WO2025101055A1 - Device for making cuts and processing histological samples - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a device for making cuts and processing histological samples that consists of a preparation module protected from the weather and made of transparent material to be able to see the preparation of the sample. Moreover, the freezing process can be carried out inside the same preparation module, to subsequently make the cuts and position the obtained sample on a slide. The present invention incorporates a processing module wherein different samples can be processed simultaneously and in which the samples are processed automatically with the processing module. The device for making cuts and processing histological samples has an installed control module that selects different types of reagents for staining the samples.

Description

DEVICE FOR MAKING SECTIONS AND PROCESSING HISTOLOGICAL SAMPLES

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the technical field of engineering, electronics, mechanics, biology, medicine, biomedical research, neuroscience, and more specifically to the processing of histological samples, since it provides a device for making cuts and processing histological samples.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A cryostat is a device used in scientific research and industry to maintain samples at extremely low temperatures. The primary purpose of a cryostat is to cool and maintain a sample at a very low temperature in order to study its physical and chemical properties at these extreme temperatures.

Cryostats can use different cooling methods, such as the use of cryogenic liquids, liquid helium or liquid nitrogen, or even more advanced refrigerators that use mechanical refrigeration principles and compression cycles to achieve cryogenic temperatures.

They are used in a variety of applications, including particle physics research, the fabrication of superconducting devices, astrophysics and astronomy research to study cold objects in space, and in chemistry and physics laboratories for low-temperature experiments. A cryostat is an essential device in scientific research that allows the study of the behavior of matter at extremely low temperatures.

Histological specimens are fragments of biological tissue obtained from living organisms or postmortem tissues. These specimens are used in the field of histology, which is the branch of biology dedicated to the study of biological tissues at the microscopic level. The main purpose of histological specimens is to allow detailed observation of cellular and tissue structure, which in turn provides valuable information about the function and health of tissues and organs.

Some key steps in the process of obtaining and preparing histological samples are:

1. Obtaining the sample. A small portion of tissue is taken from an organism or preserved tissue, using procedures such as biopsy (obtaining tissue from a living organism) or necropsy (obtaining tissue from a deceased organism).

2. Fixation. The sample is fixed immediately after collection to preserve its cellular structure. This is achieved by immersing the sample in a fixative solution, such as formaldehyde.

3. Processing. The fixed specimen undergoes a series of processing steps, including dehydration (removal of water), paraffin embedding (encapsulation in molten paraffin), and thin sectioning using a microtome (a tool for cutting thin sections of tissue).

4. Staining. Thin sections of tissue are stained with specific dyes to highlight cellular and tissue characteristics. The most common dyes include hematoxylin and eosin (H&E staining), which allow the distinction between cell nuclei and cytoplasm, respectively.

5. Mounting on slides. The stained sections are mounted on glass slides, covered with a protective film (coverslip), and labeled for identification.

6. Microscopic observation. Slides are examined under a light microscope or an electron microscope, depending on the resolution and depth of detail required. This allows histologists to study cell and tissue morphology, identify abnormalities, and diagnose diseases.

Histological specimens are essential in medicine for the diagnosis of diseases, in biomedical research for the study of cell and tissue biology, and in fields such as pathology, pathological anatomy, and histopathology for understanding the basis of diseases and disorders.

A search was carried out for the state of the art of devices for making sections and processing histological samples, where it was found that different devices have been developed for this purpose, as mentioned in the China utility model document number CN216208034 (U), with publication date of April 5, 2022, which has the title "DEVICE FOR FIXING FROZEN SECTIONS OF PATHOLOGICAL TISSUE", which refers to a device for fixing frozen sections of pathological tissue, comprising a housing and a plurality of cavities that are arranged in the housing and that are separated from each other, in which the cavities are provided with openings facing upwards; the cavity comprises a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall and a fourth side wall extending lengthwise in a vertical direction and leading to the opening, the boundary structures being respectively arranged between the first side wall, the second side wall, the third side wall and the fourth side wall. The device may provide a plurality of separate cavities and be used for stationary liquids of splendid clothing, is fixed to the frozen section and can prevent contamination between each other of the sections, can prevent adhesion between each other between the sections.

The previous document refers to a frozen section fixation device, but does not show evidence of having a module that is protected from the elements and is made of transparent material to be able to visualize the sample preparation, nor does it describe having a module where the sample is placed to perform the freezing, the sections and the positioning of the sample obtained on a slide, nor does it describe having a module where different samples can be processed simultaneously, in addition to not showing that the samples are processed automatically, and that through this module you can select different types of reagents for staining the samples.

Another document found is international publication number W02007028243 (Bl), with a publication date of April 26, 2007, entitled "A METHOD AND EMBEDDING APPARATUS FOR PREPARING FROZEN EXCERPTED TISSUE", which describes an apparatus that includes a sample container for receiving a sample of excised tissue and embedding material. The sample container includes a flat base along which the tissue sample is flattened. The apparatus further includes a freezing box with a freezing platform and a freezing agent. The sample container is placed on the freezing platform to begin the freezing process. A plate with a flat surface may be placed on top of the sample container during the freezing process, the tissue sample and the base of the sample container in generally parallel planes. In some cases, the sample container may be made of a suitable material, such as plastic, that is at least semi-transparent to allow visual confirmation of the flatness and freezing of the tissue.

