Paraffin section humidifier for laboratory

Abstract

The paraffin section humidifier for the laboratory comprises a humidifier body, a top cover at the upper end of the humidifier body is connected with a top cover, the top cover is connected with a steam conveying pipe, and the end, away from the top cover, of the steam conveying pipe is connected with a position-adjustable nozzle. According to the utility model, water vapor with set temperature output by the humidifier is conveyed to the section surface of paraffin for local heating and humidifying through the vapor conveying pipe and the nozzle in sequence, so that the paraffin can be smoothly sliced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biomedical laboratory tissue paraffin sectioning technology, and in particular to a laboratory paraffin sectioning humidifier. Background Technology

[0002] Paraffin sectioning is a crucial step in pathological and immunohistochemical experiments. During the sectioning process, wax sections often curl or break, affecting the experimental progress. Experienced operators often cool the wax block in a refrigerator before sectioning, which significantly improves the success rate of obtaining intact sections. The principle is that water molecules in the air condense upon contact with the cold wax block, forming tiny water droplets that spread across the surface. This alters the surface properties of the wax block, reducing surface tension. Reduced surface tension makes it easier for the wax section to separate from the block during sectioning, and it is less prone to curling or wrinkling due to surface tension, resulting in smooth, intact sections. To accelerate the formation of these tiny water droplets on the paraffin section, the mist temperature must be significantly higher than the wax block temperature. Based on past experience, when the mist temperature is at least 15°C above room temperature, tiny water droplets form rapidly on the paraffin section. The melting point of paraffin used for tissue embedding in the laboratory (commonly known as histological paraffin) typically ranges from 56°C to 60°C.

[0003] There are no commercially available devices specifically designed for heating and humidifying laboratory paraffin sections. Ordinary humidifiers have non-adjustable outlet positions, making it impossible to improve the localized temperature and humidity of the paraffin. To address these shortcomings, a laboratory paraffin section humidifier needs to be designed. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this section is to outline some aspects of embodiments of the present invention and to briefly describe some preferred embodiments. Simplifications or omissions may be made in this section, as well as in the abstract and title of this application, to avoid obscuring the purpose of these documents; however, such simplifications or omissions should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0005] In view of the problems existing in the above and / or existing laboratory paraffin slice humidifiers, this utility model is proposed.

[0006] Therefore, the problem to be solved by this utility model is that it is impossible to improve the temperature and humidity of paraffin wax. This utility model delivers water vapor at the set temperature output by the humidifier to the cut surface of the paraffin wax through the steam pipe and nozzle in sequence for local heating and humidification.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a laboratory paraffin slice humidifier, which includes a humidifier, a top cover connected to the upper end of the humidifier, a steam supply pipe connected to the top cover, and an adjustable nozzle connected to the end of the steam supply pipe away from the top cover.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the laboratory paraffin slice humidifier of this utility model, it further includes a fixed frame, on which a position adjustment seat that can slide left and right is connected, and a height-adjustable connector is connected to the position adjustment seat. The upper end of the connector is rotatably connected to a connecting pipe, which is threaded to the end of the steam supply pipe away from the top cover, and the nozzle is connected to the end of the connecting pipe away from the steam supply pipe.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the laboratory paraffin slice humidifier of this utility model, the upper end of the fixing frame has an insertion port, and the position adjustment seat is inserted into the fixing frame through the insertion port.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the laboratory paraffin slice humidifier of this utility model, at least one sliding groove is opened on the fixing frame on both the front and rear sides of the inlet, and sliding blocks corresponding to the sliding grooves are fixed at the front and rear ends of the position adjustment seat, and the sliding blocks are slidably connected to the fixing frame through the corresponding sliding grooves.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the laboratory paraffin slice humidifier of this utility model, wherein: the upward-facing end of the position adjustment seat has an insertion groove, and a plurality of first height adjustment holes are arranged on the position adjustment seats on the left and right sides of the insertion groove; the connector includes an insertion plate, and a support sleeve is fixed to the upper end of the insertion plate; the connecting tube is rotatably connected to the support sleeve; and a plurality of second height adjustment holes corresponding one-to-one with the first height adjustment holes are arranged on the insertion plate.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the laboratory paraffin slice humidifier of this utility model, a position adjusting screw is rotatably connected to the fixed frame, the position adjusting screw is threadedly connected to the position adjusting seat, and a rotating disk is detachably connected to one end of the position adjusting screw in the left-right direction, with a rotating handle fixed to the outer periphery of the rotating disk.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the laboratory paraffin slice humidifier of this utility model, the upper end of the fixed frame is fixedly connected to the first support base and the second support base at both ends in the left-right direction, and the two ends of the position adjusting screw are rotatably connected to the first support base and the second support base, respectively.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the laboratory paraffin slice humidifier of this utility model, the first support base has a non-circular limiting groove on the side away from the fixed frame in the left-right direction. The first support base is inserted into the limiting turntable through the limiting groove. The limiting turntable has a limiting hole at its center. The position adjusting screw has a limiting hole at its center at one end that is coaxial with the limiting hole.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are: this invention can locally heat and humidify paraffin sections, which is conducive to the smooth sectioning of paraffin. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Among them:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a laboratory paraffin section humidifier.

[0018] Figure 2 A three-dimensional structure for adjusting the position of the support sleeve in a laboratory paraffin section humidifier. Figure 1 .

[0019] Figure 3 A three-dimensional structure for adjusting the position of the support sleeve in a laboratory paraffin section humidifier. Figure 2 .

[0020] Figure 4 A 3D structural diagram of a laboratory paraffin section humidifier that allows for adjustment of the support sleeve position (with the limit turntable hidden).

[0021] Figure 5 This is an image showing the effect of paraffin slices after being heated and humidified by the paraffin slice humidifier device of this utility model.

[0022] In the diagram: 1 Humidifier, 2 Top cover, 3 Insulation cotton, 4 Steam pipe, 5 Limiting sleeve, 501 Fixing hole, 6 Connecting pipe, 7 Nozzle, 8 Connector, 801 Support sleeve, 802 Insert plate, 802-1 Second height adjustment hole, 9 Position adjustment seat, 901 First height adjustment hole, 902 Sliding block, 903 Sliding groove, 904 Insertion groove, 10 Fixing frame, 11 Bottom platform, 12 Rotating disc, 1201 Rotating handle, 1202 Connecting hole, 13 Limiting disc, 1301 Limiting hole, 14 Position adjustment screw, 1401 Limiting hole, 15 Second support seat, 16 First support seat, 1601 Limiting groove. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0025] Secondly, the term "an embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single or selective embodiment that excludes other embodiments.

[0026] Example 1: Refer to Figure 1 This is the first embodiment of the present invention, which provides a laboratory paraffin section humidifier that can locally heat and humidify paraffin sections, which is beneficial for successful paraffin sectioning.

[0027] A laboratory paraffin slice humidifier includes a humidifier 1, a top cover 2 connected to the upper end of the humidifier 1, an air outlet pipe fixed to the upper end of the top cover 2, a steam delivery pipe 4 threadedly connected to the air outlet pipe, and a heat-insulating cotton 3 (which is prior art and keeps the warm mist discharged by the humidifier 1) wrapped around the steam delivery pipe 4. A nozzle 7 with adjustable position in the left-right direction and the height direction is connected to the end of the steam delivery pipe 4 away from the top cover 2.

[0028] Humidifier 1 is a thermostatic humidifier capable of heating (which is prior art and not the inventive point of this application). Steam pipe 4 is a stainless steel metal hose with internal threads at both ends for easy connection to external equipment (which is prior art and not the inventive point of this application). Before slicing, the position and height of nozzle 7 in the left-right direction are adjusted according to the location where local heating and humidification are required for the paraffin slice. After adjustment, nozzle 7 is fixed. Humidifier 1 and nozzle 7 are turned on, and humidifier 1 is adjusted to a suitable temperature (suitable temperature refers to a temperature that is conducive to paraffin slicing, preferably 40°C in this application). The mist discharged from humidifier 1 is sprayed onto the surface of paraffin slice through the outlet pipe, steam pipe 4 and nozzle 7 in sequence, which plays a role in local heating and humidification, which is conducive to smooth slicing and allows the paraffin slice to spread smoothly without fragments or cracks.

[0029] Example 2: Refer to Figures 1-5 This is the second embodiment of the present invention, which is based on the previous embodiment.

[0030] Specifically, it also includes a fixed frame 10, on which a position adjustment seat 9 that can slide left and right is connected. A height-adjustable connector 8 is connected to the position adjustment seat 9. A connecting pipe 6 is rotatably connected to the upper end of the connector 8. The connecting pipe 6 is threaded to the end of the steam pipe 4 away from the top cover 2. A nozzle 7 is connected to the end of the connecting pipe 6 away from the steam pipe 4. An insertion port is opened at the upward end of the fixed frame 10. The position adjustment seat 9 is inserted into the fixed frame 10 through the insertion port. At least one sliding groove 903 is opened on the fixed frame 10 on both sides of the insertion port. Sliding blocks 902 corresponding to the sliding grooves 903 are fixed at the front and rear ends of the position adjustment seat 9. The sliding blocks 902 are slidably connected to the fixed frame 10 through the corresponding sliding grooves 903.

[0031] Before heating and humidifying the paraffin, adjust the height of the nozzle 7 and its position in the left and right directions. When adjusting the position of the nozzle 7 in the left and right directions, the position adjustment seat 9 moves, the sliding block 902 slides along the sliding groove 903, and the position adjustment seat 9 drives the nozzle 7 to move. When the nozzle 7 moves to a suitable position away from the paraffin, the position adjustment seat 9 stops moving.

[0032] Specifically, a position adjusting screw 14 is rotatably connected to the fixed frame 10. The position adjusting screw 14 is threadedly connected to the position adjusting seat 9. One end of the position adjusting screw 14 in the left-right direction is detachably connected to a rotating disk 12. A rotating handle 1201 is fixed to the outer periphery of the rotating disk 12. A connecting hole 1202 is opened in the center of the rotating disk 12. A connecting countersunk hole coaxial with the connecting hole 1202 is opened in the center of the side of the position adjusting screw 14 opposite to the rotating disk 12. After the fixing bolt is inserted into the connecting hole 1202, it is screwed into the connecting countersunk hole, so that the rotating disk 12 is fixedly connected to the position adjusting screw 14.

[0033] In this embodiment, the fixing frame 10 is fixedly connected to the bottom platform 11, and the platform is fixed in place. When adjusting the position of the nozzle 7 in the left and right direction, the rotating handle 1201 is rotated by hand. The rotating handle 1201 drives the position adjusting screw 14 to rotate via the rotating disk 12. The position adjusting screw 14 drives the position adjusting seat 9 to move. When the position adjusting seat 9 moves to the appropriate position, the rotating handle 1201 is stopped.

[0034] Specifically, the upper end of the fixed frame 10 is fixedly connected to the first support base 16 and the second support base 15 at both ends in the left and right directions, respectively. The two ends of the position adjusting screw 14 are rotatably connected to the first support base 16 and the second support base 15, respectively. The first support base 16 has a non-circular limited rotation groove 1601 on the side away from the fixed frame 10 in the left and right directions. The first support base 16 is inserted into the limited turntable 13 through the limited rotation groove 1601. The center of the limited turntable 13 has a limited rotation hole 1301. The center of the end of the position adjusting screw 14 that extends into the first support base 16 has a limited rotation hole 1401 that is coaxial with the limited rotation hole 1301.

[0035] Before the position adjustment is completed, the limiting disc 13 is not connected to the position adjusting screw 14; after the position adjustment is completed, the limiting bolt is inserted into the limiting hole 1301 and then screwed into the limiting countersunk hole 1401 to fix the limiting disc 13 relative to the position adjusting screw 14. The limiting disc 13 cannot rotate under the action of the limiting countersunk groove 1601, and the position adjusting screw 14 cannot rotate either. The above structure can limit the free rotation of the position adjusting screw 14 and improve the stability of the position of the position moving seat after the position adjustment is completed.

[0036] Specifically, the position adjusting seat 9 has an insertion groove 904 at its upward-facing end. Several first height adjusting holes 901 are arranged on the position adjusting seat 9 on both sides of the insertion groove 904. The connector 8 includes an insertion plate 802, with a support sleeve 801 fixed to its upper end. A limiting sleeve 5 is connected to the end of the steam pipe 4 furthest from the top cover 2. Several fixing countersunk holes are formed on the outer periphery of the end of the steam pipe 4 furthest from the top cover 2. The limiting sleeve 5 has several fixing holes 501 corresponding to the fixing countersunk holes. Fixing bolts and other fasteners are used for fastening. Screw the fixing hole 501 and the corresponding fixing countersunk hole to fix the limiting sleeve 5 on the steam pipe 4. The left end of the limiting sleeve 5 is just fitted onto the end of the steam pipe 4 away from the top cover 2. The left part of the connecting pipe 6 is inserted into the limiting sleeve 5 and can rotate within the limiting sleeve 5. A limiting ring is fixed on the outer circumference of the connecting pipe 6. The support sleeve 801 is located between the right side of the limiting sleeve 5 and the limiting ring. The connecting pipe 6 is rotatably connected to the support sleeve 801. Several second height adjustment holes 802-1 are arranged on the plug plate 802, which correspond one-to-one with the first height adjustment hole 901.

[0037] When adjusting the height of nozzle 7, insert the connector plate 802 into the connector groove 904, manually guide the connector plate 802 down along the connector groove 904. The connector plate 802 drives the nozzle 7 down through the connecting pipe 6. When the lowermost second height adjustment hole 802-1 moves down to be concentric with the appropriate first height adjustment hole 901, that is, when the nozzle 7 moves down to the appropriate height, stabilize the connector plate 802, insert the fastening bolt into the first height adjustment hole 901 on the left end, screw it into the corresponding second height adjustment hole 802-1, and then through the first height adjustment hole 901 on the right end. Screw the fastening nut on the fastening bolt on the right side of the position adjustment seat 9 to fix the connector plate 802 to the position adjustment seat 9, thereby realizing the adjustment of the height of nozzle 7.

[0038] This embodiment enables adjustment of the height and left-right position of nozzle 7 to suit the required height for paraffin slicing and the optimal distance for heating and humidifying paraffin, thus facilitating paraffin slicing operations.

[0039] Using the methods described in this application, a paraffin block prepared from the brain tissue of normal mice (the preparation process is prior art and not an improvement of this application) was heated and humidified in the area to be sectioned, then sectioned. The sections were retained, with a thickness of 5 μm. After baking and drying, the sections were dewaxed to water using xylene and graded ethanol, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, then dehydrated with ethanol, cleared with xylene, and mounted with neutral resin. The sections were then observed and photographed under a light microscope. Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 Image (A) is a sagittal section of brain tissue from a normal mouse after being heated and humidified according to this invention, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE). Figure 5 (B) is a sagittal section of a mouse brain tissue section induced by injection of β-amyloid protein (Aβ) into the bilateral hippocampal dentate gyrus after heating and humidification according to this invention. The apoptosis of neurons in the dentate gyrus of the experimental mouse hippocampus can be directly obtained from the image. The experimental results are accurate, thus indirectly reflecting that after using this invention to embed and section laboratory animal tissues in paraffin, qualified paraffin sections can be cut. This solves the technical problems of insufficient laboratory temperature and humidity leading to unsuccessful paraffin sectioning, resulting in section curling and failure to unfold smoothly, tissue hardening and brittleness during sectioning, inability to cut complete sections, and tissue fissures or cavities under the microscope, which affect the output of experimental results.

[0040] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solution of this utility model without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solution of this utility model, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A laboratory paraffin section humidifier characterized by: The device includes a humidifier (1) and a mounting bracket (10). The upper end of the humidifier (1) is connected to a top cover (2), and a steam pipe (4) is connected to the top cover (2). The end of the steam pipe (4) away from the top cover (2) is connected to a position-adjustable nozzle (7). The mounting bracket (10) is connected to a position-adjustable seat (9) that can slide left and right. The position-adjustable seat (9) is connected to a height-adjustable connector (8). The upper end of the connector (8) is rotatably connected to a connecting pipe (6). The connecting pipe (6) is threaded to the end of the steam pipe (4) away from the top cover (2), and the nozzle (7) is connected to the end of the connecting pipe (6) away from the steam pipe (4).

2. The laboratory paraffin slide humidifier of claim 1, wherein: The fixed frame (10) has an opening at the upward-facing end, and the position adjustment seat (9) is inserted into the fixed frame (10) through the opening.

3. The laboratory paraffin slide humidifier of claim 2, wherein: At least one sliding groove (903) is opened on the fixing frame (10) on the front and rear sides of the socket. The front and rear ends of the position adjustment seat (9) are respectively fixed with sliding blocks (902) corresponding to the sliding grooves (903). The sliding blocks (902) are slidably connected to the fixing frame (10) through the corresponding sliding grooves (903).

4. A laboratory paraffin slide humidifier as claimed in claim 2 or 3, characterised in that: The position adjustment seat (9) has an upward-facing slot (904) and a plurality of first height adjustment holes (901) arranged on the position adjustment seat (9) on the left and right sides of the slot (904). The connector (8) includes a plug plate (802) and a support sleeve (801) fixed on the upper end of the plug plate (802). The connecting pipe (6) is rotatably connected to the support sleeve (801). A plurality of second height adjustment holes (802-1) corresponding one-to-one with the first height adjustment holes (901) are arranged on the plug plate (802).

5. A laboratory paraffin slide humidifier as claimed in claim 2 or 3, characterised in that: A position adjusting screw (14) is rotatably connected to the fixed frame (10). The position adjusting screw (14) is threaded onto the position adjusting seat (9). One end of the position adjusting screw (14) in the left-right direction is detachably connected to a rotating disk (12). A rotating handle (1201) is fixed on the outer periphery of the rotating disk (12).

6. The laboratory paraffin slide humidifier of claim 5, wherein: The upper end of the fixed frame (10) is fixedly connected to the first support seat (16) and the second support seat (15) in the left and right directions, respectively. The two ends of the position adjusting screw (14) are rotatably connected to the first support seat (16) and the second support seat (15), respectively.

7. The laboratory paraffin slide humidifier of claim 6 wherein: The first support base (16) has a non-circular limiting groove (1601) on the side away from the fixed frame (10) in the left-right direction. The first support base (16) is inserted into the limiting turntable (13) through the limiting groove (1601). The limiting turntable (13) has a limiting hole (1301) in the center. The position adjusting screw (14) extends into the first support base (16) and has a limiting hole (1401) in the center of one end that is coaxial with the limiting hole (1301).

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