Abstract: An apparatus (1) for processing specimens (15), comprising an observation device (2), a specimen holder (3) for receiving the specimen (15) to be processed, and a tool holder (6), the tool holder (6) being pivotable in a plane normal to its longitudinal axis (L?) by a pivot arm (22), and being rotatable about its longitudinal axis (L?); furthermore a drive system for selectable execution of the pivoting of the pivot arm (22) is provided.

Abstract: A knife holder (5) for a microtome for cutting samples (4a) is disclosed. The knife holder (5) encompasses several knives (2a, 2b) each of which defines a cutting edge (16). The knife holder (5) is arranged pivotably about a shaft (18); and the shaft (18) is arranged substantially perpendicularly to each cutting edge (16) of the knives (2a, 2b).

Abstract: An automatic loading apparatus (12) for specimens (1) for high-pressure cryosubstitution is disclosed. The automatic loading apparatus (12) is connected to a high-pressure freezing device (40). Specimens (1) are inserted in a holder (2). By means of a slider (4), the specimens (1) and holders (2) are conveyed to the automatic loading apparatus (12). The guidance element (26) allows exact positioning of the holder (2) in the clamping element (14). The automatic loading apparatus makes possible rapid transfer of the holder (2) having the specimen (1) from, for example, an optical microscope to the high-pressure freezing device (40).

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for processing specimens (15), comprising an observation device (2), a specimen holder (3) for receiving the specimen (15) to be processed, and a tool holder (6), the tool holder (6) being pivotable in a plane normal to its longitudinal axis (L?) by means of a pivot arm (22), and being rotatable about its longitudinal axis (L?); furthermore a drive system for selectable execution of the pivoting of the pivot arm (22) is provided.

Abstract: An automatic loading apparatus (12) for specimens (1) for high-pressure cryosubstitution is disclosed. The automatic loading apparatus (12) is connected to a high-pressure freezing device (40). Specimens (1) are inserted in a holder (2). By means of a slider (4), the specimens (1) and holders (2) are conveyed to the automatic loading apparatus (12). The guidance element (26) allows exact positioning of the holder (2) in the clamping element (14). The automatic loading apparatus makes possible rapid transfer of the holder (2) having the specimen (1) from, for example, an optical microscope to the high-pressure freezing device (40).

Abstract: A knife holder (5) for a microtome for cutting samples (4a) is disclosed. The knife holder (5) encompasses several knives (2a, 2b) each of which defines a cutting edge (16). The knife holder (5) is arranged pivotably about a shaft (18); and the shaft (18) is arranged substantially perpendicularly to each cutting edge (16) of the knives (2a, 2b).

Abstract: In cutting devices (10), in particular microtomes or ultramicrotomes, it is necessary to preset the specimen (14) onto the knife (16). To simplify this presetting operation, which is intended to ensure the quickest and most accurate possible positioning of the knife (16) relative to the specimen (14), a stereomicroscope (12) is provided that can be adjusted in many ways using operating elements (15, 17, 19, 27). To improve the unit's ergonomics and additionally eliminate collisions during pivoting, the unit base (22) of the cutting device (10) is modified. Since the modification of the unit base must result in a lowering, this modification can be achieved by lowering the knife holder (26), the mounting surface for the linear guide being milled directly onto the unit base (22).