Abstract: Apparatus for treatment of human or animal cell samples on a microscopic slide includes an element having a recessed face defined by rails which are adapted to slide on surface of the slide. An opening at the leading edge of the element has a bevelled edge and provides access to a cavity formed between the face and the surface of the slide when the rails bear on the slide. The slide is tilted slightly and a vacuum nozzle is arranged at the lower edge of the slide. An end stop may be clamped to the end of the slide opposite to the end where the nozzle is located and has a bevelled edge complimentary to the bevelled edge of the element for closing the opening.

Abstract: An improved, automatic slide specimen staining apparatus. The apparatus includes a covered housing containing a plurality of baths, input and withdrawal drawers and a three direction slide racks transport mechanism. The transport mechanism is controlled in its movement of slide racks, from bath to bath between an initial position to a final position; the transport mechanism is under the control of a microprocessor control system programmed with a series of staining schedules that are operator selective for a given slide rack input from the initial position, the microprocessor control system interactively determining individual slide rack movement timing through selected baths.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for the automatic staining of tissue includes a body (12) on which a carousel (16) rotates. The carousel (16) is able to carry a number of slides (24) bearing tissue samples. A delivery head assembly (18) is mounted on the body (12) for movement across the diameter of the carousel (16). The head assembly contains a clear nozzle (20) and a spray nozzle (22). A version (50) of the spray nozzle (22) for spraying a fluid biochemical agent onto a slide (24) has a main body (52) a plug (56) in the main body (52) and a cap (54) on the main body (52) between which there is a swirl chamber (68) into which fluid passes from the body (52). The fluid enters the swirl chamber (68) such that flow in the chamber (68) is concentric to the chamber axis and thereafter flows from the body (52) through an exit ( 66), thus minimising damage to the biochemical agent.

Abstract: A hand surgery table having a platform (3) and a universal-type joint (6) connecting that platform (3) to a base (5) whereby the disposition of the platform (3) relative to the base (5) can be varied to suit requirements. A lock member (13) is provided to releasably secure the platform (3) in a selected disposition. The platform (3) is releasably connectable to the support structure (2) of the table so that it can be separated for cleaning or disposal, and a frangible detent (26) may be provided to show that the platform (3) has been previously used. A plurality of column supports (41) are attachable to the platform (3) at any of a plurality of positions across the upper surface of the platform (3) and at least some of those supports (41) have a contoured upper end. The column supports (41) cooperate with holes (31) in the platform (3) which also serve as drainage holes.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing samples, such as tissue samples, including a rotatable table which carries either the samples or solutions in which the samples are to be immersed. The table is rotatable between a series of sample processing stations and is also arranged for axial movement between positions at which a sample is and is not respectively immersed in a solution. A single reversible motor is operable to both rotate the table and cause axial movement thereof. The motor drives a spindle having a double helix and also drives the table through a one way clutch arranged so that in one mode of operation the motor rotates both the spindle and the table and in another mode it rotates the spindle only. In the latter case the table is caused to move up and down the spindle as a result of cooperation between a follower and the helix tracks of the spindle.

Abstract: A traction splint for attachment to a person's leg for example and having an elongate U-shape frame. The side arms of the frame are telescopic and an air pump is connected to the frame so as to be operable to cause simultaneous extension of the two arms. A foot retaining device is attached to the arms adjacent the base of the U and a thigh ring is releasably securable to the movable sections of the two arms so that extension or contraction of the arms causes variation in the distance between the thigh ring and the foot retaining device. The thigh ring is completely separable from the arms and retaining structure is operable to prevent that separation. Also, the thigh ring can be opened at one side to allow it to be moved laterally over a person's leg.