Leica VT1200S, VT1200 User Manual

Operating Manual

Leica VT1200 and VT1200S 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

Note

The information, numerical data, notes and value judgments contained in this manual represent the current state of scientific knowledge and stateof-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. To the extent permitted in accordance with the national legal system as applicable in each individual case, we shall not be held liable for erroneous statements, drawings, technical illustrations etc. contained in this manual. 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 regarding the contents or technical details of the present manual are not to be considered 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. All copyrights to this documentation are held 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 nameplate on the back of the instrument.

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-microsystems.com Internet: http://www.histo-solutions.com

Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome

Contents

1. Important Notes .......................................................................................................................... 5

1.1 Symbols in the Text and their Meanings ........................................................................................ 5

1.2 Qualification of Personnel ................................................................................................................ 5

1.3 Intended Use/Improper Use ............................................................................................................. 5

2. Safety ............................................................................................................................................ 6

2.1 General Safety Notes ........................................................................................................................ 6

2.2 Warnings ............................................................................................................................................. 6

2.1 Transport, Unpacking and Setting up ............................................................................................. 7

3. Instrument Characteristics....................................................................................................... 8

3.1 Technical Data for the VT1200 ......................................................................................................... 8

3.1.1 Technical Data for the VT1200S....................................................................................................... 9

3.2 General Overview of the VT1200/VT1200S ................................................................................... 10

3.3 VT1200 Control Panel ....................................................................................................................... 12

3.3.1 VT1200S Control Panel .................................................................................................................... 13

4. Installation................................................................................................................................. 14

4.1 Standard Scope of Delivery for the VT1200 ................................................................................. 14

4.1.1 Standard Scope of Delivery for the VT1200S .............................................................................. 15

4.2 Packing and Setting up the Instrument ........................................................................................16

4.3 Before Commissioning the Instrument ......................................................................................... 17

5. Working with the Instrument ................................................................................................. 18

5.1 Description of the Typical Application ......................................................................................... 18

5.2 Control Elements on the VT1200 Control Panel ........................................................................... 19

5.3 Control Element on the Control Panel of the VT1200S ............................................................... 22

5.4 Installing the Accessories .............................................................................................................. 32

5.5 Routine Daily Maintenance and Switching off the Instrument – VT1200/VT1200S ............... 36

6. Operating the VibroCheck ......................................................................................................37

6.1 Using the VibroCheck with the VT1200 .........................................................................................37

6.2 Using the VibroCheck with the VT1200S ...................................................................................... 39

7. Malfunctions: Meanings and Troubleshooting .................................................................. 41

7.1 Error Messages and Troubleshooting .......................................................................................... 41

7.2 Replacing the Main Fuse ................................................................................................................ 46

8. Cleaning and Maintenance .................................................................................................... 47

8.1 Cleaning the Instrument .................................................................................................................. 47

9. Ordering Information for Optional Accessories, Consumables and Spare Parts ........ 48

10. EC Declaration of Conformity .................................................................................................56

11. Warranty and Service.............................................................................................................. 57

Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007

1. Important Notes

1.1 Symbols in the Text and their Meanings

Dangers, warnings and cautions appear in a gray box and are marked by a warning triangle .

Useful tips, i.e. important information for the user, appear in gray boxes and are marked by an information symbol .

(5) (Fig.5)

Numbers in parentheses refer to item numbers in illustrations or to the illustrations themselves.

1.3 Intended Use/Improper Use

The Leica VT1200 and VT1200S are used for sectioning in the fields of medicine, biology and industry, and are especially designed for sectioning fixed or unfixed fresh tissue in buffer.

The instrument must be installed according to the directions in this Operating Manual.

Any other use of the instrument is considered improper.

Instrument model:

All information provided in this manual applies only to the VT1200 and VT1200S instruments described here.

A nameplate indicating the instrument serial number is attached to the rear side of the instrument.

1.2 Qualification of Personnel

The Leica VT1200 and the VT1200 S may be operated by trained laboratory personnel only.

All laboratory personnel designated to operate the Leica instrument must read this Operating Manual carefully and must be familiar with all technical features of the instrument before beginning to operate it.

Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome

Note:

Fig. 1

When making inquiries, please make sure that you have the following product information ready:

• Instrument model and serial number

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 instrument.

If additional requirements on accident prevention and environmental protection apply in the country of operation, this Operating Manual must be supplemented by appropriate instructions to ensure compliance with such requirements.

Make sure to read all of the Operating Manual before you work on or operate the instrument.

