OSCILLATING MICROTOME WITH FLEXURE DRIVE

摘要

A microtome method and apparatus includes a microtome blade configured to oscillate in a direction transverse to a direction of advancing a cut, and a first flexure to support and guide the blade. The first flexure is compliant in the transverse direction while being stiff in the cut direction. A second flexure operatively engaged at one end portion with the first flexure, is stiff in the transverse direction while being compliant in the cut direction. The other end portion of the second flexure is rotatably engaged by an eccentric driven by a rotatable actuator, which oscillates the blade in the transverse direction while effectively isolating non-transverse motion from the blade. The second flexure is configured to move independently of any guides or other stationary objects during oscillation.

主权项

1. A microtome apparatus comprising:
a microtome blade configured to oscillate in a direction transverse to a direction of advancing a cut; a first flexure configured to support and guide the blade, said first flexure configured to be compliant in the transverse direction while being stiff in the cut direction; a second flexure operatively engaged at one end portion thereof with the first flexure, the second flexure configured for being stiff in the transverse direction while being compliant in the cut direction; a rotating actuator; an eccentric driven by the actuator; the second flexure being rotatably engaged at another end portion thereof with the eccentric, wherein operation of the actuator serves to oscillate the blade in the transverse direction while effectively isolating non-transverse motion from the blade; and the second flexure being configured to move independently of any stationary objects during said oscillation.