WO1997019379A1 - A staining apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides - Google Patents

A staining apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1997019379A1
WO1997019379A1 PCT/NO1996/000270 NO9600270W WO9719379A1 WO 1997019379 A1 WO1997019379 A1 WO 1997019379A1 NO 9600270 W NO9600270 W NO 9600270W WO 9719379 A1 WO9719379 A1 WO 9719379A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vessels
stations
staining
baskets
tribune
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NO1996/000270
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Torstein Ljungmann
Original Assignee
Torstein Ljungmann
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 Torstein Ljungmann filed Critical Torstein Ljungmann
Priority to GB9810171A priority Critical patent/GB2322700B/en
Priority to AU11116/97A priority patent/AU719379B2/en
Priority to DE19681647T priority patent/DE19681647C2/en
Priority to JP9519621A priority patent/JP2000500866A/en
Publication of WO1997019379A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997019379A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B21/00—Microscopes
    • G02B21/34—Microscope slides, e.g. mounting specimens on microscope slides
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/28—Preparing specimens for investigation including physical details of (bio-)chemical methods covered elsewhere, e.g. G01N33/50, C12Q
    • G01N1/30—Staining; Impregnating ; Fixation; Dehydration; Multistep processes for preparing samples of tissue, cell or nucleic acid material and the like for analysis
    • G01N1/31—Apparatus therefor
    • G01N1/312—Apparatus therefor for samples mounted on planar substrates
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T436/00—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
    • Y10T436/11—Automated chemical analysis
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T436/00—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
    • Y10T436/11—Automated chemical analysis
    • Y10T436/112499—Automated chemical analysis with sample on test slide
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T436/00—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
    • Y10T436/11—Automated chemical analysis
    • Y10T436/113332—Automated chemical analysis with conveyance of sample along a test line in a container or rack
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T436/00—Chemistry: analytical and immunological testing
    • Y10T436/11—Automated chemical analysis
    • Y10T436/113332—Automated chemical analysis with conveyance of sample along a test line in a container or rack
    • Y10T436/114165—Automated chemical analysis with conveyance of sample along a test line in a container or rack with step of insertion or removal from test line

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a staining apparatus for staining of tissue specimens placed on microscope slides, comprising a number of working stations of which some are staining stations receiving vessels having liquid baths for receiving baskets containing microscope slides with the topical specimens, and a transport mechanism having a hoisting means arranged to be moved over the vessels and to place baskets in or take these up from the vessels, and to transfer the baskets between the working stations in accordance with a programme- controlled staining process.
  • Previously known staining apparatuses of the above ⁇ mentioned type are able to carry out routine as well as special staining processes in the histological and cytological field, whereby the processes are carried out automatically, the processes being programmed in advance in accordance with the topical process conditions.
  • the known staining apparatuses comprise a number of working stations which are arranged in one horizontal plane, in one or more rows, or in a circle.
  • Another object is to provide a staining apparatus wherein the accessibility to baths and baskets, for example in case of operational disturbances, is radically improved in relation to the known apparatuses, and wherein also the accessi ⁇ bility in emptying and filling of the vessels is correspondingly improved.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a staining apparatus which has a compact construction and is not very bulky.
  • a further object is to provide a staining apparatus having a high production capacity and which is functionally efficient and reliable, at the same time as it can be built to a competitive price.
  • a staining apparatus of the introductorily stated type which, according to the invention, is characterized in that the vessels are transparent and are arranged in a number of horizontal rows placed above one another on a stepped base like a tribune, the tribune having a gradient allowing visual inspection of the individual vessels on the working stations from a place of view in front of the apparatus.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a staining apparatus according to the invention
  • Fig. 2 shows a schematic, sectional side view of the apparatus in Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 3 shows a side view of a basket having microscope slides inserted therein
  • Fig. 4 shows a support rail with an associated eccen- trie means forming part of an agitating means for slide baskets;
  • Fig. 5 is a view illustrating taking-up of a slide basket from a liquid bath in a vessel.
  • the staining apparatus shown in Fig. 1 is constructed to be able to carry out all types of routine and special staining processes within the field of histology and cytology.
  • the apparatus includes 36 working stations, but this number can be increased, for example to 50 o stations.
  • the stations may e.g. comprise four to five fetching/- unloading stations, four to five waiting/stove stations, four to five water rinsing stations and twenty to thirty staining stations.
  • said station types - in the above-mentioned order - is designated by the reference numerals 1, 2, 3 and 4.
  • Each of the staining stations 4 receives a container or vessel 5 having a dyeing bath 6 (see Fig. 2) for the reception of baskets 7 containing microscope slides with the topical tissue specimens.
  • vessels 8 for input and output of baskets are arranged at the fetching/unloading stations o l, and on the rinsing stations 3 there are arranged suitable containers or vessels 9 for rinsing water baths.
  • Rinsing water is supplied to the vessels 9 via water filling pipes 10 communi ⁇ cating with a water intake 11.
  • a drain hose 11 for drainage of 5 sprinkling water from the rinsing baths. This hose is connected to a water outlet 13.
  • the waiting/stove stations 2 are shaped as an upwardly open casing 14 having an upper edge for the support of slide baskets 7 in a number of stove positions corresponding to o the individual stations.
  • the stations are heated by means of hot air supplied from a fan 15 in combination with a heating element (not shown).
  • staining stations may also comprise treatment stations which are not actual staining 5 stations, but which contain chemical baths for other preparation of the tissue.
  • staining stations there are meant liquid stations containing chemicals staining or preparing the tissue for dyeing.
  • the apparatus is constructed with the vessels 5, 8, 9 arranged in a number of horizontal rows placed above one another on a stepped foundation or base 16 like a tribune.
  • the vessels are made of a transparent material, e.g. glass.
  • the tribune has a gradient allowing visual inspection of the individual vessels from a place of view in front of the apparatus. This arrangement gives the operator a substantially better survey of the baths and the process as a whole than the previously known flat constructions, at the same time as the transparent vessels have the effect that one can assess in a simple manner the liquid condition in the individual baths. In addition there is achieved an ergonomic profit with manual transport of the baths into and out of the apparatuses.
  • the transport mechanism of the apparatus includes a hoisting means 17 which is arranged to be moved over the vessels and to place baskets in or take these up from the vessels, and to transfer the baskets between the working stations in accor ⁇ dance with a pre-programmed staining process.
  • the transport mechanism comprises a hoist guiding means comprising a pair of guide rails 18 extending between the upper and lower ends of the tribune 16 on each side thereof and having a gradient correspon ⁇ ding to the tribune gradient, each of the rails 18 supporting a carrier bracket 19 driven along the rail for a traverse-screw and shaft means, for support and transverse movement of the hoisting means 17.
  • the drive means for the brackets 19 is not further shown, but this may consist of a conventional screw or toothed belt means.
  • the baskets can be moved in both the x, the y and the z direction depicted in Fig. 1.
