Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the visual examination of biological material ex vivo and an apparatus for the sterical orientation of biological material which can be used in said method.

Abstract: A receiving and transferring station (1) for coverslipped specimen slides (2, 2?, 2?) comprises at least one vertically upright magazine frame (5), open toward the receiving side, for at least one specimen slide magazine (4) having horizontally oriented compartments (6), and a rotation apparatus, connected to the magazine frame (5) and having a vertically upright rotation axis, for conveying the magazine frame (5) from a receiving position (3) into a transferring position (8).

Abstract: A tissue processor for processing tissue samples for histological analysis. The processor comprises two retorts, wax baths, reagent containers, a pump and valve. The vale distributes the reagent from one container to either retort. Separate reagent lines connect the wax baths to the retorts. A method of infiltrating a sample containing a reagent such as a dehydrating reagent like an alcohol, where the infiltrating material is heated to a temperature at or above the boiling point of the reagent, to boil off the reagent when the tissue sample is contacted by the infiltrating material. The pressure in the retort may be reduced to lower the boiling point of the reagent.

Abstract: A specimen processing system comprising: a plurality of measurement units for acquiring a reagent from each of corresponding reagent containers, and performing measurement of a specimen for a common measurement item by using the reagent; a conveyance mechanism for conveying specimens to the measurement units; a reagent information acquirer for acquiring reagent information related to the reagent stored in each of the reagent containers; a conveying destination determiner for determining a conveying destination of specimens based on the reagent information acquired by the reagent information acquirer; and a conveyance controller for controlling the conveyance mechanism to convey specimens based on the conveying destination determined by the conveying destination determiner, is disclosed. Specimen conveyance method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for operating a tissue processor is described. During the operation of a tissue processor a reagent is fed from a container into a retort of the tissue processor, which retort does not contain any tissue samples. Thereafter, the reagent is returned into the container. During feeding, returning and/or in between feeding and returning a measured value is detected by a sensor of the tissue processor. This value is representative of a concentration of the reagent. During this feeding, this returning and/or in between no tissue sample is placed in the retort.

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 invention relates to a sample container (10, 100, 500, 700) for biological sample material (23, 230), comprising an upper opening (11) that can be closed by a lid (14, 140, 540), a lateral wall region (12) and a base (13) and a hygroscopic substance (19, 190, 590, 790) contained in the interior of the sample container for drying sample material (23, 230) in the sample container, wherein the sample container is partitioned into at least two compartments, of which one is a sample compartment (16, 160, 560), and the other is a drying compartment (18, 180, 580) containing the hygroscopic substance, wherein the hygroscopic substance is connected to the interior of the sample container in a steam exchange connection, and wherein the sample compartment extends from an upper end, particularly equipped with an opening (40, 400), in the longitudinal direction to the opening in a flush manner to the base (13) of the sample container.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for attaching an RFID tag to a memory cassette for tissue specimens and a memory cassette for tissue specimens having the RFID tag attached thereto, in which the RFID tag is attached to the memory cassette for tissue specimens and the RFID tag operates stably even when the memory cassette having the RFID tag attached thereto comes in contact with chemicals or is submerged in various chemical solutions. The method includes forming the memory cassette for tissue specimens provided on an inclined plane of a front surface of a body with an RFID tag insertion groove, inserting the RFID tag into the RFID tag insertion groove provided on the inclined plane of the body, and attaching a protective cap onto the top of the inclined plane of the body in which the RFID tag is inserted into the RFID tag insertion groove, and coupling the protective cap to the inclined plane of the body by ultrasonic welding to adhere the RFID tag to the body of the memory cassette for tissue specimens.

Abstract: A tissue processing system includes a tray and a processing component. The processing component has teeth configured to dice, mince, and mix the tissue in the tray. In some versions, teeth of a rotary member mesh with teeth of a stationary member, such that the tissue is ground between the meshing teeth. The rotary member may be moved in an orbital path relative to the stationary member. In some versions, the teeth of two rotary members mesh together, and the rotary members are rotated in opposite directions to grind the tissue. The rotary members may also be alternatingly moved up and down to perform initial dicing on the tissue. Once the tissue has been processed, the tissue may then be used in a therapeutic manner, such as by being incorporated with a scaffold and then implanted in the same patient from whom the tissue was originally harvested.

Abstract: A device is provided for facilitating preparation of a sample for imaging. The device includes a cartridge having a generally flat, upper surface, a lower surface, an input port extending between the upper and lower surfaces thereof and an output port extending between the upper and lower surfaces thereof. The cartridge includes a first recess in the lower surface thereof having a first end communicating with the input port and a second end communicating with the output port. A cover slip has an upper surface engageable with the lower surface of the cartridge such that a portion of the upper surface of the cover slip communicates with the recess in the lower surface of the recess.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue infiltration device (1) for samples (34) contained in cassettes (5). The tissue infiltration device (1) comprises at least two liquid containers (7, 11a-11d, 13, 15) and a transport apparatus (6). A liquid (12, 14, 16) having a property that can be predetermined can be filled into a liquid container (7, 11a-11d, 13, 15). A plurality of cassettes (5) can be held by a transport device (4). Using the transport apparatus (6), a transport device (4) can be brought to a liquid container (7, 11a-11d, 13, 15) and/or moved away from a liquid container (7, 11a-11d, 13, 15). A sequence of operations (8) can be prescribed in which a transport device (4) runs through the liquid containers (7, 11a-11d, 13, 15) of the tissue infiltration device (1).

Abstract: A handheld apparatus for preparing a specimen slide includes a handle, a filter holder assembly coupled to and extending from the handle; and a slide holder assembly coupled to and extending from the handle spaced apart from the filter holder assembly, wherein the slide holder assembly comprises a plurality of positioning members movably coupled to one another, and a slide holder movably coupled to one of the positioning members to allow a slide mounted on the slide holder to make rolling contact with an outward facing surface of a filter mounted on the filter holder assembly.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for processing tissue samples are described. The apparatus comprises: at least one retort for accommodating tissue samples; at least one container for storing alcohol or xylene; a valve adapted to connect the at least one retort with the at least one container depending on an operating position of the valve; and at least a first sensor that is arranged in flow direction between the container and the retort for measuring a value of a parameter that represents a purity level of the alcohol or xylene; wherein the first sensor and the valve are configured to replace the alcohol or xylene depending on the value of the parameter that represents the purity level. The method comprises for the alcohol or xylene conducting between the container and the retort; automatically measuring the purity level and replacing depending on the purity level.

Abstract: A device for applying a histological section to a slide is described. The histological section is generated by a cutting action performed by a blade of a microtome. The device comprises a positioning device having a component that is rotatably mounted to a bearing and has a receptacle for receiving and holding the slide, wherein the positioning device is designed such that the slide received in the receptacle can be rotated about an axis of rotation of the rotatably mounted component.

Abstract: A platen for contacting a liquid to a surface of a substantially flat substrate is disclosed. The platen includes a liquid application station and a stripping element at an end of the liquid application station, wherein the stripping element includes an intersecting gap and an air barrier. Also disclosed are an apparatus including the platen and a method of using the platen to contact a substrate with a liquid.

Abstract: Provided is a slide processing apparatus for processing a plurality of slides to which a bio probe is attached. The slide processing apparatus includes a reaction chamber of which side walls are sealed, and a plurality of reaction heating plates disposed in parallel in the reaction chamber at a first distance from each other. The slides are mounted adjacent to the reaction heating plates in the reaction chamber and in parallel to the reaction heating plates.

Abstract: A tissue processor for treating tissue samples comprises a process chamber (10) in which the tissue samples can be treated with at least one liquid. The process chamber (10) is formed as a vessel of a magnetic stirrer. In the process chamber, a stirring body (16) for stirring the liquid is arranged, wherein the stirring body (16) comprises at least one magnet (40a, 40b) with the aid of which the stirring body (16) can be set in rotation by a drive unit (20) of the magnetic stirrer, and at least one vane (28a to 28f) by which the liquid to be stirred is stirred when the stirring body (16) rotates. According to a first aspect of the invention, the stirring body (16) has at least three vanes (28a to 28f), according to a second aspect of the invention, the stirring body (16) has at least one further magnet (40b). The north pole (46) of the one magnet (40a) and the south pole (50) of the further magnet (40b) face the drive unit (20).

Abstract: A slide cartridge for use with a chemical analyzer includes an upper ring and a lower ring secured together but rotatable with respect to each other. The upper and lower rings define a plurality of reaction chambers between them, which receive dry analyte test slides. A gear track formed in the underside of the lower ring engages a pinion gear attached to a stepping motor of the chemical analyzer in order to rotate the slide cartridge. The slide cartridge is rotated under a sample fluid metering device, which deposits a sample fluid on the test slides through a plurality of spotter ports formed in the upper ring, and above a reflectometer, which performs a colorimetric measurement on the spotted test slides through viewing windows formed in the lower ring of the slide cartridge. A chemical analyzer with which the slide cartridge may be used includes a reflectometer, a sample fluid metering device and a stepping motor for rotating the slide cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for picking up, transporting and depositing microscopic samples. Such an apparatus includes at least one interchangeable adhesive body and a gripping tool for picking up, transporting and depositing the adhesive body, the adhesive body having at least one outwardly curved surface which is at least partially adhesive with respect to the sample. In this method, a gripping tool picks up an adhesive body having an at least partially outwardly curved surface which is at least partially adhesive with respect to the sample. The gripping tool then guides the adhesive body to above the sample. The at least partially curved surface of the adhesive body is then brought into contact with the sample, the sample adheres to the surface of the adhesive body when this is being removed from the sample location, and is finally deposited at the depositing location.

Abstract: A device for manipulating at least one specimen slide. The device includes a first sensor unit operable to sense a first rotation of a first component of the device about at least one first axis of a three-dimensional coordinate system. A second sensor unit is operable to sense a second rotation of a second component of the device about the at least one first axis of the coordinate system, the coordinate system being independent of a position of the first component and of a position of the second component. A positioning unit is operable to position the second component relative to the first component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for collecting a sample, which is intended to dispense a received sample onto a measurement strip. The device includes a main body and a pair of receiving pieces. The receiving pieces protrude from a first end of the main body in such a way as to be spaced apart from each other while facing each other, and receive the sample by capillary force acting on a space which is defined between the receiving pieces and which is open on right, left and bottom sides. The device allows the received sample to be easily transferred to a reaction zone of a measurement strip, and enables the sample to be completely absorbed by the reaction zone because of capillary force in a receiving area when the device comes into contact with the reaction zone of the strip.

Abstract: A sample preparation kit is described, a representative one of which includes: a tissue container for containing tissue from a living body and comprising a convex part on an inner bottom of the container; and a crushing tool for crushing the tissue contained in the tissue container by using the convex part.

Abstract: A tissue processing system includes a plurality of processing stations. Each processing station includes a plurality of tissue receiving areas that are each configured to accommodate a tissue sample as well as physically isolate that tissue sample from other tissue samples at other receiving areas of the same processing station. Each processing station is configured to separately and individually process the tissue sample at each receiving area to either reduce or eliminate any potential for cross-contamination between the tissue samples undergoing processing at the same processing station. For each receiving area of each processing station, the system is configured to immerse a tissue sample at a particular receiving area in processing fluid for a pre-determined time according to a pre-defined protocol that is based upon parameters of that tissue sample.

Abstract: The present invention can solve such a problem that a conventional tissue piece treating apparatus has difficulty of reduction in size and restriction on installation and stopping subsequent treatment operations when the amount of chemical supplied to a processing chamber is insufficient.

Abstract: An arrangement for the transport and/or safekeeping of a human or animal tissue sample comprising a tablet and one or more alignment pins; each pin having a tip to pierce the cover of the tablet; the tablet designed with at least two layers that include a cover layer and a support member; and at least one alignment pin with a tip that is undercut in the direction of piercing so that it locks against the inside of the cover layer, counteracted by a lower piercing resistance of the support member in the area the piercing point. Upon piercing the cover layer, the tablet and/or the respective alignment pin limit the piercing depth of the alignment pin forming a locking event. The arrangement is designed to preserve orientation information and allow for unobscured imaging of the sample.

Abstract: A first permeable mesh membrane may be configured to be tautly stretched over a tissue sample and overlaid over a surface. A first permeable mesh membrane may sandwich and secure a tissue sample in between a first permeable mesh membrane and a surface. A first permeable mesh membrane may have a sieve size of approximately 10 ?m to approximately 100 ?m.

Abstract: A bubble point of a combination of a filter and a liquid is calibrated by applying an initial back pressure through the filter toward the liquid; taking a first plurality of measurements of the level of the liquid in the container; calculating a first variance of the first plurality of measurements; and comparing the first calculated variance with a known threshold variance. Then a second plurality of measurements of the level of the liquid in the container is taken; a second variance of the second plurality of measurements is calculated; and the second calculated variance is compared with a known threshold variance. The above described steps are repeated at incrementally increased back pressures until the first and second calculated variances are each greater than or equal to the known threshold variance, which is about 0.01. The bubble point is determined to be the back pressure at that point. If the determined bubble point is less than or equal to the known threshold bubble point, which is about 0.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a platform for placement of a sample or an animal to be imaged, and at least one excitation light source for irradiating the sample or animal to stimulate an emission at a plurality of different center wavelengths. An acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) is provided that includes a piezoelectric transducer crystal for emitting an acoustic wave having a ground electrode disposed on one side of the piezoelectric crystal. A patterned electrode layer is disposed on a side of the piezoelectric crystal opposite the ground electrode. The patterned electrode layer includes a continuous region proximate to its center and a discontinuous region, a pattern in the discontinuous region comprising a plurality of spaced apart features electrically connected to the continuous region, and an AO interaction crystal receiving the acoustic wave attached to the ground electrode or the patterned electrode layer.

