Microtome and protective shield for microtome

Abstract

A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, which is designed: - to receive electromagnetic radiation for irradiating a sample; comprising: - a protective shield which is arranged in such a way that surroundings of the microtome are protected from the radiation and / or reflections of the radiation.

Description

[0001] Microtome and protective shield for microtome

[0002] Technical field

[0003] This disclosure relates to microtomes and ultramicrotomes with a protective shield. Furthermore, this disclosure relates to protective shields for microtomes and ultramicrotomes.

[0004] Technical background

[0005] Microtomes and ultramicrotomes are precise instruments used in laboratories to create very thin sections of biological samples or other materials. Microtomes cut sections in the micrometer range, suitable for examination under a light microscope. Ultramicrotomes create sections only nanometers thick, e.g., for electron microscopy. These fine sections allow researchers to examine detailed structures within cells or other small materials, which is important for biomedical research, pathology, and material science. Microtomes and ultramicrotomes can be operated using a microscope attached to the microtome. Improvements, particularly for operators, are desirable.

[0006] Description

[0007] An object of the embodiments of this disclosure is to improve the work with a microtome.

[0008] This object is achieved by the embodiments disclosed herein, which are particularly defined by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to further embodiments. Various aspects and embodiments of these aspects are also disclosed in the following summary and description, which offer additional features and advantages. A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microtome configured to:

[0009] - to receive electromagnetic radiation for irradiating a sample; comprising:

[0010] - a protective shield which is arranged so that an area surrounding the microtome is protected from the radiation and / or reflections of the radiation.

[0011] A microtome is a device for sectioning samples and can be used to examine microscopic structures of tissues, e.g. biological tissues, and / or other material. A microtome can be used to cut one or more slices from a sample that are thin enough, e.g. transparent, so that they can be examined in detail under a microscope. For alignment and sectioning, a microtome can include a microscope and / or a camera that can record the cutting area of ​​the microtome via one or more lenses so that it can be imaged. A knife (also: blade) of a microtome can be made of, for example, diamond or glass.

[0012] A microtome can be operated at room temperature or, as a cryomicrotome, for examining frozen samples. A microtome can be a rotary microtome, suitable for cutting thinner tissue sections. A microtome can also be an ultramicrotome, suitable for cutting ultra-thin sections for electron microscopy. A microtome can also be a laser microtome, which allows samples to be sectioned non-contact with a laser.

[0013] A microtome can be configured so that a sample holder and a knife holder (also: blade holder) can be moved relative to each other. This can be achieved by moving only the sample holder, by moving only the blade holder (i.e. the sample holder is fixed), and / or by moving both the sample holder and the blade holder. A sample holder, also called a chuck, can be used to securely position the sample to be sectioned. A sample holder can be designed to hold the sample in the correct orientation, allowing precise and consistent sections. A sample holder can be adjustable, allowing the sample to be aligned with the cutting blade to achieve the desired cutting angle and thickness. The mobility of parts in a microtome can result in complicated reflections of electromagnetic radiation into the environment.

[0014] Electromagnetic radiation can include radiation of all wavelengths. Electromagnetic radiation can include infrared radiation. Additionally or alternatively, electromagnetic radiation can include radiation in the visible light range. Additionally or alternatively, electromagnetic radiation can include ultraviolet radiation.

[0015] A sample can be any piece of material or various materials that can be sliced. A sample can contain, for example, biological tissue from various organs useful for disease diagnosis and research, or plant material. In addition, cultured cells and hard tissues such as bone can also be sliced. Materials science samples such as plastics, metals, and / or ceramics can also be sliced. The intended thickness of a slice can vary from millimeters to a few micrometers or even nanometers.

[0016] A protective shield generally refers to a barrier that contains, for example, a tint to reduce or filter the transmission of electromagnetic radiation. This shield can improve the user's experience while working with the microtome, for example, by providing a higher-contrast image, reducing glare, or reducing reflections.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, a protective shield can protect a user working on the microtome from the effects of electromagnetic radiation. A protective shield can, for example, filter or polarize electromagnetic radiation. A protective shield can, for example, selectively allow certain wavelengths or directions of electromagnetic waves to pass through, while blocking or attenuating others. For this purpose, a protective shield can include a polarization filter. Additionally or alternatively, a protective shield can include a high-pass, low-pass, or band-pass filter. Such filters can serve to absorb certain wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, i.e., prevent them from passing through. A protective shield can also be used to reflect certain wavelengths. With appropriate design, a protective shield can specifically improve working with a microtome.

[0018] An environment can encompass the entire immediate space of the microtome in which a user may be located. For example, an environment can be the space in which a microtome operator is located. Additionally or alternatively, an environment can encompass the space in which a spectator or assistant to the microtome user is located.

[0019] In contrast to a standard microscope, a microtome has more reflective parts, some of which are movable (sample holders, knife holders), so reflections can scatter differently. These can be effectively and precisely intercepted by a protective shield.

[0020] An embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, wherein the radiation is artificially generated excitation radiation.

[0021] Artificially generated excitation radiation can, in particular, be infrared radiation. Additionally or alternatively, artificially generated excitation radiation can comprise visible light radiation, for example, to create stronger contrasts between the sample, the knife, and the space between them (this can be used, for example, for aligning or adjusting a microtome). Additionally, artificially generated excitation radiation can comprise ultraviolet radiation.

[0022] Infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation, or irradiation with certain visible light (e.g., blue light) can be used, in particular, for fluorescence microscopic observation of a sample and microtome sections using a microtome. For this purpose, a sample can be irradiated with excitation radiation in such a way that fluorescent molecules or substances absorb the excitation radiation and subsequently emit light or radiation.

[0023] An excitation radiation source does not have to be part of a microtome, but can be. Additionally or alternatively, excitation radiation can also be provided by a third-party device. Excitation radiation can be continuously and / or discretely adjustable. For example, an excitation radiation source can emit different radiation for different samples.

[0024] An embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, wherein the protective shield comprises a plastic.

[0025] A shield for electromagnetic radiation can be made from one or more plastics (e.g., Plexiglas) that have the ability to block or reduce electromagnetic waves, either through their structure or through additives. Polycarbonate, known for its robustness, can shield electromagnetic radiation through the addition of metal coatings such as aluminum or copper. ABS plastic, valued for its hardness and heat resistance, can be given shielding properties by the addition of conductive materials such as carbon fibers or metal flakes. Conductive polymers, either intrinsically conductive or modified by additives such as graphene or carbon nanotubes, also offer protection against electromagnetic radiation. Transparent plastics (e.g., Plexiglas) can selectively absorb selected wavelength ranges of electromagnetic radiation through the addition of dyes.A plastic protective shield can provide inexpensive and / or effective protection against disruptive or damaging electromagnetic radiation.

[0026] An embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, wherein the protective shield is at least partially transparent in visible light.

[0027] A transparent protective shield, e.g., against infrared or ultraviolet radiation, is a barrier designed to block disruptive or harmful radiation while allowing at least some visible light to pass through. Such protective shields can be made of materials such as (UV-absorbing) Plexiglas, polycarbonate, or specially coated glass that provide effective protection against a given level of electromagnetic radiation without obstructing visibility, or at least without obstructing visibility excessively. For example, such a protective shield can be made of a yellow, transparent plastic.

[0028] An embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microtome comprising an objective arranged above a sample holder and / or a knife; and wherein the protective shield is arranged relative to the sample holder and / or the knife such that the radiation and / or the reflected radiation is shielded upwards, downwards and / or laterally.

[0029] Shielding upwards can, in particular, protect the face or body of a user or of a person standing next to the user from disruptive or harmful influences. Shielding downwards and / or to the sides can, in particular, protect one or both hands of a user. In the case of artificial excitation radiation, this can, for example, come from above, in particular from a radiation source arranged in a beam path behind an objective. In any case, the protective shield can be shaped so that the objective or the excitation radiation source is arranged through an opening or channel in the protective shield, so that the protective shield does not filter the excitation radiation used to excite the sample.

[0030] The protective shield can filter the radiation toward the user or in an opposite direction, e.g., relative to an imaginary plane between the user and the base structure. In general, a space in which a user has their head, eyes, and / or other body parts can represent at least part of an environment to be protected.

