Abstract: In microtomes or ultramicrotomes, it is necessary to preset the specimen (14) onto the knife (16). In order to facilitate and automate this presetting operation, which is intended to guarantee the fastest and most accurate possible positioning of the knife (16) relative to the specimen (14), the spacing (13) between the trimmed surface (15) of the specimen (14) and the specimen holder (22) is ascertained and is transferred to the microtome or ultramicrotome (10). The spacing (13) is preferably ascertained in the trimming device (12).

Abstract: In cutting devices (10), it is necessary to preset the specimen (14) onto the knife (16). The use of a light barrier (30) is proposed in order to facilitate and automate this presetting operation, which is intended to ensure maximally rapid and accurate positioning of the knife (16) relative to the specimen (14). The light barrier (30) is positioned between the knife (16) and the specimen (14), and is preferably arranged parallel to the knife edge (15). As soon as the light barrier (30) is interrupted, a defined spacing (25) between knife (16) and specimen (14) is ascertained, and is used to shut off the automatic feed or to switch over to a different drive system.

Abstract: The microtome or ultramicrotome comprises a knife (7) and a specimen arm (3) movable relative to the knife (7). At least one light source for illuminating a region around the preparation (5) is also provided. The at least one light source comprises at least one light-emitting diode (31, 41, 51).

Abstract: A heating and cooling device (3) for an apparatus (1) for tissue preparation for the tissue embedding is disclosed. The apparatus (1) has a free space (13) for the accommodation of a transport plate (15). The apparatus (1) is surrounded by a housing (5) which defines an upper side (8) and a heating and cooling device (3) that is provided on the upper side (8) of the housing (5), and the heating and cooling device (3) has a reception (23) with at least one chamber (32) for the accommodation of at least one processing container (17). The heating and cooling device (3) is pivotable with respect to the upper side (8) of the housing (5).

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for tissue preparation for the tissue embedding, having a transport plate (15) that is surrounded by a housing (5). The housing defines an inner upper side (8a), a heating and cooling device (3), that is provided on the inner upper side (8a) of the housing (5) and a mechanic module (24) for turning the transport plate (15) and for raising and lowering the transport plate (15). The mechanic module (24) comprises a first motor (42) exclusively for turning the transport plate (15) around an axle (18) and a second motor (44) exclusively for raising and lowering the transport plate (15) in the direction of the axle (18).

Abstract: A microtome, or an ultramicrotome having the specimen arm operating through an opening in the cryo chamber wall in a manner substantially free of the mechanical influence of a conventional seal is disclosed. An elongated slot permits movement of the specimen arm while minimizing the clearance between the sides of the arm and chamber wall reduces loss. Inner and outer baffles can be used to further reduce loss.

Abstract: A cooling chamber on a microtome has an internal space which is observable and accessible from above and which accommodates an object holder and a tool for processing the object. The cooling chamber structure also includes a supply tank for accommodating a liquid cryogenic agent, the tank communicating with the cooling chamber space by way of a downwardly leading feed conduit for evaporated gaseous cryogenic agent. The feed conduit is directly in the form of a heater which can produce a controllable heating action so that the gaseous cryogenic agent can be heated along its flow path from the tank into the cooling chamber space, to provide for uniform temperature distribution in the cooling chamber space.

Abstract: A microtome, in particular an ultramicrotome, has a drive-control system by which the movement of the specimen arm, relative to the knife, is subdivided into a comparatively slow cutting movement and a more rapid return movement. The drive-control system gradually decelerates the specimen arm at the transition, from the comparatively rapid return movement to the slower cutting movement, so that a jerk, which would generate mechanical vibrations in the drive system, is avoided and the specimen arm is smoothly decelerated from the comparatively high speed to the lower speed.