A method of sampling a multi-layered material and a micro-sampling tool are described. The sampling method includes penetrating a top surface of a material in a component of interest with a micro-cutting tool to a predetermined depth sufficient to include each layer of the multi-layered material and a portion of the base, without cutting through the full depth of the base, undercutting from the depth of penetration through the base to define a micro-sample of the multi-layered material, and removing the micro-sample with each layer of the multi-layered material intact. The micro-sampler includes a cutting tool calibrated to cut to a depth no greater than 2 mm, and in some aspects, no greater than 200 microns into a multi-layered material, the material having a top surface and a metallic or ceramic base and a container for removing and storing a micro-sample cut from the material with each layer of the multi-layered material and a portion of the base intact.

The present disclosure provides a moving and clamping device (200) for a blade holder (100) of a microtome. The blade holder (100) includes a blade receptacle (120) configured to receive and clamp a blade. The moving and clamping device (200) includes a rotary member (210) and a clamping member (220). The rotary member (210) is configured to drive the blade receptacle (120) to move in a direction perpendicular to a rotating axis of the rotary member (210), and the clamping member (220) is configured to be movable in the rotating axis of the rotary member (210), so as to operatively clamp or release the blade receptacle (120). The rotary member (210) is rotatably fitted over the clamping member (220). The present disclosure further provides a blade holder (100).

A method of sampling a multi-layered material and a micro-sampling tool are described. The sampling method includes penetrating a top surface of a material in a component of interest with a micro-cutting tool to a predetermined depth sufficient to include each layer of the multi-layered material and a portion of the base, without cutting through the full depth of the base, under-cutting from the depth of penetration through the base to define a micro-sample of the multi-layered material, and removing the micro-sample with each layer of the multi-layered material intact. The micro-sampler includes a cutting tool calibrated to cut to a depth no greater than 2 mm, and in some aspects, no greater than 200 microns into a multi-layered material, the material having a top surface and a metallic or ceramic base and a container for removing and storing a micro-sample cut from the material with each layer of the multi-layered material and a portion of the base intact.

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).

A neurostimulation system is shown and described. The neurostimulation system may include a stimulation device implantable into a patient, a lead operatively coupled with the stimulation device, a first power cell providing power to the stimulation device where the first power cell is charged by an externally applied AC (High HF) magnetic field.

The preparation holding device of a microtome can be pivoted via a ball head. To pivot the preparation holding device, actuators are assigned to the latter as drives. A camera and laser diodes are arranged on the knife carrier of the microtome to detect the shape and positions of the preparation.

In the case of a microtome, a pivotable control lever that is designed like a joystick is provided. The functions of the microtome are actuated and regulated by pivoting the control lever and by actuating buttons, which are arranged on the control lever.

Methods, apparatuses and systems for facilitating automated or semi-automated collection of tissue samples cut by a microtome. In one example, a collection apparatus may be moved back and forth between respective positions at which the collection apparatus is operatively coupled to a microtome so as to collect cut tissue samples, or routine access to the microtome is provided. Relatively easy movement and positioning of the collection apparatus is facilitated, while at the same time ensuring structural stability and appropriate alignment and/or isolation between the collection apparatus and the microtome. A fluid reservoir receives samples cut by the microtome, and the collection apparatus may collect samples via a conveyor-like substrate disposed near/in the reservoir. A linear movement of the substrate may be controlled based on a cutting rate of the microtome, and the fluid level in the reservoir may be automatically maintained to facilitate effective sample collection.

The disclosure relates to a microtome having a cutting knife, an object holder mounted on a slide, the slide being movable relative to the cutting knife in a cutting direction and in a thickness defining direction, movement of the slide in the thickness defining direction being performed by a first electric motor controlled by a control unit, movement of the slide in the cutting direction being performed by a second electric motor controlled by the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to control the movement of the slide in the thickness defining direction and in the cutting direction.

A blade moving device includes: a support base; a linear bushing arranged in the support base; a moving block received in the support base and movably fitted over the linear bushing; a touch connector connected to the moving block and configured to move along with the moving block; and a blade box connected to the support base and configured to receive a blade therein. The touch connector is further configured to touch and push the blade to move out of the blade box when moving along with the moving block.