Microtome with Vibrating Blade -...

Operating ManualLeica VT1000 S, V1.8 English - 12/2009Always keep this manual with the instrument.Read carefully before working with the instrument.

Microtome withVibrating Blade

3Leica VT1000 S – Vibrating-blade microtome

Published by:

Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbHHeidelberger Str. 17 - 19D-69226 NusslochGermanyPhone: +49 62 24 143-0Fax: +49 62 24 143-268E-mail: [email protected]: http://www.leica-microsystems.com

These are determined only by the contract provi-sions agreed between ourselves and our custom-ers.Leica reserves the right to change technical spec-ifications as well as manufacturing processeswithout prior notice. Only in this way is it possibleto continuously improve the technology and man-ufacturing techniques used in our products.This document is protected under copyright laws.Any copyrights of this document are retained byLeica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH.Any reproduction of text and illustrations (or ofany parts thereof) by means of print, photocopy,microfiche, web cam or other methods – includ-ing any electronic systems and media – requiresexpress prior permission in writing by Leica Bio-systems Nussloch GmbH.For the instrument serial number and year of man-ufacture, please refer to the name plate at theback of the instrument.

© Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH

The information, numerical data, notes and valuejudgments contained in this manual represent thecurrent state of scientific knowledge and state-of-the-art technology as we understand it follow-ing thorough investigation in this field. We areunder no obligation to update the present manu-al periodically and on an ongoing basis accord-ing to the latest technical developments, nor toprovide our customers with additional copies,updates etc. of this manual.To the extent permitted in accordance with thenational legal system as applicable in each indi-vidual case, we shall not be held liable for erro-neous statements, drawings, technical illustra-tions etc. contained in this manual.In particular, no liability whatsoever is acceptedfor any financial loss or consequential damagecaused by or related to compliance with state-ments or other information in this manual.Statements, drawings, illustrations and other in-formation regarding the contents or technicaldetails of the present Operating Manual are notto be considered warranted characteristics of ourproducts.

Note

4 Operating Manual V1.8 – 12/2009

Table of contents

1. Important Information .................................................................................................... 52. Safety................................................................................................................................. 6

2.1 Safety notes ................................................................................................................................. 62.2 Warnings ...................................................................................................................................... 62.3 Safety instructions for handling the instrument ..................................................................... 7

3. Instrument Characteristics ........................................................................................... 83.1 Technical Data ............................................................................................................................. 83.2 Overview - VT1000S .................................................................................................................... 9

4. Installation ..................................................................................................................... 114.1 Standard delivery ...................................................................................................................... 114.2 Unpacking and setting up the instrument ............................................................................. 12

5. Operation ........................................................................................................................ 145.1 Installation site requirements .................................................................................................. 145.2 Setting up the instrument ......................................................................................................... 155.3 The VT1000S controls and their function ............................................................................... 165.4 Adjusting the amplitude ............................................................................................................ 205.5 Working with the VT1000S on a daily base ........................................................................... 215.6 Daily routine maintenance and switching off the VT1000S ................................................ 24

6. Malfunctions: Meanings and Troubleshooting ...................................................... 257. Cleaning and Maintenance ........................................................................................ 30

7.1 Cleaning the instrument ........................................................................................................... 307.2 Changing the fuse ...................................................................................................................... 31

8. Ordering Information: Spare Parts, Accessories, Consumables ........................ 328.1 Additional accessories for standard size specimens (functional description) ............... 338.2 Additional accessories for large specimens (functional description) .............................. 338.3 Foot switch (functional description) ....................................................................................... 338.4 Buffer trays ................................................................................................................................. 348.4.1 Double-walled buffer tray S ..................................................................................................... 348.4.2 Double-walled buffer tray L ..................................................................................................... 348.5 Magnifier, fiber optics, cold light source .............................................................................. 35

9. Warranty and Service .................................................................................................. 36


Symbols in the text and their meanings

Warnings appear in a gray box andare marked by a warning triangle .

Useful tips, i.e. important informationfor the user, appear in gray boxes andare marked by an informationsymbol .

Figures in brackets refer to item num-bers in drawings or to the drawingsthemselves.

Instrument type:All information given in this instruction manualapplies only to the VT1000 S.A nameplate indicating the instrument serial num-ber is attached to the rear side of the instrument.

1. Important Information

( 5 )(Fig.5)

Information:When making inquiries, please specify correctly:• Instrument type• Serial number

Qualification of personnelThe Leica VT1000 S should be operated by trainedlaboratory personnel only.All laboratory personnel designated to operatethe Leica instrument must read this OperatingManual carefully and must be familiar with alltechnical features of the instrument before at-tempting to operate it.

Intended use / improper useThe VT1000 S is used for sectioning in the fieldsof medicine, biology and industry, and is espe-cially designed for sectioning fixed or unfixedfresh tissue in a buffer solution.The instrument must be used exclusively accord-ing to the instructions contained in this Operat-ing Manual.Any other use of the instrument is consideredimproper.