  • the shown embodiment of the staining apparatus is based on a ramp-shaped tribune. It is to be remarked, however, that one can also imagine an embodiment wherein the tribune base has a shape corresponding to a truncated cone, so that the tribune will then comprise a number of circular rows arranged above each other. In such an embodiment the tribune base will be rotatable about the cone axis, so that the transport mechanism does not need to move the hoisting means in the above ⁇ mentioned x direction, but only in the y and z directions.
  • a means for agitating the slide baskets 7 which are placed in the dyeing baths/chemical baths and the rinsing baths.
  • the agitating means is common to all of these baskets.
  • the means comprises a framework having a number of support rails 21 (omitted in Fig. 2) extending along and on each side of ascending rows of vessels 5, 9 and being arranged for support of the baskets 7 in the respective rows.
  • One of the support rails 21 is partly shown in Fig. 4.
  • the rail at its upper edge is provided with a number of V-shaped notches 22 for the support of a wire suspension 23 (e.g.
  • Fig. 3 which also shows a plurality of microscope slides 24 inserted in the basket 7.
  • the shown basket may also be designated a cassette in which the microscope slides are inserted in respective holding grooves 25 in the sides and bottom of the cassette.
  • the support rails 21 are supported at one end by an eccentric disc means 26 which is rotated by a motor-driven shaft 27, and which is also connected to one end of an arm 28 which, with its other end, is articulated to the support rail 21 to give the rail a reciprocating movement at the same time as it is lifted and lowered by rotation of the eccentric disc.
  • the support rail 21 is supported by a corresponding eccentric disc means 29 which is rotated synchronously with the first-mentioned means 26. Rotation of the eccentric disc means thus causes the rails 21 and therewith the baskets 7 to be lifted and lowered in a circulating movement.
  • the liquid-filled vessels 5 at the dyeing stations will also be provided with lids (not shown) which are arranged to be opened and closed automatically by a suitable motor means.
  • the vessels may be provided with individual lids, or the vessels in a horizontal row alternatively may be provided with a common lid. By means of such lids dripping from baskets into baths which are not in use is prevented, and in addition evaporation from the baths is restricted.
  • the hoisting means 17 in its stop position at the dyeing stations is somewhat laterally displaced in relation to the vessels 5 in the station row in question.
  • a slide basket 7, when this is taken up from a bath 6 after an accurately programmed time is guided along a s side edge of the vessel 5 or of the lid thereof, so that the adjacent side edges of the microscope slides 24 stroke against the edge and superfluous liquid on the slide thereby is "scraped" off and runs into the vessel again.
  • the purpose of this provision is to preserve the liquids in the baths and simultaneously o restrict the contamination from one bath to another.
  • the apparatus For emptying of exhausted or contaminated baths, the apparatus is provided with a suction and drainage means.
  • a suction and drainage means This consists of a suction head 30 and a hose 31, as shown in Fig. 1.
  • the hose is arranged in such a manner that it can lead the liquid to individual vessels as desired, for regeneration, waste treatment, etc.
  • the arrangement enables an environmentally friendly and operator- o friendly collection and sorting of different, more or less harmful chemicals, and also that one is let off soiling and direct contact, as with manual emptying of the vessels.
  • the tribune design makes it simple to see the liquid level in the vessels, settlings at the vessel bottom etc. 5
  • the vessels are formed with a slightly slanting bottom and a sump, so that the emptying by means of the suction head becomes as efficient as possible.
  • the apparatus is also provided with a sucking-out means 32 comprising a ventilating fan 0 which is combined with a filter system for absorption of gases from solvents.
  • the apparatus has a main cover 33 which is hinged at the upper rear edge of the apparatus and in addition is coupled to a pair of gas damping cylinders 34. Further, the apparatus has a front cover 35 and an operating panel 36 with a 5 display 37 arranged in the central area thereof. This gives a simple use and a logical communication with the operator.
  • the apparatus has a low constructional height at the front and wherein the component parts of the apparatus, i.e. mechanical, electrical and electro ⁇ nic working components, which are not located at the upper side of the tribune, are arranged in the "vacant" space which is present under the tribune.
  • this space inter alia receives a junction box 38 which is fixed to a rear wall of the apparatus and which contains the current inlet means, electronic units, etc. of the apparatus.
  • the apparatus is connected to the topical mains voltage (110 V AC - 60 Hz or 230 V AC - 50 Hz) which is transformed down to an operating voltage of 24 volts.
  • the electronic units which are based on micropro ⁇ cessor technology, controls the operation of the apparatus in accordance with the topical programme.
  • the apparatus has a memory (EEPROM) in which there may be stored up to 32 different programmes. Up to three different programmes can be in operation simultaneously.
  • the electronic units give the possibility for print-out of staining or dyeing programme and baths conditions. Further, there is a possibility for automatic warning of dyeing bath conditions. For this purpose there will be built in a device for indication of a signal for exchange of a bath after immersion of slide baskets a certain number of times in the bath.
  • the signal for the topical bath is delivered in dependence on a so- called "wear factor" which can be programmed individually for the different dyeing baths. This is a substantial advantage with respect to flexibility, as one may then have control with the extent of wear of the different types of dyeing baths used in the vessels, according to the chosen programme. If desired, also the dyeing time can be varied automatically by means of this wear factor.

