Abstract: A system for dispensing toppings onto a topping vehicle may include a hopper platform, hoppers, a retaining plate, a blade, and a hopper-advancing pin. The hoppers each include a hopper bracket slidably engaging the hopper platform. The blade is mounted on the retaining plate and may reciprocate relative to the retaining plate. The hopper-advancing pin is movable relative to the hoppers between deployed and stowed positions. The hopper-advancing pin may engage one of the hopper brackets in the deployed position such that movement of the retaining plate between retracted and extended positions causes movement of the hopper bracket and a respective hopper along a length of the hopper platform. The hopper-advancing pin may be disengaged from the hopper brackets in the deployed stowed position to allow movement of the retaining plate between the retracted and extended positions without causing movement of the hopper brackets.

Abstract: The following concerns a method for co-localization of microscopy or histology stains by the assembly of a virtual image from one or more imaging operations. In particular, the method decreases the time required to obtain multiple labeled antigen or protein histology images of a biological sample. The method includes imaging the tissue as it is sliced by a microtome with a knife edge scanning microscope and spatially aligning the samples by the generated images. The spatial alignment of samples enabled by the method allows a panel of different antigen or protein secondary or functional stains to be compared across different sample slices, thereby allowing concurrent secondary stains of tissues and cells.

Abstract: A slicer having at least one cutting blade, in particular a scythe-like blade, rotating about an axis of rotation and having an imbalance. Also included is a rotary drive for the cutting blade. Further included is a counterweight having at least one balance mass for compensating the imbalance of the cutting blade.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for slicing food products, in particular a high-performance slicer, comprising a rotor shaft which rotates about a rotational axis during operation and which can be adjusted in an axial manner, in particular in order to carry out blank cuts and/or to adjust cutting gaps; a rotor which is driven by the rotor shaft; a cutting blade which is supported by the rotor, in particular a circular blade which rotates about the rotational axis in a planetary manner and additionally rotates relative to the rotor about a blade axis that runs parallel to the rotational axis in an offset manner; and a rotary drive for the rotor shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a food product cutting machine comprising a driven cutting knife, a receiving device for product to be cut, a height adjustment device for the receiving device by means of which a height position of product to be cut relative to the cutting knife is adjustable, a carriage displaceable relative to the cutting knife and having the receiving device arranged thereat, and a support device for product to be cut having at least one support element and being capable of supporting product to be cut on a support face as it is cut, wherein the support device for product to be cut is coupled with the height adjustment device, the position of the effective support face being predetermined by the height position of the receiving device.

Abstract: An apparatus for portioning meat includes a base unit, controlling means, first drive means mounted on the base unit, a casing mounted on the base unit, second drive means that cooperates with the first drive means to rotate the casing, and a pressing member dividing the casing into at least two chambers, an in-feed chamber and a pressing chamber. The pressing member is rotatably mounted between the base unit and a top plate, so as to be off-center with respect to the casing, substantially closer to the pressing chamber than the in-feed chamber, such that the pressing member has freedom to move in direction substantially perpendicular to the off-center direction. The apparatus also includes an ejecting device mounted on the base unit, a portioning plate receiving the meat ejected from the pressing chamber, a position adjustable bottom piece, and a cutting means, positioned between the pressing chamber and the portioning plate.

Abstract: A hand-held slicing device having a handle connected to a slicing tray. The slicing tray includes a ramp leading to a fixed blade. The ramp is readily adjustable such that the height of the edge of the ramp most closely adjacent the blade can be raised or lowered. In one version, the ramp can be raised or lowered by sliding a support structure connected to a knob that can be slideably adjusted by the user's thumb. The device may include a series of julienne blades that are selectively extendable above the slicing ramp or retractable below the ramp.