2.1 General Safety Notes

These instruments have been built and tested in accordance with the safety regulations for electrical measuring, control, regulating and laboratory devices.

In order to maintain this condition and to ensure safe operation, the user must follow the instructions and warnings contained in this Operating Manual.

2.2 Warnings

For current information about applicable standards, please refer to the CE Declaration of Conformity on our Internet site:

www.histo-solutions.com

The safety devices installed in this instrument by the manufacturer only constitute the basis for accident prevention. Operating the instrument safely is, above all, the responsibility of the owner, 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 instructions and warnings.

Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007

Caution: Extremely sharp blades pose risk of injury when touched!

Proper handling

Always be exceptionally careful when handling the blades! Do not leave open blades lying around after removal. Always make sure to handle the blade in a way that will not cause you injury. All appropriate safety precautions must be met to avoid the risk of infection. Wearing safety gloves, a mask and safety goggles – in accordance with the "Working with

Substances that Pose a Health Risk" guidelines – is absolutely mandatory. The instrument may be opened by authorized service personnel only. Always disconnect the power plug before opening the instrument. Always switch off the instrument using the power switch and disconnect the power plug before

replacing the fuse. The use of fuses other than those installed at the factory is not permitted.

2. Safety

Fresh tissue poses risk of infection! Fire hazard from uncovered magnifier! Cover the magnifier during work breaks!

2.1 Transport, Unpacking and Setting up

• When unpacking the instrument, compare the parts received with the parts ordered. If the parts received do not match your order, contact the sales company responsible for your order immediately.

• Please refer to "Technical Data" before connecting the instrument to a power supply.

• Never connect the instrument to a power socket that does not have a protective conductor terminal.

The instrument must be set up so that the main power switch on its right side (item 7 in Fig. 14) is easily accessible at any time.

Because the weight of the instrument is approx. 56 kg, carrying the instrument requires 2 persons (1 carrying handle per person).

Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome

3. Instrument Characteristics

3.1 Technical Data for the VT1200

General data:

Cutting frequency (± 10 %) ................................................................................................................. 85 Hz (± 10%)

Amplitude .................................................................................................... from 0 – 3mm, in 0.05 mm increments

Cutting speed (± 10 %) ...................................................................................................................... 0.01 – 1.5 mm/s

Return speed (± 10 %) ................................................................................................................................. 2.5 mm/s

Total vertical specimen stroke ................................................................................................. 20 mm (motorized)

Cutting range ............................................................................................................................... 45 mm (adjustable)

Maximum specimen size:

With standard blade holder Specimen orientation, rotating Specimen plate, swiveling

Section thickness adjustment .................................................................................. manual, in 1 μm increments

Ambient conditions:

Operating temperature range: .......................................................................................... min. 10 °C – max. 35 °C

Relative humidity: ....................................................................................................................................... max. 60 %

Storage temperature: ................................................................................................................................... 5 – 55 °C

Storage humidity: ............................................................................................................................................. < 60 %

Height: ........................................................................................................................ up to 2000 m above sea level

Electrical data:

Rated voltage range (± 10 %): ....................................................................................................................... 100 V – 240 V

Rated frequency (± 10 %): ..................................................................................................................................... 50/60Hz

Power consumption:................................................................................................................................................... 35 VA

Protection class: .................................................................................................................................................................. I

Power fuses: .................................................................................................................................................... T 1 A L 250 V

Pollution degree: ................................................................................................................................................................. 2

Overvoltage category: ........................................................................................................................................................ II

Electrical overload protection: ..................................................................................................................................... yes

Internal current limit for the electronics: .................................................................................................................... yes

Dimensions:

L x W x H: ................................................................................................................................ 600 mm x 250 mm x 230mm

Height with magnifier support ............................................................................................. 600 mm x 250mm x 320mm

Height with microscope: ....................................................................................................... 600mm x 250 mm x 490mm

L x W x H control unit (when the bases are folded in): ...................................................... 165 mm x 120 mm x 72mm

Weight:

Without magnifier support and control unit ............................................................................................................ 56 kg

VT1200 control unit ........................................................................................................................................................ 1 kg

Magnifier support .......................................................................................................................................................... 2 kg

Microscope support with stereomicroscope ............................................................................................................ 4 kg

.............................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................

33 x 50 mm

360 °

0 – 10 °

Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007

3. Instrument Characteristics

3.1.1 Technical Data for the VT1200 S

General data:

Cutting frequency (± 10 %): ......................................................................................................................... 85 Hz (± 10 %)

Amplitude: ............................................................................................................ from 0 – 3 mm, in 0.05mm increments

Cutting speed (± 10 %): .............................................................................................................................. 0.01 – 1.5 mm/s

Return speed (± 10 %): ......................................................................................... 1.0 – 5mm/s, in 0.5 mm/s increments

Total vertical specimen stroke: ......................................................................................................... 20 mm (motorized)

Cutting range: ............................................................................................................................................................. 45 mm

Cutting window: ......................................................................................................................................... 0.5mm – 45 mm

Specimen retraction: ............................................................................... 0 – 100 μm (adjustable, can be deactivated)

Maximum specimen size:

With standard blade holder: ......................................................................................................................33 x 50 mm

Specimen orientation, rotating: ........................................................................................................................... 360°

Specimen plate, swiveling: ............................................................................................................................... 0 – 10°

Section thickness adjustment: ........................................... manual in 1 μm increments or automatic max. 1000μm

Ambient conditions:

Operating temperature range: .................................................................................................... min. 10 °C – max. 35 °C

Relative humidity: ................................................................................................................................................. max. 60%

Storage temperature: ............................................................................................................................................ 5 – 55°C

Storage humidity: ....................................................................................................................................................... < 60 %

Height: ........................................................................................................................................................ up to 2000 m NN

Electrical data:

Rated voltage range (± 10 %): ....................................................................................................................... 100V – 240 V

Rated frequency (± 10 %): .................................................................................................................................... 50/60 Hz

Power consumption: ................................................................................................................................................... 35 VA

Protection class: .................................................................................................................................................................. I

Power fuses: .................................................................................................................................................... T 1 A L 250 V

Pollution degree: ................................................................................................................................................................. 2

Overvoltage category: ........................................................................................................................................................ II

Electrical overload protection: ..................................................................................................................................... yes

Internal current limit for the electronics: .................................................................................................................... yes

Dimensions:

L x W x H: ................................................................................................................................ 600 mm x 250 mm x 230mm

Height with magnifier support: ............................................................................................ 600 mm x 250mm x 320mm

Height with microscope: ....................................................................................................... 600mm x 250 mm x 490mm

Control unit (when the bases are folded in): ....................................................................... 190 mm x 150mm x 72mm

Weight:

Without magnifier support and control unit: ........................................................................................................... 56 kg

VT1200S control unit ...................................................................................................................................................... 1 kg

Magnifier support: ......................................................................................................................................................... 2 kg

Microscope support with stereomicroscope: ........................................................................................................... 4 kg

Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome

3. Instrument Characteristics

3.2 General Overview of the VT1200/VT1200S

Fig. 3, Magnifier

Fiber

optic light

guide

Cold

light source

Fig. 4, Microscope

Fig. 5

Cutting head

Fig. 2, Basic instrument

Fig. 6,

Foot switch

Fig. 7,

Control panel

VT1200

Blade holder

Fig. 8, Control panel

VT1200Smm

Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007

Attachments on dovetail receptacle

3. Instrument Characteristics

Ice bath

Buffer tray

Buffer tray, plastic

Buffer tray, metal

Specimen plate

for specimens of 1 cm in height

for specimens of 2 cm in height

Directional

Double-walled buffer tray

Minichiller (circulating cooler)

Specimen plate

for specimens of 1 cm in height

for specimens of 2 cm in height

Directional

VibroCheck

Fig. 9

Blades for the blade holder

Razor blade

Cyanoacrylate adhesive

Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome

Injector blade

Sapphire blade

3. Instrument Characteristics

3.3 VT1200 Control Panel

LED display for

blade feed rate and

amplitude

Setting dial 1, for blade

feed rate and amplitude

LED display for

section thickness and

section thickness addition

Setting dial 2, for

section thickness and

moving the specimen

vertically

Selects the step size

in 1μm,10μm or

Quickly moves the speci-

men upwards (press the

button until the desired

position is reached)

Quickly moves the speci-

men downwards (press

once to adjust to the lowest

Press this button

(for approx. 3 sec.) to save a

frequently used feed value

(pressing it more than once

feeds by the saved section

thickness multiple times)

100μm

increments

position)

Moves the blade

towards the specimen

Caution: Press the button until the desired

position is reached. When the end position is reached, the LED lights up.

LED for feed rate

LED on, for enabled

Moves the blade away from the specimen

amplitude adjustment

Toggles between SPEED (blade feed rate) and AMPL (amplitude)

Section thickness

Sets the current specimen position between 0 (lower) and 20,000μm (upper) or – after zero, totals the section thicknesses

Pressing this button toggles between μm and ∑μm (actively illuminated)

Resets the section thickness addition display ∑μm to zero

Immediately starts or stops the sectioning process

ON/OFF lamp

Fig. 10

The Leica VT1200 is a semiautomatic microtome with a vibrating blade. Before each cut, a manual feed to the desired section thickness must be carried out using the setting dial for section thickness. The VT1200 does not include an automatic specimen retraction; however, retraction can be performed manually.

Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007

3.3.1 VT1200S Control Panel

Sets the blade feed rate.

Select the values using

setting dial 1.

Setting dial 1, for blade

feed rate (SPEED),

AMPLitude or section

thickness for automatic

mode (AUTOFEED)

Sets the amplitude. Select the values using setting dial 1.

3. Instrument Characteristics

Possible in automatic sectioning mode only. Select the desired section thickness for the automatic feed using setting dial 1.

ON/OFF lamp

Setting dial 2, for

section thickness and

moving the specimens

vertically

Selects the step size

in 1 μm, 10μm or

1st cutting window edge, LED illuminates when the

window edge is set.

Moves the specimen

upwards (as long as the

button is pressed). When

the uppermost position is

reached, the LED lights up.

2nd cutting window edge,

LED illuminates when the

window edge is set.

Fig. 11

Toggles between automatic (AUTO) and

semiautomatic (MAN) sectioning mode

The Leica VT1200 S is a fully automatic microtome with a vibrating blade. It can be operated in automatic as well as semiautomatic sectioning mode. In semiautomatic sectioning mode, a manual feed to the desired section thickness must be carried out before each cut. There is no automatic specimen retraction in this mode; however, retraction can be performed manually. In automatic mode, an automatic feed (AUTO FEED) to the selected section thickness is carried out before each cut, and the specimen is lowered to the desired retraction value after each cut to prevent the specimen surface and the blade from coming into contact while the blade is being retracted.

100μm

increments

Moves the speci-

men into the lowest

position, (LED is

illuminated when

the lowest position

is reached)

Moves the

towards the

specimen

Caution: Press the button

until the desired position is reached. When the end position is reached, the LED lights up.

blade

Moves the blade away from the specimen

Toggles in and out of the menu. Memory for 8 parameter sets.

Sets the section thickness addition display ∑μm to "0".

Interrupts the sectioning process in automatic mode. Pressing the button again reactivates the sectioning process.

Starts or stops the sectioning process. In semiautomatic mode, the sectioning process stops immediately; in automatic mode, the sectioning process is finished completely.

Toggling between single stroke (SINGLE) and continuous stroke (CONT) in automatic mode is possible; in semiautomatic mode, only single stroke (SINGLE) is possible.

Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome

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 ..................................................................... 0194 04764

- 1 Allen key, size 6.0 ..................................................................... 0222 04141

- 1 cryo-manipulator...................................................................... 0462 28930

- 1 replacement fuse T 1A ............................................................ 6943 01000

1 set of power cables:

- 1 power cable "D" ........................................................................ 0411 13558

- 1 power cable "USA-C-J" ........................................................... 0411 13559

- 1 power cable "UK" ST/BU F-5A ................................................ 0411 27822

1 dust cover (basic instrument), small ............................................. 0212 43742

1 bottle of cyanoacrylate adhesive, contents 10 gr. ..................... 0371 27414

1 Operating Manual for Leica VT1200/VT1200S ............................. 0702 37107

VT1200 configuration........................................................................... 912000001

The above scope of delivery, plus:

Ice bath, complete .............................................................................. 0481 42010

Buffer tray, (metal) complete ............................................................ 0481 42084

VT blades (10x10 Gillette) .................................................................. 0205 42056

When ordering additional accessories, compare the parts received with the parts ordered. If the parts received do not match your order, contact the sales company responsible for your order immediately.

Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007

4.1.1 Standard Scope of Delivery for the VT1200S

VT1200S basic instrument ................................................................. 0481 42066

1 control panel ..................................................................................... 0481 43396

1 toolset:

- 1 Allen key, size 3.0 ..................................................................... 0194 04764

- 1 Allen key, size 6.0 ..................................................................... 0222 04141

- 1 cryo-manipulator...................................................................... 0462 28930

- 1 replacement fuse T 1A ............................................................ 6943 01000

1 set of power cables:

- 1 power cable "D" ........................................................................ 0411 13558

- 1 power cable "USA-C-J" ........................................................... 0411 13559

- 1 power cable "UK" ST/BU F-5A ................................................ 0411 27822

1 dust cover (basic instrument), small ............................................. 0212 43742

1 bottle of cyanoacrylate adhesive, contents 10 gr. ..................... 0371 27414

1 Operating Manual for Leica VT1200/VT1200S ............................. 0702 37107

VT1200S configuration ........................................................................ 91200S001

The above scope of delivery, plus:

Ice bath, complete .............................................................................. 0481 42010

Buffer tray, (metal) complete ............................................................ 0481 42084

VT blades (10x10 Gillette) .................................................................. 0205 42056

4. Installation

Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome

4. Installation

4.2 Packing and Setting up the Instrument

Ensure that the instrument is standing on a work surface that is as free of vibrations as possible.

Before each transport, the handles must be screwed onto the instrument using the provided screws (see p. 17, Fig. 13). Check to ensure that the handles are firmly in place and will hold reliably!

Packing the instrument

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 hexagon-head screws (2).

2. Pull the transparent protective hood (3) over the instrument. Place the wooden box (4) on the baseplate. Insert the inner carton ring (5).

3. Insert the accessory box (6 – contains accessories) and fill it with packing material (7).

4. Attach the cover (8) and screw it into place using 8 Phillips screws (9).

➜

Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007

Fig. 12

4.3 Before Commissioning the Instrument

Fig. 13

7 (AN)

4. Installation

Once the instrument is in its final location, unscrew the transport handles (1) from the instrument using 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 side of the instrument to OFF (❍).

2. Make sure that the power cable connection in the power socket (2) on the right side of the instrument is correct.

3. Connect the control panel to the socket (3).

4. Install the ice bath (4).

5. Install the buffer tray (5).

6. Install any optional accessories, such as the

magnifier, microscope, foot switch, etc. according to p. 49.

7. Use the power switch (7) to switch on the instrument.

Fig. 14

Leica VT1200 and VT1200 S – Microtome

To make it easier to insert the specimen, adjust the specimen receptacle to its lowest position, and adjust the

blade holder to its rearmost position during the first reference run.

5. Working with the Instrument

5.1 Description of the Typical Application

The Leica VT1200 / VT1200S is a microtome with a vibrating blade and is predominately used for sectioning fixed and unfixed specimens during neurological research.

• To simplify the process of inserting the specimen, you can quickly move the specimen receptacle to the lowest position by pressing the DOWN button.

• To prepare high-quality sections, especially for unfixed tissue, Leica suggests using the optional VibroCheck measuring instrument to determine the height amplitude of the blade after each blade change, and then to minimize it using the setting screw on the blade holder.

To perform the aforementioned process, install the VibroCheck instrument (see p. 36 for the VT1200 or p. 38 for the VT1200S), install the blade and adjust the clearance angle to the desired position. Then take the measurement and make the appropriate adjustments to the placement of the blade holder.

Remove the VibroCheck according to the instructions, and turn the blade 90° toward the top to ensure that the ice bath and buffer tray can be installed safely.

• Insert the buffer tray into the ice bath and cover it with the lid. Fill the ice bath with crushed ice.

• Remove the cover and fill the buffer tray with pre-cooled physiological buffer.

• Push the ice bath and buffer tray onto the dovetail guide and clamp them down.

• Use cyanoacrylate adhesive to adhere the specimen to the specimen plate and use a manipulator to place it in the buffer tray.

Insert the hose for gassing the buffer into the hose clamp.

• Use the UP button to lift the specimen to the sectioning level of the blade quickly. Fineadjusting the blade-to-specimen proximity can be performed using the desired step size 1, 10 or 100μm.

• Advance the blade toward the specimen using the "Blade forward" key.

• After sectioning the specimen, use the setting dial to feed to the desired section thickness using the selected step size (1, 10 or 100μm). This raises the specimen receptacle to the desired value.

• Start the sectioning process by pressing the RUN/STOP key. The process can be stopped again by pressing this key after the cut has been completed. Use the "Blade back" key to move the blade in front of the specimen. Select the section thickness for the next cut and start the sectioning process again.

• After completing the sectioning process, remove the blade, dispose of the specimen receptacle by pushing the DOWN key into its lowest position, and unclamp, empty and clean out the ice bath and buffer tray.

Operating Manual V1.1 – 05/2007

+ 40 hidden pages

Leica VT1200S, VT1200 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual