Leica RM2145 Instruction Manual
Instruction Manual
Leica RM2145 V3.2 English – 02/2002
Always keep this manual near the instrument!
Read carefully prior to operating the instrument!
Leica RM2145
Rotary Microtome
3
Leica RM 2145 – Rotary Microtome
1. Important information
Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH
Heidelberger Str. 17-19
D-69226 Nussloch
Germany
Telephone: 0 62 24 / 143-0
Telefax: 0 62 24 / 143-200
eMail: histo_info@leica-microsystems.com
Homepage: http://www.histo-solutions.com
The information, numerical data, notes and value judgments contained in this manual represent the current
state of scientific knowledge and state-of-the-art technology as we understand it following thorough investigation in this field. We are under no obligation to update the present manual periodically and on an ongoing basis according to the latest technical developments, nor to provide our customers with additional
copies, updates etc. of this manual.
For erroneous statements, drawings, technical illustrations etc. contained in this manual we exclude liability as far as permissible according to the national
legal system applicable in each individual case. In particular, no liability whatsoever is accepted for any financial loss or consequential damage caused by or
related to compliance with statements or other information in this manual.
Statements, drawings, illustrations and other information as regards contents or technical details of the
present manual are not to be considered as warranted
characteristics of our products. These are determined
only by the contract provisions agreed between ourselves and our customers.
Leica reserves the right to change technical specifications as well as manufacturing processes without
prior notice. Only in this way is it possible to continuously improve the technology and manufacturing techniques used in our products.
This document is protected under copyright laws. Any
copyrights of this document are retained by Leica
Microsystems Nussloch GmbH.
Any reproduction of text and illustrations (or of any
parts thereof) by means of print, photocopy, microfiche,
web cam or other methods – including any electronic
systems and media – requires express prior permission in writing by Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH.
For the instrument serial number and year of manufacture, please refer to the name plate at the back of
the instrument.
© Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH
S/N 050131379.
Y
.oM. . 0923/05.1999
MFin .. Federal Republic of Germany
BUTAG: 445870
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Instruction manual V3.2 – 02/2002
2. Table of contents
1. Important information..................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Table of contents ............................................................................................................................................. 4
3. Safety instructions for handling the instrument ....................................................................................... 5
4. Technical data ................................................................................................................................................. 9
5. General description ...................................................................................................................................... 10
5.1 Product description ................................................................................................................................................. 10
5.2 Standard delivery ..................................................................................................................................................... 10
5.3 Leica RM 2145 - overall view of the instrument................................................................................................... 11
6. Unpacking and installation ......................................................................................................................... 12
6.1 Unpacking .................................................................................................................................................................. 12
6.2 Assembling the handwheel .................................................................................................................................... 14
6.3 Site requirements ..................................................................................................................................................... 14
7. Setting up the instrument ............................................................................................................................ 15
7.1 Connecting to mains ................................................................................................................................................ 15
7.2 Installing the arm rests ............................................................................................................................................ 18
7.3 Switching on the instrument................................................................................................................................... 18
7.4 Control panel functions ........................................................................................................................................... 19
8. Daily routine operation ................................................................................................................................ 29
8.1 Inserting the specimen clamp ................................................................................................................................ 29
8.2 Assembling the specimen clamp directly to the fixture for specimen clamps............................................... 29
8.3 Clamping the specimen ........................................................................................................................................... 30
8.4 Installing the knife holder base .............................................................................................................................. 30
8.5 Installing the knife holder........................................................................................................................................ 30
8.6 Inserting the knife or disposable blade ................................................................................................................ 31
8.7 Adjusting the clearance angle ............................................................................................................................... 31
8.8 Orienting the specimen (only with orienting specimen clamp fixture) ............................................................ 32
8.9 Trimming .................................................................................................................................................................... 33
8.10 Sectioning .................................................................................................................................................................. 33
8.11 Changing specimens and/or pausing.................................................................................................................... 34
8.12 Finishing daily routine .............................................................................................................................................. 34
9. Trouble shooting ........................................................................................................................................... 35
9.1 Instrument malfunctions ......................................................................................................................................... 35
9.2 Potential sources of errors - elimination .............................................................................................................. 36
9.3 Malfunctions - sources and elimination ............................................................................................................... 37
10. Cleaning .......................................................................................................................................................... 38
11. Maintenance .................................................................................................................................................. 39
11.1 General maintenance instructions ........................................................................................................................ 39
11.2 Adjusting the spring lever system ......................................................................................................................... 40
11.3 Replacing the fuses ................................................................................................................................................. 41
12. Optional accessories ................................................................................................................................... 42
12.1 Specimen clamps and holders ............................................................................................................................... 42
12.3 Knife holders ............................................................................................................................................................. 48
12.4 Section waste tray ................................................................................................................................................... 53
12.5 Combined carrier with magnifier and illumination .............................................................................................. 54
12.6 Microscope carrier .................................................................................................................................................. 57
12.7 Hand rest.................................................................................................................................................................... 59
12.8 Exchanging the fixture for specimen clamps ...................................................................................................... 62
13. Appendix ......................................................................................................................................................... 63
13.1 Ordering information ................................................................................................................................................ 63
Product changes ...................................................................................................................................................... 65
Warranty .................................................................................................................................................................... 65
Disposal...................................................................................................................................................................... 65
Technical service information ................................................................................................................................ 65
5
Leica RM 2145 – Rotary Microtome
3.1 Safety devices
The safety devices on the instrument must
neither be removed nor modified in any way!
The instrument is equipped with the following safety
devices: quick locking system for the handwheel and
knife guard on the knife holder.
3.1.1 Activating the quick locking system of the
handwheel
Before manipulating knife or specimen or
changing the specimen and during breaks:
always lock the handwheel and cover the
knife edge with the knife guard!
The handwheel can be locked in any position with the
locking lever (1) on the right side of the microtome base
plate. The two locking positions of the lever (● =locked;
❍ = released) are marked on the microtome base plate
(Fig. 5.1)
.
Performance check
• To activate, pull the locking lever (1) to the front (●).
The handwheel is mechanically blocked and cannot
be turned.
• To deactivate, push the locking lever (1) to the rear
(❍).
The handwheel can then be rotated again.
3. Safety instructions for handling the instrument
1
Fig. 5.1
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Instruction manual V3.2 – 02/2002
3. Safety instructions for handling the instrument
1
2
2
Fig. 6.1
3
Fig. 6.2
3.1.2 Knife guard on the knife holder
Before manipulating knife or specimen / before changing specimens and during breaks:
always lock the handwheel and cover the
knife edge with the knife guard!
All knife holders are equipped with a permanent, movable knife guard (1) which allows to cover the entire
cutting edge with the knife clamped in any position.
Knife holders N
The knife guard of knife holder N (Fig. 6.1) has two
small grips (2) for conveniently moving the knife guard
rails.
To cover the knife edge, push both halves of the knife
guard to the center.
Knife-holder E
Knife holder E (Fig. 6.2) is equipped with a tilting
shackle (3) which functions as a knife guard.
To cover the knife edge, tilt the shackle (3) upwards.
7
Leica RM 2145 – Rotary Microtome
3. Safety instructions for handling the instrument
Transport and installation
• Please pay careful attention to chapter 4 ‘Technical data’!
• The instrument may only be transported
upright!
• Caution: The voltage selector is preset in
the factory.
Before connecting the instrument to the
mains power, please check whether the
factory setting is identical with the local
mains power in your lab!
The mains cable inlet is sealed with an
adhesive tape that indicates the factory
setting the instrument comes with.
• Severe damage may be caused to the instrument when operating it at an incorrect
voltage setting.
• Do not change the voltage selector setting,
with the instrument being connected to the
mains.
• The instrument may only be connected to
a grounded mains power outlet socket. To
connect the instrument only use one of the
mains cables that are supplied together
with the instrument!
• In case of exposure to extreme temperature changes and high air humidity condensation may form inside the instrument.
If that type of exposure has taken place,
make sure to wait at least 2 hours before
switching on the instrument to allow it to
adapt to the local ambient temperature.
Failure to allow for the required waiting
time may cause severe damage to the instrument!
