Patent Publication Number: US-2004040896-A1

Title: Method and tool for extracting media from containers

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] A method of extracting media from a container without significant loss of desirable material from the container is described.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] Various media, including separation media and pulverizing agents, are frequently used to isolate compounds or biological material. Separation media can include beads having a uniform shape such as spherical, cylindrical or banded satellite, or irregular shaped particles of an inorganic nature. Frequently, the separation media, regardless of shape, are comprised of glass, a polymer, or other inert substance, that can be coated with a chemical or organic substance for reaction and/or complexation with a desired compound or biological agent.  
       [0003] Pulverizing agents are used for mechanical disruption of materials such as friable solids, for example plants, soil, bulk chemicals and pills, cell membranes, nucleic acids, proteins, polymers and other inorganic or organic materials as known to practitioners in the art. Pulverizing agents are usually hard, dense material, preferably unreactive with the material to be pulverized, such as but not limited to tungsten carbide, zirconium oxide, or ceramic.  
       [0004] Media vary in size depending upon intended use. Media generally range in size from about 1 mm to about 15 mm, although smaller and larger sized media can be used, as known to practitioners in the art. Typically, media is from about 5 mm to about 10 mm in size, although larger and smaller sized media are acceptable dependent upon use, as known to and determinable by practitioners in the art.  
       [0005] Because media when used is surrounded by desired materials, often in solution or a slurry form, the media is difficult to recover without loss of the desired chemical or biological materials. Media typically is recovered through either removal of individual medium particles with an instrument, or by transfer of the media and desired materials to a sieve or filter, whereby the media is retained and the desired materials pass through the sieve or filter to a second container. These methods are laborious, time consuming and have great potential for significant loss of material through multiple transfers.  
       [0006] Thus, it is desirable to have an improved method for extracting media from containers which is less time consuming, less labor intensive, and wherein little or no desirable material is lost during recovery of the media.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007] A device and method for extracting media from containers comprising media and materials is described wherein the method is quick, easy and efficient, resulting in a saving of time, labor and materials.  
       [0008] The media collection device comprises a media collecting sieve attached to a support shaft, and a vibration source capable of acting on the support shaft. The media collection device optionally can include a handle portion of the support shaft that is preferably insulated.  
       [0009] An automated media collection device further comprises a retainer for the support shaft and a rotating motor connecting with the support shaft. The rotating motor can be on a stage capable of height and angle adjustment. The rotating motor or stage further can be on a sliding mechanism for facilitating linear movement of the media collection device.  
       [0010] The method comprises connecting the media collecting sieve to the support shaft, inserting the media collecting sieve into a container, manipulating the media collecting sieve by means of the support shaft so as to collect container materials and media onto the media collecting sieve, vibrating the support shaft and media support sieve for a time sufficient to enable the material to separate from the media and drain through the sieve, removing the media collecting sieve with media from the container by means of the support shaft, and, optionally, emptying the media into a receptacle. This is repeated until all media is separated from the material.  
       [0011] The method can be automated in whole or in part. When automated, a rotating motor drives the support shaft to scrape the container, collecting material and media onto the media collecting sieve. The vibration source vibrates the support shaft, causing the media collecting sieve to vibrate so that materials separate from the media and pass through the sieve to the container. The media collecting sieve and support shaft can be moved linearly into and out of communication with the container by means of a sliding mechanism. The media collection device further can be angled and lowered or raised by means of a stage below the rotating motor. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
     [0012] The device and methods will be described herein with reference to the Figures, wherein like parts are numbered the same throughout. The Figures are as follows:  
     [0013]FIG. 1 depicts a media collection device;  
     [0014]FIG. 2 depicts a removable media collecting sieve;  
     [0015]FIG. 3 depicts a media collection device with a vibration source;  
     [0016]FIG. 4 depicts an automated media collection device; and  
     [0017]FIG. 5 depicts a second automated media collection device. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
     [0018] A media collection device  10  as described herein and shown in FIGS.  1 - 5  can be manually or automatically operated, in whole or in part, as described below. The primary media collection device  10  as shown in FIG. 1 comprises a media collecting sieve  12 , a support shaft  14  and a handle  16 . A vibration source  20 , as shown in FIG. 3, interacts with the support shaft  14 . If automated, the media collection device further comprises one or more of a retainer  22  for the support shaft  14 , rotating motor  24 , sliding mechanism  28 , stage  26  capable of angle and height adjustment, receptacle  30  for media, and stand  34  for a container  32 , as shown in FIG. 5. The media collection device  10  and its operation are now described in detail with reference to the figures.  
