# US 2017/0284904 A1 · Apparatus and methods for transferring a tissue section > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2017/0284904 A1 - Document ID: US20170284904A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 15/445,585 - Filed: 2017-02-28 - Published: 2017-10-05 - Earliest claimed: 2016-03-31 - Assignees: Agilent Technologies, Inc. - Applicants: Agilent Technologies, Inc. - Inventors: Victor Lim; Kyle Schleifer; Russ Klein - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20170284904A1 ## CPC - G01N 1/06: providing a thin slice, e.g. microtome - H05F 3/04: by means of spark gaps or other discharge devices (devices providing for corona discharge per se H01T19/00) - G01N 2001/061: {Blade details} - G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q) - H05F: STATIC ELECTRICITY; NATURALLY-OCCURRING ELECTRICITY ## Abstract This invention relates to apparatus and methods for automated tissue sectioning, including slicing and transferring a tissue section from a microtome. The invention also relates to automated systems and methods for slicing and transferring a tissue section onto a slide. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An apparatus for slicing a tissue section from a sample, comprising: a microtome comprising a sample holder adapted for linear motion, a knife holder and a knife held by the knife holder opposite the sample holder, such that when the sample holder is moved linearly, a sample held by the sample holder is sliced by the knife to form a tissue section; a positive pressure supplier positioned relative to the knife so as to provide a positive pressure gas on and/or below the tissue section sliced by the knife. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the positive pressure supplier comprises a line of holes to provide a line of gas across a tissue section. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the positive pressure supplier comprises at least two outlets which provide gas at different angles with respect to the sample holder. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The apparatus of claim 3, wherein a first of the outlets is positioned to provide a stream of positive pressure gas at a non-perpendicular angle toward the sample holder. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The apparatus of claim 4, wherein a second of the outlets is positioned to provide a stream of positive pressure gas substantially parallel to the sample holder. ### Claim 6 (depends on 3) The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first outlet, or the second outlet, or both, is fluidly connected to an in-line ionizer configured to ionize the positive pressure gas supplied to the positive pressure supplier. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises one or more ionizers to provide neutralizing ions to the positive pressure gas from the positive pressure supplier. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a front plate on the knife holder located such that the tissue section sliced by the knife deposits on or at the front plate. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the front plate has one or more apertures configured for passage of a positive pressure gas and/or gas moved by reduced pressure. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the one or more apertures are configured for passage of a positive pressure gas to form a gas layer adapted to support the tissue section. ### Claim 11 (depends on 8) The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the front plate defines a flow path for positive pressure gas and having an outlet directed toward a point of contact between the knife and the tissue sample, or at a point of slicing the tissue section from the tissue sample. ### Claim 12 (depends on 8) The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the front plate defines a manifold in fluid communication with one or more apertures on a surface of the front plate and/or an outlet directed toward a point of contact between the knife and the tissue sample. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second positive pressure supplier configured and positioned to provide positive pressure gas on the tissue section as it is placed into a slide bath and/or as it is removed from a slide bath. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a control system configured to automate movement and/or operation of the positive pressure supplier. ### Claim 15 An apparatus for slicing a tissue section from a sample, comprising: a microtome comprising a sample holder, a knife holder and a knife held by the knife holder opposite the sample holder, such that when the sample holder is moved linearly, a sample held by the sample holder is sliced by the knife to form a tissue section; a tissue collector capable of rotational motion, linear motion, or both, wherein the tissue collector has an end adapted for collecting the tissue section; wherein the tissue collector is adapted for movement to a position where a collecting end of the tissue collector is in contact with or in sufficient proximity to the tissue section such that the tissue is collected by the tissue collector. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the collecting end of the tissue collector has one or more apertures adapted for providing suction. ### Claim 17 (depends on 15) The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the collecting end of the tissue collector has an adhesive strip. ### Claim 18 (depends on 15) The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the collecting end of the tissue collector is extendible. ### Claim 19 (depends on 15) The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a slide holder. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the slide holder is adapted for automated movement.