Abstract: Apparatuses for facilitating examination of tissue samples are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a cassette for preparing a tissue specimen for examination includes a base having a continuous curvilinear wall that forms a cavity. The cavity is configured for receiving the tissue specimen and defines an opening. Further, the base forms a plurality of apertures in the curvilinear wall that are configured to allow fluid flow into and out of the cavity. Also, the cassette includes a cover that is configured to enclose the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for fixing and/or stabilizing a sample, in which the sample is put into a permeable container with a maximum overall height of 10 mm, preferably of 5 mm, and the container filled with the sample is immersed in fixing and/or stabilizing agents and the sample is fixed and/or stabilized.

Abstract: The invention relates inter alia to an automated stainer for staining, in particular for hemalum-eosin (HE) staining, of a histological sample, the automated stainer exposing the sample to the action of at least one stain using at least one staining parameter. The automated stainer is notable for the fact that the automated stainer comprises an input means with which a staining parameter is definable, in particular is inputtable or is selectable from a plurality of possible staining parameters; and that a control apparatus is present which, upon application of the defined staining parameter, ascertains the prospectively expectable outcome of an action and displays it to the user with a display apparatus, before the automated stainer actually stains the sample.

Abstract: An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a homogenizer comprising: a crushing part having a blender for crushing a tissue sample in a container; a rotation driver configured to rotate the blender in contact with the tissue sample; and an absorbing part for absorbing a pressure applied to the tissue sample, which is caused when the blender comes into contact with the tissue sample.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and device for the isolation of lymphocytes, particularly splenic lymphocytes, for administration to patients. In particular for patients undergoing a splenectomy, administration of splenic lymphocytes may increase a patient's immunity and reduce the likelihood of post-splenectomy infections and other complications.

Abstract: A sample analyzer which transports a rack holding a plurality of sample containers and analyzes samples includes: a first measurement apparatus which measures samples; a second measurement apparatus which is arranged downstream, in a transport direction, from the first measurement apparatus, and which measures samples; and a transporting apparatus which transports samples to a first supply position for supplying a sample to the first measurement apparatus, and to a second supply position for supplying a sample to the second measurement apparatus. The transporting apparatus linearly transports a rack from the first supply position to the second supply position, and the distance between the first supply position and the second supply position is a multiple of the distance between adjacent sample containers held in the rack.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for heating an object by means of a water bath, in particular for strips of pathological or histological sections, before a microscopic examination, comprising a housing (1) and a trough (2) inserted in the housing (1), wherein the water bath is heated by means of an electrical heater, characterized in that the electrical heater comprises at least one hotplate (4) provided on the base (3) of the trough (2).

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing guided slicing of histological samples. The samples are acquired, spacially labeled with a fiducial marker, and imaged with a scanning system. The images are analyzed, either manually, semi-automatically or automatically, and likely locations of pathologies are identified. A slicing program is then generated and the sample sliced according to the slicing program, thereby ensuring that likely locations of pathologies are analyzed.

Abstract: An end-face sealing fluidic connector for fluidic connection and/or interconnection of glass, glass-ceramic and/or ceramic fluidic modules in a microreactor includes a connector body having a circular first end face with a recess for retaining one or more O-rings and a first end section having a circular cylindrical outeT surface and a diameter In the range of from 3 to 25 mm. The outer surface has a circumferential recess dividing the first end section into a proximal portion adjacent the first end face and a distal portion. A retaining ring is seated in the circumferential recess and a protecting ring coinpming a high-compression-strength polymer surrounds the proximal portion of the first end section. A circular cylindrical sleeve surrounds the first end section and the reinforcing and/or protecting ring, the sleeve including a circumferentially extending inside bearing surface for engaging the retaining ring on the distal side thereof.

Abstract: A hypobaric apparatus and methods capable of inducing and maintaining in stored horticultural cellular tissue controlled pervaporation of undesired chemical compounds without reaching the boiling point of intracellular water molecules, comprising a hypobaric chamber constructed to provide a leak rate of less than 4.0 mm Hg per hour, sensors and regulators coupled to the chamber and to a controller to measure and regulate target correlates. Commodities processed, including processing storage periods longer than any known involving controlled atmosphere, exhibit an absence of low oxygen injury, high carbon dioxide injury, chilling injury, leaf abscission, leaf de-greening, fungal decay, bacterial decay, gravitational curving, geotropic curvatures, leaf epinasty, stem epinasty, flower fading, senescence, live invertebrates at any life stage, fumigant chemical compounds, volatile fungicides, volatile bactericides; no advance in ripening; minimal water loss.

