Abstract: Arrays of biological tissue can be created by removing cores from regions of interest in a series of donor blocks of embedded tissues. The cores removed are placed in a regular array in a recipient block. This is typically done with two different punches, one for obtaining the cores of interest and the other for creating the receiving holes in the recipient block. The present invention comprises such a system including a single z axis, with a mechanism for automatically changing two or more punches in and out of a holder on the z axis.

Abstract: Arrays of biological tissue can be created by removing cores from regions of interest in a series of donor blocks of embedded tissues. The cores removed are placed in a regular array in a recipient block. This is typically done with two different punches, one for obtaining the cores of interest and the other for creating the receiving holes in the recipient block. The present invention comprises such a system including two separate z axes, one for each punch. Each punch has its own stylet and the axis of each punch is parallel to the axis of its drive.

Abstract: A simple, robust and precise instrument for constructing tissue arrays. The instrument includes multiple punches mounted on a punch platform, the punch platform displaceable between precisely defined positions. Mechanical detentes or stops are provided which mechanically arrest the movement of the punch platform in the precisely defined positions. This arrangement greatly saves time and improves accuracy over use of conventional precision linear positioning means. By the simple step of moving the punch platform from a first position to a second position, either punch can be quickly brought into operating position (and the other moved into a non-interfering position) by either manually or by automatic means, making it possible to quickly alternate from one punch to the other.