Patent ID: 7854899

Claim:
A device for preparing an array of samples, comprising: at least one tissue microarray recipient block having a thickness, wherein the recipient block comprises an embedding medium and includes a plurality of receptacle holes in the embedding medium that do not extend through the entire thickness of the recipient block; a platform defining (i) a first surface, and (ii) a first cavity formed in the first surface and configured to retain the at least one recipient block; a raised template defining an array of openings, secured to the first surface of the platform and positioned above the first cavity configured to retain the recipient block and a second template positioned over the raised template, the second template defining an array of openings, the second template openings being aligned with the openings of the raised template, each of said templates being supported by at least two support elements such that the second template clamps the raised template to the first surface and such that the raised template and the first cavity form a slot adapted to receive the recipient block, wherein the template openings are adapted to guide a needle or punch into at least one of the receptacle holes.