Microtome

Abstract

A microtome comprising: a cutting tool; an actuator configured to generate relative motion between the cutting tool and a tissue sample to cut the tissue sample into multiple sections when the microtome is in operation; a safety device configured to be set to either a safety state that reduces the risk of injury to the user by the microtome, or an operable state that allows the microtome to be operated; and a visible light system having one or more safety lights, wherein the safety lights are configured to emit colored light of a color selected from a predetermined color group, and the visible light system is configured to change the color of the colored light emitted by at least one of the one or more safety lights depending on whether the safety device is in its safety state or its operable state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a microtome.

Background Art

[0002] A microtome is a device commonly used to cut tissue samples into multiple sections, and is generally used in the field of histology to subject one or more sections to microscopy. A "section" can be understood as a thin slice of tissue (e.g., having a thickness of 100 μm or less).

[0003] Microtomes have various designs (e.g., rotary or sliding type) and generally operate either manually, semi-automatically, or fully automatically.

[0004] Generally, in a rotary microtome, a cutting tool (generally a cutting edge, sometimes called a "knife") is held in a fixed position, while a sample (generally fixed to a sample chuck) is configured to move in the longitudinal and perpendicular directions with respect to the (fixed) blade. The operation of lowering the sample onto the blade is generally performed by the rotation of a flywheel. This flywheel can be rotated manually (e.g., via a handwheel rotated by the user) or automatically. In such a device, generally, the rotational movement of the flywheel is converted into a vertical movement.

[0005] Many modern microtomes have one or more safety devices. However, these safety devices still generally assume that the user complies with safety procedures to a certain extent.

[0006] An example of a safety device is a brake that suppresses the operation of the microtome's actuator, and a guard that reduces the risk of the user being cut by the microtome's cutting tool. For example, the brake can be manual or electric and takes the form of a handbrake that suppresses the rotation of the flywheel of the microtome (when the microtome is a rotary microtome).

[0007] Another example of a safety device is a guard to reduce cuts to the user from the microtome's cutting tool. This guard may be, for example, a knife guard that physically protects the user's hand from the microtome blade. Furthermore, the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended when working with a microtome. For example, it is recommended to wear cut-resistant gloves, especially when changing blades.

[0008] Failure to follow safety procedures increases the risk of finger pinching and cuts. For example, if a sample is secured to the chuck without engaging the handbrake, the chuck may descend, bringing the user's hand close to the blade. While a blade guard reduces the risk of cuts, the risk of finger pinching remains.

[0009] This invention was devised taking the above considerations into account. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides the following: It is a microtome, Cutting tools and An actuator configured to generate relative motion between the cutting tool and the tissue sample, thereby cutting the tissue sample into multiple sections when the microtome is activated, A safety device configured to be set to either a safe state that reduces the risk of injury to the user by the microtome, or an operable state that allows the microtome to operate, A visible light system comprising one or more safety lights, The safety light is configured to emit colored light of a color selected from a predetermined color group. The microtome is characterized in that the visible light system is configured to change the color of the colored light produced by at least one of the one or more safety lights depending on whether the safety device is in a safe state or an operable state.

[0011] In this way, the visible light system can provide users with an easily understandable visual indication of the current safety status of the microtome, potentially contributing to a reduction in the likelihood of user injury during use.

[0012] In this specification, a microtome is understood to refer to a device that sections a tissue sample, that is, a device that cuts a tissue sample into multiple sections. In this specification, the term "sample" is used interchangeably with "specimen." In this specification, the terms "section" and "sectioning" are used interchangeably with "slice" and "slicing."

[0013] A microtome may be a standalone device or may be integrated into a device configured to perform other functions (e.g., a cryostat).

[0014] The microtome may be configured to cut embedded tissue samples (e.g., tissue samples embedded in paraffin wax at room temperature) or frozen tissue samples (e.g., those frozen in a cryostat).

[0015] Cutting tools include, for example, blades, knives, or lasers.

[0016] The relative motion between the cutting tool and the tissue sample is generated, for example, by moving the sample while keeping the cutting tool fixed (e.g., as in a rotary microtome) or by moving the cutting tool while keeping the sample fixed (e.g., as in some types of sliding microtomes).

[0017] The term "tissue" is intended to encompass all forms of biological tissue suitable for histological examination. For example, tissues include muscle tissue, nerve tissue, epithelial tissue, and / or connective tissue. Tissues also include soft tissue (e.g., skin) and / or hard tissue (e.g., bone or teeth).

[0018] The safety device may prevent the operation of the microtome when it is in a safe state.

[0019] To avoid any doubt, if a microtome contains multiple safety lights, depending on whether the safety device is in its safe state or operational state, only some (one or more) of the safety lights (not necessarily all of them) may change color (i.e., change the color of the colored light they produce).

[0020] The microtome may be operated manually (e.g., by a handwheel). Alternatively, the microtome may be operated automatically or semi-automatically. Note that even semi-automatic or fully automatic devices may pose hazards during operation (e.g., the risk of cuts and / or pinching), and therefore, the safety devices described herein may be incorporated.

[0021] In some examples, each safety light may be configured to illuminate a symbol related to a safety issue caused by a microtome.

[0022] While the use of symbols is preferable in some cases, it should be noted that a microtome may include one or more safety lights that do not illuminate symbols. For example, in a microtome with only one safety light, the color of that safety light (without illuminating a symbol) indicates the overall safety status of the device (which is affected by whether the safety device is in a safe or operational state). See, for example, Figure 4 below.

[0023] Safety issues related to the microtome (associated with the symbol) may relate to whether the safety devices incorporated into the microtome are in a safe state or operational state.

[0024] For example, a symbol configured to be illuminated by a microtome safety light could be associated with whether or not the brake that restrains the operation of the actuator is in its safe state.

[0025] (Symbols related to) Safety issues related to the microtome may be hazards associated with the operation of the microtome.

[0026] For example, symbols configured to be illuminated by the safety lights of the microtome may be associated with the risk of being pinched (e.g., the risk of a finger being pinched).

[0027] For example, symbols configured to be illuminated by the safety lights of the microtome may be associated with the risk of laceration (e.g., the risk of cutting a finger).

[0028] Symbols configured to be illuminated by the safety lights of the microtome can be, for example, opaque symbols on a transparent or translucent background, or transparent or translucent symbols on an opaque background.

[0029] In some examples, the visible light system may be configured to change the color of the colored light generated by at least one of the one or more safety lights depending on whether the microtome is operating or not.

[0030] Thus, the visible light system can not only provide a safety indication based on whether the safety device is in its safe state, but also a safety indication based on whether the microtome is operating. See, for example, the table described later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0031] To avoid ambiguity, if the microtome includes multiple safety lights, it is possible for only some (one or more) of the safety lights (not necessarily all of the safety lights) to change color (i.e., change the color of the colored light generated by the safety lights) depending on the operating state of the microtome.

[0032] In some examples, the safety device may be a brake configured to suppress the operation of the actuator when the brake is in its safe state (which may correspond to the brake being "engaged"), and to allow the operation of the actuator when the brake is in its operable state (which may correspond to the brake being "released").

[0033] For example, the brake could be a handbrake to restrain the rotation of the microtome's handwheel (if the microtome is a rotary microtome).

[0034] In some examples, the safety device is a guard configured to reduce cuts to the user by the cutting tool when the guard is in its safe state (which may correspond to a state where the guard is in a position that physically prevents the user from accessing the cutting tool), and is configured to allow the operation of the microtome when the guard is in its activated state (which may correspond to a state where the guard is in a position that allows the user to access the blade). When in the safe state, the guard suppresses cutting of the sample by the cutting tool.

[0035] If the cutting tool is a knife, the guard can be a knife guard.

[0036] In some examples, the microtome may be equipped with additional safety devices, which are configured to be set to either a safe state that reduces the risk of injury to the user by the microtome, or an activatable state that allows the microtome to operate. Here, the visible light system is configured to change one or more colors produced by one or more safety lights depending on whether the additional safety devices are in their safe state or their activatable state.

[0037] Additional safety devices may be installed to suppress the operation of the microtome when it is in a safe state.

[0038] To avoid any ambiguity, if a microtome contains multiple safety lights, it is possible that only some (one or more) of the safety lights (not necessarily all of them) will change color (i.e., change the color of the light they emit) depending on whether the additional safety devices are in their safe state or operational state.

[0039] In some examples, the safety device may be a brake configured to suppress the operation of the actuator when the brake is in its safe state and to allow the operation of the actuator when the brake is in its operable state, or the additional safety device may be a guard configured to reduce cuts to the user by the cutting tool when the guard is in its safe state and to allow the operation of the microtome when the guard is in its operable state.

[0040] In some examples where the safety device is the brake and the additional safety device is a guard, the visible light system may include the following: First safety light related to the brake of the microtome; At least one additional safety light related to the hazards caused by the microtome guard. At least one additional safety light may include: A second safety light related to the risk of cuts caused by the microtome guard (e.g., the risk of cuts to the fingers due to the guard being in its operational position); and / or A third safety light related to the risk of pinching caused by the microtome guard (e.g., the risk of fingers being pinched due to the guard being in its safe position).

[0041] To avoid any ambiguity, the visible light system may be configured to include a second safety light but not a third safety light, or vice versa.

[0042] In some examples, the safety device includes a first safety light and at least one additional safety light: The first safety light may be configured to illuminate a symbol related to the brake of the microtome; Additional safety lights may be configured to illuminate symbols related to hazards caused by microtome cutting tools.

[0043] For example, if a visible light system includes a second safety light, the second safety light may be configured to illuminate a symbol related to the risk of cuts.

[0044] For example, if a visible light system includes a third safety light, the second safety light may be configured to illuminate a symbol related to the pinch hazard.

[0045] In some cases, a predetermined color group may include the following: The first color corresponding to a safe condition; A second color corresponding to a state of attention; A third color to respond to dangerous situations.

[0046] The first color may be green, the second color may be yellow / amber / orange, and the third color may be red. This creates a "traffic light" color scheme, allowing the microtome user to easily distinguish the colored light produced by each safety light in the visible light system. However, other color schemes are also possible.

[0047] In some examples, the visible light system may include multiple safety lights, each configured to produce colored light of a color selected from a predetermined set of colors. In this case, the visible light system is configured to change the color of the colored light produced by at least one of the safety lights depending on whether the safety device is in its safe state or its operational state.

[0048] However, as illustrated in relation to Figures 4 and 5 (described later), the visible light system may include only a single safety light, in which case the visible light system is configured to change the color of the colored light produced by the safety light depending on whether the safety device is in its safe state or its operational state. In such an example, the visible light system may further be configured to change the color of the colored light produced by (one) safety light depending on whether the microtome is operational or not (see, for example, Figure 4 and related description), and / or whether additional safety devices are in their safe state or their operational state (not shown).

[0049] In some cases, the microtome may be a standalone device configured to cut an embedded tissue sample into multiple sections at room temperature.

[0050] The embedded tissue sample may be embedded in a wax, such as paraffin wax.

[0051] In a second aspect of the present invention, a cryostat comprising a microtome according to the following first aspect can be provided, wherein the microtome is configured to cut a frozen tissue sample into multiple sections when the microtome is in operation.

[0052] The cryostat may be configured to generate sub-zero temperatures (i.e., below 0°C) suitable for cutting a frozen tissue sample into multiple sections.

[0053] The present invention includes combinations of the described aspects and preferred features, except for combinations that are obviously unacceptable or explicitly avoided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0054] Embodiments and experiments illustrating the principle of the invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. [Figure 1] An example of a microtome is shown. [Figure 2(a)] An example of a microtome is shown. [Figure 2(b)] An example of a microtome is shown. [Figure 3] Here is another example of a microtome. [Figure 4] Here is another example of a microtome. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows a cryostat including a microtome. Here, the microtome is configured to cut a frozen tissue sample into multiple sections when activated. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0055] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will be able to easily understand other aspects and embodiments. All references mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference.

[0056] Figure 1 shows a schematic example of a microtome 100. The microtome 100 includes a cutting tool 110, an actuator 120, a safety device 130, an optional additional safety device 140, and a visible light system 150.

[0057] The actuator 120 is configured to generate relative motion between the cutting tool 110 and a tissue sample (not shown) when the microtome 100 is in operation, thereby cutting the tissue sample into multiple sections.

[0058] The safety device 130 is configured to be set to either a safe state, which is configured to reduce the risk of injury to the user by the microtome 100, or an activatable state, which allows the microtome 100 to operate.

[0059] If present, the additional safety device 140 is configured to be set to either a safe state in which the additional safety device 140 is configured to reduce the risk of injury to the user by the microtome 100, or an activatable state in which the additional safety device 140 is configured to allow the operation of the microtome 100.

