Microtome and ultramicrotome with improved carrier arm
AssigneeBoeckeler Instruments, Inc.
InventorsGilchrist Raymond, Leonard Ness
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A specimen slicing mechanism such as a microtome or an ultramicrotome in which a specimen is held by a specimen arm and is moved through a knife. The specimen arm is made of two segments which are secured to each other via a lockable hinge assembly. The lockable hinge assembly uses a hinge between the two segments as well as a locking mechanism. When locked, the two segments are in a fixed relationship which causes the specimen to be forced through the knife by the action of the motor. When the locking mechanism is unlocked, the segment of the specimen arm holding the specimen is able to rotate (“float”) around the hinge; thus allowing the specimen to be sliced by the knife as gravity pulls the segment downward.
Claims20
A microtome mechanism comprising:
- a) a knife;
- and,
- b) a specimen arm having a first segment and a second segment, said first segment being moved in an up and down motion, and wherein a first end of said second segment is secured by a lockable hinge assembly to a first end of said first segment, a second end of said second segment being positioned proximate to said knife and adapted to hold a specimen.
A specimen slicing mechanism comprising:
- a) a knife;
- b) a specimen arm having a first segment and a second segment, said first segment being movable in an up and down motion, and wherein a first end of said second segment is secured by a lockable hinge assembly to a first end of said first segment, a second end of said second segment being positioned proximate to said knife and adapted to hold a specimen;
- c) a motor powering a cam mechanism, wherein the first segment of said specimen arm is moved in said up and down motion in response to motion of said cam mechanism;
- and
- d) wherein a second end of said first segment is permanently affixed relative to said motor and said cam mechanism.
A microtome specimen arm comprising:
- a) a first segment connectable to a motor within a microtome so that, when installed and said motor is operating, said first segment is moved in an up and down motion;
- b) a second segment adapted to hold a specimen at a first end thereof;
- and,
- c) a lockable hinge assembly member having,
- 1) a hinge secured to an upper portion of the first segment and the second segment, and,
- 2) a locking mechanism selectively securing said first segment to said second segment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.