CA1242465A - Section supporting apparatus - Google Patents
Section supporting apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA1242465A CA1242465A CA000547939A CA547939A CA1242465A CA 1242465 A CA1242465 A CA 1242465A CA 000547939 A CA000547939 A CA 000547939A CA 547939 A CA547939 A CA 547939A CA 1242465 A CA1242465 A CA 1242465A
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- adhesive
- section
- platen
- aperture
- sample block
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A section-supporting device is disclosed. The section-supporting device comprises a spacer, such as a flexible protective layer defining an aperture of a dimension sufficient to receive a sample section, and a platen having a surface of which at least a portion is adhesive and exposed through the aperture for adherence to the block. The platen is of a material having elasticity sufficient to permit resilient extension of an adhesive portion of the surface through the aperture. The section-supporting device can form an integral part of a sectioning apparatus which is particularly advantageous in the automated processing of tissue sections.
A section-supporting device is disclosed. The section-supporting device comprises a spacer, such as a flexible protective layer defining an aperture of a dimension sufficient to receive a sample section, and a platen having a surface of which at least a portion is adhesive and exposed through the aperture for adherence to the block. The platen is of a material having elasticity sufficient to permit resilient extension of an adhesive portion of the surface through the aperture. The section-supporting device can form an integral part of a sectioning apparatus which is particularly advantageous in the automated processing of tissue sections.
Description
- 2 -BAC~GROUND OF T~E INVENTION
lo ield of the Invention The present invention relates to apparatus for sectioning and supporting sections of solid samples, such as tissue sections. This application is a division of commonly owned Canadian Patent Application NoO 418,281 filed December 22, 1982.
Brie~ Description of the Prior Art To prepare a section of a biological specimen, such as an histological tissue specimen, for mounting upon a microscope slide, typically after fixation, dehydra~ion and infiltration with melted paraffin, the specimen is embedded in a block of paraffin. Typically, sections are then cut from the embedded specimen by mounting the block of paraffin in the vise of a microtome, and relatively moving a cutting blade through the block, following small incremental advances of the block perpendicular to the cutting motion. The sections are then mounted upon a microscopic slide(s) and stained. Apparatus and procedures for mounting tissues upon microscope slides are generally described in McCormick, U.S. Patent No. 2,996,762.
The use of adhesive tapes to hold biological specimen sections during sectioning is disclosed, for example, by Vannevar Bush, Science, 115:649-652 (19S2). As in the reference by Bush, pressing a ribbon of cellulose tape againsta section surface of paraffin block or frozen section of tissue sample to support a section cut from the block is also disclosed by Palmgren, Nature, 174:40 ~1954). See also, Beckel, Nature, 184:1584 (1959), and Gowers et al, Nature, 190:424 (1961).
: ~ ~
Ullberg, U. S~ Patent No. 3,690,988, discloses a micro-tome for sectioning of biological specimens which comprises a knife and qpecimen holder movable relative to each o-ther in a cutting stroke. A rihbon of tape having an_adhesive _ ~ - 5 surface is provided for c~l-lecting sequential sections~from the specimen block. The tape e~tends from a supply roll to a collecting roll which holds the tape parallel to the direction of the cutting stroke (cutting plane). An advance mechanism moves the specimen holder perpendicular to the cutting plane to approximate the thickness of the next section of the sample block to be cut. The tape is pressed against the sample block after each advance, but prior to the subsequent cutting stroke.
During the cutting stroke, the tape i5 pressed against the exposed surfac~ oE the specimen block. The section cut from lS the specimen block adheres to the tape during the cutting of the section. The tape is advanced by a length substantially egual to the length of the cuttiny stroke between successive cutting operations. It is disclosed that the section being cut is backed and supported by the tape, so it will not be deformed or distorted (compressed) by the knife during the cutting process. This also is discussed in Collewijn et al, Stain Technology, 44:55 (1969).
~- ~ ~
:- ~ ~ :
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It has now been recognized that inaccuracies and fouling of the microtome are both-prob~ems-which plague--apparatus such___ _ as described in the prior art. The clearances, or tolerances, required by the mechanical par~s of the advance mechanism are shifted in one direction by activa-tion of that mechanism and displaced, to the extent of the clearance, in the opposite direction by the pressure used in contacting the adhesive tape to the sample block. This pressure also changes the thickness of the lubricant film coating the mechanical parts. The thickness of the section then cut is therefore made inaccurate by these deficiencies. The adhesive surface of the tape has also been obser~ed to intermittently contact and adhere to the side surfaces, or cutting facets, of the microtome blade, thus fouling the apparatus with resulting shut-down of operation.
The present inven-tion provides a section-supporting device, transfer apparatus and method of operation. The supporting device can form an integral part of the section transEer apparatus, which is particularly advantageous in the automated processing of tissue sections for clinical analysis, or it can be a single use disposable device suitable for use with conventional apparatus~ such as commercially available microtomes. Also, the problems of inaccurate section thickness and section damage, fouling of the apparatus by the adhesive tape, and the need for skilled operator manipulations are overcome by the present invention.
The device for supporting a section of a sample block comprises a spacer, such as a flexible protective layer, defining an aperture of a dimension sufficient to admit the ~1 124~i6 . ' . . ...
section, and a platen having a surface of which at least a portion is adhesive and is exposed by the aperture. The platen is formed of a material having elasticity sufficient to permit re~ilient extension of an adhesive portion of the surface ._ .
__ ~ through the aperture.--The-aperture of the protective~layer~~~
can have a transverse dimension defined by the side wall, which is preferably greater than the thickness of the section of sample which is to be cut.
