Microtome and protective cover for a microtome

Abstract

A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microtome configured to: - receive electromagnetic radiation for illuminating a sample; the microtome comprising: - a protective cover arranged such that the environment of the microtome is protected from the radiation and / or reflections of the radiation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a microtome and an ultrathin microtome with a protective cover. Furthermore, this disclosure relates to a protective cover for a microtome and an ultrathin microtome. Background Technology

[0002] Microtome and ultramicrotome are precision instruments used in laboratories to produce very thin sections of biological samples or other materials. Microtome cuts sections in the micrometer range suitable for examination under an optical microscope. Ultramicrotome produces sections only nanometers thick, for example, for use in electron microscopy. These fine sections allow researchers to examine detailed structures within cells or other small materials, which is important for biomedical research, pathology, and materials science. Microtome and ultramicrotome can be operated via a microscope positioned on the microtome. Improvements are particularly desirable for the operator. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this disclosure is to improve the operation of the slicer.

[0004] This objective is achieved through the embodiments disclosed herein, which are specifically defined by the subject matter of the independent claims. Dependent claims relate to further embodiments. Various aspects and embodiments of these aspects, providing additional features and advantages, are also disclosed in the following summary and description.

[0005] The first aspect of this disclosure relates to a slicer.

[0006] The slicer is configured as follows:

[0007] - Receive electromagnetic radiation used to irradiate the sample;

[0008] The slicer includes:

[0009] - A protective shield, which is arranged to protect the environment of the slicer from radiation and / or radiation reflection.

[0010] A microtome is a device used to cut samples and can be used to examine the microstructure of tissues (e.g., biological tissues) and / or other materials. A microtome can be used to cut one or more sections from a sample that is thin enough (e.g., transparent) to allow for detailed examination under a microscope. For alignment and cutting, a microtome may include a microscope and / or a camera capable of imaging the cutting area via one or more objectives, allowing the cut area to be displayed. The microtome's blade (also called a cutting blade) can be made of, for example, diamond or glass.

[0011] A microtome can operate at room temperature or as a cryostat for examining frozen samples. A microtome can be a rotary microtome suitable for cutting thin tissue sections. A microtome can also be an ultrathin microtome suitable for cutting ultrathin sections for electron microscopy. A microtome can also be a laser microtome, which allows for non-contact cutting of samples using a laser.

[0012] A microtome can be configured such that the sample holder and the blade holder (also known as the blade holder) can move relative to each other. This can be achieved by moving only the sample holder, by moving only the blade holder (i.e., the sample holder is fixed), and / or by moving both the sample holder and the blade holder. The sample holder (also known as a chuck) is used to firmly position the sample to be cut. The sample holder can be constructed such that it holds the sample in the correct orientation, making precise and uniform slicing possible. The sample holder can be adjustable so that the sample can be aligned with the cutting blade to achieve the desired cut angle and thickness. The mobility of the microtome components can lead to complex reflections of electromagnetic radiation into the surrounding environment.

[0013] Electromagnetic radiation can include radiation of any wavelength. Electromagnetic radiation can include infrared radiation. Additionally or alternatively, electromagnetic radiation can include visible light. Additionally or alternatively, electromagnetic radiation can include ultraviolet radiation.

[0014] Samples can be any piece of material or different materials that can be cut into slices. Samples can include, for example, biological tissues from various organs that can be used for disease diagnosis and research, or plant material. In addition, cultured cells and hard tissues, such as bone, can also be cut into slices. Similarly, materials science samples, such as plastics, metals, and / or ceramics, can be cut. The expected thickness of the slices can range from millimeters to several micrometers or even nanometers.

[0015] A protective shield typically represents a protective barrier that contains, for example, colorants to reduce or filter the transmission of electromagnetic radiation. By providing such protection, the operation of a microtome can be improved for the user, for example, by providing a higher contrast image and reducing glare or reflections. Additionally or alternatively, a protective shield can protect the user of the microtome from electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic radiation can be filtered or polarized, for example, by the protective shield. The protective shield can, for example, selectively transmit electromagnetic waves of certain wavelengths or propagation directions while blocking or attenuating electromagnetic waves of other wavelengths or propagation directions. For this purpose, the protective shield may include a polarization filter. Additionally or alternatively, the protective shield may include a high-pass filter, a low-pass filter, or a band-pass filter. Such filters can be used to absorb electromagnetic radiation of certain wavelengths, preventing them from being transmitted. The protective shield can also be used to reflect certain wavelengths. With proper configuration, a protective shield can particularly improve the operation of a microtome.

[0016] The environment may include the entire immediate area surrounding the slicer where the user may be present. The environment may, for example, be the environment where the slicer operator is located. Additionally or alternatively, the environment may include the space where bystanders or assistants of the slicer user are located.

[0017] Compared to a standalone microscope, a microtome has more reflective components, which are particularly movable, such as sample holders and blade holders, allowing reflections to be scattered differently. These reflections can be effectively and selectively intercepted by a protective shield.

[0018] One embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure relates to a slicer.

[0019] The radiation in question is artificially generated excitation radiation.

[0020] Artificially generated excitation radiation can be, in particular, infrared radiation. Additionally or alternatively, artificially generated excitation radiation can include visible light, for example, to create a stronger contrast between the sample, the scalpel, and the space between them, which can be used, for example, for the alignment or adjustment of a microtome. Furthermore, artificially generated excitation radiation can include ultraviolet radiation.

[0021] In particular, irradiation with infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation, or specific visible light (such as blue light) can be used for fluorescence microscopy observation of samples used with a microtome and the microtome sections produced therefrom. For this purpose, the sample can be irradiated with excitation radiation, causing fluorescent molecules or substances to absorb the excitation radiation and subsequently emit light or radiation.

[0022] The excitation radiation source does not necessarily have to be part of the slicer, but it can be. Additionally or alternatively, the excitation radiation can also be provided by a third-party device. The excitation radiation can be continuously and / or discretely adjustable. For example, this allows the excitation radiation source to emit different radiation for different samples.

[0023] One embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure relates to a slicer.

[0024] The protective cover is made of plastic.

[0025] Electromagnetic radiation shields can be made from a single type of plastic (such as Plexiglas) or a combination of plastics that have the ability to block or reduce electromagnetic waves through their structure or by adding additives. Polycarbonate, known for its robustness, can shield electromagnetic radiation with a metallic coating such as aluminum or copper. ABS plastic, valuable for its hardness and heat resistance, can achieve shielding properties by incorporating conductive materials such as carbon fibers or metal sheets. Conductive polymers, whether inherently conductive or modified with additives such as graphene or carbon nanotubes, also provide protection against electromagnetic radiation. Transparent plastics (such as Plexiglas) can selectively absorb electromagnetic radiation within a selected wavelength range by adding dyes. Plastic shields can provide economical and / or effective protection against interfering or harmful electromagnetic radiation.

[0026] One embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure relates to a slicer.

[0027] The protective shield is at least partially transparent to visible light.

[0028] For example, transparent protective shields that resist infrared or ultraviolet radiation are barriers designed to block interfering or harmful radiation while allowing visible light to pass through at least partially. Such shields can be made from materials such as UV-absorbing Plexiglas, polycarbonate, or specially coated glass, which provide effective protection against intended electromagnetic radiation without impairing visibility, or at least without excessively impairing it. For instance, such a shield could be made from yellow transparent plastic.

[0029] One embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure relates to a slicer.

[0030] The microtome includes objectives positioned above the sample holder and / or the blade; and

[0031] The protective cover is arranged relative to the sample holder and / or the knife so that the radiation and / or reflected radiation are shielded upward, downward and / or laterally.

[0032] Specifically, upward shielding can protect the face or body of the user or someone standing near the user from interference or harmful effects. In particular, downward and / or lateral shielding can protect one or both of the user's hands. In the case of artificially generated excitation radiation, the excitation radiation can originate, for example, from above, particularly from a radiation source arranged in the beam path behind the objective lens. In any case, the protective cover can be shaped such that the objective lens or excitation radiation source is arranged through an opening or channel in the protective cover, such that the protective cover does not filter the excitation radiation used to excite the sample.

[0033] The protective shield can filter radiation in the direction of the user or in the opposite direction, for example, relative to an imaginary plane between the user and the main structure. Generally, the space where the user's head, eyes, and / or other body parts are positioned can represent at least a portion of the environment to be protected.

[0034] The environment can also be an imaginary dome, that is, a hemisphere, which encloses the sample area or the slicer, so that objects outside the dome are protected by a protective shield. The dome can be closed or open, especially open, so that the user can use their hands to manipulate the sample area and / or operate the slicer.

[0035] Specifically, the protective cover can be bent and / or folded or bent downwards. Specifically, the protective cover can be positioned on the objective lens, particularly so that the protective cover moves together with the objective lens.

[0036] One embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure relates to a slicer.

[0037] The microtome includes objectives positioned above the sample holder and / or the blade; and

[0038] The protective cover is positioned above the sample holder and / or the blade, but does not shield the space between the sample holder and / or the blade.

[0039] This opening configuration of the protective cover can be particularly used in cryostats, allowing for gas exchange. Additionally, the opening shape of the protective cover can include openings facing sideways and downwards relative to the objective lens. This allows the user, in particular, to manipulate the sample holder, sample, blade, and / or blade holder. Specifically, the user can fill or remove water from the sample section collection slot on the blade. The opening shape of the protective cover can be curved, folded, and / or bent.

[0040] One embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure relates to a slicer.

[0041] The microtome includes objectives positioned above the sample holder and / or the blade; and

[0042] The protective cover includes an opening for the objective lens.

[0043] By providing an opening for the objective lens, the protective cover can be shaped to ensure that no unfiltered radiation is emitted into the slicer's environment between the objective lens and the protective cover. Specifically, the protective cover can be attached to the objective lens so that it moves together with the objective lens.

[0044] One embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure relates to a slicer.

[0045] The protective cover can be installed movably, in particular:

[0046] - Height adjustable;

[0047] - Laterally adjustable;

[0048] - Rotatable.

[0049] Protective covers can be mounted on the slicer housing. Flexible arms or gooseneck tubes allow for adaptable positioning of the protective cover to protect the user from optical damage, while not obstructing the user's view. Magnetic mounting systems offer quick and flexible attachment options by simply attaching the protective cover to the slicer's metal surface. Clamping and mounting systems allow for fixed and, in particular, adjustable attachment at various locations on the slicer. Track systems attachable to the slicer allow for longitudinally movable positioning of the protective cover. Flexible positioning of the protective cover can, for example, effectively protect the user while enabling manipulation or configuration on the slicer that would otherwise be obstructive during manipulation or configuration.

[0050] One embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure relates to a slicer.

[0051] The protective cover is configured to bend or fold in at least one state.

[0052] Specifically, bending or folding can be achieved through the rigid construction of the protective shield, for example, by molding the protective shield accordingly. Alternatively, bending or folding can also be achieved through corresponding joints within the protective shield. One or more joints allow the protective shield to be shaped to specific conditions, enabling, for example, effective protection or good accessibility of samples or knives.

[0053] One embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure relates to a slicer.

[0054] The protective shield is designed to be replaceable.

[0055] Replaceable protective covers can be achieved, for example, through quick-change systems that allow for simple disassembly and assembly. Such systems may include magnetic fasteners, snap-on fasteners, or sliding mechanisms, allowing for rapid adjustment or replacement of the protective cover without tools. Integration of connection points on the slicer housing enables compatibility with different protective covers. This type of solution offers advantages for diverse applications, enabling rapid adaptation to changing experimental conditions and simplifying maintenance or replacement in case of damage.

[0056] One embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure relates to a slicer.

[0057] The protective shield is configured to be variable, specifically through the following variables:

[0058] -Pre-defined frequency selectivity;

[0059] -Pre-selected colorant;

[0060] - Replaceable membrane.

[0061] In particular, the frequency selectivity of the protective shield can be adjusted during operation. For example, electrochromic materials can change their transmittance in response to voltage, thereby adapting to a specific frequency range. Protective shields may include such materials. Additionally or alternatively, the frequency can be adjustably specified by variations such as temperature, electrical stress, and / or mechanical stress. Protective shields may include photochromic materials that change their color and transparency under the influence of light of a specific wavelength, causing certain frequencies to be selectively transmitted or blocked. For example, a protective shield can automatically color upon exposure to ultraviolet light, similar to eyeglass lenses. Furthermore, the protective shield can be configured to receive different films that provide different transmission characteristics for electromagnetic radiation.

[0062] One embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure relates to a slicer.

[0063] The protective shield forms a closed space containing the sample and the knife.

[0064] Specifically for microtome intended for use at room temperature, the protective cover can be configured as a housing that encloses the sample and the blade, allowing cutting to be performed within the cover. The housing may include openings for the objective lens and / or openings for the excitation radiation source.

[0065] One embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure relates to a slicer.

[0066] Enclosed spaces include openings.

[0067] In particular, openings can be used to allow gas exchange or to prevent the protective cover from fogging up.

[0068] One embodiment of the first aspect of this disclosure relates to a slicer.

[0069] The protective cover includes one or two hand rests.

[0070] One or two hand rests on the slicer can be used to improve ergonomics and user comfort during operation. One or more hand rests can stabilize the hand and forearm and reduce fatigue. The hand rests can be arranged laterally relative to the slicer on one side of the protective shield, such that the shield at least partially protects the hand from radiation. Alternatively or additionally, the hand rests can be arranged on the opposite side of the protective shield.

[0071] A second aspect of the invention relates to a protective cover for a slicer.

[0072] The protective shield is configured as follows:

[0073] - Block and / or filter electromagnetic radiation used to irradiate the sample.

[0074] The protective shield according to the second aspect of this disclosure may include one or more features of the protective shield described in conjunction with the first aspect of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0075] Further advantages and features will be apparent from the following embodiments, which are partially referenced in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not always to scale. In particular, the dimensions of various features may be enlarged or reduced for clarity of description. For this purpose, the drawings are at least partially schematic.

[0076] Figure 1 A slicer with a protective cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0077] Figure 2 An ultrathin slicer with a closed protective cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0078] Figure 3 A slicer with an openable protective cover is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] Figure 4 A microscope system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0080] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this disclosure and illustrate specific aspects and embodiments by which the disclosure can be understood. The same reference numerals denote the same or at least functionally or structurally similar features.

[0081] Generally, the disclosure of the described methods also applies to corresponding apparatuses or corresponding systems comprising one or more apparatuses for performing the methods, and vice versa. For example, if specific method steps are described, corresponding apparatuses may include features for performing the described method steps, even if such features are not explicitly described or illustrated in the drawings. Conversely, if specific apparatuses are described, for example, based on functional units, corresponding methods may include one or more steps for performing the described functions, even if such steps are not explicitly described or illustrated in the drawings. Similarly, systems may include corresponding apparatus features or features for performing specific method steps. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, features of the various exemplary aspects and embodiments described above or below may be combined. Detailed Implementation

[0082] Figure 1A slicer 100 with a protective cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The slicer 100 includes a housing 102 in which the components of the slicer are arranged. The slicer 100 includes a blade holder 110 configured to hold a blade, i.e., a knife 114. The blade 114 includes a cutting edge, which may be made of, for example, glass or diamond.

[0083] The microtome 100 includes a sample holder 120 in which a sample is clamped. The sample holder 120 is configured to receive a sample 130. The sample 130 includes a facet representing an area intended for a cutting operation. The facet and the area of ​​the blade are irradiated by a radiation source 140 emitting radiation 142. The radiation source may emit infrared radiation, visible light, and / or ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, the illustrated microtome may be, for example, a microtome operating using normal light and / or a microtome based on fluorescence imaging, i.e., a fluorescence microtome.

[0084] The microtome system 100 includes a microscope 150, which is mounted on a housing 102 and configured to allow a user to observe and inspect the surface 132 of the sample 130 and the blade 114. For example, in this way, the user can inspect the cutting movement and / or the quality of the blade edge. The microscope 150 may be an optical microscope, a fluorescence microscope, a confocal microscope, etc.

[0085] A transparent protective shield 160 is positioned between the sample 130 and the microscope 150. The shield 160 protects a portion of the environment surrounding the microtome 100 from interfering light and / or harmful infrared and / or ultraviolet radiation. In particular, infrared radiation can be harmful to the eyes of the user or another person standing at the microtome. Therefore, the shield can be specifically configured such that infrared radiation reflected upwards from the sample holder, blade holder, etc., toward the user is absorbed by the shield 160. Ultraviolet radiation can be harmful to both the eyes and skin. Therefore, the shield can be configured such that ultraviolet radiation is blocked in all directions toward the surrounding environment.

[0086] Radiation 142 emitted by radiation source 140 can initially pass unobstructed through channel 164 in the protective enclosure. For this purpose, channel 164 is arranged in a form-fitting manner on objective lens 152 of microscope 150 in the direction of beam path 142. After passing through protective enclosure 160, electromagnetic radiation 142 can be reflected, for example, by sample 130, sample holder 120, blade 114 and / or blade holder 110, thereby producing reflected radiation 144. This reflected radiation is partially intercepted by protective enclosure 160.

[0087] To provide sufficient space for configuration work on the sample or blade, the protective cover 160 can be configured such that it does not completely enclose the sample or blade, but leaves an open space 162 through which the required configuration work can be performed manually without removing, shifting or rotating the protective cover 160.

[0088] A protective cover 160 is disposed on the housing 102 of the slicer so that it can be moved in both height and direction toward the user via a corresponding adjustable mounting bracket 166. This allows the protective cover to be moved to the appropriate position according to the user. Furthermore, the protective cover 160 is secured to the adjustable mounting bracket 166 by means of quick-release fasteners. This allows for quick and easy replacement of the protective cover, for example, in case of damage or when a protective cover with different frequency selectivity is required.

[0089] Figure 2 An ultramicrotome 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, the ultramicrotome can be used for fluorescence excitation and manipulation at room temperature. The ultramicrotome 200 includes a microscope 210 with objectives 214 and can be operated via external control elements or via a display 212 on the microscope. A protective cover 220 of the microtome is configured as a substantially closed housing that shields the sample holder and the blade, i.e., the sample area 202. The protective cover also includes an opening 226 through which excitation light can reach the sample. This opening can be closed by a pane of glass transparent to the excitation radiation, wherein the pane of glass can be formed, for example, of glass, transparent plastic, or an excitation filter. The protective cover 220 surrounds the sample area, can be removable, and can perform different functions depending on the application, or such functions can be combined: i) protecting the blade and sample from airflow that may adversely affect the uniformity of the section; ii) protecting the surrounding environment from reflections of strong fluorescence illumination; iii) protecting fluorescence imaging from interfering ambient light.

[0090] To secure the protective cover 220 and prevent accidental displacement, the shielding housing is form-fitted to the microtome 200, for example, via a track 222 in the microtome into which the protective cover can be inserted. The track also ensures that the protective cover is always correctly positioned on the microtome 200. The track may also be equipped with a sensor configured to detect when the housing is not positioned as intended on the microtome. In this case, this can be indicated on the display 212 or another control element. Additionally or alternatively, irradiation of the microtome 200 can be prevented whenever the sensor does not detect a correctly positioned protective cover.

[0091] The protective housing may also include a hand rest 224. During operation, the operator can place their hands on the hand rest and operate the slicer via a rotary control element 204. Additionally, the protective housing may include a (small) opening (not shown) to prevent fogging of the protective cover and ensure gas exchange. The opening may be configured to be closable.

[0092] Figure 3 A microtome 300 with an openable protective cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Specifically, the microtome can be used as a cryomicrotome. The microtome 300 includes a housing 302 and a sample area (freezing chamber) 304. Furthermore, the microtome includes a microscope 310 with an objective lens 314 and control elements, which can be configured, for example, as an operator display 312 on the microscope. To shield against electromagnetic radiation, the microtome 300 includes a protective cover 320. The protective cover 320 includes an opening for the objective lens. Because the objective lens (e.g., ...) can also pass through... Figure 1 (As shown) Irradiation of the sample area is performed, thus shielding the user from electromagnetic excitation radiation. Furthermore, the microscope can also be operated using ambient light because the transparent protective cover does not completely enclose the sample area, and therefore ambient light can also illuminate the sample area. The freezing chamber 304 is surrounded by a hand rest 324, allowing the user to configure the microtome and prepare sections from the sample with a steady hand. The protective cover 320 may include multiple bends, corners, and / or edges, effectively shielding the sample area 304 from radiation or radiation reflections that could particularly interfere with the user's vision or be harmful to the user's eyes.

[0093] Some implementations involve a microscope that includes, for example, a combination of Figures 1 to 3 The system described by one or more of these. Alternatively, the microscope may form part of or be attached to the system, such as in combination. Figures 1 to 3 Described by one or more of them. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a system 400 configured to perform the methods described herein is shown. System 400 includes a microscope 410 and a computer system 420. Microscope 410 is configured to capture images and is connected to computer system 420. Computer system 420 is configured to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. Computer system 420 may be configured to execute machine learning algorithms. Computer system 420 and microscope 410 may be separate units, but may also be integrated into a common housing. Computer system 420 may form part of the central processing system of microscope 410 and / or computer system 420 may form part of sub-components of microscope 410, such as, for example, sensors, actuators, cameras, or illumination units of microscope 410.

[0094] Computer system 420 may be a local computing device (e.g., a personal computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, or mobile phone) having one or more processors and one or more storage devices, or a distributed computing system (e.g., a cloud computing system having one or more processors and one or more storage devices distributed across various locations, such as at local clients and / or one or more remote server farms and / or data centers). Computer system 420 may include any circuitry or combination of circuitry. In one embodiment, computer system 420 may include one or more processors, which may be of any type. As used herein, the term “processor” may refer to any type of computing circuitry, such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, CISC microprocessor (Complex Instruction Set Computing), RISC microprocessor (Reduced Instruction Set Computing), VLIW microprocessor (Very Long Instruction Word), graphics processor, digital signal processor (DSP), multi-core processor, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or any other type of processor or processing circuitry, such as custom circuitry, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc., such as one or more circuits (e.g., communication circuitry) used, for example, in wireless devices such as mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, two-way radio components, and similar electronic systems. Computer system 420 may include one or more storage devices, which may include one or more storage elements suitable for a particular application, such as main memory in the form of random access memory (RAM), one or more hard disk drives, and / or one or more drives configured to handle removable media such as optical discs (CDs), flash memory cards, digital versatile discs (DVDs), etc. Computer system 420 may also include a display device, one or more speakers, and a keyboard and / or control device, which may include a mouse, trackball, touchscreen, voice recognition device, or another device that enables a system user to input information into and receive information from the computer system 420.

[0095] Some or all of the method steps may be performed by a hardware device (or by using such a hardware device), such as, for example, a processor, microprocessor, programmable computer, or electronic circuit. In some embodiments, one or more major method steps may be performed by such a device.

[0096] Depending on the specific implementation requirements, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in hardware or software. Such embodiments may be implemented using non-transitory storage media (such as digital storage media, e.g., floppy disks, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, CDs, ROMs, PROMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, or FLASH memories) that store electronically readable control signals thereon, which cooperate with or are capable of cooperating with a programmable computer system to enable the corresponding methods to be performed. Therefore, the digital storage medium can be computer-readable.

[0097] Some embodiments of the present invention include a data carrier having electronically readable control signals that are capable of cooperating with a programmable computer system to enable one of the methods described herein to be performed.

[0098] Generally, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a computer program product having program code, wherein when the computer program product is executed on a computer, the program code is used to perform one method of the method. The program code may, for example, be stored on a machine-readable medium.

[0099] Another implementation includes a computer program stored on a machine-readable medium for performing one of the methods described herein.

[0100] In other words, another embodiment of the present invention is a computer program having program code for performing one of the methods described herein when the computer program is executed on a computer.

[0101] Therefore, another embodiment of the invention is a storage medium (or data carrier or computer-readable medium) having a computer program stored thereon for performing one of the methods described herein, for execution by a processor. Data carriers, digital storage media, or recording media are generally tangible and / or non-transferable. Another embodiment of the invention is an apparatus as described herein, comprising a processor and a storage medium.

[0102] Therefore, another embodiment of the invention is a data stream or signal sequence representing a computer program for performing one of the methods described herein. The data stream or signal sequence may, for example, be configured such that it can be transmitted via a data communication connection (e.g., via the Internet).

[0103] Another implementation includes a processing component (e.g., a computer or programmable logic device) configured or adapted to perform one of the methods described herein.

[0104] Another embodiment includes a computer on which a computer program is installed for performing one of the methods described herein.

[0105] Another embodiment of the invention includes an apparatus or system configured to transmit a computer program for performing one of the methods described herein to a receiver (e.g., via electronic or optical components). The receiver may be, for example, a computer, mobile device, storage device, etc. The apparatus or system may include, for example, a file server for transmitting the computer program to the receiver.

[0106] In some implementations, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field-programmable gate array) may be used to perform some or all of the functions of the methods described herein. In some implementations, the field-programmable gate array may cooperate with a microprocessor to perform one of the methods described herein. Generally, the method is preferably performed by any hardware device.

[0107] The aspects described herein can be implemented by a computer and / or may include a computer. A computer can be a PC, a system-on-a-chip, a DSP, or an FPGA, to name just a few examples. Computer components, software modules, functions, data storage devices, and data structures can be interconnected directly or indirectly to enable the data flow required for their operation. It should also be noted that a module or processor includes, but is not limited to, code units that perform software operations, and can be implemented, for example, as code units of subroutines, code units of software functions, objects (as in object-oriented paradigms), applets, computer scripting languages, or another type of computer code. Depending on the specific circumstances, software components and / or functions may reside on a single computer or be distributed across multiple computers.

[0108] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes one or more of the listed aspects and all combinations thereof, and may be abbreviated to “ / ”.

[0109] Although some aspects have been described in conjunction with the apparatus, it should be understood that these aspects also constitute a description of the corresponding method, wherein a block or apparatus corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in conjunction with method steps also constitute a description of the corresponding block, element, or feature of the corresponding apparatus.

[0110] List of reference numerals

[0111] 100 slicers with protective covers

[0112] 102 housing

[0113] 110 Blade Retainer

[0114] 114 blades

[0115] 120 Sample Holders

[0116] 130 samples

[0117] 140 light source

[0118] 142 emitted radiation

[0119] 144 reflected radiation

[0120] 150 microscope

[0121] 152 objective lens

[0122] 160 protective cover

[0123] 162 spaces for the hand

[0124] 164 through the opening in the protective shield

[0125] 166 Adjustable Mounting Component

[0126] 200 Ultrathin Slicer with Closed Protective Cover

[0127] 202 sample regions

[0128] 204 Operating Elements

[0129] 210 microscope

[0130] 212 monitor

[0131] 214 objective lens

[0132] 220 protective cover

[0133] 222 Safety rails for housing attachment

[0134] 224 Hand Support

[0135] 226 light transmission aperture

[0136] 300 slicers with openable protective covers

[0137] 302 housing

[0138] 304 sample areas

[0139] 310 microscope

[0140] 312 Operator Display

[0141] 314 Objective Lens

[0142] 320 protective cover

[0143] 324 Hand Support

[0144] 400 Microscope System

[0145] 410 microscope

[0146] 420 Computers

Claims

1. A slicer (100), particularly an ultrathin slicer, the slicer being configured to: - receive electromagnetic radiation (142) for irradiating a sample (130); the slicer comprising: - A protective shield (160) is arranged such that the environment of the slicer is protected from the radiation (142) and / or the reflection (144) of the radiation.

2. The slicer according to the preceding claim, wherein the radiation (142) is artificially generated excitation radiation.

3. The slicer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cover (160) comprises plastic.

4. The slicer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cover (160) is at least partially transparent to visible light.

5. The slicer according to any one of the preceding claims, the slicer comprising an objective lens (152) disposed above a sample holder (120) and / or a blade (114); and wherein the protective cover (160) is arranged relative to the sample holder and / or the blade such that the radiation (142) and / or the reflected radiation (144) are shielded upward, downward and / or laterally.

6. The microtome according to any of the preceding claims, the microtome comprising an objective lens (152) disposed above a sample holder (120) and / or a blade (114); and wherein the protective cover (160) is disposed above the sample holder and / or the blade and does not shield the space between the sample holder and / or the blade.

7. The microtome according to any of the preceding claims, the microtome comprising an objective lens (152) disposed above a sample holder (120) and / or a blade (114); and wherein the protective cover (160) comprises an opening (164) for the objective lens.

8. The slicer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cover (160) is movably arranged, in particular: - height adjustable; - laterally adjustable; - and rotatable.

9. The slicer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cover (160) is bent or folded in at least one state.

10. The slicer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cover (160) is arranged to be replaceable.

11. The slicer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cover is configurable, particularly configurable by means of: - selectable frequency selectivity; - selectable colorant; - replaceable film.

12. The slicer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cover (160) defines an enclosed space comprising the sample and the blade.

13. The slicer according to any one of the preceding two claims, wherein the enclosed space includes an opening.

14. The slicer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cover (160) comprises one or two hand rests (224).

15. A protective cover (160) for a slicer (100), the protective cover being configured to: block and / or filter electromagnetic radiation (142) used to irradiate a sample.

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