     [0019] Manual Media Collection Device  
     [0020] A. Media Collecting Sieve  
     [0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the media collecting sieve  12  comprises a sieve material, desirably formed so as to have a depression therein creating a scoop. The size and shape of the sieve and the depth of the depression can vary based on the size media and size and shape container with which the media collecting sieve will be used. The sieve will be of a composition and stiffness so as to retain the desirable sized media thereon, while allowing other materials to pass through the sieve to the container. The collecting sieve can be made from any suitable material, including but not limited to a plastic, such as polypropylene, a stainless metal and/or a teflon coated metal, ceramic or glass. It is preferred that the sieve material be non-reactive with the biological and/or chemical agents with which it will come into contact.  
     [0022] The media collecting sieve  12  is porous, having openings of any suitable size and shape for the material and media being sieved. The sieve preferably is constructed so as to retain all media, while allowing the most possible biological and/or chemical material to pass through. Preferably, at least about 90% of the biological and/or chemical material will pass through the sieve, more preferably at least about 95% or more, and most preferably about 99% or more. The sieve can be formed in any manner appropriate to the sieve material, such as molding, casting, shaping or the like. The sieve can be formed of a web of material, or from a solid material formed with perforations or perforated after formation. A web of glass, wires or other suitable materials can be formed into an appropriate shape to act as a sieve. Similarly, the sieve can comprise bands of material connected at one or more points to form slats through which the biological and/or chemical material can pass. The shape of the sieve can include a perforated spoon, perforated shovel, rake, or other suitable formation as will be apparent to practitioners in the art.  
     [0023] The media collecting sieve  12  can be integral with, or detachable from, a first end of a support shaft  14 . Preferably, the media collecting sieve  12  is detachable for easy cleaning or disposal and replacement. In many cases, it will be preferable to dispose of the media collecting sieve after use, and replace it with a new media collecting sieve rather than washing the media collecting sieve. If the sieve is to be disposable, it is preferably made of a less expensive material, such as a plastic, for example, polypropylene. If the collecting sieve is to be cleaned, a batch cleaning method is preferred for maximum efficiency.  
     [0024] The media collecting sieve  12  can be attached to a first end of the support shaft  14  by any suitable means known in the art, including screwing into place, snap fit, compression or the like. The support shaft  14  can be made of any suitable material, such as but not limited to, glass, stainless steel, polypropylene, aluminum or any other preferably non-reactive material as known to practitioners in the art. Preferably, the material should be easy to clean, and more preferably non-porous. The support shaft  14  can be made by any suitable process, including injection molding, casting, forming or the like. If mass produced, the shafts preferably are injection molded.  
     [0025] B. Vibration Source  
     [0026] As shown in FIG. 3, a vibration source  20  is attached to the support shaft  14  above the media collecting sieve  12 , and is capable of being turned on and off. A power source for the vibration source  20  can be a battery integral therewith or a remote electrical supply. The vibration source  20  can comprise a motor and an eccentric weight, solenoid, voice coil, piezoelectric device, or other vibration source as known to practitioners in the art. The vibration source is preferably small in size and light in weight such that the device can easily be handheld. Alternatively, the vibration can be supplied by human movement. When operated, the vibration source  20  causes the support shaft  14  or a portion thereof and the media collecting sieve  12  to vibrate. The vibration source  20  can be of variable speed and power, or constant at a desirable level. The vibration source  20  can also be positioned concentrically around the support shaft  14 , or in any other suitable configuration.  
     [0027] The speed and power of the vibrating motion required to separate the media from the material will be determined by the size of the media, the nature of the material and the configuration of the media collecting sieve. The speed and power of the vibration should be sufficient to separate the material from the media through the media collecting sieve, while not quite strong enough to cause material or media to fall off the top of the media collecting sieve.  
     [0028] C. Support Shaft and Handle  
     [0029] As shown in FIG. 3, a second end of the support shaft  14  comprises a handle  16 , preferably insulated with insulating material  18  as known to practitioners in the art to dampen the vibration from the vibration source  20 . Rubber, urethane, or other suitable materials or combinations thereof as known in the art can be used as insulators  18  for the handle  16  of the support shaft  14 .  
