Devices and methods for embedding tissue samples

Abstract

A device for embedding a tissue sample comprises a tissue cassette (10) and a mold (20). The tissue cartridge (10) includes a frame (120), a top cover (100) coupled to the frame (120), and a bottom cover (110) coupled to the frame (120). The mold (20) defines a recess (220). The top cap and the bottom cap hold a tissue sample therebetween. The top cover and the bottom cover are movable relative to the frame (120) from a first position to a second position, and in the second position, the bottom cover (110) extends beyond a bottom surface (123) of the frame (120) and is separated from the frame (120) and the top cover (100); the tissue box (10) is mountable on the mold (20), and the recess (220) is configured to receive the bottom cover (110) in the second position such that a paraffin block (90) obtained by dispensing and cooling molten paraffin in the mold (20) is detachable from the mold (20) while the bottom cover (110) is retained in the mold (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of pathological tissue, and more particularly, to a device and method for embedding tissue samples. Background Art

[0002] In order to accurately diagnose various tissue diseases and conditions, medical personnel must remove one or more tissue samples from the patient's body. This process of obtaining tissue from the body is called histopathology. Once the tissue sample or specimen is removed and sent to the pathology laboratory, the tissue will undergo a series of procedures performed by a histotechnician and ultimately a pathologist in order to diagnose one or more conditions associated with the tissue.

[0003] To properly process a tissue sample, a series of steps may be performed, including: 1. Roughly size the sample by cutting it into appropriate sizes for analysis. 2. Treat the sample to fix molecular components and / or prevent degradation, typically including fixation, dehydration, clearing, and wax infiltration of the tissue sample. 3. Embed the sample in an embedding material, such as paraffin. 4. Section the embedded sample by using, for example, a microtome.

[0004] The tissue cassette can be used for embedding of tissue samples and sectioning of the embedded tissue samples to preserve the tissue samples.

[0005] US11226272B2 relates to a histological tissue sample support device, comprising a tissue cassette having a recess, the recess comprising at least one side wall and a bottom wall, the tissue cassette being formed of a material capable of being successfully sliced ​​in a microtome and resisting degradation by solvents and chemicals used to fix, process and stain tissues; a frame comprising a bottom edge, the tissue cassette being movably coupled to the frame; and a cover coupled to the frame. The cover and the tissue cassette are movable relative to the frame from a first position to a second position, and in the second position, the bottom wall and at least a portion of the side wall extend beyond the bottom edge of the frame for slicing in a microtome.

[0006] The sectionable material of tissue cassettes can increase blade consumption, leading to customer complaints. Summary of the invention

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure seek to address, at least to some extent, at least one of the problems present in the related art. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide devices and methods for embedding tissue samples that do not require the tissue cassette to be made of a sectionable material.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a device for embedding tissue samples is provided. The device includes a tissue cassette and a mold. The tissue cassette includes a frame having a bottom surface, a top cover coupled to the frame, and a bottom cover movably coupled to the frame. The mold includes a mold body defining a recess having at least one side wall and a bottom wall. The top cover and the bottom cover are configured to hold the tissue sample between them. The top cover and the bottom cover can be moved from a first position to a second position relative to the frame, and in the second position, the bottom cover extends beyond the bottom surface of the frame and is separated from the frame and the top cover; the tissue cassette can be mounted on the mold, and the recess is configured to receive the bottom cover in the second position, so that the paraffin block obtained by distributing and cooling the molten paraffin in the mold is detachable from the mold, while the bottom cover remains in the mold.

[0009] In the device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, during the embedding process of the tissue sample, the tissue cassette can be mounted on the mold, and the top cover and the bottom cover can be moved from the first position to the second position. Therefore, the bottom cover can be separated from the frame and the top cover and received in the recess of the mold; and after dispensing and cooling the molten paraffin in the mold, the resulting paraffin block can be removed from the mold with the frame and the top cover, and the bottom cover is received in the mold. In other words, the resulting paraffin block is exposed outside the frame and does not contain the bottom cover. Therefore, the tissue cassette does not need to be made of a sliceable material.

[0010] In some embodiments, the bottom wall of the bottom cover defines an opening, the bottom wall of the recess forms a protrusion, and in the second position, the protrusion of the recess fits into the opening of the bottom cover. The opening in the bottom wall of the bottom cover cooperates with the protrusion on the bottom wall of the recess to prevent the bottom cover from moving together with the paraffin block when the paraffin block is removed from the mold, because the cooperation of the opening and the protrusion can prevent the formation of a solidified paraffin layer, thereby reducing the connection between the paraffin block and the bottom cover.

[0011] In some embodiments, the bottom cover defines a groove in an outer side wall of the bottom cover, the mold defines a groove in an inner side wall of the recess, and in the second position, the groove in the bottom cover and the groove in the recess cooperatively define a receiving space. Therefore, when forming a paraffin block, a paraffin strip can also be formed in the receiving space between the bottom cover and the mold, and the connection between the bottom cover and the mold can be strengthened to prevent the bottom cover from moving the paraffin block when the paraffin block is removed from the mold.

[0012] In some embodiments, the mold defines a through hole extending from the bottom surface of the mold body to the top surface of the mold body, and the mold includes a biasing means that fits into the through hole from below to normally engage the bottom surface of the frame. Therefore, the top surface of the pin of the biasing means is at the same level as the stepped surface of the mold to prevent the formation of a solidified paraffin layer, which helps to reduce the removal force used to separate the paraffin block.

[0013] In some embodiments, the through hole is laterally connected to the recess via the connecting groove. Therefore, by passing the tool through the through hole and the connecting groove in sequence, the bottom cover received in the recess of the mold can be approached to help remove the bottom cover from the mold.

[0014] In some embodiments, the mold includes a stepped surface that is recessed from the top surface of the mold body and surrounds the recess, and when the tissue cassette is mounted on the mold, the bottom surface of the frame is supported on the stepped surface. Therefore, the tissue cassette can be accurately and stably positioned on the mold.

[0015] In some embodiments, the bottom cover is provided with a rim, the rim protruding horizontally outward from the top edge of the bottom cover, the frame is provided with a first protrusion, the first protrusion protruding inward from the inner side wall of the frame and located at a first horizontal plane; and in the first position, the rim of the bottom cover is supported on the first protrusion of the frame, and the top cover is supported on the bottom cover. Therefore, the top cover and the bottom cover can be prevented from moving downward so as to be maintained in the first position.

[0016] In some embodiments, the frame is further provided with a second protrusion, which protrudes inward from the inner side wall of the frame and is located at a second horizontal plane higher than the first horizontal plane, and the top cover is provided with a first convex portion, which protrudes horizontally outward from the outer side wall of the top cover; and in the first position, the first convex portion of the top cover is elastically engaged with the second protrusion of the frame from below. Therefore, the top cover and the bottom cover can be prevented from moving upward to stably maintain in the first position, and the position and orientation of the tissue sample between the top cover and the bottom cover can be ensured.

[0017] In some embodiments, the frame is provided with a third protrusion, the third protrusion protruding inwardly from the inner side wall of the frame and located at a third horizontal plane lower than the first horizontal plane, the top cover is provided with a second protrusion, the second protrusion protruding horizontally outwardly from the outer side wall of the top cover; and in the second position, the second protrusion of the top cover is supported on the third protrusion of the frame. Therefore, the top cover can be prevented from moving downward so that it is maintained in the second position.

[0018] In some embodiments, the frame is provided with a fourth protrusion, the fourth protrusion protruding inwardly from the inner side wall of the frame, and the top cover is provided with a third convex portion, the third convex portion protruding horizontally outwardly from the outer side wall of the top cover, and in the second position, the third convex portion of the top cover is elastically engaged with the fourth protrusion of the frame from below. Therefore, the top cover can be prevented from moving upward so that it can be stably maintained in the second position.

[0019] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a clamp having a clamp body and two opposite side plates coupled to the clamp body, wherein each side plate is provided with a hook at an end thereof, at least one of the two side plates is movable relative to the clamp body to adjust the distance between the two side plates, and the clamp is configured to clamp the frame or the bottom cover from opposite sides of the frame or the bottom cover via the hooks on the two opposite side plates. Therefore, by using the clamp, the removal of the paraffin block from the mold or the removal of the bottom cover from the mold can be performed automatically.

[0020] In some embodiments, at least one of the two side plates is coupled to the holder body by screws.Therefore, the holder can be easily realized and at low cost.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for embedding tissue samples is provided. The method uses a device according to any of the above embodiments. The method comprises: loading a tissue cassette onto a mold; placing the bottom cover of the tissue cassette downwardly into a recess of the mold; dispensing melted paraffin into the mold; cooling the mold to solidify the paraffin to form a paraffin block; removing the paraffin block and the frame and top cover from the mold while retaining the bottom cover in the mold; heating the mold to melt the paraffin in the mold; and removing the bottom cover from the mold.

[0022] In some embodiments, removing the bottom cover from the mold includes: clamping the bottom cover by a clamper; and lifting the clamper to remove the bottom cover from the mold. Therefore, the removal of the bottom cover can be automated to reduce the labor intensity of the operator.

[0023] Additional aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be given in part in the following description, and in part will be obvious from the following description, or may be learned from the practice of the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] These and other aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a tissue cassette 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2A is a top view of a tissue cassette 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the top cover and the bottom cover are in a first position.

[0027] Figure 2B The tissue cassette 10 is along Figure 2A A cross-sectional view taken along line MM.

[0028] Figure 2C yes Figure 2B A partial enlarged view of part A.

[0029] Figure 2D yes Figure 2B A partial enlarged view of part B.

[0030] Figure 3A is a top view of the tissue cassette 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the top cover and the bottom cover are in the second position.

[0031] Figure 3B The tissue cassette 10 is along Figure 3A A cross-sectional view taken along line NN in FIG.

[0032] Figure 3C yes Figure 3B A partial enlarged view of part A.

[0033] Figure 3D yes Figure 3B A partial enlarged view of part B.

[0034] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a mold 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an assembly of a tissue cassette and a mold in a first position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 0026] A cross-sectional view of an assembly of a tissue cassette and a mold in a first position is shown in FIG.

[0037] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly of a tissue cassette and a mold in a second position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly of a tissue cassette and a mold in a second position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a process of filling molten paraffin into a mold according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Fig.10 is a perspective view showing a process of removing a paraffin block and a top cover and a frame from a mold having a bottom cover.

[0041] Fig.11 yes Fig.11 A partial enlarged view of part C.

[0042] Fig.12 is a perspective view illustrating a process of clamping a bottom cover using a clamper according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Fig.13is a perspective view illustrating a process of removing a bottom cover from a mold according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Reference will be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings are explanatory, illustrative, and are used to generally understand the present disclosure. The embodiments should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. Throughout the description, identical or similar elements and elements having identical or similar functions are represented by the same reference numerals.

[0045] In the specification, unless otherwise specified or limited, relative terms such as "central", "longitudinal", "lateral", "front", "rear", "right", "left", "inner", "outer", "lower", "upper", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "up", "top", "bottom" and their derivatives (e.g., "horizontally", "downwardly", "upwardly", etc.) should be interpreted as referring to the orientation described subsequently or shown in the drawings in question. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the present disclosure be constructed or operated in a specific orientation.

[0046] Terms regarding attachment, coupling, and the like, such as "connected" and "interconnected," refer to relationships wherein structures are fixed or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intermediate structures, as well as removable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

[0047] Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and variations thereof are used broadly and include direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0048] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installation", "connection" and "coupling" and variations thereof are used broadly, and include, for example, mechanical or electrical installation, connection and coupling, and may also be internal installation, connection and coupling of two components, and may also be direct and indirect installation, connection and coupling, which may be understood by those skilled in the art based on the detailed embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a device for embedding tissue samples is provided. The device includes a tissue cassette and a mold. The tissue cassette includes a frame having a bottom surface, a top cover coupled to the frame, and a bottom cover movably coupled to the frame. The mold includes a mold body defining a recess, the recess having at least one side wall and a bottom wall. The top cover and the bottom cover are configured to hold the tissue sample between them. The top cover and the bottom cover can be moved from a first position to a second position relative to the frame, and in the second position, the bottom cover extends beyond the bottom surface of the frame and is separated from the frame and the top cover; the tissue cassette can be mounted on the mold, and the recess is configured to receive the bottom cover in the second position.

[0050] In the device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, during the embedding process of the tissue sample, the tissue cassette can be mounted on the mold, and the top cover and the bottom cover can be moved from a first position to a second position. Therefore, the bottom cover can be separated from the frame and the top cover and received in the recess of the mold; and after dispensing and cooling the molten paraffin in the mold, the resulting paraffin block and the frame and the top cover can be removed from the mold, while the bottom cover is retained in the mold. In other words, the resulting paraffin block is exposed outside the frame and does not contain the bottom cover. Therefore, the tissue cassette does not need to be made of a sliceable material.

[0051] In some embodiments, the bottom wall of the bottom cover defines an opening, the bottom wall of the recess forms a protrusion, and in the second position, the protrusion of the recess fits into the opening of the bottom cover. The opening in the bottom wall of the bottom cover cooperates with the protrusion on the bottom wall of the recess to prevent the bottom cover from moving together with the paraffin block when the paraffin block is removed from the mold, because the cooperation of the opening and the protrusion can prevent the formation of a solidified paraffin layer, thereby reducing the connection between the paraffin block and the bottom cover.

[0052] The shape and size of the opening of the bottom cover match the shape and size of the protrusion of the recess. The opening of the bottom cover and the protrusion of the recess can be elongated, cylindrical, prismatic or other shapes.

[0053] In some other embodiments, a plurality of openings may be defined in the bottom wall of the bottom cover, and a plurality of protrusions may be formed on the bottom wall of the recess. The plurality of openings of the bottom cover may correspond one-to-one with the plurality of protrusions of the recess. Therefore, the connection between the paraffin block and the bottom cover may be further reduced.

[0054] In some embodiments, the bottom cover defines a groove in an outer side wall of the bottom cover, the mold defines a groove in an inner side wall of the recess, and in the second position, the groove in the bottom cover and the groove in the recess cooperate to define a receiving space. Therefore, when forming a paraffin block, a paraffin strip can also be formed in the receiving space between the bottom cover and the mold, and the connection between the bottom cover and the mold can be strengthened to prevent the bottom cover from moving the paraffin block when the paraffin block is removed from the mold.

[0055] The shape and size of the groove in the bottom cover matches the shape and size of the groove in the recess. The groove of the bottom cover and the groove of the recess can be elongated, cylindrical, prismatic or other shapes.

[0056] In some other embodiments, a plurality of grooves may be defined in the outer side wall of the bottom cover, and a plurality of grooves may be defined in the inner side wall of the recess. The plurality of grooves of the bottom cover may correspond one to one with the plurality of grooves of the recess. Therefore, the connection between the bottom cover and the mold may be further enhanced.

[0057] In some embodiments, the mold defines a through hole extending from the bottom surface of the mold body to the top surface of the mold body, and the mold includes a biasing means that fits into the through hole from below to normally engage the bottom surface of the frame. Therefore, the top surface of the pin of the biasing means is at the same level as the stepped surface of the mold to prevent the formation of a solidified paraffin layer, which helps to reduce the removal force used to separate the paraffin block.

[0058] In some other embodiments, a plurality of through holes may be defined in the mold body, and a plurality of biasing means may be disposed in the plurality of through holes, respectively.Therefore, the removal force required when removing the paraffin block from the mold may be further reduced.

[0059] In some embodiments, the through hole is laterally connected to the recess via the connecting groove. Therefore, by passing the tool through the through hole and the connecting groove in sequence, the bottom cover received in the recess of the mold can be approached to help remove the bottom cover from the mold.

[0060] In some embodiments, the mold includes a stepped surface that is recessed from the top surface of the mold body and surrounds the recess, and when the tissue cassette is mounted on the mold, the bottom surface of the frame is supported on the stepped surface. Therefore, the tissue cassette can be accurately and stably positioned on the mold.

[0061] It is understood that the through hole may extend vertically through the bottom surface and the step surface of the mold body.

[0062] In some embodiments, the bottom cover is provided with a rim, the rim protruding horizontally outward from the top edge of the bottom cover, and the frame is provided with a first protrusion, the first protrusion protruding inward from the inner side wall of the frame and located at a first horizontal plane; in the first position, the rim of the bottom cover is supported on the first protrusion of the frame, and the top cover is supported on the bottom cover. Therefore, the top cover and the bottom cover can be prevented from moving downward so as to be maintained in the first position.

[0063] In some embodiments, the frame is further provided with a second protrusion, which protrudes inward from the inner side wall of the frame and is located at a second horizontal plane higher than the first horizontal plane, and the top cover is provided with a first convex portion, which protrudes horizontally outward from the outer side wall of the top cover; and in the first position, the first convex portion of the top cover is elastically engaged with the second protrusion of the frame from below. Therefore, the top cover and the bottom cover can be prevented from moving upward so as to be stably maintained in the first position, and the position and orientation of the tissue sample between the top cover and the bottom cover can be ensured.

