Abstract: A configurable tissue processing system is disclosed that includes a plurality of configurable tissue processing stations, each station configured to receive tissue samples and selectively configurable to heat, agitate and apply either a positive pressure or a vacuum pressure to the received tissue samples; a transport mechanism that is configured to transport the tissue samples between the plurality of configurable tissue processing stations; and a control unit coupled to the plurality of configurable tissue processing stations and to the transport mechanism, the control unit controlling the transport mechanism to selectively position the tissue samples in the plurality of configurable tissue processing stations, and the control unit configuring each of the plurality of configurable tissue processing stations to heat, agitate and apply either a positive pressure or a vacuum pressure to the received samples. Also disclosed is a method of configuring the plurality of tissue processing stations.

Abstract: A tissue processing system includes a plurality of processing stations. Each processing station includes a plurality of tissue receiving areas that are each configured to accommodate a tissue sample as well as physically isolate that tissue sample from other tissue samples at other receiving areas of the same processing station. Each processing station is configured to separately and individually process the tissue sample at each receiving area to either reduce or eliminate any potential for cross-contamination between the tissue samples undergoing processing at the same processing station. For each receiving area of each processing station, the system is configured to immerse a tissue sample at a particular receiving area in processing fluid for a pre-determined time according to a pre-defined protocol that is based upon parameters of that tissue sample.

Abstract: A slide stainer assembly is disclosed. The slide stainer includes a slide carrier that is configured to carry one or more laboratory slides and a plurality of slide processing stations for processing the slides. A transport member including a plurality of engagement portions is configured for releasably engaging the slide carrier. A drive mechanism is coupled to the transport member. The drive mechanism is configured to move the transport member in a cyclical path such that, in the course of one cycle, the transport member engages a slide carrier docked in a first station, removes the slide carrier from the first station, docks the slide carrier in a second station and returns to the first station to engage another slide carrier.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying fluid to slides are disclosed. The apparatus includes a partitioned vessel having a cavity and a sub-cavity that receives fluid, a slide carrier that receives at least one slide in an area corresponding to the sub-cavity, and a transport that positions the slide carrier to position the at least one slide at least partially within the sub-cavity of the partitioned vessel. Fluid is applied to the slides by partitioning the vessel to include a sub-cavity, filling the sub-cavity with fluid, and positioning the at least one slide into fluid filled sub-cavity.

Abstract: A slide stainer assembly is disclosed. The slide stainer includes a slide carrier that is configured to carry one or more laboratory slides and a plurality of slide processing stations for processing the slides. A transport member including a plurality of engagement portions is configured for releasably engaging the slide carrier. A drive mechanism is coupled to the transport member. The drive mechanism is configured to move the transport member in a cyclical path such that, in the course of one cycle, the transport member engages a slide carrier docked in a first station, removes the slide carrier from the first station, docks the slide carrier in a second station and returns to the first station to engage another slide carrier.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying fluid to slides are disclosed. The apparatus includes a partitioned vessel having a cavity and a sub-cavity that receives fluid, a slide carrier that receives at least one slide in an area corresponding to the sub-cavity, and a transport that positions the slide carrier to position the at least one slide at least partially within the sub-cavity of the partitioned vessel. Fluid is applied to the slides by partitioning the vessel to include a sub-cavity, filling the sub-cavity with fluid, and positioning the at least one slide into fluid filled sub-cavity.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed that includes a compressor pump and a duty cycle controller. The duty cycle controller controls amount of time that the compressor pump is on each duty cycle. The amount of time is selected so that the compressor pump will operate at a pressure above a desired fill pressure. The operational pressure will generate a restrictive pressure having limited effect on accuracy of pressure reading. Other embodiments are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing rapid compression to at least one appendage positioned within an inflatable sleeve are disclosed. Rapid compression is provided by filling the inflatable sleeve containing the appendage with a gas. A portion of the gas is then repeatedly withdrawn and inserted back into the inflatable sleeve to apply a compression therapy to the at least one appendage.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for measuring temperature at a target location includes a sensor adapted to detect infrared radiation and produce an electrical output. A focusing lens focuses infrared radiation from the target location onto the sensor while substantially preventing infrared radiation from points outside the target location from being detected by the sensor. In a first embodiment, a sensor assembly for a focusing thermometer includes a sensor and a focusing lens. In a second embodiment, a focusing thermometer for measuring temperature at a target location includes a sensor assembly and electronic circuitry that receives electrical output from the sensor assembly and processes the output into a temperature reading. The sensor assembly includes a focusing lens for focusing infrared radiation from the target location onto the sensor while substantially preventing infrared radiation from points outside the target location from being detected by the sensor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing rapid compression to at least one appendage positioned within an inflatable sleeve are disclosed. Rapid compression is provided by filling the inflatable sleeve containing the appendage with a gas. A portion of the gas is then repeatedly withdrawn and inserted back into the inflatable sleeve to apply a compression therapy to the at least one appendage.