Abstract

A staining apparatus for staining of tissue specimens placed on microscope slides comprises a number of staining stations (4) and other working stations (1, 2, 3), where the staining stations (4) receive vessels (5) having liquid baths for receiving baskets containing microscope slides with the topical specimens, and a transport mechanism (17-20) having a hoisting means (17) arranged to be moved over the vessels (5) and to place baskets in or take these up from the vessels, and to transfer the baskets between the working stations (1-4) in accordance with a programme-controlled staining process. The vessels (5) are transparent and are arranged in a number of horizontal rows placed above one another on a stepped base like a tribune, the tribune having a gradient allowing visual inspection of the individual vessels (5) at the working stations (4) from a place of view in front of the apparatus.

Description

A staining apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides
The invention relates to a staining apparatus for staining of tissue specimens placed on microscope slides, comprising a number of working stations of which some are staining stations receiving vessels having liquid baths for receiving baskets containing microscope slides with the topical specimens, and a transport mechanism having a hoisting means arranged to be moved over the vessels and to place baskets in or take these up from the vessels, and to transfer the baskets between the working stations in accordance with a programme- controlled staining process.
In microscopic examination of cell and tissue specimens it is necessary with a preparation of the specimens in accordance with certain mutually dependent working steps. After fixation and embedment of the specimens, the specimen blocks must be cut. In order to enable an easy microscopic examination, the embedment medium must be removed, and thereafter the specimens are stained. The purpose of the histological staining is to get an insight in the structure of the tissue and to distinguish between the components of the tissue. For this purpose it is important that the different dyes show affinities to specific tissue elements. Previously known staining apparatuses of the above¬ mentioned type are able to carry out routine as well as special staining processes in the histological and cytological field, whereby the processes are carried out automatically, the processes being programmed in advance in accordance with the topical process conditions. The known staining apparatuses comprise a number of working stations which are arranged in one horizontal plane, in one or more rows, or in a circle.
This planar station arrangement results in that the known staining apparatuses are relatively space-demanding and unsurveyable. In addition to the fact that it is not possible to inspect the individual vessels and the liquid content or bath thereof without withdrawing the vessels manually from the apparatus, also the withdrawal and placing operations are relatively troublesome and difficult, since spill of liquid from the vessels must be avoided and especially the vessels in the innermost row are difficult to access. Moreover, in such operations the operator may also easily be exposed to harmful fumes from the bath solutions in the vessels.
It is an object of the invention to provide a staining apparatus which is constructed so as to give a maximum insight in and survey of the process progress and the baths.
Another object is to provide a staining apparatus wherein the accessibility to baths and baskets, for example in case of operational disturbances, is radically improved in relation to the known apparatuses, and wherein also the accessi¬ bility in emptying and filling of the vessels is correspondingly improved. A further object of the invention is to provide a staining apparatus which has a compact construction and is not very bulky.
A further object is to provide a staining apparatus having a high production capacity and which is functionally efficient and reliable, at the same time as it can be built to a competitive price.
For the achievement of the above-mentioned objects there is provided a staining apparatus of the introductorily stated type which, according to the invention, is characterized in that the vessels are transparent and are arranged in a number of horizontal rows placed above one another on a stepped base like a tribune, the tribune having a gradient allowing visual inspection of the individual vessels on the working stations from a place of view in front of the apparatus. The invention will be further described below in connection with an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings, wherein
Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a staining apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a schematic, sectional side view of the apparatus in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 shows a side view of a basket having microscope slides inserted therein,
Fig. 4 shows a support rail with an associated eccen- trie means forming part of an agitating means for slide baskets; and
Fig. 5 is a view illustrating taking-up of a slide basket from a liquid bath in a vessel. s The staining apparatus shown in Fig. 1 is constructed to be able to carry out all types of routine and special staining processes within the field of histology and cytology. In the illustrated embodiment the apparatus includes 36 working stations, but this number can be increased, for example to 50 o stations. The stations may e.g. comprise four to five fetching/- unloading stations, four to five waiting/stove stations, four to five water rinsing stations and twenty to thirty staining stations. In Fig. 1, said station types - in the above-mentioned order - is designated by the reference numerals 1, 2, 3 and 4. s Each of the staining stations 4 receives a container or vessel 5 having a dyeing bath 6 (see Fig. 2) for the reception of baskets 7 containing microscope slides with the topical tissue specimens. In a corresponding manner vessels 8 for input and output of baskets are arranged at the fetching/unloading stations o l, and on the rinsing stations 3 there are arranged suitable containers or vessels 9 for rinsing water baths. Rinsing water is supplied to the vessels 9 via water filling pipes 10 communi¬ cating with a water intake 11. Further, in connection with the vessels 9, there is arranged a drain hose 11 for drainage of 5 sprinkling water from the rinsing baths. This hose is connected to a water outlet 13.
As shown, the waiting/stove stations 2 are shaped as an upwardly open casing 14 having an upper edge for the support of slide baskets 7 in a number of stove positions corresponding to o the individual stations. The stations are heated by means of hot air supplied from a fan 15 in combination with a heating element (not shown).
As regards the staining stations, these may also comprise treatment stations which are not actual staining 5 stations, but which contain chemical baths for other preparation of the tissue. Thus, with "staining stations" there are meant liquid stations containing chemicals staining or preparing the tissue for dyeing.
In accordance with the invention, the apparatus is constructed with the vessels 5, 8, 9 arranged in a number of horizontal rows placed above one another on a stepped foundation or base 16 like a tribune. The vessels are made of a transparent material, e.g. glass. The tribune has a gradient allowing visual inspection of the individual vessels from a place of view in front of the apparatus. This arrangement gives the operator a substantially better survey of the baths and the process as a whole than the previously known flat constructions, at the same time as the transparent vessels have the effect that one can assess in a simple manner the liquid condition in the individual baths. In addition there is achieved an ergonomic profit with manual transport of the baths into and out of the apparatuses.
The transport mechanism of the apparatus includes a hoisting means 17 which is arranged to be moved over the vessels and to place baskets in or take these up from the vessels, and to transfer the baskets between the working stations in accor¬ dance with a pre-programmed staining process. The transport mechanism comprises a hoist guiding means comprising a pair of guide rails 18 extending between the upper and lower ends of the tribune 16 on each side thereof and having a gradient correspon¬ ding to the tribune gradient, each of the rails 18 supporting a carrier bracket 19 driven along the rail for a traverse-screw and shaft means, for support and transverse movement of the hoisting means 17. The drive means for the brackets 19 is not further shown, but this may consist of a conventional screw or toothed belt means. Thus, by means of the transport means, the baskets can be moved in both the x, the y and the z direction depicted in Fig. 1.
As appears from Fig. 1, the shown embodiment of the staining apparatus is based on a ramp-shaped tribune. It is to be remarked, however, that one can also imagine an embodiment wherein the tribune base has a shape corresponding to a truncated cone, so that the tribune will then comprise a number of circular rows arranged above each other. In such an embodiment the tribune base will be rotatable about the cone axis, so that the transport mechanism does not need to move the hoisting means in the above¬ mentioned x direction, but only in the y and z directions.
For the achievement of an efficient dyeing and rinsing of the tissue specimens on the microscope slides, there is provided a means for agitating the slide baskets 7 which are placed in the dyeing baths/chemical baths and the rinsing baths. In the present apparatus the agitating means is common to all of these baskets. The means comprises a framework having a number of support rails 21 (omitted in Fig. 2) extending along and on each side of ascending rows of vessels 5, 9 and being arranged for support of the baskets 7 in the respective rows. One of the support rails 21 is partly shown in Fig. 4. As shown, the rail at its upper edge is provided with a number of V-shaped notches 22 for the support of a wire suspension 23 (e.g. of stainless steel ) which is mounted at the top of the baskets 7. An embo¬ diment of the wire suspension 23 is shown in Fig. 3 which also shows a plurality of microscope slides 24 inserted in the basket 7. The shown basket may also be designated a cassette in which the microscope slides are inserted in respective holding grooves 25 in the sides and bottom of the cassette.
