Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and methods for automated tissue sectioning, including slicing and transferring a tissue section to a slide. The invention also relates to automated systems and methods for transferring a tissue section onto a slide using an adhesive strip.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an improved methods and systems using autofluorescence of naturally-occurring components in a sample embedded in an embedding medium. Methods and systems are provided for determining an amount of tissue or cell preparation exposed at a surface of an embedded sample, and for preparing a tissue specimen comprising a region of interest (ROI) from an embedded sample. Methods and systems are also provided for imaging a sample of a biological tissue, and for identifying different cell types in an embedded tissue sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an improved method for distinguishing tissue from an embedding medium, such as paraffin in a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sample. The method involves the use of fluorescence of naturally-occurring species in tissue to determine the location of the tissue in the embedded sample. An embedded sample is generally excited by light of a selected wavelength, and the fluorescence emission at an emitted wavelength is used to locate the boundary or location of the tissue in the embedded sample.

Abstract: The present methods and apparatus apply an electric field to a sample in order to prepare it for analysis. In some embodiments, an electric field is applied for drying, staining and coverslipping of tissue sections, providing improved tissue sections for analysis and storage.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing augmented reality (AR)-based assistance within a work environment. In various embodiments, a computing system might receive, from a camera having a field of view of a work environment, first images of at least part of the work environment, the first images overlapping with a field of view of a user wearing an AR headset; might analyze the received first images to identify objects; might query a database(s) to determine a task associated with a first object(s) among the identified objects; might generate an image overlay providing at least one of graphical icon-based, text-based, image-based, and/or highlighting-based instruction(s) each indicative of instructions presented to the user to implement the task associated with the first object(s); and might display, to the user's eyes through the AR headset, the generated first image overlay that overlaps with the field of view of the user's eyes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coverslipping a sample on a slide employ a coverslip tape. The systems and methods can reduce or eliminate the use of xylene and other toxic solvents for coverslipping.

Abstract: Paraffin-embedded tissue is prepared removing paraffin from the tissue. The paraffin is removed by generating an electric field effective to produce plasma and direct charged species of the plasma to the paraffin, thereby rendering the paraffin responsive to the electric field. The electric field may move the paraffin out from the tissue due to electrostatic force. Movement of the paraffin may be assisted by moving an electrode utilized to generate the electric field relative to the paraffin. Movement of the paraffin also may be assisted by applying a solvent and/or heat energy to the tissue.

Abstract: Paraffin-embedded tissue is prepared removing paraffin from the tissue. The paraffin is removed by generating an electric field effective to produce plasma and direct charged species of the plasma to the paraffin, thereby rendering the paraffin responsive to the electric field. The electric field may move the paraffin out from the tissue due to electrostatic force. Movement of the paraffin may be assisted by moving an electrode utilized to generate the electric field relative to the paraffin. Movement of the paraffin also may be assisted by applying a solvent and/or heat energy to the tissue.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing augmented reality (AR)-based assistance within a work environment. In various embodiments, a computing system might receive, from a camera having a field of view of a work environment, first images of at least part of the work environment, the first images overlapping with a field of view of a user wearing an AR headset; might analyze the received first images to identify objects; might query a database(s) to determine a task associated with a first object(s) among the identified objects; might generate an image overlay providing at least one of graphical icon-based, text-based, image-based, and/or highlighting-based instruction(s) each indicative of instructions presented to the user to implement the task associated with the first object(s); and might display, to the user's eyes through the AR headset, the generated first image overlay that overlaps with the field of view of the user's eyes.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing augmented reality (AR)-based assistance within a work environment. In various embodiments, a computing system might receive, from a camera having a field of view of a work environment, first images of at least part of the work environment, the first images overlapping with a field of view of a user wearing an AR headset; might analyze the received first images to identify objects; might query a database(s) to determine a task associated with a first object(s) among the identified objects; might generate an image overlay providing at least one of graphical icon-based, text-based, image-based, and/or highlighting-based instruction(s) each indicative of instructions presented to the user to implement the task associated with the first object(s); and might display, to the user's eyes through the AR headset, the generated first image overlay that overlaps with the field of view of the user's eyes.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an improved method for distinguishing tissue from an embedding medium, such as paraffin in a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sample. The method involves the use of fluorescence of naturally-occurring species in tissue to determine the location of the tissue in the embedded sample. An embedded sample is generally excited by light of a selected wavelength, and the fluorescence emission at an emitted wavelength is used to locate the boundary or location of the tissue in the embedded sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an improved method for distinguishing tissue from an embedding medium, such as paraffin in a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sample. The method involves the use of fluorescence of naturally-occurring species in tissue to determine the location of the tissue in the embedded sample. An embedded sample is generally excited by light of a selected wavelength, and the fluorescence emission at an emitted wavelength is used to locate the boundary or location of the tissue in the embedded sample.

