Abstract: A base of a food processing system (20) includes at least one attachment (30) selectively receivable by a base (22). The base (22) includes an attachment mounting area (42) disposed with the base (22) to selectively receive the attachment (30). The attachment mounting area (42) includes a drive coupler (26) for applying a pull down force to the attachment (30). A motor is disposed with the base (22). A motor activation assembly (70) is associated with the attachment mounting area (42) and the motor. The motor is rendered operable via a vertical force applied to the motor activation assembly (70) when the attachment mounting area (42) receives the attachment (30).

Abstract: A base of a food processing system (20) includes at least one attachment (30) selectively receivable by a base (22). The base (22) includes an attachment mounting area (42) disposed with the base (22) to selectively receive the attachment (30). The attachment mounting area (42) includes a drive coupler (26) for applying a pull down force to the attachment (30). A motor is disposed with the base (22). A motor activation assembly (70) is associated with the attachment mounting area (42) and the motor. The motor is rendered operable via a vertical force applied to the motor activation assembly (70) when the attachment mounting area (42) receives the attachment (30).

Abstract: A microtome for cutting fresh tissue slices from a specimen directs a reciprocating blade along a slicing path such that a cutting edge of the blade traverses a slicing window at an angle that is preferably perpendicular, or near perpendicular, to the slicing path. A blade drive motor drives the cutting edge of the blade in a reciprocating motion, in a longitudinal direction, via an eccentric coupled to a blade holder by a rigid link. Preferred embodiments include a specimen actuator disposed to urge the specimen into the slicing window, and a slidably-removable buffer tray disposed to receive a tissue slice cut from the specimen.