Title:
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED COVERSLIPPING
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO2003091137
Kind Code:
A3
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for selecting and dispensing coverglasses (68) over specimens on slides (190) for the purpose of viewing specimens through a microscope. The selecting device contains a suctioning mechanism (72) for picking up a coverglass (68) from a stack of coverglasses (182). It also contains the ability to bend the coverglass (68) to assist in separating the coverglasses (68). The apparatus further contains a matched barrier to eliminate any coverglasses (68) that may stick to the selected coverglass (68). The selecting device also contains spring members (76) which aid in the dispensing of the coverglass (68). After the suctioning mechanism (72) releases the coverglass (68), the spring members (76) exert a force onto the coverglass (68) to insure that it is released from the selecting device and placed onto the slide (190). After placement of the coverglass (68) onto the slide (190), capillary action pushes air bubbles out from underneath the coverglass (68).
Inventors:
REINHARDT KURT
FORD ANTHONY
HOLUBEC MIREK
FORD ANTHONY
HOLUBEC MIREK
Application Number:
PCT/US2003/012954
Publication Date:
February 26, 2004
Filing Date:
April 25, 2003
Export Citation:
Assignee:
VENTANA MED SYST INC (US)
International Classes:
B65H1/08; B65H3/08; B65H3/46; G01N1/28; G02B21/34; G01N35/00; (IPC1-7): B65H3/08; B65H3/46; B65H1/08; G02B21/34; G01N1/28
Domestic Patent References:
WO2000037986A1 | 2000-06-29 | |||
WO1995020176A1 | 1995-07-27 |
Foreign References:
DE10144048A1 | 2003-03-27 | |||
US5989386A | 1999-11-23 | |||
US3930928A | 1976-01-06 | |||
US4455188A | 1984-06-19 | |||
US4428793A | 1984-01-31 | |||
EP1052497A2 | 2000-11-15 | |||
DE1182253B | 1964-11-26 | |||
US5193796A | 1993-03-16 |
Other References:
DATABASE WPI Section PQ Week 200139, Derwent World Patents Index; Class P62, AN 2001-373303, XP002250702
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1996, no. 01 31 January 1996 (1996-01-31)
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1998, no. 04 31 March 1998 (1998-03-31)
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 016, no. 376 (M - 1294) 12 August 1992 (1992-08-12)
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1996, no. 01 31 January 1996 (1996-01-31)
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1998, no. 04 31 March 1998 (1998-03-31)
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 016, no. 376 (M - 1294) 12 August 1992 (1992-08-12)
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