The present disclosure provides methods for the automated control of aspects of slide preparation in an automated slide preparation instrument. Aspects of the methods include automated assessments of reagent amounts, quality and performance as well as automated adjustments of reagents based on such assessments, including the adjustment of reagent amounts, e.g., as present in reagent baths, the adjustment of reagent compositions and the replacement of reagents. Devices and systems useful in performing the described methods are also provided herein.

A container comprising: a first panel; a second panel opposing the first panel; a first side; a second side opposing the first side; a third side; a fourth side opposing the third side; wherein each of the sides joins the first panel and the second panel; a chamber defined by the four sides, the first panel, and the second panel, wherein the chamber is configured to receive a biological specimen; a port defined in the first side; a plug inserted into the port; an opening defined in the second side; and a closure element coupled to the opening, wherein the chamber is leak proof.

A system for monitoring tissue samples to be processed by a tissue processor for a histopathology workflow, the system including: a scanner associated with the tissue processor arranged to scan an electronic sample identifier of at least one tissue sample to be processed by the tissue processor; an input module arranged to receive tissue processor workflow data indicative of a tissue processor workflow for the at least one tissue sample to be processed by selected ones of a plurality of processing stations in the tissue processor used for processing the at least one tissue sample; a monitoring module arranged to monitor properties of the at least one tissue sample processed at each of the selected ones of the processing stations and to record the properties of the at least one tissue sample in association with the electronic sample identifier in a sample record for the tissue processor workflow; and an output module arranged to output the sample record to one or more laboratory instruments for further processing the at least one tissue sample in a histopathology workflow. A tissue processor for processing tissue samples for a histopathology workflow is also provided. A method of monitoring tissue samples to be processed by a tissue processor for a histopathology workflow is also provided.

Disclosed is a washing method for a staining bath in a smear sample preparing apparatus. The staining bath is able to accommodate a glass slide having a specimen smeared thereon, and stores therein a staining liquid for staining the specimen smeared on the glass slide to perform a staining process. The washing method includes: receiving information related to a washing condition; and executing a washing operation for the staining bath, according to the received information.

A tissue treatment apparatus and method for treating bone tissue has a controller, an enclosure, a reagent supply system, a draining configuration, and a gas relief valve is controlled by the controller. A bioactive agent may be applied through the reagent supply system. Optionally provided is a gas evacuation assembly, a gas supply unit, a thermal unit for heating or cooling reagents or gases, a sonication unit, any or each operated by the controller. The method provides for programming controller to effect a treatment procedure. In an embodiment of the present application the treatment procedure effects demineralization of the bone material.

A device comprising a rotating means enclosed in a housing and having a horizontally arranged rotating shaft. Containers for cassettes containing samples are mounted on the rotating shaft and are joined in the form of a vertically arranged ring. The device has a means for rotating the rotating shaft at a variable speed and vessels containing processing and infiltrating liquids, said vessels being arranged outside the housing and being connected thereto by pipes for feeding in and discharging said liquids. The device additionally contains a mechanism for orienting the containers for cassettes containing samples, which mechanism is arranged between the ring of containers and the wall of the device, has a separate means for transferring the containers for cassettes containing samples into a horizontal or inclined position and holds same in the horizontal or inclined position.

The present invention relates to a dual-arm clamping type holder for transmission electron microscopy grids and preparation method thereof. The preparation method comprises: firstly manufacturing a frame with two adjacent arms located on a same plane and have a clamping structure by a hard material; then putting the frame in a molten adhering liquid so that the frame is dipped with the adhering liquid; and finally, taking out the frame dipped with the adhering liquid, and waiting for the adhering liquid to solidify into adhering layers along the arms. The dual-arm clamping type holder manufactured by the method of the present invention comprises a frame and adhering layers; and the adhering layers adhere to the inner sides of the clamping structure between the two adjacent arms of the frame.

An apparatus is provided for scanning and decoding barcodes in a tray or other container containing multiple items, such as tissue samples, that are identified with discrete barcodes. The apparatus includes an imager, a lighting system, and a processor. The imager is configured to capture images within a selectable field of view. At least a portion of a bulk sample container, which is configured to carry a plurality of sample/tissue containers, is positioned within the field of view. The lighting system is configured to evenly light the field of view. The processor is configured to receive the captured images from the imager. The processor is further configured to analyze a first image of the captured images and to detect and decode the barcodes present in the first image.

A drawer assembly for a laboratory instrument comprises a drawer loaded with a magazine. The drawer assembly comprises a frame comprising a portion adjacent the drawer that extends in a longitudinal direction. The drawer moves relative to the frame between a retracted position and an extended position. The frame comprises a path having a first portion and a second portion below the first portion. The drawer assembly comprises a rolling element moveable in the path and a lifting mechanism to lift the rolling element from a second portion to a first portion when the drawer is in the retracted position. The path is configured such that the rolling element is located in the first portion and contacts the drawer when the drawer is moved from the retracted position to the extended position and that the rolling element enters the second portion exclusively when the drawer is in the extended position.

The present disclosure provides methods for the automated control of aspects of slide preparation in an automated slide preparation instrument. Aspects of the methods include automated assessments of reagent amounts, quality and performance as well as automated adjustments of reagents based on such assessments, including the adjustment of reagent amounts, e.g., as present in reagent baths, the adjustment of reagent compositions and the replacement of reagents. Devices and systems useful in performing the described methods are also provided herein.