A Microtome Drive That Gives Either A Fast Cutting Stroke Or A Slow Stroke with Fast Return

The construction comprises a 0.3 hp electric motor, a drive mechanism which transforms the speed of the motor to the two actual cutting speeds, and a clutch mechanism which transmits the slow or the fast movement to the microtome. When the slow cutting speed is used the cam (on the microtome flywheel) and lever mechanism actuates the drive to give a quick return to the cutting position after a slow cutting act. This device, which needs little supervision, has given excellent serial sections, uniform both individually and with respect to others in the ribbon, with all the material on which it has been tested.