[0064] In some embodiments, the frame is provided with a third protrusion, the third protrusion protruding inwardly from the inner side wall of the frame and located at a third horizontal plane lower than the first horizontal plane, the top cover is provided with a second protrusion, the second protrusion protruding horizontally outwardly from the outer side wall of the top cover; and in the second position, the second protrusion of the top cover is supported on the third protrusion of the frame. Therefore, the top cover can be prevented from moving downward so as to be maintained in the second position.

[0065] In some embodiments, the frame is provided with a fourth protrusion, the fourth protrusion protruding inwardly from the inner side wall of the frame, and located at a fourth horizontal plane higher than the third horizontal plane and lower than the first horizontal plane, and the top cover is provided with a third convex portion, the third convex portion protruding horizontally outwardly from the outer side wall of the top cover; in the second position, the third convex portion of the top cover is elastically engaged with the fourth protrusion of the frame from below. Therefore, the top cover can be prevented from moving upward so as to be stably maintained in the second position.

[0066] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a clamp having a clamp body, and two opposite side plates coupled to the clamp body, wherein each side plate is provided with a hook at an end thereof, at least one of the two side plates is movable relative to the clamp body to adjust the distance between the two side plates, and the clamp is configured to clamp the frame or the bottom cover from opposite sides of the frame or the bottom cover via the hooks on the two opposite side plates. Therefore, by using the clamp, disassembling the paraffin block from the mold or removing the bottom cover from the mold can be automated.

[0067] In some embodiments, at least one of the two side plates is coupled to the holder body by screws.Therefore, the holder can be easily realized and at low cost.

[0068] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for embedding tissue samples is provided. The method uses a device according to any of the above embodiments. The method comprises: loading a tissue cassette on a mold; placing the bottom cover of the tissue cassette downward into a groove of the mold; dispensing molten paraffin into the mold; cooling the mold to solidify the paraffin to form a paraffin block; removing the paraffin block and the frame and top cover from the mold, heating the mold to melt the paraffin in the mold; and removing the bottom cover from the mold.

[0069] In some embodiments, removing the bottom cover from the mold includes clamping the bottom cover by a clamper; and lifting the clamper to remove the bottom cover from the mold. Therefore, the removal of the bottom cover can be automated to reduce the labor intensity of the operator.

[0070] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 13 A device for embedding tissue samples according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described, wherein the device may be a tissue embedding machine, in particular an automatic embedding machine.

[0071] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a tissue cassette 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the tissue cassette 10 includes a top cover 100, a bottom cover 110, and a frame 120. The top cover 100 and the bottom cover 110 can be mounted on the frame 120 to receive a tissue sample between the top cover 100 and the bottom cover 110. The top cover 100 and the bottom cover 110 are movable relative to the frame 120 from a first position to a second position.

[0072] The top cover 100 is basically a rectangular plate. The top cover 100 includes a first side 101a, a second side 101b, a third side 101c and a fourth side 101d connected to each other at the end. The first side 101a and the third side 101c are opposite to each other and are configured as long sides. The second side 101b and the fourth side 101d are opposite to each other and are configured as short sides. The top cover 100 also has a top surface 102 and a bottom surface 103 opposite to each other.

[0073] The top cover 100 is provided with four first protrusions 104 , which protrude horizontally outward from the first side 101a and the third side 101c and are evenly distributed on the first side 101a and the third side 101c . The four first protrusions 104 are located close to the bottom surface 103 .

[0074] The top cover 100 is also provided with twelve second protrusions 105 (at Figure 3A As best shown in FIG. 1 , the twelve second protrusions 105 protrude horizontally outward from the first side to the fourth side 101a, 101b, 101c, 101d. Eight second protrusions 105 are evenly distributed on the first side 101a and the third side 101c, and another four second protrusions 105 are evenly distributed on the second side 101b and the fourth side 101d. The twelve second protrusions 105 are positioned adjacent to the top surface 102. In other words, the horizontal plane of the twelve second protrusions 105 is higher than the horizontal plane of the four first protrusions 104.

[0075] The top cover 100 is also provided with six third protrusions 106, which protrude horizontally outward from the first side to the fourth side 101a, 101b, 101c, 101d. Two third protrusions 106 are evenly distributed on the first side 101a and the third side 101c, and the other four third protrusions 106 are evenly distributed on the second side and the fourth side 101d. The horizontal planes of the six third protrusions 106 are substantially the same as the horizontal planes of the four first protrusions 104.

[0076] The top cover 100 defines six escape notches 107, which are horizontally recessed from the first side to the fourth side 101a, 101b, 101c, 101d and vertically extend through the top surface 102 and the bottom surface 103. Four escape notches 107 are evenly distributed on the first side 101a and the third side 101c, and the other two escape notches 107 are evenly distributed on the second side 101b and the fourth side 101d.

[0077] The top cover 100 also defines a plurality of elongated openings 108 extending vertically through the top surface 102 and the bottom surface 103. During the embedding process of the tissue sample, melted paraffin can be dispensed through the elongated openings 108.

[0078] The bottom cover 110 has a generally rectangular box shape with an open top. The bottom cover 110 includes a first side wall 111a, a second side wall 111b, a third side wall 111c, and a fourth side wall 111d connected to the end; and a bottom wall 112, which is connected to the lower end of the first to fourth side walls 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d. The first side wall 111a and the third side wall 111c are opposite to each other and are configured as long side walls. The second side wall 111b and the fourth side wall 111d are opposite to each other and are configured as short side walls. The bottom cover 110 also has a top surface 113 and a bottom surface 114 opposite to each other. Here, the top surface 113 is also the top surface of the first to fourth side walls 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d, and the bottom surface 114 is also the bottom surface of the bottom wall 112.

[0079] The bottom cover 110 is provided with a rim 115 horizontally protruding outward from the first to fourth side walls 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d adjacent to the top surface 113 of the bottom cover 110 and surrounding the first to fourth side walls 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d.

[0080] The bottom cover 110 defines a plurality of elongated openings 116 in the bottom wall 112 that extend vertically through the top and bottom surfaces of the bottom wall 112 .

[0081] The bottom cover 110 further defines four elongated grooves 117 extending horizontally along outer sides of the first to fourth side walls 111 a , 111 b , 111 c , 111 d , respectively.

[0082] The bottom cover 110 also defines six recesses 118 in the bottom surface of the rim 115. Four recesses 118 are evenly distributed in the portions of the rim 115 on the first side wall 111a and the third side wall 111c, and the other two recesses 118 are evenly distributed in the portions of the rim 115 on the second side wall 111b and the fourth side wall 111d.

[0083] The frame 120 has a substantially rectangular shape with an open top and bottom. The frame 120 has a first wall 121a, a second wall 121b, a third wall 121c and a fourth wall 121d, and the first to fourth walls 121a, 121b, 121c, 121d are connected end to end. The first wall 121a and the third wall 121c are long walls and face each other, and the second wall 121b and the fourth wall 121d are short walls and face each other. The frame 120 has a top surface 122 and a bottom surface 123 facing each other.

[0084] The frame 120 is provided with six first protrusions 124, which protrude horizontally inward from the inner sides of the first wall to the fourth wall 121a, 121b, 121c, 121d. Four first protrusions 124 are distributed on the inner sides of the first wall 121a and the third wall 121c opposite to each other of the frame 120, and the other two first protrusions 124 are distributed on the inner sides of the second wall 121b and the fourth wall 121d opposite to each other of the frame 120.

[0085] The first protrusion 124 corresponds in position to the avoidance notch 107 of the top cover 100 , and when the top cover 100 is moved vertically in the frame 120 , the top cover 120 can pass through the first protrusion 124 without hindrance by means of the avoidance notch 107 .

[0086] The first protrusions 124 also correspond in position to the recesses 118 of the bottom cover 110 , and when the bottom cover 110 is installed in the frame 120 , the first protrusions 124 are respectively fitted into the recesses 118 to stably support the bottom cover 110 in the frame 120 .

[0087] The frame 120 is also provided with four second protrusions 125 which protrude inwardly from the inner sides of the first and third walls 121a and 121c and are positioned higher than the first protrusions 124. The four second protrusions 125 are evenly distributed on the inner sides of the opposing first and third walls 121a and 121c of the frame 120.

[0088] The second protrusions 125 correspond in position to the first protrusions 104 of the top cover 100. The first protrusions 104 of the top cover 100 may be elastically engaged with the four second protrusions 125 of the frame 120 from below to restrict the upward movement of the top cover 100.

[0089] The frame 120 is provided with twelve third protrusions 126, which protrude inward from the inner sides of the first wall to the fourth wall 121a, 121b, 121c, 121d. The third protrusions 126 are lower than the first protrusions 124 and are adjacent to the bottom surface 123 of the frame 120. Eight third protrusions 126 are evenly distributed on the inner sides of the first wall 121a and the third wall 121c, and the other four third protrusions 126 are evenly distributed on the inner sides of the second wall 121b and the fourth wall 121d.

[0090] The third protrusion 126 corresponds in position to the second protrusion 105 of the top cover 100. The second protrusion 105 of the top cover 100 may be supported on the third protrusion 126 to restrict the downward movement of the top cover 100 within the frame 120.

[0091] The frame 120 is provided with six fourth protrusions 127, which protrude inwardly from the inner sides of the first wall to the fourth wall 121a, 121b, 121c, 121d of the frame 120. The fourth protrusion 127 is positioned lower than the first protrusion 124 and slightly higher than the third protrusion 126. Two fourth protrusions 127 are evenly distributed on the opposite first wall 121a and the third wall 121c, and the other four fourth protrusions 127 are evenly distributed on the opposite second wall 121b and the fourth wall 121d of the frame 120.

[0092] The fourth protrusion 127 corresponds in position to the third protrusion 106 of the top cover 100. The six third protrusions 106 of the top cover 100 may be elastically engaged with the six fourth protrusions 127 of the frame 120 from below, respectively, to restrict the upward movement of the top cover 100.

[0093] The frame 120 further defines guide grooves in inner sides of the vertically extending first to fourth walls 121 a , 121 b , 121 c , 121 d for guiding movement of the top cover 100 within the frame 120 .

[0094] The frame 120 may define four first guide grooves 128a extending vertically inside the first wall 121a and the third wall 121c. The first guide grooves 128a correspond to the first protrusions 104 of the top cover 100 in position and are configured to receive the first protrusions 104 of the top cover 100. The first protrusions 104 may move along the first guide grooves 128a. The second protrusions 125 of the frame 120 may be formed in the first guide grooves 128a, respectively, to avoid hindering the movement of the bottom cover 110 in the frame 120.

[0095] The frame 120 may further define twelve second guide grooves 128b extending vertically inwardly of the first wall to the fourth wall 121a, 121b, 121c, 121d. The second guide grooves 128b correspond to the second convex portions 105 of the top cover 100 in position and are configured to receive the second convex portions 105 of the top cover 100, respectively. The second convex portions 105 of the top cover 100 may move along the second guide grooves 128b. The third protrusions 126 of the frame 120 may be formed in the second guide grooves 128b, respectively, to avoid hindering the movement of the bottom cover 110 in the frame 120.