[0060] The visible light system 150 includes one or more safety lights 152, 154, 156, and 158. Each safety light 152, 154, 156, and 158 is configured to produce colored light of a color selected from a predetermined group of colors. The visible light system 150 is configured to change the color of the colored light produced by at least one of the safety lights 152, 154, 156, and 158 depending on whether the safety device 140 is in its safe state or its operational state.

[0061] If an additional safety device 140 is present, the visible light system 150 is configured to change the color of the colored light produced by at least one of the safety lights 152, 154, 156, and 158, depending on whether the additional safety device 130 is in a safe state or in an activatable state.

[0062] Figures 2(a) and 2(b) show an example of a microtome 200 in which the microtome 100 of Figure 1 is implemented. Specifically, Figure 2(a) shows a perspective view of the microtome 200, and Figure 2(b) shows a side view of the example microtome 200. Features that differ from the microtome 100 of Figure 1 are assigned corresponding reference numbers (numbers with 100 added).

[0063] The structure and operation of the Microtome 200 are similar to those of the Epredia® HM355S automated microtome, but the Microtome 200 has been improved to include a visible light system 250, which includes three safety lights 252, 254, and 256.

[0064] The microtome 200 in Figure 2 is a standalone device configured to cut embedded tissue samples into multiple sections at room temperature. Specifically, the microtome 200 is an automated rotary microtome and includes a blade 210, a specimen clamp 260, a flywheel (not shown due to its internal structure), a handwheel 270, a handbrake 230, an operating panel 280, and an emergency stop button 290.

[0065] In this example, the knife 210 functions as a cutting tool, and the flywheel functions as an actuator. The flywheel is housed within the body of the microtome 200 and is connected to both the handwheel 270 and the back surface of the sample clamp 260.

[0066] The handwheel 270 includes a handle 275. In this example, the handle 275 is retractable into the body of the handwheel 270 when unused (for compact packaging and convenience). In other examples, the handle 275 may be fixed in place.

[0067] Before operation, the tissue sample is placed in the sample clamp 260, which is then adjusted to correctly align the tissue sample with the knife 210. This alignment may include correctly orienting the tissue sample with respect to the knife 210 and / or aligning the front surface of the tissue sample with the knife 210. When the microtome 200 is activated, relative motion is generated between the knife 210 and the tissue sample (held in the sample clamp 260) by holding the knife 210 stationary while the sample is moved by the flywheel.

[0068] In this example, the flywheel is automatically operated by a motor (not shown) when the user presses one or more buttons located on the control panel 280. This allows the user to control one or more functions and / or settings of the microtome 200. Furthermore, the flywheel can also be operated manually by turning the handwheel 270. The operation of the actuator can be immediately stopped using the emergency stop button 290.

[0069] In this example, the handbrake 230 functions as a safety device for the microtome 200. The handbrake 230 is configured to suppress the operation of the actuator (flywheel) when the handbrake 230 is in its safe state (corresponding to the engaged state), and to enable the operation of the actuator when the handbrake 230 is in its operable state (corresponding to the released state). This is a well-known safety device in modern microtomes.

[0070] In this case, the handbrake 230 mechanically suppresses the operation of the actuator. However, in other examples (e.g., an automated microtome), the handbrake 230 may instead suppress the operation of the actuator by sending an electrical signal to the motor that stops further operation of the actuator.

[0071] In this example, the knife guard 240 functions as an additional safety device. The knife guard 240 is configured to reduce cuts to the user from the knife 210 when it is in its safe state (corresponding to a state in which the knife guard physically prevents the user from accessing the knife), and to enable the operation of the microtome 200 when it is in its activated state (corresponding to a state in which the knife guard 240 exposes the knife 210). Since the knife guard 240, when in its safe state, suppresses cutting of the sample by the cutting tool, the knife guard 240 must be set to its activated state in order to operate the microtome 200 for sectioning the tissue sample. Again, the knife guard 240 is a well-known safety device in modern microtomes.

