Abstract: A tissue processing system includes a tissue processor for processing tissue using reagent fluids, a fluid container and a coupler providing bi-direction fluid communication between the tissue processor and the fluid container. The coupler includes first and second cylindrical rings separated by a wall and a fluid conduit disposed within the first and second cylindrical rings that pass through the wall, thereby providing fluid communication from the fluid container to the tissue processor. Fluid is returned from the tissue processor to the fluid container via at least one fluid return aperture in the wall that separates the first and second cylindrical rings.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus includes a fluid reservoir and a dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly includes a housing and a deformable member that define a metering chamber that is configured to receive a predetermined volume of fluid from the fluid reservoir. The deformable member is deformed from a rest position to an eject position and the deformation causes the volume of the metering chamber to change which results in a change in fluid pressure within the metering chamber. An increase in the fluid pressure within metering chamber causes a predetermined volume of fluid within the metering chamber to be ejected and a decrease in the fluid pressure within the metering chamber causes fluid to be drawn into the metering chamber from the reservoir.

Abstract: A multi-axis chuck that rotates about at least two axes. Preferably, the axes are perpendicular. The multi-axis chuck includes a first portion, second portion, and third portion. Rear sides of the first portion and the second portion have a first mating portion that mates with a second mating portion provided on the second portion and the third portion, respectively. The mating portions enable the first portion and the second portion to be rotated about the axes. Preferably, the first portion rotates about a first axis independently of the second and third portions. Rotation of the second portion about a second axis preferably also rotates the first portion about the second axis. The multi-chuck is operatively connected to a motor, controller, and sensors. A user inputs a desired position into the controller that controls the motor. The motor rotates the multi-axis chuck to the desired position. The sensors are used to determine a position of the multi-axis chuck.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for disinfecting a microtome and cryostat is provided. The cryostat comprises a chamber, a pump communicating with the chamber, an ozone generator and an ozone destroyer. A microtome is located in the chamber. Oxygen molecules in ambient air are converted to ozone that is injected into the cryostat chamber, disinfecting the chamber and the microtome. After disinfection, the air and ozone present in the chamber is directed to an ozone destroying unit that eliminates any remaining ozone. This eliminates the risk of ozone exposure to nearby operators and minimizes damage to the cryostat and microtome from extended ozone contact.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting thin tissue sections using an anti-roll rake. The anti-roll rake comprises a rake head for engaging the cut tissue section and leading it away from the specimen block without rolling. The rake head is hingedly mounted to a mounting surface in the cutting instrument by way of a linkage assembly in order to provide freedom of movement between the various operational and non-operational positions.