[0096] The frame 120 may further define six third guide grooves 128c extending vertically inside the first to fourth walls 121a, 121b, 121c, 121d. The third guide grooves 128c correspond to the third convex portions 106 of the top cover 100 in position and are configured to receive the third convex portions 106 of the top cover 100, respectively. The third convex portions 106 of the top cover 100 may move along the third guide grooves 128c. The fourth protrusions 127 of the frame 120 may be formed in the third guide grooves 128c, respectively, to avoid hindering the movement of the bottom cover 110 in the frame 120.

[0097] The frame 120 also defines four conical grooves 129 on the outside of the first wall 121a and the third wall 121c. The four conical grooves 129 are evenly distributed on the first wall 121a and the third wall 121c. The conical grooves 129 can facilitate manual or automatic lifting and transfer of the frame 102 or the tissue cassette 10 by using a tool or mechanism that can be engaged in the conical grooves 129.

[0098] As mentioned above, tissue cassette 10 can have two positions.In the first position, top cover 100 and bottom cover 110 are installed in framework 120, and the bottom surface 114 of bottom cover 110 is basically at the same horizontal plane with the bottom surface 123 of framework 120.That is to say, top cover 100 and bottom cover 110 are located at the upper position relative to framework 120.In the second position, top cover 100 is still installed in framework 120, and the bottom surface 103 of top cover 100 is basically at the same horizontal plane with the bottom surface 123 of framework 120, and bottom cover 110 separates from framework 120 and top cover 100.That is to say, top cover 100 and bottom cover 110 are located at the lower position relative to framework 120.

[0099] The tissue cassette 10 can be switched from the first position to the second position by placing the top cover 100 and the bottom cover 110 downward in stages via a tool or mechanism. After the tissue sample is placed in the tissue cassette 10, the tissue cassette 10 needs to be kept in the first position before embedding the tissue sample.

[0100] Figure 2A is a top view of a tissue cassette 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the top cover and the bottom cover are in a first position. Figure 2B The tissue cassette 10 is along Figure 2A A cross-sectional view taken along line MM. Figure 2C yes Figure 2B A partial enlarged view of part A. Figure 2D yes Figure 2B A partial enlarged view of part B.

[0101] like Figure 2B As shown, in the first position of the tissue cassette 10, the top cover 100 and the bottom cover 110 are installed in the frame 120 and are located in an upper position relative to the frame 120. The top surface 102 of the top cover 100 is basically in the same horizontal plane as the top surface 122 of the frame 120, and the bottom surface 114 of the bottom cover 110 is basically in the same horizontal plane as the bottom surface 123 of the frame 120.

[0102] The edge 115 of the bottom cover 110 is supported on the first protrusion 124 of the frame 120. For example, the recesses 118 of the edge 115 are respectively matched with the first protrusions 124 of the frame 120 to stably support the bottom cover 110 in the frame 120, such as Figure 2C As shown in detail, the top cover 100 is placed on the bottom cover 110. That is, the bottom surface 103 of the top cover 100 is in contact with the top surface 113 of the bottom cover 110.

[0103] The first protrusions 104 of the top cover 100 are elastically engaged with the second protrusions 125 of the frame 120 from below, respectively. Figure 2D Therefore, by the first protrusion and the second protrusion 125 of the frame 120, the top cover 100 and the bottom cover 110 are stably held in the first position.

[0104] Figure 3A is a top view of the tissue cassette 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the top cover and the bottom cover are in the second position. Figure 3B It is along Figure 3A 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tissue cassette 10 taken along line NN in FIG. Figure 3C yes Figure 3B A partial enlarged view of part A. Figure 3D yes Figure 3B A partial enlarged view of part B.

[0105] like Figure 3B As shown, in the second position of the tissue cassette 10, the top cover 100 is installed in the frame 120 and is located at the lower position relative to the frame 120, and the bottom cover 110 is separated from the frame 120 and the top cover 100. The top cover 100 and the bottom cover 110 can be stepped down from the upper position to the lower position relative to the frame 120. The second protrusion 105 of the top cover 100 is supported on the third protrusion 126 of the frame 120 respectively. The third protrusion 106 of the top cover 100 is elastically engaged with the fourth protrusion 127 of the frame 120 from below respectively. In other words, by means of the third protrusion 126 and the fourth protrusion 127 and the cooperation of the second protrusion 105 and the third protrusion 106, the top cover 100 is maintained in the second position. The bottom surface 103 of the top cover 100 is basically in the same horizontal plane with the bottom surface 123 of the frame 120. The bottom cover 110 is completely outside the frame 120 and is separated from the frame 120 and the top cover 100.

[0106] Figure 4 2 is a perspective view of a mold 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, the device further includes a mold 20. The mold 20 includes a mold body 210, a recess 220 recessed from a top surface 211 of the mold body 210, and a step surface 230 formed around an opening of the recess 220. The recess 220 is configured to receive the bottom cover 110. The step surface 230 is configured to cooperate with the bottom surface 123 of the frame 120.

[0107] A plurality of elongated protrusions 221 are formed on the bottom wall of the recess 220, and four elongated grooves 222 are respectively defined in the four side walls of the recess 220. The four elongated grooves 222 extend horizontally. The plurality of elongated protrusions 221 correspond in position to the plurality of elongated openings 116 of the bottom cover 110, and are configured to cooperate with the elongated openings 116 of the bottom cover 110. The elongated grooves 222 of the mold 20 correspond in position to the elongated grooves 117 of the bottom cover 110, and are configured to cooperate with the elongated grooves 117 of the bottom cover 110 to define four paraffin accommodating spaces 80, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 shown.

[0108] The mold 20 further includes four through holes 240 extending from the bottom surface 212 of the mold body 210 to the step surface 230. The mold 20 further includes four biasing means 250. Each biasing means 250 includes a pin 251, a spring 252, and a plug 253, which are respectively assembled into the corresponding through hole 250 from below in sequence. The plug 253 is screwed into the through hole 240, and the spring 252 is provided between the pin 251 and the plug 253 to push the pin 251 toward the step surface 230. Therefore, the top surface of the pin 251 is substantially at the same level as the step surface 230.

[0109] The four through holes 240 are also connected to the recess 220 in a lateral direction via the connecting grooves 260 .

[0110] The following will refer to Figures 5 to 13 A method for embedding a tissue sample according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0111] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an assembly of a tissue cassette and a mold in a first position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the assembly of the tissue cassette and the mold in a first position is shown in FIG. Figure 5 and 6 As shown, during the embedding process, the tissue cassette 10 is installed in the recess 220 of the mold 20, and the bottom surface 123 of the frame 120 cooperates with the step surface 230. The top surface of the pin 251 also abuts against the bottom surface 123 of the frame 120.

[0112] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly of a tissue cassette and a mold in a second position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly of a tissue cassette and a mold in a second position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the top cover 100 and the bottom cover 110 are stepped down via tools or mechanisms. The top cover 100 is in a lower position relative to the frame 120. The bottom cover 110 is completely outside the frame 120 and is separated from the frame 120 and the top cover 100, and the bottom cover 110 is just fitted into the recess 220 of the mold 20. The elongated opening 108 in the bottom wall 112 of the bottom cover 110 cooperates with the elongated protrusion 221 formed on the bottom wall of the recess 220. The elongated groove 117 in the outer side of the side wall 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d of the bottom cover 110 and the elongated groove 222 in the inner side wall of the recess 220 cooperate to define four paraffin accommodating spaces 80. The bottom surface 103 of the top cover 100 can abut against the top surface 113 of the bottom cover 110 received in the recess 220.

[0113] Fig. 92 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of filling molten paraffin into a mold according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 As shown, molten paraffin is dispensed into the mold 20 from above through the tissue cassette 10, for example, through the opening 108 in the top cover 100, until the level of the molten paraffin reaches a specific position of the frame 120, for example, a position above the top surface 102 of the top cover 100. The mold 20 is then cooled to solidify the paraffin, thereby obtaining a solidified paraffin block 90.

[0114] Fig.10 is a perspective view showing a process of disassembling a paraffin block having a top cover and a frame from a mold having a bottom cover. Fig.11 yes Fig.11 A partial enlarged view of part C.

[0115] like Fig.11 As shown, after the paraffin is completely solidified, four solidified paraffin strips are formed in the four paraffin accommodating spaces 80 to enhance the connection between the bottom cover 110 and the mold body 210. Due to the solidified paraffin in the gap 70 between the pin 251 and the plug 253, the pin 251 and the spring 252 are also fixed in the through hole 240. The top surface of the pin 251 is at the same level as the step surface 230 of the mold 20 to prevent the formation of a solidified paraffin layer, which helps to reduce the disassembly force for separating the paraffin block 90.

[0116] like Fig.10 As shown, the paraffin block 90, the frame 120 and the top cover 100 are removed from the mold 20 by the clamp 50. The clamp 50 includes a clamp body 510 and two side plates 520, which are relatively connected to the clamp body 510. The right side plate 520 is movably connected to the clamp body 510 by screws 530, so that the distance between the two side plates can be adjusted. Each of the two side plates 520 is provided with two claws 521. The four claws 521 can be assembled into the truncated conical grooves 129 in the frame 120. Then, the clamp 50 can be moved upward to lift the frame 120 and the top cover 100 and the solidified paraffin block 90, so as to achieve the separation of the paraffin block 90 from the mold 20, while the bottom cover 110 remains in the mold 20.

[0117] Fig.12 is a perspective view showing a process of clamping a bottom cover using a clamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.12As shown, the mold 20 is heated, and the paraffin in the mold 20 gradually melts. The four claws 521 of the clamp 50 are adjusted to align with the four pins 251 in the through hole 240, respectively. The clamp 50 moves downward, and the four claws 521 press the pins 251 into the through hole 240. The distance between the two side plates 520 can be adjusted by means of screws 530, and then the claws 521 can pass through the connecting groove 260 and laterally engage the bottom cover 110. In this case, the bottom cover 110 is clamped in the mold 20 by the clamp 50.

[0118] Fig.13 is a perspective view showing a process of removing a bottom cover from a mold according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.13 As shown, the clamper 50 moves upward together with the bottom cover 110, so the bottom cover 110 is detached from the mold 20. When the clamper 50 and the bottom cover 110 are removed from the mold 20, the four pins 251 will return to the initial position through the spring 252.

[0119] The resulting paraffin block 90 completely extends from the frame 120 and the top cover 100 and does not include the bottom cover 110, and in the subsequent slicing process through the microtome, parts of the frame 120 and the top cover 100 will not be sliced. Therefore, the apparatus and method for embedding tissue samples according to embodiments of the present disclosure do not require the tissue cassette 10 to be made of a sliceable material.

[0120] It should be noted that although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure includes other examples that those skilled in the art can conceive of for carrying out the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments.

[0121] Reference numerals:

[0122] 10 tissue boxes

[0123] 100 Top Cap

[0124] 101a First side

[0125] 101b Second side

[0126] 101c Third Side

[0127] 101d Fourth Side

[0128] 102 Top

[0129] 103 bottom

[0130] 104 first convex part

[0131] 105 second convex part

[0132] 106 The third convex part

[0133] 107 Avoid the gap

[0134] 108 slender opening

[0135] 110 bottom cover

[0136] 111a first side wall

[0137] 111b Second side wall

[0138] 111c Third side wall

[0139] 111d Fourth side wall

[0140] 112 bottom wall

[0141] 113 Top

[0142] 114 bottom

[0143] 115 Edge

[0144] 116 slender opening

[0145] 117 Slender groove

[0146] 118 Depression

[0147] 120 Frames

[0148] 121a First Wall

[0149] 121b Second wall

[0150] 121c Third Wall

[0151] 121d The Fourth Wall

[0152] 122 Top

[0153] 123 bottom

[0154] 124 The first protrusion

[0155] 125 Second protrusion

[0156] 126 The third protrusion

[0157] 127 The Fourth Protrusion

[0158] 128a first guide groove

[0159] 128b Second guide groove

[0160] 128c Third guide groove

[0161] 129 conical groove

[0162] 20 molds

[0163] 210 mold body

[0164] 211 Top

[0165] 212 bottom

[0166] 220 concave part

[0167] 221 slender protrusion

[0168] 222 Slender groove

[0169] 230 step surface

[0170] 240 through holes

[0171] 250 Bias means

[0172] 251 pins

[0173] 252 Spring

[0174] 253 plug

[0175] 260 connecting slot

[0176] 50 Clamp

[0177] 510 clamp body

[0178] 520 side panels

[0179] 521 hook

[0180] 530 screw

[0181] 70 Clearance

[0182] 80 Paraffin storage space

[0183] 90 paraffin blocks

Claims

1. A device for embedding a tissue sample, comprising: Tissue cassette, including: A frame having a bottom surface, a top cover coupled to the frame, and a bottom cover movably coupled to the frame; as well as Moulds, including: a mold body defining a recess having at least one side wall and a bottom wall, wherein the top cover and the bottom cover are configured to retain a tissue sample therebetween; the top cover and the bottom cover are movable relative to the frame from a first position to a second position, and in the second position, the bottom cover extends beyond a bottom surface of the frame and is separated from the frame and the top cover; The tissue cassette is mountable on the mold, and the recess is configured to receive the bottom cover in the second position so that a paraffin block obtained by dispensing and cooling molten paraffin in the mold is detachable from the mold while the bottom cover is retained in the mold.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the bottom wall of the bottom cover defines an opening, the bottom wall of the recess forms a protrusion, and in the second position, the protrusion of the recess fits into the opening of the bottom cover.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the bottom cover defines a groove in an outer side wall of the bottom cover, the mold defines a groove in an inner side wall of the recess, and in the second position, the groove in the bottom cover and the groove in the recess cooperatively define a receiving space.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mold defines a through hole extending from a bottom surface of the mold body to a top surface of the mold body, the mold including a biasing means that fits into the through hole from below to normally engage the bottom surface of the frame. The device according to claim 4 , wherein the through hole is laterally communicated with the recess via the communicating groove.

6. The device according to claim 4, wherein the mold includes a stepped surface which is recessed from the top surface of the mold body and surrounds the recess, and when the tissue cassette is mounted on the mold, the bottom surface of the frame is supported on the stepped surface.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein: In the second position, the bottom surface of the top cover is flush with the bottom surface of the frame; and the bottom surface of the top cover abuts against the top surface of the bottom cover received in the recess of the mold.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the bottom cover is provided with a rim, the rim protruding horizontally outward from the top edge of the bottom cover, and the frame is provided with a first protrusion, the first protrusion protruding inward from the inner side wall of the frame and located at a first horizontal plane; and In the first position, the edge of the bottom cover is supported on the first protrusion of the frame, and the top cover is supported on the bottom cover.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the frame is further provided with a second protrusion, the second protrusion protruding inwardly from the inner side wall of the frame and located at a second horizontal plane higher than the first horizontal plane, and the top cover is provided with a first convex portion, the first convex portion protruding horizontally outwardly from the outer side wall of the top cover; and In the first position, the first protrusion of the top cover resiliently engages with the second protrusion of the frame from below.

10. The device according to claim 8, wherein the frame is provided with a third protrusion, the third protrusion protruding inwardly from the inner side wall of the frame and located at a third horizontal plane lower than the first horizontal plane, and the top cover is provided with a second protrusion, the second protrusion protruding horizontally outwardly from the outer side wall of the top cover; and In the second position, the second protrusion of the top cover is supported on the third protrusion of the frame.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the frame is provided with a fourth protrusion, the fourth protrusion protruding inwardly from the inner side wall of the frame, and located at a fourth horizontal plane higher than the third horizontal plane and lower than the first horizontal plane, and the top cover is provided with a third convex portion, the third convex portion protruding horizontally outwardly from the outer side wall of the top cover; and In the second position, the third protrusion of the top cover is elastically engaged with the fourth protrusion of the frame from below.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A clamp having a clamp body and two opposite side plates connected to the clamp body, wherein each side plate is provided with a hook claw at its end, at least one of the two side plates is movable relative to the clamp body to adjust the distance between the two side plates, and the clamp is configured to clamp the frame or the bottom cover from opposite sides of the frame or the bottom cover via the hook claws on the two opposite side plates.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein at least one of the two side plates is coupled to the holder body by screws.

14. A method for embedding a tissue sample using the device according to claims 1 to 13, comprising: Loading tissue cassettes onto molds; Gradually place the bottom cover of the tissue cassette downward into the recess of the mold; Dispense melted paraffin wax into molds; cooling the mold to solidify the paraffin wax to form a paraffin block; Remove the paraffin block along with the frame and top cover from the mold while keeping the bottom cover in the mold; The mold is heated to melt the paraffin wax in the mold; as well as Remove the bottom cover from the mold.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein removing the bottom cover from the mold comprises: Clamping the bottom cover by a clamp; and Lift the gripper to remove the bottom cover from the mold.

Images