Patent ID: 7080583

Claim:
A method for automatically presetting and cutting a specimen with a microtome or ultramicrotome, the specimen having a trimmed surface, the method comprising the steps of: providing a microtome or ultramicrotome with a knife holder for a knife and a specimen holder for holding the specimen; using a feed device for producing a relative motion between the knife and the specimen; producing a trimmed surface of the specimen with a trimming apparatus having a trimming knife or a milling cutter; ascertaining in the trimming apparatus the spacing between the trimmed surface of the specimen and the specimen holder with a distance measurement system during the movement of the trimming knife or the milling cutter; and, transferring the spacing to the microtome or ultramicrotome via a data transfer means, prior to mounting the specimen with the specimen holder in the microtome or ultramicrotome.