Abstract
In a microtome (1) for producing thin sections for histology, there is a danger of collisions between the sample (9) and the cutting edge (7) in setup mode for coarse feed. It is an object of the invention to limit the collision force of such a collision so that it lies within an admissible range and, therefore, damage is avoided, and the microtome (1) is thereby inherently safe in setup mode. It is also an object of the invention, using the same means, to make available methods that resolve collisions and permit automatic approximation between sample (9) and cutting edge (7). The support force of the associated advancing means (18) acting in the advancing device (12) is limited since the otherwise customary screwing of the associated advancing means (18) on the advancing device (12) is replaced, for example, by a spring mounting or by a connection acting with magnetic force. Thus, when the support force is exceeded in the event of a collision, the associated advancing means (18) lift away from their contact face and experience a displacement (30). The collision force is thus limited to the support force. An additional switching off of the electromotive advancing drive and an associated process for resolving a collision via the electrical control (11) forms the basis of a further method for automatic approximation between sample (9) and cutting edge (7), which is likewise inherently safe by using the same means. The microtome (1) according
Claims
1. Microtome (1) with a main body (2) and a support body (4), which is moved along a sectioning path (3), a knife carrier (5) with a sectioning tool (6) and a knife edge (7), a specimen holder (8) and a specimen (9) to be thin-sectioned, a manual or motorized sectioning drive for operating a sectioning mode, an electronic control (11) and a feed system (12) for approach in set-up mode between specimen (9) to be thin-sectioned and knife edge 7 relative to each other, whereby the feed system (12) is comprised of a linear guidance (13) for a directed feed movement (14) between the specimen (9) and the knife edge (7) with a guidance body(15), which is firmly connected to either the main body (2) or to the support body (4), or which is made of one piece with the main body (2) or the support body (4), and with a guidance element (16) moveable in direction of the feed movement (14), interconnected feed means (18), which are connected between themselves and which contain an electric-motor (18a), which, when activated, effects a movement of the moveable guidance element (16) via the interconnected feed means (18) to which it is connected, while the interconnected feed means (18) are braced with at least one of their functional parts at the guidance body (15) of the feed system (12), characterized in that the brace force in a feed direction (14a) is a limit value and that with an exceedance of that limit value in case of a collision between specimen (9) and knife edge (7), or a knife carrier reference surface (41), at a feed movement (14) in set-up mode, a shift (30) of the interconnected feed means (18) takes place in counter direction to the feed direction (14a), away from the guidance body 15 and along a guidance shifting range (47), whereby at least one part of force generating means (32) remain stationary with the guidance body (15), whereas at least one further part of the force generating means (32) is connected to one functional part of the interconnected feed means (18) and therefore does the same shift (30) as the interconnected feed means (18), and that the microtome (1) herewith is inherent safe in regard to occurring collision forces in set-up mode, as there is no increase of a collision force above the force which is determinant at the shift 30 and that the limit value of the brace force and the force determinant at a shift (30) are selected such that they are admitted operational parameters of the microtome (1).
2. Microtome (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the limit value of the brace force is selected to be above the thrust (F.sub.s) arising in sectioning mode in counter direction to the feed direction (14a) and below a force, which would in case of a collision lead to a damage at the specimen (9) or at the knife edge (7) and additionally the weight force of the interconnected feed means (18) in dependency of the installation position of the feed system (12) is considered.
3. Microtome (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the limit value of the brace force is dependent on the operation mode of the microtome (1), whereby in sectioning mode the limit value of the brace force is selected to be above the thrust (F.sub.s) arising in counter direction to the feed direction (14a) and below a force, which would in case of a collision lead to a damage at the specimen (9) or at the knife edge (7), whereby in set-up mode, in order to achieve an increased safety, a reduced limit value of the brace force below the thrust (F.sub.s), which is acting only in sectioning mode, is applied, and whereby changeover means (49) exist, which can cause an increase and a decrease of the brace force, and whereby additionally the weight force of the interconnected feed means (18) in dependency of the installation position of the feed system (12) is considered.
4. Microtome (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the brace force is generated by one or several springs (28), which act with their spring force between the interconnected feed means (18) and the guidance body (15).
5. Microtome (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the brace force is generated by one or several magnets (34), which act with their magnetic force between the interconnected feed means (18) and the guidance body (15) and whereby the magnets (34) can be permanent magnets as well as electromagnets.
6. Microtome (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that in case of a collision the shift (30) of the interconnected feed means (18) takes effect on detecting switching means (35), which on their side, via the electronic control (11), cause to switch off the electric-motor (18a), at least in feed direction (14a), which is the collision precipitating direction.
7. Microtome (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the guidance body (15) or a functional part of the interconnected feed means (18) has recesses into which one or several piezo sensors (36) are inserted as detecting switching means (35) for detecting a shift and whereby one of the active surfaces of the piezo sensors (36) directly serves as contact surface of the brace force between the guidance body (15) and the interconnected feed means (18).
8. Microtome (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the guidance body (15) consists of an electrically non-conductive material, or is made of two parts, whereby at least one part consists of an electrically non-conductive material, and whereby the contact surface applied with the brace force consists of a therein inserted but protruding electrically conductive contact ring (39) or at least one electrically conductive pin, and whereby the conductive contact ring (39) or the conductive pin is electrically connected to the electronic control (11), and whereby the interconnected feed means (18) contain at least one electrically conductive part, which is as well electrically connected to the electronic control (11), providing that the contact surface between the contact ring (39), or the conductive pin, and the at least one electrically conductive part of the interconnected feed means (18) constitute an electrical contact, which opens at a commencing shift (30) and causes via the electronic control (11), to switch off the electric-motor (18a), at least in feed direction (14a), which is the direction precipitating the collision.
9. Microtome (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that one functional part of the interconnected feed means(18) consists of an electrically non-conductive material, or is made of two parts, whereby at least one part consists of an electrically non-conductive material, and whereby the contact surface applied with the brace force consists of a therein inserted but protruding electrically conductive contact ring (39) or at least one electrically conductive pin, and whereby the conductive contact ring (39) or the conductive pin is electrically connected to the electronic control (11), and whereby the guidance body (15) is electrically conductive and is as well electrically connected to the electronic control (11), providing that the contact surface between the contact ring (39), or the conductive pin, and the electrically conductive guidance body (15) constitute an electrical contact, which opens at a commencing shift (30) and causes via the electronic control (11), to switch off the electric-motor (18a), at least in feed direction (14a), which is the direction precipitating the collision.
10. Method for operating a microtome (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that an occurring collision between the specimen (9) and the knife edge (7), or another body surface of the knife carrier being situated on the feed path, and accordingly switched off electric-motor (18a) by the electronic control (11), caused by a shift (30) and thereof triggered detecting switching means (35), and that, depending on a respective pre-selection, the electronic control (11) thereafter activates on a manual or automatic command the electric-motor(18a) again in a way, that a distance is covered in counter direction to the feed direction (14a), which causes a rectification of the collision situation and therefore resets the triggered detecting switching means (35) in their initial state.