Abstract: In order to pick up a sufficient amount of cells for a genetic test from a section of a biological tissue with a simple structure and a simple operation, provided is a cell collection apparatus comprising: a substrate which is provided to be dividable into a plurality of small pieces along a predetermined dividing line, and which has a flat surface to which a section of a biological tissue can be pasted; a sheet-shaped expandable member to which the substrate can be adhered in a detachable manner, and which is expandable in a direction along the surface; a expansion unit for expanding the expandable member in at least a region adhered with the substrate, in a direction along the surface; and a pickup unit for detaching and picking up the divided small pieces from the expandable member.

Abstract: A continuous automated extraction system and method for physically extracting at least one liquid phase of a series of liquid microsamples which are taken beforehand in discrete packets, both in space and in time, and are in stored is provided. The method may include an extraction system having a centrifuge provided with a plurality of microholders, at least one of which is filled with the corresponding microsample and includes a filling upper portion that is extended by a separating lower portion of smaller cross section than that of the upper portion. Each filled microholder has a mass which is more than ten times the mass of this microsample, in such a way that it is possible to extract, by centrifugation, at a given instant, only a single microsample contained in a single microholder, or several microsamples contained in some or all of these microholders, progressively as the latter are filled.

Abstract: A histologic tissue sample support device includes a tissue support formed of material that can be successfully sectioned in a microtome and is resistant to degradation from solvents and chemicals used to fix, process and stain tissue. A resilient cellular material is coupled to the tissue support and is configured to engage and retain tissue in place during processing and embedding. The resilient cellular material is also capable of successful sectioning in the microtome and porous to allow infiltration of the solvents and chemicals used to fix, process and stain tissue, and of embedding material used to embed the tissue while the tissue is retained by the resilient cellular material.

Abstract: The present invention solves a problem of conventional tissue treating apparatuses: liquid chemicals which have been used given times and have become useless in a tissue specimen infiltration treatment and a cleaning liquid which has been used given times and has decreased in cleaning ability are required to be separately discarded/replaces.

Abstract: Saliva sample collection systems are configured with special attention to ease-of-use for the unskilled user and safe transport and delivery by a conventional delivery services such as Federal Express. A sealed cavity is formed by tight coupling of two primary elements: a receiving vessel element and a sealing cap element. The receiving vessel has integrated therewith: a standing means, a fill-line window, a funnel system, a knife, a threadset, and containment tube among others. A complementary cap element includes a cooperating threadset, label receiving surface, gripping surface, seal means and reservoir with piercable thin-film membrane. These two primary elements may be accommodated in an application-specific shipping container which support two shipping modes whereby the system may be shipped safely to and from a donor user each way in a different shipping mode.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cassette, frame and mold for holding a tissue sample during an embedding and mircotoming process, and related methods. The cassette is sectionable in a microtome and includes a body with a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls. First and second side walls are generally V-shaped to present an apex of the “V” to the microtome blade. A lid of the cassette is stiffer than the bottom wall of the cassette to assist with positioning the tissue sample. The side walls of the cassette are perforated so as to significantly reduce the amount of cassette material that must be cut by the microtome blade. In one embodiment, to additionally reduce blade wear the ribs on one side wall are offset lengthwise relative to the ribs on an opposite side wall. An upper flange of the cassette includes depressions configured to register with detents in the frame.

Abstract: Tissue solubilizing apparatuses are provided. The apparatuses may be useful to solubilize tissue, including skin, mucosal membrane, and other tissue. The apparatuses may be further useful to preserve and recover analytes contained within the solubilized skin, mucosal membrane, and other tissue.

Abstract: A method of cutting at least one thin section from a sample block that is arranged in a cassette and tagging at least one specimen slide such that it can be allocated to the specific sample block from which the thin section has been cut. The method includes removing a cassette from a cassette magazine; reading the machine-readable coded information of the cassette identifier; generating by at least one tagging unit a specimen slide identifier that interrelates to the cassette identifier read by the reading unit; inserting the cassette into a microtome; transferring data from the microtome to a tagging unit via a data transfer path while the cassette is inserted into the microtome; enabling tagging of the specimen slide; tagging the specimen slide by the tagging unit; and cutting the thin section and transferring it onto the specimen slide that was tagged by the tagging unit.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for automatic processing at least one biological sample accommodated on a carrier member, such as a slide by applying a predetermined amount of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, said apparatus comprising; a housing frame; at least one processing section for accommodating at least one slide, the at least one processing section is provided within the housing; a hood cover protecting the at least one processing section in said housing; wherein the hood cover completely encloses the processing section defining an interior space; and wherein the apparatus further comprises climate control device provided to control the environment within the interior space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tissue sample handling apparatus, in particular for grasping histological samples after infiltration of an embedding medium such as, for example, paraffin, which is characterized in that a sample is immobilizable on the handling apparatus, in particular in a sample holding position, by means of negative pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus (10, 60, 70, 100, 110, 120) for handling specimen slides (21) encompasses a coverslipping module (14) for coverslipping thin sections arranged on the specimen slides (21), the coverslipping module (14) applying first a mounting medium and then a coverslipping means onto the specimen slides (21). The apparatus (10, 60, 70, 100, 110, 120) further has an output unit (18) for outputting the specimen slides (21), which unit encompasses a drying unit (32) for at least partial extraction of at least one solvent from the applied mounting medium of the specimen slides (21) arranged in the output unit (18).