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 device for culturing cells or tissue includes a culture dish with a bottom wall and at least one sidewall to define an interior cavity, at least one channel formed on the bottom wall to minimize the effect of fluid movement on biologics in the dish and, optionally, at least one barrier wall for partitioning the interior cavity into a plurality of compartments. The barrier wall maintains a biologic in one compartment separate from a biologic in another compartment. The barrier wall may also provide fluid communication between compartments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for embedding cells that utilizes a flow-through embedding technique maximizes the efficiency of extractions and decreases time for embedding the cell fragments, minimizes cell loss, and automatically positions cell samples at the position in which a microtome blade will section them. The apparatus includes a cell flow pathway defined by an inflow tube for delivering cell fragments from a cell sample to a sample port. The sample port is in fluid communication with a tissue cassette having attached thereto a filter. The cell flow pathway is in communication with a reagent flow pathway for delivering the reagents through the sample port to the cassette. The apparatus is configured such that the application of pressure directs the cell fragments from the cell sample through the cell flow pathway, and effects delivery of the reagents through the reagent flow pathway.

Abstract: A container for storing a biological sample for molecular diagnostic testing and/or histological testing is provided. The container includes a first chamber for receiving a sample holder therein, a second chamber, and a closure for enclosing the container. A breakable membrane, such as a piercable foil, extends within the container and separates the two chambers. When the breakable membrane is broken, fluid can pass between the first and second chambers. The membrane may be broken through an activator on the closure, such as a depressible member or a rotatable carrier, causing the sample holder to break through the membrane.

Abstract: A carrier strip having a plurality of areas for retaining anatomical pathology specimens may have a backing, a cover coupled to the backing along side regions located along opposite longitudinal edges of the carrier strip and along lateral intermediate regions positioned between each of the plurality of areas for retaining anatomical pathology specimens. The carrier strip may be configured to individually retain each of the anatomical pathology specimens in one of the plurality of areas for retaining anatomical pathology specimens between the backing and the cover. Diagnostic studies of anatomical pathology specimens may be facilitated by distributing a digital copy of an image of the specimen may be to a pathologist. A diagnosis may be received from the pathologist based on the digital image of the specimen.

Abstract: An automated machine for handling and embedding tissue samples contained on microtome sectionable supports. The machine includes an input member configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports prior to a tissue embedding operation. An output member is configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports after the tissue embedding operation. A cooling unit is configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports during the tissue embedding operation. A motorized carrier assembly is mounted for movement and configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports. The carrier assembly moves the support from the input member to the cooling unit and, finally, to the output member. A dispensing device dispenses an embedding material onto the microtome sectionable support and at least one tissue sample carried by the microtome sectionable support during the embedding operation.

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: A container for use in processing a biopsy sample. Biopsy sample and materials are received within a sample processing area of the container. A semi-permeable barrier is positioned at a downstream portion of the sample processing area and prevents the prevent passage of the biopsy sample. A cap is positioned at the downstream side of the barrier, and holds fluids within the container.

Abstract: An embedding cassette that is used as a container for performing a paraffin replacement treatment of a biological specimen and also used as a loading table of an embedding block in which the biological specimen subjected to the paraffin replacement treatment is embedded in an embedding material, the embedding cassette includes: a cassette body that is formed from a polyester resin and has an accommodation concave portion that accommodates the biological specimen and a flat printing surface; a thin-film layer that is formed on the printing surface from a resin having chemical resistance with respect to formic acid, formalin, ethanol, and xylene, that has a color different at least in lightness from a color of the cassette body; and an identification code that is displayed in the thin-film layer by cutting by irradiation with a laser beam.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a single-use extraction apparatus which is disposed of after use. The extraction apparatus includes a tube plate having a tube therein, and a column plate. The column plate is detachably coupled to the tube plate, and includes a column which corresponds to the tube of the tube plate. A filter is provided in the column and made of a material which adsorbs or desorbs biochemical materials included in biological samples. A hollow suction port is provided at a predetermined position of the column plate to connect to a vacuum pump. The apparatus is capable of extracting biochemical materials from biological samples by using vacuum pressure without centrifugal separation, thus realizing a simple, convenient and rapid extracting operation, and has a small size so that it rapidly reaches desired vacuum pressure and uniform vacuum pressure can act on the column.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the interfacing of microchips to various types of modules are disclosed. The technology disclosed can be used as sample preparation and analysis systems for various applications, such as DNA sequencing and genotyping, proteomics, pathogen detection, diagnostics and biodefense.