In one preferred embodiment, this protective layer is a 10 film, such as a polymeric film, having an aperture cut or otherwise formed therein. The transverse dimension of the side wall is thus defined by the thickness of the particular film used. In a preferred embodiment, the platen comprises a polymeric ilm ~ayer having an adhesive surface. In this 15 embodiment, the film layer is preferably polyester and the adhesive is preferably pressure-sensitive adhesive. The device further includes a release backing covering at least the adhe-sive exposed by the aperture of the flexible protective layer.
The device can take other forms particularly adapted for 20 use in automated instruments. One such form is an elongated sheet of material having repeating segments, each of which compxises the structure as described above. For example, the elongated sheet of material can have a protective layer which comprises a film roll having uniform perforations along the 25 length thereof and a platen which comprises a layer of polymeric film which has a pressure-sensitive adhesive on at least one side. The platen can urther include means for positioning, such as sprocket holes.
Il The invention also provides a sectioning apparatus having a blade for cutting a portion from a sample block and means for positioning a sample block relative to the blade. The _ apparatus also--has a pla-ten--having-a surface of which at least _............. .: :
a portion is adhesive and means for positioning the platen surface relative to the sample block. Further, the apparatus includes means for relatively moving the adhesive portion of the platen surface and a cutting face of the sample block into mutual contact, means for relatively moving the sample block and the blade to cut a section of the sample block which adheres to the adhesive portion of the platen surface, and means for spacing that portion of the platen adhering to the sample section cut ~rom said sample block during relative movement of the sample bloc~ and blade. In a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the means for spacing the platen Erom the sample block comprises a flexible protective layer def~ning an aperture of a dimension suf~icient to admit said section and the platen has a surface of which at least a portion is adhesive. ~t least part of the adhesive portion is exposed by the aperture, and the platen is formed of a material having elasticity sufficient to permit resilient extension through said aperture. A pressure roller mechanism can be used for moving an adhesive portion of the platen surface and a portion of the sample block which are aligned with the cutting plane into mutual contact. The pressure roller mechanism can comprise:
(a) a pressure roller; (b) a lever arm having opposed ends, one end being associated with the pressure roller; and (c) drive means, associated with the other end of the lever ¦¦ ~rm, eor mo ng the pressure r*ller. In another embodiment, I . ...... . . ,....... ~ .. ~ , ...
the pressure roller mechanism can comprise: a) a pressure roller; b) a racetrack cam, about which the pressure roller moves; and c) drive means for moving the pressure roller.
In summary, therefore, the invention of the parent application be considered as providing a sectioning apparatus comprising: a blade for cutting a section from a sample block; means for positioning the sample block relative to the blade; a platen having a surface of which at least a portion is adhesive; means for positioning the adhesive portion of the platen surface relative to the sample block; a pressure roller mechanism for relatively moving the adhesive portion of the platen surface and the sample block into mutual contact, the mechanism including a pressure roller; a lever arm having opposed ends, one end being associated with the pressure roller; and drive means, associated with the other end of the lever arm, for moving the pressure roller; means for relatively moving the sample block and the blade to cut a section of the sample block which is adhered to the adhesive portion of the platen surface; and means for spacing that portion of the platen adhering to the sample section cut from the sample block during relative movement of the sample bIock and blade.
Furthermore, the invention of the parent application may be considered as providing a sectioning apparatus comprising: a blade for cutting a section from a sample block; means for positioning the sample block relative to the blade; a platen having a surface of which at least a portion is adhesive, the platen surface being , ~ .
- 7a -laminated with a release backing wh-ich covers the adhesive prior to use; means for positioning the adhesive portion of the platen surface relative to the sample block; means for relatively moving the adhesive portion of the platen surface and the sample block into mutual contact; means for relatively moving the sample block and the blade to cut a secti.on of the sample block which is adhered to the adhesive portion of the platen surface; and means for spacing that portion of the platen adhering to the sample section cut from the sample block during relative movement of the sample block and blade.
On the other hand, the invention of this divisional application provides a device for supporting a section of sample block,which device comprises a spacer having an exposed surface which is not covered with an adhesive defining an aperture of a dimension sufficient to admit the section; and a platen having a first surface which is not covered with an adhesive and a second surface facing the spacer of which at least a portion is adhesive, at least part of the adhesive portion being exposed through the aperture for adherence to the block, the platen comprising a material which, when normalized, is capable of supporting a tissue section within the aperture defined by : the spacer and has elasticity sufficient to permit resilient extension of an adhesive portion of the second surface through the aperture.
: :
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. l is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment __ of a sectioning apparatus of the invention.~
Fig. 2 is a partial isometric view of a preferred embodi-ment of a sectioning apparatus of the invention, with emphasison a preferred embodiment of the section-supporting device of the invention.
Fig. 2a is a diagrammatic illustration of a section which is partially cut from a sample block and carried away by the section-supporting device of the invention.
Fig. 3 is a cross-sec-tional view of the apparatus and device illustrated in Fig. ~, taken along line 3--3.
Figs. 4a ~ are se~uential diagrammatic views illustrating a cycle of operation of a preferred embodiment of the section-ing apparatus of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Although specific terms are used in the following description for clarity, they refer only to the particular _ .. .. ..
. embodiment(s) selected for illustrati-onj and~are not intended ~
to limit the scope of the invention.
Referring now to Fig. 1, the section transfer apparatus, generally designated as 10, comprises a section-supporting device 102, a sample block mechanism 202, a pressure roller mechanism 302, a blade 402 and a series of spools and rollers arranged to feed and accept an elongated sheet 104 of section-supporting device 102 covered by a release backing 126.
Elongated sheet 104 is conveyed through section transfer apparatus 10 f~pm supply spool 502 by identical drive sprockets 504a and 504b ~1:1 gear ratio) which register with sprocket holes 118 along the side edges 120 of elongated sheet 104. Release backing 126 is stripped from elongated sheet 104 at stripping roller 508. The stripped backing is then fed to release backing take-up spool 510. Elongated sheet 104 is compxised of repeating segments 106, each of which is adapted to receive and support a section S of a sample from a sample block B. Repeating segments lOS, each supporting a section S of the sample, pass in a slack loop onto elongated sheet take-up spool 516.
Sample block mechanism 202 holds sample block B in respect to the cutting plane defined by cutting edge 404 to the portion of elongated sheet 104 between tension roller 506 and cutting edge 404~ The sample block B is held in chuck 208 by screw clamp 206. An advance mechanism (not illustrated) moves sample block B along a path perpendicular to the cutting plane of the apparatus. The extent to which the sample block B
is advanced defines the thickness of the section S of sample to be cut.
Pressure roller mechanism-30~-moves against elongated~ --;-sheet 104 opposing sample block B, thereby pressing adhesive surface 124 into contact with the portion of sample block B
exposed above cutting edge 404. In the embodiment illustrated pressure roller mechanism 302 comprises: (a) a pressure roller 304; (b) a lever arm 306 having opposed ends, one end being associated with the pressure roller, e.g., rotatably mounted; and (c) drive means, SUC}I as solenoid 310, associated with the other end of lever arm 306. Solenoid 310 is responsive to a convention~al operator activated drive means which is not illustrated. Frame mount 308 serves as a fulcrum for the action of lever arm 306 in moving roller 304 into contact with and away from elongated sheet 104. In another embodiment (not illustrated) the pressure roller mechanism comprises a roller which moves about the track of a racetrack cam. A racetrack cam is a closed loop track about which a cam, such as a roller, moves. During movement along one straightaway portion of the racetrack cam, the roller is in contact with and applies pressure to that portion of the elongated sheet which is in contact with the sample block.
Referring now to Fig. 2, section-supporting device 102 is shown in the form of an elongated sheet 104, with repeating segments 106 denoted by phantom lines. Elongated sheet 104 is illustrated in characteristic relationship to sample block B and blade 402 when used in a section transfer apparatus such as that of Fig. 1.
~ .
As shown, each repeating segment 106 comprises: (a3 a ~lexible protective layer 108, having an external surface 110, an internal surface 112 and an aperture 114 therethrough, and (b) a platen 122 having a surface 124, of which at least a 5 - portion is~adhesive, associated wi~h internal--surface 112 --- ~
such that at least a portion of the a & esive is exposed through aperture 114. Aperture 114 is deinea by aperture wall(s) 116 and is of dimensions suf~icient to a~nit a section S of the sample. Platen 122 is of a material having elasticity suffi-cient to permit resilient extension of adhesive surface 124 beyond external surface 110 of flexible protective ]ayer 108.
Platen 122 is illustrated to be a 0.0005 inch thick Mylar~ polyester film coated with a 0.0005 inch thick layer of pressure-sensibive adhesive. The adhesive-coated film is available from 3M Company, St. Paul, MN. Mylar~ is a trademark of E. I. duPont deNemours, Wilmington, DE. Other thin films having low stiEfness, including ~lexible metals, can be used as can a wide variety of pressure-sensitive adhesives. In the embodiment illustrated, flexible protective layer 108 has a 0.004 inch thick Mylar polyester film. Other flexible films having a thickness of from about 0.001 to about 0.008 inch are also suitable. In another embodiment, not illustrated, the protective layer can be of a reuseable rigid material, such as inflexible sheet metal and is not bound to the platen.
` Referring now to Fig. 2a, adhesive surface 124 of section-supporting device 102 is in contact with section S
which has been partiall~ cut from sample block B. Blade 402 is positioned adjacent to sample block B such that cutting edge 404 of blade 402 has cut a portion of transverse section S
~ .5 from sample block B. The resiliency of platen 122 of section-supporting device 102 withdraws section S as ~he cut is made.
The portion of section S which has been cut is drawn away from _ ___ blade 402_and into aperture 114, which is bordered by side _ wall(s) il6. The sec~ion S of-sample is spaced from blade-402,, .
by protective layer 108, which is thicker than the transverse dimension of section S. Subsequent to cutting, platen 122 resumes its original position such that adhesive surface 124, supporting section S, is parallel to internal surface 112 of flexible protective layer 108.
Blade 402 has an upper cutting facet 406 and lower cutting facet 408 which converge at cutting edge 404. External surface 110 of flexible protective layer 108 rides on a portion of upper cuttin~g facet 406, then moves or lifts off, deflecting ;that por-tion of section-supporting device 102 which has received a portion of section S into aperture 116. The angle ~C
which is created be-tween the side of blade 402 and external surface 110 is maximized. This angle is predetermined by defining the amount of slack, and thus the shape of the slack loop, between blade 402 and drive sprocket 504b (not shown).
This acts in conjunction with the resiliency of pla-ten 122 to further protect section S and insure uninterrupted operation of the sectioning apparatus. In this way the risk of contact between adhesive surface 124 and blade 402 is overcome.
Fig. 3 is a cross-section of Fig. 2 taken along line 3--3 _ _ and illustrates the elasticity of platen 122. The directional arrows depict the plane of movement of pressure roller 304 for contact of adhesive surface 124 with sample block B and subsequent withdrawal of roller 304. When in contact with and 30 ~; prior to cu ing section S f~om the qamp1e block 3, p1aten 122 : ' '`
is extended through aperture 114 to contact sample block B.
As shown, adhesive surface 124 remains in contact with sample block B even after roller 304 has withdrawn to its original _ position. The transverse dimension between internal surface 112 _ 5 and external surface l-l-0 is defined by-theAheight of apêrture ~
wall(s) 116. This cross-section shows sprocket holes 118 parailel to side edges 120. The sample block mechanism 202 is shown in simplified form.
The sequential diagrammatic views of Figs. 4a-d illus-trate a cycle of operation of section transfer apparatus 10.
Referring to Fig. 4a, elonga-ted sheet 104 is metered out from the supply spool (not shown) by drive sprocket 504a, a distance equivalent to the length of a repeating segme~t 106 to replenish the repeating ~gment used in the previous cycle. The supply spool provides a slight reverse drag against the metering by drive sprocket 504a to maintain registration o~ drive sprocket 504a with the sprocket holes o~ elongated sheet 104.
Concurrently, drive sprocket 504b is metering an equivalent length of elonga-ted sheet 104 onto the elongated sheet take-up spool (not shown) which provides a slight forward or take-up draw on the portion of elongated sheet 104 which is being fed to it by drive sprocket 504b to maintain registration of drive sprocket 504b with the sprocket holes of elongated sheet 104.
An equivalent length of release backing 126 is also stripped concurrent with this metering of elongated sheet 104. During this portion of the operating cycle release brake 512, which is controlled by switch 513, is freely rotating with elongated sheet 104. Pressure roller 304 is not in contact with elongated sheet 104. Sample block B is at the bottom of the
lo ield of the Invention The present invention relates to apparatus for sectioning and supporting sections of solid samples, such as tissue sections. This application is a division of commonly owned Canadian Patent Application NoO 418,281 filed December 22, 1982.
Brie~ Description of the Prior Art To prepare a section of a biological specimen, such as an histological tissue specimen, for mounting upon a microscope slide, typically after fixation, dehydra~ion and infiltration with melted paraffin, the specimen is embedded in a block of paraffin. Typically, sections are then cut from the embedded specimen by mounting the block of paraffin in the vise of a microtome, and relatively moving a cutting blade through the block, following small incremental advances of the block perpendicular to the cutting motion. The sections are then mounted upon a microscopic slide(s) and stained. Apparatus and procedures for mounting tissues upon microscope slides are generally described in McCormick, U.S. Patent No. 2,996,762.
The use of adhesive tapes to hold biological specimen sections during sectioning is disclosed, for example, by Vannevar Bush, Science, 115:649-652 (19S2). As in the reference by Bush, pressing a ribbon of cellulose tape againsta section surface of paraffin block or frozen section of tissue sample to support a section cut from the block is also disclosed by Palmgren, Nature, 174:40 ~1954). See also, Beckel, Nature, 184:1584 (1959), and Gowers et al, Nature, 190:424 (1961).
: ~ ~
Ullberg, U. S~ Patent No. 3,690,988, discloses a micro-tome for sectioning of biological specimens which comprises a knife and qpecimen holder movable relative to each o-ther in a cutting stroke. A rihbon of tape having an_adhesive _ ~ - 5 surface is provided for c~l-lecting sequential sections~from the specimen block. The tape e~tends from a supply roll to a collecting roll which holds the tape parallel to the direction of the cutting stroke (cutting plane). An advance mechanism moves the specimen holder perpendicular to the cutting plane to approximate the thickness of the next section of the sample block to be cut. The tape is pressed against the sample block after each advance, but prior to the subsequent cutting stroke.
During the cutting stroke, the tape i5 pressed against the exposed surfac~ oE the specimen block. The section cut from lS the specimen block adheres to the tape during the cutting of the section. The tape is advanced by a length substantially egual to the length of the cuttiny stroke between successive cutting operations. It is disclosed that the section being cut is backed and supported by the tape, so it will not be deformed or distorted (compressed) by the knife during the cutting process. This also is discussed in Collewijn et al, Stain Technology, 44:55 (1969).
~- ~ ~
:- ~ ~ :
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It has now been recognized that inaccuracies and fouling of the microtome are both-prob~ems-which plague--apparatus such___ _ as described in the prior art. The clearances, or tolerances, required by the mechanical par~s of the advance mechanism are shifted in one direction by activa-tion of that mechanism and displaced, to the extent of the clearance, in the opposite direction by the pressure used in contacting the adhesive tape to the sample block. This pressure also changes the thickness of the lubricant film coating the mechanical parts. The thickness of the section then cut is therefore made inaccurate by these deficiencies. The adhesive surface of the tape has also been obser~ed to intermittently contact and adhere to the side surfaces, or cutting facets, of the microtome blade, thus fouling the apparatus with resulting shut-down of operation.
The present inven-tion provides a section-supporting device, transfer apparatus and method of operation. The supporting device can form an integral part of the section transEer apparatus, which is particularly advantageous in the automated processing of tissue sections for clinical analysis, or it can be a single use disposable device suitable for use with conventional apparatus~ such as commercially available microtomes. Also, the problems of inaccurate section thickness and section damage, fouling of the apparatus by the adhesive tape, and the need for skilled operator manipulations are overcome by the present invention.
The device for supporting a section of a sample block comprises a spacer, such as a flexible protective layer, defining an aperture of a dimension sufficient to admit the ~1 124~i6 . ' . . ...
section, and a platen having a surface of which at least a portion is adhesive and is exposed by the aperture. The platen is formed of a material having elasticity sufficient to permit re~ilient extension of an adhesive portion of the surface ._ .
__ ~ through the aperture.--The-aperture of the protective~layer~~~
can have a transverse dimension defined by the side wall, which is preferably greater than the thickness of the section of sample which is to be cut.
In one preferred embodiment, this protective layer is a 10 film, such as a polymeric film, having an aperture cut or otherwise formed therein. The transverse dimension of the side wall is thus defined by the thickness of the particular film used. In a preferred embodiment, the platen comprises a polymeric ilm ~ayer having an adhesive surface. In this 15 embodiment, the film layer is preferably polyester and the adhesive is preferably pressure-sensitive adhesive. The device further includes a release backing covering at least the adhe-sive exposed by the aperture of the flexible protective layer.
The device can take other forms particularly adapted for 20 use in automated instruments. One such form is an elongated sheet of material having repeating segments, each of which compxises the structure as described above. For example, the elongated sheet of material can have a protective layer which comprises a film roll having uniform perforations along the 25 length thereof and a platen which comprises a layer of polymeric film which has a pressure-sensitive adhesive on at least one side. The platen can urther include means for positioning, such as sprocket holes.
Il The invention also provides a sectioning apparatus having a blade for cutting a portion from a sample block and means for positioning a sample block relative to the blade. The _ apparatus also--has a pla-ten--having-a surface of which at least _............. .: :
a portion is adhesive and means for positioning the platen surface relative to the sample block. Further, the apparatus includes means for relatively moving the adhesive portion of the platen surface and a cutting face of the sample block into mutual contact, means for relatively moving the sample block and the blade to cut a section of the sample block which adheres to the adhesive portion of the platen surface, and means for spacing that portion of the platen adhering to the sample section cut ~rom said sample block during relative movement of the sample bloc~ and blade. In a preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the means for spacing the platen Erom the sample block comprises a flexible protective layer def~ning an aperture of a dimension suf~icient to admit said section and the platen has a surface of which at least a portion is adhesive. ~t least part of the adhesive portion is exposed by the aperture, and the platen is formed of a material having elasticity sufficient to permit resilient extension through said aperture. A pressure roller mechanism can be used for moving an adhesive portion of the platen surface and a portion of the sample block which are aligned with the cutting plane into mutual contact. The pressure roller mechanism can comprise:
(a) a pressure roller; (b) a lever arm having opposed ends, one end being associated with the pressure roller; and (c) drive means, associated with the other end of the lever ¦¦ ~rm, eor mo ng the pressure r*ller. In another embodiment, I . ...... . . ,....... ~ .. ~ , ...
the pressure roller mechanism can comprise: a) a pressure roller; b) a racetrack cam, about which the pressure roller moves; and c) drive means for moving the pressure roller.
In summary, therefore, the invention of the parent application be considered as providing a sectioning apparatus comprising: a blade for cutting a section from a sample block; means for positioning the sample block relative to the blade; a platen having a surface of which at least a portion is adhesive; means for positioning the adhesive portion of the platen surface relative to the sample block; a pressure roller mechanism for relatively moving the adhesive portion of the platen surface and the sample block into mutual contact, the mechanism including a pressure roller; a lever arm having opposed ends, one end being associated with the pressure roller; and drive means, associated with the other end of the lever arm, for moving the pressure roller; means for relatively moving the sample block and the blade to cut a section of the sample block which is adhered to the adhesive portion of the platen surface; and means for spacing that portion of the platen adhering to the sample section cut from the sample block during relative movement of the sample bIock and blade.
Furthermore, the invention of the parent application may be considered as providing a sectioning apparatus comprising: a blade for cutting a section from a sample block; means for positioning the sample block relative to the blade; a platen having a surface of which at least a portion is adhesive, the platen surface being , ~ .
- 7a -laminated with a release backing wh-ich covers the adhesive prior to use; means for positioning the adhesive portion of the platen surface relative to the sample block; means for relatively moving the adhesive portion of the platen surface and the sample block into mutual contact; means for relatively moving the sample block and the blade to cut a secti.on of the sample block which is adhered to the adhesive portion of the platen surface; and means for spacing that portion of the platen adhering to the sample section cut from the sample block during relative movement of the sample block and blade.
On the other hand, the invention of this divisional application provides a device for supporting a section of sample block,which device comprises a spacer having an exposed surface which is not covered with an adhesive defining an aperture of a dimension sufficient to admit the section; and a platen having a first surface which is not covered with an adhesive and a second surface facing the spacer of which at least a portion is adhesive, at least part of the adhesive portion being exposed through the aperture for adherence to the block, the platen comprising a material which, when normalized, is capable of supporting a tissue section within the aperture defined by : the spacer and has elasticity sufficient to permit resilient extension of an adhesive portion of the second surface through the aperture.
: :
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. l is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment __ of a sectioning apparatus of the invention.~
Fig. 2 is a partial isometric view of a preferred embodi-ment of a sectioning apparatus of the invention, with emphasison a preferred embodiment of the section-supporting device of the invention.
Fig. 2a is a diagrammatic illustration of a section which is partially cut from a sample block and carried away by the section-supporting device of the invention.
Fig. 3 is a cross-sec-tional view of the apparatus and device illustrated in Fig. ~, taken along line 3--3.
Figs. 4a ~ are se~uential diagrammatic views illustrating a cycle of operation of a preferred embodiment of the section-ing apparatus of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Although specific terms are used in the following description for clarity, they refer only to the particular _ .. .. ..
. embodiment(s) selected for illustrati-onj and~are not intended ~
to limit the scope of the invention.