Abstract: This invention is based, at least in part, on use of a tissue collector that reduces or eliminates manual steps in collecting and transferring tissue sections from a microtome to a slide. This invention relates to apparatus and methods for automated tissue sectioning, including slicing and transferring a tissue section from a microtome. The invention also relates to automated systems and methods for slicing and transferring a tissue section onto a slide.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an improved method for distinguishing tissue from an embedding medium, such as paraffin in a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sample. The method involves the use of fluorescence of naturally-occurring species in tissue to determine the location of the tissue in the embedded sample. An embedded sample is generally excited by light of a selected wavelength, and the fluorescence emission at an emitted wavelength is used to locate the boundary or location of the tissue in the embedded sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an improved method for distinguishing tissue from an embedding medium, such as paraffin in a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sample. The method involves the use of fluorescence of naturally-occurring species in tissue to determine the location of the tissue in the embedded sample. An embedded sample is generally excited by light of a selected wavelength, and the fluorescence emission at an emitted wavelength is used to locate the boundary or location of the tissue in the embedded sample.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for transfer of a tissue section from a first location to a second location. Thermoplastic material is applied to at least one pin of a tissue section transferring apparatus. The thermoplastic material contacts a tissue section while at least partially melted, and when it cools, substantially solid thermoplastic material holds the tissue section to the at least one pin. A tissue section transferring apparatus comprises a heater block, a heat source, and at least one pin attached to and extending from the heater block.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an improved method for distinguishing tissue from an embedding medium, such as paraffin in a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sample. The method involves the use of fluorescence of naturally-occurring species in tissue to determine the location of the tissue in the embedded sample. An embedded sample is generally excited by light of a selected wavelength, and the fluorescence emission at an emitted wavelength is used to locate the boundary or location of the tissue in the embedded sample.

Abstract: Paraffin-embedded tissue, which may be disposed on a solid substrate, is prepared by a dry technique that removes paraffin from tissue without adding any liquid to the tissue, thereby rendering the tissue substantially free of paraffin. The dry technique may entail applying heat energy to the tissue effective to melt the paraffin and thereby render it flowable, and applying an electric field. The electric field is effective to impart electrical charge to the paraffin and to move the paraffin out from the tissue due to electrical charge repulsion or attraction, which may be assisted by moving an electrode utilized to generate the electric field relative to the paraffin. The electric field, or both the electric field and the heat energy, may be applied until the tissue is substantially free of paraffin.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an improved method for distinguishing tissue from an embedding medium, such as paraffin in a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sample. The method involves the use of fluorescence of naturally-occurring species in tissue to determine the location of the tissue in the embedded sample. An embedded sample is generally excited by light of a selected wavelength, and the fluorescence emission at an emitted wavelength is used to locate the boundary or location of the tissue in the embedded sample.

Abstract: Paraffin-embedded tissue, which may be disposed on a solid substrate, is prepared by a dry technique that removes paraffin from tissue without adding any liquid to the tissue, thereby rendering the tissue substantially free of paraffin. The dry technique may entail applying heat energy to the tissue effective to melt the paraffin and thereby render it flowable, and applying an electric field. The electric field is effective to impart electrical charge to the paraffin and to move the paraffin out from the tissue due to electrical charge repulsion or attraction, which may be assisted by moving an electrode utilized to generate the electric field relative to the paraffin. The electric field, or both the electric field and the heat energy, may be applied until the tissue is substantially free of paraffin.