper 10Ot.
  • the support 2 for the primary container 100 is destined to house a predefined portion, preferably a predefined lower portion, of the primary container 100.
  • the lower portion of the primary container 100 can be housed in a boring, e.g., blind, indicated with the reference 2f.
  • the boring 2f preferably detects a shape geometrically similar to the one detected by the transversal section of the primary container 100, although of larger size.
  • this support 2 comprises a hole of housing and a movable gripper that allows to retain the primary container 100 by preventing the rotation. Thanks to this technical characteristic it is possible to force the relative rotation of the stopper 10Ot with respect to the body 100b retaining the latter in a fixed position with said movable gripper 2p and forcing the relative rotation of the stopper 10Ot with respect to the body 100b by means of a handling unit 5, that will be better described in the following portions of the description.
  • the gripper 2p comprises two opposed claws that move radially with respect to a central position between at least one distanced position with respect to the lateral wall of the body 100b of the primary container 100, and a contact position with said lateral wall.
  • the two opposed claws are at a distance greater with respect to the distance to which they are when in contact with said lateral wall.
  • the claws have an internally concave profile that detects at an angular point.
  • the data processing unit 4 controls the automated movement of said gripper, in particular by forcing the closing against the lateral wall when the handling unit 5 has deposited the main container 100 at a correct height on the or in the support 2.
  • the support 2 can be a support specifically configured for directly engaging with the stopper 10Ot of the primary container 100.
  • the support 2 can be provided with a two-claws gripper as above described and/or be provided with a portion suitable for housing the stopper 10Ot by friction coupling.
  • the support 2 is configured for housing at least the primary container 100 in a substantially vertical direction, aligned along an axis K substantially vertical and perpendicular to the main support plane 1 p.
  • the hole 2f is arranged at a height lower with respect to the gripper 2p.
  • the support 2 herein described although configured for supporting at least one primary container 100, can also housing a secondary container, that will be better described below, in particular where the secondary container is of a shape substantially similar to the one of the primary container 100.
  • This technical function is in particular allowed by the gripper 2p that is capable of adapting to different shapes and/or sizes of part of the retained container.
  • the secondary container 102, 103, 104 can first of all be an open type container or a re-closable type container.
  • the secondary container 102 can be an opened container provided with a plurality of cells arranged according to a predefined spatial pattern, in particular arranged in a checkerboard pattern on rows and columns between them orthogonal.
  • Each cell of the plurality of cells is isolated by means of lateral walls from adjacent cells. Consequently, the cells are each one distinguished by a respective opening that is positioned in correspondence of the upper portion thereof.
  • the cells are destined to house each one part of the volume V of sample collected by the sample collection unit 3.
  • the cells have a substantially vertical development and detect a transversal section of area so as to house at least one tapered ending part of a tip 3p of the sample collection unit 3. This allows to transfer a predetermined amount of sample with the tapered ending part of the tip 3p introduced inside the cell, and reduces the risk of splashing on adjacent cells.
  • the cells of the secondary container 102 have a first depth lower with respect to cells of a secondary container 103, always of opened type, whose cells are significantly deeper.
  • the technical characteristics of the secondary container 103 are similar to those of the secondary container 102, to whose description we refer.
  • the secondary container 104 can be a re-closable type container, and be preferably in shape of test tube, then distinguished by an elongated body of substantially cylindrical shape and with axial development. This specific embodiment of the secondary container 104 can have technical characteristics similar to those of the primary container 100 and therefore herein not repeated.
  • the secondary container or support can be destined to contain samples of biological or microbiological material destined to be subjected to analysis for the presence of HPV, or blood, or plasma, or proteins or pathogens of the respiratory, genital, urinary and/or gastrointestinal tracts.
  • the device 1 comprises a handling unit 5, configured for opening and/or closing the stopper 100t of said primary container 100.
  • the support 2 and the handling unit 5 cooperate together in order to selectively and alternatively engage the body 100b of the primary container 100 and the stopper 100t of the primary container 100 in order to determine the opening and/or the closing of the stopper 100t.
  • a handling unit 5 particularly destined to directly engage the stopper 10Ot in order to determine the opening and/or the closing this should not be interpreted in a limiting way.
  • the support 2 can in fact be a specific support for the stopper 10Ot of the primary container 100, and in this case would be the handling unit 5 to directly act on said body 100b of the primary container 100 for determining the above-mentioned opening and/or closing.
  • the data processing unit 4 is configured for determining the activation, in a substantially automated way, of said handling unit 5, before the activation of the sample collection unit 3.
  • the handling unit 5 is configured and specifically destined to open and/or close stoppers of different size and/or shape. Thanks to this technical characteristic the device 1 object of the present disclosure is particularly of flexible use since it can handle in a substantially automated way primary containers 100 from different manufacturers and/or destined to different applications.
  • the handling unit 5 is configured and specifically destined to adapt in a substantially automated way at least at the opening and/or closing of:
  • first and the second primary container 100 differ, in particular in correspondence of said first and respectively second stopper 10Ot, for type and/or shape and/or size.
  • the data processing unit 4 is configured for determining the activation, in a substantially automated way, of the handling unit 5, before the activation of the sample collection unit 3, as the removal of part of the sample therein contained must be performed with the stopper removed.
  • the data processing unit 4 can be configured for determining in a substantially automatic way the activation of the handling unit 5 in substantial temporal simultaneity with the activation and/or the control in movement of the sample collection unit 3. This is in particular the case wherein a primary container 100 is placed in the loading station 9 while different rates of the volume V of sample collected from the sample collection unit 3 are distributed in more secondary containers or supports.
  • the data processing unit 4 controls the handling unit 5 in order that it is carried out the opening of the stopper 100t when the primary container 100 is in said collecting position 3a.
  • the collecting position 3a corresponds to the position wherein the primary container 100 is housed in the support 2.
  • Said handling unit 5 is configured for separating the stopper 100t from said body 100b when the primary container 100 is in the collecting position 3a and is preferably configured for opening the stopper 10Ot by means of a simultaneous rototranslation movement (useful for unscrewing a screwed stopper). More generally, the handling unit 5 is with at least one between a movement of rotation and translation and preferably by means of a combined and simultaneous movement of rototranslation.
  • the handling unit 5 comprises at least one gripper 5p configured for contacting a surface, preferably outer, of said stopper 100t and for retaining said surface at least during the opening and the separation of the stopper 100t from the body 100b preventing a relative rotation of the stopper 10Ot and/or preventing a relative translation between said stopper 10Ot and said gripper 5p.
  • the gripper 5p in particular comprises two opposed claws that move radially with respect to a central position between at least one distanced position with respect to said stopper 10Ot and a contact position with said stopper 100t.
  • the two opposed claws are at a distance greater with respect to the distance to which they are when in contact with the stopper 10Ot.
  • the claws have an internally concave profile that detects at an angular point.
  • a rotation motor 5m of the handling unit is installed in correspondence of the gripper 5p and is configured for allowing the rotation thereof around a rotation axis W substantially parallel to the axis Z, and therefore orthogonal to the main support plane 1 p in such a way that the claws of the gripper 5p rotate equally spaced to each other with respect to said rotation axis W.
  • the data processing unit 4 controls the handling unit 5 for moving the gripper 5p, and in particular its opposed claws, between said distanced position and said contact position when the gripper 5p is radially aligned (at the same height) with the stopper 10Ot.
  • the translation of the gripper 5p along the rotation axis occurs by means of free movement or forced movement.
  • the handling unit 5 is configured for moving the gripper 5p, when in contact position with the stopper 100t, only along an axial direction, preferably substantially vertical. This solution is implementable where the stopper 10Ot can be disconnected from the body 100b by means of the vertical direction traction only.
  • the handling unit 5 is arranged in an upper part of the working volume B, and is in particular arranged at a height higher with respect to the height at which it is positioned the main support plane 1 p and the support 2.
