Systems and methods for section transfer

A microtomy system comprising:

• a microtome for sectioning a tissue section from a tissue block;
• and
• a transfer tape system comprising:
• a transfer tape configured to adhere to a front face of the tissue block and collect one or more tissue sections sectioned by the microtome and to transfer the one or more tissue sections to one or more slides;
• and
• at least one tension device for controlling tension and an angle of the transfer tape relative the tissue block or the one or more slides, wherein:
• the at least one tension device comprises:
• a dancer, comprising a rotatable dancer arm;
• at least one sensor attached to the dancer to determine at least one of a position of the dancer arm, a tension of the transfer tape, or a relative angle of the transfer tape;
• and
• at least one actuator configured to move the dancer arm;
• the at least one actuator is configured to move the dancer arm to maintain the transfer tape at a predetermined tension or maintain the transfer tape at a predetermined angle relative to the tissue block or the one or more slides;
• and
• the microtomy system is configured to determine the tension of the transfer tape at a plurality of locations.