Abstract: An apparatus and method for faster pathology are provided that removes the need for time consuming preparation of a hardened tissue block. Such hardening is necessary to enable cutting of the thin tissue sections required for pathology evaluation. Rather the tissue specimen is hardened by freezing only at the surface from which tissue is to be sectioned by contact with a cold surface or slide thereby lessening the time required for hardening. Sectioning is performed by passing a cutting member such as a blade, cutting wire or laser along a plane parallel to the cold surface and using the cold surface as a guide.

Abstract: Devices and methods for extraction and processing of substantia gelatinea funiculi umbilicalis (Wharton's Jelly) from an umbilical cord.

Abstract: A chuck structure includes: a first chuck, provided with a seat slidable relatively thereto, the seat provided with a first stop; a limiting element, swingable relatively to the seat, and provided with a second chuck; and an operating element, respectively connected with the limiting element and a second chuck, and driving the second chuck to move relatively to the first chuck to form an accommodation space between the first chuck and second chuck, an elastic element configured between the operating element and limiting element, and the elastic element pressing against the limiting element to approach the seat, allowing the second and first stops to be in contact with each other. The present invention can use the operating element 3 to adjust the size of the accommodation space, and the second stop in contact with first stop to make the operating element can only be rotated in a single direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement having a specimen plate (1) for freezing on a sample for processing in a microtome, which has an upper side (4) for freezing on the sample and a lower side (5), and having a transparent marking frame (6), having opaque regions forming a marking, which is arranged on the specimen plate (1); and to a method for assigning a sample after freezing onto that specimen plate; and to a method for identifying a sample that is frozen onto that specimen plate (1), the marking frame being arranged on the lower side (5) of the specimen plate (1) or so as to fit around the specimen plate (1).

Abstract: An instrument for detecting signal from a biological sample includes a pipettor module configured to hold a plurality of pipettes in respective pipette positions, to hold liquid in one or more pipette tips, and to pipette liquid in and out of the one or more pipette tips. Each of the one or more pipette tips has a pipette tip point. The instrument further includes one or more magnets positioned such that each of the one or more pipette tips is adjacent one of the one or more magnets.

Abstract: A microtome includes: a base element; a mid element movably connected to the base element via a joint; a first cutting apparatus element; a second cutting apparatus element; a first actuator apparatus configured to move the first cutting apparatus element relative to the mid element in a delivery direction in order thereby to set a delivery of the object to the blade; a measuring apparatus configured to measure a position of the mid element or of the first cutting apparatus element in the delivery direction relative to a reference; and a controller configured to control the first actuator apparatus on the basis of the position measured by the measuring apparatus. This can compensate the effect of the mechanical play of the joint on the first cutting apparatus element.

Abstract: A microtome, having a sectioning knife and having a specimen head (5) movable relative to the sectioning knife; having an electric drive system (16) for motorized movement of the specimen head (5); having a sensor (21) for detecting the presence of the specimen head (5) at a reference position (z1); and having a control device (18) for controlling the electric drive system (16) and for processing signals of the sensor (21), the control device (18) being configured to control the electric drive system (16) to move the specimen head (5) and to halt the specimen head (5) in reaction to detection of the presence of the specimen head (5) at the reference position (z1).

Abstract: A thin-section preparation method and device includes, in a one-blade set state where an entire first cutting blade is held by a holder, performing a first rough cutting step of rough cutting an embedded block using a first end region of the first cutting blade, and a first main cutting step of main cutting the embedded block using a second end region of the first cutting blade; and further includes, in a two-blade set state where the second end region of the first cutting blade and a first end region of a second cutting blade are held by the holder, performing a second rough cutting step of rough cutting the embedded block using the second end region of the first cutting blade, and a second main cutting step of main cutting the embedded block using the first end region of the second cutting blade.

Abstract: An apparatus having a sample sectioning device including a cutting mechanism that is operable to cut sections from a sample and a sample holder that is operable to hold the sample. The apparatus further includes a drive system coupled with the sample holder to drive movement of the sample holder and a reciprocating member coupled to the drive system to drive vertical movement of the drive system. The reciprocating member to move in a reciprocating manner within an angle of rotation of less than 180 degrees. A surface orientation sensor may further be provided that is operable to sense an orientation of a surface of the sample held by the sample holder.

Abstract: A microtome comprising a head 32 which holds a sample, an alignment mechanism 50 which aligns the head 32, a body portion 42 which is provided on a back face side of the alignment mechanism 50, a cylindrical coupling portion 41 which couples the body portion 42 with the head 32, a temperature controller 34 in the head 32, and refrigerant piping 40 and electrical wiring 46 for the temperature controller 34, and the alignment mechanism 50 includes a spherical member 68 coupled with the back face side of the head and having a spherical outer periphery and includes retainer portions 70 and 71 retaining the outer periphery of the spherical member 68 slidably along a spherical surface, the spherical member 68 has a through hole 74 which communicates with the hollow portion 43 of the coupling portion 41, the refrigerant piping 40 and the electrical wiring 46 are connected with the temperature controller 34 in the head 32 through the through hole 74 of the spherical member 68 and the hollow portion 43 of the coupling

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for handling a portion of a tissue sample when sectioned by a microtome. The apparatuses include a container, a tissue sample holder in the container, and one or more outlets configured to allow flow of a fluid from the container. The flow through the outlet causes a portion of the tissue sample sectioned by a microtome to move into the outlet. The methods include sectioning one or more portions of a tissue sample, and flowing a fluid past the tissue sample to cause the one or more portions of the tissue sample to move away from the tissue sample and toward at least one fluid outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microtome (10) including a sample holder (12) a cutting unit (16), and a drive unit (22) capable of producing a relative movement between the sample holder (12) and the cutting unit (16) for cutting the sample. In addition, the microtome (10) has a handwheel (32) and an encoder (38). A control unit (40) controls the drive unit (22) as a function of the rotational movement of the handwheel (32) detected by the encoder (38) and in such a way that, in a first operating mode, the relative movement produced between the sample holder (12) and the cutting element (16) by the drive unit (22) when the handwheel (32) is rotated through a full revolution has a maximum first stroke length and that, in a second operating mode, the relative movement has a preset second stroke length shorter than the maximum first stroke length.

Abstract: A sample sectioning device includes a cutting mechanism, a sample holder, a drive system, and a surface orientation sensor. The sample holder is operable to hold a sample. The cutting mechanism is operable to cut sections from the sample. The drive system is coupled with the sample holder. The drive system is operable to drive movement between the sample held by the sample holder and the cutting mechanism. The surface orientation sensor is operable to sense an orientation of a surface of the sample held by the sample holder.

Abstract: A microtome method and apparatus includes a microtome blade configured to oscillate in a direction transverse to a direction of advancing a cut, and a first flexure to support and guide the blade. The first flexure is compliant in the transverse direction while being stiff in the cut direction. A second flexure operatively engaged at one end portion with the first flexure, is stiff in the transverse direction while being compliant in the cut direction. The other end portion of the second flexure is rotatably engaged by an eccentric driven by a rotatable actuator, which oscillates the blade in the transverse direction while effectively isolating non-transverse motion from the blade. The second flexure is configured to move independently of any guides or other stationary objects during oscillation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing histological sections by means of a microtome are suggested. A histological section of predefined thickness is produced with a microtome from a block comprising a tissue sample. A carrier material is applied with an application apparatus onto the block prior to before production of the histological section. To ensure that the histological sections do not roll up, and to enable improved downline processing of the histological sections as compared with a carrier material embodied in the form of an endless strip and that the carrier material is cut out prior to application to a size and/or a shape that corresponds substantially to the cross-sectional area of the block; and that the cut-out carrier material is then applied onto the block. The suggested apparatus is designed to apply the carrier material onto a histological section to be prepared by a microtome.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for isolating histological sections produced with a microtome and a microtome are suggested. A previously and currently produced histological section are connected to form a section strip. In order to simplify isolating the previously and currently produced histological sections from each other a nozzle device is provided by means of which the histological sections when positioned on a blade holder are subjected to an air stream of adjusted direction and intensity so that the previously produced histological section of the section strip is separated from the currently produced histological section that is positioned on the blade holder and is removed from the blade holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing multiple images of a specimen, having a sliding microtome, is disclosed. The specimen is secured in a specimen holder, movably in a plane. A knife having a cutting edge is arranged above the specimen that is movable along a cutting direction. Provided on the side opposite the cutting edge of the knife is a microscope having a camera for acquiring a respective image of the just-produced cut surface of the specimen.

Abstract: The microtome (10) includes a base (12) having a tank (14) filled with a bath (16) mounted thereon. A feeding mechanism (20) for feeding select amounts of specimen to be sectioned protrudes through the base (12) into the bath (16). A cutting mechanism (40) spans the tank (14) and includes a reciprocating carriage (42) above the feeding mechanism (20). The carriage (42) is disposed at an angle with respect to the direction of reciprocation and includes a vibrating blade (62) hanging down from the carriage (42). The combined motion of the carriage (42) and the vibrating blade (62) slices samples from the specimen extruded by the feeding mechanism (20), which permits consistent and uniformly thick samples with minimal surface irregularities, especially for large specimens. A controlling mechanism (80) coordinates operation of the feeding mechanism (20) and the cutting mechanism (40).

Abstract: A knife holder device for a microtome having a blade guard constituted as a pivotable bow, wherein, in a protective position, the blade guard is disposed on the side of the knife facing away from the sample at a distance such that access to the cutting edge is not possible. The blade guard can be positioned in three different defined positions and is provided with elements that have the following effects depending on the position: in the upper, protective position, simultaneous fixing of the position of the knife holder in the guideway; in the central, knife-holder-sliding position, accessibility to the knife holder with simultaneous release of the position fixture of the knife holder in the guideway; and in the lower, knife-changing position, free accessibility to the knife holder with simultaneous fixture of the position of the knife holder in the guideway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for positioning a cutting knife of a microtome or ultramicrotome equipped with motors for moving the cutting knife. The method may include determining/defining at least two segments of the cutting knife according to a division of the previously defined width of the cutting knife, selecting a segment of the cutting knife, and positioning the cutting knife in an operational position by motorized movement of the cutting knife, the selected segment of the cutting knife being positioned to cut the specimen.

Abstract: A dissecting device and dissecting system. The dissecting device comprises at least one knife, preferably a punch or stamper, a first and second moveable stage, and at least one receiving plate. The dissecting system further comprises a controller and optionally an imaging component or plate feeding component. In addition, methods of using the device and system are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for braking or locking a shaft (6) of a microtome (1). The microtome (1) comprises the shaft (6), an actuating element (2), a movement mechanism (37) and a housing (38). With the movement mechanism (37) an object to be cut can be moved relative to a knife blade. The actuating element (2) can be manually actuated by an operator. As a result thereof, the shaft (6) can be rotated. Via the shaft (6), the movement mechanism (37) for performing the relative motion between the object and the knife blade can be driven. Further, the present invention relates to a method for operating a device for braking a shaft (6) of a microtome (1). So that the device can be used in a mechanically formed movement mechanism (37), the inventive device is characterized by an actuator and a braking unit (25). The braking unit (25) is connected in a rotatably fixed manner to the shaft (6).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for controlling a brake of a microtome. The microtome (1) has an actuating element (2), a movement mechanism (8) and a brake. With the aid of the movement mechanism (8), an object to be cut can be moved relative to a knife blade. The actuating element (2) can be manually actuated by an operator and, as a result thereof, the relative motion between the object and the knife blade can be performed with the movement mechanism (8). The relative motion can be locked with the aid of the brake. So that the relative motion between the object and the knife blade can be used in a mechanically designed movement mechanism (8) and/or the relative motion can be locked without an additional hand movement of the operator, the inventive device is characterized by at least one sensor unit (5, 13). The sensor unit (5, 13) is provided on the actuating element (2) or adjacent to the actuating element (2). With the aid of the sensor unit (5, 13) a contact by the operator can be determined.

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: 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: 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: 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: Provided are a cutting guide device for preparing a texture section, which can prepare a texture section manually with a cutting tool such as a pathological knife, in a uniform thickness and in a regular section with neither experience nor skill, a texture section preparing device, and a method for preparing a texture section. The texture section preparing cutting guide device includes a placing base for placing a texture mass directly or indirectly thereon, and a cutting guide cover for preventing the texture mass placed directly or indirectly on the placing base from moving, by holding the texture mass downward. In at least such a portion of the cutting guide cover as to hold the texture mass, there are formed a plurality of slits, into which a knife to be used to cut the texture mass can be inserted. The slits have their intervals set to the thickness of a desired texture section.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for bonding block of paraffin having cellular material embedded at one end thereof with an additional amount of paraffin are disclosed, including a method comprising placing the paraffin block in a well of a mold with the paraffin-embedded cellular material positioned on a support structure that elevates the cellular matter from a bottom surface of the well; heating the mold to thereby soften and at least partially melt and blend together the embedding paraffin and additional paraffin located in the well, the support structure sized such that some of the additional paraffin flows on the bottom surface of the well at least partially surrounding the support structure; and cooling the mold to thereby bond the additional paraffin to the embedding paraffin and re-solidify the paraffin block, wherein the retained cellular matter is spaced apart from an end of the re-solidified paraffin block defined by the bottom surface of the well.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for processing specimens (15), comprising an observation device (2), a specimen holder (3) for receiving the specimen (15) to be processed, and a tool holder (6), the tool holder (6) being pivotable in a plane normal to its longitudinal axis (L?) by a pivot arm (22), and being rotatable about its longitudinal axis (L?); furthermore a drive system for selectable execution of the pivoting of the pivot arm (22) is provided.

Abstract: A vibrating microtome and measuring device for measuring the transverse offset of a vibrating knife comprises a light barrier into which the knife is placeable and a control application signal (pklo, pkhi) that describes the time course of the vibration of the knife and an electronic measurement system of the measuring device measures the coverage of the light barrier as an oscillating signal (tpm), and determines the transverse offset from the signal values at points in time that are defined by the control application signal.

Abstract: A sectioning instrument fabricates a section having an accurate and uniform thickness to be carried to a next step automatically without deforming a surface of an embedded block and while observing the surface of the embedded block. The sectioning instrument includes a sample base for fixing an embedded block, a cutter for fabricating a section by sectioning the embedded block, a carrier for carrying the section, and a feed mechanism for moving the sample base in a predetermined feed direction. The carrier includes a belt, a direction switching portion provided on an upper side of the cutter, and a rear roller. The belt is inserted to between the cutter and the direction switching portion from a rear side of the cutter, folded back to an upper side by the direction switching portion and is reeled back to the rear side of the cutter by the rear roller substantially in parallel with the feed direction of the feed mechanism in a plane view.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein for aligning a block in a microtome attempt to save time, money, and the sample by aligning a block in any rotary or cryostat microtome. One such device for aligning a block in a microtome has a knife holder component removably attached to a knife holder of the microtome and a pin alignment component extending vertically from the knife holder component in a direction substantially parallel to the block. The pin alignment component has a plurality of front pins extending from a front surface of the pin alignment component configured to slide in response to an angle of the block and a plurality of rear pins extending from a rear surface of the pin alignment component and coupled to the front pins. The rear pins are configured to indicate the extension of the front pins from the pin alignment component.

Abstract: An automatic slicing apparatus reduces the likelihood of failure to make a sliced piece specimen even if continuously operated. The apparatus, on the basis of an exchange command signal, detaches a sample block attached to a cutting base and attaches a new sample block to the cutting base. The apparatus cuts a sliced piece of a predetermined thickness by moving a knife with respect to the sample block having been attached to the cutting base. The apparatus also observes the sliced piece having been cut and judges the sliced piece by comparing an observation data obtained by the observation means and a sample block cut face data. When the apparatus judges that the sliced piece is good, the apparatus transmits an exchange command signal.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device is described, a representative one of which includes: a handle part; a head unit including comprising a plurality of blades arranged so as to extend substantially parallel with a longitudinal direction of the handle part at intervals and a blade holding portion for holding the plurality of blades; and a head holding part located at the distal end of the handle part, for holding the head.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing flat thin sections of a specimen (3) comprises a blade edge (7), a specimen carrier (4), a drive device (14) for producing a relative motion between the blade edge (7) and the specimen carrier (4) in a sectioning plane (5), and a light light-ribbon micrometer (8) arranged between the blade edge (7) and the specimen (3), wherein the light-ribbon micrometer (8) is arranged at a fixed distance (d) relative to the blade edge (7) and generates a light-ribbon in a plane perpendicular to the sectioning plane. A coding device (13) may be associated with the drive device (14) for controlling an alternating drive as a function of the distance (d) and of signals generated by the light-ribbon micrometer (8).

Abstract: A microtome for producing thin sections for microscopy is suggested that has a high level of automation and can be operated ergonomically. The microtome has a sectioning knife, a specimen holder, a first and a second motor unit operating the knife, a control system and an operating unit comprising a first and a second operating element. The first operating element controls the relative displacement between the sectioning knife and specimen holder, while the second operating element adjusts the advance rate of the displacement. The first operating element is a rotating ring and the second element is a rotary knob, concentrically within the rotating ring.

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: Systems and methods described herein for aligning a block in a microtome attempt to save time, money, and the sample by aligning a block in any rotary or cryostat microtome. One such device for aligning a block in a microtome has a knife holder component removably attached to a knife holder of the microtome and a pin alignment component extending vertically from the knife holder component in a direction substantially parallel to the block. The pin alignment component has a plurality of front pins extending from a front surface of the pin alignment component configured to slide in response to an angle of the block and a plurality of rear pins extending from a rear surface of the pin alignment component and coupled to the front pins. The rear pins are configured to indicate the extension of the front pins from the pin alignment component.

Abstract: A microtome includes a histological cassette support member that is adapted and configured to allow the microtome to be used in connection with relatively thin histological cassettes. A method of reversibly altering a microtome for use with different size histological specimen cassettes includes exchanging the cassette support member of the cassette holding assembly of the microtome with another cassette support member without altering other portions of the cassette holding assembly. A method is also disclosed that includes providing a microtome comprising a first histological tissue cassette clamp, providing a second histological tissue cassette clamp, securing the second histological tissue cassette clamp to the microtome via the first histological tissue cassette clamp, and securing a histological tissue cassette to the microtome via the second histological tissue cassette clamp when the second histological tissue cassette clamp is secured to the microtome via the first histological tissue cassette clamp.

Abstract: A lever arrangement for a microtome including a first and second lever. The first lever mounted rotatably about a first axis. The second lever is mounted rotatably about a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis. One lever comprises two guidance surfaces. The other lever comprises a guidance segment. The guidance segment coacts with the two guidance surfaces such that a rotation of the first lever in a first direction rotates the second lever in a target direction, and a rotation of the first lever in a direction opposite to the first direction rotates the second lever in the target direction.

Abstract: A vibrating microtome and measuring device for measuring the transverse offset of a vibrating knife comprises a light barrier into which the knife is placeable and a control application signal (pklo, pkhi) that describes the time course of the vibration of the knife and an electronic measurement system of the measuring device measures the coverage of the light barrier as an oscillating signal (tpm), and determines the transverse offset from the signal values at points in time that are defined by the control application signal.

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 dissection apparatus is disclosed. The dissection apparatus includes a supporting mechanism, a holder, a driving element rotating the holder, a cam fixed to the supporting mechanism, a first sliding element, a second sliding element, a dissecting device disposed on the first sliding element, an aspirating device disposed on the second sliding element. When the holder rotates to move the dissecting device from a first idle position to an operating position, the first sliding element is lowered by the guide of the cam enabling the aspirating device to move from the operating position to a second idle position. When the holder rotates to move the aspirating device from the second idle position to the operating position, the guide of the cam lowers the second sliding element, thus, allowing the dissecting device is able to move from the operating position to the first idle position.

Abstract: A knife holder for a microtome has a plate arranged pivotably on its base member, which, in its functional position, covers the cutting edge of the knife and is spaced apart from the cutting plane towards the side of the knife holder remote from the specimen. The plate is also spaced apart from the knife holder on the side of the cutting edge of the knife. The plate precludes gripping of the cutting edge of the knife and a pivoting mechanism for the plate is coupled to a switch. When the plate is pivoted out of the functional position, the motor drive of the cutting movement is locked, or a brake precludes any movement of the knife slide or specimen slide. The plate preferably consists of a transparent material to permit observation of section removal in the functional position.

Abstract: A microtome blade having a safety portion. The safety portion may include a protective portion spaced from a knife edge and a gripping portion extending outwardly from the protective portion. The protective portion and the gripping portion help reduce unintended knife edge cuts.

Abstract: Systems, methods, media, and other embodiments associated with episcopic, histological, autoradiographic, and/or other imaging are described. One exemplary system includes a cryomicrotome, an episcopic imaging device and a histological imaging device, logic for registering episcopic images with histological images, and logic for manipulating images acquired from the episcopic imaging device and the histological imaging device.

Abstract: To fabricate automatically a high quality sliced piece by preventing a temperature change of a surface of an enveloped block, there is provided an automatic sliced piece fabricating apparatus including a fixed base for mounting to fix an enveloped block, cutting means including a cut blade arranged on the fixed base for cutting out a sliced piece from the enveloped block by moving the cut blade and the fixed base relative to each other, a cabinet for containing the fixed base and the cutting means at inside thereof, sliced piece carrying means for carrying the cut-out sliced piece to outside of the cabinet, and temperature adjusting means for adjusting at least a surrounding temperature of the enveloped block to a predetermined temperature by supplying cold wind a temperature of which is controlled from outside at inside of the cabinet.

Abstract: A specimen holder (10) is proposed in order to create a capability for preparing, in a cutting device, in particular a microtome or ultramicrotome, a specimen that is to examined in an AFM. The specimen holder (10) is embodied in several parts. It comprises an insert (12) in which the specimen is secured. Also provided is a receiving ring (14) in which the insert (12) can be received. The insert together with the receiving ring (14) is mounted, in particular thread-joined, on a base element (16). As a result of the mounting of the receiving ring (14) on the base element (16), the insert together with the specimen is fixed in its position.