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Publication Number
US-11112337-B2
Publication Date
2021-09-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
A sample sectioning device including a cutting mechanism that is operable to cut sections from a sample, a sample holder operable to move relative to the cutting mechanism, the sample holder having a first side and a second side, the first side faces the cutting mechanism and is dimensioned to receive a sample, a light source coupled to the sample holder, wherein the light source is operable to emit a light from the first side of the sample holder and through a sample positioned on the first side, and a generator operable to generate an electrical energy for providing power to the light source.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a sample sectioning device that includes a cutting mechanism operable to cut sections from a sample and a sample holder operable to move relative to the cutting mechanism. The sample holder includes a sample receiving portion having a first side facing the cutting mechanism and a sample receiving surface dimensioned to receive a sample. The sample receiving portion defines a cavity by an opening to the sample receiving surface and a base opposite the opening, where the depth of the cavity is less than a thickness of the sample receiving portion.
A light source is coupled to the sample holder and disposed in the cavity so it is mounted in a plane defined by the sample receiving surface. Any light emitted by the light source is emitted directly through a sample received on the first side, enabling viewing of the sample during sectioning. In an alternative formulation, an electronic component comprises a light source disposed in the cavity and mounted in a plane defined by the sample receiving surface, with emitted light emitted directly through a sample received on the sample receiving surface.
Electrical power for the light source or electronic component is provided by a generator operable to generate an electrical energy for providing power. The generator is associated with energy harvesting concepts, including conversion driven by hand wheel rotation and alternative sources such as sunlight. Optional circuitry and control are described for adjusting lighting characteristics, and user feedback may be provided through an alarm and indicators tied to cutting operation and/or hand wheel locking.
Claims Coverage
The document contains two independent claims, each covering a sample sectioning device with a shallower cavity supporting a light source that emits directly through a received sample, with the light powered by a generator. Across the claim set, there are multiple inventive features focused on direct illumination, cavity geometry, and energy generation, with dependent claims adding controllability and user feedback.
Direct back-illumination through a received sample using a cavity-mounted light source
A light source disposed in the cavity and mounted in a plane defined by the sample receiving surface, wherein any light emitted by the light source is emitted directly through a sample received on the first side.
Shallower cavity geometry in a sample receiving portion
A cavity defined by an opening to the sample receiving surface and a base opposite the opening that defines a depth of the cavity that is less than a thickness of the sample receiving portion.
Generator-powered electrical energy for the light source
A generator operable to generate an electrical energy for providing power to the light source.
Hand wheel driven relative movement of the sample holder during cutting
A hand wheel operable to cause the sample holder to move with respect to the cutting mechanism during a cutting operation.
Generator-powered electrical energy for an electronic component including a light source
A generator operable to generate an electrical energy for providing power to the electronic component.
The independent claims converge on a sample sectioning device that positions a light source within a cavity of the sample receiving portion such that emitted light passes directly through a received sample, while a generator provides electrical energy for powering the light source or electronic component. A second independent claim further specifies a hand wheel for moving the sample holder relative to the cutting mechanism during cutting.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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