Abstract: Systems and methods for using electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) as absolute radiation beam measuring devices and as radiation beam alignment devices without implementation of elaborate and complex calibration procedures.

Abstract: Respective target positions, into which elements of a radiation therapy machine are to be moved (e.g., prior to beginning treatment of a patient), are determined. A candidate path, which describes movements of the elements from respective initial positions to the respective target positions, is defined and accessed. The candidate path is evaluated to determine whether it would result in a collision between any of the elements. The candidate path is included in a set of candidate paths when the candidate path does not result in a collision between any of the elements. A value of a measure (e.g., a measure of efficiency), used for ranking each candidate path in the set of candidate paths, is determined. A path is selected from the set of candidate paths based on the ranking.

Abstract: A virtual beam's-eye view of a planning target volume is generated based on volumetric image data acquired immediately prior to radiation therapy by a radiation therapy system. The virtual beam's-eye view can then be displayed to confirm that, with the patient disposed in the current position, the planned beam-delivered treatment extends beyond the surface of the skin. In some embodiments, the virtual beam's-eye view can be displayed in conjunction with a beam's-eye view that is generated based on volumetric image data acquired during treatment planning, to create a blended beam's-eye view. In some embodiments, a field outline of a treatment beam can be superimposed on the blended beam's-eye view, thereby illustrating whether the planned beam-delivered treatment extends beyond the surface of the skin of the patient. The blended beam's-eye view can facilitate a manual confirmation process that verifies the planned beam-delivered treatment extends beyond the surface of the skin.

Abstract: A virtual beam's-eye view of a planning target volume is generated based on volumetric image data acquired immediately prior to radiation therapy by a radiation therapy system. The virtual beam's-eye view can then be displayed to confirm that, with the patient disposed in the current position, the planned beam-delivered treatment extends beyond the surface of the skin. In some embodiments, the virtual beam's-eye view can be displayed in conjunction with a beam's-eye view that is generated based on volumetric image data acquired during treatment planning, to create a blended beam's-eye view. In some embodiments, a field outline of a treatment beam can be superimposed on the blended beam's-eye view, thereby illustrating whether the planned beam-delivered treatment extends beyond the surface of the skin of the patient. The blended beam's-eye view can facilitate a manual confirmation process that verifies the planned beam-delivered treatment extends beyond the surface of the skin.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) as absolute radiation beam measuring devices and as radiation beam alignment devices without implementation of elaborate and complex calibration procedures.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) as absolute radiation beam measuring devices and as radiation beam alignment devices without implementation of elaborate and complex calibration procedures.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (10) for sectioning histological samples, which encompasses a sectioning unit (18), a sample holder (14), and a drive unit (16) for moving the sample holder (14) relative to the sectioning unit (18) in order to section the sample (12). Also provided is a cooling unit (20), for cooling at least a sub-region of the sample holder (14), which encompasses a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a capillary tube (25) for delivering the liquefied refrigerant from the compressor (22) to the sample holder (14), and a return line (28) for returning the refrigerant from the sample holder (14) to the compressor (22). At least a sub-region (32) of the capillary tube (25) is embodied in a spiral shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing specimen slides (38) has a specimen slide holder (42) holding specimen slides (38), each specimen slide (38) comprising an identification code. The specimen slides (38) are arranged inside the specimen slide holder (42) on a lifting element (50) in a lifted position. The apparatus includes a reading apparatus (40) for reading out the identification code, and a positioning apparatus that moves the specimen slide holder (42) with the specimen slides (38) relative to the lifting element (50) so that the specimen slides (38) drop successively from the lifted position on the lifting element (50). As one of the specimen slides (38) drops, the identification code of the specimen slide (38) or of the subsequent specimen slide (38) becomes readable for the reading apparatus (40). A triggering apparatus (67, 68) triggers the reading apparatus (40) to read the identification code.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for braking or locking a shaft (6) of a microtome (1). The microtome (1) comprises the shaft (6), an actuating element (2), a movement mechanism (37) and a housing (38). With the movement mechanism (37) an object to be cut can be moved relative to a knife blade. The actuating element (2) can be manually actuated by an operator. As a result thereof, the shaft (6) can be rotated. Via the shaft (6), the movement mechanism (37) for performing the relative motion between the object and the knife blade can be driven. Further, the present invention relates to a method for operating a device for braking a shaft (6) of a microtome (1). So that the device can be used in a mechanically formed movement mechanism (37), the inventive device is characterized by an actuator and a braking unit (25). The braking unit (25) is connected in a rotatably fixed manner to the shaft (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (10) for sectioning histological samples, which encompasses a sectioning unit. (18), a. sample holder (14), and a drive unit (16) for moving the sample holder (14) relative to the sectioning unit (18) in order to section the sample (12). Also provided is a cooling unit (20), for cooling at least a sub-region of the sample holder (14), which encompasses a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a capillary tube (25) for delivering the liquefied refrigerant from the compressor (22) to the sample holder (14), and a return line (28) for returning the refrigerant from the sample holder (14) to the compressor (22). At least a sub-region (32) of the capillary tube (25) is embodied in a spiral shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing specimen slides (38) has a specimen slide holder (42) holding specimen slides (38), each specimen slide (38) comprising an identification code. The specimen slides (38) are arranged inside the specimen slide holder (42) on a lifting element (50) in a lifted position. The apparatus includes a reading apparatus (40) for reading out the identification code, and a positioning apparatus that moves the specimen slide holder (42) with the specimen slides (38) relative to the lifting element (50) so that the specimen slides (38) drop successively from the lifted position on the lifting element (50). As one of the specimen slides (38) drops, the identification code of the specimen slide (38) or of the subsequent specimen slide (38) becomes readable for the reading apparatus (40). A triggering apparatus (67, 68) triggers the reading apparatus (40) to read the identification code.

Abstract: A microtome blade changing apparatus for a knife holder (1) of a microtome comprises a blade dispenser (4) storing unused blades and a blade container (5) for receiving used blades. The blade dispenser (4) and blade container (5) are respectively arranged adjacent to the knife holder (1). To reduce the risk of injury to an operator in the context of a blade changing operation, enable operation of the microtome blade changing apparatus reliably and in simple fashion, and allow economical manufacture of the microtome blade changing apparatus, the microtome blade changing apparatus is characterized in that an entraining element (13) manually actuable by an operator is provided, and is configured in such a way that an unused blade is transferable with the entraining element (13) from the blade dispenser (4) to the knife holder (1), and a used blade is thereby conveyable into the blade container (5).

Abstract: A knife holder (1) for microtome blades (2) has a body (3) for reception of the blade (2) against an abutment edge (4) and a pressure plate (5) for retention of the blade, such that in the retained state, only the blade cutting edge (6) protrudes from the body (3), and an ejection apparatus (8), associated with one side edge (7) of the blade cutting edge (6), is connected to the body (3).

Abstract: An apparatus is described for treating prepared specimens. The apparatus comprises at least two container rows arranged in parallel to each other, each comprising a plurality of reagent containers and a transport mechanism for transporting at least one transport container that receives at least one carrier holding at least one prepared specimen. The transport mechanism is movable along an X and Z axis. A rotation unit is provided comprising holding arms and at least one holding element. The container rows are received rotatably at the ends of the holding arms of the at least one holding element that is connected to a rotation shaft such that it co-rotates with the rotation shaft that extends parallel to the X axis. The rotation unit is adapted to assume at least one working position allowing the transport mechanism to have access to the reagent container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for braking or locking a shaft (6) of a microtome (1). The microtome (1) comprises the shaft (6), an actuating element (2), a movement mechanism (37) and a housing (38). With the movement mechanism (37) an object to be cut can be moved relative to a knife blade. The actuating element (2) can be manually actuated by an operator. As a result thereof, the shaft (6) can be rotated. Via the shaft (6), the movement mechanism (37) for performing the relative motion between the object and the knife blade can be driven. Further, the present invention relates to a method for operating a device for braking a shaft (6) of a microtome (1). So that the device can be used in a mechanically formed movement mechanism (37), the inventive device is characterized by an actuator and a braking unit (25). The braking unit (25) is connected in a rotatably fixed manner to the shaft (6).

Abstract: An apparatus is described for treating prepared specimens. The apparatus comprises at least two container rows arranged in parallel to each other, each comprising a plurality of reagent containers and a transport mechanism for transporting at least one transport container that receives at least one carrier holding at least one prepared specimen. The transport mechanism is movable along an X and Z axis. A rotation unit is provided comprising holding arms and at least one holding element. The container rows are received rotatably at the ends of the holding arms of the at least one holding element that is connected to a rotation shaft such that it co-rotates with the rotation shaft that extends parallel to the X axis. The rotation unit is adapted to assume at least one working position allowing the transport mechanism to have access to the reagent container.

Abstract: A knife holder (1) for microtome blades (2) is described, which holder has a body (3) for reception of the blade (2) against an abutment edge (4) and a pressure plate (5) for retention of the blade, such that in the retained state, only the blade cutting edge (6) protrudes from the body (3), and an ejection apparatus (8), associated with one side edge (7) of the blade cutting edge (6), is arranged on the body (3).

Abstract: A microtome blade changing apparatus for a knife holder (1) of a microtome comprises a blade dispenser (4) storing unused blades and a blade container (5) for receiving used blades. The blade dispenser (4) and blade container (5) are respectively arranged adjacent to the knife holder (1). To reduce the risk of injury to an operator in the context of a blade changing operation, enable operation of the microtome blade changing apparatus reliably and in simple fashion, and allow economical manufacture of the microtome blade changing apparatus, the microtome blade changing apparatus is characterized in that an entraining element (13) manually actuable by an operator is provided, and is configured in such a way that an unused blade is transferable with the entraining element (13) from the blade dispenser (4) to the knife holder (1), and a used blade is thereby conveyable into the blade container (5).

Abstract: A system (100) for staining and coverslipping specimen slides comprises a first part (the stainer (1)) and a second part (the coverslipper (20)). A transport device (5), with which racks (4) carrying specimen slides are transferred directly from the stainer (1) into the coverslipper (20), is provided in the stainer (1).

Abstract: A device for signaling the position of an orientable sample holder for a microtome is described. The drive system (2) for moving the sample holder is arranged in a housing. At least one rotatably mounted spindle (4), and a nut (5) running on the spindle (4), are provided for moving the sample holder in one spatial direction. The nut (5) comprises a position element (6) identifying the zero position, and an indicating element (11) is associated with the position element (6).