Microscope slide heater

US6358473B1 · kind B1 · utility

Inventors

• Albert Coello · Windsor, US
• John E. Johnson · Baltimore, US
• David Tacha · San Ramon, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 5, 1999
• Grant date: Mar 19, 2002
• Expiry date: Oct 5, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B21/34
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A microscope slide stainer includes a waste bin with an open top, and supporting notches arranged on the top edges of opposite sides. A slide supporting rack is supported in a horizontal position across the top of the bin in the supporting notches. The rack includes a pair of rails extending along a horizontal base. Brackets arranged on top of the rails define a plurality of spaced-apart slide holding positions. A hot plate is positioned between the rails and spaced above the horizontal base. A control box is attached to the hot plate for temperature control. Pins extending from opposite sides of the hot plate ride in direction-changing slots in the rails to enable the hot plate to be moved between a raised position engaged against the bottom of the slides, and a lowered position disengaged from the slides. Grooves are arranged on top surface of the hot plate to prevent the wet slides from sticking to it. A cover is removably positioned over the rack to define a heating and humidity chamber. The rack can be placed in a tilted position for rinsing the slides by inserting its ends in slanted slots extending downwardly from the supporting notches on the bin.