Abstract: A food product slicer includes a carriage assembly is mounted to the base for reciprocal movement back and forth past a cutting edge of a knife. An adjustable gauge plate provides variable slice thickness for food product carried by the carriage assembly. During automatic slicing, when the gauge plate is moved from the open position to the closed position, a slicer controller automatically shuts down the carriage drive in a controlled manner that causes the carriage to stop at its most forward position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microtome (1) having functional regions to be operated manually, in particular a sample holder (2), a cutting device (3), a section removal system (4), and a section collection pan (5). A microtome (1) is described in which the particularly firm contact or adhesion of sectioning waste fragments and, in particular, of thin sections can be at least largely avoided. For this purpose, the microtome (1) according to the present invention is characterized in that the components of the microtome (1) that can be brought into contact with paraffin sections are embodied in electrically conductive fashion.

Abstract: There is described a method for processing stacks of sheets (SS) into bundles (5) of securities, in particular banknote bundles, the method comprising the steps of cutting successive stacks of sheets (SS), each carrying an array of multiple security prints arranged in a matrix of rows and columns, into successive sets of bundle strips (S; S*), and cutting the successive set of bundle strips (S; S*) into successive sets (2) of consecutive bundles (5) of securities. This method further comprises the step of counting the number of substrates within each bundle strip (S; S*) prior to cutting thereof into the successive sets (2) of consecutive bundles (5).

Abstract: A method for the automatic and contact-free relative approach between a specimen (6) and a knife (7) of a microtome (1). A first light beam bundle (9?) forms a detector-side zero point and a last light beam bundle (9?) forms a detector-side end point of a light band (8), the light band (8) being arranged perpendicular to the second spatial direction (Y) and in the direction thereof spaced from the knife, a zero point (X0) being assigned to a reference position of the knife blade (XBlade). The specimen (6) is guided through the light band (8) by way of a cutting movement. The position of the highest point of the specimen (XSpecimen) in the first spatial direction (X) is determined from the number of shaded light beam bundles (9).

Abstract: A grinding head of a grinder is provided with a knife assembly that includes a knife holder with a number of arms, each having a knife insert slot, for receiving a matching number of knife inserts. The knife inserts have a blade or cutting edge and a bottom edge. The bottom edge, rather than being a straight edge, is shaped to define a pair of bearing portions that fit within the slot of the knife holder arm and allow the knife insert to be firmly retained in the slot. A recessed area is located between the bearing portions. The recessed area accommodates any imperfections in the floor of the insert slot, and provides a void area within which any material contained within the slot can be received when the knife insert is engaged within the slot.

Abstract: A food product slicer includes a carriage assembly is mounted to the base for reciprocal movement back and forth past a cutting edge of a knife. An adjustable gauge plate provides variable slice thickness for food product carried by the carriage assembly. During automatic slicing, when the gauge plate is moved from the open position to the closed position, a slicer controller automatically shuts down the carriage drive in a controlled manner that causes the carriage to stop at its most forward position.

Abstract: A microtome blade changing apparatus for a knife holder (1) of a microtome comprises a blade dispenser (4) storing unused blades and a blade container (5) for receiving used blades. The blade dispenser (4) and blade container (5) are respectively arranged adjacent to the knife holder (1). To reduce the risk of injury to an operator in the context of a blade changing operation, enable operation of the microtome blade changing apparatus reliably and in simple fashion, and allow economical manufacture of the microtome blade changing apparatus, the microtome blade changing apparatus is characterized in that an entraining element (13) manually actuable by an operator is provided, and is configured in such a way that an unused blade is transferable with the entraining element (13) from the blade dispenser (4) to the knife holder (1), and a used blade is thereby conveyable into the blade container (5).

Abstract: A manufacturing system for producing thin sections of a biological sample embedded in a block. The system includes, a blade holder disposed at a rake angle relative to the block, a mounting plane on which a plurality of cutting blades are mounted, an adsorptive member on the mounting plane that maintains the posture of the cutting blades, a pressing member that presses a selected cutting blade against the mounting plane, a conveyor unit that slides out the cutting blades by sequentially conveying the plurality of cutting blades to feed them one by one on the mounting plane, a transportation unit that moves the block relative to the holder, such that the cutting blade cuts out a thin section from the sample, and a control unit that operates the conveyor unit to exchange the selected cutting blade.

Abstract: A board shaped mandolin slicer includes a folding leg for stability in an angled orientation, and a “dead mans handle” for to enable exposure of the blade and adjustable thickness slicing only upon actuation of the handle. In addition, a spring resist in the handle is used in conjunction with a mechanical position guide limiting switch and angled cam which allows the user to better control the degree to which a platform move forward to expose the front of a main blade, to thus adjust the thickness of the slices uniformly. An additional child safety feature includes a pair of buttons on either side of the housing which need to be urged inwardly at the same time to unlock the mandolin slicer.

Abstract: A food product slicer includes a base, a knife mounted for rotation relative to the base and a carriage mounted to the base for reciprocal movement back and forth past a cutting edge of the knife. A lift assist assembly is associated with the base and arranged to push the slicer upward toward an upward tilted position, the lift assist assembly arranged for reducing user input energy required to tilt the slicer upward.

Abstract: A knife holder (1) for microtome blades (2) has a body (3) for reception of the blade (2) against an abutment edge (4) and a pressure plate (5) for retention of the blade, such that in the retained state, only the blade cutting edge (6) protrudes from the body (3), and an ejection apparatus (8), associated with one side edge (7) of the blade cutting edge (6), is connected to the body (3).

Abstract: A knife holder (5) for a microtome for cutting samples (4a) is disclosed. The knife holder (5) encompasses several knives (2a, 2b) each of which defines a cutting edge (16). The knife holder (5) is arranged pivotably about a shaft (18); and the shaft (18) is arranged substantially perpendicularly to each cutting edge (16) of the knives (2a, 2b).

Abstract: A crank drive system (10) of a shaft (11) of a microtome (1) encompasses a first and a second shaft (11, 12). The first shaft (11) is rotatable with a crank (13) and comprises a first transfer gear (14). The second shaft (12) comprises a second transfer gear (15). A rotation of the first shaft (11) is transferable from the first transfer gear (14) to the second transfer gear (15) to cause the second shaft (12) to rotate. To make possible, with a microtome (1), an advance or a lowering of the specimen (2) in two respective oppositely directed rotation directions with the same crank drive system (10), the crank drive system (10) is characterized in that a third transfer gear (16) is provided. The first transfer gear (14) is selectably engageable with the second transfer gear (15) or with the third transfer gear (16) so that as a result, while the rotation direction of the second shaft (12) is maintained, the rotation direction of the first shaft (11) is reversible.

Abstract: A cam follower plate used in a product processing line such as a pizza making assembly line. The cam follower plate includes a panel of synthetic resin having side grooves to engage rails of the assembly line, a forward located slot surrounded by a wall, the slot having a predefined geometry such that the slot wall is engaged by a cam roller to impart motion to the panel, and a rearward located row of holes for receiving a pin carrying connector to facilitate the connection of the driven panel to other elements of the assembly line.

Abstract: A clamping mechanism for a food slicing machine having a product holder that is driven cyclically through a food slicing blade along an arcuate or linear path. The clamping mechanism is driven by the drive means that drives the product holder, thereby assuring the timing of the clamping during the cutting portion of the stroke. A drive rod extends from the drive means, which can be a driveshaft, and extends to a plate that is pivotably mounted to the product holder. The plate pushes plungers through the sidewall of the holder to seat against and clamp the food product against the sidewall of the holder.

Abstract: To provide a thin-section manufacturing apparatus capable of firmly receiving and transferring a thin-section made by sectioning an embedded block by bringing a transfer belt into a wet state, a thin-section manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a cutter 3 of sectioning an embedded block B, a cutter fixing portion 15 having a fixing base 16 of supporting the cutter 3 and an cutter holder 17 of squeezing the cutter 3 from an upper side, a sample base of fixing the embedded block B, feeding means 4 for moving the sample base 2 relative to the cutter 3 in a predetermined feeding direction X, a liquid bath 6 arranged on a rear side of a cut edge 3a of the cutter 3 for storing a liquid W, and a transfer belt 20 in an endless shape having a first turn back portion 20a provided on an upper side of the cutter 3 and a second turn back portion 20b provided at an inner portion of the liquid bath 6 for transferring a thin-section B1 to the liquid bath 6, an upper face of the cutter holder 17 is formed with a liquid storing

