Abstract: The present invention relates to a holding apparatus (10) for receiving specimen slides (1), having a holder (3, 4, 5) for handling the holding apparatus (10) and having at least two identification units (2a, 2b) that make available different information items to enable characterization of the orientation of the holding apparatus (10) in a stainer or coverslipper.

Abstract: A device for manipulating at least one specimen slide includes a first sensor unit operable to sense a first rotation of a first component of the device about at least one first axis of a three-dimensional coordinate system. A second sensor unit is operable to sense a second rotation of a second component of the device about the at least one first axis of the coordinate system, the coordinate system being independent of a position of the first component and of a position of the second component. A positioning unit is operable to position the second component relative to the first component.

Abstract: A device for manipulating at least one specimen slide. The device includes a first sensor unit operable to sense a first rotation of a first component of the device about at least one first axis of a three-dimensional coordinate system. A second sensor unit is operable to sense a second rotation of a second component of the device about the at least one first axis of the coordinate system, the coordinate system being independent of a position of the first component and of a position of the second component. A positioning unit is operable to position the second component relative to the first component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a holding apparatus (10) for receiving specimen slides (1), having a holder (3, 4, 5) for handling the holding apparatus (10) and having at least two identification units (2a, 2b) that make available different information items to enable characterization of the orientation of the holding apparatus (10) in a stainer or coverslipper.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for treating prepared specimens. The apparatus comprises at least two container rows arranged in parallel to each other, each comprising a plurality of reagent containers and a transport mechanism for transporting at least one transport container that receives at least one carrier holding at least one prepared specimen. The transport mechanism is movable along an X and Z axis. A rotation unit is provided comprising holding arms and at least one holding element. The container rows are received rotatably at the ends of the holding arms of the at least one holding element that is connected to a rotation shaft such that it co-rotates with the rotation shaft that extends parallel to the X axis. The rotation unit is adapted to assume at least one working position allowing the transport mechanism to have access to the reagent container.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the treatment of cytological and histological specimens are described. A treatment program comprising multiple treatment parameters is predetermined. The specimens are introduced in accordance with the predetermined treatment program sequentially into a plurality of treatment stations by means of a transport device. At least one of the process data time and number of specimens subject to simultaneous treatment in one particular treatment station and number of the treatment stations during execution of the treatment program are determined. These process data are evaluated for optimizing the treatment program as to at least one of processing time, number of treatment stations and sequence of treatment stations.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for treating prepared specimens. The apparatus comprises at least two container rows arranged in parallel to each other, each comprising a plurality of reagent containers and a transport mechanism for transporting at least one transport container that receives at least one carrier holding at least one prepared specimen. The transport mechanism is movable along an X and Z axis. A rotation unit is provided comprising holding arms and at least one holding element. The container rows are received rotatably at the ends of the holding arms of the at least one holding element that is connected to a rotation shaft such that it co-rotates with the rotation shaft that extends parallel to the X axis. The rotation unit is adapted to assume at least one working position allowing the transport mechanism to have access to the reagent container.

Abstract: A device for manipulating at least one specimen slide. The device includes a first sensor unit operable to sense a first rotation of a first component of the device about at least one first axis of a three-dimensional coordinate system. A second sensor unit is operable to sense a second rotation of a second component of the device about the at least one first axis of the coordinate system, the coordinate system being independent of a position of the first component and of a position of the second component. A positioning unit is operable to position the second component relative to the first component.