Automatic tissue processor

Claim 2

In a device for automatically processing articles at a succession of processing stations including a frame, a plurality of receptacles arranged adjacent each other on said frame and positioned at the processing stations, said receptacles being shaped to contain fluids for treating articles to be processed, a carrier on said frame, a holder on said carrier for articles to be processed, each receptacle having an opening for receiving said holder, said carrier being mounted for movement in a path to carry said holders to positions adjacent said stations and having means to lower said holder into said receptacles for a processing period and to raise said holders from said receptacles at the end of said period, that improvement which comprises: a. a cover carried by said carrier adapted to be placed on each said receptacle at one stage of the processing having a continuous peripheral flange and dimensioned to overlie a receptacle, and b. means for selectively exerting pressure on said top to create a sealing force between said cover and said receptacle.

Claim 3

A device as defined in claim 1 in which the said holder comprises a container for articles to be processed suspended from said cover within the periphery thereof in a manner to be positioned within a receptacle when said cover is positioned on a receptacle, said container having openings for the passage of treating fluid from said receptacle to the interior of said container.

Claim 4

In a device for automatically processing articles at a succession of processing stations including a frame, a plurality of receptacles arranged adjacent each other on said frame and positioned at the processing stations, said receptacles being adapted to contain fluids for treating articles to be processed, a carrier on said frame, a holder on said carrier for articles to be processed, each receptacle having an opening for receiving said holder, said carrier being movable in a path to carry said holders to positions adjacent said stations and being adapted to lower said holder into said receptacles for a processing period and to raise said holders from said receptacles at the end of said period, that improvement which comprises a construction wherein: a. a cover is attached to said holder for articles to be processed with portions extending outwardly from said holder on each side thereof to form a continuous flange, said flange being shaped to register with the top of a receptacle, and b. means for selectively exerting pressure on said top to create a sealing force between said cover and said receptacle.

Claim 5

In a device for automatically processing articles at a succession of processing stations including a frame, a plurality of receptacles arranged adjacent each other on said frame and positioned at the processing stations, said receptacles being adapted to contain fluids for treating articles to be processed, a carrier on said frame, a holder on said carrier for articles to be processed, each receptacle having an opening for receiving said holder, said carrier being movable in a path to carry said holders to positions adjacent said stations and being adapted to lower said holder into said receptacles for a processing period and to raise said holders from said receptacles at the end of said period, that improvement which comprises a construction wherein: a. a cover is attached to said holder for articles to be processed with portions extending outwardly from said holder on each side thereof to form a continuous flange, said flange being shaped to register with the top of a receptacle, and b. means for selectively exerting pressure on said top to create a sealing force between said cover and said receptacle.

Claim 6

A device as defined in claim 3 in which the receptacles are formed with a top edge having a relatively flat configuration and extending continuously in a single plane.

Claim 7

A device as defined in claim 3 in which a mounting surface is provided on said frame for supporting said receptacles, said mounting surface having locating means for spacing said receptacles at predetermined intervals along the path of said carrier, said receptacles having a top edge surrounding the opening to the receptacle provided with a continuous flat surface lying in a single plane.

Claim 8

A device as defined in claim 3 in which the lower surface of the flange on the cover of said receptacle is provided with a resilient surface to have a sealing engagement with the top surface of the edge of a receptacle.

Claim 9

A device as defined in claim 3 in which the means for exerting pressure on the top of the receptacle comprises a solenoid and armature combination, the armature being mounted for projection upon energization of the solenoid to exert pressure on the top of said receptacle.

Claim 10

A device as defined in claim 3 in which the means for exerting pressure on the top of the receptacle comprises a relatively rigid strap means extending vertically from the top of said receptacle, guide means on said carrier to serve as a stabilizing guide for said strap means, a strike plate on said strap means, and a solenoid mounted adjacent said strap means having a projectable armature adapted to strike and exert pressure on said strike plate upon energization of said solenoid to transmit a downward pressure on said top to create a sealing effect against the receptacle on which said top is located.

Claim 11

A device as defined in claim 3 in which a U-shaped frame is positioned on said carrier for supporting a lifting and lowering mechanism for said receptacle, a guide means at the top of said frame, a relatively rigid strap bar extending through said Guide means to the top of a receptacle, and a solenoid armature combination positioned on said frame wherein said armature is mounted for movement to exert a downward pressure on said strap to transmit sealing pressure to a top of the receptacle.

Claim 12

A device as defined in claim 9 in which a vacuum system is provided comprising a vacuum pump mounted on said frame and a tube leading through the top of a receptacle from said pump to create a lower than atmospheric pressure in a receptacle when sealed by said top.