Abstract: A description is given of an automatic embedding machine (1) for treating samples for histological examinations, having a plurality of containers (4, 5) which are arranged one beside the other. The containers (4, 5) are each assigned an object holder (6), the object holders (6) being fastened on a turntable (7) provided over the containers (4, 5). The turntable (7) is connected to a central guide rod (8). The guide rod (8) is designed such that it can be moved perpendicularly with respect to the direction of rotation of the turntable (7). A vacuum device (9) for producing a vacuum in at least one of the containers (4, 5) is integrated in the automatic embedding machine (1).

Abstract: A description is given of a drive device for an automatic embedding machine (1) for treating samples (17) for histological examinations, having a plurality of containers (4, 5) which are arranged one beside the other and are each assigned an object holder (6). The object holders (6) are fastened, on a lifting device (18), over the containers (4, 5), the lifting device (18) having a turntable (7) and a rotatably mounted guide rod (8). The guide rod (8) is designed such that it can be moved by a motor, perpendicularly with respect to the direction of rotation of the turntable (7), via the lifting device (18). Provided for the purpose of driving the guide rod (8) is an open-ended, flexibly designed drive element (21) which, at its first end, is arranged between two rollers (26, 27) of the motor drive (20) and, by means of its second end, is connected fixedly to the housing (24) of the automatic embedding machine (1).

Abstract: A a cutter holder (1) for wedge-shaped microtome cutters (5), in particular of regrindable hard-metal or steel cutters or wedge-shaped blade holders, in the case of which a clamping jaw (2) is mounted pivotably on a base (4) for the purpose of setting he clearance angle of the microtome cutter (5). The cutter holder (1) has a single clamping jaw (2) which is open at the front and has a centrally arranged setscrew (6) for accommodating the microtome cutter (5). A thrust piece (8) is arranged between the microtome cutter (5) and the clamping jaw (2). The thrust piece (8) is connected in a nonpositive manner to the setscrew (6) for the purpose of clamping the microtome cutter (5). In the region of the cutting blade (5), the thrust piece (8) is equipped with a profile (9) of U-shaped design, so that the clamping force of the setscrew (6) is transmitted to two points of the microtome cutter (5).

Abstract: A clamping device for a blade-shaped cutting knife of a microtome. The clamping device comprises a base part having a recess, a knife receptacle, an eccentric rod, and setscrews. The knife receptacle includes a blade rest and a pressure plate which is received in the recess of the base part. The eccentric rod is rotatably mounted in the base part and is provided for clamping the cutting knife between the pressure plate of the knife receptacle and the blade rest. The setscrews allow for both lateral and vertical movement of the pressure plate. Thus, by adjusting the setscrews, the edge of the pressure plate may be aligned with the cutting edge of the knife and variation in the thickness or geometry of cutting knife blade may be accommodated.

Abstract: A rotary microtome includes a crank mechanism for moving an object carriage up and down in a vertical path and a drive mechanism for driving the crank mechanism. The object carriage has a receptacle for a specimen holder. A mass-balancer balances the moveable masses of the microtome. The mass-balancer has a pretensioned, adjustable spring element and a pivotably mounted lever for compensating different inertial forces of the microtome in combination with the spring element. A drawing element connects the lever to the object carriage. The mass-balancer is indirectly connected to the drive mechanism by the drawing element.

Abstract: A cartridge for treating samples in liquids and for preparing samples to be cut into slices for microscope examination includes a bottom part, lateral parts, and a detachably secured lid part. The bottom part and lid part each have a plurality of slot-shaped openings, and the lateral parts are free of openings. The slot-shaped openings in the bottom part and in the lid part are arranged at an oblique angle relative to the top surface of the bottom part and the top surface of the lid part, respectively.

Abstract: A positioning device, particularly for positioning an object head in a cryostat microtome, has a mechanism for selectively positioning an object or specimen to be worked upon. The device includes a ball and socket joint having two spherical half shells pivotally holding the ball between the shells. An object head is connected to the ball. A clamp is operatively associated with the two spherical half shells to maintain the ball in position relative to the shells. A cross-joint is connected to the ball, diametrically opposite to the object head. The positioning mechanism includes rotatably geared or threaded members controlled with handles to independently position the object head in the x- and y-directions or paths.

Abstract: A housing for a microtome which is capable of being employed in a cryostat. The microtome housing includes a waterproof microtome chamber having an elongate slot formed in the wall thereof through which an object holding device extends. The elongate slot has a seal disposed about its periphery and the slot is covered by a coverplate which is provided adjacent to the seal. The coverplate is rotatable about the axis of a pin which is provided on the interior of the chamber wall. The chamber further includes magnets which are arranged on the wall of the chamber adjacent to the elongate slot such that the magnets retain the coverplate over the elongate slot. This arrangement allows the object holding device to be easily inserted into and removed from the chamber, while at the same time maintaining substantially moisture free conditions within the chamber.

Abstract: A clamp device for clamping a specimen holder. The clamp device includes a rotatably mounted clamping lever, a rotatable clamping wedge, and a guide member which is located adjacent to the clamping wedge for receiving the specimen holder. The clamping wedge is in operative communication with the clamping lever, so that by rotating the clamping lever, the clamping wedge is rotated into the guide member which causes the specimen holder to be clamped within the guide member. The specimen holder may be provided with a removable adapter plate wherein the adapter plate is sized to fit within the guide member. By including the adapter plate, multiple sizes and types of specimen holders can thereby be employed using the same clamping device.

Abstract: A knife holder for receiving wedge-shaped microtome knives, in particular regrindable hard metal or steel knives, has a base and upwardly open right and left clamping jaws for receiving the knife. The upwardly open configuration allows easier exchange of knives. The clamping jaws are mounted pivotably to the base to allow clearance angle adjustment of the cutting knife. Each clamping jaw has a clamping screw for securing the cutting knife in the clamping jaws. A height-adjustable knife rest is provided for supporting the back of the knife. A clamping plate is detachably positioned between the knife and the clamping screws, which clamping plate bridges the distance between the clamping jaws for stabilizing the cutting knife. The holder has at least one spring suspension for suspending the clamping plate to the clamping jaws.

Abstract: In order that biological and histological sections may be produced without the risk of injury and at an expenditure acceptable for hobby and instructional purposes, a specimen arm whose distal end carries a specimen holder is supported on the base plate of the microtome. The specimen arm is attached to the base by a spindle which is mounted on the base plate such that it can be displaced in the direction of the cutting knife. An adjusting member is provided for adjusting the position of displacement of the spindle. Uniform section thicknesses are facilitated by a locking ball received in the adjusting member. A clamp is provided on the base plate for holding commercially available cutting blades at the required clearance angle of the cutting edge. Movement of the specimen arm can be brought about by means of a handle or a crank. When the specimen arm is tilted away, unintentional contact with the cutting edge is prevented by a movable blade guard.

Abstract: A microtome knife holder comprises a support element provided on the base connected to a microtome and at least one jaw for clamping the knife that is adjustable along a rail of the support element in the same direction as the cutting edge of the knife and releasably securable on said supporting element at a desired location. The guide means if formed of a prism rail of substantially dovetailed profile, a slotted foot portion of the holder is formed with a matching complementary profile and compressible by means of at least one screw engaging around said prism rail. Different holders, usually for different types of knives, can easily be slid on or off the rail. A quick release clamp and edge guard are also disclosed.