Abstract: Trays comprising a base have a plurality of axial slots adapted to receive buffer or other medical solution containers within the slots. A spring or other compression element at the bottom of the slot is configured to engage a plunger at the bottom of the solution container when present in the slot so that pressure is applied to the contents of the container in order to stabilize the contents while the containers are sterilized at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for staining sample sections, comprising: a chamber that is adapted for fastening sample sections therein; and a pump that is adapted for pumping liquids through the chamber. The chamber has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet can be connected to at least one reservoir of a staining liquid via inlet lines that are controllable by valves. The inlet lines are formed at least in the region of the associated valves by means of elastic hose lines, and the valves are formed as hose pinch valves. This apparatus minimizes or eliminates contaminations arising from staining processes for thin sections that are in particular prepared for examination in an electron microscope.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. The reaction conditions for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a single transportable structure provided with several separate compartments located in a vertical stack within a cabinet, with means for the vertical transport of gel cards, means for the transport of units for moving the cards and pipetting probes, being displaceable to the entire transverse cross-section of the compartments in at least two of the vertical compartments or floors through moving along coordinate axes X, Y, Z at right-angles, and control means so that automatic functioning can take place simultaneously with manual actions to load and unload the necessary materials (samples, reagents, cards, wash solutions and waste solutions) in a random manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass plate (2) for use in a device (1) for stretching sample sections having a sectioning knife, the glass plate (2) being arranged at the back (3) of the sectioning knife in such a way that a defined gap (4) for reception of the sectioned sample is formed between the back (3) of the sectioning knife and the plate (2), the glass plate (2) possessing, at least on one of its longitudinal sides (21, 22), edges (211, 212; 221, 222) ground and polished to optical flatness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for processing a wax-embedded biological sample, the use of poly(organosiloxane)s for liquefying the embedding medium of a wax-embedded biological sample and a kit for processing a wax-embedded biological sample.

Abstract: A device for receiving a sample carrier is provided. The device includes an opening for receiving part of the sample carrier and a cutter for removing a part of the sample carrier. The cutter is coupled to a lid, which is movable to allow the cutter to make an incision in the sample carrier and, at the same time, to close at least part of the opening left open after receipt of the sample carrier. The disclosure further relates to a system comprising such a device and a method for operating such a device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for infiltrating tissue samples with carrier material, preferably paraffin. A supply of carrier material is kept ready for use in a supply station. From there, the carrier material can be delivered into at least a first and a second container. In these first and second containers carrier materials of differing degrees of purity are kept ready for use, respectively, for performing various infiltration steps on tissue samples. By means of the described method and apparatus the tissue processor can be operated with as little interruptions as possible and an ease in operation is achieved.

Abstract: A rapid, efficient and convenient method to detect one or more biological entities on a blotting membrane is provided. The detection can relate to the position, nature or amount of the biological substance on one or more membranes. The invention method involves a pressure assisted regiment (such as vacuum or positive gas pressure) for the supply and removal of reagents and permits washing of the contaminants from substances embedded in the membrane to be detected using very low volumes of liquid. This method enables completion of the blocking, washing and antibody binding steps in about 30 minutes without comprising blot quality. In another aspect, the invention is directed to an apparatus useful in conducting the method of the invention.

Abstract: During operation of a staining device (20) including a first container (22) filled with a first process medium (23) and a second container (24) filled with a second process medium (25), samples (26) to be stained are immersed in the first process medium (23). A speed representative of how fast the samples (26) are to be withdrawn from the first process medium (23) is determined according to the first process medium (23) and/or according to the samples (26). Subsequently, the samples (26) are withdrawn from the first process medium (23) at the determined speed.