     [0030] D. Container Stand  
     [0031] As shown in FIG. 5, the automated media collection device further can comprise, or interact with, a stand  34  for holding the container  32  having the media and material. The stand  34  and stage  26  or sliding mechanism  28  can be connected by means of a platform, or can be separate. The stand  34  firmly holds the container  32  in a clamp or receptacle to prevent movement of the container  32 . The stand can be of any suitable configuration known to practitioners in the art based on the container size and shape. The stand  34  is either set or adjustable to a suitable angle for interaction with the automated media collection device. The stand  34  can be linearly movable toward and away from the media collection device and/or adjustable in height and angle to allow easy placement and removal of containers  32  and interaction with the automated media collection device. The container  32  can be moved instead of the media collecting sieve and support shaft for interaction therewith, or both the container and the media collecting sieve via the support shaft can be moved into coordinating positions as desired.  
     [0032] E. Manual Method of Collecting Media  
     [0033] For manual use, a person will hold the media collection device  10  by the handle  16 , preferably insulated with insulating material  18 , and insert the media collecting sieve  12  as attached to the support shaft  14  into a container  32  including media and material therein. The media collection device  10  is maneuvered within the container  32  to scoop a combination of material and media into the media collecting sieve  12 , scraping the sides and bottom of the container  32 . The media collection device  10  is vibrated, causing the material to separate from the media. The material will pass through the sieve back into the container, while the media will be retained on the media collecting sieve  12 . The vibration can be supplied either by manipulation of the person&#39;s hand, or by activation of a vibration source attached to the support shaft  14 . If a vibration source is used, the vibration can be continuously supplied throughout the media collection process if desired, thus eliminating the necessity of turning the vibration power supply on and off repeatedly. Once the material is separated from the media on the media collecting sieve  12 , the media collection device  10  is completely removed from the container and the media is deposited in a suitable receptacle to await further processing. The process can be repeated as many times as necessary to remove all media from the material. Depending on the fullness of the container, the sieve may need to be partially removed from the container to effectively separate the media from the biological and/or chemical material. The speed of the sieve vibration and speed of retraction from cooperation with the container can be determined for each container volume and media/material combination and adjusted in order to attain maximum media removal with minimum loss of material. After collection, the media can be further processed as known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as by washing, removing attached material, reusing or disposal of the media.  
     [0034] F. Control of Motorized Parts  
     [0035] Any individual moving part of the above-described system can be motorized or automated. Parts capable of automation include the vibration source  20 , rotating motor  24 , sliding mechanism  28 , angle adjustment of the stage  26 , height adjustment of the stage  26 , angle of the container stand  34 , linear movement of the container stand  34 , and height of the container stand  34 , each of which can independently be motorized or automated. Each automated part can be separately operated, or interconnected through a control panel. The control panel can allow separate operation of each part of the media collection device, or can be computerized to follow a set sequence of steps. The steps and parameters for operating the media collection device can be determined based on conditions such as volume, type, and weight of material in the container, and the quantity or weight of media to be collected.  
     [0036] G. Determination of Endpoint  
     [0037] It can be beneficial to add a means of monitoring the removal of media from the container in order to determine if all media has been removed from the container. Whether done manually, or with the aid of automated parts, the process of separating media from materials will be repeated until all media is removed from the container. The end point of a manual and/or automated collection of media from a container can be determined by several different means. If a known quantity or mass of media is in each container, the removed media can be counted or weighed as it is removed from the container and/or deposited into the receptacle. Alternately, the container can be continuously weighed for a difference in weight equal to the weight of the media. Other endpoint measurement means include, but are not limited to, visual detection such as photo beam detection, audio detection such as shaking the container to observe a presence or lack of rattling sounds, and other means as known to practitioners in the art. These detection means can be manual or automated by any means known to practitioners in the art.  
     [0038] Automated Media Collection Device  
     [0039] A. Rotating Motor  
     [0040] The media collection method can be automated in any suitable manner. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a second end of the support shaft  14  is held in a retainer  22  and connects with a rotating motor  24 . The rotating motor  24  is connected to the support shaft  14  so as to cause off-axis rotation of the support shaft  14  such that the media collecting sieve  12  moves in a scooping motion. The rotating motor  24  can be connected directly to a power source, or through a control panel. The rotating motor  24  is operated to scoop media with material into the media collecting sieve  12 , and to deposit separated media into a suitable receptacle. Other means of manipulating the support shaft and media collecting sieve as known to practitioners in the art can also be used, such as but not limited to the use of rotary stages to position the motor and support shaft relative to the container.  
