Abstract: A cassette handling apparatus of a storage phosphor reader, which is used for reading a latent image stored in a storage phosphor contained in a cassette. The cassette handling apparatus includes: a cassette platen and front plate for receiving a cassette having a storage phosphor; a cassette centering guide mechanism for centering a received cassette on the cassette platen; a cassette feed mechanism for moving a received cassette into contact with the front plate; and a storage phosphor feed mechanism for feeding a storage phosphor out of a received cassette into the storage phosphor reader for processing.

Abstract: In a storage phosphor reader for reading a latent image stored in a storage phosphor contained in a cassette, a cassette handling apparatus. The cassette handling apparatus comprises: a cassette platen and front plate for receiving a cassette having a storage phosphor; a cassette centering guide mechanism for centering a received cassette on the cassette platen; a cassette feed mechanism for moving a received cassette into contact with the front plate; and a storage phosphor feed mechanism for feeding a storage phosphor out of a received cassette into the storage phosphor reader for processing.

Abstract: A glass-breaking apparatus adapted for breaking microtome knives of the Ralph type, including a generally horizontal base having right and left upright posts which serve in the manner of vices or clamps. A rigid fulcrum in the form of a hardened and elongated member is fixed to the base at a central position between the two upright structures. A movable block is positioned at a desired location between the two upright posts in such a way that the block may affect the precise placement of a piece of glass in the apparatus--by virtue of pushing the glass rearwardly against the block. Index lines are provided on the vertical front face of the block, for use in manually aligning a score line on the top of the glass piece with a desired one of the index lines. The fulcrum is preferably removable and replaceable at will with a similar fulcrum of the same or a different length.

Abstract: An apparatus having utility in microtomy comprising a device for placing a score line on the top surface of a piece of glass plate, and subsequently breaking that glass along a curvilinear plane which encompasses the score line--to produce a Ralph-type knife. The scoring device includes an arm which is movable along an excursion path in a plane which is parallel to the top surface of the glass. A cam-like adjustment is provided to insure that the arm can travel parallel to the glass's top surface. An ancillary device comprises a pair of spaced clamps which are on either side of a rigid fulcrum, such as a piece of drill rod. An index mark (which is preferably movable) is positioned parallel to the fulcrum, and the glass is manually positioned so that the score line is directly over the index mark.

Abstract: An apparatus for selective attachment to a rotary microtome in order to permit separation of the specimen from a cutting knife during the return stroke of the specimen. A small frame is adapted to fit within the conventional specimen holder or chuck of the microtome; and the frame carries a solenoid with a movable core. Attached to the forward end of the movable core is an auxiliary specimen holder; attached to the other end of the core is a plate against which a compression spring constantly presses. The preferred power supply for the solenoid is a filtered 30 volt DC power supply. The solenoid is energized only during the downward, cutting stroke of the microtome, and it is de-energized before the arm starts its return stroke. The spring urges the specimen holder away from the knife when the solenoid is de-energized. The apparatus may be readily installed on any conventional rotary microtome with minimal skilled labor; and it may be removed at will to restore the microtome to its original condition.