Abstract: An actuation assembly adapted for driving a load, and protecting against overload conditions, includes an actuator defining a stroke, and a resistive member, such as a superelastic shape memory alloy spring, drivenly coupled to the actuator, so as to be displaced over the stroke when an overload condition exists, and defining a non-linear force versus displacement profile.

Abstract: A torque sensing system can sense the torque that is flowing through a mechanical system. The torque sensing system allows for better control because the torque and horsepower of the mechanical system can be known at all times. The torque sensing system includes an input shaft and an output shaft that prompts a torque shaft to deflect onto a load cell, where the force of the deflection of the torque shaft onto the load cell may be used to determine the torque of the system.

Abstract: A method for determining an electrical torque of an electrical machine includes determining an electrical torque in a first speed range with a first algorithm, and determining the electrical torque in a second speed range with a second algorithm which differs from the first algorithm. An upper limit of the second speed range is slightly higher than a lower limit of the first speed range. An apparatus is provided to determine the electrical torque of the electrical machine with the aforedescribed method.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an imperceptible motion sensing device, which includes a non-conductive elastomer made of a pliable and elastic non-conductor (e.g., polyurethane) and having a bumpy side formed with at least one sunken portion thereon, at least one conductive fiber positioned in the at least one sunken portion respectively (e.g., by sewing), and a conductive elastomer made of a pliable and elastic conductor (e.g., a conductive foam or conductive rubber) and provided on the bumpy side of the non-conductive elastomer. When the sensing device is compressed by an external force, corresponding portions of the conductive elastomer and the non-conductive elastomer are compressed and deformed, causing contact and hence electrical connection between the conductive elastomer and the at least one conductive fiber. Thus, the imperceptible motion sensing device not only provides more accurate and more sensitive signal detection, but also ensures consistent performance even after long-term use.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for facilitating automated or semi-automated collection of tissue samples cut by a microtome. In one example, a collection apparatus may be moved back and forth between respective positions at which the collection apparatus is operatively coupled to a microtome so as to collect cut tissue samples, or routine access to the microtome is provided. Relatively easy movement and positioning of the collection apparatus is facilitated, while at the same time ensuring structural stability and appropriate alignment and/or isolation between the collection apparatus and the microtome. A fluid reservoir receives samples cut by the microtome, and the collection apparatus may collect samples via a conveyor-like substrate disposed near/in the reservoir. A linear movement of the substrate may be controlled based on a cutting rate of the microtome, and the fluid level in the reservoir may be automatically maintained to facilitate effective sample collection.

Abstract: A device for splitting a sample, in particular a time-inhomogeneous sample, into two or more representative fractional samples, as well as a sample taking system with a sample splitter and a sample taker, wherein the sample splitter has a first pump (1, 201, 301) with a first flow rate and at least one second pump (2, 202, 302; 215) with a second flow rate, wherein the first pump and the at least one second pump (2, 202, 302; 215) co-act, so that the inhomogeneous sample on its passage through a conduit system (3, 203, 303) is at the same time split up into at least two representative fractional samples.

Abstract: A chemical indicator device comprising a housing that comprises a viewing port, a means to provide illumination, and test tube wells so configured such that the observer views the test tubes from the side.

Abstract: Provided herein are sensors and methods for determining properties of single cells, such as cell mass. Sensors disclosed herein include resonant sensors having a suspended platform designed to exhibit a uniform vibration amplitude. Methods are also disclosed for measuring changes in cell mass, changes in cell number, changes in cell viscosity and changes in cell elasticity.

Abstract: A conduit length adjustment apparatus having first and second housings each having a member structured to engage the respective housing with a first conduit. A housing movement device is connected between the first and second housings and configured to change a distance between the first and second housings. Selective operation of the members and housing movement device causes the first conduit to move into or out of a second conduit.

Abstract: Embodiments of control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) are provided, as are embodiments of a method for fabricating CMGs. In one embodiment, a CMG includes a stator housing, an inner gimbal assembly (IGA), and a torque motor coupled to the stator housing and configured to rotate the IGA housing about a gimbal axis to selectively generate a desired output torque during operation of the CMG. The IGA includes, in turn, an IGA support structure housing rotatably coupled to the stator housing, a monolithic CMG rotor rotatably mounted to the IGA support structure housing, and a spin motor coupled to the IGA support structure housing and configured to rotate the monolithic CMG rotor about a spin axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protection device of an engine starting device that protects the engine starting device provided with a plurality of starting devices including a starter capable of starting an engine and a motor/generator capable of starting the engine, the engine being started by driving the motor/generator under a first condition, the engine being started by driving the starter under a second condition less generated than the first condition, wherein the starter is forcedly driven on a regular basis.

Abstract: A power take-off unit (“PTO”) may include a retarder to reduce noise while the transmission PTO output gear is operating at low torque. The retarder may variably load the PTO based on the PTO output load, while disengaging from the PTO while the PTO is not operational. The retarder may also serve as a primary retarder function to slow a vehicle's speed. The retarder may be controlled by a vehicle operator or by a processor.

Abstract: A PTO transmission system in a vehicle for transmitting power to a PTO shaft driving an implement comprises a planetary drive unit (3) having first and second input means (2, 5) and output means (4) coupled to the PTO shaft (8). The first and second input means are coupled to an output shaft of the vehicle engine (1) and to an output shaft (5) of drive motor means (7), respectively. Control means (11) control the transfer of power from a power source (4) to said drive motor means (7). The power source is a variable power generating means (6) driven by said PTO shaft. The drive motor means are configured and adapted to decrease or increase the rotational speed of the output means of the planetary drive unit on an increase or decrease of the power transferred to it, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power transmission device. A power transmission device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a rack having a plurality of rack tooth profiles; a plurality of pin gears, which have a plurality of power transmission pins that rotate relative to the rack tooth profiles for power transmission, and are provided at a distance from each other along the lengthwise direction of the rack; and input gears which are disposed between the pin gears and rotatively connect the plurality of pin gears such that the pin gears rotate at the same speed as each other.

Abstract: A drive system is provided for rotating a biopsy member. The drive system includes a pinion connected to the biopsy member and a rack that drives the pinion during a drive stroke. During the return stroke, the rack rotates away from the pinion so that the rack is not engaged with the pinion during the return stroke. Thus, the pinion is only driven during the drive stroke but not during the return stroke. As a result, the biopsy member rotates in a single direction as a trigger is repeatedly pressed and released.

Abstract: Pressure piece (9) of a rack-and-pinion steering system, wherein the pressure piece (9) can be pressed along a pressure axis (D) against a rack (5), wherein the pressure piece (9) has a guide (14) for the rack (5) along its rack axis (Z), wherein an adjusting device (17) for adjusting the guide (14) of the pressure piece (9) along an adjusting axis (S) is provided, wherein the adjusting axis (S) intersects a plane containing the pressure axis (D) and also the rack axis (Z). It is possible to place the rack (5) off-axis in a targeted manner in order to reduce unwanted noise.

Abstract: A method for doubling an input motion of a first mechanism including: providing the first mechanism having a first link, a second link rotatably connected to the first link; a first output which undergoes a motion resulting from a motion of the first link, the first output being operatively connected to the first link through at least the second link; driving the first link from a first position to a second position, wherein a singular position of the first and second links occurs between the first and second positions; cascading the first mechanism with a second mechanism; and inputting the second mechanism with the output to double the output and quadruple the input.

Abstract: A step actuator includes a housing, a stator in the housing, a rotor including a magnet provided radially inward of the stator and a nut member inserted into the magnet and protruding through one side of the housing, a bearing rotatably supporting the nut member, a screw member coupled with the nut member to linearly move as the rotor rotates, and a mounting member supported on one side of the housing to support the screw member in such a manner that the screw member is linearly movable. The nut member includes an end portion passing through the bearing and a coupling portion extending from the end portion to couple with the bearing.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system includes: an engine outputting a rotational torque; a drive shaft; a dog-clutch automatic transmission which includes an input shaft, an output shaft, plural idler gears idly rotatably arranged at one of the input shaft and the output shaft, plural fixed gears fixed to the other of the input shaft and the output shaft and engageable with the idler gears, respectively, plural dog clutches provided at a shaft at which the idler gears are arranged, and a selection mechanism moving each dog clutch in an axial direction of the shaft to allow the dog clutch to be engaged with the idler gear and to allow the dog clutch to be disengaged from the idler gear; a clutch arranged between the drive shaft and the input shaft; and a shift execution device configured to execute an up-shift operation from a present gear stage to a subsequent gear stage.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an intermittent driving device, which includes a housing installed on an outer side of a grill burner and a control gear set fixedly provided in the housing. The control gear set includes an input gear, an intermittent gear and an output gear, wherein the input gear is rotated by a motor, the upper half of the intermittent gear is circumferentially and concavely provided with a rotation-stopping groove and meshes with the output gear, the lower half of the intermittent gear meshes with the input gear, and axle of the output gear has one end pivotally connected to axle of the input gear and has an opposite end securely connecting with a rotating grill rack outside the housing. Thus, the output gear can be rotated by the intermittent gear and then rotate the rotating grill rack intermittently above a heat source of the grill burner.

