Method, system, and device for automating transfer of tape to microtome sections
First Claim
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1. An automated tape transport apparatus for delivering a tape to an exposed surface of a specimen, the tape transport apparatus comprising:
- (a) a controller;
(b) a tape transport unit, wherein the controller is configured to control the tape transport unit to transport the tape for adhering the tape to the exposed surface of the specimen for adherence of a sample sectioned from the specimen in the automated apparatus, the tape transport unit having a supply reel at an upstream end and a take up reel at a downstream end, and the tape having a separable cover strip adhesively secured to the tape thereon;
(c) a specimen holding unit for mounting the specimen with the exposed surface of the specimen outwardly facing therefrom;
(d) a tape application unit, wherein the controller is configured to control the tape application unit to engage with the tape to apply a pressure to the tape to adhere the tape to the exposed surface after transport of the tape to a position adjacent and over the exposed surface, the tape application unit including a reciprocating actuator controlled by the controller and a sensor providing locational information to the reciprocating actuator, the tape application unit movable by the actuator from a first position to a second position closer to the specimen holding unit to apply the pressure on the tape and press the tape into contact with the specimen, the actuator moving the tape application unit away from the second position and away from the specimen holding unit after applying pressure to the tape;
(e) a specimen sectioning unit operable to section the exposed surface from the specimen onto the tape adhered to the specimen to create a sectioned sample; and
(f) a cover strip take up spool, wherein the controller is configured to control the cover strip take up spool to take up the cover strip after separation from the tape, the cover strip take up spool positioned downstream of the supply reel and spaced therefrom.
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Abstract
A system and method for automated transfer of a tape segment onto the face of a tissue block to be thin sectioned by microtomy includes applying, to a carrier strip, a plurality of serially-spaced patches of sample tape having an adhesive outer surface, transporting the carrier strip along a path adjacent to and spaced from the exposed sample surface to position one of the patches of sample tape adjacent to and covering the exposed sample surface, adhering the one of the patches of sample tape to the exposed sample surface.
53 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An automated tape transport apparatus for delivering a tape to an exposed surface of a specimen, the tape transport apparatus comprising:
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(a) a controller; (b) a tape transport unit, wherein the controller is configured to control the tape transport unit to transport the tape for adhering the tape to the exposed surface of the specimen for adherence of a sample sectioned from the specimen in the automated apparatus, the tape transport unit having a supply reel at an upstream end and a take up reel at a downstream end, and the tape having a separable cover strip adhesively secured to the tape thereon; (c) a specimen holding unit for mounting the specimen with the exposed surface of the specimen outwardly facing therefrom; (d) a tape application unit, wherein the controller is configured to control the tape application unit to engage with the tape to apply a pressure to the tape to adhere the tape to the exposed surface after transport of the tape to a position adjacent and over the exposed surface, the tape application unit including a reciprocating actuator controlled by the controller and a sensor providing locational information to the reciprocating actuator, the tape application unit movable by the actuator from a first position to a second position closer to the specimen holding unit to apply the pressure on the tape and press the tape into contact with the specimen, the actuator moving the tape application unit away from the second position and away from the specimen holding unit after applying pressure to the tape; (e) a specimen sectioning unit operable to section the exposed surface from the specimen onto the tape adhered to the specimen to create a sectioned sample; and (f) a cover strip take up spool, wherein the controller is configured to control the cover strip take up spool to take up the cover strip after separation from the tape, the cover strip take up spool positioned downstream of the supply reel and spaced therefrom. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification