Slide Label Applicator for Simplified Handling

Lab technicians apply labels to microscope slides after applying tissue samples. The process of printing the label, peeling it off of the backing paper, then placing it on the designated area of the slide while maintaining the integrity of the tissue sample can be repetitive and tedious.

Thus, the goal of this project was to create a prototype that will increase slide labeling productivity and decrease risks of impairments associated with repetitive injury.

Designing a Slide Label Applicator for Simplified Handling (SLASH) presented several engineering challenges: peeling labels with different adhesive strengths from the backing paper, positioning the label in the SLASH mechanism, and placing the label on the slide within the allowable range.

Once the user inputs the preprinted labels and slides into the SLASH, a system made up of a custom density polyethylene channel, gear driven rollers, sensors and moves and aligns the labels above the slide then places it on the slide accurately. Additionally, a display informs technicians of the status of the machine.