Abstract: A coupling device is provided with a gearshift sleeve for a gearshift transmission. The gearshift sleeve via a first inner toothing optionally couples a first or second coupling gear rim of a first or second toothed gear wheel to an outer toothing of a hub body. The gearshift sleeve comprises a second inner toothing, with which the gearshift sleeve can be brought into engagement with the second coupling gear rim of the second toothed gear wheel and simultaneously via the first inner toothing with the first coupling gear rim of the first toothed gear wheel subject to freewheeling of the hub body.

Abstract: The present invention proposes an accessory gearbox for an engine having at least one accessory gearbox shaft connectable to an auxiliary unit and driveable by a drive shaft, said drive shaft being operatively connectable to an engine shaft of the engine. At least one auxiliary unit can be arranged on the drive shaft and/or in the area of the operative connection between the drive shaft and the engine shaft and/or on an accessory gearbox shaft connectable to a further auxiliary unit.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a power module including a housing and a gear set, wherein the housing is installed on an outer side of a grill burner, and the gear set is fixedly provided in the housing and includes an intermittent gear and an output gear. The intermittent gear has a circumferential surface provided with an intermittently toothed portion along the axial direction of the intermittent gear and can be rotated by a motor, wherein the intermittently toothed portion includes a toothed zone and a toothless zone. The gear shaft of the output gear has one end exposed from the housing and connecting to the grill rack. Thus, when the intermittently toothed portion meshes with the output gear, the grill rack can be intermittently rotated above the grill burner, allowing the heat source in the grill burner to heat the food on the grill rack evenly.

Abstract: The device is configured for moving a fluid within a gearbox. In one illustrative embodiment, the device includes a base portion coupled to a rotatable member within the gearbox. An inlet portion of the device is configured to draw the fluid from a reservoir portion of the gearbox. The device is configured to utilize a centrifugal force for moving the fluid from the inlet portion toward the base portion along an interior surface of a conical portion. In another illustrative embodiment, the device includes a conical portion having an external threaded portion configured to capture a fluid during a rotation of the device. In such an embodiment, the threaded portion is configured to utilize a centrifugal force for moving the fluid captured by the threaded portion along an exterior surface of the conical portion.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods, apparatus and systems that calibrate main modulation of an electro-hydraulic control system for a vehicle transmission are presented. Some embodiments calibrate regulator control signals that cause a main regulator valve to develop a main line pressure based upon status of a control main valve that develops a control main pressure based upon the main line pressure.

Abstract: A remote controlled actuator includes a spindle for holding a tool, a spindle guide section of an elongated configuration, a distal end member rotatably supporting the spindle, and a drive unit housing connected to a base end of the spindle guide section. The distal end member is fitted to the spindle guide section for alteration in attitude. The spindle guide section includes an outer shell pipe, a rotary shaft, and guide pipe. Within the guide pipe, an attitude altering member is inserted to alter the attitude of the distal end member. A connection device detachably connects the spindle guide section with the drive unit housing.

Abstract: A joint unit pivotably coupled to a tip end part of a main arm member of a Scott Russell mechanism is pivoted in two ways. A Scott Russell mechanism device pivotably couples a main arm member and a sub arm member to each other, as well as it pivotably couples a joint unit to a tip end part of the main arm member. Moreover, by providing a pivot driving unit to the main arm member, as well as providing a fourth motor and a drive transmission mechanism unit to the sub arm member, the Scott Russell mechanism device can switch between pivoting the joint unit associatively a change of a coupling angle of the arm members and and pivoting the joint unit by the drive of the fourth motor.

