A protective housing for a microtome blade (4) includes a frame that holds the microtome blade (4) and a clip (2) that can be pivoted relative to the frame. In a first position, the clip (2) covers a cutting edge of the microtome blade (4) received in the frame. A microtome blade holder (6) is configured to receive an arrangement (100) composed of the protective housing and the microtome blade (4).

The present disclosure relates to a blade holder (100), a blade moving system (1000) and a microtome (2000). The blade holder (100) includes a base (110) defining a blade groove (112) and a slide groove (114), the blade groove (112) being configured to accommodating a blade (900); a slide rail (120) slidably accommodated in the slide groove (114); and an engagement assembly (130) mounted to the slide rail (120) and configured to engage the blade (900) such that the blade (900) is slidable along the blade groove (112) with sliding of the slide rail (120) in the slide groove (114). By using the blade holder (100) according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the blade (900) can be moved to the left or right along the blade groove (112) by sliding the slide rail (120) in the slide groove (114), thereby facilitating fully use of the blade (900).

The present disclosure relates to a blade holder (100), a blade moving system (1000) and a microtome (2000). The blade holder (100) includes a base (110) defining a blade groove (112) and a slide groove (114), the blade groove (112) being configured to accommodating a blade (900); a slide rail (120) slidably accommodated in the slide groove (114); and an engagement assembly (130) mounted to the slide rail (120) and configured to engage the blade (900) such that the blade (900) is slidable along the blade groove (112) with sliding of the slide rail (120) in the slide groove (114). By using the blade holder (100) according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the blade (900) can be moved to the left or right along the blade groove (112) by sliding the slide rail (120) in the slide groove (114), thereby facilitating fully use of the blade (900).

The present disclosure provides a blade load mechanism for a blade holder of a microtome. The blade holder has a base defining a blade receptacle configured to receive a blade, the blade load mechanism includes a blade supply container configured to contain a blade therein, the blade supply container defining a removal opening through which the blade is able to be removed from the blade supply container, and a blade access slot through an outer wall of the blade supply container in a length direction of the blade; and a blade pusher configured to engage with the blade through the blade access slot and slide along the blade access slot to push the blade out of the blade supply container through the removal opening, and deliver the blade into the blade receptacle. The present disclosure further provides a blade unload mechanism and a blade changing system.

The present disclosure provides a blade load mechanism for a blade holder of a microtome. The blade holder has a base defining a blade receptacle configured to receive a blade, the blade load mechanism includes a blade supply container configured to contain a blade therein, the blade supply container defining a removal opening through which the blade is able to be removed from the blade supply container, and a blade access slot through an outer wall of the blade supply container in a length direction of the blade; and a blade pusher configured to engage with the blade through the blade access slot and slide along the blade access slot to push the blade out of the blade supply container through the removal opening, and deliver the blade into the blade receptacle. The present disclosure further provides a blade unload mechanism and a blade changing system.

An automated tape transfer apparatus including a tape feed mechanism feeding a continuous length of an adhesive tape through the automated tape transfer apparatus and a tape applicator applying the adhesive tape to a cutting face of a sample block, wherein a section of the sample block is adhered to the adhesive tape after cutting of the section from the sample block. A slide station transfers the cut section from the adhesive tape to a slide.

An automated tape transfer apparatus including a tape feed mechanism feeding a continuous length of an adhesive tape through the automated tape transfer apparatus and a tape applicator applying the adhesive tape to a cutting face of a sample block, wherein a section of the sample block is adhered to the adhesive tape after cutting of the section from the sample block. A slide station transfers the cut section from the adhesive tape to a slide.

A cryostat chuck is disclosed. The disclosed chuck may be configured for use in a frozen-sectioning device, such as a cryostat, or other suitable host equipment. The disclosed chuck may include a tab portion configured, in accordance with some embodiments, to provide a means for gripping the chuck by hand (e.g., human or robotic) or by a tool or other desired interfacing element. The tab portion may serve to distance a user's hand or piece of gripping equipment from the sharp microtome of the host cryostat, reducing the opportunity of sustaining bodily injury or equipment damage. Moreover, the tab portion may provide a means by which the cryostat chuck may be manipulated when inserting, adjusting, or removing the chuck prior to, during, or after engagement by the cryostat (or other suitable host equipment).

A cryostat chuck is disclosed. The disclosed chuck may be configured for use in a frozen-sectioning device, such as a cryostat, or other suitable host equipment. The disclosed chuck may include a tab portion configured, in accordance with some embodiments, to provide a means for gripping the chuck by hand (e.g., human or robotic) or by a tool or other desired interfacing element. The tab portion may serve to distance a user's hand or piece of gripping equipment from the sharp microtome of the host cryostat, reducing the opportunity of sustaining bodily injury or equipment damage. Moreover, the tab portion may provide a means by which the cryostat chuck may be manipulated when inserting, adjusting, or removing the chuck prior to, during, or after engagement by the cryostat (or other suitable host equipment).

An automated tape transfer apparatus including a tape feed mechanism feeding a continuous length of an adhesive tape through the automated tape transfer apparatus and a tape applicator applying the adhesive tape to a cutting face of a sample block, wherein a section of the sample block is adhered to the adhesive tape after cutting of the section from the sample block. A slide station transfers the cut section from the adhesive tape to a slide.