Leica Leica VT1200S manual

Operating Manual Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S V1.1 English – 05/2007 Always keep this manual with the instrument. Read carefully before working with the instrument. Leica VT1200 Leica VT1200 S Microtome with Vibrating Blade[...]

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3 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome Published by: Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH Heidelberger Str. 17 – 19 D-69226 Nussloch Germany Phone: +49 62 24 143-0 Fax: +49 62 24 143-200 E-mail: histo_info@leica-m icrosystems.com Internet: http://www.histo-solutions.com These are determined only by the contract provi- sions agreed between ourselve[...]

4 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 Contents 1. Important Notes .............................................................................................................. ............ 5 1.1 Symbols in the Text and their Meanings ...................................................................................... .. 5 1.2 Qualification of Pers[...]

5 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome Instrument model: All information provided in this manual applies only to the VT1200 and VT1200S instruments de- scribed here. A nameplate indicating the instrument serial num- ber is attached to the rear side of the instrument. 1. Important Notes 1.1 Symbols in the Text and their Meanings Dangers, warnings[...]

6 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 2. Safety This Operating Manual contains important instructions and information regarding the operational safety and maintenance of the instrument. The Operating Manual is an important part of the product, and must be read carefully prior to startup and use and must always be kept near the instru- ment. If additi[...]

7 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome Caution: Extremely sharp blades pose risk of injury when touched! Fresh tissue poses risk of infection! Fire hazard from uncovered magnifier! Cover the magnifier during work breaks! 2. Safety Proper handling Always be exceptionally careful when handling the blades! Do not leave open blades lying around afte[...]

8 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 3. Instrument Characteristics 3.1 Technical Data for the VT1200 General data: Cutting frequency (± 10 %) ..................................................................................................... ............ 85 Hz (± 10%) Amplitude ....................................................................[...]

9 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome 3.1.1 Technical Data for the VT1200 S General data: Cutting frequency (± 10 %): .................................................................................................... ..................... 85 Hz (± 10 %) Amplitude: .............................................................................[...]

10 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 Fig. 8, Control panel m VT1200 S mm Blade holder 3. Instrument Characteristics 3.2 General Overview of the VT1200/VT1200S Cutting head Fig. 2, Basic instrument Fig. 7, Control panel VT1200 Fig. 3, Magnifier Fig. 4, Microscope Fiber optic light guide Fig. 5 Cold light source Fig. 6, Foot switch[...]

11 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome Specimen plate for specimens of 1 cm in height for specimens of 2 cm in height Directional 3. Instrument Characteristics Attachments on dovetail receptacle Ice bath Buffer tray Buffer tray, plastic Buffer tray, metal Double-walled buffer tray VibroCheck Specimen plate for specimens of 1 cm in height for sp[...]

12 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 3. Instrument Characteristics LED for feed rate LED on, for enabled amplitude adjustment Sets the current specimen position between 0 (lower) and 20,000 μm (upper) or – after zero, totals the section thicknesses Toggles between SPEED (blade feed rate) and AMPL (amplitude) Pressing this button toggles between [...]

13 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome Sets the blade feed rate. Select the values using setting dial 1. Sets the amplitude. Select the values using setting dial 1. Moves the speci- men into the lowest position, (LED is illuminated when the lowest position is reached) Starts or stops the sectioning process. In semiautomatic mode, the sectioning[...]

14 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 4. Installation 4.1 Standard Scope of Delivery for the VT1200 VT1200 basic instrument .................................................................... 0481 42065 1 control panel ..................................................................................... 0481 43395 1 toolset: - 1 Allen key, size 3.0[...]

15 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome 4.1.1 Standard Scope of Delivery for the VT1200 S VT1200 S basic instrument ................................................................. 0481 42066 1 control panel ..................................................................................... 0481 43396 1 toolset: - 1 Allen key, size 3.0 ......[...]

16 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 4.2 Packing and Setting up the Instrument 4. Installation 1 . Have 2 people grab the instrument by the transport handles ( 1 ), place it on the wooden pallet and screw it to the pallet using the 4 size 6 hexa- gon-head screws ( 2 ). 2 . Pull the transparent protective hood ( 3 ) over the instrument. Place the wo[...]

17 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome 4. Installation 4.3 Before Commissioning the Instrument 1 1 Fig. 13 Once the instrument is in its final location, unscrew the transport handles ( 1 ) from the instrument us- ing the size 6 Allen key provided and store them, along with the screws, in a safe place. 1. Set the power switch ( 7 ) on the right [...]