2. Safety

2.1 Safety notes

This Operating Manual contains important in-structions and information regarding the opera-tional safety and maintenance of the instrument.The Operating Manual is an important part of theproduct, and must be read carefully prior to star-tup and use and must always be kept near theinstrument.

If additional requirements on accidentprevention and environmental protec-tion exceeding the scope of this Oper-ating Manual are imposed by laws/regulations of the country of opera-tion, this Operating Manual must besupplemented by appropriate instruc-tions to ensure compliance with suchrequirements.

The safety and caution notes in this chapter must be observed at all times.Be sure to read these notes even if you are already familiar with the operation and use of otherLeica products.

This instrument has been built and tested in ac-cordance with the safety requirements for elec-trical equipment for measurement, control, andlaboratory use.

To maintain this condition and ensure safe oper-ation, the user must observe all notes and warn-ings contained in this Operating Manual.For current information about applicable stan-dards, please refer to the CE Declaration of Con-formity on our Internet site:

www.leica-microsystems.com

The protective devices located on the instrument and the accessories must not be removed ormodified. The instrument must only be opened and repaired by service technicians authorizedby Leica.

2.2 Warnings

The safety devices installed in this instrument by the manufacturer only constitute the basis foraccident prevention. Operating the instrument safely is, above all, the responsibility of the own-er, as well as the designated personnel who operate, service or clean the instrument.To ensure trouble-free operation of the instrument, make sure to comply with the following in-structions and warnings.


Danger

Caution: risk of injury when touchingthe knives and blades as these areextremely sharp.

Warning: risk of infection when work-ing with fresh tissue or with materialwhere an infection cannot be excluded.

Caution: When not in use, cover mag-nifier with corresponding lid to avoidrisk of fire.

Warning: Avoid touching live partsunder any circumstances!

2. Safety

2.3 Safety instructions for handling the instrument

Correct behavior

Be sure to handle knives and blades verycautiously!Never touch the cutting edge of knives andblades!Do not leave knives, blades and bladed knife hold-ers unprotected.

All appropriate safety precautions must be metto avoid the risk of infection.Protective clothes according to safety regulations"Working with harmful substances" (Safety mask,gloves, protective clothing) must be worn!

Cover the magnifier during work breaks. as it mayact as a burning glass when not covered!

In case of emergency, press the red EMERGEN-CY STOP switch (at the right side of the instru-ment). To release the switch, turn it in the direc-tion of the arrow.

The instrument may be opened by authorized ser-vice personnel only.Before removing the cover, ensure that the in-strument is unplugged.


3. Instrument Characteristics

3.1 Technical Data

General data:

Sectioning frequency (± 10 %) .......................................................................................................... 0 - 100 HzAmplitude .................................................................................. adjustable in 5 steps: 0.2; 0.4; 0.6; 0.8; 1 m mSectioning speed (± 10 %) ................................................................................................... 0.025 - 2.5 m m / sReturn stroke speed (± 10 %) .............................................................................................................. 5 m m / sTotal vertical specimen stroke .......................................................................................... 15 mm (motorized)Sectioning range ........................................................................................................... 1 - 40 mm (adjustable)Specimen retraction ................................................................ 0 - 999 µm (adjustable; can be deactivated)Maximum specimen size:

with standard knife holder ......................................................................................................... 33 x 40 mmwith knife holder L ....................................................................................................................... 70 x 40 mm

Specimen orientation .................................................................................................................................. 330°Section thickness selection ................................................................................... 1 - 999 µm, in 1-µm stepsMagnifier, assy. (Standard accessory) ....................................................................................................... 2 x

Ambient conditions:Operating temperature range .................................................................................... min. 5 °C to max. 40 °CRelative humidity ................................................................................................................................ max. 80 %Altitude: ............................................................................................................... max. 2,000 m above sea level

Electrical data:Nominal voltage range (± 10 %): .................................................................................................. 100 V - 240 VRated frequency (± 10 %): .................................................................................................................. 50 - 60 HzPower draw ................................................................................................................................................. 50 VAMains fuse ............................................................................................................................................... T 1.25 APollution degree ................................................................................................................................................. 2Overvoltage installation category ................................................................................................................... IIOverload protection ....................................................................................................................................... yesInternal current limiter of electronics ......................................................................................................... yes

Dimensions:L x W x H ................................................................................................................ 480 mm x 360 mm x 200 mmHeight with magnifier ............................................................................................................................. 285 mmWeight:(without magnifier) ...................................................................................................................................... 17 kg(magnifier only) .............................................................................................................................................. 2 kg(total) ............................................................................................................................................................. 19 kg



3.2 Overview - VT1000 S

Buffer tray S

Emergency stop switch(not visible here)

Fixture formagnifier

Fiber optics(optional)

Magnifier

Cold light sourceLeica CLS 100 (optional)

Knife holder

Control panel

Magnifiercarrier

Cutting head


Control knobfor sectioningfrequency

LED mode indication:'Totalized sectionthickness'

'Section thickness'CLR-Clear button

DISP-Programming buttonSelector button'Single/ Continuous stroke'(LEDs indicate selectedmode)

Toggle switch for knifeforward and return stroke

Toggle switch'Buffer tray height adjust-ment' (LEDs indicate limitpositions)

Pause button -stops sectioning process

Control knobfor sectioning

speed

Indication of selectedsection thickness or

totalized sectionthickness in µm

+/- Selection button forsectioning thickness

(1 - 999 µm selectable),retraction and/or volume

Button for settingthe limit stops

of the sectioning window

Start buttonfor single / continuous

sectioning stroke

Emergency stop button

Fixing device fordrain tube

Connecting socket forpower cord

Power switch

Connection for footswitch,9-pin


Button for maximumadvance speed


4. Installation

4.1 Standard delivery

VT1000S Basic instrument ........................................................... 14 0472 35612

1 Silicon tube D-6x1.5 ..................................................................... 14 0462 27513

1 set of power cables:

-Mains cable ‘Germany' .......................................................... 14 0411 13558-Mains cable 'USA-CAN-J' ..................................................... 14 0411 13559-Mains cable 'UK' ST/BU F-5A ............................................... 14 0411 27822

1 set of replacement fuses 2 x T 1.25 A....................................... 14 6943 01251

1 Tool set:-1 Allen key, size 2.5 ................................................................. 14 0194 13195-1 Allen key size 8.0 .................................................................. 14 0194 04792-1 Manipulator ........................................................................... 14 0462 28930

1 Microtome protective cover, type 104 R – flexible ................ 14 0212 040911 Operating Manual for Leica VT1000S ...................................... 14 0472 800011 CE Declaration of Conformity (engl.) ........................................ 14 0472 80011

VT1000 S complete configuration ............................................... 14 0472 35613

- VT1000S Basic instrument ...................................................... 14 0472 35612- 3 Specimen discs S, non orientable ...................................... 14 0463 27404- Buffer tray S .............................................................................. 14 0462 30132

- 5 Countersunk screw, M 5 x 8 ............................................... 14 2101 77121- 2 Hose clamps ........................................................................ 14 0481 41952

- Knife holder S – for injector and razor blades ..................... 14 0462 30131- 1 Hexagon key w/handle, size 3 – metric .............................. 14 0194 04764- 1 Bottle of Cyanoacrylate adhesive ....................................... 14 0371 27414- Magnifier assy. (magnifier glass & carrier) ......................... 14 0462 31191

VT1000 S complete configuration & sapphire knife ................ 14 9010 00001

- Accessories as for complete configuration above ............. 14 0472 35613plus:

- 1 sapphire blade ....................................................................... 14 0216 35654

If you ordered additional accessories, please compare the deliv-ered parts with your order form. Should there be any discrepan-cies, please contact your local Leica sales office immediately.


4.2 Unpacking and setting up the instrument

4. Installation

1. Cut through the iron strap (1) and adhesivetape (2) using a suitable tool and removethem.

2. Check the accessory cartons (3) and sepa-rate accessories provided (standard scope ofdelivery - in transparent bag (4) and check toensure that they are complete.

12

3 4

Fig. 12.1 Fig. 12.2

3. Lift the instrument out of the transport carton by the carrying straps (55555) and place it on a suitablestable laboratory table. The instrument is securely fastened to the baseplate with a screw (6).Tilt the instrument including the baseplate (Fig. 12.4) - hold the instrument with one hand on therecess (8) for the buffer tray! NEVER lift or hold it by the cutting head (7)! Unscrew the screw (6)using the size 8 Allen key provided and remove the base plate.

5

5

Fig. 12.3

6

7!

Fig. 12.4

8


Fig. 13.1

5. Using both hands at the sides (Fig. 13.1), graspthe bottom of the instrument and carefully place iton a suitable laboratory table.

Compare with the attached packing list tomake sure the delivery is complete.

Fig. 13.2 - Bottom of the instrument2

Assembling the drain tube

• Connect the drain tube (Fig. 13.2) to the bottom of the instrument (1).• Ensure that the loose end of the drain tube is closed tightly with the

matching stopper.• Secure the loose end of the drain tube in the holder at the rear of the

instrument (2).

1

4

Assembling the magnifier support and footswitch (optional)

Fig. 13.3

• The magnifier support (3) is packaged separately.• Set it on the instrument as shown in Fig. 13.3.• Attach the optional footswitch.• Securely plug the footswitch into the 9-pin socket (4).

3

When transporting the instrument, always do so WITHOUT themagnifier support!

4. Installation


5. Operation

5.1 Installation site requirements

The place of installation must meet the following requirements:

Do not operate the instrument in rooms with an explosion hazard!

• The instrument is designed for indoor use only.

• The power plug must be freely and easily accessible.

• Power supply at a distance no greater than the length of the power ca-ble (3m) – an extension cable must not be used.

• Level installation location,

• Substrate as free of vibration as possible,

• Relative humidity should not exceed 80%,

• Room temperature consistently between +5°C and +40°C,

• Avoid vibrations, direct sunlight, and large temperature fluctuations!

The instrument MUST be connected to a grounded power socket.Use only a provided power cable that is intended for the localpower supply.


The Leica VT1000 S is equipped with an autoranging power supplyto cover voltages from 100 V to 240 V.Once the mains switch is turned on, the instrument carries out aninitialization process: after performing a slight forward movement,the knife moves to the final rear position.

5.2 Setting up the instrument

1. Put the mains switch at the back of the instrument to the OFF position.

The instrument MUST be connected to a grounded power socket.Use only a provided power cable that is intended for the localpower supply.

2. Make sure the mains cable is connected correctly to the instrument.3. Attach the magnifier carrier.4. Insert the buffer tray.5. Insert the knife holder.6. Insert a blade into the knife holder.7. Connect the magnifier support with optional fiber-optic illumination as

shown in Fig. 13.3. insert plug (1) of the fiber optics light guide into socket(2) at the cold light source.

8. Connect the optional foot switch at the rear of the instrument.9. Plug the mains cable into the mains power wall outlet.

10. Switch the instrument ON (mains switch).

The instrument MUST be set up so that the power plug and switchare free and easily accessible at all times!

5. Operation

1

2


5. Operation

5.3 The VT1000 S controls and their function

Attention: Practice working with the controls without a knife hold-er inserted. Only insert the knife holder when you are completelyfamiliar with all control functions.

Scale setting mm/s0 0.00

0.5 0.0251 0.052 0.103 0.154 0.205 0.256 0.507 0.758 1.009 1.75

10 2.50

10-Speed rotating potentiometer with scaleFunction:Continuous knife feed adjustment from0.05 - 2.5 mm/s:Knife return stroke is performed at constant speedof 5 mm/s.

The additional locking lever (lever in 12 o'clockposition) prevents the speed setting from beingaccidentally changed while sectioning is inprogress.

SPEED

Control knob with scale from 0 to 10

Function:Continuous adjustment of knife sectioning fre-quency (vibration) from 8 - 100 Hz.

Scale setting H z0 0

0.5 81 1 02 2 03 3 04 4 05 5 06 6 07 7 08 8 09 9 0

1 0 1 0 0

FREQ

FREQ

Locking lever

SPEED


Function:• When the V-Max button is activated in manual mode (LED on - red light)

and the REV/FORW button is pressed, the knife moves towards the spec-imen at maximum speed.

• When the START button is pressed, the LED in the V-Max button is extin-guished. Sectioning starts at the speed previously selected.

Setting a sectioning window:

If - accidentally - only one limit stop of the sectioning window isset, the knife covers the maximum sectioning range!

• Activate the V-Max button. Press REV/FORW toggle switch for fast move-ment of the knife towards the specimen. Press the button to set thefirst limit of the sectioning window.

• Press REV/FORW once again, moving the knife edge past the specimenblock and press once more to set the second sectioning windowlimit.

• Press START to deactivate V-Max. The knife edge moves back to thefirst sectioning window limit and resumes sectioning at the previouslyselected speed (10-speed rotary potentiometer).

Function:

• Start single or continuous sectioning stroke – according to whetherSINGLE or CONT mode has previously been selected (see description ofSingle/Cont mode for further details).

• Specimen feed (section thickness) takes place prior to each section.• Retraction (specimen is lowered) takes place when the knife reaches

the rear inversive point.• In SINGLE mode, the knife stops automatically in the rear end position.• In CONT mode, START/STOP has to be pressed again to stop the sec-

tioning movement.• The knife stops in the rear end position once the current section has

been completed.

5. Operation

2

1Button with LED

Button with LED


5. Operation

Function:

Immediate interruption of knife movement.- Press PAUSE once again to continue sectioning.

Toggle switch

Function:To move the knife towards the specimen.Can also be used for manual sectioning.Because of safety aspects the FORW-movement is carried out only whilethe toggle switch is pressed and held;the REV-movement is carried out completely once the switch has beenlocked into place.To stop the REV-movement before reaching the rear end position, switchthe toggle switch manually back into its center position.The REV/FORW switch can also be used to stop a sectioning stroke whichhas been activated by pressing the START/STOP button.

LED indication with -/+ adjusting button, DISP and CLR function keys

Function of LED indication:Indicates the selected sectioning thickness or totalized section thickness.

Function of the -/+ button:Selection of section thickness in 1-µm steps from 0 to 999 µm.The specimen feed (in the preselected section thickness) takes place at thebeginning of each sectioning stroke.

Function of the DISP button:To select between two modes of operation:

'∑ µm'= section thickness totalizing'µm' = section thickness

Function of the CLR button in section thickness totalizing mode:Sets the value indicated in the section thickness totalizer mode(∑ µm) to zero.


5. Operation

Function:

Switch between single stroke(1 sectioning stroke / 1 return stroke of the knife) andcontinuous stroke (continuous sectioning until the START/STOP-buttonis pressed).

- To stop the knife at the rear end position in CONT mode press theSTART/STOP button.

The sectioning stroke in progress will be completed and the knife willthen stop at the selected end position of the sectioning range.

Toggle switch

• Function:Motorized height adjustment of buffer tray within a total vertical rangeof 15 mm (= total vertical specimen stroke).The upper and lower end positions of the buffer tray are indicated eachby an audible sound signal and a red LED.While the knife is in motion the UP/DOWN toggle switch is inoperational.For the DOWN motion the toggle switch can be locked in the DOWNposition; for the UP motion, the switch must be pressed and held in theUP position.When the lowest possible position is reached with the toggle switch beinglocked in DOWN there will be both an audible and a visible signal. Oncethe switch is unlocked, the buffer tray is automatically raised until bothsignals switch off.

• To select the retraction thickness, to deactivate retraction or to set thevolume of the VT1000S sound signal, press the following function keycombinations:

Volume adjustment:

• Select section thickness mode (‘µm') pressing the DISP button.• Press the CLR and + buttons simultaneously. The indication 'BE 15' will

be displayed.The volume can now be adjusted via the -/+ button.'0' is equivalent to no sound signal.

• To quit the programming mode, press CLR.

Button with LED


Adjusting the retraction

• In programming mode, press DISP to display the specimen retractionmenu.

• The indication 'LO' will be displayed.

• Press the -/+ button to set a specimen retraction value between 1 and999 µm. Or to turn off the retraction by selecting '0'.

• The selected value will be displayed in the FEED window.

• Press CLR to quit the menu function.

5.4 Adjusting the amplitude

• To obtain excellent sectioning results, the amplitude requires adjustmentaccording to the specimen type being sectioned.

To this end:

• With a 2.5 mm Allen key loosen the clamping screw (1) and secure theeccentric on the bottom with your finger.Selectable amplitude positions are, from left to right:0.2 mm; 0.4 mm; 0.6 mm; 0.8 mm; 1 mm.

• Slide the amplitude clamping screw to the desired amplitude positionand retighten.

When adjusting the amplitude setting, do not remove the clampingscrew, simply loosen it.The instrument is shipped with the amplitude set to 0.6 mm.

5. Operation

Fig. 20

1


5. Operation

5.5 Working with the VT1000S on a daily base

• Mount the buffer tray (1) onto the bolt (2) inside the cooling bath (3).

• Secure the buffer tray by relocating the clamping lever (4) to the right (inthe direction of the arrow).

• Via the UP/DOWN toggle switch lower the buffer tray to its lowest posi-tion (indicated by audible signal and red LED).

• Move the toggle switch back to the mid-position - the audible signal stops.

• If necessary, fill crushed ice into the cooling bath (3).

• Fill the buffer tray (1) with cooled buffer solution.

• Fix the specimen onto the specimen disc with cyanoacrylate adhesive(21.2).

• Insert the specimen disc (5) with the specimen into the buffer tray usingthe manipulator (6).

• Use the manipulator (8) to rotate the specimen disc into the desired po-sition. Tighten with a 3 mm Allen key (7).

• The clamping screw or one of the clamping devices must not be locatedover the gap in the specimen disc, as in these positions clamping thespecimen disc is not possible.

• Remove the manipulator (8).

Fig. 21.1

Fig. 21.2

Fig. 21.3

Fig. 21.4

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8


Adjusting the clearance angle

• Adjust the clearance angle (2) of the knife holder.

To this end:

• Loosen the two lateral screws (1) with a 3-mm Allen key).• Use the adjusting lever (2) to select the desired clearance angle.• Secure the selected clearance angle by tightening the two screws (1).

The Leica VT1000 S does not require the readjustment of the clear-ance angle every time you change the knife. Make an adjustmentonly if required by an application for technical reasons (e.g. differ-ent type of tissue).

• To insert the blade, loosen the clamping screw (3) located on the knifeholder.

• Clean the blade.

• Insert the blade into the knife holder (4).

• Secure the blade with clamping screw (5).

The blade must fit tightly against the entire length of the inner limitstop of the knife holder.

The blade must be clamped parallel to the front edge of both knifeholder clamping jaws.

5. Operation

Fig. 22.1

Fig. 22.2

Fig. 22.3

1

1

2

3

54


• Fix the knife holder (1) with the knife holder clamping screw (2).

• Use the REV/FORW-rocker button to place the knife edge right behindthe rear edge (from user's view) of the specimen.

• Pull the UP/DOWN-rocker button into the UP-direction and keep it in theUP position until the specimen surface is shortly below the level of theknife edge (see arrow (3)).

• Select sectioning speed and sectioning frequency with the control knobsSPEED and FREQ.

• Use the +/- button to select a sectioning thickness for trimming.

• Select a sectioning range appropriate to the size of the specimen withthe SECTIONING WINDOW-button.

• Switch the SINGLE/CONT-button to CONT.

Push the START/STOP-button.

The instrument will now trim the specimen at the selected trimming thick-ness until you push the START/STOP button once more.

• Once you have reached the desired specimen level for sectioning, usethe +/- button to select the desired thickness for sectioning.

For sectioning proceed as follows:

• Select the desired section thickness via the +/- button.

• Switch the SINGLE/CONTTTTT-button to SINGLE.

• Push the START/STOP-button.

The instrument will now produce a section (4). When the section is fin-ished, the knife will automatically stop at the rear end position behindthe specimen (from the user´s view).

• Pick up the section as shown on the left using a brush (5) to mount it on aglass slide (6).

5. Operation

Fig. 23.1

Fig. 23.2

1

2

3

4

56

Fig. 23.3


5.6 Daily routine maintenance and switching off the VT1000 S

After you finish working, proceed as follows:

• Switch off the mains switch at the back of the instrument.

• Place the magnifier cover on the magnifier.

• Remove the knife holder.

• Take the knife out of the knife holder and dispose of it properly and safely.

• Remove the specimen plate and lay it flat on the stage.

• Remove the specimen using a single-edge blade. Then, remove remainsof cyanoacrylate adhesive from the specimen disc.

• Remove and empty out the buffer tray. Dispose of the contents of thebuffer tray properly.

• Drain the cooling bath.To do so, release the tube from its holder at the rear of the instrumentand dispose of the contents of the ice bath into a suitable vessel. Thenwipe off with a dry cloth.

Caution! The contents of the ice bath can become contaminated ifbuffer solution is spilled over it.

5. Operation

25Leica VT1000S – Vibrating-blade microtome

- Lower the specimen disc suffi-ciently to prevent collision.

- Lower the specimen disc suffi-ciently to prevent collision.

When working with orient-able specimen discs, movethe buffer tray to its lowestposition directly after switch-ing on the instrument!

Unlock the REV/FORW-buttonby pulling it back to the centerposition.

- To reactivate the return strokemovement, lock theREV/FORW-button again(to REV position).

- Unlock the REV/FORW-buttonby pulling it back to the centerposition.

- To reactivate the return strokemovement, lock theREV/FORW-button again(to REV position).

6. Malfunctions: Meanings and Troubleshooting

Error messages/symptoms Sources of error Troubleshooting

- Collision of knife and specimenholder.

- Audible warning signal.- Return stroke is not completed.

- Audible warning signal.- Return stroke is not completed.

- Clearance angle adjustment:- If a clearance angle wider than

5° is selected, specimen discand knife edge can potentiallycollide with each other.

- When working with orientablespecimen holders, knife edgeand specimen holder can col-lide at any selected clearanceangle.

----- Operating error due to lockingfunction of the REV/FORWbutton:

- With the REV/FORW-buttonlocked the instrument isswitched off via the mainswitch at the rear of the instru-ment and is switched on againwithout releasing theREV/FORW-button to its centerposition.

- With the REV/FORW-locked theinstrument was switched offvia the emergency Stop andafter that the emergency stopwas released again withoutreleasing the REV/FORW-but-ton to its center position.



- Audible warning signal.- Downward stroke is not

completed.

- Audible warning signal.- Downward stroke is not

completed.

- The sectioning motor stops.- Any processing step (section-

ing stroke etc.) is interruptedimmediately.

- Any UP/DOWN motion of thebuffer tray is interrupted imme-diately.

- Any locked buttons are indicat-ed by an audible sound signal.

- When pressing any key, theinstrument gives an audiblesound signal.

- In case the Emergency stopfunction has been activated,the instrument will remain inop-erational when pressing thefoot switch.

- The indication "SP" is displayed.

- Operating error due to lockingfunction of the UP/DOWN-button:

- With the UP/DOWN-buttonlocked in the DOWN positionthe instrument was switchedoff via the main switch at therear of the instrument switchedon again without releasing theUP/DOWN-button to its centerposition

- With the UP/DOWN buttonlocked the instrument wasswitched off via the emergencystop (foot switch or Emergencystop button) and after that theemergency stop was releasedwithout unlocking the UP/DOWN-button.

- The Emergency stop functionhas been activated.

- Release the UP/DOWN-buttonto its center position.

- To reactivate the downwardmotion, activate the UP/DOWN-button again (DOWN).

- Release the UP/DOWN-buttonto its center position.

- To reactivate the downwardmotion, activate the UP/DOWN-button again (DOWN).

- Release the Emergency stopbutton.

- Select an operating mode andcontinue working.



- Audible sound signal.- Error code E0.1xx is displayed.

xx - there are several errorcodes,00 - there is only one errorcode.

