Abstract: A lightweight construction material, a method of fabricating building panels utilizing said material and device therefore. The formulation utilizes silicone-treated expanded perlite in combination with cement, alpha gypsum, polyvinyl alcohol fibers and powder, and water. Building panels are formed utilizing fiber mesh to reinforce them while minimizing their weight. The building panel may be formed with one layer or two layers of different formulations.

Abstract: A lightweight construction material, a method of fabricating building panels utilizing said material and device therefore. The formulation utilizes silicone-treated expanded perlite in combination with cement, alpha gypsum, polyvinyl alcohol fibers and powder, and water. Building panels are formed utilizing fiber mesh to reinforce them while minimizing their weight. The building panel may be formed with one layer or two layers of different formulations.

Abstract: A structural member such as a steel I-beam or column covered with a heat resistant coating for protection against high temperatures. The coating is sprayed onto the structural member after a reinforcing mesh has been applied. The coating is specially formulated to resist extremely high temperatures and includes cement, gypsum, perlite, a liquid catalyst that includes styrene acrylic, and water.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing frozen tissue specimens includes a base supporting a pair of rotary motion platforms and a center platform. The rotary motion platforms are movable from an open, side-by-side position to a closed, center platform-covering position. The rotary motion platform includes a plurality of cryogenic discs, each identified for receiving a plurality of tissue samples. The center platform includes a plurality of cryogenic discs, each having a plurality of bores for receiving object holders thereon, each object holder for receiving a frozen specimen thereon. The center platform cryogenic discs each have a channel system with intersecting peripheral, chordal and radial channels. A moistening tray includes structure having a closed, object holder wetting position and an open, object holder elevating position. Further disclosed is the use of a tissue orientation map, usable on temporary tattoos and tissue receiving sheets for specimen orientation and mapping of tumor roots.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing frozen tissue specimens includes a base supporting a pair of rotary motion platforms and a center platform. The rotary motion platforms are each movable from an open, side-by-side position to a closed, center platform-covering position. Each platform includes a series of cryogenic discs equipped with a channel system having a series of radial channels communicating with a peripheral channel for circulation of a cryogenic fluid within the disc structure. The radial channels each include a series of circumferential fins for causing turbulent flow of the cryogen and further increasing heat transfer. The discs have a circumferential seal. The discs may include a radially extending peripheral flange, which serves to reduce disc thickness and thermal mass. The flange may extend selectively to alter the circular shape of the disc. The upper surfaces of the rotating platform discs may have a convex configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an amorphous tissue specimen into a cooled block while preserving the anatomical orientation of the specimen includes a base assembly, a system of magnetic movable wall units and a cover which may be intercoupled to form an enclosed specimen cavity. The wall units each include a hinged panel at one end, so that the wall units may be adjustably intercoupled to form various planar surfaced shapes, such as a rhomboid or eccentric block form. Each wall unit also includes a reservoir for a refrigerant such as liquid nitrogen for cooling the enclosed specimen to an optimal temperature for tissue cutting. The base is equipped with orientation indicia and temperature sensors. A synthetic resin may be applied to the specimen-contacting surfaces of the form in order to facilitate release of the cooled specimen.

Abstract: An apparatus for cryogenically freezing tissue specimens includes a linear motion platform and a pair of rotary motion platforms. The rotary motion platforms can be used alternatively with respect to the linear motion platform and a mechanism is provided to automatically trigger the linear motion platform for movement and to reset the linear motion platform when the rotary motion platforms are placed in covering relationship with or removed from covering relationship with respect to the linear motion platform. Cryogenic fluids are supplied to tissue receiving cryogenic discs on the various platforms through flexible plastic tubing. The tubing that supplies cryogenic fluid to the rotary motion platforms is constructed so as to form a series of loose loops in conjunction with tails that are mounted over a central rod to allow movement at cryogenic temperatures.

Abstract: An apparatus for cryogenically freezing tissue specimens includes a linear motion platform and a pair of rotary motion platforms. The rotary motion platforms can be used alternatively with respect to the linear motion platform and a mechanism is provided to automatically trigger the linear motion platform for movement and to reset the linear motion platform when the rotary motion platforms are placed in covering relationship with or removed from covering relationship with respect to the linear motion platform. Cryogenic fluids are supplied to tissue receiving cryogenic discs on the various platforms through flexible plastic tubing. The tubing that supplies cryogenic fluid to the rotary motion platforms is constructed so as to form a series of loose loops in conjunction with tails that are mounted over a central rod to allow movement at cryogenic temperatures.

Abstract: An apparatus for quick freezing tissue specimens includes a base supporting a linear motion platform and a rotational motion platform. Each of the platforms includes a plurality of discs for covering and receiving respectfully specimen to be frozen. Each of the discs includes a chambers positioned to very quickly and rapidly disperse cryogenic fluid therein and convey away evaporated gases therefrom. The discs are flow connect to a cryogenic fluid source such as a liquid nitrogen tank and a vacuum is drawn on the gaseous side system by a vacuum pump. The discharge of the vacuum pump is returned to the cryogenic tank such that the vacuum pump both draws the cryogenic fluid through the system and pressurizes the tank so as to motivate the fluid through the system. A rotational column with a cryogenic junction conveys the cryogenic fluid to and from the platform that rotates. The junction is constructed of axially connected and rotatable quartz tubing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a tissue block for sectioning in a microtome includes positioning the tissue block on a platform. A vacuum-retracted membrane of plastic film material is used to draw an underside of the tissue block or specimen into planar contact with the platform. The user adjusts any peripheral edges of the tissue block that are not properly oriented so the underside is in a planar position. The tissue block is frozen on the platform once it is properly oriented. The membrane is subsequently peeled away from the platform and O.C.T. compound is applied to the tissue blocks. The O.C.T. compound after hardening and the tissue block are transferred to a second platform carried by a mounting device such that the tissue underside is exposed. The tissue specimen is ready for sectioning as part of the Mohs fresh tissue surgical technique.

Abstract: A system for preparing tissue blocks for sectioning in a microtome is provided. A vacuum-retracted membrane of plastic film material is used to draw a tissue block or specimen into planar contact with a polished platform that is positioned in a vacuum receptacle assembly. A cover plate forms a seal between the membrane and the vacuum receptacle assembly, whereupon a vacuum source is activated to retract the membrane against the tissue block and polished platform. The user adjusts any peripheral edges of the tissue block that are not properly oriented or in a planar position. The tissue block is frozen to the platform once it is properly oriented. The membrane is subsequently peeled away from the platform and the platform/block complex is placed into a mounting device and O.C.T. compound is applied thereto. The O.C.T. compound is also applied to a corrugated platform carried by the mounting device, and the polished and corrugated platforms are mated, with the O.C.T. compound and tissue block therebetween.