The document cited above describes a method and embedding apparatus for the preparation of frozen sectioned tissue, but does not mention that the sections and the sample can be placed on a slide within the same apparatus, nor does it show evidence of having a module where several samples can be processed automatically, and that through this module different types of reagents can be selected for staining the samples.

Finally, the document of Chinese utility model number CN215574160 (U) was found, with publication dates of January 18, 2022, entitled "AUXILIARY DEVICE FOR QUICK FREEZING OF SECTIONS FOR THE PATHOLOGY DEPARTMENT", comprising an operating table, a tissue-containing box, a liquid nitrogen box, and a support, wherein the liquid nitrogen box is detachably connected to the operating table; the upper edge of the tissue-containing box is extended to form a plate, and the tissue-containing box penetrates through the clamp, and the plate is supported on the clamp. The operation of holding the tissue box and placing it in the nitrogen box Liquid nitrogen freezing is achieved with the help of a bracket in this scheme, the bracket can be installed for a long time so that the operating personnel and the liquid nitrogen box keep a safe distance. There is no need to wear liquid nitrogen protective gloves like this during the operation process, and the operating personnel's hand can move the operation bracket and the locking piece, so as to keep the box position with the control tissue, and this scheme is used for the quick freezing operation process for the safety of the focal tissue.

The aforementioned document shows evidence of an auxiliary device for rapid freezing of sections, but does not make reference to the fact that the cuts and the placement of the sample on a slide can be made within the same device, nor does it describe having a transparent cover that protects the samples from the weather and allows the samples to be seen during the process, nor does it show evidence of having a module where several samples can be processed automatically, and that through this module different types of reagents can be selected for staining the samples.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to provide a device for making cuts and processing histological samples, which has a preparation module that is protected from the weather and is made of transparent material to be able to view the preparation of the sample.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for making cuts and processing histological samples, in which freezing, cutting and positioning of the sample obtained on a slide within the preparation module are carried out.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a device for making cuts and processing histological samples, which integrates a processing module in which different samples can be processed simultaneously.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for making cuts and processing histological samples, in which the samples are processed automatically with the processing module.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a device for making cuts and processing histological samples, which integrates a control module that allows selecting different types of reagents for staining the samples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The characteristic details of this novel device for making cuts and processing histological samples are clearly shown in the following description and in the accompanying figures, as well as an illustration of the former, and following the same reference signs to indicate the parts shown. However, said figures are shown as an example and should not be considered as limiting for the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a side perspective view of the device preparation module for the making cuts and processing histological samples.

Figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of the device preparation module for making cuts and processing histological samples.

Figure 3 shows a detailed top perspective view of the upper membrane of the device for making cuts and processing histological samples.

Figure 4 shows a view of the base of the device for making cuts and processing histological samples, without the cover.

Figure 5 shows a detailed view of the container, pump and cooler of the device for making sections and processing histological samples.

Figure 6 shows a top perspective view of the preparation module of the device for making cuts and processing histological samples, without the cover.

Figure 7 shows a detailed side view of the plate of the device for making cuts and processing histological samples.

Figure 8 shows a detailed view of the cavity of the device for making cuts and processing histological samples.

Figure 9 shows a detailed side view of the plate of the device for making cuts and processing histological samples.

Figure 10 shows a detailed view of the spring and blade of the device for making cuts and processing histological samples. Figure 11 shows a detailed view of the encapsulation mechanism of the device for making cuts and processing histological samples.

Figure 12 shows a detailed top view of the cutting mechanism of the device for making cuts and processing histological samples.

Figure 13 shows a detailed front view of the cutting mechanism of the device for making cuts and processing histological samples.

Figure 14 shows a detailed side view of the cutting mechanism of the device for making cuts and processing histological samples.

Figure 15 shows a detailed view of the slide feeder of the device for making sections and processing histological samples.

Figure 16 shows a detailed view of the exploded view of the slide feeder of the device for making sections and processing histological samples.

Figure 17 shows a detailed side view of the device's clamping mechanism for making cuts and processing histological samples.

Figure 18 shows a transparent view of the structure of the device's clamping mechanism for making cuts and processing histological samples.

Figure 19 shows a detailed exploded view of the clamping mechanism of the device for the making cuts and processing histological samples.

Figure 20 shows a side perspective view of the processing module of the device for making cuts and processing histological samples.

Figure 21 shows a front view of the processing module of the device for making cuts and processing histological samples, without the base cover.

Figure 22 shows an exploded view of the processing module of the device for making sections and processing histological samples.

Figure 23 shows a detailed view of the solenoid valve of the device for making cuts and processing histological samples.

Figure 24 shows a detailed view of the pumps of the device for making cuts and processing histological samples.

Figure 25 shows a detailed view of the injectors of the device for making cuts and processing histological samples.

Figure 26 shows a detailed view of the dispenser and nozzle of the device for making cuts and processing histological samples.

Figure 27 shows a front view of the device for making sections and processing histological samples, with the preparation module mounted on the processing module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the figures, the device for making cuts and processing histological samples is made up of a preparation module (1) and a processing module (2); the preparation module (1) is configured to introduce a histological sample and bring it to the freezing point, subsequently having said sample in a solid state, fine cuts are made, and then the staining process is carried out; the processing module (2) is configured to place the preparation module (1) on its upper part and carry out the staining process of the sample obtained with different types of reagents.

