Abstract: This invention concerns a measuring system for the calculation of dimensions, including area and volume, of objects in various shapes. In particular, it concerns miniature 3D measuring equipment that is perfectly suitable for 3D measurements of subcutaneous tumors in mice. The primary objective of this invention then also consists of a measuring system for 3D measurements of objects in various shapes, which includes a handheld device that has at least 1 camera, 1 projector and a measuring chamber. In another implementation, the handheld device will have 2 cameras and a projector and the 3D measurement is based on stereo-vision. Another objective is directed to ensuring that said handheld device also has a processor module, a user interface, a power supply, a data communication interface, and exchangeable measuring chambers which provide the flexibility and autonomy to speed up the measurement procedure, and significantly improve the reproducibility of the measurement.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the automatic staining, imaging, cutting and collection of samples in a sample-processing device, in particular in a microtome. It provides a general-purpose sample holder, which comprises fluid exchange means for, e.g., surface staining and washing of a specimen. Furthermore, it provides a microtome chamber comprising sample collection means. A directional flow is used in the microtome chamber to transport a cut section of the specimen to a sample collection chamber. The present microtome chamber is especially useful to automatically collect delicate microtome samples, such as thin fresh tissue slices prepared by a vibratome. The microtome chamber may further comprise a sample holder receptacle and means to transport fluids to and from the fluids exchange means of the sample holder.

Abstract: This invention concerns a measuring system for the calculation of dimensions, including area and FIG. 4 volume, of objects in various shapes. In particular, it concern miniature 3D measuring equipment that is perfectly suitable for 3D measurements of subcutaneous tumours in mice. The primary objective of this invention then also consists of a measuring system for 3D measurements of objects in various shapes, which includes a handheld device that has at least 1 camera, 1 projector and a measuring chamber. In a more specific implementation, the handheld device will have 2 cameras and a projector and the 3D measurement is based on stereo-vision.