11. Method of operating a microtome (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that by a command via the control Panel (31) the electronic control (11) conducts the following sequence, which represents an automatic approach between specimen (9) and knife edge (7): Verification: Support body (4) is in end position sectioning path (43), whereby specimen (9) is in a certain distance opposite to knife carrier reference surface (41) Activation of electric-motor (18a) in feed direction (14a) until collision Detection of collision between specimen (9) and knife carrier (5) at the knife carrier reference surface (41) at commencing shift (30) by evaluating the triggered detecting switching means (35) and switching-off of the electric motor (18a) Activation of the electric-motor (18a) in counter direction to the feed direction (14a) for a distance which is equal to the sum of the distance in feed direction (14a) between the knife edge (7) and the knife carrier reference surface (41) plus the safety retraction (42) Verification: the support body (4) is in start position sectioning path (44) Activation of the electric-motor (18a) in feed direction (14a) for a distance which is equal to the absolute value of the safety retraction (42)
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0060] Further advantages and embodiments of the microtome according to the invention as well as the methods for operation of such a microtome ensue from the following figures and their descriptions.
[0061] In particular FIG. 1a up to FIG. 5b shows microtomes according the state of the art, always without housing, in different embodiments but with feed systems of generally the same kind. FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b shows graphics of force effects in sectioning mode and with collision in set-up mode. The FIGS. 7a up to 9c show embodiments of the microtome according to the invention and FIGS. 10a up to 11k outline the methods for operation according to the invention of the microtome according to the invention. For components which are connected to each other the representation of the respective fasteners was spared for reasons of clarity, to the extent the type of connection is irrelevant for the invention.
[0062] The drawings illustrate in
[0063] FIG. 1a a rocking microtome with knife carrier feed system according the state of the art
[0064] FIG. 1b a longitudinal section thru a rocking microtome with knife carrier feed system according the state of the art
[0065] FIG. 2 a sledge microtome with specimen feed system according the state of the art
[0066] FIG. 3 a disk microtome with knife carrier feed system according the state of the art
[0067] FIG. 4a a rotary microtome with knife carrier feed system according the state of the art
[0068] FIG. 4b a longitudinal section thru a rotary microtome with knife carrier feed system according the state of the art
[0069] FIG. 5a a rotary microtome with specimen feed system according the state of the art
[0070] FIG. 5b a longitudinal section thru a rotary microtome with specimen feed system according the state of the art
[0071] FIG. 6a a schematic depiction of force effects in sectioning mode
[0072] FIG. 6b a schematic depiction of force effects in the case of collision between knife edge and specimen with a microtome according to the invention
[0073] FIG. 7a a microtome with specimen feed system according to the invention
[0074] FIG. 7b a microtome with specimen feed system according to the invention after an occurred collision
[0075] FIG. 7c an exploded view of a feed system of a microtome according to the invention with springs for generating the brace force
[0076] FIG. 7d an exploded view of a feed system of a microtome according to the invention with magnets for generating the brace force
[0077] FIG. 7e a longitudinal section thru a microtome according to the invention with magnets for generating the brace force
[0078] FIG. 7f a longitudinal section thru a microtome according to the invention after an occurred collision with magnets for generating the brace force
[0079] FIG. 7g an exploded view of a feed system of a microtome according to the invention with magnets for generating the brace force and with changeover of the limits of the brace force
[0080] FIG. 7h a rear view of a feed system of a microtome according to the invention with magnets for generating the brace force and with changeover of the limits of the brace force, in a first position of the changeover means
[0081] FIG. 7i a longitudinal section thru a feed system of a microtome according to the invention with magnets for generating the brace force and with changeover of the limit values of the brace force, in a first position of the changeover means
[0082] FIG. 7j a rear view of a feed system of a microtome according to the invention with magnets for generating the brace force and with changeover of the limits of the brace force, in a second position of the changeover means
[0083] FIG. 7k a longitudinal section thru a feed system of a microtome according to the invention with magnets for generating the brace force and with changeover of the limit values of the brace force, in a second position of the changeover means
[0084] FIG. 8a a longitudinal section thru a microtome according to the invention with magnets for generating the brace force and with a piezo transducer as detecting switching means
[0085] FIG. 8b a magnified detail of a longitudinal section thru a feed system of a microtome according to the invention with magnets for generating the brace force and with a piezo transducer as detecting switching means
[0086] FIG. 9a a longitudinal section thru a microtome according to the invention with magnets for generating the brace force and with integrated detecting switching means
[0087] FIG. 9b an exploded view of a feed system of a microtome according to the invention with magnets for generating the brace force and with integrated detecting switching means
[0088] FIG. 9c a magnified detail of a longitudinal section thru a feed system of a microtome according to the invention with magnets for generating the brace force and with integrated detecting switching means
[0089] FIG. 10a a flow chart of a routine in the electronic control of the microtome according to the invention for controlling the switch-off function at a beginning shift after a collision and for rectification of a collision
[0090] FIG. 10b a microtome according to the invention previous to a set-up procedure
[0091] FIG. 10c a microtome according to the invention with an occurred collision at a set-up procedure
[0092] FIG. 10d a magnified detail of knife edge and specimen with an occurred collision
[0093] FIG. 10e a microtome according to the invention after a rectification of a collision
[0094] FIG. 10f a magnified detail of knife edge and specimen after a rectification of a collision
[0095] FIG. 11a a flow chart of a routine in the electronic control of the microtome according to the invention for executing an automatic approach between knife edge and specimen
[0096] FIG. 11b a microtome according to the invention positioned at the end of the sectioning path before starting an automatic approach between knife edge and specimen
[0097] FIG. 11c a magnified detail of knife edge and specimen previous to starting an automatic approach procedure
[0098] FIG. 11d a microtome according to the invention positioned at the end of the sectioning path at an automatic approach procedure between knife edge and specimen at the collision with the knife carrier reference surface
[0099] FIG. 11e a magnified detail of knife edge and specimen at an automatic approach procedure in the state of collision with the knife carrier reference surface
[0100] FIG. 11f a microtome according to the invention positioned at the end of the sectioning path at an automatic approach procedure between knife edge and specimen after rectification of the collision with the knife carrier reference surface
[0101] FIG. 11g a magnified detail of knife edge and specimen at an automatic approach procedure after rectification of the collision with the knife carrier reference surface
[0102] FIG. 11h a microtome according to the invention positioned at the start of the sectioning path at an automatic approach procedure between knife edge and specimen in the state of safety retraction
[0103] FIG. 11i a magnified detail of knife edge and specimen at an automatic approach procedure in the state of safety retraction
[0104] FIG. 11j a microtome according to the invention positioned at the start of the sectioning path past finalizing an automatic approach procedure between knife edge and specimen
[0105] FIG. 11k a magnified detail of knife edge and specimen past finalizing an automatic approach procedure between knife edge and specimen
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0106] FIG. 1a shows a perspective view of a rocking microtome with knife carrier feed system according to the state of the art. The main body 2 of the microtome 1 bears the support body 4, which is serving as rocking arm and is pivoted in the rocking arm bearing 3c. The sectioning tool 6 is connected to the knife carrier 5. To simplify the illustration the embodiment of a so-called magnetic knife carrier is shown here, as with all further depictions, whereby the sectioning tool 6 is fixed in its position by flush-mounted permanent magnets, not illustrated here. The knife carrier 5 is shown here, and with all further depictions, as being of one piece for simplification. Practically in use are knife carriers which, for example, are consisting of a support part, a knife carrier base part with the option for positioning and a knife carrier top part with the option for clearance angle adjustment. Since these characteristics are not affecting the invention they are neglected and the knife carrier 5 is depicted simplified. Opposite to the knife edge 7 of the sectioning tool 6 is located the specimen holder 8 with a thereto connected specimen 9 and together fixed to the support body 4. The specimen holder 8 is here also, as with all further depictions, illustrated as being of one piece for simplification. Practically in use are specimen holders which, for example, include adjustment means for specimen orientation and for the attachment of in-between devices to enable best fitting regarding specimen shape and specimen size. Since these characteristics are not affecting the invention they are neglected and the specimen holder 8 is depicted simplified. The sectioning drive 10 serves for the production of sections of the microtome 1. The feed system 12, which can move the knife carrier 5 in direction of double arrow feed movement 14 forward and backward, serves for approach between specimen 9 and knife edge 7.
[0107] FIG. 1b shows a longitudinal section thru the rocking microtome which is shown in FIG. 1a. A feed system 12 according to the state of the art is here illustrated with its main components. In this example, the guidance body 15 is firmly connected with the main body 2. Inside the guidance body 15 the guidance element 16 can move along the linear guidance 13 and is, in this example, firmly connected to the knife carrier 5. The interconnected feed means 18 are firmly connected to the guidance body 15 by one of their functional parts. Thereby that firm connection may be effected via fastening screws 25, as illustrated here, or to implement the functional part as one piece with the guidance body 15. The interconnected feed means 18 which are shown here comprise a spindle, a spindle bearing with its individual parts and a coupling to the electric motor, as well as the electric motor 18a itself and its fastening parts. Further embodiments of feed means may be present in the form of rack and pinion drives, lever arrangements or wire rope hoist assemblies.
[0108] Common to all embodiments is the existence of a functional part, which, for example, is serving as fitting, mounting or bearing housing of the other interconnected feed means 18 and which exhibits a firm connection to the guidance body 15.
[0109] FIG. 1b also illustrates how the sectioning drive 10 is moving the support body 4 and with it the specimen holder 8 and the specimen 9 on a segment of a circular orbit around the rocking arm bearing 3c. This is indicated by double arrow 3, which is describing the sectioning path.
[0110] The sectioning drive of the microtome is shown here in a generic way. With all further depictions of other types of microtomes the illustration of the sectioning drive will be neglected, since it is of no importance for the object of the invention. Solely the sectioning path will be depicted respectively.
[0111] The electronic control 11 with the control panel 31 is at least connected to the electric motor 18a. That electrical connection is not illustrated here. With an activation of the electric motor 18a in feed direction by the electronic control 11, the further interconnected feed means 18 are effecting a movement of the knife carrier 5 which is connected to the guidance element 16 and herewith a movement of the knife edge 7 towards the specimen 9. If a deactivation in due time does not take place, caused by an operation error or by a first failure of a technical means, an uncontrolled collision will occur between knife edge 7 and specimen 9 with consequences of damage.
[0112] FIG. 2 shows a sledge microtome with specimen feed system according to the state of the art in a perspective view. Connected to the main body 2 of the microtome 1 is the guidance of sectioning path 3b. The support body 4 can be moved on the sectioning path in direction of double arrow 3 along the guidance of sectioning path 3b. Connected to the support body 4 is the knife carrier 5, to which the sectioning tool 6 is attached which exhibits the knife edge 7. In this example, the feed system 12 is connected via the guidance body 15 laterally to the main body 2. The moveable guidance element 16 of the feed system 12 can accomplish the feed movement in direction of double arrow 14. Connected to the upper ending of the guidance element 16 is the specimen holder 8, which holds the specimen 9.
[0113] The electronic control 11 with the control panel 31 is at least connected to the electric-motor 18a. This electrical connection is not illustrated here.
[0114] With an activation of the electric motor 18a in feed direction by the electronic control 11, the further interconnected feed means 18 are effecting a movement of the specimen holder 8 which is connected to the guidance element 16 and herewith a movement of the specimen 9 towards the knife edge 7. If a deactivation in due time does not take place, caused by an operation error or by a first failure of a technical means, an uncontrolled collision will occur between knife edge 7 and specimen 9 with consequences of damage.
[0115] FIG. 3 shows in a perspective view a disk microtome with knife carrier feed system according to the state of the art. Connected to the main body 2 of the microtome 1 is the disk bearing 3a. Around that, the guidance body 4, which has here the shape of a disk, can move on a circular sectioning path in direction of double arrow 3. Connected to the support body 4 is the specimen holder 8, which holds the specimen 9. In this example, the feed system 12 is connected via the guidance body 15 laterally to the main body 2. The moveable guidance element 16 of the feed system 12 can accomplish the feed movement in direction of double arrow 14. Connected to the upper ending of the guidance element 16 is the knife carrier 5, to which the sectioning tool 6 is attached which exhibits the knife edge 7.
[0116] The electronic control 11 with the control panel 31 is at least connected to the electric motor 18a. That electrical connection is not illustrated here.
[0117] With an activation of the electric motor 18a in feed direction by the electronic control 11, the further interconnected feed means 18 are effecting a movement of the knife carrier 5 which is connected to the guidance element 16 and herewith a movement of the knife edge 7 towards the specimen 9. If a deactivation in due time does not take place, caused by an operation error or by a first failure of a technical means, an uncontrolled collision will occur between knife edge 7 and specimen 9 with consequences of damage.
[0118] FIG. 4a shows a perspective view of a rotary microtome with knife carrier feed system according to the state of the art. Connected to the main body 2 of the microtome 1 is the guidance of sectioning path 3b in which the support body 4 is moveable along the sectioning path, indicated with double arrow 3. The support body 4 carries the specimen holder 8 with the thereto attached specimen 9. The knife carrier 5 is connected to the feed system 12. Connected to the knife carrier 5 is the sectioning tool 6, which exhibits the knife edge 7. The feed system 12, which can move the knife carrier 5 forward and backward in direction of double arrow for feed movement 14, serves for approach between the specimen 9 and the knife edge 7. The electronic control 11 with the control panel 31 is electrically connected with the feed system 12. This electrical connection is not shown here for simplicity.
[0119] FIG. 4b shows a longitudinal section thru the rotary microtome of FIG. 4a. Depicted is a feed system 12 with its main components according to the state of the art. In this example, the guidance body 15 is firmly connected to the main body 2. Inside the guidance body 15, the guidance element 16, which is firmly connected to the knife carrier 5, is moveable along the linear guidance 13. The interconnected feed means 18 are firmly connected to the guidance body 15 with one of their functional parts. Thereby this firm connection can take place via fastening screws 25, as shown here, or by accomplishing the respective functional part in one piece with the guidance body 15.
[0120] The interconnected feed means 18 which are shown here comprise a spindle, a spindle bearing with its individual parts and a coupling to the electric motor 18a, as well as the electric motor 18a itself and its fastening parts. Further embodiments of feed means may be present in the form of rack and pinion drives, lever arrangements or wire rope hoist assemblies.
[0121] Common to all embodiments is the existence of a functional part, which, for example, is serving as fitting, mounting or bearing housing of the other interconnected feed means 18 and which exhibits a firm connection to the guidance body 15.