Abstract: A steering device easily sets an absorption amount of impact energy to a predetermined magnitude at a time when a female male shaft and a male shaft undergo relative contraction upon occurrence of a vehicle collision. If the male shaft undergoes contraction by a length against the female shaft, a serrated edge on a right-end surface of the female shaft is butted against a left-end surface of an impact-energy absorption part. Then, the serrated edge of a female serration is firmly butted against a left-end surface of the impact-energy absorption part to undergo plastic deformation, whereupon resistance to collapsing increases, thereby absorbing impact energy.

Abstract: A steering device includes: a column pipe; an outer housing having a clamping portion; a pair of stopper plates; a fastener having a bolt shaft that is mounted on the clamping portion so as to fasten the clamping portion to thereby fix the column pipe; and a buffer member. The buffer member is mounted on any one of the pair of facing stopper plates and the bolt shaft and makes contact with the other by mutual displacement, and a plurality of projection ribs having a triangular cross-sectional shape is formed on a contacting surface of the buffer member.

Abstract: An auxiliary lock mechanism that locks a lock member (6) at a steering lock position is provided. In the auxiliary lock member, a slide plate (91) thereof engages with an auxiliary engagement portion (95) of the lock member (6) located at the steering lock position in such a manner that engagement between a holding member (21) and a holding/receiving portion (93) thereof is disengaged. On a more rear end side of the lock member (6) than the auxiliary engagement portion (95), a fragile portion (74) is provided, in which a load is set smaller than a load tolerable by the slide plate (91). In a case where a load of a set value or more is applied to the lock member (6), the lock member (6) is torn at the fragile portion (74).

Abstract: The present invention provides a locking unit 3 which is arranged to be fitted to existing casement window winding mechanisms. The winder assembly 1 comprises a winding mechanism 2 which is arranged to move the casement window outwardly or inwardly. In particular, the winder assembly 1 comprises a handle 48 which is rotated by a user in a first direction to open the window and in a second direction to close the window. The present invention provides a restrictor for restricting the opening of the casement window beyond a predetermined distance. In particular, the present invention is arranged to enable a user to wind the handle 48 until the casement window reaches the predetermined distance. The restrictor is automatically reset once the casement window is moved back or towards the closed position such that the casement window is within the predetermined restricted initial opening distance.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar clamp assembly has a handlebar clamp, a fixing nut, and a fixing bolt. The fixing nut includes a threaded bore having a bolt entrance opening and a bolt exit opening. The fixing nut defines a bolt shaft receiving space disposed adjacent the bolt exit opening. The fixing bolt includes a head and a shaft extending from the head. The shaft has a non-threaded portion disposed between two threaded portions. One of threaded portions is disposed closer to the head of the fixing bolt than the other threaded portion. The threaded portions are dimensioned to threadedly engage the threaded bore of the fixing nut. The non-threaded portion has a axial length that is greater than the axial length of the threaded bore of the fixing nut.

Abstract: A steering wheel has a rim having an armature encapsulated by a cover of resilient material. The cover has a fixing groove or recess formed therein so as to extend around the rim generally circumferentially with respect to the steering wheel. An outer skin is formed from flexible material and is provided over and around the cover such that two opposed edges of the outer skin are both positioned within the fixing groove or recess and fixed therein. The outer skin includes at least one seam terminating in a seam-end located along one of the opposed edges of the outer skin such that each edge of the outer skin positioned within the fixing groove or recess has at least one seam-end, and wherein each seam-end formed along one of the edges is circumferentially offset around the rim from each seam-end formed along the other edge.

Abstract: A centrifugal pendulum device having pendulum masses, which are arranged axially on both sides on a pendulum mass carrier which is rotatable about an axis of rotation, the pendulum masses forming a pendulum mass pair, where the pendulum masses are connected to one another, so as to form the pendulum mass pair, by means of at least one fastening element which is movable in a cutout in the pendulum mass carrier, and the pendulum masses are pivotable to a limited extent relative to the pendulum mass carrier along a pendulum raceway, so as to describe an angle of deflection, by means of at least one rolling element which can roil in in each case one cutout in the pendulum mass carrier and in the pendulum masses. Here, two circumferentially adjacently arranged pendulum masses are arranged radially one above the other at least in sections.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process in which a Platinum Group Metal (PGM)-rich residue from a BMR (Base Metals Refinery) process is subjected to a high temperature roast to remove contaminants, typically volatile elements (for example Se, Te, As, S, Bi, Os) and obtain a roast product. The roast product is smelted with a flux to form a slag phase and an alloy phase, and to vaporize sulphates and heavy metals like Pb, Te, and remove stable oxide compounds such as Si02 and oxides of Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Cr, Te, Bi to the slag phase. The alloy and the slag phase are separated, and the alloy phase is then melted and atomized with a gas or liquid atomization process to form fine alloy particles that can be dissolved in water and treated in a hydrometallurgical PMR (Precious Metals Refinery) process.

