TISSUE CASSETTE FOR AUTOMATED HANDLING AND EMBEDDING OF TISSUE SAMPLES

• US 20110182783A1
• Filed: 03/14/2011
• Published: 07/28/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/26/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Biopath Automation, LLC
• Original Assignee: Biopath Automation, LLC
• Inventors: Whitlatch, Stephen P., Williamson, Warren P. IV, Ward, Thomas J.
• Granted Patent: US 8,734,735 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/536
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 1/36 Embedding or analogous mounting of samples
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2001/366 Moulds; Demoulding
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/00732 Identification of carriers, materials or components in automatic analysers
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/2525 Stabilizing or preserving
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/2575 Volumetric liquid transfer

Abstract

An automated machine for handling and embedding tissue samples contained on microtome sectionable supports. The machine includes an input member configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports prior to a tissue embedding operation. An output member is configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports after the tissue embedding operation. A cooling unit is configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports during the tissue embedding operation. A motorized carrier assembly is mounted for movement and configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports. The carrier assembly moves the support from the input member to the cooling unit and, finally, to the output member. A dispensing device dispenses an embedding material onto the microtome sectionable support and at least one tissue sample carried by the microtome sectionable support during the embedding operation.

Claims

1. A cassette for holding a tissue sample, comprising:

a body including a bottom wall and at least one side wall extending upwardly with respect to said bottom wall to define an interior space for receiving the tissue sample; and

a sensing element associated with said body and configured to allow an automated sensing system to determine at least one characteristic of the cassette.

2. The cassette of claim 1, wherein the sensing element further comprises one or more holes.

3. The cassette of claim 1, wherein the sensing element is machine readable.

4. The cassette of claim 1, wherein the sensing element comprises machine readable indicia.