Semi-automated slide processor device

Claim 2

A semi-automated slide processor device for preparing simultaneously a plurality of slides of cell cultures for cytogenetic analysis, comprising: stacking means for stacking a supply of slides; including a plurality of stacks of said slides; cell dispensing means for releasing a suspension of cells simultaneously on each of a plurality of slides, said cell dispensing means including a manifold means having a plurality of openings covered by an elastomeric membrane, and including plunger means for producing pressure on said manifold means to release said suspension of cells; cell dispersal means for spreading a suspension of cells into a film on each of said slides simultaneously; and means for moving slides from said stacking means to a location beneath said cell dispensing means and then to a location beneath said cell despersal means, said means for moving slides including a plurality of longitudinal channels for passage of slides.

Claim 3

A semi-automated slide processor device according to claim 1 in which said device has a heating means for drying said film on said slides.

Claim 4

A semi-automated slide processor device according to claim 1 in which said device has collecting means for collecting the resulting slides.

Claim 5

A semi-automated slide processor device for preparing simultaneously a plurality of slides of cell cultures for cytogenetic analysis, comprising: a housing having a compartment for stacking slides, said compartment including a plurality of stacks of said slides; a plurality of longitudinal channels for passage of slides located at the bottom of said housing, each of said longitudinal channels terminating in a slide chute; a slide feeding assembly having bearings and lever arms arranged to push a plurality of slides simultaneously from said compartment onto said longitudinal channels; a removable cell dispensing assembly having a manifold with openings adapted to receive needles, a manifold lid, an elastomeric membrane placed between said manifold and said manifold lid, and a plunger plate member having a plurality of fixed pistons, said pistons corresponding to said openings and contacting said elastomeric membrane; and a cell dispersal manifold having a plurality of tube members with funnel shaped lower ends.

Claim 6

A semi-automated slide processor device for preparing simultaneously a plurality of slides of cell cultures for cytogenetic analysis, comprising: a housing having a compartment for stacking slides, said compartment including a plurality of stacks of said slides; a plurality of longitudinal channels for passage of slides located at the bottom of said housing, each of said longitudinal channels terminating in a slide chute; a slide feeding assembly having bearings and lever arms arranged to push a plurality of slides simultaneously from said compartment onto said longitudinal channels; a removable cell dispensing assembly having a manifold with openings adapted to receive needles, a manifold lid, an elastomeric membrane placed between said manifold and said manifold lid, and a plunger plate member having a plurality of fixed pistons, said pistons corresponding to said openings and contacting said elastomeric membrane; and a cell dispersal manifold having a plurality of tube members with funnel shaped lower ends.

Claim 7

A semi-automated slide processor device according to claim 4 in which said device has means for heating said slides after passing by said cell dispensing assembly.

Claim 8

A semi-automated slide processor device according to claim 4 in which said device has collecting means for the resulting slides, said collecting means adjoining said slide chutes.