Abstract: A continuous flow reactor for nanoparticle synthesis comprises a modular system including a plurality of interconnected tubular components for fluid flow therethrough including a first tubular inlet and a second tubular inlet connected to a three-way junction comprising a tubular mixer. A continuous flow method for nanoparticle synthesis comprises flowing a growth solution and a reaction-initiating solution into a mixing portion of a flow reactor to form a mixed solution; flowing the mixed solution through a holding portion of the flow reactor for a predetermined residence time to form a reacted solution comprising nanoparticles; and continuously removing the reacted solution from the flow reactor so as to achieve a throughput of nanoparticles of at least about 0.5 mg/min.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of noble metal-containing mixtures for a process for processing them by heating the mixture, preferably for processing them by means of an ashing process. This provision is characterized by the following measures: (a) moistening of the noble metal-containing mixture to be processed, (b) introduction of the moistened noble metal-containing mixture into at least one container which serves as diffusion barrier for water, and (c) introduction of the loaded container into a heat-resistant chamber together with at least one upper refractory mat. The noble metal-containing mixture is preferably moistened in the presence of a porous material and the chamber is closed by means of a heat-resistant covering. The invention further provides a processing process comprising the provision of noble metal-containing mixtures and also the heat-resistant chamber loaded with noble metal-containing mixtures itself.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bit for a rotary drill, the bit including a drill tip (30), the method including providing a precursor structure (10) comprising substrate body (14) and a super-hard structure (12) joined to an upper surface of the substrate body; cutting a plurality of conformal inserts (20) from the precursor structure (10), each insert (20) comprising a part of the super-hard structure; providing a drill tip (30) configured for receiving the insert (20); and joining the insert to the drill tip (30).

Abstract: A coating removal tool used for an optical fiber includes: a base; and a pair of arm members extending in one direction from the base. Also, the arm members, each of which comprises an elastically deformable deformation portion on a base side, and an operation portion which is closer to a tip end side than the deformation portion, contact portions in a wedge shape are provided on the inner sides of operation portions, respectively, the inner sides opposing to each other so that tip edges of contact portions oppose to each other, and grip portions are provided outside the operation portions, respectively, and a coating of an optical fiber is configured to be removed by pulling out the optical fiber in a state where the tip edges of the contact portions are brought into contact with the optical fiber disposed along an extending direction of the arm members.

Abstract: A device for automatically stripping insulation of a cable includes a rack, a guiding pole, a slide pole, a clamping mechanism, a cutting mechanism, and a controlling mechanism. The guiding pole includes a first pole fastened to the first end of the rack, a second pole spaced from the first pole, and a third pole spaced from the second pole and fastened to the second end of the rack. The guiding pole defines a through hole. The third pole defines a groove parallel to the through slot. The slide pole is slidable to the third pole. A photosensitive sensor is mounted to the slide pole and aligned with the groove to detect the cable. The cutting mechanism includes two blades located between the second pole and the third pole. The controlling mechanism is electrically connected to the photosensitive sensor, the clamping mechanism, and the cutting mechanism.

Abstract: A fastener tool assembly for installing breakaway torque nuts includes a socket having a first end attachable to a driver of a fastening tool. A second end of the socket operably engages a detachable wrenching ring of a breakaway torque nut. A window is formed in a sidewall of the socket, sized and configured to permit at least one wrenching ring to pass therethrough. A catch permits insertion of the wrenching ring into the socket, but prevents the detached wrenching ring from freely falling out of the open end of the socket. A sleeve associated with the window selectively permits passage of one or more detached wrenching rings through the window, or prevents passage of the detached wrenching rings therethrough.

Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a wrench body, a ratchet rotatably mounted in the wrench body and defining therein a through hole for accommodating a screw nut, a magnetic member mounted in the through hole, and one or multiple limiters mounted in the through hole of the ratchet to hold the magnetic member in place. Thus, the opposing ends of the ratchet can be selectively used to accommodate a mating screw nut and the accommodated screw nut can be secured in place inside the ratchet by the magnetic attractive force of the magnetic member, avoiding screw nut displacement or falling and facilitating the use of the ratchet wrench. Further, the ratchet can be configured to have a stepped through hole for selectively accommodating different sizes of screw nuts.

Abstract: A device for assembling and disassembling an oil filter tank has a clamp module, a base plate, two elbow plates, two restricting elements, and a rotating base. The clamp module has a pair of clamp plates. Each clamp plate has a slipping portion, and the slipping portion has a restricting hole. The base plate is mounted on the clamp plates. The elbow plates are pivotally mounted on the slipping portions respectively. The restricting elements are inserted slidably in the restricting holes respectively and are fixed on the base plate. The rotating base is pivotally mounted on the elbow plates and has an adapter. When the clamp plates are separated from each other, the restricting elements can ensure that the clamp plates move parallelly, such that stability and strength of the device can be enhanced.

Abstract: A locking pliers is provided with first and second plier arms each including a jaw and a handle portion; a pivot joint interconnecting the first and second plier arms for allowing movement of the jaws from an open position to a closed position; and a link and quick release assembly including a link having one end pivotably secured to one handle portion; a spring biased quick release lever put on the link; and a housing having one end connected to the quick release lever and the other end pivotably secured to the other handle portion, the housing including a main portion with the link disposed therein, the main portion including at least three marks. In response to pressing the first and second handle portions toward each other, the other end of the link moves to a mark other than the first and last marks.

Abstract: A power wrench with a torque sensing unit includes a housing, a motor, an output shaft, and a planetary reduction gearing connecting the motor to the output shaft and including a stationary ring gear supported in the housing, wherein the torque sensing unit includes a torque transferring element with a single radially extending reaction arm arranged to transfer reaction torque from the ring gear to the housing and carrying strain measuring sensors for generating signals in response to the transferred reaction torque. The torque transferring element includes an annular body with two weak portions to be elastically deformed during torque transfer and having flat surfaces for carrying the strain measuring sensors.

Abstract: A tool handle for releasably receiving a tool including a core portion having a base portion and a cylindrical shaft portion extending outwardly therefrom, the base portion including a first surface, a second surface, and an outer wall extending therebetween, the outer wall defining a first bore therein, and a grip portion rotatably disposed about the shaft portion of the core. The first bore is configured to releasably receive a first portion of the tool.

Abstract: A universal edge guide is provided that is operable for guiding a tool with respect to an edge of a workpiece. In accordance with an embodiment, the universal edge guide provides tool guidance by way of a sliding fence abutting an edge of the workpiece well before the initial engagement of the tool working portion with the workpiece, during the engagement of the tool working portion with the workpiece, and after the disengagement of the tool working portion with the workpiece.

Abstract: Replaceable shaving assemblies are disclosed that include a blade unit, an interface element configured to removably connect the blade unit to a handle, on which the blade unit is pivotably mounted, and an elastomeric element disposed between the blade unit and interface element. Shaving systems including such shaving assemblies are also disclosed, as are methods of using such shaving systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microtome (10) for cutting thin sections, including a sample holder (12), a cutting unit (16), and a drive unit (16) for producing a feed movement between the sample holder (12) and the cutting unit (16) for setting the thickness of the sample sections. The drive unit (22) includes a piezoelectric linear actuator (50) for producing the feed movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microtome (10) including a sample holder (12) a cutting unit (16), and a drive unit (22) capable of producing a relative movement between the sample holder (12) and the cutting unit (16) for cutting the sample. In addition, the microtome (10) has a handwheel (32) and an encoder (38). A control unit (40) controls the drive unit (22) as a function of the rotational movement of the handhweel (32) detected by the encoder (38) and in such a way that, in a first operating mode, the relative movement produced between the sample holder (12) and the cutting element (16) by the drive unit (22) when the handwheel (32) is rotated through a full revolution has a maximum first stroke length and that, in a second operating mode, the relative movement has a preset second stroke length shorter than the maximum first stroke length.