  • the handling unit 5 is joined to the support frame but is "hanging" and protrudes within the working volume from above.
  • the handling unit 5 can comprise at least one electronic sensor configured for detecting the presence of a primary container 100 on the gripper 5p. In particular this electronic sensor can be a force sensor.
  • this electronic sensor if the electronic sensor detects the absence of a primary container 100 in an operating condition wherein - on the contrary - this primary container 100 should be lifted and retained from the gripper 5p, this electronic sensor, will send an alarm signal, preferably a stop signal, towards the data processing unit 4 for determining the activation of a visual and/or audio alarm, and/or for determining the stop - preferably instantaneous - of the movement of the primary and/or secondary containers and/or of any additional units present on the device 1.
  • an alarm signal preferably a stop signal
  • the handling unit 5 can be configured for manipulating at least one primary container 100 already unplugged, for example by a user or by a machine outer with respect to the device herein described.
  • the sample collection unit The sample collection unit
  • the sample collection unit 3 comprises a sample collection element, indicated in reference figures with the reference 3p.
  • the sample collection unit 3 is a pipetting unit that comprises a pump of sucking and/or pushing, configured at least for sucking a predetermined volume V of sample, for example from the primary container 100.
  • the sample collection unit 3 is further configured for allowing di retaining this volume V of sample, preferably when sucked by a sample collection element 3p in form of a hollow tip.
  • the retaining of the predetermined volume V of sample occurs for a time sufficient to allow the transfer of the above-mentioned volume V of sample on one or more secondary containers as herein described.
  • the volume V of sample is retained within a sample collection element 3p having the shape of a tip.
  • the tip 3p is removably connected to a relative support of the sample collection unit 3.
  • the tip 3p of substantially cylindrical shape and that is hollow for being operatively connected with the pump of sucking and/or pushing, preferably has a tapered ending portion and suitable for contacting in use the sample and/or for being introduced within at least one between the primary container 100 and the secondary container 102, 103, 104.
  • the tip 3p is realized in plastic material and is of disposable type (disposable).
  • disposable tips allows to avoid the contamination of different samples collected in the operating cycle of the device 1.
  • the tip or more generally the collection element are not of disposable type, can be provided a washing station, possibly configured for washing and sterilizing this sample collection element 3p.
  • the release of at least part of the volume V of sample retained is carried out for example by means of the opening of a valve positioned upwards of the tip 3p or by means of an inversion of the sense of rotation of the pump of the sample collection unit 3.
  • the sample collection unit 3 is arranged in an upper part of the working volume B, and is in particular arranged at a height higher with respect to the height at which it is positioned the main support plane 1 p and the support 2.
  • the sample collection unit 3 is joined to the support frame but is "hanging" and protrudes within the working volume from above.
  • the sample collection unit 3 is configured and specifically destined to allow the tip 3p to make a movement at least of translation on a plane parallel to the main support plane 1 p and to make a movement of translation along a direction substantially inclined, preferably substantially orthogonal, to the translation direction along the plane parallel to the main support plane 1p. Then, the preferred embodiment of the sample collection unit 3 presents possibility of triaxial movement (biaxial on the plane, and along a vertical direction, orthogonal to the above- mentioned plane).
  • the unit herein described can be configured in such a way as to allow to vary a tilt of the tip 3p with respect to the vertical direction.
  • the mobility along a vertical axis for the sample collection element ensures that it is possible to adapt the functionality of the sample collection unit 3 to containers of different depths and/or to different amounts of substances contained within the container.
  • the sample collection unit 3 is configured for releasing at least part of the volume V of the sample in secondary containers or supports 102, 103, 104 of heterogeneous type. In other words the sample collection unit 3 is configured for releasing at least part of the volume V of the sample in at least:
  • the sample collection unit 3 is movable between said collecting position 3a and/or said first releasing position 3b and a second releasing position 3b'.
  • the sample collection unit 3 releases a first rate of the volume V of said sample in a first secondary container or support 102; in said second releasing position 3b' said sample collection unit 3 releases a second rate of the volume V of said sample in at least one second secondary container or support 103, 104.
  • the data processing unit 4 is configured for moving, in a substantially automated way, the sample collection unit 3 from the collecting position 3a to the first releasing position 3b and, subsequently, from the first releasing position 3b to the second releasing position 3b'.
  • the sample collection unit 3 is configured for: positioning the support for the tip in correspondence of a magazine (described below) or in correspondence of a collection point of a tip 3p; subsequently, collecting a tip 3p and fixing it to its support; moving the tip 3p in said collecting position 3a; carrying out a collection of the volume V of the sample contained in said primary container 100; transferring by means of an at least axial or biaxial movement of the tip 3p from the collecting position 3p towards the at least one releasing position 3b, 3b'; carrying out a release of the at least part of the volume V in said at least one secondary container or support 102, 103, 104 and if appropriate in different secondary containers or supports 102, 103, 104; subsequently, positioning the tip 3p in a releasing position of the tip, and actuating or allowing the actuation of a disconnection of the tip 3p from the relative support.
  • At least two between said collecting position 3a, said first releasing position 3b and said second releasing position 3b' are arranged at a same height.
  • the data processing unit 4 is configured for determining, in a substantially automated way, a control in movement of the sample collection unit 3 from the collecting position 3a to the first releasing position 3b by means of a composite movement comprising:
  • the lower heights are the one related to the collecting position 3a and to the at least one releasing position 3b, 3b'.
  • the second higher height is the translation height along a plane substantially parallel to the main support plane 1 p.
  • sample collection unit 3 can comprise a sample collection element 3p in shape of collection loop and/or cylinder and/or little spoon and/or ring, it too preferably of disposable type (disposable) and therefore removably connectable to the support already described.
  • the device di collection of samples 3p can be advantageously configured for retaining a predetermined volume V of sample for surface tension, or for gravity.
  • the sample collection unit 3 can be provided with the pump and be also provided with a support configured for housing a sample collection element 3p of different type, and be therefore a sample collection unit of hybrid type.
  • the pump of said unit 3 is a pump configured for sucking a determined volume of sample by creating a vacuum inside the tip that, in use immersed in the sample, sucks in said determined volume.
  • the pump can be a piston pump, then with a linear actuator translating with reciprocating movement for carrying out the sucking of the determined volume of sample within the, or the pushing of at least part of said volume of sample outside the, tip.
  • the adjustment of the sucked or pushed volume is primarily determined from the control of the movement (linear translation) carried out by the piston inside its cylinder. The longer is the translation, the greater is the sucked or pushed volume.
  • the sample collection unit 3 is configured for determining the volume V of sample sucked or transferred inside or outside the tip on the basis of a movement of the actuator of the pump (piston) in a direct way.
  • the sample collection unit 3 can be configured for determining a volume V of sample sucked or pushed in an indirect way.
  • the sample collection unit 3 can, as in the preceding case, be provided with a pump for creating a vacuum inside the tip, but the stopping of the pump does not determine (directly, as a causal effect) the sucked volume but, on the contrary, is determined (indirectly then) by a control signal produced by a volume sensor.
  • the volume sensor can be positioned on the tip or, alternatively, be installed directly and immovably, on the sample collection unit 3.
  • the volume sensor is a capacitive sensor.
  • the volume sensor is then configured for measuring the volume V of sample that progressively fills the tip or that empties out from the tip, and for sending a corresponding control signal to the pump that ends an interruption of the sucking or pushing cycle thereof when this control signal corresponds to the desired determined volume V of sample. Compartments below the main working plane
  • compartments closed by doors extend under the main working plane 1p .
  • a main compartment houses a container 3c configured for housing sample collection elements 3p of the sample collection unit 3, when removed.
  • the sample collection elements 3p are in use made to fall into a hopper or duct 3k that allows the access from a portion of the device 1 above the main working plane 1 to the compartment below the main working plane 1 p. This compartment is indicated in figure 2 with the reference 3u. The position wherein is present the hopper or duct 3k detects the releasing position of sample collection elements 3p described in the previous paragraph.
  • the duct 3k allows the fall of the sample collection element 3p along a significantly vertical direction.
  • the container 3c is removable.
  • a device for the removal of the tip 3p is activated in an automatic way by the data processing unit 4 of the device 1 following the completion of the release cycle of the sample in the first and, if that is the case, in the second releasing position 3b, 3b'.
  • the assembly formed by the container 3c and from the duct or hopper 3k realizes a disposal unit for sample collection elements 3p, which - for typical intended use of the device 1 object of the present disclosure, may be biohazard elements, infected with pathogens of viral, bacterial, fungal type, etc.
  • the device 1 object of the present disclosure comprises a magazine 40 for the sample collection unit 3, which is configured for containing a plurality of sample collection elements 3p, preferably arranged and ordered in a specific spatial configuration.
  • the sample collection unit 3 is operatively associated to said magazine and in use is controlled by the data processing unit 4 in order to collect a sample collection element 3p from the above-mentioned magazine.
  • positioning the support in correspondence of the magazine 40 comprises positioning the support in correspondence of a predefined area of said magazine and extracting from the above- mentioned area a sample collection element 3p.
  • the data processing unit 4 stores the position (relative or absolute) of each sample collection element 3p contained in the magazine and associates to each position in the magazine an identification flag of the presence or absence of the sample collection element 3p. If the magazine is completely full, the identification flags are all of a same value (for example "1”).
  • the collection of a first sample collection element 3p that is necessary for collecting the volume V of sample from the primary container 100 implies an extraction from a first position in the magazine of a first sample collection element 3p.
  • the identification flag of the first position is changed in value by the data processing unit 4 (for example, brought to "0”).
  • the data processing unit 4 excludes the possibility of a new collection of a sample collection element 3p from a same first position of the magazine.
  • the collection of a second sample collection element 3p that is necessary for collecting the volume V of sample from the primary container 100 implies an extraction from a second position in the magazine of a first sample collection element 3p.
  • the identification flag of the second position is changed in value by the data processing unit 4 (for example, brought to "0”). The process gradually repeats itself.
  • the device 1 object of the present disclosure comprises at least one centrifugation unit 6.
  • the centrifugation unit 6 is configured for allowing the centrifugation of at least one primary container 100 or of the secondary container or support 102, 103, 104, pushing by centrifugal force a part of the sample within a predefined portion (bottom portion) of the at least one primary container 100 or of the secondary container or support 102, 103, 104.
  • the centrifugation unit 6 comprises an oscillating eyelet 6t fixed on a support placed at a determined height with respect to the main support plane 1 p.
  • the height is defined at the project stage in relation to at least one size of the container.
  • this height is equal at least to the maximum size of the container that the eyelet 6t is destined to support, or is at least equal to the extension of the portion of container that in use shall be extended between the eyelet 6t and the main support plane 1p for allowing the centrifugation.
  • the primary container 100 or the secondary container or support 102, 103, 104 In use, in the eyelet 6t is introduced the primary container 100 or the secondary container or support 102, 103, 104, especially when in shape of test tube.
  • the axis of the eyelet 6t axis W
  • This configuration is typically the one wherein the eyelet 6t is when placed in rotation around a sensibly vertical axis vertical.
  • the eyelet defines a central axis and can be actuated in rotation in a procedure automatically controlled by the data processing unit 4.
  • the axis of this eyelet that, when the primary container 100 or the secondary container or support 102, 103, 104 is herein introduced, coincides with the axis of the primary container 100, by effect of the centrifugal force moves from a sensibly vertical direction to an inclined direction with respect to the vertical axis that allows to push by centrifugal force a part of the sample within a predefined portion (bottom portion) of the at least one primary container 100 or of the secondary container or support 102, 103, 104.
  • the centrifugation unit 6 can comprise a carousel with non-tilting seats, destined each one to retain a container or support in correspondence of a predefined portion.
  • the device 1 object of the present disclosure can present an agitation unit 7.
  • the agitation unit 7 is configured for allowing the agitation of the at least one primary container 100 or of the secondary container or support 102, 103, 104.
  • the agitation unit 7 is configured for agitating the sample contained in said primary container 100 or in said secondary container or support 102, 103, 104 moving said primary container 100 on a movement of rotation eccentric with respect to a reference axis K (vortex! ng).
  • This reference axis K is preferably substantially vertical, then orthogonal to the main support plane 1 p.
  • the data processing unit 4 is configured for activating said centrifugation unit 6 and/or said agitation unit 7 in a predefined temporal sequence with respect to the activation of the sample collection unit 3: in detail the activation sequence is such that the activation of the centrifugation unit 6 and/or of the agitation unit 7 occurs before the activation of said sample collection unit 3.
  • the sequencing of activations and/or movements of the units herein described occurs according to an automatic procedure, stored in the data processing unit 4.
  • Figure 7 shows a non-limiting embodiment of an agitation unit 7 configured for operating on a primary 100 or secondary 102 container in form of a test tube.
  • the agitation unit 7 is arranged in substantial correspondence of the support 2.
  • the support 2 is installed in fixed position on a movable portion of the agitation unit 7, and is destined to be placed in rotation describing a circular movement with respect to the rotation axis K substantially vertical.
  • the support 2 in shape of a ring, retains the primary container 100 (in figure 4 in shape of test tube) along a direction parallel to the axis K. This configuration results therefore particularly compact.
  • the agitation unit 7 can be a unit separated with respect to the support 2 and be in particular a unit provided with an its own auxiliary support 6s.
  • the auxiliary support comprises a movable gripper between a first distanced position with respect to the primary 100 or secondary 102 container and a second position in contact with said primary 100 or secondary 102 container.
  • the agitation unit 7 comprises a movable portion of the agitation unit 7, and is destined to be placed in rotation describing a circular movement with respect to the rotation axis K substantially vertical.
  • the data processing unit 4 controls the rotation speed of the movable portion of the agitation unit 7 and/or controls the agitation time of the primary container 100.
  • the data processing unit 4 controls the activation of said centrifugation unit 6 and/or said agitation unit 7 in a predefined temporal sequence with respect to the activation of said sample collection unit 3.
  • the data processing unit 4 activates said centrifugation unit 6 and/or said agitation unit 7 before the activation of said sample collection unit 3.
  • the data processing unit 4 activates said centrifugation unit 6 and/or said agitation unit 7 following the activation of said sample collection unit 3.
  • centrifugation unit 6 can be positioned in substantial correspondence of the support 2 (i.e., the support 2 can provide for the characteristics of the centrifugation unit previously described).
  • the handling unit 5 is configured for carrying out in an automatic way a step of movement of said at least one primary container 100 between the support 2 and the centrifugation unit 6, in particular the secondary support 6s, by means of a predefined movement, preferably composite of rotation, of translation or of rototranslation and carries out this step retaining the primary container 100 in correspondence of the stopper 100t.
  • a predefined movement preferably composite of rotation, of translation or of rototranslation
  • the handling unit 5 can keep the primary container 100 in correspondence of a portion different with respect to the stopper 100t
  • the solution of retaining on the stopper 100t advantageously allows to keep unchanged the gripping position during the various movements of the primary container 100, simplifies the operation of the device 1 and ensures therefore a higher safety of handling the above-mentioned container and an easier programming of the data processing unit 4.
  • the device 1 object of the present disclosure is configured for carrying out, if necessary, the centrifugation of the at least one primary container 100 before the eventual action of collection of part of the sample herein contained from the sample collection unit 3. Then, the activation of the handling unit 5 for moving the at least one primary container 100 between the support 2 and the centrifugation unit 6 occurs in a predefined temporal sequence with respect to the activation of said sample collection unit 3, and in particular occurs before the activation of the sample collection unit 3.
  • the device 1 herein described is preferably configured for allowing a partial filling of at least one between said primary container 100 and said secondary container or support 102, 103, 104 by means of, preferably, a filling or dilution fluid.
  • the device 1 comprises at least one main filling unit 8, comprising at least one duct 8c of feeding of at least a substance, preferably fluid, preferably within the at least one between said at least one primary container 100 and said secondary container or support 102, 103, 104.
  • the filling unit 8 presents a tank for said substance that is replaceable and that is arranged in a lateral compartment of the device 1 preferably accessible by means of a door.
  • the at least one filling unit 8 comprises a pump 8p, optionally an occlusive pump, operatively connected to the duct 8c.
  • the purpose of the filling unit 8 is to carry out a rehydration and/or dilution of the, and/or an addition of a lysing substance or anyway reagent to, the sample contained in said at least one between said at least one primary container 100 and said secondary container or support 102, 103, 104; in this regard, the Applicant notes in fact that the sample could be a dry sample, and for being properly subjected to subsequent analyses should be preventively rehydrated with an adequate volume of for example a rehydrating, diluent, listing substance or however reagent.
  • the device 1 specifically configured for allowing to operate on containers that contain dry samples, that before the analysis of chemical, biological or microbiological nature need to be properly rehydrated, or on containers that contain samples that, although not dry, still need to be diluted and/or lysed or anyway made to react with a substance reagent.
  • the filling unit 8 is configured for adding a controlled volume of said at least a substance in the at least one primary container 100 when said primary container 100 is in correspondence of the support 2, in particular when it is housed on the support 2.
  • Said controlled volume is variable, and the filling unit 8 is configured in such a way as to be able to deliver, at each delivery cycle, quantities of volume varying from container to container.
  • a sequential delivery of a first controlled volume of substance in a first container and of a second controlled volume of substance in a second container can be such that the first volume is different from the second volume.
  • the duct 8c is a duct realized in plastic and/or rubber material and is therefore flexible and compressible.
  • the occlusive pump that in particular is a peristaltic pump, acts in use on the duct 8c compressing it, determining said feeding of the controlled volume of said at least a substance within said at least one between the at least one primary container 100 and the secondary container or support 102, 103, 104.
  • the use of an occlusive pump allows to control the delivering volume with great precision.
  • the Applicant has conceived a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the filling unit 8 comprising a movable actuator 8m, connected to a predefined portion, preferably an ending portion, of said duct 8c.
  • the movable actuator 8m is configured for being moved, by means of the control of the data processing unit 4, at least between:
  • a sequential delivery of a substance in two different containers occurs as follows: displacement of the movable actuator 8m from the first operating position (wherein occurs the first addition of substance to the container) to the second operating position, and at least one new displacement of the movable actuator 8m from the second operating position towards the first operating position.
  • the data processing unit 4 can be configured for determining, by means of the filling unit 8, a substantial restriction of the duct 8c when the movable actuator 8m is arranged in a position different with respect to said first position, and in particular when it is in said second position.
  • the above-mentioned restriction occurs preferably by means of a stop of the pump when of peristaltic type.
  • the movement between said first operating position and said second operating position occurs by means of a rotation around a predefined axis, preferably substantially vertical and i.e. on a plane parallel to the main support plane 1 p.
  • the rotation of the movable actuator 8m is controlled by means of a stepper electric motor controlled by the data processing unit 4.
  • the feeding of the at least a previously mentioned substance takes place as follows.
  • the data processing unit 4 is configured for: keeping deactivated the pump 8p when said movable actuator 8m is in the second operating position; activating said pump 8p when said movable actuator 8m is in said first operating position; keeping activated said pump 8p for a time sufficient to supply a predefined volume of the at least a substance; deactivating the pump 8p before the movement of the movable actuator 8m from the first operating position to the second operating position.
  • a recovery tank 8v is provided in correspondence of the second operating position. This allows to collect part of the substance that should possibly still come out downstream of the deactivation of the pump 8p and after the movement of the movable actuator 8m towards the second position.
  • At least one filling unit implies that the device 1 can have a first and at least one second filling unit 8', the characteristics thereof are preferably the ones of the previously described filling unit and therefore not repeated.
  • the first and the second filling unit are configured for being controlled by the data processing unit 4 independently and can operate on different containers and/or supports, for example operating:
  • the first and the second filling unit can be activated in substantial temporal simultaneity and/or at different time instants.
  • the second filling unit 8' is configured for operating on a secondary container arranged in a position different with respect to the position of the support 2, for example in correspondence of a or more releasing stations that are better described below.
  • the tank 8k, 8k' is substantially floppy and/or deformable; preferably, the tank is a bag - of the type similar to the one commonly used for plasma and/or blood.
  • the tank 8k, 8k' can be a bottle, then a container substantially rigid that typically is realized in glassy or plastic material.
  • the duct 8c comprises an ending, opposed with respect to the one where the delivery occurs, that is connected to said tank, in particular to said bag, in a removable way.
  • the tank presents a collection portion and the duct 8c is connected in correspondence of said collection portion.
  • the collection portion of the tank in particular of said bag, is in a portion substantially low, preferably in a bottom portion. This facilitates a complete emptying of the tank.
  • the tank In use, by action of the pump 8p, as the substance is transferred from the tank and by means of the duct 8c towards one or more secondary containers or supports, the tank, if of floppy type, it is gradually deformed by effect of the progressive emptying. If the tank is rigid, this deformation does not exist, and can be provided a valve or an air inlet for compensating the inner pressure of the tank as a result of its progressive emptying.
  • the device 1 object of the present disclosure comprises a compartment suitable for containing the bag, that is hung so as to have the collecting position in said bottom portion.
  • the collection portion comprises a self-sealing container, that isolates again the tank, in particular the bag, when the duct 8c is disconnected from the tank itself.
  • the Applicant has conceived a particular embodiment, wherein the filling unit 8 is configured and specifically destined to add said at least a substance, simultaneously, in a plurality of primary containers 100, or in a plurality of secondary containers or supports 102, 103, 104, or in at least one first primary container 100 and in at least one first secondary container or support 102, 103, 104.
  • the ending portion of the duct 8c that is clearly at least provided with a first and second outlet, is substantially aligned in such a way that: the first outlet and the second outlet are aligned respectively to a first and a second primary container 100; the first outlet is aligned to a primary container 100 and the second outlet is aligned to a secondary container or support 102, 103, 104 or vice versa; the first and the second outlet are aligned respectively to a first and a second secondary container or support 102, 103, 104.
  • the above-mentioned alignment occurs in correspondence of the upper opening of each container or support and is then a substantially vertical alignment.
  • the Applicant has conceived a particular embodiment of the device 1 herein described that comprises:
  • At least one support 2 configured for retaining at least one between a primary container 100 and a secondary container or support 102, 103, 104 in a predefined position;
  • sample collection unit 3 collects at least part of the sample contained in the primary container 100, and retains a volume V of the sample
  • the device 1 comprises a data processing unit 4 configured at least for determining the execution, in a substantially automated way, di:
  • the device 1 comprises at least one filling unit 8, comprising at least one duct 8c of feeding of at least a substance, preferably fluid, within said at least one between said at least one primary container 100 and said secondary container or support 102, 103, 104; preferably wherein the filling unit comprises at least one tank removably connected to the duct 8c, wherein the tank is preferably substantially floppy and/or compressible, and is preferably configured for deforming after a progressive emptying from the substance, and/or wherein the filling unit 8 is configured and specifically destined to add the at least a substance, simultaneously, in a plurality of primary containers 100 or in a plurality of secondary containers or supports 102, 103, 104 or in at least one first primary container 100 and in at least one first secondary container or support 102, 103, 104.
  • Figure 3 shows a specific embodiment of the device 1 object of the present disclosure wherein are present a first filling unit 8 and a second filling unit 8'.
  • the structural details of the second filling unit 8' are not described in detail, since the components, in particular the tank 8k', the pump 8p', the duct 8c' and the movable actuator 8m', of the second filling unit 8' are preferably identical to the ones of the first filling unit 8.
  • the first and the second filling unit 8, 8' are independent from each other, and can be activated in a simultaneous way or in an alternative way by the data processing unit 4.
  • the second filling unit 8' can advantageously operate with secondary containers or supports 102, 103, 104 moved by means of the conveying unit 12 the operation of which is described with greater detail in the following portions of the description.
  • the device 1 herein described comprises at least one first loading station 9 configured for housing a plurality of primary containers 100.
  • the data processing unit 4 controls the automated movement of the handling unit 5 for moving at least one primary container 100 from said loading station 9 to said support 2.
  • the movement occurs by means of a predefined movement, preferably composite of rotation, of translation or of rototranslation and in particular comprises:
  • the loading station 9 comprises at least one slide 9s configured for housing removably at least one magazine 9c having a plurality of seats for said primary containers 100.
  • each seat houses a respective primary container 100.
  • the seats of each magazine are all of the same type and/or shape, and are then configured for housing a univocal type and/or shape and/or size of primary container 100. This technical characteristic allows to consider at the operational level that each container that may be contained on the magazine 9c is of a same type and/or shape and/or size.
  • Different magazines can house primary containers 100 of different type and/or shape and/or size.
  • the loading station 9 comprises a plurality of slides 9s configured for housing removably a respective plurality of said magazines 9c.
  • the plurality of slides 9s allows the independent introduction and/or extraction of a respective magazine 9c.
  • the user can for example introduce a first magazine 9c with primary containers 100 having a first diameter and/or length and a second magazine 9c, in a second time, with primary containers 100 having a second diameter and/or length.
  • the slides 9s are arranged along directions parallel to each other and are arranged on a same plane, in particular on the main support plane 1 p; is anyway predictable that the slides can be arranged on distinct planes, for example in such a way that a slide is placed at a first height and a second slide is placed at a second height, where the first height is higher than the second height. It is also predictable that the directions of alignment of a first slide 9s and of a second slide 9s are inclined to each other.
  • the producer can produce a device 1 that can be sold to users that use, each one, primary containers 100 of different type and/or shape and/or size;
  • the user can substantially use the same device 1 with almost no structural alterations, with primary containers 100 of different type and/or shape and/or size.
  • the slides 9s preferably extend along a substantially axial direction and, coherently, the magazines 9c extend along a same axial direction.
  • Each magazine 9c preferably houses the respective seats aligned along a predefined direction of alignment coinciding with the axial direction of extension, and the seats are placed at a predefined, and constant, distance from each other. This technical characteristic facilitates the scheduling of the sequential extraction of primary containers 100 by the of the handling unit 5.
  • the data processing unit 4 is configured for actuating in movement the handling unit 5 for collecting in sequential way a first primary container 100 and a second primary container 100 from a respective first and second seat of a magazine 9c.
  • the data processing unit 4 electronically detects, preferably by means of the electronic identification tag 9z described hereinafter, or has stored the location (distance) between two contiguous seats of a magazine 9c, and/or has stored the absolute position of at least two contiguous seats of a magazine 9c.
  • the data processing unit 4 configures the handling unit 5 for: - moving the handling unit 5 in correspondence of the first seat of the magazine 9c;
  • the data processing unit 4 configures the handling unit 5 for:
  • a further loading station is indicated in figure 3 with the numerical reference 39.
  • This further loading station can be present together with the loading station indicated with the numerical reference 9, or be present as a replacement of the latter.
  • the further loading station 39 is described as a second loading station.
  • the loading station indicated with the numerical reference 9 is then a first loading station.
  • the second loading station 39 comprises at least one magazine 39a in shape of carousel, preferably but non-limiting thereto leaning on the main support plane 1 p or on a plane substantially parallel to the main support plane 1p.
  • On the magazine 39a is in use arranged a plurality of primary containers 100, preferably with flat bottom and/or of substantially squat shape.
  • the magazine 39a houses within it, and/or is joined to, at least one singularizer or separator 39b.
  • the primary containers 100 are preferably arranged in a loose manner. There are no seats suitable for housing the containers in predefined positions.
  • the magazine 39a comprises a substantially planar bottom surface and a lateral wall extending along a substantially oblique direction, preferably orthogonal, with respect to the planar wall.
  • the second loading unit 39 also comprises a conveyor 39c destined to move at least one primary container 100 from a first starting position in proximity of the magazine 39a to a second arrival position indicated with the numerical reference 39e.
  • the conveyor 39c is preferably destined to house a primary container 100 leaning on it, and lies therefore under the primary container 100.
  • the conveyor 39c can be destined to convey a hung primary container 100.
  • the singularizer or separator 39b comprises a movable blade in rotation around a substantially vertical axis, in particular describing a circular movement destined to cause a transfer of a primary container 100 at a time on the conveyor 39c.
  • a portion of the lateral wall of the magazine 39c presents an opening delimited by an indented portion 39d of said lateral wall, the radially more inner part thereof is next to the distal portion of the singularizer or separator 39b.
  • the distal portion is the radially outer one, more remote with respect to the rotation axis of the singularizer or separator 39b.
  • the conveyor 39c is a conveyor belt and extends along a substantially linear path.
  • a first sensor 39h suitable for detecting the presence of a primary container 100.
  • an activation signal is transmitted from the first sensor 39h towards an actuator of the conveyor 39c, that is then moved for displacing the primary container 100 from the first starting position to the second arrival position 39e.
  • a second sensor 39f is placed in substantial correspondence of the second arrival position 39e, i.e. in proximity of an ending portion of the conveyor 39c.
  • the second sensor 39f is configured for detecting the presence of a primary container 100 in proximity; in use, when a primary container 100 is detected from the second sensor 39f, a deactivation signal is transmitted from the second sensor 39f towards an actuator of the conveyor 39c, that is then stopped for allowing that the primary container 100 is kept in said second arrival position 39e.
  • the first sensor 39h and the second sensor 39f are of a same type. In a non-limiting embodiment, they are optical sensors.
  • the second loading station 39 can be present a single sensor 39h configured for allowing to identify the presence of a primary container 100 when in said first starting position and in said second arrival position.
  • the sensor 39h can be in this case a rotating sensor or carried in translation between a first operating position in proximity of said first starting position and a second operating position in proximity of said second arrival position.
  • the second arrival position 39e can be a position from which the handling unit 5 collects the primary container 100 for transferring it in correspondence of the support 2, or can alternatively be a position that detects a support 2, and in correspondence of which the handling unit carries out the removal of the stopper 100t in the previously described modes.
  • a storage area is indicated by the numerical reference 39g.
  • the storage area 39 of the second loading station 39 is configured and specifically destined to house a plurality of primary containers 100 downwards of the handling carried out by the handling unit 5.
  • the data processing unit 4 can be configured for determining the activation of the handling unit 5 in such a way that the primary container 100, starting from the second arrival position 39e, or from the support 2, is moved towards the storage area 39g.
  • the data processing unit 4 can be programmed so as to cause an activation of the handling unit 5 for moving a first primary container 100 from said first loading station 9 and, subsequently for moving a second primary container 100 from said second loading station 39; it appears then clear that the handling unit 5 can be configured for manipulating, in particular for moving and/or for opening and/or closing the stopper 100t of a first and a second primary container 100 located in a first and a loading station 9, 39 placed in different positions of the device 1 and containing, preferably, each one primary containers 100 of different type and/or shape and/or size (for example, narrower and in shape of test tube, with substantially rounded bottom housed in the first loading station 9 and wider, a shape of smaller jar and with flat bottom in the second loading station 39) with no need of manual adaptation by the user.
  • the handling unit 5 can be configured for manipulating, in particular for moving and/or for opening and/or closing the stopper 100t of a first and a second primary container 100 located in a first and a loading station 9, 39 placed
  • the device 1 object of the present disclosure is configured for allowing an electronic identification of the magazines and/or of the containers herein present. This allows also in an almost automatic way, by means of the data processing unit 4, the specific function of the device 1 according to the typology of magazine and/or of container installed on the loading station.
  • the data processing unit can be configured for activating the filling unit 8 only in case of operation (handling) carried out on a first type of primary containers 100 and for not activating the filling unit 8, and then for avoiding of diluting and/or re-hydrating or lysing or make the sample react, in case of operation (handling) carried out on a second type of primary containers 100.
  • each magazine of said plurality of magazines 9c comprises an electronic identification tag 9z.
  • the loading station 9 comprises a reader 9r for the electronic identification tag 9z.
  • the electronic identification of said at least one magazine 9c occurs by means of a reading of electronic data stored in said electronic identification tag 9z.
  • this electronic identification tag 9z is a wireless tag, in particular a RFID tag. Consequently the reader 9r is a reader specifically configured for reading wireless tag, in particular RFID tag.
  • the RFID tag 9z comprises first of all a memory that is configured for storing electronic data, an antenna and a physical support, typically realized in plastic material, that integrates the memory and, if it is the case, the antenna.
  • the memory is a non-volatile type memory, for example and non-limiting thereto a EEPROM or FRAM memory.
  • the RFID tag can be of active, passive, semi-active or semi-passive type.
  • a RFID tag of passive type is configured for replying with a transmission of a determined wireless signal only when queried by a reader that transmits a predefined query signal. In this case, the power of the signal received by the RFID tag is sufficient to generate enough power to transmit a reply signal.
  • a passive device is without a battery.
  • a RFID tag is also able to be written by a transmitter device; in this case a wireless signal is transmitted toward the RFID tag 9z and the data carried by means of the above-mentioned signal are stored in the memory of the device.
  • a RFID tag of active type is typically provided with an internal powering battery, and further than the memory typical also of the RFID tag, has optionally several antennas for receiving and/or transmitting and/or storing signals on multiple wireless channels.
  • the range of the transmission of the RFID tag of active type is greater with respect to the range of the transmission of the RFID tag of passive type.
  • a RFID tag of semi-passive type is provided too with a memory and a battery, but the battery is used only to power a microchip, if present, or auxiliary apparatuses; the battery is not used to power the transmission of the signal provided as a reply to a query signal.
  • a RFID tag of semi-passive type behaves in a way in principle identical to a RFID tag of passive type.
  • a RFID tag of semi-active type is provided too with a memory and a battery, but in this case the battery is destined also to supply power for the transmission of the reply signal to the query signal.
  • the RFID tag is deactivated and is powered only upon reception of a predefined transmission signal, operating in a way similar to a RFID tag of passive type.
  • the RFID tag is capable of operating, in principle, on a wide variety of frequency ranges - from LF to frequencies in the microwave range.
  • the Applicant notes that the RFID tag that operate in LF (125/134 kHz) and HF (13,56 MHz) bands are provided for in the ISO standards as passive.
  • the RFID tag can be, or can be made to operate, in read only mode.
  • the read only mode is a mode in which the data contained in the memory of the RFID tag can only be read and not written.
  • the RFID tag can be, or can be made to operate, in read/write mode.
  • the read/write mode is such that at least part of the data contained in the memory of the RFID tag can be both written and read.
  • the RFID tag can comprise a memory wherein:
  • a first part of the memory can be written and/or read
  • the data that can be stored in the memory are for example tracking data of said sample and/or of the device 1 and/or of analysis method of said sample and/or of collection date of said sample, and/or of transport conditions of said sample.
  • the data that can be stored in the memory can also include a univocal identification code of the RFID tag.
  • This code can be attributed by the producer of the RFID tag or by the producer of the device 1 herein described. This code is stored in such a way that it cannot be altered; in an embodiment wherein are present the first part of the memory and the second part of the memory, this univocal identification code is stored in the second part of the memory.
  • the RFID tag can be configured for transmitting a wireless electronic signal that includes or not said univocal identification code.
  • a wireless electronic signal that includes or not said univocal identification code.
  • the RFID tag transmits only the univocal identification code in the reply signal; - at each query the RFID tag transmits in the reply signal at least part of the data of the memory, preferably of the first part of the memory, that do not include said univocal identification code;
  • the RFID tag transmits: a) only the univocal identification code; or b) transmits at least part of the data of the memory, preferably of the first part of the memory, that do not include said univocal identification code; or c) transmits at least part of the data of the memory, preferably of the first part of the memory, that do not include said univocal identification code and the univocal identification code.
  • the transmission of the univocal identification code can:
  • the data processing unit 4 is configured for activating the reading of the RFID tag before the activation of the handling unit 5, and/or before the activation of the sample collection unit 3 and/or before the activation of the agitation 7 and/or centrifugation 6 unit and/or before the filling unit 8. This allows to appropriately configure the operation of the device 1 according to the specific type of primary container 100 that the device 1 is having to manipulate downstream of the introduction of the magazine 9c in the respective guide of the loading station 9.
  • the device 1 object of the present disclosure comprises preferably at least one releasing station 11 configured for housing a plurality of secondary containers 102, 103, 104.
  • the specific embodiment shown in the attached figures presents a plurality of releasing stations 11 .
  • the at least one releasing station 11 or the plurality of them, if present, is configured for housing secondary containers 102, 103, 104 of different shape and/or size.
  • the first releasing position 3b is arranged, optionally the first releasing position and the second releasing position 3b' are arranged, in correspondence of said at least one releasing station 11.
  • the device 1 comprises an auxiliary support 13 for at least one secondary container 104, in particular for a secondary container in shape of test tube.
  • the auxiliary support 13 is arranged in a position different with respect to the releasing station 11 and the first releasing position 3b is arranged in correspondence of said auxiliary support 13.
  • the data processing unit 4 controls in movement in a substantially automatic way the handling unit 5 for moving at least one secondary container 102, 103, 104 from the auxiliary support 13 to the releasing station 11 and/or for moving the primary container 100 from the support 2 to the releasing station 11.
  • the movement occurs by means of a movement composite of rotation, of translation or of rototranslation.
  • the Applicant has conceived a specific embodiment of the device 1 wherein the movement of at least one secondary container 102, 103, 104 from the auxiliary support 13 to the releasing station 11 and/or the movement of the at least one primary container 100 from the support 2 to the releasing station 11 occurs by means of a conveying unit 12 that is distinct from the handling unit 5 and that is further independently movable with respect to the handling unit.
  • the conveying unit 12 can be activated and put in movement also simultaneously to the handling unit 5.
  • the data processing unit 4 is then capable of actuating an automatic control procedure wherein the handling unit 5 and the conveying unit 12 are simultaneously activated for conveying respectively a distinct first and a second container, that can be at least one between a primary container 100 and a secondary container or support 102, 103, 104.
  • the releasing station 11 similarly to the configuration structure of the loading station 9, comprises at least one slide 11s configured for housing removably at least one magazine 11c.
  • the magazine has a plurality of seats for said secondary containers 102, 103, 104, and preferably each seat is configured for housing a respective secondary container or support 102, 103, 104.
  • the embodiment of the device 1 shown in the attached figures presents a releasing station 11 that comprises a plurality of slides 11s configured for housing removably a respective plurality of said magazines 11c.
  • the plurality of slides 11s allows the independent introduction and/or extraction of a respective magazine 11c. Thanks to this technical characteristic a user can eventually extract a magazine 11c from a respective slide 11 s, in particular when completely loaded with secondary containers by the handling unit 5 or by the conveying unit 12, without necessarily interrupting the operation of the device 1.
  • Slides 11s preferably extend along a substantially axial direction, and, coherently, the magazines 11c extend along a same axial direction.
  • Each magazine 11c preferably houses the respective seats aligned along a predefined direction of alignment coinciding with the axial direction of extension, and the seats are placed at a predefined, and constant, distance from each other. This technical characteristic facilitates the programming of the handling unit 5 or of the conveying unit 12 in the positioning sequence of a plurality of secondary containers or supports on the respective slide.
  • the data processing unit 4 is configured for automatically activating said handling unit 5 and/or the conveying unit 12 so that, in use, is carried out a movement of at least one secondary container or support 102, 103, 104 from the auxiliary support to the releasing station 11 and for moving the primary container 100 from the support 2 to the releasing station 11 after the control in movement of the sample collection unit 3 from the collecting position 3a to the first releasing position 3b and, where present, from the first releasing position 3b to the second releasing position 3b'.
  • an embodiment of the primary container 100 presents a swab 100c whose elongated body 10Od that extends between the stopper 10Ot and the collecting portion 100e of the swab itself can be fractured.
  • a specific embodiment of fracturation unit is represented in figure 12.
  • the fracturation occurs in an automatic way by means of a fracturation unit of the device 1 .
  • This technical characteristic in addition to allowing an advanced and complex handling of the primary container 100, reduces the risk of user contamination and reduces the risk of swapping the pair swab 100c - primary container 100 that otherwise would be possible in case of handling manually carried out by a user.
  • the device 1 herein described comprises a fracturation unit that is destined to allow the fracture of the elongated body 10Od in an intermediate portion between the portion joined to the stopper 10Ot and the collecting portion 100e.
  • the fracturation unit is configured and specifically destined to grasp the stopper 100t and a moving the stopper 100t relatively to the body 100b of the primary container 100 and is also destined to cause the fracturation of the elongated body 100d in said predefined intermediate portion.
  • the fracturation unit presents of the cutting means in use acting on the elongated body 100d in order to fracture it in said predefined portion (indicated in figure 12 with the reference sign U).
  • the fracturation unit keeps the elongated body 100c in a position substantially not in contact with the body of the primary container 100.
  • the fracturation unit is configured for moving, preferably translating, the stopper 100t with respect to the body 100b of the primary container 100 first by bringing the elongated body 100c in contact with an inner surface of the body 100b and deforming the elongated body 100c until causing its fracture, making it fall and/or keeping the collecting portion 100e within the body 100b.
  • the fracturation unit can be configured for rotating the stopper 100t with respect to the body 100b and can also be configured for rototranslating the stopper 100t with respect to the body 100b in order to obtain the fracture.
  • Figure 12 shows a particular configuration wherein the fracturation unit is flexing significantly the elongated body 100c, that is not yet fractured, but that will soon be fractured in correspondence of the predefined portion U.
  • the fracturation unit can be a stand-alone unit, in a preferred embodiment the fracturation unit coincides with the handling unit 5.
  • the handling unit 5 carries out then not only the opening and/or closing of the stopper 10Ot, and the physical separation of the stopper 10Ot from the body 100b of at least one primary container 100, ma - preferably - carries out also the fracturation of the elongated body 100c in the above-described mode.
  • the fracturation occurs when the primary container 100 is arranged and retained on the support 2, and then in a time instant after the transport from the magazine 9c to the support 2.
  • the device 1 object of the present disclosure presents a reading unit 20 configured for reading the tag 100k present on the primary container 100.
  • the reading unit 20 comprises an optical reader that is configured for carrying out an automatic remote reading, i.e. without the need of contact with the primary container 100 or with its tag 100k.
  • the data processing unit 4 controls the activation of the reading unit 20 for causing a reading of the tag 100k when the at least one primary container 100 is retained by the handling unit 5 in the previously described modes.
  • the activation of the sample collection unit 3 occurs after the reading of the tag 100k present on the primary container 100. It is predictable that the absence of a tag 100k or the reading of a code that, when electronically processed, results to be wrong, can determine - always by means of the data processing unit 4 - at least one between a stopping of the device 1 or the sending of a sound and/or visual alarm.
  • the code present on the tag 100k when read and appropriately recognized, can determine for example the variation of the volume V of sample collected from the primary container 100.
  • the device 1 object of the present disclosure comprises a tagging unit 30 that is configured and specifically destined to apply a tag on at least one between a primary container 100 and a secondary container or support 102, 103, 104.
  • the tagging unit is controlled by the data processing unit 4.
  • the tag is a self-adhesive tag
  • the tagging unit 30 comprises a printer electronically connected with the data processing unit 4; the printer is configured for printing alphanumeric and/or visual codes (bar codes, or QR codes or similar) on the tag before applying on the at least one between a primary container 100 and a secondary container or support 102, 103, 104.
  • the tagging unit 30 comprises at least one magazine 31 for tags, in particular for virgin tags, not yet submitted to the printing process by means of the printer of the tagging unit 30.
  • Tags are herein arranged on a belt on which are arranged in sequence, preferably in a single row. Tags are gradually collected, preferably one at a time, from the above-mentioned belt as they are applied on said at least one between a primary container 100 and a secondary container or support 102, 103, 104.
  • the tagging unit 30 is preferably configured for applying a tag on said at least one between a primary container 100 and a secondary container or support 102, 103, 104 with a rotatory movement occurring between a tool and the above-mentioned at least one between a primary container 100 and a secondary container or support 102, 103, 104.
  • the tool is kept substantially still while said at least one between a primary container 100 and a secondary container or support 102, 103, 104 is made to rotate around a substantially vertical axis, then substantially orthogonal with respect to the main support plane 1 p.
  • Rollers 32 are present in the tagging unit 30 for guiding the belt of tags until in proximity of the at least one between a primary container 100 and a secondary container or support 102, 103, 104 and/or for pushing and making the tag well adhere on the body of the container or support.
  • the at least one between a primary container 100 and a secondary container or support 102, 103, 104 is positioned in correspondence of the tagging unit 30 from one between the handling unit 5 and the conveying unit 12.
  • the tagging unit 30 first prints the data on a virgin tag and subsequently applies the printed tag on the container or support.
  • the printing is preferably a thermal printing.
  • the tagging unit 30 is operatively connected with the data processing unit 4 for receiving from this latter electronic data that lead to the printing of the tag.
  • the device 1 object of the present disclosure is configured for printing a tag 100k on a secondary container or support 102, 103, 104 by means of the tagging unit 30 in such a way that the data printed on the tag by the tagging unit 30 correspond to the data present on a tag present on primary container 100.
  • the tagging unit 30 corresponds to the data present on a tag present on primary container 100.
  • the device in particular by means of the data processing unit 4, configures the tagging unit 30 such as that, for a plurality of tags printed on a respective plurality of secondary containers or supports 102, 103, 104, at least a first part of the data present on said tags is retrievable, and then common, on the plurality of tags.
  • This first part of the data is preferably also retrievable on the tag of the primary support 100.
  • the first part of the data is for example an alphanumeric code (or a visual code traceable to said alphanumeric code) that allows to let intend that the sample contained in the first, second and third secondary container or support 102, 103, 104, is the same sample originally present in a determined primary container 100.
  • a second part of data printed on the tags of each of the three secondary containers or supports 102, 103, 104 allows for example to distinguish in a univocal way the secondary container or support 102, 103, 104.
  • the second part of data will be, for example _01 for the first secondary container or support, _02 for the second secondary container or support and _03 for the third secondary container or support, so that the tag data of the first, of the second and of the third secondary container or support respectively are A12345_01 , A12345_02 and A12345_03.
  • This functionality is particularly useful where the different rates of sample collected from the primary container and arranged in the three secondary containers or supports 102, 103, 104 should each one be subjected to a specific chemical analysis, or added by a specific reagent.
  • the tagging that the device 1 is capable of carrying out is therefore of dynamic type.
  • the data in particular both the first part of data and the second part of data, are stored in a memory (database) electronically accessible to the data processing unit 4 so that they can be received at a subsequent time after the tagging.
  • the Applicant has specified different operating configurations of the device 1 wherein, when the tagging unit 30 works on secondary containers or supports, the tagging occurs on one or more secondary containers or supports 102, 103, 104 still empty, wherein the collection unit 3 has not yet transferred at least one part of the volume V of the sample of the primary container 100 or, alternatively, occurs on one or more secondary containers or supports 102, 103, 104 already partially filled with part of the volume V of sample collected by the collection unit 3 from the primary container 100.
  • the retrieval of the code, or also only of a code portion, on the tag 100 of the primary container 100, so that it is possible to subsequently proceed with the printing of the at least a tag 100k for one or more secondary containers or supports 102, 103, 104, is carried out by means of the reading unit 20 previously described.
  • this reading unit 20 is then activated by the data processing unit 4, in an automated way, before the tagging.
  • a tagging unit 30 configured for printing originally virgin tags, it is possible that the tagging unit 30 is configured for applying pre-printed tags, and is therefore without printer.
  • the tagging unit 30 can be configured and specifically controlled for carrying out a post-tagging control of the primary container 100 and/or of the secondary container or support 102, 103, 104.
  • the tagging unit 30 comprises at least one device reader that, when appropriately controlled by the data processing unit 4, automatically an optical reading procedure of the recently applied tag 100k, in order to verify for example its presence, or the presence of the code, or the correct rotation (spatial arrangement in relation to the body or to the stopper of the container or support).
  • an electronic signal of consent is sent from the device reader, by means of the tagging unit 30, towards the data processing unit 4 only when the tag has been correctly applied, and in order that the handling unit 5 or the conveying unit 12 transport the at least one between the primary container 100 and the at least one secondary container or support 102, 103, 104, only in case of consent transmitted from the device reader.
  • the data processing unit 4 for carrying out a coherence control, for example by verifying an identity between the code present on the tag of the secondary container or support 102, 103, 104 with the code present on the tag of the corresponding primary container 100, or between the first part of the code present on the tag of the secondary container or support 102, 103, 104 with the code, or at least part of the code, present on the tag of the primary container or support 100.
  • the tagging unit can be configured for managing at least one first tag format and a second tag format.
  • first and second format can in particular differ between them according to at least one of the following parameters: shape (for example, one square, the other rectangular or circular), size, material, thickness, color, stiffness, level of self-adhesiveness.
  • tags having the first format can be virgin whereas tags having the second format can be pre-printed.
  • the tagging unit can be programmed by means of the data processing unit 4 for selecting alternatively the delivery of tags having the first format or the second format, or can alternatively be configured for acknowledging in an automatic way the tag format to be applied.
  • the tagging unit can be provided with a magazine of tags specifically configured for housing a plurality of tags according to the first format and, simultaneously, a plurality of tags according to the second format.
  • the tagging unit 30 by means of actuators specifically destined for the purpose, selects one between a tag having the first format or, alternatively, the second format on the basis of electronic data transmitted to it by means of the data processing unit 4, and deriving from the primary container 100, or from its tag or from the RFID tag of the magazines, or from the type of secondary containers or supports. Preferably this occurs without, or with a minimum, manual control by the user. After the selection, can occur the printing process as above described. Details of the data processing unit
  • the data processing unit can comprise a general-purpose type processor, or one or more applicationspecific integrated circuits (ASIC), and/or an FPGA and/or a programmable logic controller (PLC) for the control of the various servo actuators present on the device 1 .
  • ASIC applicationspecific integrated circuits
  • PLC programmable logic controller
  • Such servo actuators where not specifically described are to be intended as standard type.
  • Such servo actuators can be with electrical control and/or with control of hydraulic and/or pneumatic and/or magnetic type.
  • On the data processing unit can be executed a computer program that comprises portions of software code that, when executed by the data processing unit, causes the actuation of the various components herein described according to the specific configurations and/or sequences of movement described in the present document.
  • the data processing unit should not be considered as a single physical entity, but can comprise different components physically arranged in different areas of the device 1, that all together cooperate for allowing the operation of the device 1 in the herein described modes. Likewise, it should not be intended in a limiting way that the data processing unit is physically installed within the device 1 , being in fact possible to have the data processing unit at least partly placed outside the device 1.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Automatic Analysis And Handling Materials Therefor (AREA)
  • Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif (1) de collecte et de manipulation d'échantillons, de préférence des échantillons biologiques, microbiologiques ou chimiques, à partir d'un récipient primaire (100), le dispositif (1) comprenant : au moins un support (2) configuré pour maintenir au moins un récipient primaire (100) dans une position prédéfinie; au moins une unité de collecte d'échantillon (3), mobile entre au moins une position de collecte (3a) dans laquelle ladite unité de collecte d'échantillons (3) collecte au moins une partie de l'échantillon contenu dans ledit récipient primaire (100), et retient un volume (V) dudit échantillon, et une première position de libération (3b) dans laquelle ladite unité de collecte d'échantillons (3) libère au moins une partie du volume (V) dudit échantillon dans au moins un récipient ou support secondaire (102, 103, 104); une unité de traitement de données (4) configurée au moins pour déterminer l'exécution, de manière sensiblement automatisée, d'une commande de déplacement de l'unité de collecte d'échantillons (3) entre ladite position de collecte (3a) et ladite au moins une première position de libération (3b), et une activation de l'unité de collecte d'échantillons (3) pour effectuer une collecte du volume (V) de l'échantillon contenu dans ledit récipient primaire (100), et une libération d'au moins une partie dudit volume (V) dans ledit au moins un récipient ou support secondaire (102, 103, 104); le dispositif (1) comprend en outre une unité de manipulation (5), configurée au moins pour ouvrir et/ou fermer un bouchon (100t) dudit récipient primaire (100) configuré pour être accouplé de manière amovible à un corps (100b) dudit récipient primaire (100); et l'unité de manipulation (5) est configurée et spécialement destinée à ouvrir et/ou fermer des récipients primaires (100) dotés de bouchons et/ou de corps (100b) de taille et/ou de forme différentes.
PCT/IB2024/053505 2023-04-14 2024-04-10 Dispositif de collecte et de manipulation d'échantillons et procédé associé Pending WO2024214022A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2024250064A AU2024250064A1 (en) 2023-04-14 2024-04-10 Device for the collection and the handling of samples and associated method

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102023000007266A IT202300007266A1 (it) 2023-04-14 2023-04-14 Dispositivo per il prelievo e la manipolazione di campioni e metodo associato
IT102023000007266 2023-04-14

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WO2024214022A1 true WO2024214022A1 (fr) 2024-10-17

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Country Link
AU (1) AU2024250064A1 (fr)
IT (1) IT202300007266A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2024214022A1 (fr)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013036941A2 (fr) * 2011-09-09 2013-03-14 Gen-Probe Incorporated Instrumentation de maniement automatisé d'échantillons, systèmes, processus et procédés associés
US20210333180A1 (en) * 2020-04-22 2021-10-28 Cancer Free Biotech Ltd. Automatic processing device for liquid samples

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013036941A2 (fr) * 2011-09-09 2013-03-14 Gen-Probe Incorporated Instrumentation de maniement automatisé d'échantillons, systèmes, processus et procédés associés
US20210333180A1 (en) * 2020-04-22 2021-10-28 Cancer Free Biotech Ltd. Automatic processing device for liquid samples

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IT202300007266A1 (it) 2024-10-14
AU2024250064A1 (en) 2025-10-23

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