• Do not operate the instrument in rooms
with explosion hazard!
• The safety devices on the instrument must
neither be removed nor modified in any
way!
Operating the instrument
• Be extremely careful when handling microtome knives and/or disposable blades!
The cutting edges are extremely sharp and
can cause severe injury!
• Never leave knives or knife holders with a
knife / disposable blade inserted someplace unprotected! Always store knives in
their knife case when not in use!
• Never place a knife anywhere with the cutting edge facing upwards!
• Never try to catch a falling knife!
• Always clamp the specimen before clamping the knife!
• Before manipulating knife or specimen /
before changing specimens and during
breaks: always lock the handwheel and
cover the knife edge with the knife guard!
• Never attempt to orient the specimen while
the instrument is in the retraction phase
(i.e. while the yellow RETRACT indication
is illuminated)!
Prior to the next section, the specimen will
advance by the retraction value plus the
selected section thickness! There is danger that specimen and knife will be damaged.
• Always wear safety goggles when sectioning brittle specimens! - Risk of splintering!
• Make sure that no liquids get into the interior of the instrument during work!
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Instruction manual V3.2 – 02/2002
3. Safety instructions for handling the instrument
Cleaning
• Before cleaning, lock the handwheel,
switch the instrument off and pull the
mains plug!
• Only use mild household cleaners / soap
for cleaning. The varnish paint coat of the
instrument is not resistant to acetone or
xylene!
• Make sure that no liquids get into the interior of the instrument while cleaning!
• After cleaning wait for the instrument to
be completely dry before switching it back
on!
Maintenance
• Only authorized Leica service engineers
may open the instrument for maintenance
and repair work!
• Before exchanging the fuses, switch the
instrument off and pull the mains plug!
• When exchanging fuses, only use replacement fuses with the same specification as
the original ones. - Refer to chapter 4
‘Technical data’ for the correct specifications.
Optional accessories
Combined carrier with magnifier and illumination
• Do not operate the magnifier / illumination
carrier at a mains power other than the one
specified on the name plate at the rear of
the carrier.
• Do not expose the magnifier glass to direct sunlight! Direct sunlight may cause a
burning glass effect. - Fire hazard!
• Before exchanging the lamp, switch it off
with the mains switch and pull the mains
plug of the carrier!
• Only use replacement lamps of the same
specification as the original lamp.
• Before exchanging the carrier fuses,
switch off the lamp with the mains switch
and pull the mains plug of the carrier!
• Only use replacement fuses with the same
specification as the original ones, inserted
at works!
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Leica RM 2145 – Rotary Microtome
4. Technical data
Type RM 2145
Admissions UL, cUL
Nominal supply voltages 100 / 120 / 230 / 240 V AC ±10%
Nominal frequency 50/60 Hz
Maximum power draw 70 VA
Protective class
➀
I
Mains fuses 2 x T 1,0 A
UL-listed
Pollution degree 2
Overvoltage installation category II
Maximum heat emission
➀
70 J/s
Working temperature range +10 °C to +35 °C
Relative humidity 80%, non-condensing
➀
according to IEC-1010, UL 3101, EN 61010
Dimensions and weight
Main instrument
Width (including handwheel) 370 mm
Width (w/o handwheel) 300 mm
Depth 550 mm
Height (overall) 285 mm
Working height (level of knife edge) 100 mm
Weight (w/o accessories) 38 kg
Control panel
Width 140 mm
Depth 240 mm
Height 95 mm
Height (in inclined position) 125 mm
Weight (net) 2.4 kg
Microtome
Type RM 2145 rotary microtome
Sectioning thickness setting 0.25 - 60 µm
0.25 µm, 0.5 µm, 1 µm, 1.5 µm;
2 - 20 µm in 1 µm increments
20 - 60 µm in 5 µm increments
Total horizontal specimen feed 27 mm ±1 mm
via step motor
Vertical specimen stroke 70 mm
maximum sectioning area, w/o retraction 65 mm, without specimen orientation
maximum sectioning area, with retraction 60 mm
Specimen retraction 0 - 100 µm, in 5 µm increments
can be switched off
Motorized coarse feed 300 µm/s and 900 µm/s
Repositioning of knife holder base
north / south ±25 mm
lateral ±20 mm
Maximum specimen size (W x H x D) 50 x 60 x 40 mm
Specimen orientation
horizontal 8°
vertical 8°
rotation ±90°
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Instruction manual V3.2 – 02/2002
5. General description
5.1 Product description
The Leica RM 2145 is a semi-motorized rotary microtome.
The specimen feed system with zero-backlash and
maintenance-free cross roller guides and the step
motor operated coarse feed system are located in a
dustproof plastic housing. Sectioning is performed by
manually rotating the extremely smooth-running
handwheel. The handwheel is lockable in any position
via a mechanical quick locking system.
All settings, LED indications and control functions are
centralized in a separate control panel. Control buttons
and indications are logically arranged in functional
groups.
The specimen retraction can be set in different thicknesses and can also be entirely switched off. The retraction phase is visually indicated.
The motorized coarse feed operates at two speeds. In
the trimming mode, the coarse feed buttons have a
TRIM-STEP function.
The instrument offers two different manual sectioning
modes: conventional sectioning by complete
handwheel rotations and sectioning in the ‘Rocking
Mode’, where the handwheel only needs to be moved
back and forth over a small distance in each direction.
The instrument also has a number of special functions,
such as the programmable horizontal specimen stopfunction, and the sectioning and trimming program.
The plastic grips of all clamping levers can
be repositioned according to individual user
preference.
To reposition, pull out the grip of the lever, hold
it firmly in the pulled-out position and turn it
to the desired position. When releasing it, it
will lock automatically in the new position.
5.2 Standard delivery
The Leica RM 2145 basic instrument is delivered without accessories in the following configuration:
- 1 fixture for specimen clamps, orienting,
- 1 arm rest - right,
1 arm rest - left,
- 1 maintenance kit, consisting of:
1 Allen key, size 5,
1 Allen key, size 4,
1 Allen key, size 3,
2 screwdrivers,
1 bottle of microtome oil, no. 405, 50 ml,
1 dust cover,
- 1 set of replacement fuses,
- 1 set of mains cables,
- 1 separate control panel,
- 1 instruction manual.
You will find these, and any further accessories you
may have ordered, packed in a cardboard box located
on top of the instrument.
Compare the actually delivered components with the
parts list and your order.
If there are any discrepancies, please contact your
Leica sales office immediately.
11
Leica RM 2145 – Rotary Microtome
Knife guard
5.3 Leica RM 2145 - overall view of the instrument
Fig. 11.2
5. General description
T-piece for clamping
the knife holder base
Locking lever of
mechanical quick locking system
Cover cap,
access to the internal fitting device for mounting the
combined carrier * for magnifier / illuminations or the
microscope carrier *
Control panel
Fig. 11.1
Clamping lever for
lateral adjustment of the knife holder base
Section waste tray *
* Optional accessories
Knife holder E*
for disposable blades
Handwheel
Orienting fixture*
for specimen clamps
Universal Cassette Clamp
(UCC) *
Clamping lever for
disposable blade
Clamping lever for knife holder base
Ergo-front-cover
(single-piece handrest)
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Instruction manual V3.2 – 02/2002
6. Unpacking and installation
Fig. 12.2
Fig. 12.1
5
4
6
7
2
1
3
6.1 Unpacking
Upon arrival of the box, please check the Tip’n
Tell indicators on the outside of the box.
If the tip of the arrow is blue, the shipment was
handled improperly.
In that case, please make a corresponding
note on the shipping documents and check the
contents for damage.
6.1.1 Cardboard box
• Cut off the steel bands on the outside of the cardboard box.
• Open the outer cardboard box (1).
• Take out the accessory box (2) and the instruction
manual.
• Remove the outer cardboard box (1) by lifting it up-
wards.
• Fold down the lateral parts of the inner cardboard
box (6).
• Take out the fixing module (3).
• Lift the instrument (4) from the foam stabilizers (5)
holding it at the front of the base plate and at the
recessed grip at the rear (Fig. 12.2).
• Place the instrument on a stable laboratory bench.