[0122] The electronic control 11 with the control panel 31 is at least connected to the electric motor 18a. That electrical connection is not illustrated here.
[0123] With an activation of the electric motor 18a in feed direction by the electronic control 11, the further interconnected feed means 18 are effecting a movement of the knife carrier 5 which is connected to the guidance element 16 and herewith a movement of the knife edge 7 towards the specimen 9.
[0124] If a deactivation in due time does not take place, caused by an operation error or by a first failure of a technical means, an uncontrolled collision will occur between knife edge 7 and specimen 9 with consequences of damage.
[0125] FIG. 5a shows a perspective view of a rotary microtome with specimen feed system according to the state of the art. Connected to the main body 2 of the microtome 1 is the guidance of sectioning path 3b in which the support body 4 is moveable along the sectioning path, indicated with double arrow 3. The knife carrier 5 is firmly connected to the main body 2. Attached to the knife carrier 5 is the sectioning tool 6, which exhibits the knife edge 7. The support body 4 carries the feed system 12, which supports at the front end the specimen holder 8 with the thereto attached specimen 9. The feed system 12, which can move the specimen holder 8 with attached specimen 9 forward and backward in direction of double arrow for feed movement 14, serves for approach between the specimen 9 and the knife edge 7. The electronic control 11 with the control panel 31 is electrically connected with the feed system 12. This electrical connection is not shown here for simplicity.
[0126] FIG. 5b shows a longitudinal section thru the rotary microtome of FIG. 5a. Depicted is a feed system 12 with its main components according to the state of the art. In this example, the guidance body 15 is firmly connected to the support body 4 which is moveable along the sectioning path indicated by double arrow 3. Inside the guidance body 15, the guidance element 16, which is firmly connected to the specimen holder 8 with attached specimen 9, is moveable along the linear guidance 13. The interconnected feed means 18 are firmly connected to the guidance body 15 with one of their functional parts, which is in the example the spindle bearing 21. Thereby this firm connection can take place via fastening screws 25, as shown here, or by accomplishing the respective functional part, here the spindle bearing 21, in one piece with the guidance body 15.
[0127] The interconnected feed means 18 which are shown here comprise a spindle 19 with a spindle flange 20, a spindle bearing 21, a bearing disk 22, a spindle bearing nut 23 and a shaft coupling 24 to the electric motor 18a, as well as the electric motor 18a itself and its mounting rods 26. Further embodiments of feed means may be present in the form of rack and pinion drives, lever arrangements or wire rope hoist assemblies.
[0128] Common to all embodiments is the existence of a functional part, which, for example, is serving as fitting, mounting or bearing housing of the other interconnected feed means 18 and which exhibits a firm connection to the guidance body 15.
[0129] The electronic control 11 with the control panel 31 is at least connected to the electric motor 18a. That electrical connection is not illustrated here.
[0130] With an activation of the electric motor 18a in feed direction by the electronic control 11, the further interconnected feed means 18 are effecting a movement of the specimen holder 8 with attached specimen 9 which is connected to the guidance element towards the knife edge 7.
[0131] If a deactivation in due time does not take place, caused by an operation error or by a first failure of a technical means, an uncontrolled collision will occur between knife edge 7 and specimen 9 with consequences of damage.
[0132] FIG. 6a shows a schematic diagram of the force effects at a sectioning process, which is derived from the Orthogonal Process by Merchant (Orthogonalprozess nach Merchant) which is known in literature for cutting processes. It is illustrated how the sectioning tool penetrates into the specimen material with its wedge angle b, keeping a clearance angle a, and with a feed thickness h, and how thereby a section with the cutting thickness i is sliding on the rear of the sectioning tool under a cutting angle c. Relevant for the difference in thickness between feed thickness h and the effective cutting thickness i are compressions by shear forces and friction forces at the section formation, which are characterized in the partition of forces by shear angle d and friction angle e. The active force F.sub.a, acting on the specimen material, has to overcome the shear forces as well as the friction forces. In detail is F.sub.d the shear force in the shear plane and F.sub.dN the shear normal force, which is perpendicular thereto. F.sub.R is the cutting plane friction force and F.sub.N is the normal force perpendicular thereto. The active force F.sub.a is partitioned into the components, which is the cutting force F.sub.c opposite to the sectioning direction and thereto perpendicular the thrust F.sub.s opposite to the feed direction. At a minimum it is necessary to brace this thrust F.sub.s in order to avoid an evasion of the section material opposite to the feed direction at the sectioning process, or by inversion of the conditions, to avoid an evasion of the sectioning tool. That is the precondition for an application-based section formation process.
[0133] FIG. 6b shows a schematic diagram of the force effects in set-up mode with an occurred collision between knife edge 7 and specimen 9 without switching off the electric motor 18a and therefore, according to the invention, resulting shift 30 of the interconnected feed means 18 in feed axis 17 along the guidance of the shifting range 47. Thereby is the absolute value of the collision force F.sub.K of same amount as the limit value of the brace force F.sub.G, however of opposite direction. At that the force F.sub.G is chosen, that it is on one hand admittedly stronger than the thrust F.sub.s from FIG. 6a, which occurs in sectioning mode, in order to enable an application-based sectioning process, but on the other hand to be weak enough to limit the collision force F.sub.K to values, which would as much as possible avoid to provoke any damages. For example, F.sub.G can be chosen as F.sub.G=1,5F.sub.s.
[0134] In case of a switchable limit value of the brace force F.sub.G and depending on whether sectioning mode or set-up mode is present, the thrust F.sub.s from FIG. 6a can be neglected, as it is only occurring in sectioning mode. Therefore a very small value for F.sub.G can be determined in set-up mode, which must be merely larger than the sum of the inner friction forces of the interconnected feed means 18 between themselves and the friction force of the guidance between guidance body 15 and guidance element 16. The diagram shows that the absolute value of F.sub.K is limited to F.sub.G and therefore inherent safe in regard of avoidance of a collision force F.sub.K which would be above the determined limit value of the brace force F.sub.G.
[0135] FIG. 7a shows in a perspective view a microtome 1 according to the invention, without housing parts, with specimen feed system in sectioning mode or in set-up mode. Connected to the main body 2 is the guidance of sectioning path 3b along which the support body 4 is moveable in direction of double arrow sectioning path 3. The knife carrier 5 is connected to the main body 2 and carries the sectioning tool 6 with knife edge 7. The feed system 12 is firmly connected with the support body 4 via its guidance body 15. The specimen holder 8 with attached specimen 9 is connected to the guidance element 16, which can perform the feed movement of the feed system 12, indicated with double arrow 14. The interconnected feed means 18 fit close to the guidance body 15 with a defined force. The electronic control 11 with the control panel 31 is connected to the feed system 12 via the motor cable 46 to the electric motor 18a, which is part of the interconnected feed means 18.
[0136] FIG. 7b shows in a slightly rotated view the microtome 1 of FIG. 7a with an occurred collision in set-up mode. An uncontrolled feed movement 14 caused by an operation error or by a first failure of technical means leads to a collision between specimen 9 and knife edge 7. With continued operation of the electrical motor 18a a shift 30 of the interconnected feed means 18 is commencing at the exceedance of the limit value of the brace force. This shift is leading away from the guidance body 15 along the guidance of the shifting range 47.
[0137] FIG. 7c shows an exploded view of a feed system 12 of a microtome according to the invention with springs 28 as part of the force generating means 32 for generating the brace force.
[0138] The parts of the feed system 12 are: the guidance element 16, the guidance body 15, the guidance shifting range 47, the force generating means 32 and the interconnected feed means 18, which themselves, in this embodiment consist of: the electrical motor 18a, the spindle 19, the spindle bearing 21, the bearing disk 22, the spindle bearing nut 23, the shaft coupling 24 and the mounting rods 26. In this example, the force generating means 32 are the springs 28, the spring sleeves 27 and the spring rods 29. In assembled condition the spring rods 29 are screwed-in to the guidance body 15 and therefore stationary at a shift. The springs 28 are supported on one side at the head of the spring rods 29 and on the other side at the bottom of the blind holes at the spindle bearing 21. With that the spindle bearing 21 is pressed with the force of the pre-stressed springs 28 against the guidance body 15. The spring sleeves 27 are simply serving for a better duct of the springs 28 and are connected to the spindle bearing 21.
[0139] FIG. 7d shows an exploded view of a feed system 12 of a microtome according to the invention with magnets 34, which are shown here as permanent magnets, as part of the force generating means 32 for generating the brace force.
[0140] The parts of the feed system 12 are: the guidance element 16, the guidance body 15, the guidance shifting range 47, the force generating means 32 and the interconnected feed means 18, which themselves, in this embodiment consist of: the electrical motor 18a, the spindle 19, the spindle bearing 21, the bearing disk 22, the spindle bearing nut 23, the shaft coupling 24 and the mounting rods 26. In this example, the force generating means 32 are the magnets 34 with the ferromagnetic anchor plates 33 and the positioning screws 48.
[0141] In assembled condition the magnets 34 are connected at the guidance body 15, for example by gluing together, and therefore they are stationary at a shift. The ferromagnetic anchor plates 33 are hold in position in the spindle bearing 21 by the positioning screws 48. Caused by the magnetic force which is acting between the magnets 34 and the ferromagnetic anchor plates 33, the spindle bearing 21 is pressed against the guidance body 15 by a defined force.
[0142] FIG. 7e shows a longitudinal section thru a microtome 1, in sectioning mode or in set-up mode, according to the invention with magnets 34 as part of the force generating means 32 for generating the brace force. The main body 2 is firmly connected to the guidance of sectioning path 3b along which the support body 4 is moveable in direction of double arrow sectioning path 3. Likewise connected to the main body 2 is the knife carrier 5 which carries the sectioning tool 6 with the knife edge 7. The feed system 12, which corresponds to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7d, is firmly connected via the guidance body 15 to the support body 4. The specimen holder 8 with attached specimen 9 is connected to the guidance element 16, which can perform the feed movement of the feed system 12, indicated with double arrow 14. The interconnected feed means 18, consisting of the spindle 19, the spindle flange 20, the spindle bearing 21, the bearing disk 22, the spindle bearing nut 23, the shaft coupling 24, the mounting rods 26 and the electrical motor 18a are pressed with the brace force via the spindle bearing 21 against the guidance body 15. The force generating means 32, consisting of the magnets 34, the ferromagnetic anchor plates 33 and the positioning screws 48, determine by their characteristics and adjustments the value of the brace force. The guidance of the shifting range 47 is shown in this operating state as unmoved, because the interconnected feed means 18 are pressed against the guidance body 15 with the brace force of the force generating means 32. With activation of the electrical motor 18a by the electronic control 11 and the control panel 31 via the motor cable 46, the feed movement 14 will be carried out by the spindle 19 acting on the nut thread at the guiding element 16.
[0143] FIG. 7f shows a longitudinal section thru a microtome 1, in set-up mode, according to the invention, at an occurred collision and with magnets 34 as part of the force generating means 32 for generating the brace force. The main body 2 is firmly connected to the guidance of sectioning path 3b along which the support body 4 is moveable in direction of double arrow sectioning path 3. Likewise connected to the main body 2 is the knife carrier 5 which carries the sectioning tool 6 with the knife edge 7. The feed system 12 is firmly connected via the guidance body 15 to the support body 4. The specimen holder 8 with attached specimen 9 is connected to the guidance element 16, which can perform the feed movement along the linear guidance 13, indicated with double arrow 14. This depiction illustrates a collision situation where the specimen 9 is in contact with the knife edge 7. With the depicted operating state, the interconnected feed means 18, consisting of the spindle 19, the spindle flange 20, the spindle bearing 21, the bearing disk 22, the spindle bearing nut 23, the shaft coupling 24, the mounting rods 26 and the electric motor 18a, are shifted by the shift indicated with arrow 30 along the guidance of the shifting range 47. The force generating means 32, consisting of the magnets 34, the ferromagnetic anchor plates 33 and the positioning screws 48, determine with their characteristics and their adjustments also the existing force between guidance body 15 and interconnected feed means 18 on the shifting path while a shift 30 takes place and thus the collision force acting on the shifting path. Thereby the magnets are located stationary at the guidance body 15, while the ferromagnetic anchor plates 33, which are hold by the positioning screws 48 at the spindle bearing 21, are moving with the shift 30. With continued activation of the electrical motor 18a by the electronic control 11 and the control panel 31 via the motor cable 46, the shift 30 goes on thru spindle 19 and the nut thread at the guidance element 16 at an existing collision between specimen and knife edge. Thereby the interconnected feed means 18 are further moving along the guidance of the shifting range 47 until, for example, the spindle ending disengages from the nut thread at the guidance element 16 and therefore the movement comes to an end. In this example, is the magnetic force between guidance body 15 and the interconnected feed means 18 steady decreasing and therefore also the collision force on the shifting path while a shift 30 takes place.
[0144] FIG. 7g shows an exploded view of a feed system 12 of a microtome according to the invention with magnets 34, which are depicted here as permanent magnets, as part of the force generating means 32 for generating the brace force and additionally with changeover means 49 for changeover of the brace force. The components of the feed system 12 are: the guidance element 16, the guidance body 15, the guidance shifting range 47, the force generating means 32 and the interconnected feed means 18, which themselves in this embodiment consist of: the electrical-motor 18a, the spindle 19, the spindle bearing 21, the bearing disk 22, the spindle bearing nut 23, the shaft coupling 24 and the mounting rods 26. In this example, the force generating means are the magnets 34 with the ferromagnetic anchor plates 33 and the positioning screws 48. In assembled condition the magnets 34 are connected at the guidance body 15, for example by gluing together, and therefore they are stationary at a shift. The ferromagnetic anchor plates 33 are hold in position in the spindle bearing 21 by the positioning screws 48, whereby the positioning screws 48 brace themselves at the segment ring 51, which itself fits closely to the spindle bearing 21. Caused by the magnetic force which is acting between the magnets 34 and the ferromagnetic anchor plates 33, the spindle bearing 21 is pressed against the guidance body 15 by a defined force. In this example, the segment ring 51 has 3 segments of 120 each, which have each on one side a helicoidal thickening whereas the other side is a flat contact surface. The mentioned three segments are punctuated by slots, thru which, in a functional and assembled condition, the positioning screws 48, which hold the ferromagnetic anchor plates 33, protrude and brace themselves with their head at the helicoidal segment areas. By rotating the segment ring 51, the ferromagnetic anchor plates 33 are moved axially back and forth corresponding to the thickening or tapering at the position where the positioning screws are protruding thru the slots, and therefore the acting magnetic force between the guidance body 15 and the interconnected feed means 18, which acts as brace force, is changed. In this same depicted example, the segment ring 51 is rotatable by a pinion 52, which is actuated by an actuator 53, and thus effect a changeover of the brace force.
[0145] FIG. 7h shows, referring to the depiction in FIG. 7g, a rear view of a feed system 12 of a microtome according to the invention with changeover of the limit values of the brace force in the status of a first changeover position. The actuating means 50, consisting of the segment ring 51 and the pinion 52, are in engagement with each other. The positioning screws 48 protrude thru the slots at the segment ring 51 and brace themselves with their head at the thinner zone of each of the helicoidal thickening segments.
[0146] FIG. 7i shows, referring to the depiction in FIG. 7g, a longitudinal section thru a feed system 12 of a microtome according to the invention with magnets 34, ferromagnetic anchor plates 33 and positioning screws 48, for generating the brace force between the guidance body 15 and the spindle bearing 21, and with a changeover of the limit values of the brace force in the status of a first changeover position. The head of the positioning screw 48 is thereby in contact with the thinner zone of the respective segment of the segment ring 51, whereby the air gap between the magnet 34 and the ferromagnetic anchor plate 33 has a small value denoting this changeover position, and which represents an increased brace force.
[0147] FIG. 7j referring to the depiction in FIG. 7g, a rear view of a feed system 12 of a microtome according to the invention with changeover of the limit values of the brace force in the status of a second changeover position. The actuating means 50, consisting of the segment ring 51 and the pinion 52, are in engagement with each other. In reference to the depiction in FIG. 7h, the pinion 52 is rotated by 45 in clockwise direction. Therefore, with the depicted gearing the segment ring 51 is rotated as well by 45, but in counter-clockwise direction. The positioning screws 48 protrude thru the slots at the segment ring 51 and brace themselves with their head now at the thicker zone of each of the helicoidal thickening segments.
[0148] FIG. 7k shows, referring to the depiction in FIG. 7g, a longitudinal section thru a feed system 12 of a microtome according to the invention with magnets 34, ferromagnetic anchor plates 33 and positioning screws 48, for generating the brace force between the guidance body 15 and the spindle bearing 21, and with a changeover of the limit values of the brace force in the status of a second changeover position. The head of the positioning screw 48 is thereby in contact with the thicker zone of the respective segment of the segment ring 51, whereby the air gap between the magnet 34 and the ferromagnetic anchor plate 33 has a higher value denoting this changeover position, and which represents a decreased brace force.
[0149] FIG. 8a shows a longitudinal section thru a microtome 1, in sectioning mode or in set-up mode, according to the invention with magnets 34 as part of the force generating means 32 for generating the brace force and with a piezo sensor 36 as detecting switching means 35. The main body 2 is firmly connected to the guidance of sectioning path 3b along which the support body 4 is moveable in direction of double arrow sectioning path 3. Likewise connected to the main body 2 is the knife carrier 5 which carries the sectioning tool 6 with the knife edge 7. The feed system 12, which is based on the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7d, is firmly connected via the guidance body 15 to the support body 4. The specimen holder 8 with attached specimen 9 is connected to the guidance element 16, which can perform the feed movement along the linear guidance 13, indicated with double arrow 14. The interconnected feed means 18 are pressed with the brace force against the guidance body 15. The force generating means 32 determine by their characteristics and adjustments the value of the brace force. The guidance of the shifting range 47 is shown in this operating state as unmoved, because the interconnected feed means 18 are pressed against the guidance body 15 with the brace force of the force generating means 32. With activation of the electrical motor 18a by the electronic control 11 and the control panel 31 via the motor cable 46, the feed movement 14 will be carried out. FIG. 8b shows the embodiment in detail.
[0150] FIG. 8b shows a magnified detail thru a longitudinal section of a microtome 1, in sectioning mode or in set-up mode, according to the invention with magnets 34 as part of the force generating means 32 for generating the brace force and with a piezo sensor 36 as detecting switching means 35. The feed system 12, which is based on the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7d, is firmly connected via the guidance body 15 to the support body 4. The interconnected feed means 18, consisting of the spindle 19, the spindle flange 20, the spindle bearing 21, the bearing disk 22, the spindle bearing nut 23, the shaft coupling 24, the mounting rods 26 and the electrical motor 18a are pressed via the piezo sensor 36, which is part of the detecting switching means 35, and which is fixed with one of its active surfaces to the spindle bearing 21, with its opposite active surface against the guidance body 15. The force generating means 32, consisting of the magnets 34, the ferromagnetic anchor plates 33 and the positioning screws 48, determine by their characteristics and adjustments the value of the brace force. The guidance of the shifting range 47 is shown in this operating state as unmoved, because the interconnected feed means 18 are pressed against the guidance body 15 with the brace force of the force generating means 32. With activation of the electrical motor 18a by the electronic control 11 and the control panel 31 via the motor cable 46, the feed movement 14 will be carried out by the spindle 19 acting on the nut thread at the guiding element 16. In case of a collision and following exceedance of the brace force, the interconnected feed means 18 are together shifted along the guidance of the shifting range 47. That commencing shift will, nevertheless there is given inherent safety at assumed undisturbed functionality, be detected, in this example, by the piezo sensor 36 and signaled to the electronic control 11 by the sensor cable 37, which also belongs to the detecting switching means 35. Subsequently the electronic control 11 is switching off the electric-motor 18a.
[0151] FIG. 9a shows a longitudinal section thru a microtome 1, in sectioning mode or in set-up mode, according to the invention with magnets 34 as part of the force generating means 32 for generating the brace force and with integrated detecting switching means 35. The main body 2 is firmly connected to the guidance of sectioning path 3b along which the support body 4 is moveable in direction of double arrow sectioning path 3. Likewise connected to the main body 2 is the knife carrier 5 which carries the sectioning tool 6 with the knife edge 7. The feed system 12, which is based on the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7d, is firmly connected via the guidance body 15, which consists of the guidance body main part 15a and the guidance body isolated part 15b, to the support body 4. The specimen holder 8 with attached specimen 9 is connected to the guidance element 16, which can perform the feed movement along the linear guidance 13, indicated with double arrow 14. The interconnected feed means 18 are pressed with the brace force against the isolated part of the guidance body 15b. The force generating means 32 determine by their characteristics and adjustments the value of the brace force. The guidance of the shifting range 47 is shown in this operating state as unmoved, because the interconnected feed means 18 are pressed against the guidance body 15 with the brace force of the force generating means 32. With activation of the electrical motor 18a by the electronic control 11 and the control panel 31 via the motor cable 46, the feed movement 14 will be carried out. For a better understanding FIG. 9b shows an exploded view and FIG. 9c a magnified detail of this feed system 12.
[0152] FIG. 9b shows an exploded view of a feed system 12 of a microtome according to the invention with magnets 34, which are shown here as permanent magnets, as part of the force generating means 32 for generating the brace force and with integrated detecting switching means 35. The parts of the feed system 12 are: the guidance element 16, the guidance body 15, which consists of the guidance body main part 15a and the guidance body isolation part 15b, the guidance shifting range 47, the force generating means 32 and the interconnected feed means 18, which themselves, in this embodiment consist of: the electrical motor 18a, the spindle 19, the spindle bearing 21, the bearing disk 22, the spindle bearing nut 23, the shaft coupling 24 and the mounting rods 26. In this example, the force generating means 32 are the magnets 34 with the ferromagnetic anchor plates 33 and the positioning screws 48. The detecting switching means 35, in this example, consist of the contact ring 39, the contact screw F 54 and the contact screw Z 55, as well as the electrical connections between the contact screws to the electronic control, which are not shown in this depiction. In assembled condition the magnets 34 are connected at the guidance body 15, in this example at the guidance body isolation part 15b, for example by gluing together, and therefore they are stationary at a shift. The ferromagnetic anchor plates 33 are hold in position in the spindle bearing 21 by the positioning screws 48. Caused by the magnetic force which is acting between the magnets 34 and the ferromagnetic anchor plates 33, the spindle bearing 21 is pressed against the guidance body 15, in this example against the contact ring 39, which is inserted into the guidance body isolation part 15b, by a defined force. The guidance body isolation part 15b consists of an electrically non-conductive material of high rigidity, for example, a suitable plastic material in this regard or technical ceramics. The contact ring 39 consists of copper or brass or another suitable contact material. In order to effect the electrical connection to the electronic control, which is not shown here, serve the contact screw F 54 to connect with the contact ring 39 via a connection thread and the contact screw Z 55 to connect with the conductive spindle bearing 21, also via a connection thread there. The double function of the contact ring 39 and the spindle bearing 21 to serve on one hand as contact surface for the brace force and on the other hand as an electrical contact surface for detection of a commencing shift of the interconnected feed means 18, is illustrated in FIG. 9c.
[0153] FIG. 9c shows a magnified detail of a longitudinal section thru a feed system 12 of a microtome according to the invention with magnets 34 as part of the force generating means 32 for generating the brace force and with integrated detecting switching means 35. The feed system 12, which is based on the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7d, is firmly connected via the guidance body isolated part 15b, to the support body 4.
[0154] Both parts, as well as the guidance element 16, are only partly visible in the magnified detail shown here. The interconnected feed means 18, consisting of the spindle 19, the spindle flange 20, the spindle bearing 21, the bearing disk 22, the spindle bearing nut 23, the shaft coupling 24, the mounting rods 26 and the electrical motor 18a are pressed with the brace force via the spindle bearing 21 against the contact ring 39, which is part of the detecting switching means 35, and which is inserted into the guidance body isolated part 15b. The force generating means 32, consisting of the magnets 34, the ferromagnetic anchor plates 33 and the positioning screws 48, determine by their characteristics and adjustments the value of the brace force. The guidance of the shifting range 47 is shown in this operating state as unmoved, because the interconnected feed means 18 are pressed against the guidance body 15 with the brace force of the force generating means 32. With activation of the electrical-motor 18a by the electronic control 11 and the control panel 31 via the motor cable 46, the feed movement will be carried out by the spindle 19 in conjunction with the nut thread at the guidance element 16. In case of a collision and following exceedance of the brace force, the interconnected feed means 18 are together shifted along the guidance of the shifting range 47. That commencing shift will, nevertheless there is given inherent safety at assumed undisturbed functionality, be immediately detected, in this example, by the integrated detecting switching means 35. In this example the detecting switching means consist of the contact ring 39, the therein screwed-in contact screw F 54, the contact screw Z 55, which is in contact with the spindle bearing 21, which is made from electrically conductive material, and the two electrical connections 45 which serve for connection between the contact screws 54 and 55 and the electronic control 11. With a commencing shift, caused by an exceedance of the brace force, the spindle bearing 21 is lifting its contact surface from the contact surface at the contact ring 39. Thus, for example, opens an existing electrical detection circuit, which is fed by the electronic control, and the contact ring 39 and the spindle bearing 21 adopt different electrical potentials, which will be interpreted as signal for the commencing shift. Following this signal, the electronic control is switching off the electric-motor 18a via the motor cable 46.
[0155] FIG. 10a shows a flow chart of a routine in the electronic control 11 of a microtome 1, according to the invention, for monitoring the switching-off function at a commencing shift 30 after a collision took place and for an afterwards rectification of the collision. The monitoring is permanent during the entire operation of the microtome 1. In step S1 of the flow chart it is questioned whether the detecting switching means 35 are signaling a shift 30 of the interconnected feed means 18 after an occurred collision. If a shift was reported, the driving electric-motor 18a of the feed system 12 will be switched off in step S2. In order to rectify a further continuing collision situation and to bring back the microtome 1 again in a usable state of operation step S3 takes place. In this step the electric-motor 18a will be actuated in counter direction to the feed direction 14a in order to drive with the feed system 12 the distance which represents the value of safety retraction 42. Herewith the specimen is located at a distance represented by the safety retraction 42 in front of the knife edge 7 and the microtome 1 is again ready for ordinary use.
[0156] FIG. 10b shows the microtome 1 according to the invention without automatic approach function in a certain distance between knife edge 7 and specimen 9.
[0157] FIG. 10c shows the microtome 1 according to the invention at an occurred collision in set-up mode, for example, caused by an operation error or by a first failure of a technical means. The depiction shows the situation after switching off the driving electric-motor 18a as result of a signal of the detecting switching means 35 and represents the situation after steps S1 and S2 in the flow chart of FIG. 10a.
[0158] FIG. 10d shows a magnified detail of the knife edge 7 and the specimen 9 at an occurred collision according to FIG. 10c. Obviously the knife edge 7 is in contact with the specimen 9.
[0159] FIG. 10e shows the microtome 1 according to the invention after a rectification of a collision, representing step S3 of the flow chart in FIG. 10a.
[0160] FIG. 10f shows a magnified detail of the knife edge 7 and the specimen 9 after a rectified collision and execution of the safety retraction 42 opposite to the feed direction 14a.
[0161] FIG. 11a shows a flow chart of a routine in the electronic control 11 of the microtome 1 according to the invention for execution of an automatic approach between the knife edge 7 and the specimen 9. After beginning of an automatic approach via the control panel 31 of the electronic control 11, it is questioned in step S4 of the flow chart, whether the specimen 9, or with embodiments with moveable knife carrier, the knife carrier 5, is positioned at end position sectioning path 43. This is the precondition, that the specimen 9 and the knife carrier reference surface 41 are located opposite to each other in a certain distance. Then, in step S5, the electric-motor 18a is actuated until the specimen 9 is colliding with the knife carrier reference surface 41 and the therefore commencing shift 30 being immediately signaled by the detecting switching means 35 to the electronic control 11. Consequently the electric-motor 18a will be switched off in step S7. In step S8 the electronic control determines the added value of the safety retraction 42 and the reference distance knife carrier 38, whereby the reference distance knife carrier 38 represents the gap by which the knife carrier reference surface 41 is backed away from the knife edge 7 in feed direction 14a. In step S9 now the electric motor 18a will be actuated and the added value will be carried out in counter direction to the feed direction 14a. Herewith the specimen 9 is located by the value of the safety retraction 42 in front of the knife edge 7. In step S10 the electric-motor 18a will be stopped after that execution took place. Now, the specimen 9, or with embodiments with moveable knife carrier, the knife carrier 5, must be moved to the start position sectioning path 44. For microtomes with a manual sectioning drive this has certainly to be performed by hand. For microtomes with a motorized sectioning drive, a respective sequence can be incorporated as branch operation to the flow chart for the electronic control. In step S11 of the actual flow chart is solely tested, that the microtome 1 should be now in its start position sectioning path 44. If true, the electric-motor 18a will be actuated again in step S12, in order to carry out the value of the safety retraction 42 in feed direction 14a. This means that the safety retraction 42 will be abrogated. After execution, the electric-motor 18a will be stopped again in step S13. Now the specimen 9 is in trim-position, that means it is located in feed direction 14a in the same position as the knife edge 7 and in sectioning direction above the knife edge 7. Herewith, the automatic approach function is completed.
[0162] FIG. 11b shows a microtome 1 according to the invention in end position sectioning path 43 previous to the beginning of an automatic approach between knife edge 7 and specimen 9.
[0163] FIG. 11c shows a magnified detail of the knife edge 7 and the specimen 9 previous to the beginning of an automatic approach according to FIG. 11b. Thereby the knife carrier reference surface 41 is located opposite to the specimen 9 in a certain distance. This is regardless of, whether it is, as in the depicted example, about a specimen feed system, or a knife carrier feed system and it is also regardless of whether, as in the depicted example, the specimen 9 is moved along the sectioning path 3 or the knife carrier 5 with the sectioning tool 6.
[0164] FIG. 11d shows a microtome 1 according to the invention in end position sectioning path 43 at an automatic approach between knife edge 7 and specimen 9 with collision with the knife carrier reference surface 41.
[0165] FIG. 11e shows a magnified detail of FIG. 11d with knife edge 7 and specimen 9 at an automatic approach in the state of collision with the knife carrier reference surface 41 and with, according to the invention, switched-off electric-motor 18a after the collision took place and the commencing shift 30 was immediately detected by the detecting switching means 35. In this state the specimen 9 is in contact with the knife carrier reference surface 41.
[0166] FIG. 11f shows a microtome 1 according to the invention in end position sectioning path 43 at an automatic approach between knife edge 7 and specimen 9 after rectification of a collision with the knife carrier reference surface 41 FIG. 11g shows a magnified detail of FIG. 11f with knife edge 7 and specimen 9 at an automatic approach after rectification of the collision with the knife carrier reference surface 41. Thereby illustrated is the reference distance knife carrier 38 between knife carrier reference surface 41 and knife edge 7, as well as the safety retraction 42, which represents a safety distance between the specimen 9 and the knife edge 7. At rectification of a previously existing collision, specimen 9, or with other embodiments, the knife edge 7, will be moved in opposite direction to the feed direction 14a by the sum of the reference distance knife carrier 38 and the safety retraction 42.
[0167] FIG. 11h shows a microtome 1 according to the invention, which is now representing the next step of the automatic approach sequence. The microtome 1 is depicted in start position sectioning path 44. The safety retraction 42 between the specimen 9 and the knife edge 7 still exists.
[0168] FIG. 11i shows a magnified detail of FIG. 11h with knife edge 7 and specimen 9 at an automatic approach procedure in a state with safety retraction 42.
[0169] FIG. 11j shows a microtome 1 according to the invention in start position sectioning path 44, after completion of an automatic approach procedure between the knife edge 7 and the specimen 9 and with abrogated safety retraction 42.
[0170] FIG. 11k shows a magnified detail of FIG. 11j with knife edge 7 and specimen 9 after completion of an automatic approach procedure between the knife edge 7 and the specimen 9, whereby, in this example, specimen 9 is positioned in start position sectioning path 44 and with regard to the feed direction 14a, in the same plane as the knife edge 7, and herewith in trim-position.
[0171] The microtome according to the invention and the herewith feasible methods according to the invention are considerably increasing the safety at the set-up mode of microtomes as well as in versions of cryostat-microtomes. The inherent safety in regard to inadmissible collision forces prevents damages to specimen and sectioning tools and reduces danger of injury at operation errors. The supplementary switching-off of the feed drive at a detected collision, nevertheless the given inherent safety, enables at a technically undisturbed operation an efficient work process and provides the basis for the thereof resting method of an automatic approach. The automatic approach function is to a large extent free from problems with debris in the area between knife carrier and specimen, as simply the recessed knife carrier reference surface needs to be free from soiling, and as there is no need for additional moveable or optical means. Moreover, in case of malfunction the automatic approach is certainly inherent safe as well.
LIST OF COMPONENT PARTS
[0172] 1 microtome
[0173] 2 main body
[0174] 3 double arrow sectioning path
[0175] 3a disk bearing
[0176] 3b guidance of sectioning path
[0177] 3c rocking arm bearing
[0178] 4 support body
[0179] 5 knife carrier
[0180] 6 sectioning tool
[0181] 7 knife edge
[0182] 8 specimen holder
[0183] 9 specimen
[0184] 10 sectioning drive
[0185] 11 electronic control
[0186] 12 feed system
[0187] 13 linear guidance
[0188] 14 double arrow feed movement
[0189] 14a arrow feed direction
[0190] 15 guidance body
[0191] 15a main part guidance body
[0192] 15b isolated part guidance body
[0193] 16 guidance element
[0194] 17 feed axis
[0195] 18 interconnected feed means
[0196] 18a electric motor
[0197] 19 spindle
[0198] 20 spindle flange
[0199] 21 spindle bearing
[0200] 22 bearing disk
[0201] 23 spindle bearing nut
[0202] 24 shaft coupling
[0203] 25 fastening screw
[0204] 26 mounting rod
[0205] 27 spring sleeve
[0206] 28 spring
[0207] 29 spring rod
[0208] 30 arrow shift
[0209] 31 control panel
[0210] 32 force generating means
[0211] 33 ferromagnetic anchor plate
[0212] 34 magnet
[0213] 35 detecting switching means
[0214] 36 piezo sensor
[0215] 37 sensor cable
[0216] 38 reference distance knife carrier
[0217] 39 contact ring
[0218] 41 knife carrier reference surface
[0219] 42 safety retraction
[0220] 43 end position sectioning path
[0221] 44 start position sectioning path
[0222] 45 electrical connection
[0223] 46 motor cable
[0224] 47 guidance shifting range
[0225] 48 positioning screws
[0226] 49 changeover means
[0227] 50 actuating means
[0228] 51 segment ring
[0229] 52 pinion
[0230] 53 actuator
[0231] 54 contact screw F
[0232] 55 contact screw Z
[0233] 56 connection isolated part
[0234] a clearance angle
[0235] b wedge angle
[0236] c cutting angle
[0237] d shear angle
[0238] e friction angle
[0239] h feed thickness
[0240] i cutting thickness
[0241] F.sub.a active force
[0242] F.sub.d shear force
[0243] F.sub.dN shear normal force
[0244] F.sub.R cutting plane friction force
[0245] F.sub.N normal force
[0246] F.sub.c cutting force
[0247] F.sub.s thrust
[0248] F.sub.K collision force
[0249] F.sub.G limit value of brace force
[0250] S1-S13 steps of flow charts
