Abstract: A microtome (1), having a knife (9) for sectioning a specimen (5) for subsequent microscopic examination, is described. The microtome (1) comprises a cooled specimen holder (2) for receiving the specimen (5), the specimen holder (2) being connected to a coolant circuit (3). Additionally associated with the specimen holder (2) is a cooled thermal conduction plate (4) that can be placed over the specimen (5).

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 loading apparatus (12) for specimens (1) for high-pressure cryosubstitution is disclosed. The automatic loading apparatus (12) is connected to a high-pressure freezing device (40). Specimens (1) are inserted in a holder (2). By means of a slider (4), the specimens (1) and holders (2) are conveyed to the automatic loading apparatus (12). The guidance element (26) allows exact positioning of the holder (2) in the clamping element (14). The automatic loading apparatus makes possible rapid transfer of the holder (2) having the specimen (1) from, for example, an optical microscope to the high-pressure freezing device (40).

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 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 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: The method for manufacturing a tissue section, which is used for a sample for observation by a microscope, comprises the steps of slicing an organism specimen (12), whose form has been fixed by freezing or by using an embedding agent, along a slicing surface, characterized by: adjusting a distance between the slicing surface of the organism specimen (12) and one side of a tape (32) and a temperature difference between the organism specimen (12) and the tape (32) when the slicing of the organism specimen (12) is started, thereby a tip part of the tissue section (16) curling to the outside of the slicing surface of the organism specimen (12) is allowed to adhesively abut on one side of the tape (32) running apart from the slicing surface of the organism specimen (12); and running the tape (32) at a speed in synchronism with a slicing speed of the tissue section (16) after the tip part of the tissue section (16) is allowed to adhesively abut on the one side of the tape (32), thereby the entire tissue section (16

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: In a process for cutting sections from a probe for microscopic analysis, an ultramicrotome device is used having a blade with a cutting edge, the cutting edge extending at least approximately in a first direction. The process includes the steps of: vibrating the blade in the first direction; and moving the blade relative to the probe to be cut in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. This eliminates, or at least strongly reduces, compression of the cut sections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analysis of a sample. The method includes an accessing operation for accessing a region of the sample via a tip of at least one probe mounted on a cantilever. A removing operation removes a sample material from the region that is accessed by the tip of the at least one probe mounted on the cantilever. A sensing operation senses a parameter associated to the removal of the sample material in the removing operation. The accessing, removing, and sensing operations are repeated to facilitate removal of at least one layer of the sample.

Abstract: A device for signaling the position of an orientable sample holder for a microtome is described. The drive system (2) for moving the sample holder is arranged in a housing. At least one rotatably mounted spindle (4), and a nut (5) running on the spindle (4), are provided for moving the sample holder in one spatial direction. The nut (5) comprises a position element (6) identifying the zero position, and an indicating element (11) is associated with the position element (6).

Abstract: A feed device (1) for a microtome, in particular for a cryostat microtome, for setting the cut thickness of the specimen (2) to be sectioned, is described. In order to set the cut thickness, either the cutting knife or the specimen holder (3) is mounted on a slide (8) in a slide guide (4) and is connected non-positively to a drive motor (5). The drive motor (5) is connected either to an eccentric cam (6) or to a helical cam (7), and the nonpositive connection between the motor (5) and the slide is accomplished via the eccentric cam (6) or the helical cam (7).

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 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: The invention relates to a tempering device (1) for objects (2) located on the object carrier (3) of a microtome (4) of a cryostat (5) comprising an operating means supply (6) connected to a cooling device or a cooling and heating device (7) arranged on the object carrier (3), and a temperature control system. According to the invention, one such tempering device (1) is embodied in such a way that the operating means supply (6) does not hinder the work carried out on the microtome (4), and the accuracy of the cut is affected as little as possible. To this end, the operating means supply (6) is displaceably positioned in a guiding element (12) which is arranged on the guiding carriage (8) for the advancing movement (9) and the cutting movement (10) of the object head (11) and is oriented parallel to the direction of advancement (9), in such a way that it can be guided away from the object head (11).

Abstract: A device 1 and a method for trimming samples 38 are disclosed. The device 1 encompasses a knife holder 9 and a sample holder 7, the knife holder 9 carrying at least one trimming knife 36. A first motor 60 and a second motor 61 are provided, which move the knife holder 9 in an X-Y plane. Also provided is a control unit 15 that controls the motion of the knife holder 9. The first and the second motor 60, 61 are each equipped with a measurement means 62, 63 that measures the position of the knife holder 9 in the X direction (X) and Y direction (Y).

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: 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 cooling chamber 10 for a microtome 1 is disclosed. A knife 2 having a cutting edge 16 is arranged in the cooling chamber 10 opposite a sample holder 4 having a sample 4a retained therein. The microtome 1 further possesses a stereomicroscope 12 having an optical system 14, the optical system 14 defining an optical axis 11. The region of the sample 4a and of the cutting edge 16 of the knife 2 is observable with the stereomicroscope 12. There is mounted in the cooling chamber 10 an illumination system 20 that emits light 20a and is directed onto a surface 2a of the knife 2 in such a way that the light 20a reflects from the surface 2a parallel to the optical axis 11.

Abstract: In microtomes or ultramicrotomes, it is necessary to preset the specimen (14) onto the knife (16). In order to facilitate and automate this presetting operation, which is intended to guarantee the fastest and most accurate possible positioning of the knife (16) relative to the specimen (14), the spacing (13) between the trimmed surface (15) of the specimen (14) and the specimen holder (22) is ascertained and is transferred to the microtome or ultramicrotome (10). The spacing (13) is preferably ascertained in the trimming device (12).

Abstract: A microtome, in particular a rotational microtome, comprising a base frame (10) on which is provided a specimen holding device (32) for performing a vertical cutting movement. The microtome further has a knife holding device (12) for a cutting element (24) which is formed by a cutting knife (26) or a cutting blade combined with a blade holder. A considerable cost saving and a substantially enhanced level of torsional stiffness and stability when the cutting forces take effect is achieved in that in the microtome the knife holding device (12) has two side plate portions (14) which project forwardly from the lower end portion (16) of the base frame (10).

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: The invention suggests a method of producing an array for the detection of components from a biological sample, wherein the detection molecules are immobilized on one or more supports, said support(s) is/are embedded and subjected to curing, the support is separated into sections, and the sections are applied on another support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knife holder for a microtome having a knife receiver for fixing and positioning a knife and a knife for the knife holder. The knife holder is ergonomic, the operation is made easier and safer, and the knife does not need to be changed as often. To this end, the knife receiver is constructed to accommodate a disk-shaped knife. The knife is given the shape of a regular polygon, whereby the edges are cutters. The knife receiver has an axle on which the knife can rotate such that the cutters can be positioned for cutting an object.

Abstract: A drive device for generating oscillations, especially for the blade of a microtome, with a power generator and a power transmission element, which with the power generator is movable in a predetermined oscillation direction (S), whereby the power generator includes a combination of a permanent magnet part and a coil part, whereof one part is fixed stationary on a holder and the other part on the power transmission element, respectively, and the power transmission element is formed by a vibrational arm, which is fixed at one end to the holder and which is elastically bendable in the oscillation direction and still in all other directions.

Abstract: In cutting devices (10), in particular microtomes or ultramicrotomes (24), it is necessary to preset the specimen onto the knife (14). To improve the accuracy and reproducibility of this presetting operation, which is intended to ensure the quickest and most accurate possible positioning of the knife (14) relative to the specimen, a pivotable observation device (10), in particular a stereomicroscope, is provided. The observation device (10) is coupled to a pivoting device (28) that comprises a positioning device (29). The positioning device (29) is embodied in such a way that a positioning of the observation device (10) at a defined angle is possible.

Abstract: A device for signaling the position of an orientable sample holder for a microtome is described. The drive system (2) for moving the sample holder is arranged in a housing. At least one rotatably mounted spindle (4), and a nut (5) running on the spindle (4), are provided for moving the sample holder in one spatial direction. The nut (5) comprises a position element (6) identifying the zero position, and an indicating element (11) is associated with the position element (6).

Abstract: A knife holder 1 for a cutting knife 2 of a microtome for cutting samples is described. Knife holder 1 has a pressure plate 3 for locking the cutting knife in the knife holder and for discharging the cut sample. A U-shaped frame 4, open toward edge 5 of cutting knife 2, is associated with pressure plate 3.

Abstract: A microtome comprising a knife holding device for a cutting element (16) and comprising a specimen holding device (12) for a specimen which is to be cut thin is described. Associated with the specimen holding device (12) for performing 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 performing a feed movement. A sender (20) is associated with the first drive device (18). The sender (20) is connected with an electronic control means (28). Control of the first drive device (18) is effected by means of a first operating element (28). Control of the second drive device (38) is effected by means of a second operating element (44). To achieve an excellent degree of operating comfort for the microtome the first operating element (28) has two control modes, namely a standard mode and a second mode.

Abstract: In a process for cutting sections from a probe for microscopic analysis, an ultramicrotome device is used having a blade with a cutting edge, the cutting edge extending at least approximately in a first direction. The process includes the steps of: vibrating said blade in the first direction; and moving the blade relative to the probe to be cut in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. This eliminates, or at least strongly reduces, compression of the cut sections.

Abstract: Described is a microtome, in particular a rotational microtome, comprising a base frame (10) on which is provided a specimen holding device (32) for performing a vertical cutting movement. The microtome further has a knife holding device (12) for a cutting element (24) which is formed by a cutting knife (26) or a cutting blade combined with a blade holder. A considerable cost saving and a substantially enhanced level of torsional stiffness and stability when the cutting forces take effect is achieved in that in the microtome the knife holding device (12) has two side plate portions (14) which project forwardly from the lower end portion (16) of the base frame (10).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing frozen tissue specimens includes a base supporting a pair of rotary motion platforms and a center platform. The rotary motion platforms are each movable from an open, side-by-side position to a closed, center platform-covering position. Each platform includes a series of cryogenic discs equipped with a channel system having a series of radial channels communicating with a peripheral channel for circulation of a cryogenic fluid within the disc structure. The radial channels each include a series of circumferential fins for causing turbulent flow of the cryogen and further increasing heat transfer. The discs have a circumferential seal. The discs may include a radially extending peripheral flange, which serves to reduce disc thickness and thermal mass. The flange may extend selectively to alter the circular shape of the disc. The upper surfaces of the rotating platform discs may have a convex configuration.

Abstract: A device for stretching cryostatic sections includes a sectioning knife and a plate. The plate is arranged on a back side of the sectioning knife so that a gap for receiving the cryostatic section is formed between the back of the sectioning knife and the plate. A frame, open in a direction of an edge of the knife, is provided for receiving the plate. The frame has internally located shaped-on webs having support surfaces to support the plate, and a contact rim for setting the frame onto the back of the sectioning knife. A height difference between the contact rim and the support surfaces defines a dimension of the gap.

Abstract: The microtome or ultramicrotome comprises a knife (7) and a specimen arm (3) movable relative to the knife (7). At least one light source for illuminating a region around the preparation (5) is also provided. The at least one light source comprises at least one light-emitting diode (31, 41, 51).

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for cutting a specimen with a blade that moves forward with oscillation. The apparatus is free from vertical wobbling of the blade even after a long period of use, so that the cutting is carried out without killing cells present in the specimen. The blade is attached to a movable body that is coupled to a base with a resilient coupler. The base is provided with a driving electromagnet, and the movable body is provided with a permanent magnet. Thus, the movable body oscillates by supplying a control signal to the driving electromagnet.

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 low-profile cutter assembly for use on a microscope and related cutting method are provided. The cutter assembly includes a support subassembly having a mounting ring for receiving and engaging the objective of a microscope. A cutter subassembly carried by the support subassembly is displaceable between a home and a forward position in response to actuation. Upon reaching the forward position, additional actuation causes the front end of the cutter subassembly to pivot toward the stage, thereby placing a cutter adjacent to or in contact with the specimen. By selectively actuating the cutter subassembly, multiple cuts may be performed, as necessary or desired for cutting a spore or isolating a particular specimen.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for cutting a specimen with a blade that moves forward with oscillation. The apparatus is free from vertical wobbling of the blade even after a long period of use, so that the cutting is carried out without killing cells present in the specimen. The blade is attached to a movable body that is coupled to a base with a resilient coupler. The base is provided with a driving electromagnet, and the movable body is provided with a permanent magnet. Thus, the movable body oscillates by supplying a control signal to the driving electromagnet.

Abstract: A microtome (1) having a motorized feed drive system (2) for generating a relative movement between an object (7) that is to be cut and a cutting knife (4). A control circuit (8) and a pressure-sensitive sensor (9) are provided for detecting a position between the cutting knife (4) and the object (7). The motorized feed drive system (2) is switched via the control circuit (8) when the sensor (9) responds. The sensor (9) is equipped with a sensor surface (14) that is at least exactly as large as the surface (16) of the object (7). The sensor surface (14) is arranged parallel to the cutting plane (17).

Abstract: This “personnell Protective Safety Device” is placed over all these types of ultra sharp blade edges to prevent serious cuts and dismemberments to all employees: making, shipping, using, and handling these sharp instruments. These shields are applicable to: Medical, Dental, and industrial use(s). There has been no specific previous type device patented. This device is of the type required and needed to comply with the currently enacted, Federal Regulations, as per the 106th U.S. Congress, O.S.H.A., and the revised POstal Standards. This device as submitted for patent meets those requirements, and may prevent countless serious injuries to all workers, nationally, as well as internationally. I attest to this statement, to be true to my best knowledge of it's content, and context.

Abstract: A device for stretching cryostatic sections includes a sectioning knife and a plate. The plate is arranged on a back side of the sectioning knife so that a gap for receiving the cryostatic section is formed between the back of the sectioning knife and the plate. A frame, open in a direction of an edge of the knife, is provided for receiving the plate. The frame has internally located shaped-on webs having support surfaces to support the plate, and a contact rim for setting the frame onto the back of the sectioning knife. A height difference between the contact rim and the support surfaces defines a dimension of the gap.

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: A method and apparatus for monitoring and evaluating the performance and condition of histology laboratory microtomes and microtome accessories including knives, motor drives, and illumination devices. Irregularities in an image of the surface of a block mounted on the microtome are detected and characterized, the block having been subjected to mechanical sectioning by the microtome to produce a cut block face. The image of light reflected from the surface of the block, either specular or non-specular, is recorded and subjected to graphical analysis to extract, quantify, and interpret patterned features, including those indicating anomalies in the function of the microtome, its accessories, or the tissue block itself.

Abstract: A microfabricated biopsy/histology instrument which has several advantages over the conventional procedures, including minimal specimen handling, smooth cutting edges with atomic sharpness capable of slicing very thin specimens (approximately 2 &mgr;m or greater), micro-liter volumes of chemicals for treating the specimens, low cost, disposable, fabrication process which renders sterile parts, and ease of use. The cutter is a “cheese-grater” style design comprising a block or substrate of silicon and which uses anisotropic etching of the silicon to form extremely sharp and precise cutting edges. As a specimen is cut, it passes through the silicon cutter and lies flat on a piece of glass which is bonded to the cutter. Microchannels are etched into the glass or silicon substrates for delivering small volumes of chemicals for treating the specimen. After treatment, the specimens can be examined through the glass substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an amorphous tissue specimen into a cooled block while preserving the anatomical orientation of the specimen includes a base assembly, a system of magnetic movable wall units and a cover which may be intercoupled to form an enclosed specimen cavity. The wall units each include a hinged panel at one end, so that the wall units may be adjustably intercoupled to form various planar surfaced shapes, such as a rhomboid or eccentric block form. Each wall unit also includes a reservoir for a refrigerant such as liquid nitrogen for cooling the enclosed specimen to an optimal temperature for tissue cutting. The base is equipped with orientation indicia and temperature sensors. A synthetic resin may be applied to the specimen-contacting surfaces of the form in order to facilitate release of the cooled specimen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microtome (1) for producing thin slices for microscopy, which is provided with a base (2), a blade holder (3) for holding a cutting blade (4) and an object holder (5) for holding the object (6) to be cut. Cutting occurs in a plane by a relative movement between the object (6) and the cutting blade (4) To produce the relative movement, a rotating component (7) is provided with a drive motor (17), wherein the rotating axis of the rotating component (7) is arranged obliquely to the base (2), and a feed slide (9) is provided with a linear guide for setting the slice thickness. The structure of said feed slide (9) is such that it is removable via a feed motor (17) and a control circuit (14) connected thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knife holder for a microtome. The knife holder has a plate arranged pivotably on its base member and arranged, in its functional position covering the cutting edge of the knife, spaced apart from the cutting plane to the side of the knife holder remote from the specimen side, and at the same time spaced apart from the knife holder on the side of the cutting edge of the knife. By this arrangement of the plate, any gripping of the cutting edge of the knife can be precluded in the functional position of this plate. In advantageous embodiment examples of the invention, the pivoting mechanism for the plate is coupled to a switch which has the effect that, when the plate is pivoted out of the functional position, the motor drive of the cutting movement is locked, or that a brake precludes any movement of the knife slide or specimen slide.

Abstract: The microtome has a sample carrier movable along a first linear guide and a hand drive movable along a substantially linear path of motion that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion of the sample carrier. A deflecting device is provided to deflect the motion of the hand drive into a motion in the direction of the linear guide of the sample carrier. By deflection of the paths of motion between the hand drive and the sample holder, the motion of the hand drive can take place substantially horizontally forward and backward and convert the motion of the hand drive into a motion of the sample carrier which is substantially perpendicular to the motion of the hand drive. The cutting motion takes place in a substantially vertical direction, so that the sections can be removed or washed away from the inclined back surface of the cutting knife or knife carrier.

Abstract: A device for controlling the temperatures in a cooling chamber for a microtome, in particular an ultramicrotome, comprises at least two different temperature control circuits for controlling the temperatures of the specimen and of the cutter. The control circuit for the temperature of the specimen (8) and the control circuit for the temperature of the cutter (9), as well as, if appropriate, the control circuit for the temperature of the chamber gas, have a common setting element (17), such that the control circuit can be programmed to an identical temperature as the set value.