US6017476A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for embedding and sectioning specimen
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1997-09-19
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Granted: 2000-01-25
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Expires: 2017-09-19
Abstract
Abstract A specimen processing method and cassette utilizes an open-topped, perforated collection cradle (12) and a flat, perforated embedding pedestal (10) which snap together in a male/female relationship to enclose and orient a specimen (14) during chemical processing. After chemical processing, the embedding pedestal (10) enables a specimen to be embedded in exactly the same plane as the cutting plane of a microtome during sectioning. This minimizes the number of sections required for histologic evaluation and eliminates the need for mechanical handling of the tissue specimen after its initial collection.
Inventors
- 👤 Anthony A. Renshaw
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 10:42
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N1/00; G01N1/28; G01N1/36; G01N1/30; G01N1/31; G01N2001/315
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
118 words
A method for embedding and sectioning a specimen comprising the steps of: (a) positioning the specimen above a planar, perforated element that is positioned on and forms a portion of an embedding pedestal that has all portions of the planar, perforated element lying below the specimen, said planar perforated element defining a reference plane with respect to the specimen; (b) embedding the specimen and at least a portion of the embedding pedestal in an embedding medium to form an integral embedded unit with the specimen remaining above the planar, perforated element; and, (c) sectioning the integral embedded unit in at least one plane that passes through the embedded specimen and is in registered relationship to said reference plane.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
118 words
A method for embedding and sectioning a specimen comprising the steps of: (a) positioning the specimen above a planar, perforated element that is positioned on and forms a portion of an embedding pedestal that has all portions of the planar, perforated element lying below the specimen, said planar perforated element defining a reference plane with respect to the specimen; (b) embedding the specimen and at least a portion of the embedding pedestal in an embedding medium to form an integral embedded unit with the specimen remaining above the planar, perforated element; and, (c) sectioning the integral embedded unit in at least one plane that passes through the embedded specimen and is in registered relationship to said reference plane.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said specimen is positioned on top of and in physical contact with said planar, perforated element.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said specimen is positioned on top of, but not in physical contact with said planar, perforated element.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
127 words
A method for embedding and sectioning a tissue specimen for microtome sectioning comprising the steps of: (a) positioning the tissue specimen above a planar, perforated element that is positioned on and forms a portion of an embedding pedestal that has all portions thereof lying below the tissue specimen, said planar perforated element defining a reference plane with respect to the tissue specimen; (b) embedding the tissue specimen and at least a portion of the embedding pedestal in an embedding medium to form an integral embedded unit with the tissue specimen remaining above the planar, perforated element; (c) mounting the integral embedded unit on a microtome with the reference plane parallel to a cutting plane of the microtome; and, (d) sectioning the embedded tissue specimen with the microtome.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
127 words
A method for embedding and sectioning a tissue specimen for microtome sectioning comprising the steps of: (a) positioning the tissue specimen above a planar, perforated element that is positioned on and forms a portion of an embedding pedestal that has all portions thereof lying below the tissue specimen, said planar perforated element defining a reference plane with respect to the tissue specimen; (b) embedding the tissue specimen and at least a portion of the embedding pedestal in an embedding medium to form an integral embedded unit with the tissue specimen remaining above the planar, perforated element; (c) mounting the integral embedded unit on a microtome with the reference plane parallel to a cutting plane of the microtome; and, (d) sectioning the embedded tissue specimen with the microtome.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 4 wherein said tissue specimen is positioned on top of and in physical contact with said planar, perforated element.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 4 wherein said tissue specimen is positioned on top of, but not in physical contact with said planar, perforated element.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-01-24 | 2003-07-26 | 2004-01-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-01-24 | 2007-07-26 | 2008-01-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-01-24 | 2011-07-26 | 2012-01-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |