COVERSLIPPER WITH VACUUM OPERATED GRIPPER

摘要

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 th e 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).