With reference to Figures 1 to 19, the preparation module (1) is formed by a base (3) that is preferably hemispherical in shape, hollow inside and lacks its upper face, which is located in the lower part of said preparation module (1); a cover (4) is installed on the upper part of the base (3) completely covering the upper opening of said base (3); a first control module (5) is installed inside the base (3); a microcontroller (not illustrated), a wireless communication unit (not illustrated) and a power supply (not illustrated) are installed inside the first control module (5); a charging port (6) is installed on the outside of the base (3), preferably aligned with the first control module (5); The charging port (6) is connected to the power supply (not illustrated), this configuration allows charging said power supply (not illustrated) by connecting the end of a cable (not illustrated) to the charging port (6) and the opposite end is connected to a power outlet. electrical; the power supply (not shown) is configured to power the microcontroller (not shown); the power supply (not shown) is preferably a rechargeable battery; the charging port

(6) preferably a USB (Universal Serial Bus) type "C" connector.

A container (7) is installed inside the base (3), which is configured for the storage of cryogenic liquid for the encapsulation of a sample; a duct (8) is installed at one of its ends in the container (7), and the opposite end protrudes from the outside of the base (3); the duct (8) is configured for the supply of cryogenic liquid inside the container (7); a plug (9) is installed at the end of the duct (8) that protrudes from the base (3), this configuration allows the cryogenic liquid to be kept inside the container (7) to avoid spills; a conduit (10) is installed at one of its ends to the container (7) and the opposite end is connected to a pump (11); an injection tube (12) is installed at one of its ends in the upper part of the pump (11), and the opposite end protrudes from the upper part of the cover (4); The conduit (10) is configured to supply the cryogenic liquid to the pump (11) and, by means of this, send said liquid through the injection tube (12) to the upper part of the base (3).

A cooler (13) is installed inside the base (3), preferably on one side of the pump (11); a thermoelectric cell (not illustrated) and an air generator (not illustrated) are installed inside the cooler (13); a cooling tube (14) is installed at one of its ends in the upper part of the cooler (13), and the opposite end protrudes through the top of the cover (4); the thermoelectric cell (not illustrated) is configured to lower the temperature inside the cooler (13) and by means of the air generator (not illustrated) expel said cold air through the cooling tube (14) towards the top of the base (3); the thermoelectric cell (not illustrated) is preferably a Peltier plate.

The cover (4) is configured to protect the first control module (5), the container (6), the pump (11) and the cooler (13) that are located inside the base (3).

A sample mechanism (15) is installed on the top of the cover (4), preferably on one side where the injection tube (12) and the cooling tube (14) protrude; the sample mechanism (15) is configured to introduce tissue fragments for analysis and subject it to cryogenic treatment; the sample mechanism (15) is formed by a plate

(16) which is installed on the top of the cover (4) in such a way that one of its ends is aligned with the front part of the periphery of the cover (4) and the opposite end is aligned with the center of said cover (4); a stop (17) is installed on its lower part and perpendicularly on the back of the plate (16); a spring (18) is installed at one of its ends on the front face of the stop

(17) , and at the opposite end of the spring (18) has a sheet (19) installed; a plate (20), which is sliding, is installed on the top of the plate (16) ; the plate (20) is configured to move on the plate (16) and by means of the sheet (19) stop the movement to position it at the required point; a cavity (21) is located on the back of the upper face of the plate (20); the cavity (21) is configured to place histological samples inside; a sampling lid

(22) is installed at its bottom and perpendicularly, on the front part of the plate (20); a slot (23) is located on one of the sides of the plate (20); a lock (24) is installed at one of its ends on one of the sides of the stop (17), preferably on the side where the slot is located.

(23); a projection (25) is installed at the end of the lock (24) that is free; the projection (25) is configured to assemble in the groove (23) and in this way fix the plate (20) in the position to work with the samples; the sampling cover (22) is configured to extract the plate (20) by hand, releasing the projection (25) from the groove (23), and the spring (18) allows the plate (20) to be released, reducing the force required for its extraction.

An encapsulation mechanism (26) is installed in the upper part of the cover (4), to one side of the sample mechanism (15); the encapsulation mechanism (26) is configured to freeze a sample and thus facilitate the cutting process; the encapsulation mechanism (26) is made up of a motor (27), which is installed in the upper part of the cover (4), aligned with the injection tube (12) and the cooling tube (14); an arm (28) that is preferably "L" shaped, is installed at one of its ends on the motor shaft (27), and at the opposite end has an actuator (29) installed; an encapsulation cover (30) that lacks the lower part and is hollow inside, is installed at the end of the actuator rod (29); the end of the injection tube (12) and the end of the cooling tube (14) protruding from the top of the cover (4) are preferably projected in the shape of an "L" like the arm (28) and are installed on the top of the encapsulation lid (30); the motor (27) is configured to transmit a rotary movement to the arm (28), and in this way position the encapsulation lid (30) at the top of the cavity (21); the actuator (29) is configured to lower the encapsulation lid (30) until it covers the cavity (21), and by means of the injection tube (12) supply the cryogenic liquid that is in the container (6), until it soaks ours that is in the cavity (21); The cooling tube (14) is configured to supply cold air from the cooler (13) to solidify the sample located in the cavity (21), once the sample freezing process is completed, the actuator (29) lifts the encapsulation cover (30) to leave the solidified sample exposed.

A cutting mechanism (31) is installed on the top of the cover (4), preferably on the back of the sample mechanism (15), which is configured to make cuts of the samples that are in the sample mechanism (15); the cutting mechanism (31) is formed by a frame (32) that is installed vertically, in the upper part of the cover (4); an endless motor (33) is installed on the outside of the upper part of the frame (32); an endless (34) is installed vertically, inside the frame (32); the upper end of the endless (34) is assembled to the shaft of the endless motor (33) and the opposite end is installed in a bearing (not illustrated) that is inside the part lower part of the frame (32); a lifting support (35) which is preferably in the form of an irregular bar, has at one of its ends a horizontal projection (36) and at the opposite end a vertical projection (37), as illustrated in figure 13; a perforation (38) is located in the horizontal projection (36), which is configured to be assembled inside the frame (32) and introduce the auger (34) through the perforation (38); the side where the vertical projection (37) is located protrudes from one of the sides of the frame (32); the auger motor (33) is configured to transmit the rotary movement to the auger (34) and in this way allow the upward or downward movement of the lifting support (35); a support (39) which is preferably in the form of an "L", is installed horizontally on the side of the frame (32) from which the vertical projection (37) protrudes; The shorter side of the support (39) is located at the rear of the periphery of the cover (4); a frame (40) is installed horizontally on the inner part of the support (39); the vertical projection (37) is assembled inside the frame

(40) ; three holes (41) are placed as follows, one on the shorter side of the support (39) , at the front, the second hole (41) at the rear of the frame (40) and the third on the vertical projection (37) , such that said holes (41) are aligned with each other; an axle (42) is installed in the holes (41) , one of the ends of the axle (42) protrudes through the hole

(41) which is located in the support (39), and the opposite end protrudes through the hole (41) in the front part of the frame (40); a blade base (43) is installed at the end of the shaft (42) which is located near the center of the cover (4); a blade (44) is installed in the blade base (43); as illustrated in figures 12 and 14, a spring (45) is introduced into the end of the shaft (42) protruding from the rear of the support (39); a button (46) is installed at the end of the shaft (42) on which the spring (45) is located. The frame (40) is configured to move upwards or downwards by means of the lifting support (35) when the auger (34) rotates by means of the auger motor (33), and in this way adjust the height of the blade (44) to make a cut; the button (46) is configured so that when pressed, the shaft (42) moves forward in a horizontal movement, and by means of the blade (44) make a cut in the sample that is in the cavity (21); the spring (45) is configured to move the blade (44) to its original position once the cut has been made in the sample; the blade (44) is aligned with the height of the plate (20).

A slide feeder (47) is installed in the upper part of the cover (4), preferably between the encapsulation mechanism (26) and the cutting mechanism (31); the slide feeder (47) is configured to introduce slide slides where the sections obtained with the blade (44) of the sample solidified by the encapsulation mechanism (26) will be deposited for subsequent analysis; the slide feeder (47) is formed by a duct (48) that is installed at one of its ends in the upper part of the cover (4), and at the opposite end a band motor is installed (49); the duct (48) is located close to the lateral periphery of the cover (4), and is configured to support the slide feeder (47); At least two guides (50) are located in parallel on the top of the cover (4), one of the ends of said guides is located close to the motor for the band (49); some holes (51) are located at each of the ends lower part of the guides (50), said gaps (51) completely pass through the guides (50); at least two rollers (52) are installed by their ends in the gaps (51) of the inner face of the guides (50), in such a way that they are positioned perpendicularly on said guides (50); a band (53) is installed on the rollers (52); the guides (50) are installed on one side of the band motor (49), in such a way that one of the rollers (52) is assembled to the axis of the band motor (49); the rollers (52) are configured to transmit rotary movement to the band (53) when the band motor (49) is actuated, and by means of the guides (50) ensure that the band (53) is aligned.

A clamping mechanism (54) is installed on one of the sides of the upper part of the cover (4), preferably between the sample mechanism (15) and the cutting mechanism (31), aligned with the slide feeder (47); the clamping mechanism (54) is configured to hold the slides that are introduced by the slide feeder (47) and place on said slides the sample that is cut by the cutting mechanism (31); the clamping mechanism (54) is formed by a structure (55) hollow inside and lacking its front face is installed in the upper part of the cover (4) close to the lateral periphery; a plate (96) is placed in the structure (55) on the missing front face aligned with the center of the cover (4), a slot (56) is located in the plate (96); a first motor (57) is installed inside the structure (55), preferably on the face that is on the periphery of the cover (4); a pinion (58) is installed on the shaft of the first motor (57); slides (59) are installed vertically, on one side of the pinion (58); a rack (60) is installed inside the slides (59) to mesh with the pinion (58); the slides (59) are configured to allow a linear and uniform movement of the rack (60); an actuator (61) is installed perpendicularly to the rear of the rack (60), such that the rod of said actuator (61) protrudes through the slot (56); the first motor (57) is configured to transmit rotary movement to the pinion (58) and thus move the rack (60) in a vertical movement to raise or lower the actuator (61); a second motor (62) is installed at the end of the rod of the actuator (61); a third motor (63) is installed on the shaft of the second motor (62); a caliper support (64) which is preferably hollow inside, is installed on the third motor (63), such that the shaft of said third motor (63) protrudes through the center of the caliper support (64); a gear (65) is installed inside the caliper support (64) assembled on the shaft of the third motor (63); at least two toothed bars (66) are installed inside the caliper support (64), one meshing with the upper part of the gear (65), and the other meshing with the lower part of said gear (65); a gripper (67) preferably having a "C" shape is installed at the end of the toothed bar (66) located at the top of the gear (65), and another gripper (67) is installed on the toothed bar (66) of the lower part of the gear (65), such that the sides that are open are found; the actuator (61) is configured to bring the grippers (67) closer to the slide feeder (47) and by means of the third motor (63) rotate the gear (65) so that said grippers (67) hold the sample slide, and by means of the second motor (62) rotate the gripper support (64) to place the sample on the slide. The pump (11), the cooler (13), the motor (27), the actuator (29), the auger motor (33), the band motor (49), the first motor (57), the actuator (61), the second motor (62) and the third motor (63) are connected to the first control module (5) for its operation and correct functioning.