Abstract: An automatic thin-section slides manufacturing system which reduces the burden of operators and automatically manufactures required number of thin section slide samples from plural embedded blocks while completely relating the manufactured thin section slide samples to the original embedded blocks to enable quality control at high precision, which comprises: a first transportation unit which is capable of transporting an arbitrarily selected embedded cassette from the plural embedded cassettes to the cutting position; a cutting unit which, after the embedded cassette is transported to the cutting position, cuts the embedded block to provide sheet-like thin sections at a predetermined thickness; a readout unit which reads out the individual data when the embedded cassette is transported to the cutting position; a flattening unit for flattening the thin section, which comprises a storage tank containing a liquid stored therein; a second transportation unit which transports the thin sections cut out by the cutti

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary microtome (1) with a vertically guided object carriage (2) and a drive mechanism that converts the rotary movement into the linear movement (8) of the object carriage (2). Such a rotary microtome should be constituted such that it can be used for specimens of different size categories. Means are inventively provided that are used to set the length of the linear movement that is caused by rotation of a drive.

Abstract: A food slicer has a support member including a base portion and an upstanding portion. The upstanding portion includes a rotating cutting blade for slicing food product and at least one motor for rotating the cutting blade. The base portion includes a food product table movable across the cutting blade for holding product while it is being sliced. An adjustable gage plate as well as a gage plate adjustment mechanism are provided for slice thickness adjustment. A table interlock mechanism includes at least one cable member in operable communication with the gage plate adjustment mechanism where a distal end of the cable member is lockable within a portion of the gage plate adjustment mechanism upon longitudinal movement of the cable member substantially parallel to the axis of the gage plate adjustment mechanism when both the food product table and the gage plate are positioned in particular positions.

Abstract: Machine for cutting paper logs, comprising means for supporting one or more logs (3) disposed side by side, means for advancing the logs (3) on said support means, means for the transverse cutting of the logs (3) and means for blocking logs (3) during their cutting. The said cutting means comprise an annular band blade (4) having a bevel (400, 401) on both its edges, provided in correspondence to a cutting station (T) in which the logs (3) are cut and connected to corresponding guiding and actuating means, the said blade (4) featuring a portion (40) defining a corresponding cutting plane which is oriented orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axes of logs (3), the said blade being provided with a sharpening device (100) continuously acting on both its bevels (400,401). The machine comprises means for the relative motion of logs (3) with respect to said blade (4) along the said cutting plane. The blade (4) acts on one log (3) at a time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing tissue slides is disclosed. The apparatus includes a holding assembly for manipulating the sample block, a blade assembly for preparing a thin section from the sample block, and a transfer roller mechanism for transferring the thin section to a receiving medium. The apparatus further includes a controller that may track the sample block and thin section. The method includes the steps of first locating a sample embedded within a support medium, which may be paraffin or a similar medium. Next, the embedded sample is oriented in such a way that its working surface is presented. This orientation may entail determining the orientation of the embedded sample with respect to the blade that will produce the largest cross-sectional area. Next, a slice of the sample from said embedded sample is removed and subsequently transferred to a suitable receiving medium, which may include a microscope slide.

Abstract: A microtome for generating thin sections of a specimen is suggested, comprising: a sectioning knife with a knife edge coming into engagement with the specimen during generation of the thin sections along a sectioning plane, an advance unit that generates at an angle to the sectioning plane between two thin sections an advance that defines the thickness of the thin section, a linear motor having a linear stator and a linear rotor, the linear motor generating a linear relative motion between the knife edge and the specimen in order to create the thin section, wherein the linear stator generates a traveling magnetic field that drives the linear rotor, and a control unit for controlling the linear motor for performing a relative back-and-forth motion along a predetermined displacement traveling path and for controlling the advance unit between two thin sections.