     [0041] B. Sliding Mechanism  
     [0042] As shown in FIG. 5, the automated means of media collecting can further comprise a sliding mechanism  28  by which the media collection device  10  can be moved linearly into and out of a container  32 . The sliding mechanism  28  can be hand operated or motorized, as desired. If motorized, the sliding mechanism  28  can be connected directly to a power source, or through a control panel. The sliding mechanism  28  can be connected to the rotating motor  24 , the stage  26 , or both. Alternately, the container  32  can be moved into and out of coordinating position with respect to the media collection device, such as by use of a sliding mechanism  28 .  
     [0043] C. Stage  
     [0044] When automated, the media collection device  10  connected to the rotating motor  24  is preferably set on a stage  26  for elevating the media collection device  10  above a working surface and providing a desirable angle for interaction with a container  32 . The stage  26  can have means of adjusting the angle of the media collection device  10  set thereon, and/or means of elevating and lowering the media collection device  10  as desired. The means of adjusting the angle and of adjusting the height of the stage  26  can be manually operated or motorized, and can comprise any method known to practitioners in the art. If motorized, the stage  26  can be connected directly to a power source or through a control panel for control of the angle and elevation. The stage  26  can be directly connected to the rotating motor  24 , connected to a sliding mechanism  28  if one is desired and as shown in FIG. 5, or situated between the rotating motor  24  and the sliding mechanism  28 .  
     [0045] D. Receptacle  
     [0046] The automated media collection device can include an integral or, more preferably, removable receptacle  30  into which the media collecting sieve  12  can drop collected media, as shown in FIG. 5. The receptacle  30  is placed below the media collecting device  10 , and is situated so that the media collecting sieve  12  when rotated or canted deposits the media into the receptacle  30 . The receptacle can be made to weigh the media deposited thereon, thus determining an end point for the collection process. The receptacle also can coordinate with further downstream processes in order to sort media by size and/or clean the media for further use, if desired. For example, the receptacle can be a funnel or other suitable device directing the flow of media to a sorting mechanism. Alternately, the receptacle itself can be a sorting mechanism for sorting media by size or weight. The receptacle also could be filled with a cleaning and/or disinfectant solution in order to clean and/or disinfect the media. Other means of utilizing the receptacle to further clean, disinfect or separate the media will be apparent to practitioners in the art.  
     [0047] E. Container Stand  
     [0048] As shown in FIG. 5, the automated media collection device further can comprise, or interact with, a stand  34  for holding the container  32  having the media and material. The stand  34  and stage  26  or sliding mechanism  28  can be connected by means of a platform, or can be separate. The stand  34  firmly holds the container  32  in a clamp or receptacle to prevent movement of the container  32 . The stand can be of any suitable configuration known to practitioners in the art based on the container size and shape. The stand  34  is either set or adjustable to a suitable angle for interaction with the automated media collection device. The stand  34  can be linearly movable toward and away from the media collection device and/or adjustable in height and angle to allow easy placement and removal of containers  32  and interaction with the automated media collection device. The container  32  can be moved instead of the media collecting sieve and support shaft for interaction therewith, or both the container and the media collecting sieve via the support shaft can be moved into coordinating positions as desired.  
     [0049] F. Control of Motorized Parts  
     [0050] The motorized portions of the automated media collection device, which can include one or more of the vibration source  20 , rotating motor  24 , sliding mechanism  28 , angle adjustment of the stage  26 , height adjustment of the stage  26 , angle of the container stand  34 , linear movement of the container stand  34 , and height of the container stand  34 , can each be separately operated through a control panel, or interconnected through a central control panel or computer. Each control panel can allow separate operation of each part of the media collection device, or can be computerized to control all parts of the media collection device following a set sequence of steps. The steps and parameters for operating the media collection device can be determined based on conditions such as volume, type, and weight of material in the container, and the quantity or weight of media to be collected. If the media collection device is computerized using a central control panel or computer, it can be beneficial to add a means of monitoring the removal of media from the container in order to determine if all media has been removed from the container. The process of separating media from materials will be repeated until all media is removed from the container.  