18 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 5. Working with the Instrument 5.1 Description of the Typical Application The Leica VT1200 / VT1200 S is a microtome with a vibrating blade and is predominately used for sectioning fixed and unfixed specimens during neu- rological research. • To simplify the process of inserting the spec- imen, you can quickly[...]

19 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome 5.2 Control Elements on the VT1200 Control Panel Caution: To practice the key functions, always make sure there are no blades installed! Do not install the blades until you are familiar with all of the key functions. When the instrument is switched on, to make it easier to insert a specimen, the specimen r[...]

20 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 5. Working with the Instrument 5.2.2 Fine-adjusting the Blade-to-Specimen proximity and Feeding to the Section Thickness The rotary knob 2 for moving the specimen receptacle vertically can be used both for fine-adjusting the blade-to-specimen proximity and for adjusting the desired section thicknesses. The step [...]

21 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome 5.2.4 Selecting the Sectioning Parameters SPEED : Blade feed rate – upper display – LED mm/s. The desired blade feed rate can be adjusted from 0.01 – 1.5 mm/s using rotary knob 1: 0.01 – 0.1 in 0. 01mm/s increments 0.10 – 0.5 in 0. 02mm/s increments 0.50 – 1.5 in 0. 10mm/s increments AMPL : upp[...]

22 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 5.3 Control Element on the Control Panel of the VT1200 S The Leica VT1200 S is a fully automatic microtome with a vibrating blade that can be operated in semiautomatic or automatic sectioning mode. 5. Working with the Instrument Key/setting dial automatic sectioning mode ditto • Blade feed rate ( SPEED ) • S[...]

23 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome 5. Working with the Instrument Key/setting dial semiautomatic sectioning mode In semiautomatic sectioning mode, before each cut, a manual feed to the desired section thickness must be carried out using the setting dial for section thickness. There is no automatic specimen retraction in this mode; however, [...]

24 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 5. Working with the Instrument Key/setting dial semiautomatic sectioning mode The blade feed rate can be adjusted from 0.01 – 1.5 mm/s: 0.01 – 0.1 in 0.01 mmm/s increments, 0.10 – 0.5 in 0.02 mmm/s increments, 0.50 – 1.5 in 0.10 mmm/s increments. Adjusting the amplitude from 0 – 3 mm in 0.05 mm increme[...]

25 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome Key/setting dial semiautomatic sectioning mode The rotary knob for moving the specimen receptacle vertically can be used for fine-adjusting the blade-to-specimen proximity. Turn- ing the setting dial clockwise moves the specimen up into the desired proximity; turning the set- ting dial counterclockwise low[...]

26 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 semiautomatic sectioning mode If the DOWN key is pressed a sec- ond time while the specimen receptacle is moving downwards, the specimen receptacle comes to a stop and the current position ap- pears on the ∑ μm display (lowest position = 0, uppermost position = 20,000 μm). The ∑ μm display does not change[...]

27 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome 5. Working with the Instrument Key/setting dial General information about the cutting win- dow semiautomatic sectioning mode Not possible. Not possible. Not possible. automatic sectioning mode The horizontal cutting path can be reduced to the specimen size. The two cutting window edges can be adjusted and [...]

28 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 Key/setting dial semiautomatic sectioning mode Only single stroke ( SINGLE ) is pos- sible. If an attempt is made to switch to continuous stroke ( CONT ), an audible warning signal sounds. Starts the sectioning process using the selected amplitude ( AMPL ) and blade feed rate ( SPEED ). Pressing the RUN/STOP key[...]

29 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome Key/setting dial semiautomatic sectioning mode Press the MENU key. 8 sets of user parameters can be saved; Current user selection – User 1: turn rotary knob 2 clockwise, then press Menu again. The blade feed rate ( SPEED ) can be set to 0 – 1.5 mm/s using rotary knob 1. ➞ Rotary knob 2 The amplitude [...]

30 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 5. Working with the Instrument semiautomatic sectioning mode ➞ Rotary knob 2 Mode: Choice between AUTO and MAN with rotary knob 1; for semiautomatic sectioning mode, MAN must be selected. ➞ Rotary knob 2 Stroke type ( CUT ) – only single stroke ( SINGLE ) can be selected with rotary knob 1. If continuous s[...]

31 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome 5. Working with the Instrument semiautomatic sectioning mode ➞ Rotary knob 2 The feed rate ( FOR/REV ) for the "Blade forward" and the "Blade back" keys can be set between 1 and 5 mm/s in 0.5 mm/s increments with rotary knob 1. ➞ Rotary knob 2 Switches the vibration movement ( FOR/V[...]

32 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 5. Working with the Instrument 5.4 Installing the Accessories 2 5.4.1 Installing the Ice Bath and Buffer Tray • A lever ( 2 ), which needs to be pushed forward, is located on the underside of the ice bath ( 1 ). • Now push the tray onto the dovetail holder ( 3 ) from the front. Clamp it down by pushing the l[...]

33 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome 5. Working with the Instrument 5.4.3 Preparing a Specimen • Fix the specimen to the specimen plate using the cyanoacrylate (included in the standard scope of delivery). • Screw the manipulator ( 6 ) onto the specimen plate, place it in the buffer tray and adjust it to the desired position. • The spec[...]

34 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 5. Working with the Instrument 5.4.4 Installing and Removing the Blade Holder Fig. 19 • Before the blade holder can be replaced, it must be brought into a 45° inclined position. To do so, insert the size 3 Allen key sideways into the blade holder through the hole ( 8 ) and rotate it 45° clockwise. Turning th[...]

35 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome 5. Working with the Instrument 5.4.5 Inserting the Blade • Insert a size 3 Allen key sideways into the blade holder through the hole ( 8 ) and rotate it 90° clockwise. Clamp the blade as follows: • Insert the provided size 3 Allen key from the top through the opening ( 10 ) into the blade holder ( 11 [...]

36 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 5.5 Routine Daily Maintenance and Switching off the Instrument – VT1200/VT1200S After all daily procedures have been finished, perform the following: • Switch off the main switch on the side of the instrument. • Place the magnifier cover on the magnifier. • Remove the blade from the blade holder and disp[...]

37 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome 6.1 Using the VibroCheck with the VT1200 Prior to assembly, the dovetail guide ( 3 ) is brought down to the lowest position using the DOWN key! 1. The user installs the VibroCheck: the VC is pushed along the dovetail guide ( 3 ) past the mark on the base plate of the instrument (rear stop) and clamped firm[...]

38 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 When LED on VC is green and LED in RUN/ STOP is yellow, the blade starts to vibrate with the amplitude set. Speed = 0, amplitude can be changed at any time. On the (5-digit) display, the deviation in height amplitude is shown in μm (e.g. 0.9 μm). This val- ue can be either positive or negative. The dis- play c[...]

39 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome 6. Operating the VibroCheck Prior to assembly, the dovetail guide ( 3 ) is brought down to the lowest position using the DOWN key! 1 . The user installs the VibroCheck: the VC is pushed along the dovetail guide ( 3 ) past the mark on the base plate of the instrument (rear stop) and clamped firmly using the[...]

40 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 The deviation of the height amplitude is shown on the display in μm ( 1 ). This value can be ei- ther positive or negative. A number (e.g. -0.3) appears in the ∑ μm display ( 2 ). This means a counterclockwise rotation of 0.3 (as " - ") and reduces the height amplitude to a minimum. (If there is no[...]

41 Leica VT1200 / VT1200 S – Microtome 7. Malfunctions: Meanings and Troubleshooting Error/INF No. Error Troubleshooting Remark - Wrong control panel (VT1200 or VT1200 S) - Head does not swing into place. - Timeout while initializ- ing the x-axis. - DC motor of x-axis does not rotate (during ini- tialization or in normal operation) - "X-Star[...]

42 Operating Manual V 1.0 – 10/2006 7. Malfunctions: Meanings and Troubleshooting Error/INF No. Error Troubleshooting Remark - "Bottom" limit switch of the Z-axis is not reached during initial- ization or operation. - The "top" limit switch of the Z-axis is not reached. - Both X sensors activat- ed (during initialization or in[...]

43 Leica VT1200 / VT1200 S – Microtome Error/INF No. Error Troubleshooting Remark - Control board (C1/back panel) and keyboard (C2) have different software versions. - Control board (C1/back panel) and VibroCheck (C3) have different software versions. - It is possible that due to different software ver- sions, some or all func- tions of the instr[...]

44 Operating Manual V 1.0 – 10/2006 Error/INF No. Error Troubleshooting Remark 7. Malfunctions: Meanings and Troubleshooting - Basic calibration of light barrier is not pos- sible for VibroCheck. - VibroCheck blade search not successful. - Communication error between control unit and VT. - The buffer tray was not pushed in up to the rear pin or w[...]

45 Leica VT1200 / VT1200 S – Microtome 7. Malfunctions: Meanings and Troubleshooting If the 1000 hour limit is exceeded while the interment is in normal operat- ing mode, a flashing "SEr" appears in the upper 3-digit LED for approx. three seconds after the sectioning process has been ended with the RUN/STOP key. This indicates that the [...]

46 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 7.2 Replacing the Main Fuse Caution: Always unplug the power supply before replacing the fuses! • Remove the fuse housing on the right side of the instrument above the power switch. To do so, push an appropriate tool (small screwdriver) into the slots on the right and the left (Fig. 35 a) and carefully pull it[...]

47 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome Cleaning the blades Always wipe the blade from the back of the blade (sapphire blade) to the cutting edge. NEVER wipe in the opposite direction – risk of injury! Clean using an alcohol-based solution or acetone. 8. Cleaning and Maintenance Before each cleaning, carry out the following preparatory steps: [...]

48 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 9. Ordering Information for Optional Accessories, Consumables and Spare Parts Ice bath ................................................................................................... 0481 42010 Buffer tray Buffer tray, complete (plastic) .......................................................................[...]

49 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome 9.1 Extension Accessories for Standard Specimens 9. Ordering Information for Optional Accessories, Consumables and Spare Parts Buffer tray, complete (plastic) • Buffer tray and lid • Magnetic holder for the specimen plate • Specimen plate, non-directional • Clamp (2x) for holding the hose in positi[...]

50 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 9. Ordering Information for Optional Accessories, Consumables and Spare Parts Buffer tray, double-walled, incl. integrated hand rest, complete • Buffer tray, double-walled • Magnetic holder for the specimen plate • Specimen plate, non-directional • Clamp for holding the hose in position in the buffer tra[...]

51 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome Fig. 43 Specimen plate, directional • Inc. swivel handle • Inc. marks for angling specimen 5° and 10° Order no. 0481 42068 5° 10° 9. Ordering Information for Optional Accessories, Consumables and Spare Parts 9.1.3 VibroCheck Optional measuring instrument for displaying the vertical deviation of the[...]

52 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 a 9.1.5 Microscope, Complete 9.1.6 Magnifier, Complete - Microscope support - S6 Stereozoom microscope - 2 eyepieces, 10x23 B, adjustable - Protective objective glass - Bearing cylinder with 3 screws - Dust cover, large - Adapter for the fiber-optic light guide slot - Cover for the LED connection Order no. 0481 [...]

53 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome 9.1.7 Installing the Magnifier Support or Microscope Support Fig. 49 2 3 4 • First, remove the cover ( 3 ) from the basic in- strument and store it in a safe place. • Insert the provided Allen screws ( a ) into the hole ( 4 ) in the bearing bush. Use the size 3 Allen key to screw the screws into the op[...]

54 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 9.1.8 Fiber-optic Illumination, Cold Light Source Fiber-optic illumination • The fiber-optic illumination is installed after the magnifier has been installed in the magni- fier holder and then connected to the cold light source. Order no. 0502 30028 Leica CLS 100 cold light source • Serves as a light source [...]

55 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome 9.1.9 Cyanoacrylate Adhesive 9.1.11 Foot Switch 9.1.10 Minichiller (circulating cooler) Insert the foot switch into the uppermost socket marked "FS" ( 5 ) on the left side of the basic in- strument. • The foot switch performs the START/STOP function. Order no. 0481 43397 Single-component adhesi[...]

10. EC Declaration of Conformity We herewith declare, in exclusive responsibility, that the instrument Leica VT1200/ VT1200 S – Microtome with vibrating blade was developed, designed and manufactured to conform with the • Council Directive 73/23/EEC, (Low Voltage) and • Council Directive 89/336/EEC, Appendix I (Electromagnetic Compatibility),[...]

57 Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome Warranty Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH guarantees that the contractual prod- uct delivered has been subjected to a comprehensive quality control procedure based on the Leica in-house testing standards, and that the prod- uct is faultless and complies with all technical specifications and/or agreed chara[...]

58 Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007 Notes[...]