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Micromanipulator for a cryomicrotome

a micromanipulator and microtome technology, applied in metal working apparatus, preparing samples for investigation, sawing apparatus, etc., can solve the problems of preventing manual handling errors, and achieve the effect of improving operation convenience, facilitating specimen handling, and more flexible handling

Inactive Publication Date: 2009-07-23
LEICA MICROSYSTEMS GMBH
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to a micromanipulator for a cryomicrotome that improves the manipulation of sections after sectioning. The micromanipulator has a micromanipulator with a tool for retaining a specimen support that is positioned proximate to the knife edge during sectioning. The micromanipulator enables precise positioning of the specimen support and simplifies the procedure of loading the specimen support with sections. The micromanipulator reduces errors in handling and simplifies the procedure of manufacturing preparation sections. It also reduces the negative influence on ionizer effectiveness and allows for easier handling of the specimen support. The micromanipulator can be connected to a cooling chamber or a transfer container for easy placement of the sections. It can also be fixed to the microtome or a load-bearing component for improved adjustment capabilities. The micromanipulator allows for flexible handling of the specimen support and easier handling of the specimen holder upon transport into a transfer container. It also allows for the use of a transfer container with receiving openings for the sections. The motorization of the micromanipulator's axes of motion further improves operating convenience.

Problems solved by technology

In particular, sources of error in the context of manual handling are to be precluded.

Method used

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  • Micromanipulator for a cryomicrotome
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  • Micromanipulator for a cryomicrotome

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Embodiment Construction

[0035]Reference will be made in detail to one or more embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0036]FIG. 1 shows an ultramicrotome 1 that is based on the above-described Leica EM FC6 and, in a manner known with regard to that device, comprises a cooling chamber 2 having a working chamber 3 surrounded by the cooling chamber, in which the tools for the production of sections are housed. A stereomicroscope 4 serves, in a manner also known, for observing the preparation and the sections during sectioning and subsequent manipulation. In a departure from known devices, a manipulator 5 is installed on one side of the cooling chamber. As a rule, manipulator 5 is located on the left side in order to enable manual manipulation of the specimens from the right side of the device, although installation on the right side is, of course, also possible (especially for left-handers).

[0037]Manipulator 5 is shown in further detail...

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Abstract

A microtome system has a cryomicrotome with a sectioning device in which is provided a preparation holder and a knife edge that are guided past one another inside a working space during a sectioning operation, in order to produce thin sections of a preparation retained in the preparation holder. A micromanipulator is operable outside the working space. With the micromanipulator, a tool for retention of a specimen support is positioned proximate the knife edge during a sectioning operation in order to receive the sections that are produced, preferably for substantially stationary retention of the specimen support.

Description

[0001]The invention relates to a microtome, in particular a cryomicrotome, having a sectioning device in which are provided a preparation holder and a knife edge that are guided past one another inside a working space during a sectioning operation, in order to produce thin sections of a preparation retained in the preparation holder.BACKGROUND[0002]The production of thin sections of cryopreserved specimens, in particular biological specimens with vitrified material (i.e. solidified in glassy fashion), is important for cryoelectron microscopy and similar investigation methods. Cryopreserved specimens largely avoid distortions that can derive from desiccation, chemical modifications (including contrast agents), and other specimen stabilization methods and therefore enable investigation of the specimen at the ultrastructure scale in a state that comes very close to the living state of the initial specimen. A very thin section thickness is required for investigation using an electron mi...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G01N1/06G01N1/42
CPCG01N1/06Y10T83/222Y10T83/283Y10T83/6508Y10T83/6571B26D1/00B26D1/105B26D1/1575G01N1/42
Inventor LIHL, REINHARDZIMMERMANN, MICHAEL
Owner LEICA MICROSYSTEMS GMBH
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