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System and method for processing biological specimens

  • US 10,209,166 B2
  • Filed: 11/18/2015
  • Issued: 02/19/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/18/2014
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system for processing biological specimens, comprising:

  • a. a plurality of slides;

    b. a plurality of spacers, one spacer placed in between two slides to create a slide pair, the slide pair having a pair of inner surfaces adjacent to each other and separated by a capillary gap, and a pair of outer surfaces on opposing sides;

    c. a slide holder, comprising;

    i. a plurality of posts serially arranged on a cover, wherein a groove is defined in between adjacent posts for receiving one slide pair,ii. a plurality of retaining springs, wherein for each slide pair, a first retaining spring biases against a first post and a first outer surface of the slide pair,iii. a capillary gap adjuster, comprising a actuator, a nut operatively connected to the actuator such that movement of the actuator in a first direction rotates the nut in a first rotational direction, and movement of the actuator in a second direction rotates the nut in a second rotational direction, a piston operatively connected to the nut, wherein rotation of the nut in the first rotational direction causes linear movement of the piston in a first linear direction, and rotation of the nut in the second rotational direction causes linear movement of the piston in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction, and a slide rack operatively connected to the piston, wherein movement of the piston in the first linear direction causes movement of the slide rack in a third linear direction, and movement of the piston in the second linear direction causes movement of the slide rack in a fourth linear direction, wherein the slide rack is operatively connected to the slide pair such that movement of the slide rack in the third linear direction causes a first end of the slide pair to pinch together, and movement of the slide rack in the fourth linear direction allows the first end of the slide pair to move apart, wherein when the first end of the slide pair is pinched together the capillary gap grows and wherein when the first end of the slide pair moves apart, the capillary gap shrinks;

    d. a reagent tray comprising a plurality of troughs, wherein the troughs are spaced apart to correspond with each of the slide pairs on the slide holder so that each slide pair can be dipped into one trough simultaneously;

    e. a reagent bath configured to receive all slide pairs on the slide holder, the reagent bath defining an opening substantially similar in size to the cover such that the cover can cap the opening when the slide pairs are inside the reagent bath;

    f. an incubator for heating the reagent bath; and

    g. an absorbent pad for removing a reagent from the capillary gap when the slide pair contacts the absorbent pad.

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