[0072] In this example, the visible light system 250 includes: A first safety light 252 associated with the handbrake 230 of the microtome 200, where the first safety light 252 is configured to illuminate a symbol associated with the handbrake 230 of the microtome 200; A second safety light 254 is provided in relation to the risk of finger cuts caused by the knife guard 240 of the microtome 200, where the second safety light 254 is configured to illuminate a symbol related to the risk of finger cuts; A third safety light 256 is provided in relation to the finger pinch hazard caused by the knife guard 240 of the microtome 200, where the third safety light 256 is configured to illuminate a symbol related to the finger pinch hazard.

[0073] Each safety light 252, 254, and 256 is configured to produce colored light of a color selected from a predetermined group of colors, including red, amber, and green. The visible light system 250 is configured to change the color of the colored light produced by at least one of the safety lights 252, 254, and 256 according to the following: • Is the handbrake 230 in a safe state or in an operational state? • Is the knife guard (240) in its safe state or in an operational state? • Is the Microtome 200 in operation (manual or automatic)?

[0074] In this example, the visible light system 250 is configured to control safety lights 252, 254, and 256 to generate colored light of the colors shown in the table below, thereby achieving this:

[0075] [Table 1]

[0076] The following is a description of each state from 1 to 6: State 1: • Handbrake 230 is "ON". The knife guard 240 is in its designated position. • Microtome 200 is not functioning. This indicates the expected state when the device is started up. • All lamps 252, 254, and 256 are green (lit), indicating that the sample block inside the chuck can be safely replaced.

[0077] State 2: • Handbrake 230 is "OFF". The knife guard 240 is in its designated position. • Microtome 200 is not functioning. This is the intermittent state before activating the Microtome 200.

[0078] State 3: • Handbrake 230 is "ON". The knife guard 240 has been removed. • Microtome 200 is not functioning. This condition is suitable for replacing the knife blade.

[0079] State 4: • Handbrake 230 is "OFF". The knife guard 240 has been removed. • Microtome 200 is not functioning. This is another intermittent state before the Microtome 200 is activated. It is one step further than state 2.

[0080] Condition 5: Operating the Microtome 200 with the knife guard attached can cause damage; therefore, although this condition can occur, it is not recommended from an operational standpoint. This condition is indicated by the red, amber, and red lights 252, 254, and 256.

[0081] State 6: • Handbrake 230 is in the "OFF" position. The knife guard 240 has been removed. The Microtome 200 is in operation. • Since all lamps 252, 254, and 256 are illuminated in red, the operator must pay attention to the moving parts and remove their hands from the cutting area.

[0082] By operating according to Table 1, the visible light system 250 can provide the user with an easily understandable visual indication of the current safety status of the microtome 200, thereby helping to reduce the possibility of injury to the user during use.

[0083] Of course, the assignment of safety lights 252, 254, and 256 to the status of the safety device and the operational status of the microtome 200 is just one example, and other assignments may be selected depending on the operational requirements.

[0084] To enable the visible light system 250 to control the safety lights 252, 254, and 256, the microtome 200 is configured to determine the state of the first safety device (in this case, the handbrake 230), the state of the second safety device (in this case, the knife guard 240), and the operating state of the microtome. Each state can be determined, for example, by the microtome 200 including one or more appropriately configured sensors, and / or by the control unit of the microtome 200 inferring the state from instructions given by the user (for example, using the control panel 280).

[0085] It should be noted here that there is no situation in which the handbrake is in its safe state while the microtome is activated. This is because the handbrake is configured to prevent the microtome from activating when it is in its safe state (i.e., engaged state).

[0086] When in operation, the microtome 200 starts in state 1 (green-green-green) as shown in Table 1, and may be operated by the user as follows: • Place the tissue sample using the sample clamp 260 of the microtome 200. [Note that adding this weight may cause the weight of the tissue sample to fall on the person's hand if the handbrake is not engaged, potentially causing a risk of finger pinching.] Remove the knife guard 240 to expose the knife 210, and remove the handbrake 230. (State 4: Red-Red-Red) [The order in which the knife guard and handbrake are removed is not important here, but note that the lighting state will differ depending on the order (see States 2 and 3 in Table 1).] • Operate the Microtome 200. [Note that this can be achieved by pressing a button (as the Microtome is automated), but it can also be done manually. The Microtome 200 allows for both automated and manual operation.] Take a thick section from the sample. This allows the user to access the portion of the sample of greatest interest. (State 4: Red-Red-Red) • Operate the microtome 200 and collect sections of interest (State 4: Red-Red-Red) • Operation stopped (Status 4: Red-Red-Red) • Return the knife guard 240 to its original position, and the handbrake 230 to its original position. In this case, the order does not matter. (State 1: Green-Green-Green) Remove the sample from the sample clamp 260.

[0087] To replace the knife 210 of the microtome 200, operate the microtome 200 in the following order. Start from state 1 (green-green-green) shown in Table 1. Remove the knife guard 240 to expose the knife 210. (Condition 3: Green-Red-Amber) • Replace the blade. (Condition 3: Green-Red-Amber) Reattach the knife guard 240. (Condition 1: Green-Green-Green)

[0088] Figure 3 shows another example, microtome 300, similar to microtome 200 in Figure 2. Note that the features corresponding to microtome 200 are given corresponding reference numbers.

[0089] In this example, the visible light system 350 is simplified to include only one safety light 352 that does not illuminate a symbol. The safety light 350 is configured to produce colored light of a color selected from a predetermined group of colors including red, amber, and green, and the visible light system is configured to change the color of the colored light produced by one or more safety lights 352 according to the following: • Whether the handbrake (not shown in this example) is in a safe state or an operational state. • Is the Microtome 300 in operation?

[0090] In this example, the visible light system 350 is configured to control the safety light 352 to generate colored light of the colors shown in the table below.

[0091] In this example, the microtome 300 includes a knife guard 340, but the visible light system 350 does not change the color of the colored light it generates based on the knife guard 340 (for example, there is no sensor to detect the state of the knife guard 340).

[0092] [Table 2]

[0093] In this way, the visible light system 350 can provide the user with an easily understandable visual indication of the current safety status of the microtome 300, thereby helping to reduce the possibility of injury to the user during use.

[0094] Of course, the mapping of the safety light 352 to the status of the safety device and the operational status of the microtome 300 is just one example, and other mappings may be selected depending on the operational requirements.

[0095] It should be noted that there is no situation in which the handbrake is in its safe state while the microtome 300 is activated. This is because the handbrake is configured to prevent the microtome 300 from activating when it is in its safe state (i.e., engaged state).

[0096] To enable the visible light system 350 to control the safety lights in this manner, the microtome 300 is configured to determine the state of the first safety device (in this case, the handbrake) and the operating state of the microtome 300. Each state may be determined, for example, by the microtome 300 including one or more appropriately configured sensors and / or by the control unit of the microtome 300 inferring the state from instructions from the user.

[0097] Figure 4 shows another example, the manual rotary microtome 400.

[0098] In this example, the visible light system 450 includes only one safety light 452 configured to illuminate the handbrake symbol. The safety light is configured to produce colored light of a color selected from a predetermined group of colors including red and green, and the visible light system 450 is configured to change the color of the colored light produced by one or more safety lights 452 according to the following: • Is the handbrake (not shown in this example) in a safe state or in an operational state?

[0099] In this example, the visible light system 450 is configured to control the safety light 452 to generate colored light of the colors shown in the table below, thereby achieving this:

[0100] [Table 3]

[0101] Again, the visible light system 450 can provide the user with an easily understandable visual indication of the current safety status of the microtome 400, thereby helping to reduce the possibility of user injury during use.

[0102] In order for the visible light system 450 to control the safety light 452 in this manner, the microtome 400 is configured to determine the state of the safety device (in this case, the handbrake). The aforementioned state may be determined, for example, by the microtome 400 including one or more appropriately configured sensors.

[0103] Figure 5 shows the cryostat including the microtome 100 from Figure 1. The microtome 100 is configured to cut a frozen tissue sample into multiple sections when the microtome is in operation.

[0104] The features disclosed in the preceding paragraph, the following claims, or the accompanying drawings are appropriately represented in their particular form, as means for performing the disclosed function, or as a method or process for obtaining the disclosed result, and are used, individually or in any combination thereof, to realize the present invention in a variety of forms.

[0105] While the present invention has been described in conjunction with the embodiments described above, those skilled in the art who have been given this disclosure will notice that many equivalent modifications and variations are possible. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention described above are illustrative and not limiting. Various modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the present invention may be used in combination with a rotary microtome (as described above) or other forms of microtomes (e.g., a sliding microtome).

[0106] To avoid any ambiguity, the theoretical explanations provided herein are intended to enhance the reader's understanding. The inventors do not intend to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0107] The headings used in this specification are for organizational purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the subjects described.

[0108] Throughout this specification (including subsequent claims), unless the context requires otherwise, the words “equipment” and “include,” and variations thereof such as “equipment” and “include,” are understood to mean that they include the elements, steps, or groups of elements or steps described, but not that they exclude other elements, steps, or groups of elements or steps.

[0109] Note that the singular form used in the specification and appended claims includes the plural form unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context. Ranges may be expressed as starting "about" from a certain value and / or going "about" to another specific value. Where such ranges are expressed, another embodiment includes a range from a certain value and / or another specific value. Similarly, where a value is expressed as an approximation using the preceding phrase "about," it is understood that the specific value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a number is arbitrary and means, for example, ±10%.

Claims

1. It is a microtome, Cutting tools and An actuator configured to generate relative motion between the cutting tool and the tissue sample, thereby cutting the tissue sample into multiple sections when the microtome is activated, A safety device configured to be set to either a safe state that reduces the risk of injury to the user by the microtome, or an operable state that allows the microtome to operate, A visible light system comprising one or more safety lights, The safety light is configured to emit colored light of a color selected from a predetermined color group. The microtome is characterized in that the visible light system is configured to change the color of the colored light produced by at least one of the one or more safety lights depending on whether the safety device is in a safe state or an operable state.

2. A microtome according to claim 1, The microtome is characterized in that the safety light is configured to illuminate a symbol related to a safety problem caused by the microtome.

3. A microtome according to claim 1 or 2, The microtome is characterized in that the visible light system is configured to change the color of the colored light produced by at least one of the one or more safety lights depending on whether the microtome is in operation.

4. A microtome according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The microtome is characterized in that the safety device is a brake configured to suppress the operation of the actuator when the brake is in a safe state, and to enable the operation of the actuator when the brake is in an operable state.

5. A microtome according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The microtome is characterized in that the safety device is a guard configured to reduce cuts to the user caused by the cutting tool when the guard is in its safe state, and to enable the operation of the microtome when the guard is in its operational state.

6. A microtome according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The microtome has additional safety devices, The additional safety device is configured to be set to either a safe state that suppresses the risk of injury to the user by the microtome, or an operable state that enables the operation of the microtome. The microtome is characterized in that the visible light system is configured to change one or more colors produced by one or more safety lights depending on whether the additional safety device is in a safe state or an operable state.

7. A microtome according to claim 6, The safety device is a brake configured to suppress the operation of the actuator when the brake is in a safe state, and to allow the operation of the actuator when the brake is in an operable state. The microtome is characterized in that the additional safety device is a guard configured to reduce cuts to the user by the cutting tool when the guard is in its safe state, and to enable the operation of the microtome when the guard is in its operational state.

8. A microtome according to claim 7, The microtome is characterized in that the visible light system includes a first safety light related to the brake of the microtome and at least one additional safety light related to hazards caused by the guard of the microtome.

9. A microtome according to claim 8, The microtome is characterized in that the at least one additional safety light includes at least one of a second safety light relating to the risk of cuts caused by the guard of the microtome and a third safety light relating to the risk of pinching caused by the guard of the microtome.

10. A microtome according to claim 8 or 9, The first safety light is configured to illuminate a symbol related to the brake of the microtome, A microtome characterized in that the additional safety lights are configured to illuminate symbols related to hazards caused by the cutting tools of the microtome.

11. A microtome according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The microtome is characterized in that the predetermined color group includes a first color corresponding to a safe state, a second color corresponding to a caution state, and a third color corresponding to a dangerous state.

12. In the microtome according to claim 11, A microtome characterized in that the first color is green, the second color is yellow, amber, or orange, and the third color is red.

13. A microtome according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The visible light system includes a plurality of safety lights, The aforementioned plurality of safety lights emit colored light of a color selected from the predetermined color group, The microtome is characterized in that the visible light system is configured to change the color of the colored light generated by at least one of the safety lights depending on whether the safety device is in a safe state or an operable state.

14. A microtome according to any one of claims 1 to 13, A microtome characterized by being a standalone device configured to cut an embedded tissue sample into multiple sections at room temperature.

15. A cryostat comprising a microtome according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The microtome is configured to cut a frozen tissue sample into multiple sections when the microtome is in operation, and is a cryostat.

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