Abstract: A processor assembly including: an exposure station operable to expose a sample on a slide; a print station operable to apply a reagent to the exposed sample through a thermal inkjet process; and a robotic transfer mechanism to transfer the slide from the exposure station to the print station. Also, a reagent cartridge including: a body defining a container having a volume therein; a nonmetallic bag in the container operable to contain a reagent; and a printhead at a base of the body, the printhead coupled to an outlet of the bag. Further, a method including exposing a sample on a slide in a processor assembly; robotically transferring the slide to a printing station of the processor assembly; and applying a reagent to the exposed sample at the printing station by a thermal inkjet printing process.

Abstract: An apparatus for micromanipulation of biological material, includes a vessel (1) having a reservoir (2) wherein the vessel has a channel (3) formed in a portion of the reservoir, the channel including an intermediate restriction (4) dimensioned to resist passage of the biological material but allow passage of liquid treatment solutions.

Abstract: An apparatus for micromanipulation of biological material, includes a vessel (1) having a reservoir (2) wherein the vessel has a channel (3) formed in a portion of the reservoir, the channel including an intermediate restriction (4) dimensioned to resist passage of the biological material but allow passage of liquid treatment solutions.

Abstract: A method of cryopreservation of biological material includes the steps of providing an apparatus including a vessel having a reservoir wherein the vessel has a channel formed in a portion of the reservoir, the channel including an intermediate restriction dimensioned to resist passage of the biological material but allow passage of liquid treatment solutions, and the channel including sub-reservoirs at either end of the restriction; introducing the biological material into a reservoir region of the apparatus for capture in a channel region of the vessel; irrigating and draining the biological material with a series of vitrification solutions introduced into a first of the sub-reservoirs and removed from a second of the sub-reservoirs; final draining the irrigation solutions from the vessel; and vitrifying the vessel and captive biological material.

Abstract: A tissue embedder comprising a transport mechanism for an input member, the input member adapted to hold a plurality of tissue supports, with each tissue support associated with a mould, a wax bath and a cooling station wherein the transport mechanism moves the input member from a wax bath to a cooling station.

Abstract: An apparatus for micromanipulation of biological material, said apparatus including a vessel 1 having a reservoir 2 wherein said vessel has a channel 3 formed in a portion of said reservoir, said channel including an intermediate restriction 4 dimensioned to resist passage of said biological material but allow passage of liquid treatment solutions.

Abstract: An apparatus for micromanipulation of biological material, includes a vessel (1) having a reservoir (2) wherein the vessel has a channel (3) formed in a portion of the reservoir, the channel including an intermediate restriction (4) dimensioned to resist passage of the biological material but allow passage of liquid treatment solutions.

Abstract: A tissue handling apparatus is provided comprising a support and a locator, for processing and embedding tissue samples. The support and cover form a chamber, within which a tissue sample is oriented prior to processing. After processing, the tissue sample within the chamber is embedded and the locator is removed, leaving the tissue sample correctly oriented in embedding material, mounted to a support, ready for microtoming.

Abstract: An apparatus for micromanipulation of biological material, includes a vessel (1) having a reservoir (2) wherein the vessel has a channel (3) formed in a portion of the reservoir, the channel including an intermediate restriction (4) dimensioned to resist passage of the biological material but allow passage of liquid treatment solutions.

Abstract: A tissue embedder comprising a transport mechanism for an input member, the input member adapted to hold a plurality of tissue supports, with each tissue support associated with a mould, a wax bath and a cooling station wherein the transport mechanism moves the input member from a wax bath to a cooling station.

Abstract: A tissue handling apparatus is provided comprising a support and a locator, for processing and embedding tissue samples. The support and cover form a chamber, within which a tissue sample is oriented prior to processing. After processing, the tissue sample within the chamber is embedded and the locator is removed, leaving the tissue sample correctly oriented in embedding material, mounted to a support, ready for microtoming.

Abstract: A slide holder (6) for use with a microscope to accurately locate a slide (19) in position under the microscope has a pivotal lever (13) having a clamping and locating portion (14) with abutments (15) and (16) which bear on respective edges of the slide when it is in the clamped position. Further abutments (10) on a fixed angular plate (9) locate the other edges of the slide. The slide holder is adapted for mounting on a slide translation stage of a slide loader (1) which includes a stationary sensor block (20) positioned to engage the lever (13) when the slide holder moves from its inspection or scanning position under the microscope to a loading/unloading position. The slide translation stage includes a robotic head for lifting and depositing slides and the translation stage includes a bar code reader to read a bar code on the slide.

Abstract: A slide holder (6) for use with a microscope to accurately locate a slide (19) in position under the microscope has a pivotal lever (13) having a clamping and locating portion (14) with abutments (15) and (16) which bear on respective edges of the slide when it is in the clamped position. Further abutments (10) on a fixed angular plate (9) locate the other edges of the slide. The slide holder is adapted for mounting on a slide translation stage of a slide loader (1) which includes a stationary sensor block (20) positioned to engage the lever (13) when the slide holder moves from its inspection or scanning position under the microscope to a loading/unloading position. The slide translation stage includes a robotic head for lifting and depositing slides and the translation stage includes a bar code reader to read a bar code on the slide.