Microtomy inspection system with single controller

Abstract

The system includes a first base, a second base, a cable, and a controller. The first base has a first heating element configured to heat a first functional component to increase a temperature of a fluid in the first functional component. The second base has a second heating element configured to heat a second functional component to dry one or more specimen slides. The cable couples the first base to the second base. The controller is in communication with both the first heating element and the second heating element to simultaneously control the first heating element and the second heating element.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] A microtome is a device configured to produce sections of material in a controlled manner. These sections can then be transilluminated for analytical purposes as part of the histological process. Specifically, analysis of these sections can be used in pathology laboratories for the analysis of tissue samples. In some situations, the thickness of these sections can be between approximately 0.1 and 100 μm. The use of a microtome is sometimes referred to as "microtomy" in some contexts.

[0002] In microtomy, particularly for the analysis of tissue samples, one or more tissue samples may first be embedded in paraffin wax and then sectioned using a microtome. Such an embedding process may be used to provide structural stability to the tissue sample for subsequent manipulation during sectioning. Embedding may include various accessories, such as a wax bath or cryogenic plate. The embedded tissue sample may then be sectioned using a microtome, producing multiple prepared sections, each containing a combination of tissue and paraffin wax in a single thin film.

[0003] In some situations, a microtome may be used with certain accessory devices to assist in the processing of prepared sections. For example, one example of processing may involve transferring each prepared section onto a specimen slide. Several methods can be used for such transfer, one example being the use of a water bath. In these applications, the prepared sections are suspended on the surface of the water bath, allowing the prepared sections to spread out in a flat configuration. A technician may then manipulate the specimen slide beneath the prepared sections to "scoop" or otherwise transfer the prepared specimen from the water bath onto the specimen slide. Examples of several such water baths are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,642,930, entitled "Device for Heating an Object by Means of Water Bath," filed February 4, 2014.

[0004] After the prepared sections are transferred to the specimen slide, it may be desirable to dry the specimen slide containing the prepared sections. For example, in the water bath transfer example described above, at least some water may remain, either on the specimen slide itself or between the prepared section and the specimen slide. The presence of such water may lead to artifacts or unwanted shifts in imaging of the prepared sections. Therefore, in some situations, it may be desirable to dry the specimen slide containing the prepared sections. In some examples, drying may be facilitated by a heated slide rack or oven.

[0005] While several medical devices, systems, and methods have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventors made or used the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure are hereinafter described in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are provided to illustrate aspects of the present disclosure and not to limit it, and in which like designations refer to like elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a base for use in microtomy with certain accessory components. [Figure 2] 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the base of FIG. 1 used in an example of a slide dryer. [Figure 3] 3 shows a perspective view of the base of FIG. 1 with the slide dryer of FIG. 2 inserted into the base. [Figure 4] 2 shows a schematic side view of the floor of the base of FIG. 1; [Figure 5] 2 shows a side view of an example of another slide dryer for use with the base of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 1. FIG. 4 shows a side view of another example of a slide dryer for use with the base of FIG. [Figure 7] 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the base of FIG. 1 used in an example water bath; [Figure 8] 8 shows a perspective view of the base of FIG. 1 with the water bath of FIG. 7 inserted into the base. [Figure 9] 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the base of FIG. 1 used in an example slide oven. [Figure 10] 10 shows a perspective view of the base of FIG. 1 with the slide oven of FIG. 9 inserted into the base. [Figure 11] 2 shows a schematic top view of an exemplary arrangement of multiple bases of FIG. 1 used to support the use of multiple accessory components. [Figure 12] 10 shows a schematic top view of another exemplary arrangement of multiple bases of FIG. 1 used to support the use of multiple accessory components. [Figure 13] 10 shows a schematic top view of yet another exemplary arrangement of multiple bases of FIG. 1 used to support the use of multiple accessory components. [Figure 14] 2 shows a side view of multiple bases of FIG. 1 used together; [Figure 15] FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of a bus base. [Figure 16] 16 shows a bottom view of the water bath base of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a cable for use with the water bath base of FIG. 15. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the slide dryer base. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows a bottom view of the slide dryer base of FIG. 18. [Figure 20] 18A and 18B show bottom views of the water bath base of FIG. 15 used with the slide dryer base of FIG. 18; [Figure 21] 19 shows a schematic top view of an exemplary arrangement of the water bath base of FIG. 15 with the slide dryer base of FIG. 18. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] I. OVERVIEW OF AN EXEMPLARY UNIVERSAL ATTACHMENT BASE Aspects of the present disclosure can be integrated into specimen preparation and analysis systems capable of performing various biological sample preparation and analysis procedures (e.g., histology). Although aspects of the present disclosure are described herein in the context of microtomy, it should be understood that in some circumstances, such aspects can be used in other contexts. For example, other suitable contexts may include tissue sectioning, embedding, staining, etc.

[0009] Various examples are described below in conjunction with the drawings for illustrative purposes. It should be understood that many other implementations of the concepts of the present disclosure are possible, and that various advantages can be achieved by implementations of the present disclosure. Headings are included herein for reference and to aid in identifying the various sections. These headings are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts described with respect thereto. Concepts such as these are applicable throughout the entire specification.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows an example of a base 10 configured for use with specific accessories used during microtomy. As described in more detail below, this version of the base 10 is configured to accept various modular components to customize the base 10 for a given function. For example, the base 10 may accept a slide rack module for a slide drying function, a water bath module for transferring prepared sections to specimen slides, and / or an oven module for a slide drying function. While the base 10 is described herein as being usable with certain specific modules, it should be understood that in other versions, the base 10 may be used with other modules adapted for other functions.

[0011] The base 10 is further configured for modular use by connecting with another base similar to the base 10. Specifically, in some situations, it may be desirable to use multiple accessories within a limited area or space, such as the space near a microtome. However, the presence of multiple accessories may unnecessarily consume such space due to separate power connections or irregular accessory shapes and / or sizes. Therefore, the base 10 is generally configured to communicate with other bases 10 similar to the base 10 to reduce the power connections and the overall footprint of the combination of the base 10 and the other bases 10.

[0012] The base 10 includes a receiving body 20 and a support platform 40 positioned below the receiving body 20. The receiving body 20 includes a receiver 22 and a control unit 32 adjacent the receiver 22. The receiver 22 extends downwardly within a portion of the receiving body 20 and is configured as a square or rectangular shaped recess that defines a floor 24. As described in more detail below, the floor 24 may be inclined or angled relative to the horizontal axis of the base 10 to aid in fluid management.

[0013] The receiver 22 further includes a heating element 26, a pressure switch 28 (also referred to as an accessory sensor), and a temperature sensor 30. Each of the heating element 26, the pressure switch 28, and the temperature sensor 30 may be positioned below the floor 24, above the floor 24, on top of the floor 24, or integral with a portion of the floor 24. Additionally, as described in more detail below, each of the heating element 26, the pressure switch 28, and the temperature sensor 30 may be in communication with a portion of the control unit 32 to facilitate operation of the base 10.

[0014] The heating element 26 is generally configured to heat the space defined by the receiver 22. As described in further detail below, the receiver 22 may be used to receive various modular accessory components that may use heat. Thus, the heating element 26 may be used to provide thermal communication from the receiver 22 to the various accessory components. Accordingly, in some versions, the heating element 26 itself and / or portions of the floor 24 may include a thermally conductive medium to facilitate the transfer of heat to other components.

[0015] Heating element (26) may include various heat sources or combinations of heat sources. By way of example only, in some versions, heating element (26) may include one or more heat pads, one or more electrical resistance heating elements, etc. In this version, heating element (26) corresponds to approximately the same area defined by floor (24) so ​​that heat can be radiated upward from floor (24) into receiver (22). In some versions, at least a portion of heating element (26) may be incorporated into other portions of receiver (22), such as sidewalls, to radiate heat horizontally or from other directions.

[0016] Pressure switch 28 is generally configured to detect the presence of an accessory component when it is seated or otherwise disposed within receiver 22. In this version, pressure switch 28 communicates with controller 32 to turn off or interrupt the circuit of heating element 26 when certain conditions are encountered. For example, in some versions, pressure switch 28 itself, or a control circuit associated with pressure switch 28, may be calibrated to turn off heating element 26 when it detects limited or no pressure on bed 24. In other words, pressure switch 28 may be calibrated to detect the mass of an accessory component when it is seated or otherwise disposed within receiver 22 and enable operation of heating element 26. In the absence of an accessory component, pressure switch (28) may be in an open state, thereby breaking the circuit with heating element (26) and turning off heating element (26) when an accessory component is not seated or otherwise disposed within receiver (22).