Abstract: A holder provided with an oscillatory movable ultramicrotome cutter which is arranged on a cutter holder and oscillatory movable by means of a piezo-electric element. The cutter is supported by the piezo-electric element. The holder can be easily produced with high dimensional accuracy. It makes it possible to oscillate the cutter blade at a high frequency.

Abstract: A specimen slicing mechanism such as a microtome or an ultramicrotome in which a specimen is held by a specimen arm and is moved through a knife. The specimen arm is made of two segments which are secured to each other via a lockable hinge assembly. The lockable hinge assembly uses a hinge between the two segments as well as a locking mechanism. When locked, the two segments are in a fixed relationship which causes the specimen to be forced through the knife by the action of the motor. When the locking mechanism is unlocked, the segment of the specimen arm holding the specimen is able to rotate (“float”) around the hinge; thus allowing the specimen to be sliced by the knife as gravity pulls the segment downward.

Abstract: An automatic thin-section manufacturing system for manufacturing thin sections by thinly cutting out an embedded block having embedded therein a biological sample while setting said embedded block at a predetermined rake angle, and said system comprising: a long cutting blade having a cutting edge on one end; a holder disposed in such a manner that it makes the rake angle with respect to the surface of the embedded block; a mounting plane which is provided to the front end of the holder, on which plural cutting blades are mounted and aligned with their cutting edges exposed to the outer side; an adsorptive member provided along the mounting plane, which maintains the posture of the cutting blades by adsorbing the base end side of the cutting blades mounted on the mounting plane; a first pressing member provided to the holder, which presses, among the plural cutting blades that are mounted and aligned on the mounting plane, the cutting blade allocated to the predetermined position against the mounting plane; a

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crank drive system (10) of a shaft (11) of a microtome (1). The crank drive system (10) encompasses a first and a second shaft (11, 12). The first shaft (11) is rotatable with a crank (13). The first shaft (11) comprises a first transfer gear (14). The second shaft (12) comprises a second transfer gear (15). A rotation of the first shaft (11) is transferable from the first transfer gear (14) to the second transfer gear (15) of the second shaft (12). The second shaft (12) is thereby capable of being caused to rotate. To make possible, with a microtome (1), an advance or a lowering of the specimen (2) in two respective oppositely directed rotation directions with the same crank drive system (10), the crank drive system (10) according to the present invention is characterized in that a third transfer gear (16) is provided.

Abstract: A rotary microtome (1) is disclosed, having a base part (2) on which a microtome housing (4) and a knife holder (6) are arranged. Also provided is a collection element (8) that surrounds the knife holder on three sides, the collection element having a U-shaped base outline. Also provided are several clamping levers that are associated with the knife holder, at least one clamping lever for the knife holder being arranged operably on a first or a second outer side wall (18a, 18b). In addition, the bottom (12) of the collection element (8) has shaped on it an elevation (22) under which a mechanical coupling is guided from the clamping lever (10c) to the knife holder.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for cutting food products, in which the products are fed single-file by gravity through a cutting device comprising one or more cutting elements. The apparatus makes use of a device for contacting and positioning the products as they drop through a feed passage prior to encountering the cutting device so as to produce size-reduced products of more uniform size.

Abstract: An automated rotary microtome blade changing apparatus, comprising an upper stage being adapted to releasably engage a supply cartridge and a waste cartridge, the upper stage having a loading segment adapted to engage and move blades contained within the supply cartridge into a cutting position; clamping means for releasably holding the blades in place for cutting operations; power means for driving the movement of blades and clamping mechanisms; and electronic control means for integrating all of the functions of the apparatus.

