Abstract: Tissue samples are prepared for embedding and then embedded within wells of an intermittently rotatable rotor. After each successive liquid is supplied to the sample wells, the rotor is spun in order to slough off liquid from the samples. The sloughed liquid is collected by an outer shroud. The shroud is preferably made fluid tight so that the interior region of the shroud can be communicated to vacuum to force embedding material into the interstices of the tissue samples.

Abstract: Capsules in which histological tissue samples are prepared for embedding and in which the samples are embedded include a first and a second member, at least one of the members including a frame that defines an opening. The members have complementary surfaces for establishing peripheral contact between the members around the opening. A porous material is spread across the opening so that when the members are in peripheral contact with each other, a tissue-holding region is defined inward of the porous material. The porous material has a porosity that accesses processing liquids and liquified embedding material, such as molten paraffin, but prevents stray parts of the tissue from floating free of the region. Preferably, the second members also comprise a frame defining a second opening and porous material spread across the second opening.

Abstract: A tissue specimen processing capsule is provided which includes a pair of interlocking frames each having a porous web spread across its central openings for holding specimen in a region defined between the webs. The porous webs permit access to the specimen by processing and impregnating liquids. After the tissue specimen is processed, it is removed from the capsule and placed in a mold depression, and the empty capsule is placed over the depression. Molten casting material is poured into the mold to fill the depression and to cover the porous material. The molten casting material solidifies to form a tissue block with the capsule serving as a clampable base for an outwardly extending, tissue-containing portion. The capsule may be formed in a single operation in an injection molding process using a press that includes a pair of mold blocks that together define frame-forming cavities and between which is sandwiched a segment of an elongated web of porous material.