Abstract: A microtome apparatus includes a disposable blade holder adapted to receive both thick and thin blades and for cutting frozen sections to mount an anti-roll plate assembly utilizing a magnet as the holding mechanism. Blades of different width are dispensed from an associated improved dispenser.

Abstract: A disposable blade holder includes a comfortably fitting handle portion and a blade clamping portion adapted to securely lock one end of a disposable blade in angular relation to the handle portion, the blade being of the precision ground, single edge, unbanded, notched end type as employed for surgical preparation, disposable microtome blade cutting operations, and the like.

Abstract: A tissue processing method utilizes a closed system for sequentially immersing light microscopy tissue specimens in treating fluids preparatory to embedding or in staining fluids. Treating or staining fluids, including paraffin, are drawn into the processing chamber by use of vacuum and are forced back to their respective containers by use of pressure and the specimens remain substantially stationary throughout the fluid treatment.

Abstract: A two-part histologic tissue processing and embedding structure comprises an open-ended base pan and a perforated top member. For processing, the base pan and top may be sna-fitted together to form a compact housing for holding and transporting the tissue specimens through the various processing liquids. For embedding, the top is inverted so that the top and base pan may be loosely seated together as a mold for receiving paraffin which solidifies to embed the tissue specimen. For slicing, the base pan is used as a microtome clamp aligning device and is then removed and the top serves a mounting device for mounting the embedded specimen in a microtome clamp during slicing, and for storage the base pan may be secured back onto the top and placed over the remaining unsliced embedded specimen for protection.

Abstract: An automatic programmed histologic tissue processor is provided with a rotary valve useful for sequentially transporting the various treating fluids from their respective stock fluid containers to the processing chamber and for returning each fluid to its respective container after it has been used in the programmed processing procedure.

Abstract: A three-part histologic tissue receptacle and embedding structure comprises an identification, open-ended, mold section, a pan section, and a perforated top section which can be slid over the mold and pan sections and retain all three sections in a closed relation. The mold, pan and top sections of the structure may be arranged for service, with the pan telescoped in the mold section, as a perforate, integral, shallow depth, receptacle for holding and transporting the tissue specimens through various liquids during processing, as a mold for embedding the specimen, as a holder for holding the embedded specimen in a microtome during slicing and after slicing, as a housing for holding and protecting the remaining unsliced embedded specimen during extended storage.

Abstract: A covering apparatus and method is directed to applying transparent adhesive tape over stained serial tissue sections which have been mounted on motion picture type film. The tape serves as a protective cover for the sections in lieu of glass slides, plastic and glass cover slips, plastic sprays, and the like.

Abstract: A tissue processor provides a closed system for sequentially immersing light microscopy tissue specimens in treating fluids preparatory to embedding or in staining fluids. Treating or staining fluids, including paraffin, are drawn into the processing chamber by use of vacuum and are forced back to their respective containers by use of pressure and the specimens remain substantially stationary throughout the fluid treatment.