[0031] An environment can also be an imaginary dome (hemisphere) enclosing the sample area or microtome, so that objects outside this dome are protected by the protective shield. The dome can be closed or open, especially open so that a user can use their hands to manipulate the sample area and / or operate the microtome.

[0032] In particular, a protective shield can be curved downwards and / or folded or bent. The protective shield can be arranged on a lens, in particular in such a way that the protective shield moves with the lens.

[0033] An embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microtome comprising an objective arranged above a sample holder and / or a knife; and wherein the protective shield is arranged above the sample holder and / or the knife and does not shield a space between the sample holder and / or the knife.

[0034] Such an open design of a protective shield can be used in particular for cryomicrotomes, allowing gas exchange to occur. Furthermore, an open form of a protective shield can be one that includes an opening to the side and downwards (relative to an objective). This allows a user to manipulate, in particular, a sample holder, a sample, a knife, and / or a knife holder. In particular, a user can fill a sample disc collecting basin on the knife with water or remove water from it. An open-shaped protective shield can be a curved, folded, and / or bent protective shield.

[0035] An embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microtome comprising an objective arranged above a sample holder and / or a knife; and wherein the protective shield has an opening for the objective.

[0036] Through an opening for an objective lens, a protective shield can be shaped so that no unfiltered radiation can be emitted between the objective lens and the protective shield into the vicinity of a microtome. A protective shield can, in particular, be attached to an objective lens so that the protective shield moves with the objective lens.

[0037] An embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, wherein the protective shield is arranged to be movable, in particular:

[0038] - height adjustable;

[0039] - adjustable laterally;

[0040] - rotatable.

[0041] The protective shield can be arranged in particular on the housing of the microtome. A flexible arm or gooseneck enables adaptable positioning of a protective shield to protect the user from visual impairments and, in particular, without blocking the view. A magnetic mounting system can offer a quick and flexible attachment option by simply attaching the shield to metallic surfaces of the microtome. A clamp and holder system can enable fixed and, in particular, adjustable attachment to various points on the microtome. A rail system that can be attached to the microtome can enable longitudinally displaceable positioning of a protective shield. A flexibly positionable protective shield can, for example, effectively protect a user and at the same time enable manipulations or configurations to be carried out on the microtome where the protective shield could be a hindrance.

[0042] An embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, wherein the protective shield is formed curved or folded in at least one state.

[0043] Curvature or folding can be achieved, in particular, by a rigid construction of the protective shield, e.g., by appropriate casting. Curvature or folding can also be achieved, in particular, by appropriate joints in the protective shield. One or more joints allow a protective shield to be shaped according to the situation, thus enabling, for example, good protection or easy accessibility of a sample or a knife.

[0044] An embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, wherein the protective shield is arranged to be replaceable.

[0045] An interchangeable protective shield can be implemented, for example, using a quick-change system that allows for easy disassembly and assembly. Such systems can include magnetic attachments, snap-in locks, or sliding mechanisms that allow for quick adjustment or replacement of the protective shield without the need for tools. Integrating connection points on the microtome housing can enable compatibility between different protective shields. Such solutions offer advantages for various application scenarios, enable rapid response to changing experimental conditions, and can simplify maintenance or replacement in the event of damage.

[0046] An embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, wherein the protective shield is designed to be variable, in particular by:

[0047] - a predeterminable frequency selectivity;

[0048] - a preset tint;

[0049] - a replaceable film.

[0050] The frequency selectivity of a protective shield can be adjustable, particularly during operation. For example, electrochromic materials can change their light transmittance in response to electrical voltage, thus enabling adaptation to specific frequency ranges. A protective shield can comprise such materials. Additionally or alternatively, frequencies can be set in an adjustable manner by changes such as temperature, electrical and / or mechanical voltage. A protective shield can comprise photochromic materials that change their color and transparency under the influence of light of specific wavelengths in order to selectively transmit or block certain frequencies. For example, a protective shield can tint itself when exposed to UV light (like eyeglass lenses). Furthermore, a protective shield can be designed to accommodate different films that provide different levels of transmittance for electromagnetic radiation.

[0051] An embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, wherein the protective shield forms a closed space enclosing the sample and knife.

[0052] Particularly for microtomes intended for use at room temperature, a protective shield can be designed as a housing that encloses a sample and the knife in such a way that cutting can take place within the protective shield. The housing can include an opening for an objective lens and / or an opening for an excitation radiation source.

[0053] An embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, wherein the closed space has an opening.

[0054] An opening can be used in particular to enable gas exchange or to prevent fogging of the protective shield.

[0055] An embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a microtome, wherein the protective shield has one or two hand rests.

[0056] One or two hand rests on a microtome can improve ergonomics and comfort for the user while working. They can stabilize hands and forearms and reduce fatigue. A hand rest can be mounted on one side of the protective shield, lateral to the microtome, so that the protective shield at least partially protects the hand from radiation. Additionally or alternatively, a hand rest can be arranged on the other side of the protective shield.

[0057] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a protective shield for a microtome, adapted to:

[0058] - to block and / or filter electromagnetic radiation used to irradiate a sample.

[0059] A protective shield according to the second aspect of this disclosure may include one or more features of a protective shield described in connection with the first aspect of this disclosure.

[0060] Short description of the characters

[0061] Further advantages and features emerge from the following embodiments, some of which refer to the figures. The figures do not always show the embodiments to scale. The dimensions of the various features may be enlarged or reduced accordingly, particularly for the sake of clarity of the description. For this purpose, the figures are at least partially schematic.

[0062] Fig. 1 shows a microtome with protective shield according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0063] Fig. 2 shows an ultramicrotome with a closed protective shield according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0064] Fig. 3 shows a microtome with an open shield according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0065] Fig. 4 shows microscope systems for embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0066] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures, which form part of the disclosure and illustrate certain aspects and embodiments by which the present disclosure can be understood. Identical reference symbols refer to identical or at least functionally or structurally similar features. In general, a disclosure of a described method also applies to a corresponding device for carrying out the method or a corresponding system comprising one or more devices, and vice versa. If, for example, a specific method step is described, a corresponding device may contain a feature for carrying out the described method step, even if this feature is not expressly described or illustrated in the figure.If, for example, a particular device is described based on functional units, a corresponding method may include one or more steps for performing the described functionality, even if these steps are not explicitly described or illustrated in the figures. Similarly, a system may include corresponding device features or features for performing a particular method step. The features of the various exemplary aspects and embodiments described above or below may be combined unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0067] Detailed description

[0068] Fig. 1 shows a microtome 100 with a protective shield according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The microtome 100 includes a housing 102 in which the components of the microtome are arranged. The microtome 100 includes a blade holder 110 configured to hold a blade (i.e., a knife) 114. The blade 114 includes a cutting edge, which may be made of, for example, glass or diamond.

[0069] The microtome 100 comprises a sample holder 120 in which the sample is clamped. The sample holder 120 is configured to hold a sample 130. The sample 130 comprises a block face, which represents an area in which a cutting operation is to take place. The area of ​​the block face and the blade is illuminated by a radiation source 140, which emits a beam 142. The radiation source can emit infrared rays, visible light, and / or ultraviolet rays. Accordingly, the microtome shown can be, for example, a microtome operated with normal light and / or a microtome operated based on fluorescence imaging (fluorescence microtome).

[0070] The microtome system 100 includes a microscope 150 arranged on the housing 102 and configured to allow a user to view (and inspect) a block surface 132 of a sample 130 and the blade 114. For example, a user can check the cutting motion and / or the quality of a knife edge in this manner. The microscope 150 can be an optical microscope, a fluorescence microscope, a confocal microscope, etc.

[0071] A transparent protective shield 160 is located between the sample 130 and the microscope 150. The protective shield 160 shields part of the area surrounding the microtome 100 from disruptive light rays and / or harmful infrared rays and / or ultraviolet rays. Infrared radiation can be particularly dangerous to the eyes of a user or people standing at the microtome. The protective shield can thus be designed in particular such that infrared radiation reflected upwards toward the user by the sample holder, knife holder, or similar is absorbed by the protective shield 160. Ultraviolet radiation can be harmful to both the eyes and the skin. The protective shield can thus be designed such that UV radiation is intercepted from all directions toward the environment.

[0072] The radiation 142 emitted by the radiation source 140 can initially pass unhindered through the protective shield 164. For this purpose, the channel 164 is arranged in a form-fitting manner on the objective 152 of the microscope 150 in the direction of the beam path 142. After passing through the protective shield 160, the electromagnetic radiation 142 can be reflected, for example, by the sample 130, the sample holder 120, the blade 114, and / or the blade holder 110, resulting in reflected radiation 144. This reflected radiation is partially intercepted by the protective shield 160.

[0073] In order to create sufficient space for configuration work on the sample or on the blade, the protective shield 160 can be designed such that it does not completely enclose the sample or the knife, but leaves a space 162 open over which the necessary configuration work can be carried out by hand without removing the shield 160 or moving or twisting it.

[0074] The shield 160 is mounted on the microtome housing 102, allowing it to be moved both vertically and in a direction toward the user, thanks to a corresponding bearing 166. This allows the protective shield to be moved into the correct position depending on the user. Furthermore, the protective shield 160 is attached to the bearing 166 with a quick-release fastener. This allows for quick and easy replacement of the protective shield, e.g., in case of damage or if a protective shield with a different frequency selectivity is desired.

[0075] Fig. 2 shows an ultramicrotome 200 with a closed protective shield according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ultramicrotome can be used in particular for fluorescence excitation and surgery at room temperature. The ultramicrotome 200 comprises a microscope 210 with an objective 214 and can be operated via an external control element or via a display 212 on the microscope. The protective shield 220 of the microtome is designed as a substantially closed housing, which shields the sample holder and the knife, i.e., the sample area 202. The protective shield also comprises an opening 226 through which the excitation light can reach the specimen. This opening can be closed with a disc that is transparent to the excitation radiation, wherein this disc can be formed, for example, from glass, clear plastic, or an excitation filter.The protective shield 220 surrounds the specimen area, can be removable, and can perform or combine different functions depending on the application: i) protection of the knife and specimen from air currents that could negatively affect the uniformity of the sections; ii) protection of the environment from reflections of the intense fluorescent illumination; iii) protection of the fluorescent image from disturbing ambient light.

[0076] To secure the protective shield 220 against unintentional slipping, the shielding housing is positively connected to the ultramicrotome 200, for example, by a rail 222 in the microtome into which the protective shield can be inserted. This rail can also ensure that the protective shield is always correctly positioned on the microtome 200. The rail can also be equipped with a sensor that detects when the housing is not positioned correctly on the microtome. In such a case, this can be indicated on the display 212 or another control element. Additionally or alternatively, irradiation through the microtome 200 can be blocked as long as the sensor does not detect a correctly positioned protective housing.

[0077] The protective housing may also include a hand rest 224. During operation, an operator can place their hand on the hand rest and operate the microtome via the rotating element 204. Furthermore, the protective housing may include a (small) opening (not shown) to prevent fogging of the protective shield and to ensure gas exchange. The opening may be closable.

[0078] Fig. 3 shows a microtome 300 with an open protective shield according to embodiments of this disclosure. The microtome can be used in particular as a cryomicrotome. The microtome 300 comprises a housing 302 and a sample area (cryochamer) 304. In addition, the microtome comprises a microscope 310 with an objective 314 and an operating element, which can be designed, for example, as an operator display 312 on the microscope. In order to shield against electromagnetic radiation, the microtome 300 has a protective shield 320. The protective shield 320 has an opening for the objective. Because the sample area can also be irradiated through the objective (as in Fig. 1), electromagnetic excitation radiation can thus be shielded from the user. In addition, the microscope can also be operated with ambient light because the transparent protective shield does not completely enclose the sample chamber and thus ambient light can also illuminate the sample chamber.The cryochamber 304 is surrounded by a hand rest 324, allowing the user to configure the microtome and perform sectioning on a sample with a steady hand. The protective shield 320 may have multiple kinks, corners, and / or edges so that the sample chamber 304 is well shielded from radiation or radiation reflections, which could, in particular, interfere with a user's view or be harmful to the user's eyes.

[0079] Some embodiments relate to a microscope comprising a system as described in connection with one or more of Figs. 1 to 3. Alternatively, a microscope may be part of or connected to a system as described in connection with one or more of Figs. 1 to 3. Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a system 400 configured to perform a method described herein. The system 400 includes a microscope 410 and a computer system 420. The microscope 410 is configured to capture images and is connected to the computer system 420. The computer system 420 is configured to perform at least part of a method described herein. The computer system 420 may be configured to execute a machine learning algorithm.The computer system 420 and the microscope 410 may be separate units, but may also be integrated into a common housing. The computer system 420 may be part of a central processing system of the microscope 410 and / or the computer system 420 may be part of a subcomponent of the microscope 410, such as a sensor, an actuator, a camera, or an illumination unit, etc. of the microscope 410. The computer system 420 may be a local computing device (e.g., a personal computer, laptop, tablet computer, or mobile phone) with one or more processors and one or more storage devices, or a distributed computing system (e.g., a cloud computing system with one or more processors and one or more storage devices distributed at different locations, e.g., at a local client and / or one or more remote server farms and / or data centers).Computer system 420 may include any circuit or combination of circuits. In one embodiment, computer system 420 may include one or more processors, which may be of any type. As used herein, the term "processor" may refer to any type of computing circuit, such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a graphics processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a multi-core processor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), e.g., a microscope or microscope component (e.g., camera) or another type of microscope, e.g., camera), or any other type of processor or processing circuit.Other types of circuitry that may be included in computer system 420 may be a custom circuit, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like, such as one or more circuits (e.g., a communications circuit) for use in wireless devices such as cellular phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, two-way radios, and similar electronic systems. Computer system 420 may include one or more storage devices, which may include one or more storage elements suitable for the particular application, such as main memory in the form of random access memory (RAM), one or more hard disk drives, and / or one or more drives that handle removable media such as compact disks (CDs), flash memory cards, digital video disks (DVDs), and the like.The computer system 420 may also include a display device, one or more speakers, and a keyboard and / or a controller that may include a mouse, a trackball, a touchscreen, a voice recognition device, or other device that enables a system user to input and receive information to and from the computer system 420.

[0080] Some or all of the method steps may be performed by (or using) a hardware device, such as a processor, a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, one or more of the key method steps may be performed by such a device.

[0081] Depending on specific implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention may be implemented in hardware or software. The implementation may be performed using a non-transitory storage medium such as a digital storage medium, for example, a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blu-ray disc, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, or a FLASH memory, on which electronically readable control signals are stored that interact (or can interact) with a programmable computer system to perform the respective method. Therefore, the digital storage medium may be computer-readable.

[0082] Some embodiments of the invention comprise a data carrier with electronically readable control signals capable of cooperating with a programmable computer system so that one of the methods described herein is carried out.

[0083] In general, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a computer program product with program code, wherein the program code serves to perform one of the methods when the computer program product is run on a computer. The program code can, for example, be stored on a machine-readable medium.

[0084] Other embodiments include the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein stored on a machine-readable medium.

[0085] In other words, one embodiment of the present invention is therefore a computer program having a program code for carrying out one of the methods described herein when the computer program is running on a computer.

[0086] A further embodiment of the present invention is therefore a storage medium (or a data carrier or a computer-readable medium) on which the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein is stored when executed by a processor. The data carrier, digital storage medium, or recorded medium is typically tangible and / or non-transferable. A further embodiment of the present invention is a device as described herein, comprising a processor and the storage medium.

[0087] A further embodiment of the invention is therefore a data stream or a sequence of signals that represent the computer program for carrying out one of the methods described herein. The data stream or signal sequence can, for example, be designed such that it can be transmitted via a data communication connection, e.g., via the Internet.

[0088] A further embodiment comprises a processing means, e.g., a computer or a programmable logic device, configured or adapted to perform one of the methods described herein. A further embodiment comprises a computer on which the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein is installed.

[0089] A further embodiment of the invention comprises a device or system configured to transmit a computer program for performing one of the methods described herein to a recipient (e.g., electronically or optically). The recipient may, for example, be a computer, a mobile device, a storage device, or the like. The device or system may, for example, comprise a file server for transmitting the computer program to the recipient.

[0090] In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field-programmable gate array) may be used to perform some or all of the functions of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, a field-programmable gate array may cooperate with a microprocessor to perform any of the methods described herein. In general, the methods are preferably performed by any hardware device.

[0091] The aspects described here may be implemented by computer and / or comprise computers. A computer may be a PC, a system-on-chip, a DSP, or an FPGA, to name just a few examples. Computer components, software modules, functions, data storage, and data structures may be interconnected directly or indirectly to enable the data flow required for their operation. It is also noted that a module or processor includes, but is not limited to, a unit of code that performs a software operation and may be implemented, for example, as a unit of code of a subroutine or a unit of code of a software function, or as an object (as in an object-oriented paradigm), or as an applet, or in a computer scripting language, or as another type of computer code.The software components and / or functionality may be located on a single computer or distributed across multiple computers, depending on the situation.

[0092] The term "and / or" as used here includes all combinations of one or more of the listed aspects and can be abbreviated as " / ".

[0093] Although some aspects have been described in the context of a device, it is clear that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, with a block or device corresponding to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block, element, or feature of a corresponding device.

[0094] List of reference symbols

[0095] 100 microtome with protective shield

[0096] 102 housings

[0097] 110 blade holders

[0098] 114 blade

[0099] 120 sample holders

[0100] 130 samples

[0101] 140 light source

[0102] 142 emitted radiation

[0103] 144 reflected radiation

[0104] 150 microscope

[0105] 152 lens

[0106] 160 protective shield

[0107] 162 Room for Hand

[0108] 164 Opening through protective shield

[0109] 166 adjustable bearings

[0110] 200 Ultramicrotome with closed protective shield

[0111] 202 Sample area

[0112] 204 Control element

[0113] 210 Microscope

[0114] 212 Display

[0115] 214 lens

[0116] 220 protective shield

[0117] 222 Safety rail for housing mounting

[0118] 224 palm rest

[0119] 226 Light passage opening

[0120] 300 microtome with open protective shield

[0121] 302 housing

[0122] 304 Sample area

[0123] 310 Microscope

[0124] 312 operator display

[0125] 314 lens

[0126] 320 protective shield hand rest

[0127] Microscope system

[0128] microscope

[0129] computer

Claims

Claims 1. Microtome (100), in particular ultramicrotome, adapted to: - to receive electromagnetic radiation (142) for irradiating a sample (130); comprising: - a protective shield (160) arranged to protect an area surrounding the microtome from the radiation (142) and / or reflections (144) of the radiation.

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

3. The microtome according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective shield (160) comprises a plastic.

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

5. The microtome according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an objective lens (152) arranged above a sample holder (120) and / or a knife (114); and wherein the protective shield (160) is arranged relative to the sample holder and / or the knife such that the radiation (142) and / or the reflected radiation (144) is shielded upwards, downwards and / or laterally.

6. The microtome according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an objective (152) arranged above a sample holder (120) and / or a knife (114); and wherein the protective shield (160) is arranged above the sample holder and / or the knife and forms a space between the sample holder and / or the knife is not shielded.

7. The microtome according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an objective lens (152) arranged above a sample holder (120) and / or a knife (114); and wherein the protective shield (160) has an opening (164) for the objective lens.

8. The microtome according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective shield (160) is arranged to be movable, in particular: - height adjustable; - adjustable laterally; - rotatable.

9. The microtome according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective shield (160) is formed in at least one curved or folded state.

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

11. The microtome according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective shield is designed to be variable, in particular by: - a predeterminable frequency selectivity; - a preset tint; - a replaceable film.

12. The microtome according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective shield (160) forms a closed space comprising the sample and knife.

13. The microtome according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the closed space has an opening.

14. The microtome according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective shield (160) has one or two hand rests (224).

15. Protective shield (160) for a microtome (100), designed to: - to block and / or filter electromagnetic radiation (142) for irradiating a sample.

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