CA2535908A1 - Manifold assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A manifold assembly that directs fluid to and from individually selectable sample receiving trays of a tissue processing system includes a manifold, fluid conduits machined in the manifold, and valves that may be selectively configured to provide a direct fluid path to or from a particular tray. The valves are controlled by a controller that positions each valve such that a desired path is created. Pressure is created in supply and/or drain bottles to supply or drain fluid from the trays supported by the manifold assembly. Independently operated heaters are provided on the manifold assembly to heat the trays to desired temperatures. Thermoelectric cooling elements may also provided to cool the heaters and/or trays.

Claims (24)

1. A manifold assembly for an automated tissue processing system comprising:
a manifold including a pattern of fluid conduits extending therethrough; and a platen attached to the manifold, the platen including a plurality of sample receiving portions, wherein each sample receiving portion includes an inlet in fluid communication with at least one fluid conduit of the manifold and an outlet in fluid communication with at least one fluid conduit.

2. The manifold assembly of claim 1 wherein the manifold is formed from two separate pieces of material.

3. The manifold assembly of claim 2 wherein the two separate pieces of material are mechanically etched to form complementing passageways and coupled such that the complementing passageways form the pattern of fluid conduits.

4. The manifold assembly of claim 2 wherein the material is a polymer.

5. The manifold assembly of claim 2 wherein the two pieces of material are mechanically fastened together.

6. The manifold assembly of claim 1 wherein the manifold is in fluid communication with at least one supply bottle and at least one waste bottle.

7. The manifold assembly of claim 6 further comprising a pressure pump in fluid communication with the at least one supply bottle.

8. The manifold assembly of claim 6 further comprising a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the at least one waste bottle.

9. The manifold assembly of claim 1 further comprising an inlet port on a proximal end of the platen and an evacuation port on a distal end of the platen.

10. The manifold assembly of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of valves configured to control fluid flow through the fluid conduits.

11. The manifold assembly of claim 10 further comprising a valve controller coupled to the manifold.

12. The manifold assembly of claim 11 further comprising a drip frame coupled to the manifold between the manifold and the controller.

13. The manifold assembly of claim 6 wherein the at least one supply bottle includes a fluid level sensor.

14. The manifold assembly of claim 13 wherein the at least one waste bottle includes a fluid level sensor.

15. The manifold assembly of claim 14 wherein the fluid level sensors are coupled to a common sensor carrier.

16. The manifold assembly of claim 15 wherein the sensor carrier is configured to translate parallel to a vertical axis of the supply bottle.

17. The manifold assembly of claim 1 further comprising at least one heater coupled to at least one of the sample receiving portions.

18. The manifold assembly of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of heaters coupled to the platen wherein each of the plurality of heaters is independently operated.

19. A method of operating a manifold of an automated tissue processor comprising:
receiving instructions regarding a program to process;

positioning a plurality of valves included in a manifold assembly supporting a tissue sample to create a fluid path between a supply source and an inlet of a sample receiving tray, wherein the manifold assembly includes a manifold that defines a plurality of fluid paths extending therethrough; and applying a reagent to a tissue sample through the fluid path and the inlet of the sample receiving tray.

20. A manifold system for use in a tissue processing system, comprising:
a manifold assembly;
a plurality of bulk fluid bottles in fluid communication with the manifold assembly;
a plurality of fluid level sensors, each fluid level sensor being disposed adjacent to a respective bulk fluid bottle;
a sensor carrier that is configured to be translated in a direction parallel to a vertical axis of the supply bottle, wherein the plurality of fluid level sensors is coupled to the sensor carrier.

21. The manifold system of claim 20 further comprising a pressure pump including a pressurized fluid output that is fluidly coupled to at least one bulk fluid bottle.

22. The manifold system of claim 21 further comprising a vacuum pump including a fluid input that is fluidly coupled to at least one bulk fluid bottle.

23. The manifold system of claim 20, wherein the manifold assembly includes a manifold including a pattern of fluid conduits extending therethrough.

24. The manifold system of claim 23, wherein the manifold is formed from two separate pieces of material.