Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for distillation drying of one or more biological samples. The drying apparatus includes a retaining assembly, a vacuum assembly, cooling means, monitoring means and control means for actively regulating the temperature and pressure conditions of biological tissue so that such tissue may be dried without substantial ultrastructural damage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrarapid cooling of tissue samples against a chilled cryogenic surface. The cryogenic surface is enclosed in a high vacuum chamber during cooling of the cryogenic surface. Dry non-condensable room temperature gas is introduced from an external source to raise the chamber pressure just prior to slamming or plunging a sample against the cryogenic surface. The cryogenic surface is heated for regeneration or cleaning purposes between each successive sample.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for distillation drying of one or more biological samples. The drying apparatus includes a retaining assembly, a vacuum assembly, cooling means, monitoring means and control means for actively regulating the temperature and pressure conditions of biological tissue so that such tissue may be dried without substantial ultrastructural damage.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for the cryopreparation of biological tissue samples. The method comprises treating a biological tissue sample with a cryoprotectant which raises the glass transition temperature range of the sample followed by vitrification under cryogenic temperature conditions and ultra low vacuum conditions. The depressurized, vitrified tissue sample is brought to equilibrium in a sample holder. The tissue sample is then dehydrated while maintained in a state of thermal nonequilibrium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrarapid cooling of tissue samples against a chilled cryogenic surface. The cryogenic surface is enclosed in a high vacuum chamber during cooling of the cryogenic surface. Dry non-condensable room temperature gas is introduced from an external source to raise the chamber pressure just prior to slamming or plunging a sample against the cryogenic surface. The cryogenic surface is heated for regeneration or cleaning purposes between each successive sample.

Abstract: This invention relates to sample holder for the cryopreparation of biological tissue samples for ultrastructural analysis. The use of the apparatus comprises vitrifying a biological tissue sample under cryogenic temperature conditions and ultra low vacuum conditions. The depressurized, vitrified tissue sample is brought to equilibrium in a thermally conductive sample holder at a temperature of less than - 140.degree. C. The tissue sample is then dehydrated while maintained in a state of thermal equilibrium. After reaching equilibrium the tissue sample is optionally infiltrated with a degassed resin followed by a polymerization of the resin to form an embedded tissue sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrarapid cooling of tissue samples against a chilled cryogenic surface. The cryogenic surface is enclosed in an ultra-high hydrocarbon free vacuum chamber during cooling of the cryogenic surface by a helium cryopump or multiple-stage refrigerator. Dry helium gas is introduced from an external source to raise the chamber pressure just prior to slamming or plunging a sample against the cryogenic surface. The cryogenic surface is heated for regeneration or cleaning purposes between each successive sample. During heating and cleaning of the cryogenic surface, an evacuated thermal break functionally separates the surface from the helium cryopump or multiple-stage refrigerator used to cool the surface.