Abstract: The invention provides a manually operated or automated clamping means to seal a solid support substrate to a solid support cover creating a uniform environmental chamber above a specimen mounted to the support substrate. The clamping means may consist of several components that may act ad a system to provide a repeatable and uniform clamping load to the substrate and cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing biological samples comprising means for processing at least one biological sample accommodated on at least one carrier member (15) in a chamber, characterised in that at least one reservoir (18) able to accommodate a fluid is arranged on a surface inside the chamber adjacent to and/or facing a substantial part of the at least one biological sample. Preferably the apparatus comprises a bottom member (12) arranged to support at least one carrier member (15) carrying at least one biological sample and a lid (14) including at least one fluid reservoir (18). The reservoir filled with water provides humidity to the chamber and impedes drying out of the sample.