[0017] It should be understood that pressure switch 28 may include various components that perform the above functions. For example, in some versions, pressure switch 28 may include a resilient biasing mechanism in communication with bed 24 to detect a predetermined force applied to bed 24. Such a resilient biasing mechanism may include, for example, a spring-loaded plunger that may be coupled to bed 24 or that may protrude from a portion of bed 24. The spring-loaded plunger may then be actuated by the mass of an attached component, either through bed 24 or directly engaging the spring-loaded plunger. In other versions, the spring-loaded plunger may be recessed beneath bed 24, and the attached component may include a protrusion or other member configured to engage the spring-loaded plunger. In other versions, pressure switch 28 may include various other sensors, such as Hall effect sensors, proximity sensors, optical sensors, etc. Of course, in other versions, pressure switch (28) may have a variety of alternative configurations, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein.

[0018] The temperature sensor 30 is generally configured to detect a temperature near the floor 24. While the temperature sensor 30 is shown as a single point in this version, it should be understood that the temperature sensor 30 may include multiple temperature sensors 30 linked in an array. The temperature sensor 30 may communicate with a controller 32 to detect and communicate to an operator a temperature associated with the receiver 22 in real time. As described in more detail below, such real-time temperature measurements may be associated with modular accessory components received within the receiver 22.

[0019] The controller 32 includes a display 34, input features 36, and indicators 38. The controller 32 in this example further includes a processor 33 and / or other control circuitry to support the use of the display 34, input features 36, and indicators 38, which are in communication with the heating element 26, pressure switch 28, and temperature sensor 30. For example, the input features 36, pressure switch 28, and temperature sensor 30 may be in communication with the processor 33, such that the processor 33 may receive operational inputs from the input features 36, pressure switch 28, and temperature sensor 30 described above. The processor 33 may also be in communication with the heating element 26, the display 34, and the indicators 38 to drive the heating element 26, the display 34, and the indicators 38 based on inputs received from the input features 36, the pressure switch 28, and the temperature sensor 30. The processor 33 may, in some versions, be used to provide a closed-loop feedback control algorithm for maintaining the receiver 22 within a selected temperature range. Similarly, the pressure switch 28 may be in communication with the control circuitry to interrupt or modify such control algorithms. Similarly, the display 34, the input features 36, and the indicators 38 may be in communication with the control circuitry to provide operator control or operator feedback.

[0020] Display 34 is generally configured to provide feedback to the operator. In this version, display 34 includes an LED display, an OLED display, etc. In either case, display 34 may be configured to present operational information to the operator, such as the temperature detected by temperature sensor 30, menu options or other graphical user interface, a timer, etc.

[0021] Input feature 36 is configured to allow for user input. In this version, input feature 36 includes two triangular buttons that can be used to adjust the temperature generated by heating element 26 up or down. Additionally or alternatively, buttons such as these can be used to cycle through different predetermined modes, which can be shown on display 34 as the operator cycles through them.

[0022] Indicator 38 is configured to provide specific operational status information to the operator. For example, in this version, indicator 38 includes a single-color or multi-color LED that can illuminate differently to communicate operational status to the operator. In some versions, indicator 38 may indicate that a specific temperature (e.g., an operator-set value) has been reached by displaying one of multiple colors. Additionally or alternatively, in some versions, indicator 38 may indicate that a specific temperature has been reached by flashing or blinking at a specific frequency. Additionally or alternatively, in some versions, indicator 38 may also indicate other operational statuses, such as when heating element 26 is active but has not yet reached a predetermined temperature (e.g., during preheating).

[0023] As described above, the support platform (40) is disposed below the receiving body (20). The support platform (40) is generally configured to support the receiving body (20) and elevate the receiving body (20) to a predetermined height. Additionally, the support platform (40) is recessed or inwardly recessed relative to the receiving body (20) to define a recess (46) (also referred to as a groove, channel, passage, or compartment) below a portion of the receiving body (20). As described in more detail below, the recess (46) is generally configured to receive a power cable (350), multiple power cables (350), or other features related to the operation of the base (10) to store or accommodate such power cables (350) or other features.

[0024] In this version, the recess (46) extends around all sides of the support platform (40). In other words, each dimension of the support platform (40) is smaller than the corresponding dimension of the receiving body (20), such that the receiving body (20) defines an overhang, and the overhang defines a portion of the recess (46). It should be understood that while the recess (46) extends around all sides of the support platform (40) in this version, in other versions the recess (46) may extend around only one, two, or three sides of the support platform (40).

[0025] As described above, the recess (46) is configured to receive one or more power cables (350). Accordingly, it should be understood that in some versions, the recess (46) may include one or more cable management features (48) to facilitate storage of such cables (350) within the recess (46). For example, in some versions, such cable management features (48) may include one or more magnets that may be configured to attract metallic or magnetic collars or other features associated with each power cable (350). In such versions, the one or more magnets may draw or attach portions of each power cable (350) to particular portions of the recess (46). In other versions, such cable management features (48) may include mechanical cable management features, such as mechanical fasteners. Such fasteners may be used to secure or couple each power cable (350) to particular portions of the recess (46).

[0026] The support platform 40 further includes a power interface including a power output 42 and a power input 44. As described in more detail below, the power output 42 and the power input 44 are each generally configured to receive a power cable 350 to transfer power to and from the base 10. By way of example only, the power output 42 and the power input 44 may be configured to facilitate coupling of each base 10 to another base 10 similar to the base 10. As described in more detail below, this configuration may be desirable to couple or chain several bases 10 similar to the base 10 together so that all of those bases 10 are powered using only a single power source.

[0027] While this version is shown as having separate and individual power output 42 and power input 44, it should be understood that in other versions, power output 42 and power input 44 may be combined into a single port configured to transfer power either to or from base 10. Additionally or alternatively, in some versions, power output 42 and / or power input 44 may be duplicated. For example, in some versions, support platform 40 may include power output 42 and / or power input 44 on all or several sides of support platform 40 (e.g., right and left sides, front and rear, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, in some versions, power output 42 and / or power input 44 may be duplicated on a single side of support platform 40. For example, in some versions, one or more sides of support platform 40 may include a single power input 44, but may include multiple power outputs 42 to support coupling of base 10 to multiple other bases similar to base 10. Of course, other suitable configurations of power outputs 42 and power inputs 44 will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0028] II. Examples of Base Attached Components In conventional microtomy accessory devices, such devices may be dedicated to a given purpose. For example, conventional accessory devices may include a dedicated slide dryer, dedicated slide oven, or dedicated water bath. However, such dedicated accessories may be inflexible in some situations because the functionality of each device may be limited to the specific function of the given accessory. Therefore, as noted above, in some versions, it may be desirable to use the base 10 with a variety of different accessory components to promote flexibility. In these versions, the base 10 may function as a universal component configured to accept different accessory components as needed. In other words, the laboratory workspace may be more easily reconfigured by exchanging accessory components within a given base 10 without having to move the base 10 itself. Some examples of accessory components that may be used interchangeably with the base 10 are described in more detail below.

[0029] A. Examples of components attached to a slide dryer As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the base 10 may, in some circumstances, be used with a slide dryer 110 (also referred to as a slide rack, slide holder, or slide heater). The slide dryer 110 is generally configured to be received within the receiver 22 of the base 10 and receive heat from the heating element 26 to dry specimen slides held on the surface of the slide dryer 110. The slide dryer 110 includes a support body 112 (also referred to as a body, support, or base) and a slide support 120 (also referred to as a shelf, slide shelf, or holder). The support body 112 and the slide support 120 are configured together to hold one or more specimen slides near the heating element 26 and heat the held specimen slides to a desired temperature for drying.

[0030] The support body (112) extends downward from the slide support (120) and is configured to elevate the slide support (120) within the receiver (22) so that it is approximately flush with the upper surface of the base (10). The support body (112) is generally configured as two or more legs extending vertically from each side of the slide support (120). In other versions, the support body (112) may include additional structural features, such as cross members, to provide additional structural rigidity to the slide dryer (110). While not shown, it should be understood that in some versions, the support body (112) may further include a thermally conductive medium to facilitate the transfer of heat from the heating element (26) to the slide support (120). Additionally, in some versions, the support body (112) may further include features, such as a protrusion configured to engage the pressure switch (28) of the base (10) when the slide dryer (110) is fully seated within the receiver (22) as described above.

