# US 10,073,017 B2 · Tissue specimen handling device > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,073,017 B2 - Document ID: US10073017B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 14/941,637 - Filed: 2015-11-15 - Published: 2016-06-02 - Granted: 2018-09-11 - Earliest claimed: 2014-01-27 - Assignees: Path Tech, LLC - Applicants: Wayne Thomas Holland; Rexford Charles Johnson - Inventors: Wayne Thomas Holland; Rexford Charles Johnson - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10073017B2 ## CPC - B65H 16/021: {Multiple web roll supports} - B65H 18/28: Wound package of webs - B65H 75/187: {Reinforcing end caps} - D21H 21/36: Biocidal agents, e.g. fungicidal, bactericidal, insecticidal agents - D21H 27/002: {Tissue paper; Absorbent paper (D21H21/22, D21H27/02, D21H27/20 take precedence; toilet paper A47K10/00; absorbent pads for physiological fluids A61L15/16; making on paper-making machines D21F11/00)} - G09F 23/10: on paper articles, e.g. booklets, newspapers - Y10T 428/15: Sheet, web, or layer weakened to permit separation through thickness - B65H: HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES - D21H: PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - G09F: DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract A tissue specimen handling device comprising a tissue processing cassette. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A tissue processing cassette for processing small tissue specimens comprising: a base frame; a lid frame; said base frame and said lid frame each including a central opening and a face; each abutting face of said base frame and said lid frame in registered relationship in a closed position; a porous screen spanning said central opening of said base frame and said central opening of said lid frame; said screen spaced apart when said cassette is closed, whereby said base frame, said lid frame, and said screen define an enclosed area for holding a tissue specimen during preparation for histological examination; a funnel shaped design on said porous screen having three dimensional angles; wherein said funnel shaped design of said porous screen does not protrude below said base; said funnel shaped design is an inverted pyramid. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The cassette of claim 1 wherein said porous screen permit processing fluids to flow through said enclosed area, but resists entry of particulate contaminants into said enclosed area, and also resists outflow of small tissue specimens from said enclosed area during processing. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The cassette of claim 1 wherein said cassette reduces surface tension thus promoting increased fluid exchange within said enclosed area to hold said tissue. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The cassette of claim 1 wherein said funnel shape design facilitates filtration of biopsies from fixation fluids to capture said biopsies and allow fluids to flow unrestricted through said screens. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The cassette of claim 1 wherein said enclosed area has an interior perimeter surface that includes no sharp corners that trap a small specimen. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The cassette of claim 1 wherein said base frame is rectangular in shape to fit standard tissue specimen molds and microtomes. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The cassette of claim 1 wherein said base frame has a substantially larger area than said central opening for supporting said base frame. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The cassette of claim 1 wherein there are spaces between said screen structures. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The cassette of claim 8 wherein said spaces minimize surface tension, thus promoting increased fluid exchange and causing said cassette to sink within a fluid rather than float. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The cassette of claim 1 wherein said lid frame is supported by a web extending inwardly from a larger outer inner lid frame. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The cassette of claim 1 wherein said lid frame is rectangular shaped. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The cassette of claim 1 wherein said cassette further comprises a mechanism for releasably maintaining the cassette in a closed position. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The cassette of claim 1 wherein said porous screen is fabricated from a woven material. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The cassette of claim 13 wherein said woven material is a nylon material. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The cassette of claim 1 wherein said cassette eliminates need to create a capillary action to have flow through said cassette. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The cassette of claim 1 further comprising an angled inner chamber that eliminates surface tension. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The cassette of claim 1 wherein said cassette eliminates formation of air bubbles under said cassette. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The cassette of claim 1 wherein said cassette will not float. ### Claim 19 A tissue processing cassette for processing small tissue specimens comprising a cassette comprising an inner chamber lid having a web; outside said inner chamber lid there is no web; an outer base frame having an inner wall chamber that has an interior perimeter surface; said outer base frame comprising an inner chamber having within it a funnel shaped design and a web; wherein said funnel shaped design of said porous screen does not protrude below said base; said funnel shaped design is an inverted pyramid; between said inner chamber wall and the outer base frame there is no web.