Microtome

Abstract

The present invention relates to a microtome (1) having functional regions to be operated manually, in particular a sample holder (2), a cutting device (3), a section removal system (4), and a section collection pan (5). A microtome (1) is described in which the particularly firm contact or adhesion of sectioning waste fragments and, in particular, of thin sections can be at least largely avoided. For this purpose, the microtome (1) according to the present invention is characterized in that the components of the microtome (1) that can be brought into contact with paraffin sections are embodied in electrically conductive fashion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

There are various ways of advantageously embodying and refining the teaching of the present invention. The reader is referred, for that purpose, on the one hand to the claims subordinate to Claim 1, and on the other hand to the explanation below of the preferred exemplifying embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings. In conjunction with the explanation of the preferred exemplifying embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, an explanation is also given of generally preferred embodiments and refinements of the teaching. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of an exemplifying embodiment of a microtome according to the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of a section collection pan of the microtome of FIG. 1.

Claims

1. A microtome comprising a plurality of functional regions to be operated manually, the plurality of functional regions including a sample holder (2), a cutting device (3), section removal system (4), and section collection pan (5); wherein at least one of the plurality of functional regions of the microtome has an electrically conductive structural element arranged for possible contact with paraffin sections cut by the microtome, whereby electrostatic charging of the structural element is prevented.

2. The microtome according to claim 1, wherein a housing portion in the region of the cutting device (3) is an electrically conductive structural element.

3. The microtome according to claim 1, wherein a housing portion in the region of the section removal system (4) is an electrically conductive structural element.

4. The microtome according to claim 1, wherein the section collection pan (5) is an electrically conductive structural element.

5. The microtome according to claim 1, wherein a housing portion in the region of the cutting device (3), a housing portion in the region of the section removal system (4), and the section collection pan (5) are electrically conductive structural elements.

6. The microtome according to claim 2, wherein the housing portion in the region of the cutting device (3) comprises electrically conductive plastic.

7. The microtome according to claim 3, wherein the housing portion in the region of the section removal system (4) comprises electrically conductive plastic.

8. The microtome according to claim 4, wherein the section collection pan (5) comprises electrically conductive plastic.

9. The microtome according to claims 1, wherein the microtome includes housing portions made of plastic comprising an electrically conductive addition.

10. The microtome according to claim 9, wherein the electrically conductive addition to the plastic includes a metal mat.

11. The microtome according to claim 9, wherein the electrically conductive addition to the plastic includes a steel fiber braid.

12. The microtome according to claim 9, wherein the electrically conductive addition to the plastic includes a metal lattice.

13. The microtome according to claim 9, wherein the electrically conductive addition to the plastic includes metal fibers.

14. The microtome according to claim 9, wherein the electrically conductive addition to the plastic includes a metallic coating.

15. The microtome according to claim 5, wherein each of the housing portions comprises a plastic having the designation Grilon BS EC or the designation Antistatic-Equipped Grilamid LKN-5H.

16. The microtome according to claim 15, wherein the section collection pan (5) is made of metal.

17. The microtome according to claim 15, wherein the section collection pan (5) is made of stainless steel.

18. The microtome according to claim 1, further comprising an antistatic knife holder.

19. The microtome according to claim 1, further comprising means for electrically connecting the electrically conductive structural elements together so that the electrically conductive structural elements can be brought to a common electrical potential.

20. The microtome according to claim 19, wherein the means comprises an electrically conductive cable.

21. The microtome according to claim 1, wherein the microtome is selected from a group consisting of a rotary microtome, a sliding microtome, and a rotating disc microtome.