Abstract: The sliding blade microtome is a tissue specimen cutting device including a specimen syringe and an adjustable cutting mechanism for diagonally slicing the specimen. The specimen syringe is a cylindrical shaft having a first end and a second end for holding and supporting a specimen. The first end has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the shaft, forming a compressed lip for applying pressure on the specimen prior to slicing by the blade. The pressure used to compress the gelatin and the specimen holds the gelatin and the specimen in a sturdy position to slice the specimen to precision without chatter marks. The specimen is pushed out of the first end of the specimen syringe by a motor mechanism or a manually adjustable micrometer drive.

Abstract: A microtome includes a knife holding device for a cutting element (16) and a specimen holding device (12). Associated with the specimen holding device (12) for a cutting movement is a first drive device (18) and associated with the specimen holding device (12) or the knife holding device is a second drive device (38) for a feed movement. A sender (20) is associated with the first drive device (18) and is connected with an electronic control means (26). A first operating element (28) controlling the first drive device (18) has a standard mode, in which the cutting movement of the specimen holding device is controlled by rotation of the first operating element (28), and a second mode, in which a continuous cutting function is activated by pressing the first operating element (28). A second operating element (44) controlling the second drive device (38) also has corresponding rotary and pressing modes.

Abstract: A food slicing apparatus and components where the apparatus includes a frame and a pivotally mounted carriage. The frame mounts a height adjustable conveyor system while the carriage hosts a latch for a slice thickness adjustment cam. The carriage also supports a drive system which precisely moves a food transporting tube assembly over a base, such as pizza dough, while food is cut by a laterally moving blade mounted around two drums, one of which is adjustable to change tension in the blade. The blade is further supported by a blade guide which also guides the sliced food to the pizza dough base. The drive system includes a servomotor, a group of gears, a crank connected to the gears, a cam roller and a cam follower plate with a slot. The cam follower plate is connected by a quick connect and disconnect connector to the food tube assembly. The result is a compact, efficient slicing apparatus with a small footprint that is usable in a food processing line.

Abstract: A microtome includes a knife holding device for a cutting element (16) and a specimen holding device (12). Associated with the specimen holding device (12) for a cutting movement is a first drive device (18) and associated with the specimen holding device (12) or the knife holding device is a second drive device (38) for a feed movement. A sender (20) is associated with the first drive device (18) and is connected with an electronic control means (26). A first operating element (28) controlling the first drive device (18) has a standard mode, in which the cutting movement of the specimen holding device is controlled by rotation of the first operating element (28), and a second mode, in which a continuous cutting function is activated by pressing the first operating element (28). A second operating element (44) controlling the second drive device (38) also has corresponding rotary and pressing modes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus by which potatoes and other elongate food product can be properly oriented and stabilized during a slicing operation performed by a cutting device having a horizontal cutting plane. The apparatus includes a passage extending downwardly toward the cutting device and defining an opening in proximity to the cutting device, splines or other suitable features disposed along a first portion of the passage and oriented substantially parallel to the passage, and means for applying a force on a food product traveling downward through the passage so as to urge the product into contact with the splines during engagement with the cutting device.

Abstract: A food product cutting apparatus that makes a substantially horizontal cut through food product being delivered in a substantially vertical direction. The food product is delivered to a cutting device through an internal passage of at least one feed member above the cutting device. A force is applied to the food product traveling downward through the internal passage so as to push the food product against a first wall of the feed member. The apparatus is configured to improve product flow by configuring the passage of the feed member to have a cross-sectional shape defined by two offset, overlapping diameters. The apparatus is also configured for improved safety by ensuring that the cutting device is properly secured before electrical power is available for driving the cutting device.

Abstract: A rotary microtome (1) is disclosed, having a base part (2) on which a microtome housing (4) and a knife holder (6) are arranged. Also provided is a collection element (8) that surrounds the knife holder on three sides, the collection element having a U-shaped base outline. Also provided are several clamping levers that are associated with the knife holder, at least one clamping lever for the knife holder being arranged operably on a first or a second outer side wall (18a, 18b). In addition, the bottom (12) of the collection element (8) has shaped on it an elevation (22) under which a mechanical coupling is guided from the clamping lever (10c) to the knife holder.

Abstract: A conveyor between a log debarker and a flaker has three flat bottom plates which extend the length of the conveyor line, and two vertical side plates. Each of the five plates is driven to oscillate by a hydraulic piston. All five plates together move forward approximately 30 inches at a constant velocity, after the completion of the forward motion, each plate is retracted separately at approximately three times the velocity of the forward motion, to advance logs retained within a trough defined between the side plates in a stepwise forward motion.

Abstract: An automatic microtome is disclosed which comprises a base, a knife-holder mounted on the base for supporting a microtome knife, a specimen holder mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the base towards and away from the knife-holder and also mounted for transverse movement relative to the knife holder for displacing a specimen held by the specimen holder relative to a knife mounted in the knife holder for cutting sections from such specimen. The knife holder is mounted directly on the base without provision for adjustment of the position of the knife holder on the base such as to vary the location of the knife edge in relation to said edge, and the specimen holder is designed to provide enhanced stability over a wide range of longitudinal positions the specimen holder.

Abstract: A method for cutting sections from a specimen using a microtome wherein a cutting knife or specimen is advanced by an advancing carriage into a sectioning plane of a disk microtome. The advancing carriage is moved by a motor drive in order to bring the specimen into contact with an area sensor. When the specimen comes into contact with the area sensor, the position of the motor drive is determined and is compared with a stored position of the sectioning plane. The stored position is previously determined by manually locating the position drive motor when the specimen contacts the area sensor. Control signals for the motor drive are calculated from the two position values, and the advancing carriage is advanced into the sectioning plane by the motor drive taking these control signals into account.

Abstract: A microtome for producing thin sections, in which the cutting operation is performed by way of a relative movement between a cutting knife and an object. A drive system (14) having a drive motor (17), a control circuit (15), and a handwheel (8) is provided to generate the relative movement. The handwheel (8) is connected to an encoder (16) that delivers corresponding signals to the control circuit (15) upon rotation of the handwheel (8). The drive motor (17) is then activated accordingly by way of said control circuit (15). In the absence of encoder signals, the drive system (14) is locked.

Abstract: A drive system for driving the workpiece-retaining carriage of a food slicing machine, including a drive pulley rotatably driven by a servomotor in alternating, opposite directions. Opposite ends of a drive belt extend around the drive pulley through a gap between two idle pulleys. The drive belt seats against the idle pulleys and the opposite ends extend in opposite directions on the opposite side of the gap. The upper drive belt end extends over the curved surface of a support panel to gripping engagement of a tensioning pulley and clamp. The lower drive belt end extends over the curved surface of the support panel to gripping engagement of a second tensioning pulley and clamp. The support panel is mounted on a drive member that is, at its opposite end, rotatably mounted to a pivot, and rigidly mounted to the workpiece-retaining carriage.

Abstract: A cutting device, including a receptacle for containing butter; a push mechanism for pushing the butter or margarine down into the receptacle, the push mechanism sitting atop a stick of butter and inside the receptacle, the push mechanism being in mechanical communication with the receptacle such that movement of the receptacle causes the push mechanism to move butter downward in relation to the receptacle, the push mechanism including a retrieval chain; a cutter, the cutter including a mechanism for knocking-off a piece of cut butter, the knocking off mechanism being a tapered piece; a gear mechanism in mechanical communication with the receptacle such that movement of the receptacle causes movement of the gear mechanism, the gear mechanism including at least one upper flat gear joined to the receptacle, a round gear joined to the frame and at least one lower flat gear joined to the cutter, wherein movement of the receptacle causes the upper flat gear to rotate the round gear, which in turn moves the lower f

Abstract: A grossing board for preparing gross tissue samples having relatively uniform thickness features one or more tissue-receiving depressions and one or more knife-guiding members. The bottom surface of a tissue-receiving depression is essentially parallel to the upper, cutting surface of the grossing board, and the knife-guiding members are configured to guide the pathologist's knife so as to ensure cuts that are parallel to the bottom surface of the tissue-receiving depression, thereby yielding gross tissue samples of desired reproducible, uniform thickness.