- Audible sound signal.- Error code E0.200 is displayed.







- Button(s) jammed or defective.- Locking function /REV of REV/

FORW-button defective.

- Error on the UP/DOWN button;DOWN locking function.

- Feed mechanism defective.

- Important electronic compo-nent defective.

- Feed motor defective.

- Light barrier error (forwardfeed).

- Light barrier error (sectionthickness feed).

- Push the button several timesto unlock; have defective but-ton replaced by the TechnicalService.

- Switch the instrument off; callthe Technical Service.








- Audible sound signal.- Error code E0.700 is displayed-

for approx. 2 secs.


- Audible sound signal.- Optical signal via red LED.

- Audible sound signal.- Optical signal via red LED.

- Audible warning signal.

- Software detected severehardware fault.

- E-EPROM defective.

- The upper limit of the specimenfeed has been reached.

- The lower limit of the specimenlevel has been reached (heightadjustment of specimen viabuffer tray).

- User has tried to select a spec-imen thickness via the +/- - - - - but-ton, which is below the mini-mum value (0 µm) or above themaximum (999 µm).


- Instrument can still be used,though there will be certainlimitations:all values will be set to defaultvalues.New values (sectioning win-dow, feed, lowering) cannot besaved.

- Call the Technical Service.

- Leave the upper limit position(Switch the UP/DOWN-buttonin DOWN direction).

- Mount a new specimen ontothe specimen holder and startagain.

- After unlocking the DOWNposition the buffer tray is auto-matically raised until the audi-ble and optical signals turn off.

- Release the +/----- button.


- The warning signal will ceaseautomatically after the initial-ization phase.

- Retighten the loose clampingscrews.

If the clattering sound doesnot cease once the clampingscrews have been retight-ened, do not hesitate to callthe Technical Service imme-diately.Do not use the instrumentwhen in this condition.

- The visible clamping screwshave become loose duringsectioning.

These symptoms may occurfrom time to time and are un-avoidable, as the clampingscrews which have to be op-erated by the user cannot besealed.



- Audible warning signal.(When operating the instru-ment for the first time or afterthe E-EPROM has been ex-changed.)

- A clattering sound can beheard.


Cleaning the knife

When cleaning the knife/blade, always wipe from the knife or blade back towards the cuttingedge, NEVER the other way around. Risk of injury!

Clean using an alcohol-based solution or acetone.

7. Cleaning and Maintenance

Before each cleaning carry out the following preparatory steps:

• Switch off the instrument and disconnect the power plug.• Remove the blade from the knife holder and insert it in the receptacle at

the bottom of the blade dispenser.• Remove the knife holder for cleaning.• Remove the specimen plate from the buffer tray and lay it flat on the

stage. Carefully remove the specimen with a single-edge blade.• Remove section waste using tweezers or a brush.• Remove the buffer tray, empty it and rinse it separately with water

(see also page 23).

7.1 Cleaning the instrument

Always remove the knife / blade before detaching the knife holder from the instrument.Always put the knife (blade) back into the knife case or blade dispenser when not in use!When using cleaning agents, observe the manufacturer's safety instructions and the laborato-ry regulations valid in the country of use.When cleaning the outer surfaces, do not use xylene or solvents containing acetone or xylene.The finished surfaces are not resistant to xylene or acetone!Ensure that liquids do not enter the interior of the instrument during cleaning!

Instrument and outside surfaces

If necessary, the varnished outside surfaces of the control panels can becleaned with a mild commercial household cleaner or soapy water and thenbe wiped with a cloth.The instrument must be completely dry before it can be used again.


7. Cleaning and Maintenance

Fig. 31

7.2 Changing the fuse

Before changing a fuse, always switch off the instrument first and remove the instrument ca-ble completely. The instrument must have cooled down and the paraffin tank must be empty.When changing a fuse, do NOT use any fuses other than the spare fuses supplied with the in-strument.

If the instrument fails completely, first check thepower supply at the power socket.Then check the fuses at the rear side of the in-strument.

To do so, proceed as follows:• Using a screwdriver (13), carefully push out

the fuse insert (14) (Fig. 31).• Remove the fuse insert - it contains two

fuses (15).

• Check that the thin wire (16) in the glass cap-illary of a fuse is intact. If not, replace the fuse(the standard scope of delivery includes tworeplacement fuses).

Before plugging the power cableback in and switching on the instru-ment, you must have identified andcorrected the cause of the burned-outfuse.

• Insert the fuse insert with the two fuses andstart up the instrument again.

