Abstract: An apparatus for automatic execution of different treatment operations in connection with staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises an assembly of vessels (4) for receiving different liquids for staining of the tissue specimens, a loading station (2) for microscope slides (28), a conveyor (5) for transfer of carriers with microscope slides from vessel to vessel in accordance with a treatment program, an unloading station (8) for treated microscope slides, and a control unit (18) for controlling the treatment operations in accordance with a data program. The apparatus comprises different levels (I, II) having units for execution of the relevant treatment operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic execution of different treatment operations in connection with staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises a loading station (2) for microscope slides (7) with tissue specimens, a number of reagent stations (3) for staining of the tissue specimens on supplied microscope slides, a conveyor (5) for transfer of microscope slides (7) between the stations (3) in accordance with a staining program, an unloading station (10) for treated microscope slides, and a control unit (19) for controlling the treatment operations in accordance with a data program. The apparatus comprise a photo station (25) with a digital camera (26) for automatic photographing with a background light source of the finished treated tissue specimens on supplied microscope slides (7).

Abstract: A holding device for retaining a number of slides (12) with tissue specimens, wherein the surfaces of the microscope slides in retained position are located in a common plane, comprises an elongated hanger (1) having a clamping means (6) for releasable clamping of microscope slides (12) in a hanging position with the surfaces in said plane, the microscope slides being clamped at their upper end and by release from the clamping means (6) being free to fall from the hanger (1) because of their own weight. The clamping means (6) preferably is arranged to cooperate with a loading rack (7) having a supporting surface (14) for support of the current microscope slides (12) in said plan, the hanger (1) being able to be introduced into the rack (7) and the clamping means being able to actuated so that all microscope slides placed on the supporting surface are clamped in the holding device.

Abstract: A method and a system for use of treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of vessels (4) for receiving different liquids for treatment of the tissue specimens, a plurality of tanks (11) for treatment liquids, connecting lines (15) between the tanks and the vessels, a plurality of pumps (13) connected on the connecting lines, and a control unit for control of the apparatus and the liquid treatment by means of a data program, wherein the control unit is arranged for selective control of the relevant pumps (13), so that vessels (4) to be used in a staining process, are filled with liquid (14) at the start of the staining process, and so that the liquid-filled vessels (4) are emptied automatically when they are no longer to be used in the staining process.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treatment of tissue specimens, comprising a pressure cooker (1) for cooking of tissue specimens, a temperature sensor (5) and a pressure sensor (6) connected to the pressure cooker, and a control unit (15) for time-controlled heat treatment of the tissue specimens in the pressure cooker (1). The control unit is arranged to control a programmed step-by-step heating course, with a programmed time duration on each temperature step, from a chosen start temperature up to a chosen maximum temperature. The apparatus preferably comprises a vent valve (8) coupled to the pressure cooker, and the control unit (15) then is also arranged to control a programmed step-by-step cooling course, from the chosen maximum temperature down to a chosen final temperature.

Abstract: A Staining machine for treatment of tissue specimens on slides placed in baskets (9) includes a number of baths (7, 12) placed successively in a row (6 resp. 11), and a device for successive transport of the baskets in a transport path from one bath to the next one, the baskets (9) being transported from an input station (5) to an output station (14) in accordance with a predetermined treatment program. The machine includes at least two bath rows (6 resp. 11) placed juxtaposed and parallel with each other, the first bath row (6) extending from the input station (5) to an opposite end of this row, and second path row (11) extending from the output station (14) to an opposite end of this row.

Abstract: A machine is provided for automatically attaching cover slips to microscope slides having specimens for microscopic examination, including a first magazine for microscope slides, a second magazine for cover slips, and a reciprocating transport means for transport of slides and cover slips from the respective magazines to a working station. The apparatus further includes a pump for application of adhesives to slides, and a lifting means for lifting and placing of a cover slip on a slide which is provided with adhesive. The two magazines are located on opposite sides of the transport means, and that the transport means is arranged to carry a slide from the first magazine to the working station in an outgoing movement from a home position, and to carry a cover slip from the second magazine to the working station in a return movement.

Abstract: A staining apparatus for preparation of tissue specimens placed on microscope slides, comprising a plurality of stations in the form of vessels having liquid baths for receiving baskets or suspensions receiving microscope slides with the topical specimens, a device for transporting each of the baskets/suspensions to respective stations to undergo a staining process, and a control unit for controlling the staining process in accordance with a chosen program. The apparatus is provided with a magazine for loading and simultaneous reception of a chosen number of baskets/suspensions with microscope slides, the magazine being provided with a device for heating of the baskets/suspensions placed in the magazine.

Abstract: A device for automatically attaching cover slips to microscope slides carrying a specimen for microscopic examination and a mounting medium, comprising a lifting mechanism (1) having a holder (2) in which there are mounted a pair of mutually spaced suction cups (3) extending in a vertical plane, and an abutment body (5) arranged between and outside of the suction cups (3) and having a downwards convexly curved abutment surface (6) for abutment against a cover slip (7) retained by the suction cups. The abutment body (5), at and end portion thereof situated laterally outside of the suction cups (3), is rotatably mounted in the holder (2) about an axis (9) extending transversely relative to the vertical plane, and the abutment body (5) is limitedly rotatable in the holder (2) to each side of an essentially horizontal intermediate position.

Abstract: A staining apparatus for staining of tissue specimens placed on microscope slides comprises a number of staining stations (4) and other working stations (1, 2, 3), where the staining stations (4) receive vessels (5) having liquid baths for receiving baskets containing microscope slides with the topical specimens, and a transport mechanism (17-20) having a hoisting device (17) arranged to be moved over the vessels (5) and to place baskets in or take these up from the vessels, and to transfer the baskets between the working stations (1-4) in accordance with a programme-controlled staining process. The vessels (5) are transparent and are arranged in a number of horizontal rows placed above one another on a stepped base like a tribune, the tribune having a gradient allowing visual inspection of the individual vessels (5) at the working stations (4) from a place of view in front of the apparatus.