Cutting movement arrangement, microtome and method therefor

Abstract

The invention relates to a cutting movement arrangement (200) for a microtome, wherein the cutting movement arrangement (200) has one or the other out of a blade holder or sample holder (202), wherein the cutting movement arrangement (200) has an adjusting mechanism (210) by means of which the one or other out of the blade holder or sample holder (202) can be moved in a restoring movement (R), and wherein the cutting movement arrangement (200) has an additional adjusting device (220), different from the adjusting mechanism (210), and wherein the cutting movement arrangement (200) is designed such that by means of the additional adjusting device (220) the adjusting mechanism (210) can be prompted to at least partially carry out the restoring movement (R). The invention also relates to a microtome and to a method therefor.

Description

[0001] Sheath movement arrangement, microtome and method therefor

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The present invention relates to a sheath movement arrangement for a microtome, such a microtome and a method for producing sample sections by means of a microtome.

[0004] background

[0005] In the field of neuroscience, but also in other fields, such as biology and medicine, thin sections of tissue or other samples or microscopic specimens can be examined using electron microscopes. Such sections (or sample sections) can be cut from a sample block using a microtome and then mounted on a sample carrier. However, preparing sample sections can sometimes be difficult or impractical due to certain predefined procedures in the microtome.

[0006] Summary

[0007] Against this background, there is a need for an improved method for creating sections using a microtome. According to embodiments of the invention, a cutting motion assembly for a microtome, a microtome, and a method for creating sample sections are proposed, each having the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0008] One embodiment of the invention relates to a shearing movement arrangement for a microtome, in particular an ultramicrotome. The shearing movement arrangement comprises one of a knife holder and a sample holder. The other of these two is typically part of the microtome with which the shearing movement arrangement can be used. Furthermore, the shearing movement arrangement has an adjustment mechanism by means of which one of the knife holder and the sample holder can be moved in a return movement. When using the shearing movement arrangement in or with the microtome, one of the knife holder and the sample holder can be moved, in particular, relative to the other. In one embodiment, the shearing movement arrangement comprises the knife holder.

[0009] In addition, the sheath movement arrangement comprises an additional adjustment device that is different from the adjustment mechanism, i.e., the additional adjustment device, in particular, has no components in common with the adjustment mechanism. The sheath movement arrangement is further configured such that, by means of the additional adjustment device, the adjustment mechanism can be caused to at least partially perform the return movement. In other words, the additional adjustment device provides an additional possibility for at least partially enabling the return movement, in particular independently of the adjustment mechanism.

[0010] This makes it possible to intervene in the cutting process and interrupt it—through the reset movement—even when this would not be possible using the adjustment mechanism itself. The reset movement can thus be performed at any time, or at least more frequently, than with the adjustment mechanism itself.

[0011] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the additional adjustment device is designed such that the additional adjustment device can be brought into a first position and into a second position different from the first position. The cutting movement arrangement is designed such that, when the additional adjustment device is brought into the first position, the adjustment mechanism is not influenced by the additional adjustment device. Furthermore, when the additional adjustment device is brought into the second position, the cutting movement arrangement is designed to cause the adjustment mechanism to at least partially perform the return movement. These two positions ensure that the additional adjustment device only acts on the adjustment mechanism when necessary, so that otherwise a conventional cutting process can be carried out using the microtome.According to a further embodiment of the invention, the sheathing movement arrangement is designed such that, when the additional adjustment device is moved into the second position, the additional adjustment device can be brought into mechanical contact with the adjustment mechanism in order to apply force to the adjustment mechanism and cause it to at least partially perform the return movement. Such a mechanical solution for establishing an operative connection is particularly simple and functional to implement, especially since an adjustment mechanism such as that typically provided for microtomes usually already has a mechanical movement sequence that can then be influenced.

[0012] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the additional adjustment device comprises an actuator and is designed such that the additional adjustment device can be moved into the first position and the second position by actuating the actuator. An actuator allows for safe and targeted actuation of the additional adjustment device, allowing it to act on the adjustment mechanism.

[0013] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the actuator comprises an electric motor or is designed as an electric motor. This allows flexible actuation of the additional adjustment device, for example, even remotely or by means of a button or the like.

[0014] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the additional adjustment device further comprises a base body and a lever mounted in the base body. Furthermore, the additional adjustment device has a contact area with which the additional adjustment device can be brought into mechanical contact with the adjustment mechanism. The contact area is formed on the lever or is operatively connected to the lever, and the lever can be actuated by means of the actuator. Such a lever mechanism allows for simple force transmission from the actuator to the adjustment mechanism.

[0015] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the additional adjustment device further comprises a connecting rod mechanism. The actuator and the lever are operatively connected to one another via the connecting rod mechanism, so that the lever can be actuated by the actuator. Such a connecting rod mechanism allows for simple power transmission from the actuator to the adjustment mechanism. In particular, it can be used to easily convert a rotary movement of an actuator (as is the case with an electric motor, for example) into a linear or other suitable movement for the lever.

[0016] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the cutting movement arrangement has an interface for an actuating drive, which is different from the additional adjusting device, to the adjusting device and is designed such that when the adjusting device is actuated via the interface, one of the knife holder and one of the sample holder can only be moved within the framework of a predetermined movement sequence. The actuating drive can, for example, have a handwheel and / or a motor. The predetermined movement sequence comprises an advancing movement, a cutting movement, a return movement and a counter-cutting movement. In particular, the aforementioned movements must then be carried out in this order; any deviation from this is not provided for in the adjusting mechanism or is not possible using the adjusting mechanism itself.

[0017] Typical microtomes and their cutting motion arrangements provide such a predefined movement sequence; this results, for example, from the mechanical implementation of the adjustment mechanism. This allows for a reliable cutting process, even repeated, to produce precise sample sections.

[0018] However, it has been shown that this makes it impossible to cut only one of these two block sections in the cutting direction (a so-called double stump) – the specified movement sequence requires that both block sections are always cut. However, the additional adjustment device now allows intervention in the specified movement sequence, allowing only one block section to be cut repeatedly, but not the other.

[0019] Independently of these special sample blocks, the additional adjustment device also enables faster generation of multiple sample sections with regular sample blocks, since the reset movement can be performed at any time - or at least more frequently - thus eliminating the need to complete the movement sequence. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the cutting movement arrangement is designed such that the additional adjustment device can cause the adjustment mechanism to at least partially perform the reset movement if one of the knife holder and sample holder is not in the reset movement within the scope of the predetermined movement sequence. If a reset movement is already occurring within the scope of the predetermined movement sequence, a further initiation of the reset movement is not necessary or is no longer necessary.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the adjustment mechanism has a reset lever. The sheath movement arrangement is designed such that upon actuation of the reset lever, the reset movement is at least partially performed. Furthermore, the sheath movement arrangement is designed such that the additional adjustment device can be brought into contact with the reset lever to cause the adjustment mechanism to at least partially perform the reset movement. In this type of adjustment mechanism with a reset lever, the action of the additional adjustment device on the reset lever allows for a particularly simple implementation for performing the reset movement.

[0021] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the adjustment mechanism further comprises a holder on which one of the knife holder and sample holder is arranged directly or indirectly. The adjustment mechanism is designed such that the holder is moved when the return movement is carried out. The separating movement arrangement is designed such that the additional adjustment device can be brought into contact directly or indirectly with the holder in order to cause the adjustment mechanism to at least partially carry out the return movement. In this type of adjustment mechanism with a holder for the knife holder or sample holder, the action of the additional adjustment device on the holder allows for a particularly simple implementation for carrying out the return movement.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the shearing movement arrangement is designed such that the additional adjustment device can be brought into contact with the holder indirectly via the reset lever, in order to cause the adjustment mechanism to at least partially perform the reset movement. In this type of adjustment mechanism with a holder for a knife holder or sample holder and with a reset lever, the action of the additional adjustment device on the holder via the reset lever allows for a particularly simple implementation for performing the reset movement.

[0023] A further embodiment of the invention relates to a microtome having a shearing movement arrangement according to one of the described embodiments. The microtome also has the other of a knife holder and a sample holder, wherein the knife holder and the sample holder are movable relative to each other in the return movement by means of the adjustment mechanism.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the microtome further comprises an actuator drive that is separate from the additional adjustment device, comprising, for example, a handwheel and / or a motor. The actuator drive is operatively connected to the adjustment mechanism via the interface in such a way that, upon actuation of the actuator drive, the knife holder and the sample holder can only be moved relative to each other within the scope of the predetermined movement sequence.

[0025] A further embodiment of the invention relates to the use of an additional adjustment device with a microtome, wherein the microtome has a knife holder, a sample holder, and an adjustment mechanism, wherein the knife holder and the sample holder can be moved relative to one another in a return movement by means of the adjustment mechanism. The additional adjustment device is designed such that it can cause the adjustment mechanism to at least partially perform the return movement. The additional adjustment device and / or the microtome can be designed in particular according to one of the described embodiments.

[0026] With regard to the advantages and further embodiments of the microtome and its use, reference is made to the above explanations of the additional adjustment device, which apply here accordingly.

[0027] A further embodiment of the invention relates to a method for producing sample sections using a microtome, wherein the microtome has a knife holder, a sample holder, an adjustment mechanism, and an actuating drive. The knife holder and the sample holder can be moved relative to one another by means of the adjustment mechanism in an advancing movement, a cutting movement, a returning movement, and a counter-cutting movement. The actuating drive is operatively connected to the adjustment mechanism in such a way that, upon actuation of the actuating drive, the knife holder and the sample holder can only be moved relative to one another within the framework of a predetermined movement sequence, wherein the predetermined movement sequence comprises the advancing movement, the cutting movement, the returning movement, and the counter-cutting movement. A knife is or will be arranged in the knife holder, and a sample block is or will be arranged in the sample holder.If necessary, the return movement is at least partially performed by means of an additional adjustment device that is different from the adjustment mechanism. The additional adjustment device and / or the microtome can be designed in particular according to one of the exemplary embodiments explained.

[0028] As already explained with regard to the additional adjustment device, this additional possibility of carrying out the return movement allows sample sections to be produced more quickly and flexibly.

[0029] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the following steps: A first execution of the cutting movement by actuating the actuator so that a first sample section is cut from the sample block by means of the knife. A execution of the return movement by means of the additional adjustment device so that the sample block is removed from the knife. A execution of the counter-cutting movement by actuating the actuator. And a second execution of the cutting movement by actuating the actuator so that a second sample section is cut from the sample block by means of the knife. The additional adjustment device thus intervenes in the predetermined movement sequence, which is only possible with the additional adjustment device in order to produce sample sections more quickly and flexibly.

[0030] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the return movement is carried out by means of the additional adjustment device before the first execution of the cutting movement according to the predetermined movement sequence has ended. The actually fixed predetermined movement sequence is therefore deliberately interrupted, whereby the sample sections can be created more quickly. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the sample block has two block parts, wherein the sample block is or will be arranged in the sample holder in such a way that the two block parts lie one behind the other with regard to the cutting movement. The first sample section is then cut from only one of the two block parts of the sample block, wherein nothing is cut from the other of the two parts of the sample block when the cutting movement is carried out for the first time.Only the additional adjustment device allows several sample sections to be created from only one of the two parts without cutting the other block part.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first and second cutting movements is performed by actuating the actuator in a first direction, while the counter-cutting movement is performed by actuating the actuator in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Thus, the actually specified direction of rotation is deliberately reversed, allowing the sample sections to be produced more quickly. This, too, is only possible with the additional adjustment device.

[0032] The term "and / or" includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements and may be be abbreviated.

[0033] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0034] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0035] The invention is illustrated schematically in the drawing using exemplary embodiments and is described below with reference to the drawing.

[0036] Short description of the characters

[0037] Figure 1a schematically shows a sheath movement arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention in a perspective view. Figure 1b schematically shows a portion of the sheath movement arrangement from Figure 1a in a sectional view.

[0038] Figure 2 shows schematically a sheath movement arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention in two different positions.

[0039] Figure 3a schematically shows a sheath movement arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention in a perspective view.

[0040] Figure 3b shows schematically a part of the sheath movement arrangement from Figure 3a in a sectional view.

[0041] Figure 4 shows schematically a microtome according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0042] Figure 5 shows schematically a sample block to explain an embodiment of the invention.

[0043] Figure 6 shows schematically a sequence of a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0044] Detailed description

[0045] Figure 1a schematically shows a sheathing movement arrangement 100 according to an embodiment of the invention in a perspective view. Figure 1b shows a section view of part of the sheathing movement arrangement 100 from Figure 1a. Figures 1a and 1b will be described comprehensively below. The sheathing movement arrangement 100 can be used in or with a microtome. For an explanation of how the sheathing movement arrangement 100 or another sheathing movement arrangement can be used in a microtome, reference is made to Figure 4 and the associated description.

[0046] In one embodiment, the shearing movement assembly 100 comprises a sample holder 102. A sample block, from which sample sections are to be cut, can be inserted and secured into the sample holder 102. A knife, by means of which the sample sections can then be cut, can be arranged in a knife holder, which in turn can be arranged elsewhere in the microtome. Although this is a typical configuration for a microtome or shearing movement assembly, the knife holder and sample holder can also be interchanged; i.e., the shearing movement assembly could comprise a knife holder instead of the sample holder.

[0047] The cutting movement arrangement 100 has an adjustment mechanism 110, by means of which the sample holder 102 can be moved in a return movement R. By means of this return movement R, a sample block, when arranged in the sample holder 102, can be moved away from a knife (not shown here).

[0048] In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 110 comprises a holder 114 on which the sample holder 102 is directly or indirectly arranged. The adjustment mechanism 110 is then configured such that the holder 114 is moved when the return movement R is performed. Because the sample holder 102 is directly or indirectly arranged (or attached) to the holder 114, a movement of the holder 114 leads to a movement of the sample holder 102.

[0049] In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 110 has a reset lever 112, wherein the sheath movement arrangement 100 is configured such that upon actuation of the reset lever 112, the reset movement R is at least partially performed. In the embodiment shown, actuation of the reset lever 112 leads to a movement of the holder.

[0050] In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 110 has an interface 116 for an actuator 130 to the adjustment mechanism 110. For example, the actuator 130 has a handwheel 132 and a motor or electric motor 134, with which a shaft or axis 136 of the actuator can be actuated. Turning the handwheel 132 causes the shaft 136 to rotate, and actuating the electric motor 134 also causes the shaft 136 to rotate. The electric motor is connected to the shaft 136 via a belt 138, for example. It should be noted that the actuator 130 could also have, for example, only the handwheel 132 or only the electric motor 134. A handwheel could also be provided which is not mechanically connected to the shaft 136, but is electrically connected to the electric motor 134, for example via an encoder, so that a rotation of the handwheel leads to a control of the electric motor.

[0051] For example, the interface 116 is designed as a mechanical interface for the shaft 136 of the actuator 130, in particular as or with a bushing for the shaft 136. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 110 has two cams 118.1 and 118.2. The cams 118.1 and 118.2 can be connected to one another and have the interface 116. By actuating the actuator 130, the two cams 118.1 and 118.2 are rotated via the shaft 136. The cam 118.1 is operatively connected to the reset lever 112, and the cam 118.2 is operatively connected to a support component 113 of the adjustment mechanism 110.

[0052] The operation of the adjustment mechanism 110 will now be explained using the exemplary embodiment of the cutting movement arrangement 100 shown in Figures 1a and 1b. Actuation of the actuating drive 130 (either by the handwheel 132 or the electric motor 134) results in a rotation of the shaft 136. Rotation can occur in a first direction of rotation B1 or in a second, opposite direction of rotation B2. When rotating in only one direction of rotation, e.g., B1, a predetermined sequence of movements is performed, which includes an advancing movement V, a cutting movement S, the return movement R, and a counter-cutting movement G, which are indicated in Figure 1b, particularly in this order.

[0053] The advancing movement V causes the sample block (not shown) in the sample holder 102 to be moved towards the knife (not shown). This can be achieved, for example, by the return lever 112 not being raised by the cam 118.1, so that a preload force presses the holder 114 or the sample holder 102 in the direction of the advancing movement V (also called feed movement). Upon further rotation in direction B1, the cam 118.2 causes the support component 113 to be lowered (possibly under the action of a suitable preload force), so that the sample block (not shown) in the sample holder 102 is moved downwards towards the knife (not shown), i.e. performs the cutting movement S to produce a sample cut. Upon further rotation in direction B1, the cam 118.1 causes the reset lever 112 to be pushed at a first end 112.1 by the cam 118.1 is raised so that the reset lever 112 rotates about a bearing axis or a bearing 112.3, so that a second end 112.2 of the reset lever 112 acts on holder 114 so that it is moved in the direction of the reset movement R. Thus, the sample block (not shown) in the sample holder 102 performs the reset movement R.

[0054] Upon further rotation in direction B1, the cam 118.2 causes the support component 113 to be raised, so that the sample block (not shown) in the sample holder 102 is moved upwards, i.e., carries out the counter-cutting movement G. Upon further rotation in direction B1, the described movement sequence is repeated, whereby, if necessary, as part of the advancing movement V, the sample block (not shown) in the sample holder 102 is moved slightly further forwards if a sample section is to be created at the same location. It can also be provided that the sample block and knife are slightly displaced in a lateral direction in order to create a sample section at a different location. It should also be mentioned that upon rotation in direction B2, the movement sequence is carried out in the reverse order, although in this case, sample sections cannot usually be created because the movements are carried out in the opposite direction, e.g.the cutting movement is carried out in the opposite direction, i.e. it becomes a counter-cutting movement.

[0055] The cutting movement arrangement 100 further comprises an additional adjustment device 120, which is different from the adjustment mechanism 110 and, in particular, is also different from the actuator 130 and does not act on the interface 116. The cutting movement arrangement 100 is designed such that, by means of the additional adjustment device 120, the adjustment mechanism 110 can be caused to at least partially perform the return movement R. The return movement R is, in particular, the above-described return movement for the sample holder 102 or a sample block inserted therein.

[0056] In one embodiment, the additional adjustment device 120 is designed such that it can be brought into a first position and into a second position different from the first position. The sheath movement arrangement 100 is designed such that, when the additional adjustment device 120 is brought into the first position, the adjustment mechanism 110 is not influenced by the additional adjustment device 120. This situation is illustrated in Figures 1a and 1b. Furthermore, the sheath movement arrangement is designed to cause the adjustment mechanism 110 to at least partially perform the return movement R when the additional adjustment device 120 is brought into the second position.

[0057] In one embodiment, the additional adjustment device 120 comprises a lever 122 mounted, for example, on a base body (not shown here). Via a contact area on the lever 122, the additional adjustment device 120 can be brought into mechanical contact with the adjustment mechanism 110, in particular with the reset lever 112, preferably at the second end 112.2 of the reset lever 112. Thus, the additional adjustment device 120 can also be brought into direct contact with the holder 114.

[0058] Thus, the reset lever 112 can be actuated, on the one hand, within the scope of the predetermined movement sequence via the cam 118.1 or the actuator 130 and the interface 116, but on the other hand, independently thereof, also via the additional adjustment device 120. Regardless of the current point in the movement sequence, the reset lever 112 can be actuated by means of the additional adjustment device 120, thus initiating the reset movement R. The reset lever 112 is also rotated about the bearing point 112.3 by means of the additional adjustment device 120.

[0059] At this point, it should be mentioned that if the return movement is being carried out or has just been completed within the scope of the movement sequence, the actuation of the additional adjustment device 120 may be ineffective - this is, however, harmless for the functionality, since the return movement R can still be carried out specifically in all other situations if necessary.

[0060] Figure 2 schematically shows a shearing movement arrangement 200 according to a further embodiment of the invention in two different positions (top and bottom). The shearing movement arrangement 200 can, for example, also be the shearing movement arrangement 100 according to Figures 1a and 1b; unlike there, however, the shearing movement arrangement 200 is shown here in a somewhat simplified manner in order to explain the basic functional principle of the additional adjustment device 220. Of the shearing movement arrangement 200, a sample holder 202 and an adjustment mechanism 210 with a holder 114 and a reset lever 112 are shown here, which can basically interact in the same way as explained for the shearing movement arrangement 100. Furthermore, a sample block 204 is shown here, which is arranged or fastened in the sample holder 202. In addition, a knife 240 is shown, which does not have to be part of the shearing movement arrangement 200, but can, for example,can be arranged in a suitable manner in the microtome (not shown here).

[0061] In the upper illustration in Figure 2, the additional adjustment device 220 is moved to a first position P1. In the first position P1, the adjustment mechanism 210 is not influenced by the additional adjustment device 220. For this purpose, the additional adjustment device 220, and in particular the lever 212, can be out of contact with the adjustment mechanism 210 or its reset lever 212. In principle, however, the lever 212 can also touch (be in contact with) the reset lever 212 without exerting a force on it, or at least not a force that would be sufficient to actuate the reset lever 212.

[0062] In the lower illustration in Figure 2, the additional adjustment device 220 is shown in a second position P2. Moving the additional adjustment device 220 into the second position P2 causes the adjustment mechanism 210 of the additional adjustment device 220 to perform the return movement R. In one embodiment, the cutting movement arrangement 200 is designed such that, when the additional adjustment device 220 is moved into the second position P2, the additional adjustment device 220 can be brought into mechanical contact with the adjustment mechanism 210—and is brought into contact during execution—in order to apply force to the adjustment mechanism 210 and cause it to at least partially perform the return movement R. This is shown as an example in Figure 2.

[0063] As long as the additional adjustment device 220 is in the second position P2, the adjustment mechanism remains in the induced position, i.e. the sample block 204 or the sample holder 202 remain away from the knife 240. When the additional adjustment device 220 is brought back into the first position P1, the adjustment mechanism 210 can return to the position it was in before the additional adjustment device 220 was actuated. This applies in particular and at least if the adjustment mechanism 210 has not been actuated via an actuator during this time. Figure 3a schematically shows a cutting movement arrangement 300 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention in a perspective view. A section thereof is also shown enlarged. Figure 3b shows a part of the cutting movement arrangement 300 from Figure 3a in a sectional view. Figures 3a and 3b will be described comprehensively below.The sheath movement arrangement 300 can, for example, also be the sheath movement arrangement 100 according to Figures 1a and 1b or the sheath movement arrangement 200 according to Figure 2, but unlike there, in the sheath movement arrangement 300 a larger part of the additional adjustment device 320 is shown in more detail in order to explain its operating principle in more detail.

[0064] An example of an adjustment mechanism 310 of the sheath movement assembly 300 is shown here: a reset lever 312 with a first end 312.1, a second end 312.2, and a bearing 312.3, a holder 314, an interface 316, and a cam 318.1. This allows a predetermined movement sequence to be carried out, as already explained with reference to Figures 1a, 1b, and 2.

[0065] In one embodiment, the additional adjustment device 320 comprises a base body 328 and a lever 322 mounted in the base body 328. Furthermore, the additional adjustment device 320 comprises an actuator 316, exemplified as an electric motor, and a connecting rod mechanism 324. The actuator 326 and the lever 322 are operatively connected to one another via the connecting rod mechanism 324, so that the lever 322 can be actuated by the actuator 326. The actuator 316 can be arranged or attached directly or indirectly to the base body 324.

[0066] The connecting rod mechanism 324 can have an eccentric component 324.1, with which the connecting rod mechanism 324 is arranged on the actuator 326 or a shaft thereof. The connecting rod mechanism 324 is then connected to a first end 322.1 of the lever 322 via a connecting component 324.2. The lever 322, in turn, is mounted on a bearing or via a bearing axis 322.3 (e.g., using a bearing shaft) in the base body 328. By means of the connecting rod mechanism 324, a rotary movement of the actuator 326 can be converted into an actuation of the lever 322, so that the latter can be moved back and forth between a first position and a second position. At a second end, the lever 322 (and thus the additional adjustment device 320) has a contact area 322.2 with which the lever 322 (and thus the additional adjustment device 320) can be brought into contact with the return lever 322 or there with the second end 322.2 (and thus with the adjustment mechanism 310).Thus, the actuation of the lever 322 generated by the actuator 326 can cause the adjustment mechanism 310 to at least partially perform the return movement. In this case, the lever 322 presses with the contact area 322.2 against the second end 312.2 of the return lever 312, ie, it comes into mechanical contact, which in turn presses, for example, against a pin or pin 315 of the holder 314, so that the latter is actuated.

[0067] In order to be able to actuate the additional adjustment device 320 as needed to initiate the return movement, a button (not shown here) or another actuating element can be provided, for example, upon actuation of which the actuator 316 is rotated by a predetermined value in order to move the additional adjustment device 320 (by actuating the actuator) from the first to the second position. Depending on the design, it can be provided, for example, that upon further actuation of the actuating element, the actuator 316 is rotated by a further predetermined value in order to move the additional adjustment device 320 from the second to the first position again.

[0068] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a microtome 401 according to an embodiment of the invention. The microtome 401 has a cutting movement arrangement 400 with a sample holder 402. A sample block 404 is inserted into the sample holder 404. Furthermore, the microtome 401 has a knife holder 442 with a knife 440 inserted therein, as well as, for example, a handwheel 432 as an actuator. The cutting movement arrangement 400 can be actuated by means of the handwheel 432, so that the sample block 404 or the sample holder 402 and the knife 440 or the knife holder 442 can be moved relative to one another.

[0069] The cutting movement arrangement 400 can, for example, be a cutting movement arrangement shown in Figures 1a, 1b, 2 and 3, so that for its description reference is made to the above. In addition, the microtome 401 has, for example, a button 450, by means of which, for example, an additional adjustment device 420 of the cutting movement arrangement 400 can be actuated. Figure 5 schematically shows a sample block 504 to explain an embodiment of the invention. Sample sections can be cut from the sample block 504 using a microtome, as explained, for example, with reference to Figure 4. For this purpose, the sample block 504 can be introduced into a sample holder, as also already explained.

[0070] The sample block 504 shown here has a first block part 504.1 and a second block part 504.2. To create sample sections, the sample block can be arranged in the sample holder of a microtome such that the two block parts 504.1 and 504.2 are located one behind the other with respect to the cutting movement S, as indicated in Figure 5. Such a sample block with two block parts is used, for example, to be able to introduce different samples into one sample block or, in particular, to avoid introducing a sample into one of the two block parts, typically the second block part 504.2. So-called blank sections are then created from the second block part 504.2.

[0071] In a microtome with a cutting movement arrangement in which the movement sequence described in detail above is predetermined, this results in a sample section being initially created from the first block part 504.1. If the movement sequence is continued, a sample section is inevitably created from the second block part 504.2, before a sample section can then be created from the first block part 504.1 again in a new run of the movement process, for example. Two or more sample sections from the first block part 504.1 in succession, without a sample section from the second block part 504.2 in between, cannot be created in this way, at least not without interrupting the movement sequence and, for example, rearranging the sample block in the sample holder.

[0072] However, this is possible with a microtome equipped with the additional adjustment device described above. A sample section can be created from the first block part 504.1, then the movement sequence can be stopped, and the return movement R can be performed using the additional adjustment device. A counter-cutting movement can then be performed to return the sample block, and after deactivating the additional adjustment device, i.e., connecting it to the first position, a sample section can be created again from the first block part 504.1. The counter-cutting movement can then be performed, for example, by turning the handwheel in the opposite direction.

[0073] Figure 6 schematically shows a sequence of a method according to an embodiment of the invention. For this purpose, a microtome with a cutting movement arrangement as explained above with reference to various embodiments can be used. The knife holder and the sample holder can be moved relative to one another by means of the adjustment mechanism in an advancing movement, a cutting movement, a returning movement and a counter-cutting movement. The actuating drive is operatively connected to the adjustment mechanism in such a way that, when the actuating drive is actuated, the knife holder and the sample holder can only be moved relative to one another within the framework of a predetermined movement sequence, wherein the predetermined movement sequence comprises the advancing movement, the cutting movement, the returning movement and the counter-cutting movement.To produce sample sections, a knife is arranged or will be arranged in the knife holder, and a sample block is arranged or will be arranged in the sample holder. If necessary, the return movement is then at least partially carried out by means of an additional adjustment device that is different from the adjustment mechanism.

[0074] This may include, in particular, the following steps. In a step 600, the cutting movement is first performed by actuating the actuator, so that a first sample section is cut from the sample block by means of the knife. For this purpose, the actuator can be rotated, for example, in a first direction or direction of rotation, as denoted by B1 in Figure 1a.

[0075] In a step 602, the return movement is carried out by means of the additional adjustment device, so that the sample block is removed from the knife. This return movement is carried out by means of the additional adjustment device, in particular, before the first execution of the cutting movement according to the predetermined movement sequence has ended. In other words, the cutting movement is not completed, as was also explained with reference to Figure 5. The first sample cut is then cut from only one of the two block parts of the sample block, whereby nothing is cut from the other of the two parts of the sample block during the first execution of the cutting movement (step 602). In a step 604, the counter-cutting movement is carried out by actuating the actuator.This counter-cutting movement is performed by actuating the actuator, in particular, in a second direction of the actuator, opposite to the first direction, as indicated by B2 in Figure 1a, for example. This means, in particular, that the movement, which was previously a cutting movement, is performed in the opposite direction and is thus a counter-cutting movement; however, the sample block is located away from the knife due to the return movement.

[0076] In a step 806, the cutting movement is carried out a second time by actuating the actuating drive, so that a second sample section is cut from the sample block by means of the knife, for example again by rotating the actuating drive in the first direction or direction of rotation, as denoted by B1 in Figure 1a, for example.

[0077] The additional adjustment device allows the predefined movement sequence to be interrupted, the sample block to be reset by turning it in the opposite direction, and the predefined movement sequence to be followed again. This can also be referred to as a so-called short stroke, since a complete run-through of the movement sequence (full stroke) is not necessary.

[0078] List of reference symbols

[0079] 100, 200, 300, 400 cutting movement arrangement

[0080] 102, 202, 402 sample holders

[0081] 110, 210, 310 adjustment mechanism

[0082] 112, 212, 312 reset lever

[0083] 112.1 , 312.1 first side of the reset lever

[0084] 112.2, 312.2 second side of the reset lever

[0085] 112.3, 312.3 Bearing axis of the return lever

[0086] 113 Support component

[0087] 114, 214, 314 bracket

[0088] 116, 316 interface

[0089] 118.1 , 118.2, 318.1 cams

[0090] 120, 220, 320, 420 additional adjustment device

[0091] 122, 222, 322 lever

[0092] 130 Actuator

[0093] 132, 432 handwheel

[0094] 134 electric motor

[0095] 136 Wave

[0096] 138 belts

[0097] 204, 504 sample block

[0098] 240, 540 knives

[0099] 315 bracket pin

[0100] 322.1 first end of the lever

[0101] 322.2 Contact area

[0102] 322.3 Bearing axis of the lever

[0103] 324 Connecting rod mechanism

[0104] 324.1 Eccentric component

[0105] 324.2 Connection component

[0106] 326 Actuator

[0107] 401 Microtome

[0108] 442 knife holder 450 button

[0109] 504.1 , 504.2 Block parts of the sample block 600-606 Process steps

[0110] P1, P2 positions

[0111] B1, B82 Directions V Pre-positioning movement

[0112] S vaginal movement

[0113] RR back 11 movement

[0114] G Counter cutting movement

Claims

Claims 1. Cutting movement arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) for a microtome (401), wherein the cutting movement arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) has one of the knife holder (442) and the sample holder (102, 202, 402), wherein the cutting movement arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) has an adjustment mechanism (110, 210, 310) by means of which the one of the knife holder (442) and the sample holder (102, 202, 402) can be moved in a return movement (R), and wherein the cutting movement arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) has an additional adjustment device (120, 220, 320, 420), and wherein the separating movement arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) is designed such that by means of the additional adjustment device (120, 220, 320, 420) the adjustment mechanism (110, 210, 310) can be caused to carry out the return movement (R) at least partially.

2. A sheath movement arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 1, wherein the additional adjustment device (120) is designed such that the additional adjustment device (120, 220, 320) can be brought into a first position (P1) and into a second position (P2) different from the first position, wherein the sheath movement arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) is designed such that, when the additional adjustment device (120, 220, 320) is brought into the first position (P1), the adjustment mechanism (110, 210, 310) is not influenced by the additional adjustment device (120, 220, 320), and wherein the sheath movement arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) is designed such that, when the additional adjustment device (120, 220, 320) is brought into the second position (P2), to cause the adjusting mechanism (110, 210, 310) to at least partially carry out the return movement (R).

3. Cutting movement arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 2, which is designed such that when the additional adjustment device (120, 220, 320) is brought into the second position (P2), the additional adjustment device (120, 220, 320) can be brought into mechanical contact with the adjustment mechanism (110, 210, 310) in order to apply force to the adjustment mechanism (110, 210, 310) and to cause it to at least partially carry out the return movement (R).

4. Cutting movement arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the additional adjustment device (320) has an actuator (326) and is designed such that the additional adjustment device (320) can be brought into the first position (P1) and into the second position (P2) by actuating the actuator (326).

5. Cutting movement arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 4, wherein the actuator (326) comprises an electric motor or is designed as an electric motor.

6. A sheath movement arrangement (100) according to claim 3 and according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the additional adjustment device (320) further comprises a base body (328) and a lever (122, 222, 322) mounted in the base body, wherein the additional adjustment device (320) has a contact region (322.2) with which the additional adjustment device (320) can be brought into mechanical contact with the adjustment mechanism (110, 210, 310), wherein the contact region (322.2) is formed on the lever (122, 222, 322) or is operatively connected to the lever (122, 222, 322), and wherein the lever (122, 222, 322) can be actuated by means of the actuator (326).

7. The cutting movement arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 6, wherein the additional adjustment device (310) further comprises a connecting rod mechanism (324), wherein the actuator (326) and the lever (122, 222, 322) are operatively connected to one another via the connecting rod mechanism (324), so that the lever (122, 222, 322) can be actuated by means of the actuator (326).

8. Cutting movement arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, which comprises an interface (116, 316) for an actuator (130) different from the additional adjustment device (120, 220, 320) to the adjustment mechanism (110, 210, 310) and is designed such that when the adjustment mechanism (110, 210, 310) is actuated via the interface (116, 316), one of the knife holder (442) and the sample holder (102, 202, 402) can only be moved within the framework of a predetermined movement sequence, wherein the predetermined movement sequence comprises an advancing movement (V), a cutting movement (S), the return movement (R) and a counter-cutting movement (G).

9. Cutting movement arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 8, which is designed such that by means of the additional adjustment device (120, 220, 320) the adjustment mechanism (110, 210, 310) can be caused to carry out the return movement (R) at least partially if one of the knife holder (442) and the sample holder (102, 202, 402) is not in the return movement within the scope of the predetermined movement sequence.

10. A sheath movement arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment mechanism (110, 210, 310) has a reset lever (112, 212, 312), wherein the sheath movement arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) is designed such that upon actuation of the reset lever (112, 212, 312), the reset movement (R) is at least partially carried out, and wherein the sheath movement arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) is designed such that the additional adjustment device (120, 220, 320) can be brought into contact with the reset lever (112, 212, 312) in order to cause the return movement (R) to be carried out at least partially.

11. Cutting movement arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjusting mechanism (110, 210, 310) further comprises a holder (114, 214, 314) on which one of the knife holder and sample holder (102, 202, 402) is arranged directly or indirectly, wherein the adjusting mechanism (110, 210, 310) is designed such that the holder (114, 214, 314) is moved when the return movement (R) is carried out, and wherein the cutting movement arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) is designed such that the additional adjusting device (120, 220, 320) is directly or indirectly connected to the holder (114, 214, 314) can be brought into contact in order to cause the adjusting mechanism (110, 210, 310) to at least partially carry out the return movement (R).

12. Cutting movement arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 10 and 11, which is designed such that the additional adjustment device (120, 220, 320) can be brought into contact with the holder (114, 214, 314) indirectly via the reset lever (112, 212, 312) in order to cause the adjustment mechanism (110, 210, 310) to at least partially carry out the reset movement (R).

13. Microtome (401) comprising a cutting movement arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) according to one of the preceding claims, and the other of knife holder (442) and sample holder (102, 202, 402), wherein the knife holder (442) and the sample holder (102, 202, 402) are movable relative to each other in the return movement (R) by means of the adjustment mechanism (110, 210, 310).

14. Microtome (401) according to claim 13, which further comprises an actuating drive (130) which is different from the additional adjusting device (120, 220, 320, 420), wherein the actuating drive (130) is operatively connected to the adjusting mechanism (110, 210, 310) via the interface (116, 316) in such a way that when the actuating drive (130) is actuated, the knife holder (442) and the sample holder (102, 202, 402) can only be moved relative to one another within the scope of the predetermined movement sequence.

15. Use of an additional adjustment device (120, 220, 320, 420) with a microtome (401), wherein the microtome (401) has a knife holder (442), a sample holder (102, 202, 402) and an adjustment mechanism (110, 210, 310), wherein by means of the adjustment mechanism (110, 210, 310) the knife holder (442) and the sample holder (102, 202, 402) can be moved relative to one another in a return movement (R), wherein the additional adjustment device 120, 220, 320, 420() is designed such that the adjustment mechanism (110, 210, 310) can be caused to carry out the return movement (R) at least partially.

16. A method for producing sample sections by means of a microtome (401), wherein the microtome (401) has a knife holder (442), a sample holder (102, 202, 402), an adjustment mechanism (110, 210, 310) and an actuating drive (130), wherein the knife holder (442) and the sample holder (102, 202, 402) are movable relative to one another by means of the adjustment mechanism (110, 210, 310) in an advancing movement (V), a cutting movement (S), a returning movement (R) and a counter-cutting movement (G), wherein the actuating drive (130) is operatively connected to the adjustment mechanism (110, 210, 310) in such a way that upon actuation of the actuating drive (130), the knife holder (442) and the sample holder (102, 202, 402) are only movable relative to each other within the framework of a predetermined movement sequence, wherein the predetermined movement sequence comprises the advancing movement (V), the cutting movement (S), the return movement (R) and the counter-cutting movement (G),wherein a knife (440, 540) is or will be arranged in the knife holder (442), and wherein a sample block (204, 504) is or will be arranged in the sample holder (102, 202, 402), and wherein, if necessary, the return movement (R) is at least partially carried out by means of an additional adjustment device (120, 220, 320, 420) different from the adjustment mechanism (110, 210, 310).

17. The method according to claim 16, comprising the following steps: first performing (600) the cutting movement by actuating the actuator (130) so that a first sample section is cut from the sample block (204, 504) by means of the knife (440), Carrying out (602) the return movement (R) by means of the additional adjustment device (120, 220, 320, 420) so that the sample block (204, 504) is removed from the knife (240, 540), Carrying out (604) the counter-cutting movement (G) by actuating the actuating drive (130), and a second carrying out (606) of the cutting movement (S) by actuating the actuating drive (130), so that a second sample section is cut from the sample block (204, 504) by means of the knife (240, 540).

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the carrying out (602) of the return movement (R) by means of the additional adjustment device (120, 220, 320, 420) takes place before the first carrying out of the cutting movement according to the predetermined movement sequence is completed.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the sample block (504) has two block parts (504.1, 504.2), wherein the sample block (504) is or will be arranged in the sample holder such that the two block parts (504.1, 504.2) are located one behind the other with respect to the cutting movement (S), wherein the first sample cut is cut off from only one (504.1) of the two block parts of the sample block, and wherein during the first execution (600) of the cutting movement (S) nothing is cut off from the other (504.2) of the two parts of the sample block.

20. Method according to one of claims 17 to 19, wherein at least one of the first and the second execution of the cutting movement (S) takes place by actuating the actuator (130) in a first direction (B1), and wherein the execution of the counter-cutting movement (G) takes place by actuating the actuator (130) in a second direction (B2) of the actuator (130) opposite to the first direction.

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