1 4

1 5

1 3

1 4

1 6


8. Ordering Information: Spare Parts, Accessories, Consumables

Knife holder S .................................................................................. 14 0462 30131Buffer tray S .................................................................................... 14 0462 30132Buffer tray S, double-walled ......................................................... 14 0463 46423Specimen plate S, Ø 50 mm, non-directional* ........................... 14 0463 27404Specimen plate S, directional* .................................................... 14 0463 27406Magnetic specimen holder, directional ...................................... 14 0462 32060Footswitch with protective guard ................................................ 14 0463 27415Magnifier, assy. .............................................................................. 14 0462 31191Fiber optics ...................................................................................... 14 0502 30028Cold light sources

Leica CLS100X 100-120V/50-60Hz .......................................... 14 0502 30214Leica CLS100X 230-240V/50-60Hz .......................................... 14 0502 30215Leica CLS100X 240V/ 50-60Hz .......................................... 14 0502 30216

Knife holder L, for standard low-profile blades, 70 x 50mm...... 14 0463 27402Buffer tray L** ................................................................................. 14 0463 27408Buffer tray L**, double-walled ..................................................... 14 0463 46424Specimen plate L***, non-directional* ....................................... 14 0463 27405Knife holder S, for max. 20 mm-high specimens ........................ 14 0462 31950Knife holder L, for specimens 20 mm-high .................................. 14 0462 31949Injector blades, 1 dispenser with 20 blades ............................... 14 0358 27411Sapphire knife ................................................................................. 14 0216 39372Cyanoacrylate glue ........................................................................ 14 0371 27414

*) The orientable specimen discs S can be rotated around their center as well as tilted onone axis. The non-orientable specimen discs S can be rotated but not tilted.The orientable specimen discs L can be tilted on one axis - they can, however, not be ro-tated. The non orientable specimen discs L are laterally adjustable but not tiltable.For sectioning large specimens, all three accessories marked with two asterisks (**)have to be ordered, as knife holder L can only be used together with buffer tray L andlow-profile disposable blades.In addition, at least one of the specimen holding devices marked (***) is needed for sec-tioning large specimens.



8.1 Additional accessories for standard size specimens (functional description)

Specimen disc S, orientable- By turning the screw (1) the specimen holder can be tilted on the x-axis

(see arrow 2).The orientable specimen disc S can be rotated by 330°.

Ref. no. 14 0463 27406

8.2 Additional accessories for large specimens (functional description)

- Fig. (33.3) shows a configuration for large specimens, consisting of knifeholder L, buffer tray L and specimen disc L, not orientable.

Ref. no. 14 0463 27402 (Knife holder L)Ref. no. 14 0463 27408 (Buffer tray L)Ref. no. 14 0463 27405 (Specimen disc L, non orientable)

Fig. 33.1

1

2

Fig. 33.2

8.3 Foot switch (functional description)

Footswitch• The foot switch is an optional accessory

which can be used instead of the START/STOP-button.

Ref. no. 14 0463 27415

Fig. 33.3



8.4 Buffer trays

8.4.1 Double-walled buffer tray S

8.4.2 Double-walled buffer tray L

Fig. 34.1

Fig. 34.2

Ref. no. ............................................... 14 0463 46423

When using the double-walled buffer tray, the recirculating cooler must be attached accord-ing to the installation instructions BEFORE working with the specimens (see the Short Instruc-tion Manual for the minichiller).

Ref. no. ............................................... 14 0463 46424

The double-walled buffer trays can be equippedwith clamps that hold the hose (provided) in thecorrect position for gassing the buffer.First connect the hoses provided with the min-

ichiller to the rear side of the cooling unit (see theShort Instruction Manual), then connect the oth-er end to the empty buffer tray. To do so, pull backthe lock coupling, attach the hose, and releasethe coupling until you hear it click into position.



8.5 Magnifier, fiber optics, cold light source

Fiber-optic illumination• To be mounted onto the magnifier after the

magnifier has been mounted into the fixture.Then, connect the fiber optics to the cold lightsource.

Ref. no. 14 0502 30028

Magnifier• To be inserted into the fixture.

Ref. no. 14 0462 31191

Leica CLS 100 cold light source• Serves as a light source for the fiber-optic

illumination.

100-120 V, 50/60 Hz, Ref. no. 14 0502 30214230 V, 50/60 Hz, Ref. no. 14 0502 30215240 V, 50/60 Hz, Ref. no. 14 0502 30216

Fig. 35

Fig. 35.1


Warranty

Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH guarantees that the contractual productdelivered has been subjected to a comprehensive quality control proce-dure based on the Leica in-house testing standards, and that the product isfaultless and complies with all technical specifications and/or agreed char-acteristics warranted.The scope of the warranty is based on the content of the concluded agree-ment. The warranty terms of your Leica sales organization or the organiza-tion from which you have purchased the contractual product shall applyexclusively.

Service information

If you are in need of technical customer support or spare parts, please con-tact your Leica representative or the Leica dealer where you purchased theinstrument.Please provide the following information:

• Model name and serial number of the instrument.• Location of the instrument and name of a contact person.• Reason for the service call.• Delivery date.

Decommissioning and disposal

The instrument or parts of the instrument must be disposed of according toexisting applicable, local regulations.

9. Warranty and Service

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