Microtome or Ultramicrotome with a Positioning System for Receiving and Positioning a Section Specimen Collection Device

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes an automated positioning system for handling and positioning a specimen collection device used in microtomes or ultramicrotomes, particularly for microscopy sample preparation. The system integrates a motor-driven collecting belt and advanced motion controls, allowing the collection device to automatically receive, align, and transport ultra-thin sections as soon as they are cut. The whole assembly operates along three spatial axes, enabling precise, automated, and synchronized sample handling, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing errors.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Collecting and organizing microscope slides for biological, medical, or material science research
• Automating high-throughput preparation of ultra-thin sections for electron microscopy
• Integrating with robotic laboratory sample workflows for pharmaceutical or pathology labs
• Use in cryo-ultramicrotomy for sensitive biological samples
• Reducing manual operations in academic and industrial microscopy labs

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly reduces manual handling and associated errors in section collection
• Improves throughput and repeatability for sample preparation
• Enables precise, play-free movement and alignment along three axes for better accuracy
• Can be integrated or synchronized with existing (motorized) microtomes and ultramicrotomes
• Compact, cassette-style collection device is easy to handle, transport, and adapt to various instruments
• Enables maximal utilization of the collecting belt volume by adjusting speeds to match cutting operations
• Supports automated workflows, improving efficiency and sample integrity

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to the use of a positioning system (1) for receiving and positioning a sliced-specimen collecting device (2) which has a motor-driven sliced-specimen collecting belt (26) and is designed to sequentially receive sliced specimens produced using a microtome or ultramicrotome (47) on the sliced-specimen collecting belt (26) immediately after the cutting operation, wherein the positioning system (1) comprises: a receiving means (3) for receiving the sliced-specimen collecting device (2); a drive means (4) which is designed to use a motor to move the receiving means (3) along at least three spatial axes (X, Y, Z) positioned perpendicular to each other; and a control means (8) for controlling the movement of the receiving device (3).