Referring now to Fig. 1, the section transfer apparatus, generally designated as 10, comprises a section-supporting device 102, a sample block mechanism 202, a pressure roller mechanism 302, a blade 402 and a series of spools and rollers arranged to feed and accept an elongated sheet 104 of section-supporting device 102 covered by a release backing 126.
Elongated sheet 104 is conveyed through section transfer apparatus 10 f~pm supply spool 502 by identical drive sprockets 504a and 504b ~1:1 gear ratio) which register with sprocket holes 118 along the side edges 120 of elongated sheet 104. Release backing 126 is stripped from elongated sheet 104 at stripping roller 508. The stripped backing is then fed to release backing take-up spool 510. Elongated sheet 104 is compxised of repeating segments 106, each of which is adapted to receive and support a section S of a sample from a sample block B. Repeating segments lOS, each supporting a section S of the sample, pass in a slack loop onto elongated sheet take-up spool 516.
Sample block mechanism 202 holds sample block B in respect to the cutting plane defined by cutting edge 404 to the portion of elongated sheet 104 between tension roller 506 and cutting edge 404~ The sample block B is held in chuck 208 by screw clamp 206. An advance mechanism (not illustrated) moves sample block B along a path perpendicular to the cutting plane of the apparatus. The extent to which the sample block B
is advanced defines the thickness of the section S of sample to be cut.
Pressure roller mechanism-30~-moves against elongated~ --;-sheet 104 opposing sample block B, thereby pressing adhesive surface 124 into contact with the portion of sample block B
exposed above cutting edge 404. In the embodiment illustrated pressure roller mechanism 302 comprises: (a) a pressure roller 304; (b) a lever arm 306 having opposed ends, one end being associated with the pressure roller, e.g., rotatably mounted; and (c) drive means, SUC}I as solenoid 310, associated with the other end of lever arm 306. Solenoid 310 is responsive to a convention~al operator activated drive means which is not illustrated. Frame mount 308 serves as a fulcrum for the action of lever arm 306 in moving roller 304 into contact with and away from elongated sheet 104. In another embodiment (not illustrated) the pressure roller mechanism comprises a roller which moves about the track of a racetrack cam. A racetrack cam is a closed loop track about which a cam, such as a roller, moves. During movement along one straightaway portion of the racetrack cam, the roller is in contact with and applies pressure to that portion of the elongated sheet which is in contact with the sample block.
Referring now to Fig. 2, section-supporting device 102 is shown in the form of an elongated sheet 104, with repeating segments 106 denoted by phantom lines. Elongated sheet 104 is illustrated in characteristic relationship to sample block B and blade 402 when used in a section transfer apparatus such as that of Fig. 1.
~ .
As shown, each repeating segment 106 comprises: (a3 a ~lexible protective layer 108, having an external surface 110, an internal surface 112 and an aperture 114 therethrough, and (b) a platen 122 having a surface 124, of which at least a 5 - portion is~adhesive, associated wi~h internal--surface 112 --- ~
such that at least a portion of the a & esive is exposed through aperture 114. Aperture 114 is deinea by aperture wall(s) 116 and is of dimensions suf~icient to a~nit a section S of the sample. Platen 122 is of a material having elasticity suffi-cient to permit resilient extension of adhesive surface 124 beyond external surface 110 of flexible protective ]ayer 108.
Platen 122 is illustrated to be a 0.0005 inch thick Mylar~ polyester film coated with a 0.0005 inch thick layer of pressure-sensibive adhesive. The adhesive-coated film is available from 3M Company, St. Paul, MN. Mylar~ is a trademark of E. I. duPont deNemours, Wilmington, DE. Other thin films having low stiEfness, including ~lexible metals, can be used as can a wide variety of pressure-sensitive adhesives. In the embodiment illustrated, flexible protective layer 108 has a 0.004 inch thick Mylar polyester film. Other flexible films having a thickness of from about 0.001 to about 0.008 inch are also suitable. In another embodiment, not illustrated, the protective layer can be of a reuseable rigid material, such as inflexible sheet metal and is not bound to the platen.
` Referring now to Fig. 2a, adhesive surface 124 of section-supporting device 102 is in contact with section S
which has been partiall~ cut from sample block B. Blade 402 is positioned adjacent to sample block B such that cutting edge 404 of blade 402 has cut a portion of transverse section S
~ .5 from sample block B. The resiliency of platen 122 of section-supporting device 102 withdraws section S as ~he cut is made.
The portion of section S which has been cut is drawn away from _ ___ blade 402_and into aperture 114, which is bordered by side _ wall(s) il6. The sec~ion S of-sample is spaced from blade-402,, .
by protective layer 108, which is thicker than the transverse dimension of section S. Subsequent to cutting, platen 122 resumes its original position such that adhesive surface 124, supporting section S, is parallel to internal surface 112 of flexible protective layer 108.
Blade 402 has an upper cutting facet 406 and lower cutting facet 408 which converge at cutting edge 404. External surface 110 of flexible protective layer 108 rides on a portion of upper cuttin~g facet 406, then moves or lifts off, deflecting ;that por-tion of section-supporting device 102 which has received a portion of section S into aperture 116. The angle ~C
which is created be-tween the side of blade 402 and external surface 110 is maximized. This angle is predetermined by defining the amount of slack, and thus the shape of the slack loop, between blade 402 and drive sprocket 504b (not shown).
This acts in conjunction with the resiliency of pla-ten 122 to further protect section S and insure uninterrupted operation of the sectioning apparatus. In this way the risk of contact between adhesive surface 124 and blade 402 is overcome.
Fig. 3 is a cross-section of Fig. 2 taken along line 3--3 _ _ and illustrates the elasticity of platen 122. The directional arrows depict the plane of movement of pressure roller 304 for contact of adhesive surface 124 with sample block B and subsequent withdrawal of roller 304. When in contact with and 30 ~; prior to cu ing section S f~om the qamp1e block 3, p1aten 122 : ' '`
is extended through aperture 114 to contact sample block B.
As shown, adhesive surface 124 remains in contact with sample block B even after roller 304 has withdrawn to its original _ position. The transverse dimension between internal surface 112 _ 5 and external surface l-l-0 is defined by-theAheight of apêrture ~
wall(s) 116. This cross-section shows sprocket holes 118 parailel to side edges 120. The sample block mechanism 202 is shown in simplified form.
The sequential diagrammatic views of Figs. 4a-d illus-trate a cycle of operation of section transfer apparatus 10.
Referring to Fig. 4a, elonga-ted sheet 104 is metered out from the supply spool (not shown) by drive sprocket 504a, a distance equivalent to the length of a repeating segme~t 106 to replenish the repeating ~gment used in the previous cycle. The supply spool provides a slight reverse drag against the metering by drive sprocket 504a to maintain registration o~ drive sprocket 504a with the sprocket holes o~ elongated sheet 104.
Concurrently, drive sprocket 504b is metering an equivalent length of elonga-ted sheet 104 onto the elongated sheet take-up spool (not shown) which provides a slight forward or take-up draw on the portion of elongated sheet 104 which is being fed to it by drive sprocket 504b to maintain registration of drive sprocket 504b with the sprocket holes of elongated sheet 104.
An equivalent length of release backing 126 is also stripped concurrent with this metering of elongated sheet 104. During this portion of the operating cycle release brake 512, which is controlled by switch 513, is freely rotating with elongated sheet 104. Pressure roller 304 is not in contact with elongated sheet 104. Sample block B is at the bottom of the
3() Il cu-tting plane. Precise positioning of elongated sheet 104 is critical so tha~ a repeating segment 106 is properly aligned to receive a section S of the sample. This positioning is _ achieved by the metered feed of elongated shee~ 104 by drive . ~ . ,.. _ ~ .
sprockets 504a and 504b. ~
Referring now to Fig. 4b, a fresh repeating segment of elongated sheet lD4 is register6d with sample block B and release brake 512 is activated by switch 513 to momentarily fix elongated sheet 104 in position. Sample block B is posi-lQ tioned such that a portion thereof is above cutting edge 404.
Pressure roller 304 is moved into contact with elongated sheet ln4 by pressure roller mechanism 302. Concurrently, sample block mechanism 202 (shown in simplified form) begins to move sample ~block B up into contact with elongated sheet 104.
Lamination of the exposed face of sample block B with the adhesive portion of the repeating segment which has been re~is-texed into position begins. This contact and upward motion creates a slack in elongated sheet 104 (shown in phantom). As soon as this adhesion is established, release brake 512 is dis-engaged from elongated sheet 104 by switch 513 and registration is thereafter maintained by the adhesive contact and by tension roller 506. The adhesive portion of elongated sheet 104 is pressed into contact with the remainder of the exposed face of sample block B by pressure roller 304 during upward movement ~5 of sample block B.
As shown in Fig. 4c, when the upward movement of sample block B has been completed, pressure roller 304 is withdrawn and release brake 512 is disengaged. An appropriate advance mechanism (not shown) advances sample block B (as indicated by .
,' ~ ;t~
. ,, ` ', directional arrow) to the desired thickness increment perpen-dicular to the cutting plane in preparation for cutting of the section S of the sample. Thus, there is no force applied by pressure roller 304 when the cut takes place and the positional _ 5 distortion caused by mechanica~-slack of the~advance- mechanism and thinning of advance mechanism lubrication films by the pressure of roller 304 have been relieved by the motion of the advance mechanism in the opposite direction.
Finally, in Fig. 4d, sample block mechanism 202 begins to move sample block B down (as indicated by the directional arrow) -to commence the cutting cycle. The cutting edge 404 of blade 402 has begun cutting a section S from sample block B.
Due to its resiliency, platen 122 draws, on a continuous basis, . that poxtion o~bsection S which has been cut into aperture 114 (see Fig. 2a) and away from blade 402, s~ as to prevent contact with facet 406 of blade 402. Thus, sample section S is physically lifted from the cutting plane and blade facet 406.
Further, flexible protective layer 108 rides over blade facet 406 and positively prevents contact of the adhesive surface of platen 122 and facet 406 of blade 402. Also, it is evident that, even if elongated sheet 104 is not lifted from the surface of facet 406, the withdrawal of sample section S into aper-ture 114 would prevent contact with blade 402. The movement of sample block B, is sufficient to completely sever section S
from the sample block B, which adheres to the adhesive portion 124 of platen 122. Elongated sheet 104 forms a slack loop betwePn blade 402 and drive sprocket 504b. The amount of slack permitted is predetermined to lift flexible protective layer 108 ¦~ off olade 4 hich is also lllustrated in Eig 2a and described :
above. This completes the operational cycle and drive sprockets 504a and 504b are activated to move elongated sheet 104 forward the length of another repeating segment 106 to _ _ initiate a subsequent operating cycle.
... _., ......... .;;
Although the invention has been described with-a certain -degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes :In the details, combinations and arrangement of elements may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention.
11 , .. .... . .
sprockets 504a and 504b. ~
Referring now to Fig. 4b, a fresh repeating segment of elongated sheet lD4 is register6d with sample block B and release brake 512 is activated by switch 513 to momentarily fix elongated sheet 104 in position. Sample block B is posi-lQ tioned such that a portion thereof is above cutting edge 404.