[0031] The slide support 120 is generally configured to provide a surface upon which specimen slides must be placed for drying purposes. In this version, the slide support 120 is configured to hold multiple specimen slides at an angle relative to the horizontal axis of the slide dryer 110. In particular, the slide support 120 includes multiple angled slats 122 (also referred to as angled surfaces) configured to receive one or more specimen slides. Each angled slat 122 is connected to another angled slat 122 by a slide rest 124. Specifically, each slide rest 124 projects vertically or at an angle from one angled slat 122 to another angled slat. Additionally, each angled slat 122 is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the horizontal axis of the slide dryer 110 so that specimen slides can be received at an angle on the surface of each angled slat 122. Each slide rest (124) is therefore configured to hold the specimen slide in place to prevent the specimen slide from sliding.

[0032] As mentioned above, the floor 24 of the base 10 may be oriented at an angle relative to the horizontal axis of the base 10. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, this orientation of the floor 24 may be configured to position the slide dryer 110 at the same angle when received within the receiver 22 of the base 10. Thus, in addition to the angle described above relative to the angled slats 122, the slide dryer 110 itself may be positioned at an angle. Such a configuration may be desirable in some versions to encourage fluid to flow away from the angled slats 122 and away from any specimen slides placed on the slide dryer 110, further facilitating drying of the specimen slides. Although not shown, it should be understood that in some versions, the floor 24 may include a drain and / or fluid receptacle adjacent the bottom of the slope of the floor 24 to facilitate management of fluid communication from the slide dryer 110.

[0033] While in this version, each angled slat (122) is shown as oriented at a specific angle, it should be understood that in other versions, various alternative angles may be used. For example, as best shown in Figures 5 and 6, in some versions, two substantially similar slide dryers (160, 180) may be used interchangeably with the base (10). In these versions, one slide dryer (160) may include angled slats (172) oriented at a relatively shallow angle (see Figure 5), while another slide dryer (180) may include angled slats (192) oriented at a relatively steep angle (see Figure 6). Additionally, or alternatively, in some versions, a single slide dryer (110) may include angled slats (122), with one or more of the angled slats (122) oriented at a different angle relative to another angled slat (122). Regardless of the particular configuration, the angle of each angled slat (122) is generally configured to facilitate drainage of fluid from the specimen slides during the slide drying process. In particular, the angle of each angled slat (122) may be configured to induce drainage of fluid from one or more specimen slides by gravity to facilitate drying, and heat from the heating element (26) may facilitate evaporation of the fluid to further facilitate drying.

[0034] B. Examples of water bath accessories As best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the base 10 may, in some circumstances, be used with a water bath 210 (also called a floating bath, tissue bath, or liquid bath). The water bath 210 is generally received within the receiver 22 of the base 10, receives heat from the heating element 26, and is configured to retain water within a portion of the water bath 210. As noted above, the water bath 210 may be used in conjunction with a microtome to float prepared sections, thereby assisting in the transfer of the prepared sections to specimen slides. This version of the water bath 210 includes a support body 212 that defines a water tank 220 (also called a fluid tank or fluid reservoir).

[0035] The support body 212 includes a floor 214 and a plurality of sidewalls 216 extending upward from the floor 214. The size and shape of the support body 212 generally correspond to the shape of the receiver 22 of the base 10. Accordingly, the floor 214 of this version is configured to abut the floor 24 of the receiver 22 when the water bath 210 is received in the base 10. While not shown, it should be understood that in some versions, the support body 212 may include a thermally conductive medium to facilitate the transfer of heat from the heating element 26 to the water tank 220. Such a thermally conductive medium may be separately attached to the support body 212 or may be integrated into one or more components of the support body 212, such as any one or more of the floor 214 or sidewalls 216.

[0036] The floor 214 and the sidewall 216 together define the water tank 220. The water tank 220 is generally configured to hold and contain a fluid therein. Accordingly, the floor 214 and the sidewall 216 are joined together by a fluid-tight seal to prevent leakage of the fluid from the water tank 220. The particular size and shape of the water tank 220 in this version generally corresponds to the particular size and shape of the receiver 22. Accordingly, the water tank 220 is generally shaped as a rectangular or square in this version. However, it should be understood that in other versions, the water tank 220 may have a variety of alternative shapes, such as a circular, oval, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, while the shape of the water tank 220 in this version corresponds to the shape of the receiver 22, such a correspondence in shape need not necessarily be used in other versions. For example, in some versions, the retainer (22) may be rectangular or square in shape, and the water tank (220) may be circular.

[0037] As best shown in FIG. 8 , the water bath (210) is generally configured to fit into the receiver (22) with the upper open area of ​​the water bath (210) generally flush with the upper surface of the base (10). Additionally, the water bath (210) may be configured to engage the pressure switch (28) when fully seated within the receiver (22). While not shown, it should be understood that the water bath (210) may include one or more protrusions configured to engage the pressure switch (28). Accordingly, the sidewall (216) may generally correspond to the depth of the receiver (22). Furthermore, in versions in which the floor (24) of the receiver (22) is angled, the floor (214) of the water tank (220) may be similarly angled. Furthermore, to allow for such an angled floor (214), the sidewall (216) may be tapered to allow for the above-described flush configuration.

[0038] C. Examples of components included with the slide oven As best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the base 10 may, in some circumstances, be used with a slide oven 310 (also referred to as a slide rack oven, enclosed slide heater, or oven). The slide oven 310 is generally received within the receiver 22 of the base 10 and configured to receive heat from the heating element 26 to dry specimen slides held within the slide oven 310. The slide oven 310 includes a support body 312 (also referred to as a body, support, or base), one or more slide containers 320 (also referred to as rack containers, slide shelves, or holders), and a cap 330 (also referred to as a lid). The support body 312 and cap 330 are configured to collectively enclose one or more specimen slides held within the slide container 320 for heating using the heating element 26 for drying purposes.

[0039] The support body 312 is configured to be received within the receiver 22 and to house at least a portion of the slide containers 320 and caps 330. The support body 312 includes a floor 314 and a plurality of sidewalls 316 extending upwardly from the floor 314. The floor 314 and sidewalls 316 together define a generally rectangular or square configuration that is open at the top for receiving at least a portion of the slide containers 320 and caps 330 within the support body. Although not shown, it should be understood that in some versions, the support body 312 may further include a thermally conductive medium to facilitate the transfer of heat from the heating element 26 to each slide container 320. Such a thermally conductive medium may be separately applied to support body 312 or may be integrated into one or more components of support body 312, such as any one or more of floor 314 or sidewall 316. Additionally, although not shown, it should be understood that support body 312 may be configured to engage pressure switch 28, either directly with one or more protrusions or indirectly by engaging floor 24.

[0040] Each slide container (320) is configured to receive one or more specimen slides for drying. Each slide container (320) in this version has a generally rectangular configuration and may include multiple slots for receiving one or more specimen slides therein. While not shown, it should be understood that each slide container (320) may receive specimen slides in various orientations, such as horizontal, vertical, or angled. Furthermore, while this version is shown as including two slide containers (320), it should be understood that other versions may use any suitable number of slide containers (320), such as one, three, or four.

[0041] The cap 330 is generally configured to nest within the support body 312 to enclose the slide container 320 between the cap 330 and the support body 312. In other words, the cap 330 may be configured to seal the support body 312, enhancing thermal insulation and improving heating / drying efficiency. The cap 330 includes a top portion 332 and a plurality of sidewalls 334, which are similar but opposite in configuration to the floor portion 314 and sidewalls 316 described above. The top portion 332 includes a grip 336 to facilitate manipulation of the cap 330 by an operator. While not shown, it should be understood that in some versions, at least a portion of the cap 330 may be transparent to facilitate visualization of the slide container 320 during heating.

[0042] III. Examples of using multiple bases As noted above, it may be desirable to use multiple bases 10 to more efficiently utilize space and increase flexibility. For example, multiple bases 10 may be positioned closely together so that all bases 10 are powered by a single power source. This configuration may reduce the total space required by reducing the space between each base 10 and by reducing the space that may be required for additional cabling extending from each base 10 to an independent power source. Furthermore, flexibility may be improved by allowing the functionality of a given base 10 to be changed without moving the base 10 itself by substituting one accessory component 110, 210, 310 for another accessory component 310, 210, 110. While several exemplary configurations are described below, it should be understood that various alternative configurations may be used without departing from the principles of operation described herein.

[0043] Figure 11 shows an example of a configuration using multiple bases 10. As can be seen, this configuration includes four bases 10 coupled together and powered by a single power source. Specifically, the bases 10 are arranged in a square grid pattern with little or no space between each base 10. This spacing maximizes space utilization by utilizing each recess 46 for the termination of each power cable 350.

[0044] Each power cable 350 connects to a given base 10, thereby providing power to all four bases 10 using only a single power source. In other words, the power cables 350 may be used to daisy-chain the bases 10 together. For example, one power cable 350 extends from the power source to the power input 44 of the first base 10. Then, another power cable 350 extends from the power output 42 of the first base 10 to the power input 44 of the second base 10. Another power cable 350 extends from the power output 42 of the second base 10 to the power input 44 of the third base 10. Finally, another power cable 350 extends from the power output 42 of the second base 10 to the power input 44 of the fourth base 10. In this configuration, only four bases (10) are connected using power cables (350), but it should be understood that the same pattern can be repeated to use as many bases (10) as desired.

[0045] The functionality of each base (10) is facilitated by the various accessory components (110, 210, 310) used with each base (10) in the configuration shown in FIG. 11 . Specifically, in this configuration, one base (10) accepts a water bath (210) as an accessory component, and the other three bases (10) accept separate slide dryers (110) as accessory components. With this configuration, the slide dryers (110) are in an L-shaped pattern, with the water bath (210) located in one corner (e.g., the left corner). In use, this configuration may be desirable for a right-handed operator because when the configuration shown in FIG. 11 is positioned on the left side of the microtome, the water bath (210) can be positioned closer to the operator's dominant hand. As shown in FIG. 12 , this same configuration may be reversed or mirrored for use by a left-handed operator.

[0046] 11 and 12 also include various power cable 350 placements. It should be understood, therefore, that using multiple bases 10 together can facilitate flexible power cable 350 placement. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , in some configurations, one power cable 350 for communicating with a power source may extend from one side (e.g., the left side) of the configuration. In other configurations, as shown in FIG. 12 , the power cable 350 for communicating with a power source may extend from another side (e.g., the rear side) of the configuration. It should be understood, therefore, that each base 10 provides flexibility such that a particular power cable 350 used to communicate with a power source may extend from any suitable side of the base 10 placement. Such functionality may be desirable to suit a particular power cable 350 placement for a given laboratory environment.

[0047] 11 and 12 show the use of a single water bath (210) and three slide dryers (110), it should be understood that in other configurations, different combinations of ancillary components (110, 210, 310) may be used. For example, one or more of the slide dryers (110) may be used in place of the slide oven (310). Additionally or alternatively, one or more slide dryers (110) may be used in place of the water bath (210) to provide a configuration with more than one water bath (210).

[0048] Figure 13 shows another configuration for use with multiple bases (10) connected together. As can be seen, this configuration includes three bases (10) connected together and powered by a single power source. Specifically, the bases (10) are arranged in a linear or line-based pattern with little or no space between each base (10). As mentioned above, this spacing maximizes space utilization by utilizing each recess (46) for the termination of each power cable (350).

[0049] Similar to the configurations described above with respect to Figures 11 and 12, the configuration shown in Figure 13 includes a power cable 350 coupled to a single power source and multiple power cables 350 coupling each base 10 to another base 10. Specifically, one power cable 350 extends from the power source to the power input 44 of the first base 10. Another power cable 350 then extends from the power output 42 of the first base 10 to the power input 44 of the second base 10. Another power cable 350 extends from the power output 42 of the second base 10 to the power input 44 of the third base 10. While only three bases 10 are connected using power cables 350 in this configuration, it should be understood that the same pattern can be repeated to use any number of bases 10 as desired.

[0050] As discussed above, the functionality of each base 10 is facilitated by the various accessory components 110, 210, and 310 used with each base 10 in the configuration shown in FIG. 13. Specifically, in this configuration, one base 10 accepts a water bath 210 as an accessory component, and the other two bases 10 accept separate slide dryers 110 as accessory components. With this configuration, the slide dryer 110 is offset along an axis to one side of the configuration, and the water bath 210 is on another side (e.g., the left side) of the configuration. In use, this configuration may be desirable for a right-handed operator because when the configuration shown in FIG. 13 is positioned on the left side of the microtome, the water bath 210 can be positioned closer to the operator's dominant hand. This same configuration may be reversed or mirrored for use by a left-handed operator by positioning the water bath 210 on the opposite side from the configuration shown in FIG. 13.

[0051] While the configuration shown in Figure 13 illustrates the use of a single water bath (210) and two slide dryers (110), it should be understood that in other configurations, different combinations of ancillary components (110, 210, 310) may be used. For example, one or more of the slide dryers (110) may be used in place of the slide oven (310). Additionally or alternatively, one or more slide dryers (110) may be used in place of the water bath (210), providing a configuration with more than one water bath (210).

[0052] Regardless of the particular configuration used for the multiple bases 10, it should be understood that the functionality of each base 10 can be changed without having to reposition each individual base 10. Instead, functionality can be changed by substituting one accessory component 110, 210, 310 for another accessory component 310, 210, 110. Thus, during use, the bases 10 may be initially positioned in a generally desired configuration, such as the square configuration described above with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 or the linear configuration described above with reference to FIG. 13. Once the generally desired configuration is established, the specific functionality of each individual base 10 may be adjusted as needed to meet user preferences or operational needs. Additionally, or alternatively, different styles of accessory components 110, 210, 310 may be altered without substantially changing functionality. For example, as noted above, some versions of the slide dryer 110 may include different slide support 120 configurations. Thus, one slide dryer (110) can be used in place of another different slide dryer, such as slide dryers (160, 180) described above.

[0053] Regardless of the specific configuration or function of the bases (10), the bases (10) may generally be positioned close to one another to maximize space utilization. FIG. 14 illustrates the placement of one base (10) relative to another. As can be seen, each receiving body (20) may be positioned adjacent to or near the other receiving bodies (20) to provide a generally continuous work surface between the bases (10). Beneath each receiving body (20), the recesses (46) in each base (10) provide space through which the power cable (350) may be terminated or extend. Thus, the recesses (46) in each base (10) allow for the storage or accommodation of any power cable (350) without requiring additional space between the bases (10).

[0054] IV. Alternative Attachment-Based Examples As described above, the base 10 may generally be configured for use with specific accessories to facilitate various functional uses of the base 10. In the context of a system, multiple bases 10 may be used with different accessories to provide flexible system configurations. However, in other versions, it may be desirable to dedicate the functionality of each base 10 to a specific function. In other words, a system including separate bases with dedicated functions may be desirable. These dedicated bases may function as one or more of a water bath, slide dryer, and / or slide oven. Dedicated bases such as these may be desirable in some situations to reduce product costs, improve manufacturability, and / or provide more integrated control features. Below are described some examples of bases that may be used as bases dedicated to performing specific corresponding functions. However, in some variations, more than one corresponding function may be provided for each base described below. Thus, while bases are described below in the context of being "dedicated," it is contemplated that there may be some scenarios in which the bases described below are not necessarily "dedicated."

[0055] A. Example of a dedicated water bath base FIG. 15 shows a version of a dedicated water bath base (510). This version of the water bath base (510) is substantially similar to the combination of the base (10) and the water bath (210) described above. However, unlike the combination of the base (10) and the water bath (210), the water bath base (510) in this example is permanently configured to function as a water bath. Thus, like the base (10) described above, the water bath base (510) is configured with a single function that cannot be changed. While water is used to create the bath in this example, any other suitable type(s) of fluid(s) may be used to create the bath in addition to or instead of using water.

[0056] Similar to the base 10 described above, the water bath base 510 includes a body 520. However, unlike the body 20 described above, the body 520 in this example omits elements such as the receiver 22 and floor 24. As described in more detail below, certain water bath functional features may be integrated into the body 520 such that elements such as the receiver 22 and floor 24 are not strictly required. However, it should be understood that in other versions, the water bath base 510 may include one or more removable components related to the functional features of such water bath. Thus, in some versions, the body 520 may include elements similar to the receiver 22 and floor 24 described above.

[0057] Although body (520) omits elements similar to receiver (22) in this version, body (520) includes a heating element (526), ​​a temperature sensor (530), and a controller (532) similar to heating element (26), controller (32), and sensor (30) described above. Like heating element (26) described above, heating element (526) in this example is generally configured to heat a space defined by body (520). As described in more detail below, body (520) may include certain water bath functional features that may be used in conjunction with heating element (526) to heat a fluid, such as water or other solution.

[0058] Similar to heating element (26) described above, heating element (526) may include various heat sources or combinations of heat sources. By way of example only, in some versions, heating element (526) may include one or more heat pads, one or more electrical resistance heating elements, etc. In this version, heating element (526) corresponds to approximately the same area as the space defined by body (520) so that heat can be radiated upward into the space defined by body (520). In some versions, at least a portion of heating element (526) may be incorporated into other portions of body (520), such as sidewalls, to radiate heat horizontally or from other directions.

[0059] Temperature sensor 530 is substantially similar to temperature sensor 30 described above. For example, temperature sensor 530 is generally configured to detect a temperature within body 520. As described in more detail below, this temperature detection feature of temperature sensor 530 may be used to detect a temperature associated with a functional feature of a particular water bath that may be used in conjunction with heating element 526. While temperature sensor 530 is shown as a single point in this version, it should be understood that temperature sensor 530 may include multiple temperature sensors 530 linked in an array. Temperature sensor 530 may communicate with controller 532 to detect and communicate to an operator a temperature associated with the interior of body 520 in real time. As described in more detail below, such real-time temperature measurements may be associated with a functional feature of a particular water bath disposed within body 520.

[0060] The controller 532 includes a display 534, an input feature 536, and an indicator 538. This version of the controller 532 further includes a processor 533 and / or other control circuitry to support the use of the display 534, the input feature 536, and the indicator 538, which are in communication with the heating element 526 and the temperature sensor 530. For example, the input feature 536 and the temperature sensor 530 may communicate with the processor 533, such that the processor 533 can receive operational input from the input feature 536 and the temperature sensor 530 described above. The processor 533 may also communicate with the heating element 526, the display 534, and the indicator 538, and drive the heating element 526, the display 534, and the indicator 538 based on the input received from the input feature 536 and the temperature sensor 530. The processor (533) may be used, in some versions, to provide a closed-loop feedback control algorithm for maintaining a portion of the body (520) within a selected temperature range. Similarly, the display (534), input features (536), and indicators (538) may communicate with the control circuitry to provide operator control or operator feedback.

[0061] Display (534) in this version is substantially similar to display (34) described above. For example, display (534) is generally configured to provide feedback to the operator. In this version, display (534) includes an LED display, an OLED display, or the like. In either case, display (534) may be configured to present operational information to the operator, such as the temperature detected by temperature sensor (530), menu options or other graphical user interface, a timer, etc.

[0062] Input feature (536) in this example may also be substantially similar to input feature (36) described above. For example, input feature (536) in this version is configured to allow user input. In this version, input feature (536) includes two triangular buttons that may be used to adjust the temperature generated by heating element (526) up or down. Additionally or alternatively, buttons such as these may be used to cycle through different predetermined modes, which may be shown on display (534) as the operator cycles through them.

[0063] Similar to indicator (38) described above, this version of indicator (538) is configured to provide specific operational status information to the operator. For example, in this version, indicator (538) includes a single-color or multi-color LED that can illuminate differently to communicate operational status to the operator. In some versions, indicator (538) may indicate that a specific temperature (e.g., an operator-set value) has been reached by displaying one of multiple colors. Additionally or alternatively, in some versions, indicator (538) may indicate that a specific temperature has been reached by flashing or blinking at a specific frequency. Additionally or alternatively, in some versions, indicator (538) may also indicate other operational statuses, such as when heating element (526) is active but has not yet reached a predetermined temperature (e.g., during preheating).

[0064] The interior of the body 520 defines a functional area 561 configured to support a given function associated with the base 510. In this version, the functional area 561 includes a water bath 560. The water bath 560 is configured similarly to the water bath 210 described above. However, unlike the water bath 210 described above, the water bath 560 in this version is integral with the body 520 and is not removable from the body 520. The water bath 560 is generally configured to function as a fluid reservoir for holding water or other fluid suitable for suspending prepared sections and assisting in the transfer of such prepared sections onto one or more specimen slides.

[0065] The water bath 560 includes a water tank 562 defined by a body 520. The water tank 562 includes a floor 564 and a plurality of sidewalls 566 extending upward from the floor 564. In this version, the floor 564 is positioned above and / or immediately adjacent to the heating element 526 so that heat can radiate upward from the heating element 526 and enter the space defined by the water tank 562. Similarly, in this version, the floor 564 is positioned above and / or immediately adjacent to the temperature sensor 530 so that the temperature of the fluid within the water tank 562 can be measured using the temperature sensor 530. Although not shown, it should be understood that in some versions, the body 520 may include a thermally conductive medium to facilitate the transfer of heat from the heating element 526 to the water tank 562.

[0066] The floor 564 and sidewalls 566 together define the water tank 562. The water tank 562 is generally configured to hold and contain a fluid therein. As such, the floor 564 and sidewalls 566 together are joined by a fluid-tight seal to prevent leakage of fluid from the water tank 562. In this version, the particular shape of the water tank 562 is generally rectangular or square. However, it should be understood that in other versions, the water tank 562 may be a variety of alternative shapes, such as circular, oval, etc.

[0067] The top of the water tank 562 is generally flush with the top of the body 520. Thus, the level of fluid disposed within the water tank 562 may be aligned with the top of the body 520 in some configurations. To facilitate visualization of the surface of the fluid disposed within the water tank 562, an illumination source 570 is included within the body 520. In this version, the illumination source 570 comprises an elongated light bar extending substantially the length of one or more sidewalls 566. In this version, the illumination source 570 is associated with the control unit 532. However, in other versions, the illumination source 570 may be associated with any one or more sides of the body 520.

[0068] The illumination source 570 is generally configured to direct light onto the surface of the fluid disposed within the water tank 562. The illumination source 570 is configured to emit a generally flat beam of light at an angle into the interior of the water tank 562. Such a beam may be provided by a variety of sources. For example, in some versions, the illumination source 570 may include an LED light strip, one or more incandescent light bulbs, one or more laser light sources, one or more neon light sources, etc. Furthermore, the particular light emitted may be of various colors, such as white light, red, green, blue, and / or other suitable colors. In addition to illumination, such colors may be varied to provide an operator with indicators related to the status of the water tank 562.

[0069] As best shown in FIG. 16 , the body 520 further defines a recess 546 associated with the bottom and / or sides of the body 520. This version of the recess 546 is similar to the recess 46 described above in that the recess 546 is generally configured for use in connection with cable management. To facilitate such cable management, the recess 546 may include one or more fastening features similar to the cable management feature 48 described above. However, unlike the recess 46 described above, the recess 546 is primarily located on the bottom of the body 520 rather than being a depression, notch, or groove in the side of the body 520, as with the recess 46 described above.

[0070] This version of recess (546) defines two side legs (548) and one rear leg (550) that intersect approximately in the center of body (520). Specifically, legs (548, 550) extend in different directions across the bottom of body (520) to provide a channel between the center of body (520) and one or more sides of body (520). As described in more detail below, this configuration may be used to allow selective association of cable (580) with a given side of body (520).

[0071] At the end of each leg (548, 550) opposite the center of the body (520), each leg (548, 550) includes a respective aperture (549, 551) that communicates with a given side of the body (520). Each aperture (549, 551) is oversized relative to the size of each leg (548, 550) to improve access to the respective leg (548, 550) on each side of the body (520). As will be explained in more detail below, the presence of each aperture (549, 551) can be used to facilitate use of the cable (580) for coupling to other features associated with the cable (580).

[0072] In this version, the cable 580 is approximately equal in length to each leg 548, 550. In this version, this length may be desirable to prevent excess cable 580 from getting tangled under the body 520. It should be appreciated that the cable 580 may be tethered to the body 520 approximately at the center of the body 520 where the legs 548, 550 intersect. Thus, the cable 580 may be easily repositioned from one leg 548, 550 to another while still being tethered to the center of the body 520.

[0073] FIG. 17 shows this version of cable 580 in more detail. As can be seen, cable 580 includes a multi-function connector 582 having a diameter that roughly corresponds to the size of each of holes 548, 551. This version of multi-function connector 582 is configured to facilitate multiple communication functions using cable 580. For example, cable 580 may be configured to provide power to base 510, conduct power from base 510, and conduct electrical inputs and / or outputs to and from base 510. Accordingly, multi-function connector 582 may include multiple pins, pin receivers, or other electrical coupling features to facilitate coupling of cable 580 to other similar cables. As described in more detail below, this feature of multi-function connector 582 may be used to provide power to base 510 itself, to provide power to other components, and even to control the other components using controller 532 as a dedicated controller for all components.

[0074] B. Example of dedicated slide dryer base FIG. 18 illustrates a slide dryer base 610 that, when used in conjunction with the water bath base 510 described above, can provide an integrated system for preparing slides. The slide dryer base 610 includes a body 620 and a functional area 661 disposed within a portion of the body 620. Like the body 520 described above, this version of the body 620 includes a heating element 626 and a temperature sensor 630. However, unlike the body 520 described above, this version of the body 620 omits elements similar to the controller 532 and related features. As described in more detail below, the heating element 626 and the temperature sensor 630 are configured to be controlled by the water bath base 510 via the controller 532. Therefore, elements similar to the controller 532 are not required in this version of the body 620. However, it should be understood that in some versions, the body (620) may include elements similar to the control (532) to provide additional control of the heating element (626) and the temperature sensor (630).

[0075] A functional area (661) is defined by the body (620) and facilitates a given functional feature associated with the base (610). While the functional area (661) can take a variety of forms (e.g., an oven, a water bath, etc.), in this version, the functional area (661) includes a slide dryer (660). The slide dryer (660) in the slide dryer base (610) is similar to the slide dryer (110) described above. However, unlike the slide dryer (110), the slide dryer (660) in this version can be permanently affixed to the slide dryer base (610). Thus, the function of the slide dryer base (610) is dedicated to slide drying, rather than the other functions described above.

[0076] Similar to the slide dryer 110 described above, this version of the slide dryer 660 includes a slide support 662, which is generally flush with the top of the body 620 and configured to support one or more slides on the surface of the slide support 662. The slide support 662 includes a plurality of angled slats 664 configured to receive one or more specimen slides. Each angled slat 664 is connected to another angled slat 664 by a slide rest 666. Specifically, each slide rest 666 projects vertically or at an angle from one angled slat 664 to another. Additionally, each angled slat 664 is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the horizontal axis of the slide dryer 660 so that a specimen slide can be received at an angle on the surface of each angled slat 664. Each slide rest (666) is therefore configured to hold the specimen slide in place to prevent the specimen slide from sliding.

[0077] As discussed above with respect to slide dryer 110, in some instances, slide dryer 660 itself may be oriented at an angle relative to the plane of the top surface of body 620. Such an angled orientation may be in addition to the angles discussed above with respect to angled slats 664. In some versions, this angled configuration may be desirable to encourage fluid to flow away from the angled slats 664 and away from specimen slides placed on slide dryer 660, further facilitating drying of the specimen slides.

[0078] While in this version each angled slat (664) is shown as oriented at a specific angle, it should be understood that in other versions various alternative angles may be used. For example, any one or more of the angles described above for the slide dryers (160, 180) may be used in place of the angles shown in FIG. 18.

[0079] As described above, the slide dryer base 610 includes a heating element 626 and a temperature sensor 630. The heating element 626 may be positioned below and / or adjacent to the slide dryer 660 to radiate heat upward into the angled slats 664, heating one or more specimen slides and facilitating drying of the one or more specimen slides. Similarly, the temperature sensor 630 may also be positioned below and / or adjacent to the slide dryer 660 to facilitate control of the heating element 626. In this version, this configuration of the temperature sensor 630 may be used to control the temperature of the slide dryer 660 within a predetermined range determined by the controller 532 of the water bath base 510.

[0080] As best shown in FIG. 19 , the body (620) further defines a recess (646) associated with the bottom and / or sides of the body (620). This version of the recess (646) is similar to the recess (46) described above in that the recess (646) is generally configured for use in connection with cable management. To facilitate such cable management, the recess (646) may include one or more fastening features similar to the cable management feature (48) described above. However, unlike the recess (46) described above, the recess (646) is primarily located within the bottom of the body (620) rather than being a depression, notch, or groove within the side of the body (620) as with the recess (46) described above.

[0081] This version of recess (646) defines two side legs (648) and one rear leg (650) that intersect approximately in the center of body (620). Specifically, legs (648, 650) extend in different directions across the bottom of body (620) to provide a channel between the center of body (620) and one or more sides of body (620). As described in more detail below, this configuration may be used to enable selective association of cable (680) with a given side of body (620).

[0082] At the end of each leg (648, 650) opposite the center of the body (620), each leg (648, 650) includes a respective aperture (649, 651) that communicates with a given side of the body (620). Each aperture (649, 651) is oversized relative to the size of each leg (648, 650) to improve access to the respective leg (648, 650) on each side of the body (620). As described in more detail below, the presence of each aperture (649, 651) can be used to facilitate use of the cable (680) for coupling to the cable (580) of the water bath base (510) described above.

[0083] The cable 680 is substantially similar to the cable 580 described above. For example, this version of the cable 680 defines a length approximately equal to the length of each leg 648, 650. This length may be desirable to prevent excess cable 680 from tangling underneath the body 620. It should be understood that the cable 680 may be tethered to the body 620 approximately at the center of the body 620 where the legs 648, 650 intersect. Thus, the cable 680 may be easily repositioned from one leg 648, 650 to another while still tethered to the center of the body 620.

[0084] Like cable 580 described above, this version of cable 680 also includes a multi-function connector 682. Multi-function connector 682 of cable 680 is generally configured to mate with multi-function connector 582 of cable 580 to enable power and / or data communication between water bath base 510 and slide dryer base 610. The size of multi-function connector 682 corresponds to the size of each of apertures 648, 651. Thus, multi-function connector 682 can be received in each of apertures 648, 651.

[0085] This version of the multi-function connector 682 is configured to facilitate multiple communication functions using the cable 680. For example, the cable 680 may be configured to supply power to the base 610, conduct power from the base 610, and conduct electrical inputs and / or outputs to and from the base 610. Accordingly, the multi-function connector 682 may include multiple pins, pin receivers, or other electrical coupling features to facilitate coupling of the cable 680 to other similar cables, such as the cable 580. As described in more detail below, this feature of the multi-function connector 682 may be used to supply power to the base 610 itself, to supply power to and receive power from other components, and to facilitate control of the base 610 via other components, such as the water bath base 510.

[0086] C. Example of use in a dedicated water bath base and slide dryer base system 20 and 21 illustrate an example of a system using a water bath base 510 and a slide dryer base 610 together. As best shown in FIG. 20, the water bath base 510 and the slide dryer base 610 may be coupled together via multi-function connectors 582, 682 on their respective cables 580, 680. In this version, the water bath base 510 may be configured to operate as a leader unit, allowing the control unit 532 to be used to control the operation of both the water bath base 510 and the slide dryer base 610. The slide dryer base 610 may therefore operate as a follower unit, relying on the water bath base 510 for functional control.

[0087] In this version, the water bath base (510) is configured to receive and distribute power to the slide dryer base (610). Power may be supplied to the water bath base (510) via various mechanisms. For example, in some versions, the water bath base (510) may include a separate power cable configured to couple to a wall outlet. In these versions, the separate power cable may be configured for use with the recess (546) along with the cable (580). Alternatively, the separate power cable may be separate from the recess (546) and protrude from either side of the body (520), such as the rear or either side. In yet other versions, the cable (580) of the water bath base (510) may include a split section that can be used to couple the water bath base (510) to a power source, such as a wall outlet. In yet other versions, the power source may be integrated into the water bath base (510) as a battery.

[0088] As can be seen in FIG. 21 , the water bath base (510) and the sliding dryer base (610) can be positioned in various positions relative to each other by routing and terminating the respective cables (580, 680) through the respective recesses (546, 646). For example, in one configuration, the sliding dryer base (610) can be positioned on either the left or right side of the water bath base (510) by routing and terminating the cables (580, 680) through a given side leg (548, 648). In another configuration, the sliding dryer base (610) can be positioned on the rear side of the water bath base (510) by routing and terminating the cable (580) through the rear leg (550) and the cable (680) through a given side leg (648) or rear leg (660), depending on the orientation of the sliding dryer base (610).

[0089] Although not shown, it should be understood that in some versions, multiple slide dryer bases (610) may be used in conjunction with a single water bath base (510). In such instances, the water bath base (510) may include one or more additional cables (580) to support multiple coupling arrangements. In versions with multiple cables (580), one or more of such multiple cables (580) may be selectively detachable from the water bath base (510) to support various operating modes. Additionally or alternatively, each slide dryer base (610) may include one or more additional cables (680) to enable coupling arrangements between the slide dryer bases (610). Such additional cables (680) may likewise be selectively detachable to support various operating modes.

[0090] Similar to the configuration described above with respect to Figure 21, arrangements with multiple sliding dryer bases (610) can take a variety of configurations. For example, in some configurations, the water bath base (510) may be centrally located with separate sliding dryer bases (610) on either side and / or rear. In other configurations, the water bath base (510) may be located on one side with multiple sliding dryer bases (610) located from a single side or rear of the water bath base (510).

[0091] V. Example of Combination The following examples describe various, non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. The following examples are not intended to limit the scope of any Claims that may be presented at any time in this application or in any subsequent application thereto. No disclaimers are intended. The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein may be arranged and applied in many other ways. It is also contemplated that some variations may omit certain features referred to in the examples below. Accordingly, none of the aspects or features referred to below should be considered critical unless expressly indicated otherwise later by the inventor, or by the intended inventor's successors, etc. If any Claims are presented in this application or in any subsequent application related to this application that include additional features beyond those referred to below, those additional features should not be presumed to have been added for any reason related to patentability.

[0092] Example 1 1. A system comprising: a first base having a first heating element configured to heat a first functional component to increase the temperature of a fluid within the first functional component; a second base having a second heating element configured to heat a second functional component to dry one or more specimen slides; a cable coupling the first base to the second base; and a controller in communication with both the first heating element and the second heating element to simultaneously control the first heating element and the second heating element.

[0093] Example 2 The system of example 1, wherein the cable has a multi-function connector, and the cable is configured to communicate data signals and power via the multi-function connector.

[0094] Example 3 The system of any one of Examples 1 to 2, wherein the control unit is incorporated into a portion of the first base, and the control unit communicates with the second base via the cable.

[0095] Example 4 The system of any one or more of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the cable is a first cable extending from a portion of the first base, the system further includes a second cable extending from a portion of the second base, and the first cable and the second cable each include a respective multi-function connector configured to couple the first cable with the second cable.

[0096] Example 5 The system of any one or more of Examples 1-4, wherein the first base defines a recess extending below a bottom of the first base, the recess configured to receive the cable within a portion of the recess.

[0097] Example 6 The system of Example 5, wherein the first base includes one or more fastening features associated with the recess, the one or more fastening features configured to retain the cable within a portion of the recess.

[0098] Example 7 The system of Example 5 or 6, wherein the recess includes a first leg and a second leg, the first leg extending from a side of the first base across the bottom of the first base, and the second leg extending from an opposing side of the first base across the bottom of the first base, and the first leg and the second leg are configured to interact with each other.

[0099] Example 8 A system as described in Example 5 or 6, wherein the recess includes a pair of side legs and rear legs, the side legs and the rear legs forming an intersection, and the pair of side legs and rear legs extending in opposite directions from the intersection toward each side of the first base.

[0100] Example 9 The system of any one or more of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the first base includes a receiver configured to receive the first functional component, and the first heating element is positioned adjacent to the receiver so as to be in thermal communication with the first functional component.

[0101] Example 10 10. The system of any one or more of Examples 1-9, wherein the second functional component includes a slide dryer configured to receive heat from the second heating element to heat one or more specimen slides positioned on the slide dryer.

[0102] Example 11 10. The system of any one or more of Examples 1-9, wherein the first functional component includes a water bath, the water bath configured to receive heat from the first heating element to warm a fluid disposed within a portion of the water bath.

[0103] Example 12 The system of Example 11, wherein the first base includes an elongated light bar, the elongated light bar configured to direct light toward the water bath.

[0104] Example 13 The system of any one or more of Examples 1-12, wherein the first base includes a first temperature sensor, the second base includes a second temperature sensor, the first temperature sensor is proximate to the first heating element, and the second temperature sensor is proximate to the second heating element.

[0105] Example 14 The system described in Example 13, wherein the first temperature sensor is in communication with a processor of the control unit, and the processor is configured to drive the first heating element based on temperature data from the first temperature sensor to maintain a predetermined first temperature using the first heating element and the first temperature sensor, and the second temperature sensor is in communication with the processor of the control unit, and the processor is further configured to drive the second heating element based on temperature data from the second temperature sensor to maintain a predetermined second temperature using the second heating element and the second temperature sensor.

[0106] Example 15 A system described in any one or more of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the first functional component is permanently affixed to the first base and the second functional component is permanently affixed to the second base.

[0107] Example 16 1. A system comprising: a first base having a first heating element configured to heat a first accessory component to increase the temperature of a fluid within the first accessory component, the first base further comprising a controller in communication with the first heating element; a second base having a second heating element configured to heat a second accessory component to dry one or more specimen slides; and a multi-function cable extending from the first base to the second base, the controller of the first base being within the second heating element via the multi-function cable.

[0108] Example 17 The system of Example 16, wherein the first base defines a first recess, the second base defines a second recess, and the multi-function cable extends through the first recess, the second recess, or both the first recess and the second recess.

[0109] Example 18 The system of Example 16 or 17, wherein the first base has a first side, the second base has a second side, the first side is adjacent to the second side, and the multi-function cable extends between the first side and the second side.

[0110] Example 19 A system described in any one or more of Examples 16 to 18, wherein the first base includes a power supply interface, and the power supply interface is configured to transmit power from a power source to the first base and the second base.

[0111] Example 20 1. An apparatus comprising: a first heating element; a controller, the controller including a processor in communication with the first heating element and one or more user interface features, the one or more user interface features in communication with the processor to control the first heating element via the processor; and a first functional area configured to operate as a water bath or a slide dryer, the heating element configured to heat a portion of the first functional area; and a multi-function cable extending from a portion of the body, the processor in communication with a second heating element via the multi-function cable, the processor configured to control the second heating element simultaneously with controlling the first heating element.

[0112] V.Miscellaneous rules It should be noted that, as used herein, "couple," "coupled," "coupled," or other variations of the word coupled may refer to either an indirect or direct coupling. For example, when a first component is "coupled" to a second component, the first component may be either indirectly coupled to the second component through another component, or directly coupled to the second component.

[0113] The methods disclosed herein include one or more steps or actions for achieving the described method. Method steps and / or actions may be interchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for the proper operation of the described method, the order and / or use of specific steps and / or actions may be changed without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0114] As used herein, the term "plurality" means two or more. For example, a plurality of components refers to two or more components. The term "determining" encompasses a wide variety of actions, such that "determining" can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, considering, examining (e.g., looking up in a table, database, or another data structure), ascertaining, and the like. "Determining" can also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), and the like. "Determining" can also include resolving, selecting, electing, establishing, and the like.

[0115] The phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" describes both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0116] It should be understood that any of the variations of the devices or components described herein may include various other features in addition to or in place of those described above. Also, by way of example only, any of the devices herein may include one or more of the various features disclosed in any of the various references incorporated by reference herein. Various suitable ways in which such teachings may be combined will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0117] It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein. Thus, the above-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should not be considered in isolation from one another. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

[0118] It should be recognized that any patent, publication, or other disclosure material referred to herein as being incorporated by reference, in whole or in part, is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. Accordingly, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure expressly set forth herein will take precedence over any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, referred to as being incorporated herein by reference but that conflicts with existing definitions or other disclosure material set forth herein, is incorporated only to the extent that no conflict arises between the incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

[0119] While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be achieved by appropriate modifications by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. While some such potential modifications have been mentioned, others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the examples, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, proportions, steps, etc. described above are illustrative and not required. Accordingly, it is understood that the scope of the present invention should be considered in relation to the following claims, and is not limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

[0120] [Embodiment] (1) (a) a first base having a first heating element configured to heat a first functional component to increase the temperature of a fluid within the first functional component; (b) a second base having a second heating element configured to heat the second functional component to dry the one or more specimen slides; (c) a cable connecting the first base to the second base; (d) a controller in communication with both the first heating element and the second heating element to simultaneously control the first heating element and the second heating element; Including, the system. (2) The system of embodiment 1, wherein the cable has a multi-function connector and the cable is configured to communicate data signals and power via the multi-function connector. (3) A system as described in embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is incorporated into a part of the first base, and the control unit communicates with the second base via the cable. (4) A system described in any one or more of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the cable is a first cable extending from a portion of the first base, the system further includes a second cable extending from a portion of the second base, and the first cable and the second cable each include a respective multi-function connector configured to couple the first cable with the second cable. (5) The system of any one or more of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the first base defines a recess extending below a bottom of the first base, the recess configured to receive the cable within a portion of the recess.

[0121] (6) The system of embodiment 5, wherein the first base includes one or more fastening features associated with the recess, the one or more fastening features configured to retain the cable within a portion of the recess. (7) The system of embodiment 5 or 6, wherein the recess includes a first leg and a second leg, the first leg extending from a side of the first base across the bottom of the first base, and the second leg extending from an opposing side of the first base across the bottom of the first base, and the first leg and the second leg are configured to interact with each other. (8) A system as described in embodiment 5 or 6, wherein the recess includes a pair of side legs and a pair of rear legs, the side legs and the rear legs forming an intersection, and the pair of side legs and the rear legs extending in opposite directions from the intersection toward respective sides of the first base. (9) The system described in any one or more of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the first base includes a receiver configured to receive the first functional component, and the first heating element is positioned adjacent to the receiver so as to be in thermal communication with the first functional component. (10) The system of any one or more of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the second functional component includes a slide dryer configured to receive heat from the second heating element to heat one or more specimen slides positioned on the slide dryer.

[0122] (11) The system of any one or more of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the first functional component includes a water bath configured to receive heat from the first heating element to warm a fluid disposed within a portion of the water bath. (12) The system of embodiment 11, wherein the first base includes an elongated light bar, the elongated light bar configured to direct light toward the water bath. (13) The system of any one or more of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the first base includes a first temperature sensor, the second base includes a second temperature sensor, the first temperature sensor is proximate to the first heating element, and the second temperature sensor is proximate to the second heating element. (14) The system of embodiment 13, wherein the first temperature sensor is in communication with a processor of the control unit, and the processor is configured to drive the first heating element based on temperature data from the first temperature sensor to maintain a predetermined first temperature using the first heating element and the first temperature sensor; and the second temperature sensor is in communication with the processor of the control unit, and the processor is further configured to drive the second heating element based on temperature data from the second temperature sensor to maintain a predetermined second temperature using the second heating element and the second temperature sensor. (15) The system described in any one or more of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the first functional component is permanently affixed to the first base and the second functional component is permanently affixed to the second base.

[0123] (16) (a) a first base having a first heating element configured to heat a first ancillary component to increase a temperature of a fluid within the first ancillary component, the first base further including a controller in communication with the first heating element; (b) a second base having a second heating element configured to heat the second attachment component to dry the one or more specimen slides; (c) a multi-function cable extending from the first base to the second base, the control unit of the first base being within the second heating element via the multi-function cable; and Including, the system. (17) The system of embodiment 16, wherein the first base defines a first recess, the second base defines a second recess, and the multi-function cable extends through the first recess, the second recess, or both the first recess and the second recess. (18) The system described in embodiment 16 or 17, wherein the first base has a first side, the second base has a second side, the first side is adjacent to the second side, and the multi-function cable extends between the first side and the second side. (19) A system described in any one or more of embodiments 16 to 18, wherein the first base includes a power supply interface, and the power supply interface is configured to transmit power from a power source to the first base and the second base. (20) (a) A body, (i) a first heating element; (ii) a controller including a processor in communication with the first heating element and one or more user interface features, the one or more user interface features in communication with the processor and controlling the first heating element via the processor; and (iii) a first functional area configured to operate as a water bath or a slide dryer, the heating element configured to heat a portion of the first functional area; the body including: (b) a multi-function cable extending from a portion of the body, the processor being in communication with a second heating element via the multi-function cable, the processor being configured to control the second heating element simultaneously with controlling the first heating element; and 1. An apparatus comprising:

Claims

1. (a) a first base having a first heating element configured to heat a first functional component to increase a temperature of a fluid within the first functional component; (b) a second base having a second heating element configured to heat a second functional component to dry one or more specimen slides; (c) a cable coupling the first base to the second base; (d) a controller in communication with both the first heating element and the second heating element to simultaneously control the first heating element and the second heating element; Including, the system.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the cable has a multi-function connector, the cable being configured to communicate data signals and power via the multi-function connector.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is incorporated as part of the first base, and the control unit communicates with the second base via the cable.

4. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the cable is a first cable extending from a portion of the first base, the system further comprising a second cable extending from a portion of the second base, the first cable and the second cable each including a respective multi-function connector configured to couple the first cable with the second cable.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first base defines a recess extending below a bottom of the first base, the recess configured to receive the cable within a portion of the recess.

6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the first base includes one or more fastening features associated with the recess, the one or more fastening features configured to retain the cable within a portion of the recess.

7. 7. The system of claim 5 or 6, wherein the recess includes a first leg and a second leg, the first leg extending from a side of the first base across the bottom of the first base and the second leg extending from an opposing side of the first base across the bottom of the first base, the first leg and the second leg being configured to interact with each other.

8. 7. The system of claim 5 or 6, wherein the recess includes a pair of side legs and a rear leg, the side legs and the rear leg forming an intersection, the pair of side legs and the rear leg extending in opposite directions from the intersection toward respective sides of the first base.

9. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first base includes a receiver configured to receive the first functional component, and the first heating element is positioned proximate to the receiver in thermal communication with the first functional component.

10. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the second functional component includes a slide dryer configured to receive heat from the second heating element to heat one or more specimen slides positioned on the slide dryer.

11. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first functional component includes a water bath configured to receive heat from the first heating element to warm a fluid disposed within a portion of the water bath.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the first base includes an elongated light bar, the elongated light bar configured to direct light toward the water bath.

13. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first base includes a first temperature sensor and the second base includes a second temperature sensor, the first temperature sensor being proximate to the first heating element and the second temperature sensor being proximate to the second heating element.

14. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the first temperature sensor is in communication with a processor of the control unit, the processor being configured to drive the first heating element based on temperature data from the first temperature sensor to maintain a predetermined first temperature using the first heating element and the first temperature sensor, and the second temperature sensor is in communication with the processor of the control unit, the processor being further configured to drive the second heating element based on temperature data from the second temperature sensor to maintain a predetermined second temperature using the second heating element and the second temperature sensor.

15. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first functional component is permanently affixed to the first base and the second functional component is permanently affixed to the second base.

16. (a) a first base having a first heating element configured to heat a first ancillary component to increase a temperature of a fluid within the first ancillary component, the first base further comprising a controller in communication with the first heating element; (b) a second base having a second heating element configured to heat the second attachment component to dry the one or more specimen slides; (c) a multi-function cable extending from the first base to the second base, the control unit of the first base being within the second heating element via the multi-function cable; and Including, the system.

17. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the first base defines a first recess and the second base defines a second recess, and the multi-function cable extends through the first recess, the second recess, or both the first recess and the second recess.

18. 18. The system of claim 16 or 17, wherein the first base has a first side and the second base has a second side, the first side adjacent to the second side, and the multi-function cable extends between the first side and the second side.

19. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the first base includes a power interface, the power interface configured to conduct power from a power source to the first base and the second base.

20. (a) a body, (i) a first heating element; (ii) a processor in communication with the first heating element, and a control unit including one or more user interface features, the one or more user interface features in communication with the processor and controlling the first heating element via the processor; and (iii) a first functional area configured to operate as a water bath or a slide dryer, the heating element being configured to heat a portion of the first functional area; The body includes: (b) a multi-function cable extending from a portion of the body, the processor being in communication with a second heating element via the multi-function cable, the processor being configured to control the second heating element simultaneously with controlling the first heating element; and 13. An apparatus comprising:

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