Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
A DECK ASSEMBLY FOR PERFORMING CAPPING AND TAPPING IN AN AUTOMATED DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM

APPLICANT:
MYLAB DISCOVERY SOLUTIONS PRIVATE LIMITED
An Indian entity having address:
PLOT NO 99-B, LONAVALA INDUSTRIAL CO-OPERATIVE ESTATE LTD, NANGARGAON, LONAVALA, PUNE – 410401 MAHARASHTRA, INDIA.

The following specification describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
The present application does not claim priority from any other Patent application.

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to a field of an automated diagnostic system. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to a deck assembly for a diagnostic system and a method thereof.

BACKGROUND
The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely because of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.
Nucleic acids (NA) are the main information-carrying molecules of the cell. Further, the nucleic acids (NA) are configured to determine the inherited characteristics of every living thing by directing the process of protein synthesis. Nucleic acids (NA) comprise a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and a ribonucleic acid (RNA). Further, the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the master blueprint for life and constitutes a genetic material in all free-living organisms and most viruses. Further, the ribonucleic acid (RNA) is the genetic material of certain viruses, but it is also found in all living cells, where it plays an important role in certain processes such as the making of proteins. Further, the reasons stated above the nucleic acids (NA) is the basic object of molecular biology research. Further, the extraction of the nucleic acid (NA) is the most important criteria for the detection of disease and research. The establishment of genome sequencing technology has enabled significant progress in biochemical analysis. Investigations have focused on performing a series of processes, such as DNA extraction, PCR and electrophoresis, on a single chip that is several centimetres in size because of the many advantages it brings, including compact size, low cost, user-friendly handling, and the potential for mass fabrication, to name a few. PCR, which allows the amplification of a specific DNA sequence from a minute amount of target DNA using a thermal cycler, has become a routine part of genetic analysis.
A method of extracting NA, DNA or RNA from biological sample comprises a traditional organic solvent extraction method, a column adsorption method and a magnetic bead partition method and the charge method. Further, the methods of extracting NA, DNA or RNA from biological sample are very laborious and time-consuming. The relatively large number of steps required to purify NA from such starting materials increase the risk of transmission of NA from sample to sample in the simultaneous processing of several clinical samples. When the NA is isolated for the subsequent detection of the presence of NA of, e.g., a pathogen (e.g., a virus or a bacterium) by means of a nucleic acid amplification method using the utmost sensitive Real Time polymerase-chain-reaction (RTPCR), the increased risk of such a transmission of NA between different samples which causes false positive results is a serious drawback. One of the main problems is the destabilization of flow caused by the generation of air bubbles in the microchannels.
Air bubbles in PCR mixture can bring the PCR component out of the mixture and can cause concentration imbalance as well as denature the enzyme. The formed bubbles bring some of your PCR reactants including DNA and enzyme out of the mixture causing variations in concentrations. Due to the heat during the PCR, the bubbles dry and the enzyme in the bubbles become denatured and useless. Even the dried bubbles sometimes have difficulties to go into the solution. The variations are more significant in case of real-time PCR analysis involving fluorescent detection. Further, samples comprising air bubble creates interfacial tension that can apply stress on cells and even lead to cellular death. The automated diagnostic system comprises multiple test tubes/containers positioned close proximity to each other. Contamination of a sample by other samples referred as cross – contamination is prone in automated diagnostic system.
Therefore, there is long standing need of a diagnostic system to avoid cross contamination of samples and remove air bubble from the sample in an automated diagnostic system.
The present invention provides a deck assembly which can perform capping and tapping of the PCR tubes to overcome the above-mentioned limitations.

SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a deck assembly for performing capping and tapping in an automated diagnostic system and the concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In one implementation, a system for performing capping and tapping a tube not limiting to PCR tubes in an automated diagnostic system, is disclosed. The system may comprise a deck plate (106), having a plurality of receptacles, wherein the plurality of receptacles is grouped into multiple sets. Each set is configured to hold a distinct set of cartridges and/or tubes, including Tubes. Further a syringe assembly (200) comprising at least plurality of tip holders (406), is functionally coupled with the deck plate (106). The plurality of tip holders is configured to move in X, Y, and Z axis direction of a cartesian coordinate system, and are further configured to move linearly with respect to each other to adjust the distance among themselves. The system may further comprise a plurality of caps (114, 402) provided on the deck plate (106). The plurality of the caps (114, 402) is placed in a receptacle of a set.
In another implementation, a method of a deck assembly for performing capping and tapping in an automated diagnostic system. The method may comprise a step for picking and holding, via a syringe assembly, a plurality of caps from the deck plate. The syringe assembly may be located above the deck plate and configured to move in “X”, “Y” and “Z” axis in order to perform capping and tapping of the plurality of specimen containers or tubes or cartridges of the set of placeholders positioned below the syringe assembly on the deck plate. The method may further comprise a step for providing, via the syringe assembly, a cap to each specimen container or tube of the set of placeholders. Each cap of the plurality of caps is snap and press fitted on each specimen container or tube of the set of placeholders which provides sealing to avoid cross contamination of the samples of the set of placeholders. The method may further comprise a step for picking and tapping, via the syringe assembly, the plurality of specimen containers or tubes or cartridges after the plurality of caps is snap and press fitted on each specimen container or tube of the set of placeholders to remove air bubbles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying Figures. In the figures, the same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer like features and components.
Figure 1A-1D illustrates a deck assembly (100) for performing capping and tapping in an automated diagnostic system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 2 illustrates a syringe assembly (200), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 3 illustrates a method of a deck assembly (100) for performing capping and tapping in a diagnostic system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
Figure 4a to 4b illustrates a plurality of caps in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4c to Figure 4f illustrate capping of the plurality of tubes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to Figure 5, illustrates an exemplary embodiment for tapping of the tubes not limiting to PCR tubes, in accordance with the present disclosure.
Figure 5a to Figure 5b, specifically illustrate tapping of plurality of tubes to remove air bubbles in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
“Tube” as referred in the present disclosure may refer to PCR tube, Tube for extraction, sample collection, elocute tube or any other tubes used in extraction process or PCR process for diagnosis.
Referring to Figure 1A-1D, a deck/table assembly for performing capping and tapping in an automated diagnostic system is illustrated. The deck assembly may comprise a base structure assembly (101), an X-axis assembly (102), a Y-axis assembly (103), Dummy Y-axis assembly (104), a Z-axis assembly (105), a deck plate (106), a thermoshaker-magnet assembly (107), a syringe assembly (108), a tip centre-distance adjustment mechanism (109), a centrifuge assembly (110), a cover assembly, and a PCR assembly (112). The deck plate (106) may comprise a plurality of receptacles. Each receptacle may be in a form of cavity to accommodate a plurality of specimen containers or tubes or cartridges with buffer and reaction solutions. The cavity may have pre-defined diameter or a geometric shape to accommodate the specimen containers or the cartridges. Further the geometric shape and size may also vary and depend of the functionality of the particular/specific receptacles.
The plurality of receptacles may further be grouped into a plurality of sets based on functionality associated with each placeholder/receptable. In an exemplary embodiment the plurality of sets may be at least four sets. Each set may be distinct to each other with respect to functionality, action performed, and structurally. The at least six sets may be further arranged in a defined pattern based on the functionality of each set. In one embodiment, the plurality of place holders may be grouped as a first set for storing PCR tubes or any tubes, a second set for storing extraction tube, a third set of caps storing zone, a fourth set for storing PCR cartridge, a fifth set for storing sample tubes, a sixth set for storing tip cartridge, a seventh set for storing extraction cartridge or a combination thereof.
Further, the deck plate (106) may be configured to move forward and reverse direction. The deck plate (106) may comprise a plurality of tubes (113) and a plurality of caps (114).
Referring to the Figure 2 a syringe assembly (200) is illustrated, in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure. The syringe assembly (200) may comprise a motor (201), a motor support plate (202), a linear motion (LM) guide (203), a syringe attachment block (205), a plurality of syringe piston rods (204), a syringe body (206). The motor (201) may be fixed on the motor support plate (202).
In one embodiment, the motor (201) may be a captive stepper motor, wherein the captive stepper motor is used for actuation of the mechanism of the syringe assembly (200). The motor support plate (202) may comprise grooves for varying distance between the plurality of syringe piston rods (204). Further, a plurality of metal tip holders may be attached to the plurality of syringe piston rods (204).
In one exemplary embodiment, centre distance of the plurality of tip holders can linearly adjust within each other from minimum of 5mm up to 40mm or more. In another embodiment the centre distance of the plurality of tip holders can linearly adjust within each other from minimum of 9mm up to 21mm.
The syringe assembly (200) may comprise in built optic sensor in the tip holder in order to detect presence and absence of various labware tips, specimen container, tube, cartridge (viz sample, extraction, PCR etc.). The LM guide (203) may be configured to enable linear rolling motion of the syringe attachment block (205). The motor support plate (202) may be mounted on the LM guide (203) in order to allow the vertical motion of the syringe attachment block (205). Further, syringe assembly (200) may provide unique left-right mechanism to facilitate linear expansion and contraction of the plurality of metal tip holders to achieve centre distance in the range of 9 to 20 mm. Further, the syringe assembly may comprise homing sensor to prevent misalignment. The syringe assembly (200) may be configured to move in “X”, “Y” and “Z” axis. Further, the syringe assembly (200) may move in 2D way.
In one embodiment, the syringe assembly (200) may be located above the deck plate (106) and configured to move in “X”, “Y” and “Z” axis in order to perform capping and tapping of the plurality of specimen containers or tubes or cartridges of the set of placeholders positioned below the syringe assembly on the deck plate (106). The syringe assembly (200) may be configured to pick up and hold the plurality of caps (114) from the deck plate (106). In one embodiment, the syringe assembly (200) may be configured to move in “X”, “Y” and “Z” axis in order to pick up the plurality of caps (114) from the cap storing zone. Each cap from the plurality of caps (114) may be snap and press fitted on each specimen container or tube of the set of placeholders. Each cap from the plurality of caps (114) may be snap and press fitted on each specimen container or tube of the set of placeholders to provide sealing to avoid cross contamination of the samples of the set of placeholders.
The syringe assembly (200) may be further configured to pick up and tap the plurality of specimen containers or tubes or cartridges after the plurality of caps (114) is snap and press fitted on each specimen container or tube of the set of placeholders. The syringe assembly (200) may be configured to move in vertical direction or “Z” axis to pick up and tap the plurality of specimen containers or tubes or cartridges after the plurality of caps (114) is snap and press fitted on each specimen container or tube of the set of placeholders and thereby remove air bubbles.
Referring to the Figure 3, a method of a deck assembly (100) for performing capping and tapping in a diagnostic system is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
At step (301), the syringe assembly (200) may be configured for picking and holding the plurality of caps (114) from the deck plate (106). The syringe assembly may be located above the deck plate and configured to move in “X”, “Y” and “Z” axis in order to perform capping and tapping of the plurality of specimen containers or tubes or cartridges of the set of placeholders positioned below the syringe assembly on the deck plate.
At step (302), the syringe assembly (200) may be configured for providing a cap to each specimen container or tube of the set of placeholders. Each cap of the plurality of caps (114) may be snap and press fitted on each specimen container or tube of the set of placeholders which provides sealing to avoid cross contamination of the samples of the set of placeholders.
At step (303), the syringe assembly (200) may be configured for picking and tapping the plurality of specimen containers or tubes or cartridges after the plurality of caps (114) is snap and press fitted on each specimen container or tube of the set of placeholders to remove air bubbles.
Referring to Figure 4, illustrates an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure. Figure 4a illustrates a plurality of caps (402) placed on a deck plate. The plurality of caps (402) is provided in a plurality of receptacles. Further a plurality of tubes (404) are placed in one of a set from the plurality of sets. In accordance with the exemplary embodiment the plurality of tubes (404) may be placed in matrix of 4x4 i.e., 16 tubes (404).
Further Figure 4b, illustrates the plurality of caps (402) positioned in a set from the plurality of the receptacles. Further a tip holder (406) having at least four tips to hold four caps (402) simultaneously is positioned above the caps (402). The tip holder (406) is further configured to move in X, Y, and Z direction/axis of a Cartesian coordinate system to grab or hold the caps. The tip holder (406) may be further connected to syringe assembly, wherein the syringe assembly may be configured to create the necessary pressure to grab the caps (402) and hold them in said position until next step in a process of extraction is executed.
Figure 4c to Figure 4f illustrates capping of the plurality of tubes (404). The tip holder (406) is configured to grab the at least four caps (402) simultaneously from the plurality of receptacles (404). In accordance with an exemplary embodiment the plurality of caps (402) may be positioned on deck plate such that they located in proximity to the plurality of tubes (404). The placement of the plurality of caps (402) in the proximity enables reduction in cycle time for the diagnostic/Extraction and PCR machine. The reduction in cycle time is achieved by reduced movement of syringe assembly, wherein the syringe assembly comprises the tip holders (406).
The syringe assembly in an exemplary embodiment may further comprise at least four syringes for each of the at least four tip holders (406). The at least four syringes individually control the pressure in the respective tip holders (406). The at least four tip holders (406) in sync with the syringes grab the at least four caps (402) from the deck plate and cap at least four tubes from the plurality of tubes (404) simultaneously. The caps are snap fitted to the plurality of tubes (404) by applying a pre-set pressure from by the tip holders (404) holding the caps (402). The plurality of tubes may be placed in the plurality of receptable on the deck plate and arranged in a 4X4 matrix.
Referring to Figure 5, illustrates an exemplary embodiment for tapping of the plurality of tubes, in accordance with the present disclosure. Figure 5a to Figure 5b, specifically illustrate tapping of at least four tubes (504) to remove air bubbles. The at least four tubes from the plurality of tubes (504) are grabbed and held by at least four tip holders (502). Further the at least four tubes from the plurality of tubes (504) are capped before being held by the at least four tip holders (502). The at least four tip holder (502) is configured to move in X, Y and Z axis. The movement in these axes enable the at least four tip holders (502) to pick up the at least four tubes from the plurality of tubes (504) and further tap them on a hard surface (506) either provided on the deck plate or separately to remove the air bubble.
Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
The foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that certain modifications could come within the scope of this disclosure.
The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs or the description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A system for performing capping and tapping a plurality of tubes in a diagnostic system, the system comprises:
a deck plate (106), having a plurality of receptacles, wherein the plurality of receptacles is grouped into multiple sets, wherein each set is configured to hold a distinct set of cartridges and/or tubes,
a syringe assembly (200) comprising plurality of tip holders (406), is functionally coupled with the deck plate (106), wherein the tip holders are configured to move in X, Y, and Z axis direction of a cartesian coordinate system, and are further configured to move linearly with respect to each other to adjust the distance among themselves; and
a plurality of caps (114, 402) provided on the deck plate (106), wherein the plurality of the caps (114, 402) is placed in a receptacle of a set.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said tip holders (406) are configured to grab the plurality of caps (114, 402) simultaneously.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, the plurality of caps (114, 402) grabbed by the tip holders (406) are positioned above a plurality of tubes (113, 404, 504), and are pressed against the plurality of tubes (113, 404, 504) at pre-defined pressure.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, the tip holders (406) are further configured to lift the plurality of said plurality of tubes (113, 404, 504) with the plurality of caps (114, 402) placed on the plurality of tubes (113, 404, 504) and tapped on the deck plate (106).
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distinct set of cartridges and tubes held by the sets comprise the plurality of tubes (113, 404, 504), the plurality of caps (114, 402), a plurality of cartridge, a plurality of extraction tube, a plurality of sample tube, a plurality of PCR cartridge, and/or a plurality of piercing tip/tip cartridge or combination thereof.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each cap from the plurality of caps (114, 402) is snap and press fitted on each said tube (113, 404, 504) to provide sealing and to avoid cross contamination of test samples.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tip holder (406) is configured to grab and tap the plurality of tubes (113, 404, 504) on the deck plate (106) to remove air bubbles.
8. A method (300) configured to perform capping and tapping of a plurality of tubes, the method comprising:
lifting via a syringe assembly (200), a plurality of caps (114, 402) from the deck plate (106), wherein the syringe assembly (200) is located above the deck plate (106) and configured to move in “X”, “Y” and “Z” axis in order to perform capping and tapping of the plurality of the plurality of tubes (113, 404, 504);
holding, via the syringe assembly (200), the plurality of caps (114, 402) from the deck plate (106);
providing, via the syringe assembly (200), a cap (114, 402) to each of the plurality of tubes (113, 404, 504), wherein each cap (114, 402) of the plurality of caps (114, 402) is snap and press fitted on each of the plurality of tubes (113, 404, 504) tube of the set of placeholders which provides sealing to avoid cross contamination of the samples of the set of placeholders;
picking and tapping, via the syringe assembly (200), the plurality of capped tubes (113, 404, 504) to remove air bubbles.

Dated this 06th Day of September 2022

Priyank Gupta
IN-PA-1454
Agent for the Applicant