Pressure roller 304 is moved into contact with elongated sheet ln4 by pressure roller mechanism 302. Concurrently, sample block mechanism 202 (shown in simplified form) begins to move sample ~block B up into contact with elongated sheet 104.
Lamination of the exposed face of sample block B with the adhesive portion of the repeating segment which has been re~is-texed into position begins. This contact and upward motion creates a slack in elongated sheet 104 (shown in phantom). As soon as this adhesion is established, release brake 512 is dis-engaged from elongated sheet 104 by switch 513 and registration is thereafter maintained by the adhesive contact and by tension roller 506. The adhesive portion of elongated sheet 104 is pressed into contact with the remainder of the exposed face of sample block B by pressure roller 304 during upward movement ~5 of sample block B.
As shown in Fig. 4c, when the upward movement of sample block B has been completed, pressure roller 304 is withdrawn and release brake 512 is disengaged. An appropriate advance mechanism (not shown) advances sample block B (as indicated by .
,' ~ ;t~
. ,, ` ', directional arrow) to the desired thickness increment perpen-dicular to the cutting plane in preparation for cutting of the section S of the sample. Thus, there is no force applied by pressure roller 304 when the cut takes place and the positional _ 5 distortion caused by mechanica~-slack of the~advance- mechanism and thinning of advance mechanism lubrication films by the pressure of roller 304 have been relieved by the motion of the advance mechanism in the opposite direction.
Finally, in Fig. 4d, sample block mechanism 202 begins to move sample block B down (as indicated by the directional arrow) -to commence the cutting cycle. The cutting edge 404 of blade 402 has begun cutting a section S from sample block B.
Due to its resiliency, platen 122 draws, on a continuous basis, . that poxtion o~bsection S which has been cut into aperture 114 (see Fig. 2a) and away from blade 402, s~ as to prevent contact with facet 406 of blade 402. Thus, sample section S is physically lifted from the cutting plane and blade facet 406.
Further, flexible protective layer 108 rides over blade facet 406 and positively prevents contact of the adhesive surface of platen 122 and facet 406 of blade 402. Also, it is evident that, even if elongated sheet 104 is not lifted from the surface of facet 406, the withdrawal of sample section S into aper-ture 114 would prevent contact with blade 402. The movement of sample block B, is sufficient to completely sever section S
from the sample block B, which adheres to the adhesive portion 124 of platen 122. Elongated sheet 104 forms a slack loop betwePn blade 402 and drive sprocket 504b. The amount of slack permitted is predetermined to lift flexible protective layer 108 ¦~ off olade 4 hich is also lllustrated in Eig 2a and described :
above. This completes the operational cycle and drive sprockets 504a and 504b are activated to move elongated sheet 104 forward the length of another repeating segment 106 to _ _ initiate a subsequent operating cycle.
... _., ......... .;;
Although the invention has been described with-a certain -degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes :In the details, combinations and arrangement of elements may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention.
11 , .. .... . .
Claims (9)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A device for supporting a section of sample block, which device comprises a spacer having an exposed surface which is not covered with an adhesive defining an aperture of a dimension sufficient to admit said section; and a platen having a first surface which is not covered with an adhesive and a second surface facing said spacer of which at least a portion is adhesive, at least part of said adhesive portion being exposed through said aperture for adherence to said block, said platen comprising a material which, when normalized, is capable of supporting a tissue section within the aperture defined by said spacer and has elasticity sufficient to permit resilient extension of an adhesive portion of the second surface through said aperture.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the spacer is a flexible protective layer which forms a laminate with the platen.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein said platen comprises a polymeric film layer having an adhesive surface.
4. The device of claim 3 wherein said platen comprises a polymeric film layer and adhesive layer of substantially the same dimensions in laminar relationship.
5. The device of claim 1 which further comprises a release backing covering at least the adhesive exposed by the aperture of the flexible protective layer.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein said platen has means for positioning said device.
7. A device having repeating severable segments, each segment being adapted to support a section of a block of sample and comprising a flexible protective layer, the surfaces of which are not covered with an adhesive, defining an aperture of a dimension sufficient to admit said section; and a platen having a first surface which is not covered with an adhesive and a second surface facing said protective layer of which at least a portion is adhesive, at least part of said adhesive portion being exposed through the aperture for adherence to the block, the platen being of a material which, when normalized, is capable of supporting a tissue section within the aperture defined by said protective layer and having elasticity sufficient to permit resilient extension of an adhesive portion of the second surface through the aperture.
8. The device of claim 7 wherein said flexible protective layer and said platen form a flexible laminate.
9. The device of claim 8 wherein a plurality of said protective layers are formed by a film roll having uniform perforations along the length thereof and a plurality of said platens are formed by a layer of polymeric film which has a pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000547939A CA1242465A (en) | 1982-03-04 | 1987-09-25 | Section supporting apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US35483782A | 1982-03-04 | 1982-03-04 | |
| US354,837 | 1982-03-04 | ||
| CA000418281A CA1232298A (en) | 1982-03-04 | 1982-12-22 | Sectioning apparatus, section supporting device and method |
| CA000547939A CA1242465A (en) | 1982-03-04 | 1987-09-25 | Section supporting apparatus |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000418281A Division CA1232298A (en) | 1982-03-04 | 1982-12-22 | Sectioning apparatus, section supporting device and method |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1242465A true CA1242465A (en) | 1988-09-27 |
Family
ID=25669896
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000547939A Expired CA1242465A (en) | 1982-03-04 | 1987-09-25 | Section supporting apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1242465A (en) |
-
1987
- 1987-09-25 CA CA000547939A patent/CA1242465A/en not_active Expired
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