System for handling slides having a linear transport mechanism for transporting the racks

摘要

The present invention relates to a system (10, 100) for handling slides, including an input compartment (14) for inputting racks (16) and the slides held therein, and a coverslipper module (30, 32) for coverslipping slides. The system (10, 100) further includes an output compartment (22) for outputting racks (16), a transport unit (20) for transporting the racks (16), and a control unit (52) for controlling the transport unit (20). The transport unit (20) is designed to be capable of transporting the racks (16) between the input compartment (14), the coverslipper module (30, 32) and the output compartment (22).

主权项

1. A system for handling slides, comprising:
an input compartment (14) for receiving racks (16) inputted to the system, the inputted racks carrying slides to be coverslipped; a coverslipper module (30, 32) for coverslipping thin sections on the slides with a mounting medium and a cover slip (48); an output compartment (22) for receiving racks (16) carrying coverslipped slides, wherein the racks (16) received by the output compartment are ready to be outputted from the system; a transport unit (20) for transporting the racks (16); a control unit (52) for controlling the transport unit (20); a drying unit operable to remove moisture of the mounting medium from coverslipped slides; at least two modules (30 through 34), each module being configured for handling slides; a first module-receiving area (24 through 28) for receiving one of the at least two modules (30 through 34); and a second module-receiving area (24 through 28) for receiving a further one of the at least two modules (30 through 34); wherein the transport unit (20) is operable to transport the racks (16) between the input compartment (14), the coverslipper module (30, 32) and the output compartment (22); wherein the transport unit (20) is operable to transfer racks (16) to the drying unit and remove racks (16) from the drying unit; wherein the transport unit (20) is operable to transfer racks (16) to a module (30 through 34) disposed in the first module-receiving area (24 through 28) and remove racks from a module (30 through 34) disposed in the first module-receiving area (24 through 28), and the transport unit (20) is operable to transfer racks (16) to a module (30 through 34) disposed in the second module-receiving area (24 through 28) and remove racks from a module (30 through 34) disposed in the second module-receiving area (24 through 28); and wherein the at least two modules comprises the coverslipper module.