     [0051] Multiple automated media collection devices can be controlled by one or more computers and/or control stations. If operating on the same media and material, one computer or control station can control a group of media collection devices. If the media collection devices are located separately in a facility, or each is working with a different media and/or material, separate means of controlling each media collection device are desirable. Various configurations and control means for media collection devices and multiple arrays of media collection devices will be apparent to practitioners in the art.  
     [0052] G. Automated Method of Collecting Media  
     [0053] When activated, the automated media collection device will linearly insert the media collecting sieve  12  attached to the support shaft  14  into the container  32 . The rotating motor  24  will be activated for one cycle to enable the media collecting sieve  12  to move in a scooping manner to collect material and media from the container  32 . The scooping motion enables the media collecting sieve  12  to scrape the sides and bottom of the container  32 . At least a portion of the support shaft  14  is vibrated by vibration source  20 , causing vibration of the media collection sieve  12  such that material thereon separates from the media and passes through the media collecting sieve  12 , while the media remains on the media collecting sieve  12 . After a sufficient time to ensure all material is separated from the media, the media collection device  10  is completely linearly removed from the container  32 . The rotating motor  24 , possibly in combination with the angle of the stage  26 , is desirably activated to deposit the media in a receptacle  30 . The process is then repeated until all media is removed from the container. Depending on the fullness of the container, the sieve may need to be partially removed from the container to effectively separate the media from the biological and/or chemical material. The speed of the sieve vibration and speed of retraction from cooperation with the container can be determined for each container volume and media/material combination and adjusted in order to attain maximum media removal with minimum loss of material. After collection, the media can be further processed as known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as by washing, removing attached material, reusing or disposal of the media.  
     [0054] H. Automated Multiple Media Collection Device  
     [0055] Two or more of the automated media collection devices described above can be joined together for simultaneous automated media collection from multiple sources. The automated media collection devices can be ganged to form a multiple media collection device. Each media collection device therein can operate in unison or separately from another media collection device. The automated multiple media collection device can be controlled through a single control panel or computer, or multiple control panel or computer stations. Preferably, one control panel or computer is associated with each automated multiple media collection device. The individual media collection devices can be joined by physical means such as a platform, electronically, or by other suitable means as known to practitioners in the art to form the desired multiple media collection device configuration. The multiple media collection device can be configured to collect media from a single row of containers at one time, or from a more complex grid or circular arrangement of containers. The configuration can be designed to match that of current high speed and/or high throughput devices, such as multiple sample cell trays, multi-column assays, and the like.  
     [0056] Groups of automated multiple media collection devices can be controlled by one or more computers and/or control stations. If operating on the same material and media, one computer can control a group of multiple media collection devices. If the multiple media collection devices are located separately in a facility, or each is working with a different material and/or media, separate means of controlling each multiple media collection device are desirable. Various configurations and control means for media collection devices and multiple media collection devices will be apparent to practitioners in the art.  
     [0057] I. Determination of Endpoint  
     [0058] The end point of collection of media from a container can be determined by several different means. If a known quantity or mass of media is deposited in a container, the removed media can be counted or weighed as it deposited into the receptacle. Alternately, the container can be continuously weighed for a difference in weight equal to the weight of the media. Other endpoint measurement means include but are not limited to visual detection such as photo beam detection, audio detection such as shaking the container to observe a presence or lack of rattling sounds, and other means as known to practitioners in the art. These detection means can be manual or automated by any suitable means.  
     [0059] Exemplary Uses  
     [0060] The manual media collection device, automated media collection device, or multiple media collection device as described herein can be used for media collection from many different sources. Such sources include, but are not limited to, one or more of a test tube array, a multiple sample cell tray, a multi-column assay, a high speed and/or high throughput assay, a shaker table, a grinding table as described, for example, in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/870,191, and other multi-container set-ups as known to practitioners in the art. Multiple arrangements of singular test tubes, sample cells, assays and the like can also be used in with the media collection devices described herein.  
     [0061] Alternative materials, devices or methods of operating the media collection device manually or automatically will be apparent to practitioners in the art. All alternate devices, materials and methods within the spirit and scope of the invention are intended to be included herein. The scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims.