Abstract: A microtome system for cutting sections from a specimen includes a knife including a knife edge configured to cut a section from the specimen, a knife holder, a specimen holder, an illumination, a first actor, a detector, and a controller. The knife holder and specimen holder are configured to be relatively moveable in a cutting direction. The first actor is configured to cause a rotation of the knife holder or specimen holder about an axis. The illumination is configured to illuminate a gap between a front face of the specimen and the knife edge to generate a light gap. The detector is configured to detect a geometric feature of the light gap. The controller is configured to automatically align, or provide indications to manually align, the knife edge with the front face, by controlling the first actor depending on the detected geometric feature.

Abstract: A method is proposed for generating a series of ultra-thin sections of a microscopic sample (10), wherein the sections (11) are detached from the sample (10) using an ultramicrotome (100) and wherein the sections (11), which are detached from the sample (10) are caused to float on a liquid surface and are thereafter transferred onto a solid carrier element (20). For at least for some of the sections (11) detached from the sample (10) a position and an orientation on the solid carrier element (20) are determined by monitoring the placement of these sections (11) onto the solid carrier element (20) using a monitoring system (400) comprising a camera (410), obtaining monitoring data. A method (2000) for the three-dimensional reconstruction of a microscopic sample (10), a microtome system and a computer program are also part of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for positioning a cutting knife of a microtome or ultramicrotome equipped with motors for moving the cutting knife. The method may include determining/defining at least two segments of the cutting knife according to a division of the previously defined width of the cutting knife, selecting a segment of the cutting knife, and positioning the cutting knife in an operational position by motorized movement of the cutting knife, the selected segment of the cutting knife being positioned to cut the specimen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for positioning a cutting knife of a microtome or ultramicrotome equipped with motors for moving the cutting knife, the following steps being carried out: a) determining/defining at least two segments of the cutting knife according to a division of the previously defined width of the cutting knife; b) selecting a segment of the cutting knife; and c) positioning the cutting knife in an operational position by motorized movement of the cutting knife, wherein the selected segment of the cutting knife is positioned to cut the specimen.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for processing specimens (15), comprises an observation device (2) for observing a specimen (15), a specimen holder (3) for receiving the specimen (15) to be processed, and a tool holder (6), which is suitable for the reception of tools (5) for different processing steps.

Abstract: A device 1 and a method for trimming samples 38 are disclosed. The device 1 encompasses a knife holder 9 and a sample holder 7, the knife holder 9 carrying at least one trimming knife 36. A first motor 60 and a second motor 61 are provided, which move the knife holder 9 in an X-Y plane. Also provided is a control unit 15 that controls the motion of the knife holder 9. The first and the second motor 60, 61 are each equipped with a measurement means 62, 63 that measures the position of the knife holder 9 in the X direction (X) and Y direction (Y).

Abstract: A device 1 and a method for trimming samples 38 are disclosed. The device 1 encompasses a knife holder 9 and a sample holder 7, the knife holder 9 carrying at least one trimming knife 36. A first motor 60 and a second motor 61 are provided, which move the knife holder 9 in an X-Y plane. Also provided is a control unit 15 that controls the motion of the knife holder 9. The first and the second motor 60, 61 are each equipped with a measurement means 62, 63 that measures the position of the knife holder 9 in the X direction (X) and Y direction (Y).