Abstract: Device for dehydrating and/or embedding preferably frozen samples, comprising a Dewar vessel (1) filled with liquid nitrogen (2) and a metallic element (4), anchored to the floor (3), of material of good thermal conductivity, which exhibits at its upper end in the region of attachment of the Dewar neck a cover (5) with a metallic cooling surface (6, 7) which corresponds with the complementarily designed lower contact surfaces of the thermostatically heated (9, 10) substitution (PLT) containers (8) or respectively of the lower part of a freeze-drying chamber in a manner which ensures a good heat transfer between the corresponding surfaces.

Abstract: A chamber system for cryosorption freeze-drying of biological specimens in a Dewar vessel, comprises a chamber having a cylindrical metal wall and fitted within the Dewar vessel, a lower outer edge of which chamber is connected in a vacuum-tight manner to a lower edge of a metallic rotational component, the metallic rotational component having a bottom contact surface, which bottom contact surface corresponds with a complementary top contact surface on top of a cylindrical body around which liquid nitrogen flows and cools the metallic rotational component, the rotational component having a chamber to receive a drying agent for conducting cryosorption, for example a molecular screen, as well as a connection to the drying chamber.The upper edge of the metal wall or a ring connected thereto in a vacuum-tight manner is situated outside the Dewar vessel and is therefore approximately at ambient temperature and has a vacuum connection for the connection of commercially available vacuum components.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooling a biological or medical specimen comprises a cooling bath, an injection device for injecting a specimen into cooling liquid in the bath at a velocity of between 5 and 15 m/sec, and a sleeve. The sleeve is movable between a lower position in the bath and an upper position for limiting the effects of splashing as a specimen enters the bath. The injection device comprises a closure plate for co-operating with the sleeve to further limit the effects of splashing. The sleeve is operatively associated with the injection device in a manner such that movement of a specimen carrier of the device towards the bath to immerse a specimen is initiated when the sleeve is moved from the lower position to the upper position.

Abstract: Cryogenic-fixation apparatus comprises a light source, a beam from which enter cooling liquid in a bath, through a window in the underside of the bath. The beam can be directed upwardly by means of a reflecting prism. When a lid of the bath is closed, the beam leaves the space defined by the path through an exit port in the lid, and is incident upon a specimen mounted on a specimen holder located above the exit port, the specimen holder being secured to an injector rod.

Abstract: A microtome, in particular an ultramicrotome, having a specimen carrier which can be moved relative to a knife. The specimen carrier includes a clamping aperture for holding a specimen. A light source is located inside the clamping aperture in the specimen carrier so that light is transmitted, from the rear of the clamping aperture, through a specimen block which is composed of a transparent material and through the specimen.

Abstract: A specimen working chamber having heat-conductive walls instead of insulative walls is disclosed.

Abstract: A joint having a plurality of spherical elements cemented to one member and the other member having adjustable sockets which cooperate with the spherical elements to permit rotation about a single axis. The joint is particularly useful in microtomes and ultramicrotomes.