Abstract: A sensor device (45) for calibrating a staining device (20) has a coupling unit (46) which is configured to be attachable to a transport device (22) of the staining device (20). A sensor unit (48) of the sensor device (45) is adapted to detect the presence of components of the staining device (20).

Abstract: A tissue sample that has been removed from a subject can be evaluated. A change in speed of the energy traveling through the sample is evaluated to monitor changes in the biological sample during processing. The monitoring can detect movement of fluid with the sample and cross-linking. A system for performing the method can include a transmitter that outputs the energy and a receiver configured to detect the transmitted energy.

Abstract: A histological specimen retaining device for processing tissue. The histological specimen retaining device comprises a foldable permeable sheet having edges and a permeable target disposed on the foldable permeable sheet within the edges of said sheet thereby providing extended flap portions. The extended flap portions are foldable to overlap the target. The histological specimen retaining device also comprises a malleable securing strip attached to the permeable sheet of a length sufficient to secure said folded flap portions overlapping said target.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for collecting thin tissue samples for imaging. Thin tissue sections may be cut from tissue samples using a microtome-quality knife. In one example, tissue samples are mounted to a substrate that is rotated such that thin tissue sections are acquired via lathing. Collection of thin tissue sections may be facilitated by a conveyor belt. Thin tissue sections may be mounted to a thin substrate (e.g., by adhering thin tissue sections to a thin substrate via a roller mechanism) that may be imaged, for example, by an electron beam (e.g., in an electron microscope). Thin tissue sections may be strengthened before cutting via a blockface thinfilm deposition technique and/or a blockface taping technique. An automated reel-to-reel imaging technique may be employed for collected/mounted tissue sections to facilitate random-access imaging of tissue sections and maintaining a comprehensive library including a large volume of samples.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tagging a specimen slide are described. The apparatus comprises a receiving region for receiving at least one cassette magazine, a reading unit for reading the machine-readable coded information of a cassette identifier of a cassette, and a tagging unit for generating a machine-readable coded information for tagging the specimen slide with a specimen slide identifier that depends on the cassette identifier. Data are transferred from the microtome to the apparatus via the data transfer path as soon as the cassette is inserted into the microtome, and only then can the machine-readable coded information for tagging the specimen slide be applied onto the specimen slide by the tagging unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for automatically embedding at least one tissue sample. A tissue embedding apparatus (1) can be provided having an input unit (2), an image acquisition unit (3), an embedding unit (4), at least one output unit (5, 6), and a control unit (7). A cassette (9) containing at least one tissue sample (8) can be transferred to the input unit (2) of the tissue embedding apparatus (1). At least one image of the tissue sample (8) and/or at least one image of the cassette (9) may be acquired using the image acquisition unit (3). The at least one image acquired of the tissue sample (8) and/or of the cassette (9) may be evaluated. Further processing the tissue sample (8) in the tissue embedding apparatus (1) can be performed as a function of the image evaluation.

Abstract: A tissue cassette includes a body having a first floor and a first perimeter wall encircling and extending from the first floor so that the first floor and first perimeter wall at least partially bound a body cavity, the first floor having a plurality of spaced apart openings extending therethrough. A mold has a second floor and a second perimeter wall encircling and extending from the second floor so that the second floor and second perimeter wall at least partially bound a mold cavity, the second floor having at least one micropore extending therethrough, the at least one micropore having a maximum diameter less than 0.040 inches. A hinge couples the body to the mold so that the body and mold can move between a closed position wherein the first floor overlies the second floor so as to form a tissue compartment therebetween and an open position.

Abstract: A histology tissue embedding apparatus including a reservoir for an embedding medium and an outlet valve connected to the reservoir through which the embedding medium is dispensable, and including trigger means which control the operation of the outlet valve, the trigger means having a rest position in which the outlet valve is closed, wherein the rest position of the trigger means in relation to the outlet valve is adjustable.

Abstract: An assembly suitable for use in a laboratory instrument is set forth. The assembly comprises a plurality of guide rods that are disposed generally parallel with one another and a plurality of carriage assemblies connected for movement along the plurality of guide rods. A sub-carriage assembly is disposed on at least one of the carriage assemblies and is connected to the carriage assembly for movement in a direction transverse to the plurality of guide rods. A plurality of carriage drive mechanisms are employed to move the plurality of carriage assemblies independently along said plurality of guide rods and a sub-carriage drive mechanism is provided to move the sub-carriage assembly in a direction transverse to said plurality of guide rods.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a specimen from a fluid sample includes a first set of one or more microfluidic channels configured to deliver the sample fluid to a filter disposed on an inflatable bladder configured to transfer the specimen from the filter to a slide. The apparatus is configured to collect an approximate monolayer of particles and includes a second set of one or more microfluidic channels configured to remove fluid flowing through the filter disposed on the inflatable bladder. The apparatus also includes a pressure source, a sample container connected to the pressure source and the first set of one or more microfluidic channels, a fluid flow gauge configured to measure a fluid flow rate through the filter, and a stain source connected to the first set of one or more microfluidic channels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for dissociating a sheet-shaped cell culture into individual cells. The system, so configured as to minimize the amount of damage to cells when dissociating a sheet-shaped cell culture into individual cells, in one form includes: (i) a reaction unit that dissociates the sheet-shaped cell culture; (ii) a sensor unit that acquires information relating to a particle size distribution of cells inside the reaction unit; and (iii) an analysis unit that computes the particle size distribution of the cells from the information acquired by the sensor unit and determines and outputs a dissociation state.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein permit automated preparation of biological specimens for examination. The disclosed systems and methods provide fast, efficient, and highly uniform specimen processing using minimal quantities of fluids. The methods include at least a fixing phase for fixing a biological specimen to a substrate such as a microscope slide, a staining phase for staining the specimen, and a rinsing phase for rinsing the specimen. One or more of the fixing, staining, and rinsing phases include one or more agitation cycles for distributing reagents evenly and uniformly across the specimen. The systems can be implemented as a standalone device or as a component in a larger system for preparing and examining biological specimens.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed include: a support apparatus configured to detachably receive a chip; movable pins extendible from a first position to a second position, where, in the first position, the movable pins do not contact a chip positioned on the support apparatus, and in the second position, the movable pins contact electrical terminals of a heating element within a chip positioned on the support apparatus; a radiation source configured to direct radiation to be incident on a chip positioned on the support apparatus; a detector; and an electronic processor, the electronic processor being configured to detect molecules in a sample positioned within the chip, and to determine a temperature of the chip by measuring an electrical resistance between two of the multiple pins connected to the electrical terminals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrophobic valve for liquids having an appreciable surface tension comprising magnetic particles, said device comprising at least two planar solid substrates with a functionalized surface each, wherein at least a first solid substrate has a patterned surface comprising at least two hydrophilic areas separated from one another by at least one hydrophobic area, wherein the said two planar substrates are disposed with a distance to one another in a sandwiched, parallel fashion, in such way that said functionalized surfaces are facing one another, said valve further comprising a magnetic actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tissue embedding apparatus (1) for automatic embedding at least one tissue sample (8). Said tissue embedding device (1) comprises an input unit (2), an image recording unit (3), an embedding unit (4), at least one output unit (5, 6), and a control unit (7). A cassette (9) containing at least one tissue sample (8) can be transferred to the input unit (2) of the tissue embedding device (1). The embedding unit (4) allows the tissue sample (8) to be embedded in an embedding medium, while the at least one output unit (5) allows the embedded tissue sample to be output. The image recording unit (3) makes it possible to record at least one image of the tissue sample (8).

Abstract: An apparatus for transfer of a liquid using a diaphragm that separates a working fluid volume from a working air volume and can controllably induce a change pressure to draw or expel a target fluid into a tube. The apparatus is particularly suitable for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples includes a disposable container comprising a tray and a flexible barrier. The barrier is configured to seal with a top edge of the tray, providing a closed, aseptic work area within the sealed tray. A pipette head and/or other sample manipulation device can be attached to the inside of the barrier under the diaphraghm, and the barrier can include an interface for a robotic arm or other device. When the barrier is sealed over the tray, the barrier separates the contents of the tray from the robot or other manipulation device.

Abstract: A cell isolation apparatus includes: a cylinder member that is inserted into a container into which a reagent is to be introduced; a net which is stretched over the cylinder member; a tissue acquiring unit that is projected from the cylinder member; and a bottom lid portion that is configured by a bottomed pipe in which a first hole that communicates an interior with an exterior is formed, and that is fitted to a bottom portion of the cylinder member in a state where the net and the tissue acquiring unit are accommodated.

Abstract: Tissue orientation devices include a perforated tissue support with at least one perforated channel for receiving a tissue sample, and a plurality of tabs configured to extend along and into the channel to retain the tissue sample during processing and embedding. Tissue orientation devices include elongated legs coupled together for holding one or more biopsy tissue samples therebetween. Associated methods include using the cassettes and orientation devices to hold and orient tissue samples for processing, embedding and microtome sectioning.