The motor (27), the auger motor (33), the belt motor (49), the first motor (57), the second motor (62) and the third motor (63) may be an electric motor or a stepper motor.

A cover (68) that is preferably hemispherical in shape and hollow inside is located on the upper part of the preparation module (1), installed on the base (3); the cover (68) has the flat face downwards, and is configured to assemble on the upper part of the base (3) and cover the sample mechanism (15), the encapsulation mechanism (26), the cutting mechanism (31), the slide feeder (47) and the clamping mechanism (54); an opening (69) is located on the front part of the cover (68), which is configured to introduce the plate (20) that has the sample and by means of the sampling cover (22) close hermetically; a hole (70) is located in the back of the lid (68), which is configured so that the button (46) is exposed and can make the cuts with the cutting mechanism (31); a second opening (71) is located on one side of the lid (68), on the side that is feeding the slides (47); a side membrane (72) having a preferably horizontal cut is installed in the second opening (71); an orifice (73) is located in the upper part of the lid (68); an upper membrane (74) having a preferably cross-shaped cut is installed in the orifice (73), which is configured to introduce elements for the analysis of the samples; the side membrane (72) and the upper membrane (74) are configured to seal the interior of the preparation module (1) and prevent contamination of the samples inside; the lid (68) is preferably transparent.

With reference to Figures 20 to 27, the processing module (2) is formed by a processor base (75) which is hollow inside and lacks the front face; at least one cavity (76) that is preferably hemispherical in shape, is located in the upper part of the processor base (75), which is configured to place the preparation module (1); at least one injector support (77) is installed in the rear part of the upper face of the processor base (75) aligned with the cavity (76); a container base (78) is installed vertically inside the processor base (75), before reaching the front part; a plurality of perforations (79) are located on the surface of the container base (78); a reagent container (80) is installed horizontally in each of the perforations (79); a solenoid valve (81) is installed at the rear of each of the reagent containers (80); the solenoid valves (81) are configured to select the type of reagent that is required to be used; a multiple duct (82) is installed by a power inlet (83) that is located in each of the solenoid valves (81); conduits (84) are installed in supply inlets (85) of the multiple ducts (82); at least one pump (86) is installed in the conduits (84); the multiple ducts (82) are configured to send the reagent to the pump (86) through the conduits (84); at least one injector (87) is installed on the injector support

(77); an injection duct (88) is installed at one end in the pump (86), and the opposite end is installed in the injector (87); the pump (86) is configured to send the reagent selected by the solenoid valve (81) through the injection duct (88) to supply the reagent to the injector (87); the reagent containers

(78) are preferably cylindrical in shape; the solenoid valves (81) and pumps (86) are preferably hydraulic.

The injectors (87) are made up of a piston (89) that is installed in the rear part of the upper face of the injector support (77); a plunger (90) is installed at the end of the piston rod.

(89) ; an injector container (91) , which is hollow inside, is installed on the top of the injector holder (77) , in front of the plunger

(90); the injector container (91) is configured to house the plunger (90) at its rear, and by means of the piston (89) introduce said plunger (90) into the entire injector container (91) to expel the reagent, or extract the plunger (90) to reload the injector container (91) with reagent; a dispenser (92) is installed vertically in the front part of the injector support (77); the dispenser (92) runs from the top to the bottom of the injector support (77); a tube (93) which is preferably flexible, is installed at one of its ends in the front part of the injector container (91), and the opposite end is installed in the upper part of the dispenser (92); a nozzle (94) is installed in the lower part of the dispenser (92); the tube (93) is configured to supply the reagent that is expelled by the injector (87) and channel it towards the dispenser (92), to be expelled by micro drip through the nozzle (94); the dispenser (92) is preferably telescopic, this configuration allows said dispenser (92) to descend until it is introduced into the preparation module (1) and is introduced through the upper membrane (74) of the hole (73) and by means of the nozzle (94) supply the reagent onto the sample that is on the slide; a base cover (95) is installed on the front part of the processor base (75), this configuration allows the reagent containers (80) to be covered.

A second control module (not illustrated) is installed inside the processor base (75); the solenoid valves (81), the pumps (86) and the piston (89) are connected to the second control module (not illustrated), this configuration allows the operation and control of the processing module (2).

The solenoid valves (81) and pumps (86) are preferably hydraulic.

The duct (84), the injection duct (88), the plunger (90) and the injector container (91) are preferably cylindrical in shape.

The actuators (29) and (61) as well as the piston (89) can be hydraulic, pneumatic or electric and/or a combination of the above, and are preferably linear.

The plate (16), the stop (17), the sheet (19), the plate (20), the cavity (21), the lock (24), the encapsulation cover (30), the frame (32), the frame (40), the guides (50), the structure (55), the support for clamps (64), the base of processor (75) and the base cover (95) are preferably rectangular prismatic in shape.

A microcontroller (not illustrated), a wireless communication unit (not illustrated), and a power supply (not illustrated) are installed in the second control module (not illustrated); a charging port (not illustrated) is installed on the surface of either face of the processor base (75), preferably aligned with the second control module (not illustrated); the charging port (not illustrated) is connected to the power supply (not illustrated), this configuration allows said power supply (not illustrated) to be charged by connecting one end of a cable (not illustrated) to the charging port (not illustrated) and the opposite end is connected to an electrical power outlet; the power supply (not illustrated) is configured to power the microcontroller (not illustrated); the power supply (not illustrated) is preferably a rechargeable battery; the charging port (6) is preferably a USB (Universal Serial Bus) type "C" connector.

The wireless communication units (not illustrated) of the first control module (5) and the second control module (not illustrated) can be via Bluetooth, WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) or UWB (Ultra

Wide Band (for its acronym in English), this configuration allows a smart device to connect in order to be able to operate the device to perform sections and process histological samples remotely.

A switch (not shown) is mounted on the surface of either side of the processor base. (75) , and is connected to the first control module (5) and the second control module (not illustrated), and is configured to energize or de-energize the electronic and electrical components of the device for cutting and staining frozen histological samples.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Examples

The following examples illustrate a preferred way of carrying out the present invention, and should not be considered as limiting it.

Example 1. Operation of the device for making cuts and processing histological samples.

With reference to the aforementioned figures, a sample is placed in the cavity (21) of the plate (20) and is introduced through the opening (69) of the preparation module (1) to be positioned in the sample mechanism (15), subsequently the encapsulation mechanism (26) is activated so that the encapsulation lid (30) covers the sample, and by means of an injection tube (12) the sample is flooded with cryogenic liquid for its subsequent freezing by means of the cooler (13) that supplies cold air through the cooling tube (14).

Once the sample is frozen, the encapsulation mechanism (26) is removed and the auger motor (33) is activated to adjust the height of the blade (44) and proceed with the cut by manually pressing the button (46). To place the sample on a slide, a slide is introduced through the side membrane to be placed in the slide feeder, which, by means of the band (53) moves the slide until it reaches the clamps (67) of the clamping mechanism and the sample is positioned on said slide.

To carry out the staining step, the preparation module (1) is placed in the cavity (76), the second control module (not illustrated) is activated and the dispenser (92) is activated so that it descends until the nozzle (94) is introduced inside the preparation module (1), the solenoid valves (81) are activated to select the reagent to be used, subsequently the pump (86) is activated to supply the reagent through the injector (87) and disperse said reagent on the sample by means of micro dripping, which is expelled through the nozzle (94).

In view of the foregoing, it is reiterated that the scope of the present invention should not be limited by the embodiments specifically described; therefore, it is understood that variations may be made in various ways. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications may be obvious to one skilled in the art and should be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

YOU 1. A device for making sections and processing histological samples, characterized in that it comprises: a preparation module (1) having a hollow base (3) at the bottom and lacking an upper face; a cover (4) is installed on the top of the base (3); a first control module (5) is installed inside the base (3); a microcontroller (not illustrated), a wireless communication unit (not illustrated) and a power supply (not illustrated) are installed inside the first control module (5); a charging port (6) is installed on the outside of the base (3) connected to the power supply (not illustrated); a container (7) is installed inside the base (3); a duct (8) is installed at one of its ends in the container (7), and the opposite end protrudes from the outside of the base (3); a plug (9) is installed at the end of the duct (8) that protrudes from the base (3); a conduit (10) is installed at one of its ends to the container (7) and the opposite end is connected to a pump (11); an injection tube (12) is installed at one of its ends in the upper part of the pump (11), and the opposite end protrudes through the upper part of the cover (4); a cooler (13) is installed inside the base (3) on one side of the pump (11); a cooling tube (14) is installed at one of its ends in the upper part of the cooler (13), and the opposite end protrudes through the upper part of the cover (4); a sampling mechanism (15) is installed on the upper part of the cover (4) on one side of where the injection tube (12) and the cooling tube (14) protrude; an encapsulation mechanism (26) is installed on the top of the cover (4), on one side of the sample mechanism (15); a cutting mechanism (31) is installed on the top of the cover (4) at the rear of the sample mechanism (15); a slide feeder (47) is installed on the top of the cover (4), between the encapsulating mechanism (26) and the cutting mechanism (31); a clamping mechanism (54) is installed on one of the sides of the top of the cover (4), between the sample mechanism (15) and the cutting mechanism (31), and is aligned with the slide feeder (47); a hollow lid (68) itself is located on the top of the preparation module (1) installed on the base (3); an opening (69) is located in the front of the lid (68); a hole (70) is located on the back of the lid (68); a second opening (71) is located on a side of the lid (68), on the side that is feeding the slides (47); a side membrane (72) having a cut is installed in the second opening (71); an opening (73) is located on the top of the lid (68); an upper membrane (74) having a cut is installed in the opening (73); and a processing module (2) has a processor base (75) with at least one cavity (76) at the top in which the preparation module (1) is installed. 2. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the base (3) and the cover (68) are hemispherical in shape. 3. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the charging port (6) is a USB type "C" connector. 4. The device of claim 1 characterized in that a thermoelectric cell (not illustrated) and an air generator (not illustrated) are installed inside the cooler (13). 5. The device of claim 4 characterized in that the thermoelectric cell is a Peltier plate. 6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sample mechanism (15) is formed by a plate (16) that is installed in the upper part of the cover (4), with one of its ends aligned with the front part of the periphery of the cover (4), and the opposite end is aligned with the center of said cover (4); a stop (17) is installed at its lower part and perpendicularly in the rear part of the plate (16); a spring (18) is installed at one of its ends on the front face of the stop (17), and a sheet (19) is installed at the opposite end of the spring (18); a plate (20) is installed in the upper part of the plate (16); a cavity (21) is located in the rear part of the upper face of the plate (20); a sampling cover (22) is installed at its bottom and perpendicularly, on the front part of the plate (20); a slot (23) is located on one of the sides of the plate (20); a lock (24) is installed at one of its ends on one of the sides of the stop (17), on the side where the slot (23) is located; and, a projection (25) is installed at the end of the lock (24) that is free. 7. The device of claim 6 characterized in that the plate (20) is slidable. 8. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the encapsulation mechanism (26) is formed by a motor (27), which is installed in the upper part of the cover (4), on the injection tube (12) and the cooling tube (14); an arm (28) is installed at one of its ends on the shaft of the motor (27), and at the opposite end it has an actuator (29) installed; an encapsulation cover (30) is located installed at the end of the actuator rod (29); and, the end of the injection tube (12) and the end of the cooling tube (14) protruding from the top of the cover (4) are projected in the same way as the arm (28) and are installed at the top of the encapsulation cover (30). 9. The device of claim 8 characterized in that the arm (28), the injection tube (12) and the cooling tube (14) are "L" shaped. 10. The device of claim 8 characterized in that the encapsulation cover (30) lacks the lower part and is hollow inside. 11. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cutting mechanism (31) is formed by a frame (32) that is installed vertically, in the upper part of the cover (4); an auger motor (33) is installed on the outside of the upper part of the frame (32); an auger (34) is installed vertically, inside the frame (32); the upper end of the auger (34) is assembled to the shaft of the auger motor (33) and the opposite end is installed in a bearing (not illustrated) that is located inside the lower part of the frame (32); a lifting support (35) has a horizontal projection (36) at one end and a vertical projection (37) at the opposite end; a perforation (38) is located in the horizontal projection (36) through which the auger (34) is introduced; the side on which the vertical projection (37) is located protrudes from one of the sides of the frame (32); a support (39) is installed horizontally on the side of the frame (32) from which the vertical projection (37) protrudes; the shorter side of the support (39) is located at the rear part of the periphery of the cover (4); a frame (40) is installed horizontally in the inner part of the support (39); vertical projection (37) is assembled inside the frame (40); three holes (41) are placed as follows, one on the shorter side of the support (39), in the front part, the second hole (41) at the rear of the frame (40) and the third in the vertical projection (37); an axis (42) is installed in the holes (41), one end of the axis (42) protrudes through the hole (41) that is located in the support (39), and the opposite end protrudes through the hole (41) of the front part of the frame (40); a blade base (43) is installed at the end of the axis (42) that is close to the center of the cover (4); a blade (44) is installed in the blade base (43); a spring (45) is inserted into the end of the shaft (42) protruding from the rear of the support (39); and, a button (46) is installed at the end of the shaft (42) on which the spring (45) is located. 12. The device of claim 11 characterized in that the lifting support (35) is in the form of an irregular bar. 13. The device of claim 11 characterized in that the support (39) is "L" shaped. 14. The device of claim 11 characterized in that the three holes (41) are aligned with each other. 15. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the slide feeder (47) is formed by a duct (48) that is installed at one of its ends in the upper part of the cover (4), and at the opposite end a belt motor (49) is installed; the duct (48) is located close to the lateral periphery of the cover (4); at least two guides (50) are located in parallel in the upper part of the cover (4), one of the ends of said guides is located close to the belt motor (49); some holes (51) are located at each of the lower ends of the guides (50), said gaps (51) completely pass through the guides (50); at least two rollers (52) are installed by their ends in the gaps (51) of the inner face of the guides (50) positioned perpendicularly on said guides (50); a band (53) is installed on the rollers (52); and, the guides (50) are installed on one side of the band motor (49) with one of the rollers (52) assembled to the axis of the band motor (49). 16. The device according to claim I, characterized in that the clamping mechanism (54) is formed by a structure (55) hollow inside and lacking its front face is installed in the upper part of the cover (4) close to the lateral periphery; a plate (96) is placed in the structure (55) on the missing front face aligned with the center of the cover (4); a slot (56) is located in the plate (96); a first motor (57) is installed inside the structure (55), on the face that is on the periphery of the cover (4); a pinion (58) is installed on the shaft of the first motor (57); slides (59) are installed vertically, on one side of the pinion (58); a rack (60) is installed inside the slides (59) meshed with the pinion (58); an actuator (61) is installed perpendicularly to the rear of the rack (60) and the stem of said actuator (61) protrudes through the slot (56); a second motor (62) is installed at the end of the actuator rod (61); a third motor (63) is installed on the shaft of the second motor (62); a gripper support (64) is installed on the third motor (63) and the shaft of said third motor (63) protrudes through the center of the gripper support (64); a gear (65) is installed inside the gripper support (64) assembled on the shaft of the third motor (63); at least two toothed bars (66) are installed inside of the clamp support (64), one engaged in the upper part of the gear (65), and the other engaged in the lower part of said gear (65); and, a clamp (67) is installed at the end of the toothed bar (66) that is located in the upper part of the gear (65), and another clamp (67) is installed on the toothed bar (66) of the lower part of the gear (65), such that the sides that are open are found. 17. The device of claim 16 characterized in that the clamp support (64) is hollow inside. 18. The device of claim 16 characterized in that the clamps (67) are "C" shaped. 19. The device of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pump (11), the cooler (13), the actuator (18), the motor (27), the actuator (29), the auger motor (33), the band motor (49), the first motor (57), the actuator (61), the second motor (62) and the third motor (63) are connected to the first control module (5). 20. The device of claims 8, 11, 15, and 16 characterized in that the motor (27), the auger motor (33), the band motor (49), the first motor (57), the second motor (62) and the third motor (63) are an electric motor or a stepper motor. 21. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the cut of the lateral membrane (72) is horizontal. 22. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the cut of the upper membrane (74) is in the shape of a cross. 23. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the processing module (2) is formed by the processor base (75) which is hollow inside and has at least one cavity in the upper part; at least one injector support (77) is installed in the rear of the upper face of the processor base (75) aligned with the cavity (76); a container base (78) is installed vertically inside the processor base (75), before reaching the front part; a plurality of perforations (79) are located on the surface of the container base (78); a reagent container (80) is installed horizontally in each of the perforations (79); a solenoid valve (81) is installed in the rear of each of the reagent containers (80); a multiple duct (82) is installed by a supply inlet (83) that is located in each of the solenoid valves (81); some conduits (84) are installed in supply inlets (85) of the multiple ducts (82); at least one pump (86) is installed in the conduits (84); at least one injector (87) is installed on the injector support (77); an injection duct (88) is installed at one end in the pump (86), and the opposite end is installed in the injector (87); a second control module is installed inside the processor base (75) and is connected to the solenoid valves (81), the pumps (86) and the piston (89). 24. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the processor base (75) lacks the front face. 25. The device of claim 24 characterized in that a base cover (95) is installed on the front part of the processor base (75), where it lacks the front face. 26. The device of claim 1 characterized in that the cavity (76) is hemispherical in shape. 27. The device of claim 23 characterized in that the reagent containers (78) are cylindrical in shape. 28. The device of claim 23 characterized because the solenoid valves (81) and the pumps (86) are hydraulic. 29. The device according to claim 23, characterized in that the injector (87) is formed by a piston (89) that is installed in the rear part of the upper face of the injector support (77); a plunger (90) is installed at the end of the piston rod (89); an injector container (91) is installed in the upper part of the injector support (77), in the front part of the plunger (90); a dispenser (92) is installed vertically in the front part of the injector support (77); the dispenser (92) passes through the upper part to the lower part of the injector support (77); a tube (93) is installed at one end of it in the front part of the injector container (91), and the opposite end is installed in the upper part of the dispenser (92); and, a nozzle (94) is installed in the lower part of the dispenser (92). 30. The device of claim 29 characterized in that the injector container (91) is hollow inside. 31. The device of claim 29 characterized in that the tube (93) is flexible. 32. The device of claim 29 characterized in that the dispenser (92) is telescopic. 33. The device of claims 23 and 29 characterized in that the conduit (84), the injection duct (88), the plunger (90) and the injector container (91) are cylindrical in shape. 34. The device of claims 8, 16 and 29 characterized in that the actuator (29) and (61), as well as the piston (89) are hydraulic, pneumatic, electric and/or a combination of the above, and all are linear. 35. The device of claims 1, 6, 8, 11, 15, 16 and 25 characterized in that the plate (16), the stop (17), the sheet (19), the plate (20), the cavity (21), the lock (24), the encapsulation cover (30), the frame (32), the frame (40), the guides (50), the structure (55), the tweezers support (64), the processor base (75) and the base cover (95) are of rectangular prismatic shape. 36. The device of claims 23 characterized in that the second control module is made up of a microcontroller (not illustrated), a wireless communication unit (not illustrated) and a power supply (not illustrated). 37. The device for making cuts and processing histological samples of claims 1 and 23, characterized in that the communication units of the first control module (5) and the second control module (not illustrated) are by means of Bluetooth, WiFi or UWB. 38. The device for making cuts and processing histological samples of claims 1 and 36 characterized in that the power source is a rechargeable battery. 39. The device for making cuts and processing histological samples of claims 1 and 23, characterized in that a switch (not illustrated) is installed on the surface of any of the faces of the processor base (75), and is connected to the first control module (5) and the second control module (not illustrated).