The instrument is equipped with two slide faces (7) at
the rear of the base plate to facilitate repositioning on
the work bench.
• To move the instrument, slightly lift it at the front of
the base plate and slide it to the desired location on
the slide faces.
13
Leica RM 2145 – Rotary Microtome
6. Unpacking and installation
Fig. 13
1
2
4
6
5
8
3
6.1.2 Wooden shipping crate
• Remove two screws (8) at the top and the bottom of
each of the four sides of the crate and then take off
the lid (1).
• Remove the foam bridge (2).
• Remove the side wall frame (3) lifting it upwards.
• Take out the accessory box (6).
• Lift the instrument (4) from the foam stabilizers (5)
on the wooden pallet, holding it at the front of the
base plate and at the recessed grip at the rear (Fig.
12.2 - see previous page).
• Place the instrument on a stable laboratory bench.
The instrument is equipped with two slide faces (7, Fig.
12.2 - see previous page) at the rear of the base plate
to facilitate repositioning on the work bench.
• To move the instrument, slightly lift it at the front of
the base plate and slide it to the desired location on
the slide faces.
14
Instruction manual V3.2 – 02/2002
6. Unpacking and installation
6.2 Assembling the handwheel
Before the instrument can be used, the
handwheel has to be assembled to the main
body. All required parts and tools are contained in the shipping crate.
The feather key (5) is loosely placed in the handwheel
shaft (1) and secured during transport with a tie-rap.
• Remove the tie-rap.
Attention - Make sure the feather key does not fall
out!
• Place the handwheel (2) onto the handwheel shaft
(1) as shown.
• Tighten the screw located in the center hole of the
handwheel with an Allen key, size 5 (3).
• Remove the lidding foil from the autoadhesive cover
(4) and place it onto the handwheel.
To disassemble, proceed in reverse order.
6.3 Site requirements
Do not operate the instrument in rooms with
explosion hazard!
To ensure trouble-free function, a minimum
distance of at least 10 cm to walls and other
objects must be kept on all sides of the instrument.
The installation site must fulfill the following requirements:
- stable, vibration-free laboratory bench,
- virtually vibration-free floor,
- Easy and comfortable access to the handwheel,
- Room temperature constantly between +10 °C and
+ 35 °C,
- relative air humidity not exceeding 80 %.
Fig. 14
5
15
Leica RM 2145 – Rotary Microtome
7. Setting up the instrument
230
1
2
3
230 V
Fig. 15
7.1 Connecting to mains
7.1.1 Checking the voltage selector setting
Caution: The voltage selector is preset in the
factory.
Before connecting the instrument to the mains
power, please check whether the factory setting is identical with the local mains power
in your lab!
The mains cable inlet is sealed with an adhesive tape that indicates the factory setting the
instrument comes with.
Severe damage may be caused to the instrument when operating it at an incorrect voltage setting.
The voltage selector is located in the voltage selector
housing (3) above the mains switch (2) on the rear of
the instrument. The actual voltage setting can be seen
in a small indication window (1) in the voltage selector
housing.
• Remove the adhesive tape.
• Check if the voltage selector setting that shows in
the window (1) is the appropriate one for your local
mains supply.
If the setting is correct, please proceed to section 7.1.3
of this manual.
If the voltage shown in the indication window does not
correspond to your local mains supply, the voltage selector setting MUST be changed prior to connecting
the instrument to the mains supply.
16
Instruction manual V3.2 – 02/2002
7. Setting up the instrument
230
1
3
3
5
4
Fig. 16.1
3
6
Fig. 16.2
7.1.2 Changing the voltage selector setting
Do not change the voltage selector setting,
with the instrument being connected to the
mains.
• Place the tip of the smaller one of the two screwdrivers into the small recess (4) of cover (5) and push
very carefully, using the screwdriver as a lever, to
remove the housing.
• Pull out the voltage selector housing (3).
• Remove the voltage selector (6) from the housing
and reinsert it so that the appropriate value shows
in the indication window (1).
• Reinsert the housing (3) together with the fuses into
the instrument, push lightly to lock it in place.
• Check again whether the correct voltage shows in
window (1).
17
Leica RM 2145 – Rotary Microtome
34
1
7. Setting up the instrument
Fig. 17
7.1.3 Connecting the control panel
The connection cable of the control panel is
permanently connected to the microtome.
• Insert the plug of the connection cable into the cor-
responding socket at the rear of the control panel.
• To secure the plug, tighten the two screws.
7.1.4 Connecting the mains cable
The instrument is delivered with a set of different, country-specific mains cables.
The instrument may only be connected to a
grounded mains power outlet socket. To connect the instrument only use one of the mains
cables that are supplied together with the instrument!
• Before connecting the mains cable, check if the
mains switch (3) at the rear of the instrument is in
the OFF position (‘O’).
• Select the mains cable with the appropriate plug
for your local mains power outlet.
• Connect the mains cable to the socket (4) at the rear
of the instrument.
• Connect the mains plug to the wall outlet.
The instrument is ready to be switched on.
In case of exposure to extreme temperature
changes and high air humidity condensation
may form inside the instrument. If that type of
exposure has taken place, make sure to wait
at least 2 hours before switching on the instrument to allow it to adapt to the local ambient temperature. Failure to allow for the required waiting time may cause severe damage to the instrument!
18
Instruction manual V3.2 – 02/2002
7. Setting up the instrument
7
6
Fig. 18
7.2 Installing the arm rests
• Insert the pins on the underside of the arm rests (6)
into the corresponding holes (7) of the microtome
base plate as shown.
7.3 Switching on the instrument
• Switch on the mains switch at the rear of the instrument.
Switching on the mains switch is followed by a beep.
The instrument initializes.
Next the software version is displayed in the four-digit
display for approximately 2 seconds.
Depending on the preselected setting, one of the two
three-digit displays either reads the currently selected
sectioning (SECT./µm) or trimming thickness (TRIM/µm)
- (Shown here is the section thickness).
After turning on the instrument, all displays and the
LED’s of all activated functions are illuminated.
19
Leica RM 2145 – Rotary Microtome
Fig. 19
7.4 Control panel functions
All controls of the microtome are operated via the separate control panel. Only safety relevant elements, such
as the mechanical handwheel quick locking system are
located directly on the microtome
Coarse feed
forward,
fast
Multiple trim
step forward
Coarse feed
forward, slow
Single trim
step forward
Coarse feed
backward,
slow
Single trim
step
backward
Coarse feed
backward,
fast
Multiple trim
step
backward
Sectioning
mode
Trimming
mode
Selecting the
display mode
7. Setting up the instrument
LED indicating
trimming thickness
setting
Counter Reset
Adjusting knob
‘STOP’ LED -
flashes during coarse
feed forward operation;
is illuminated when
front limit is reached
LED’s: section
thickness totalizing
LED ‘Retract’ is illuminated
during retraction
LED - indicating
section thickness
setting
4-digit LED display
'HOME’ LED - flashes
during coarse feed
backward operation;
is illuminated when
rear limit is reached
Programming /
recalling horizontal
specimen stop position
LED - ‘ROCK’ is illuminated with rocking
mode activated
Activating / deactivating
rocking mode
LEDs: number of sections
retraction value setting
display ‘OFF’
Switching back and
forth between
sectioning and
trimming mode
RM 2145
20
Instruction manual V3.2 – 02/2002
7. Setting up the instrument
‘Retract’ indication
RETRACT (yellow) is illuminated with specimen retraction is ‘ON’, while the specimen is in the actual retraction phase.
4-digit LED display
The display mode of the 4-digit display can be selected
as required. It can also be turned off.
Display modes:
Σ µm - Section thickness totalizing
Σ n - Number of sections
Retr./µm - Retraction value setting in µm
Disp. off - Display OFF
The LED of the selected display mode is illuminated.
• To change the display mode, push DISP MODE un-
til the LED of the desired mode is illuminated.
• Press CLEAR to reset section thickness totalizing
and number of sections.
Of the two resettable options, only the displayed value
is reset.
When switching off the instrument main switch, both
section thickness totalizing and number of sections are
deleted.
When selecting the horizontal specimen stop positioning mode, the positioning status is indicated on display.
RM 2145
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