The support rails 21 are supported at one end by an eccentric disc means 26 which is rotated by a motor-driven shaft 27, and which is also connected to one end of an arm 28 which, with its other end, is articulated to the support rail 21 to give the rail a reciprocating movement at the same time as it is lifted and lowered by rotation of the eccentric disc. At its other end, the support rail 21 is supported by a corresponding eccentric disc means 29 which is rotated synchronously with the first-mentioned means 26. Rotation of the eccentric disc means thus causes the rails 21 and therewith the baskets 7 to be lifted and lowered in a circulating movement.
All the automatic movements of the driving and opera¬ ting elements of the apparatus are effected by small electric motors which are not shown in the schematic drawings.
The liquid-filled vessels 5 at the dyeing stations will also be provided with lids (not shown) which are arranged to be opened and closed automatically by a suitable motor means. The vessels may be provided with individual lids, or the vessels in a horizontal row alternatively may be provided with a common lid. By means of such lids dripping from baskets into baths which are not in use is prevented, and in addition evaporation from the baths is restricted.
As shown in Fig. 5, the hoisting means 17 in its stop position at the dyeing stations is somewhat laterally displaced in relation to the vessels 5 in the station row in question. This results in that a slide basket 7, when this is taken up from a bath 6 after an accurately programmed time, is guided along a s side edge of the vessel 5 or of the lid thereof, so that the adjacent side edges of the microscope slides 24 stroke against the edge and superfluous liquid on the slide thereby is "scraped" off and runs into the vessel again. The purpose of this provision is to preserve the liquids in the baths and simultaneously o restrict the contamination from one bath to another.
For emptying of exhausted or contaminated baths, the apparatus is provided with a suction and drainage means. This consists of a suction head 30 and a hose 31, as shown in Fig. 1. Thus, the baths normally can be emptied by this means, so that s one is let off lifting out full baths with the risk of soiling and direct contact with the chemicals. The hose is arranged in such a manner that it can lead the liquid to individual vessels as desired, for regeneration, waste treatment, etc. Thus, the arrangement enables an environmentally friendly and operator- o friendly collection and sorting of different, more or less harmful chemicals, and also that one is let off soiling and direct contact, as with manual emptying of the vessels. Also in this connection the tribune design makes it simple to see the liquid level in the vessels, settlings at the vessel bottom etc. 5 The vessels are formed with a slightly slanting bottom and a sump, so that the emptying by means of the suction head becomes as efficient as possible.
As suggested in Figs. 1 and 2, the apparatus is also provided with a sucking-out means 32 comprising a ventilating fan 0 which is combined with a filter system for absorption of gases from solvents. The apparatus has a main cover 33 which is hinged at the upper rear edge of the apparatus and in addition is coupled to a pair of gas damping cylinders 34. Further, the apparatus has a front cover 35 and an operating panel 36 with a 5 display 37 arranged in the central area thereof. This gives a simple use and a logical communication with the operator.
As a result of the tribune design there is also obtained a compact construction wherein the apparatus has a low constructional height at the front and wherein the component parts of the apparatus, i.e. mechanical, electrical and electro¬ nic working components, which are not located at the upper side of the tribune, are arranged in the "vacant" space which is present under the tribune. As shown in Fig. 2, this space inter alia receives a junction box 38 which is fixed to a rear wall of the apparatus and which contains the current inlet means, electronic units, etc. of the apparatus. The apparatus is connected to the topical mains voltage (110 V AC - 60 Hz or 230 V AC - 50 Hz) which is transformed down to an operating voltage of 24 volts. The electronic units, which are based on micropro¬ cessor technology, controls the operation of the apparatus in accordance with the topical programme. The apparatus has a memory (EEPROM) in which there may be stored up to 32 different programmes. Up to three different programmes can be in operation simultaneously. The electronic units give the possibility for print-out of staining or dyeing programme and baths conditions. Further, there is a possibility for automatic warning of dyeing bath conditions. For this purpose there will be built in a device for indication of a signal for exchange of a bath after immersion of slide baskets a certain number of times in the bath. The signal for the topical bath is delivered in dependence on a so- called "wear factor" which can be programmed individually for the different dyeing baths. This is a substantial advantage with respect to flexibility, as one may then have control with the extent of wear of the different types of dyeing baths used in the vessels, according to the chosen programme. If desired, also the dyeing time can be varied automatically by means of this wear factor.

Claims

P a t e n t c l a i m s
1. A staining apparatus for staining of tissue speci¬ mens placed on microscope slides, comprising a number of working o stations (1-4) of which some are staining stations (4) receiving vessels ( 5 ) having liquid baths ( 6) for receiving baskets (7 ) containing microscope slides (24) with the topical specimens, and a transport mechanism (17-20) having a hoisting means (17) arranged to be moved over the vessels ( 5) and to place baskets s (7) in or take these up from the vessels, and to transfer the baskets (7) between the working stations (1-4) in accordance with a programme-controlled staining process, CHARACTERIZED IN that the vessels (5) are transparent and are arranged in a number of horizontal rows placed above one another on a stepped base (16) o like a tribune, the tribune (16) having a gradient allowing visual inspection of the individual vessels ( 5) at the working stations (4) from a place of view in front of the apparatus.
2. A staining apparatus according to claim 1, CHARAC¬ TERIZED IN that the tribune (16) in succession from below and 5 upwards comprises a lower row having a number of stations ( 1 ) with vessels ( 8) for input and output of baskets (7 ) , a number of rows of dyeing stations (4), and a row containing a number of rinsing stations (3), and that a number of stove stations (2) for drying of the tissue specimens on the microscope slides (24) are o arranged at the upper end of the tribune (16).
3. A staining apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED IN that the liquid-filled vessels ( 5 ) at the dyeing stations ( ) are provided with lids arranged for automatic opening and closing. 5 4. A staining apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED IN that it comprises a common agitating means (21, 26-29) for all the slide baskets (7) which are placed in the liquid-vessels (5, 8, 9) at the associated stations.
5. A staining apparatus according to claim 4, CHARAC¬ TERIZED IN that the agitating means comprises a framework having a number of support rails (21 ) extending along and on each side of ascending rows of vessels (8,
5, 9), and which are arranged s for support of the slide baskets (7) in the respective rows, the support rails (21) at each end being connected to synchronously driven eccentric disc means (26, 29) which, in rotation, causes the rails (21) and therewith the baskets (7) to be lifted and lowered in a circulating movement. o
6. A staining apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED IN that the transport mechanism comprises a hoisting means comprising a pair of guide rails (18) extending between the lower and upper ends of the tribune (16) at each side thereof and having a gradient corresponding to the s tribune gradient, each rail (18) supporting a carrier bracket
(19) driven along the rail, for a traverse-screw and shaft means
(20) for support and transverse movement of the hoisting means (17).
7. A staining apparatus according to any of the 0 preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED IN that the hoisting means (17) in its stopped position at the dyeing stations (4) is somewhat laterally displaced relative to the vessels (5) in the topical station row, so that the slide baskets (7), when taking up these from the respective vessels ( 5), are guided along a side edge of 5 the vessel or of a lid on the vessel, so that adjacent side edges of the microscope slides (24) stroke against said edge and superfluous liquid on the slides thereby runs into the vessel (5) again.
8. A staining apparatus according to any of the 0 preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED IN that it comprises a suction and drainage means (30, 31) for emptying and drainage of liquid from vessels (5, 9) at the topical stations (4, 3).
9. A staining apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED IN that the mechanical, electri- 5 cal and electronic working components (32, 38) of the apparatus which are not located at the upper side of the tribune (16), are arranged in the space under the tribune.
10. A staining apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, CHARACTERIZED IN that it comprises a means for delivery of a signal for exchange of a liquid bath (6) after immersion of slide baskets (7) a chosen number of times in the bath, the signal for the topical bath being delivered in depend¬ ence on a wear factor which can be programmed individually for the liquid baths (6) in the different vessels (5).
PCT/NO1996/000270 1995-11-17 1996-11-15 A staining apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides WO1997019379A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9810171A GB2322700B (en) 1995-11-17 1996-11-15 A staining apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides
AU11116/97A AU719379B2 (en) 1995-11-17 1996-11-15 A staining apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides
DE19681647T DE19681647C2 (en) 1995-11-17 1996-11-15 Dyeing device for dyeing tissue samples on slides
JP9519621A JP2000500866A (en) 1995-11-17 1996-11-15 Tissue specimen coloring device on microscope slide

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO954650A NO954650D0 (en) 1995-11-17 1995-11-17 Color machine for staining tissue samples on slides
NO954650 1995-11-17

Related Child Applications (1)

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US09/078,825 Continuation US6017495A (en) 1995-11-17 1998-05-14 Staining apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides

Publications (1)

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WO1997019379A1 true WO1997019379A1 (en) 1997-05-29

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ID=19898768

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PCT/NO1996/000270 WO1997019379A1 (en) 1995-11-17 1996-11-15 A staining apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US6017495A (en)
JP (1) JP2000500866A (en)
CN (1) CN1088840C (en)
AU (1) AU719379B2 (en)
DE (1) DE19681647C2 (en)
GB (1) GB2322700B (en)
NO (1) NO954650D0 (en)
WO (1) WO1997019379A1 (en)

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WO1999020995A1 (en) * 1997-10-16 1999-04-29 Torstein Ljungmann A staining apparatus for preparation of tissue specimens placed on microscope slides
GB2368397A (en) * 2000-10-24 2002-05-01 Leica Microsystems Treating cyto- or histological specimens
GB2370635A (en) * 2000-10-24 2002-07-03 Leica Microsystems Treating objects, particularly cyto- or histological specimens
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Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0849582A3 (en) * 1996-12-17 2000-01-05 MICROM LABORGERÄTE GmbH Device for treating objects, particularly histological or cytological preparations
EP0849582A2 (en) * 1996-12-17 1998-06-24 MICROM LABORGERÄTE GmbH Device for treating objects, particularly histological or cytological preparations
US6436348B1 (en) * 1997-10-16 2002-08-20 Torstein Ljungmann Staining apparatus for preparation of tissue specimens placed on microscope slides
WO1999020995A1 (en) * 1997-10-16 1999-04-29 Torstein Ljungmann A staining apparatus for preparation of tissue specimens placed on microscope slides
DE19882738B4 (en) * 1997-10-16 2005-05-25 Torstein Ljungmann Dyeing device for the preparation of tissue samples placed on microscope slides
GB2368397B (en) * 2000-10-24 2002-12-11 Leica Microsystems Method of treating biological specimens
GB2370635A (en) * 2000-10-24 2002-07-03 Leica Microsystems Treating objects, particularly cyto- or histological specimens
GB2370635B (en) * 2000-10-24 2002-12-24 Leica Microsystems Method of treating biological specimens
GB2368397A (en) * 2000-10-24 2002-05-01 Leica Microsystems Treating cyto- or histological specimens
ES2245531A1 (en) * 2002-10-09 2006-01-01 Francisco Soria Melguizo, S.A. Programmable automatic system for microbiological, histological and cytological stainings
US8288086B2 (en) 2008-10-31 2012-10-16 Leica Biosystems Nussloch Gmbh Method for operating a tissue processor, and tissue processor
US8309037B2 (en) 2008-10-31 2012-11-13 Leica Biosystems Nussloch Gmbh Method and apparatus for processing tissue samples using a sensor
US9121795B2 (en) 2010-10-29 2015-09-01 Feng Tian Apparatus for processing biological samples and method thereof
CN102620964A (en) * 2012-03-26 2012-08-01 常州轻工职业技术学院 Pathologic tissue hydroextractor with chemical volatile gas treatment function

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2322700B (en) 1999-09-15
AU1111697A (en) 1997-06-11
NO954650D0 (en) 1995-11-17
DE19681647T1 (en) 1998-12-24
US6017495A (en) 2000-01-25
AU719379B2 (en) 2000-05-11
CN1204407A (en) 1999-01-06
GB2322700A (en) 1998-09-02
DE19681647C2 (en) 2003-04-30
JP2000500866A (en) 2000-01-25
GB9810171D0 (en) 1998-07-08
CN1088840C (en) 2002-08-07

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