Thermo Scientifi? Cryostat Microm Cryo-Star HM 560 Instruction Manual

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

Thermo Scientific Microtome Cryostat Microm Cryo-Star HM 560

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Microm International GmbH

part of Thermo Fisher Scientific

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

69190 Walldorf / Germany

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

Microm International GmbH

part of Thermo Fisher Scientific

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

69190 Walldorf / Germany

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

CERTIFICATION

Thermo Fisher Scientific Microm International GmbH certifies that this instrument has been tested and checked carefully. Its technical data was verified before shipment to be in accordance with the published specifications.

The instrument complies with applicable international safety regulations.

WARRANTY

This Thermo Fisher Scientific product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 year. Parts which prove to be defective during the warranty period will be repaired or replaced free of charge by the manufacturer. No other warranty is expressed or implied. Unauthorized modification or repair by third party persons will void the warranty. The warranty will expire in case of improper or wrong use of the instrument and in case the warning and precautionary messages are not observed. Thermo Fisher Scientific is not liable for any occurring damage.

Errors and omissions excepted. Subject to amendment and improvement without further notice.

This instruction manual will be supplied together with each instrument. Further copies can be ordered at the nearest Thermo Fisher Scientific sales office by giving the serial number of the instrument, the number of the instruction manual and the date of issue.

This instruction manual is available in the following languages:

Cat. No. German: 387 490 English: 387 500 French: 387 510

Microm International GmbH

part of Thermo Fisher Scientific

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

69190 Walldorf / Germany

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

INTENDED USE

Dear valued Customer,

Thank you for buying this Thermo Fisher Scientific instrument.

Before putting the instrument into operation, please read these operating instructions carefully to familiarize you with its proper operation and functions.

Only skilled or specially trained personnel must operate the microtome cryostat HM 560, i.e. clamping the specimen, trimming, sectioning and taking off the sections from the instrument. The listed and marked safety measures as well as the regulations and hygiene measures of your respective lab must strictly be observed.

Serial No.: __________________

Please check the Serial No. on the type plate, which is placed on the rear side of your instrument and enter this number here. This way, questions and service can be handled faster.

Instruction Manual No. 387500

Issued on February 03rd, 2009

Microm International GmbH part of Thermo Fisher Scientific Robert-Bosch-Strasse 49

69190 Walldorf Germany

Phone: +49.(0)6227.836-0 Fax: +49.(0)6227.836-111 Email: info.dxd.dewal@thermofisher.com Internet: www.ap-walldorf.com

Microm International GmbH

part of Thermo Fisher Scientific

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

69190 Walldorf / Germany

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

Intended Use

Table of Contents

Safety Precautions

PART 1 INTRODUCTION

1-1 Description of the Cryo-Star HM 560 1-2 Technical data Cryo-Star HM 560

PART 2 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

2-1 Setting up the cryostat

2-2 Initial turn-on

2-3 Basic operational rules

2-4 Setting section thickness and trimming thickness

2-5 Specimen and knife cooling 2-5-1 Actual and set value of the specimen temperature 2-5-2 Actual and set value of the knife temperature 2-5-3 Function fast freezing 2-5-4 Programming temperature parameters

2-6 Cutting movement and retraction

2-7 Feed 2-7-1 Knife carrier coarse feed 2-7-2 Speed of the knife carrier coarse feed 2-7-3 Automatic approach system 2-7-4 Trimming and first cuts 2-7-5 Fine feed

2-8 Setting the cutting window

2-9 Hand wheel brake

2-10 Detaching the specimen

2-11 Indication of cutting processes 2-11-1 Section counter 2-11-2 Section thickness sum 2-11-3 Remaining travel to front end position 2-11-4 Real time

2-12 Setting the real time, WAKE time and ACTIVE time 2-12-1 Setting the real time 2-12-2 Setting the WAKE time 2-12-3 Setting the ACTIVE time

Microm International GmbH

part of Thermo Fisher Scientific

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

69190 Walldorf / Germany

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-13 Defrosting 2-13-1 Setting the defrost time 2-13-2 Defrosting cycle 2-13-3 Interrupting a defrosting cycle

2-14 Turning off the function retraction

2-15 Customer-specific settings 2-15-1 Setting the contrast 2-15-2 Selecting the language

2-16 Turning off the cooling function

2-17 Illumination of the cooling chamber

2-18 Adjusting the operating panel

2-19 Specimen holder, freezing-on and specimen orientation 2-19-1 Specimen holder, freezing-on 2-19-2 Specimen orientation

2-20 Knife carriers 2-20-1 Standard knife carrier SM 2-20-2 Disposable blade holder SE 2-20-3 Modification from standard knife carrier SM to disposable blade holder SE

2-21 Error code indication 2-21-1 Definition of the error codes

2-22 Accessories 2-22-1 Standard equipment 2-22-2 Additional equipment

PART 3 Theory of operation

3-1 Specimen and knife carrier cooling, defrost cycle

3-2 Cutting movement

3-3 Knife carrier coarse feed and trimming stages

3-4 Automatic approach system

PART 4 Working with the cryostat

4-1 Preparations on the microtome and inside the cooling chamber

4-2 Freezing on the specimen

4-4 Orientation and trimming of specimens

4-5 Sectioning and taking off sections

4-6 How to avoid malfunctions

Microm International GmbH

part of Thermo Fisher Scientific

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

69190 Walldorf / Germany

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

PART 5 Maintenance of the cryostat

5-1 Shutting-off for cleaning

5-2 Cleaning and care of the microtome

5-3 Changing the fluorescent lamp

5-4 Disposal of the instrument after final shutdown

Microm International GmbH

part of Thermo Fisher Scientific

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

69190 Walldorf / Germany

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WARNING SIGNALS AND SYMBOLS

The installation and routine use of the Cryo-Star HM 560 is easy and safe if the instructions in this manual are being observed. However, the situations which might be risky for the personnel or equipment are specially marked in this manual with the following symbols and messages.

Note:

Special instructions regarding operation of the instrument.

Caution: Special precautionary measures to prevent damage to equipment. For a long lifetime of the equipment, please observe these instructions carefully.

Danger:

Special warning messages to prevent harm to persons and/or serious damage to equipment. For your own safety, please observe these instructions carefully.

Biohazard:

Warning of biological danger.

Separate taking back of electrical and electronic instruments in the countries of the European Union:

This is to be applied in the countries of the European Union and other European countries with a separate collecting system within the waste management. This product, being an electro and/or electronic instrument, must be treated separately within the waste management process (WEEE).

Microm International GmbH

part of Thermo Fisher Scientific

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

69190 Walldorf / Germany

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

A T T E N T I O N !

The operator's safety is affected, when the instrument is not operated in accordance with this instruction manual. Please observe the following general precautions during operation of this instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions violates safety standards and the intended use of the instrument. Thermo Fisher Scientific is not liable for misuse of the instruments and failure to comply with basic safety requirements.

INSTRUMENT GROUNDING

To avoid injury from electrical current, the instrument must be connected with the safety ground. The instrument is equipped with a three wire ground plug. The power outlet must be connected to the safety ground and must meet the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) regulations.

CAUTION: MAINS VOLTAGE

Never remove instrument covers during operation. Component replacements as well as adjustments must only be made by trained service personnel. Unplug the unit before removing or opening the covers.

DANGER IN EXPLOSIVE ENVIRONMENT

The instrument must not be operated in the presence of flammable gases.

HAZARD OF FROSTBITE

Avoid permanent touching of metal parts inside the cryostat microtome chamber as frostbite may occur at unprotected hands and arms.

HAZARD OF RADIOACTIVE RADIATION

When working with radioactive specimens observe all applicable radiation safety procedures. When working with radioactive contaminated material, appropriate safety and disinfection measures must be carried out. According to the rules and regulations concerning the handling of radioactive contaminated material of the respective laboratory, safety clothing (e.g. particle mask, gloves, protective shoe covers) must be worn. Radioactive contaminated waste must be disposed of according to the respective regulations.

Microm International GmbH

part of Thermo Fisher Scientific

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

69190 Walldorf / Germany

387 500 - English

HAZARD OF INFECTION

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

Use the appropriate safety and disinfection measures when working with infectious specimens. According to the rules and regulations concerning the handling of infectious/radioactive contaminated material of the respective laboratory, safety clothing (e.g. particle mask, gloves, protective shoe covers) must be worn.

HAZARD OF BIOLOGICAL DANGER

Specimens used during the intended operation of the instrument might potentially be infectious. For this reason, it is recommended to observe the general laboratory regulations concerning protection against danger of infection. Information on decontamination media, their use, dilution and effective range of application can be read in the Laboratory Biosafety Manual : 1984 of the World Health Organization.

CAUTION: DANGER OF SQUEEZING

When placing the microtome cryostat HM 560 onto the height adjustable stage, it is absolutely necessary that the stage is in its upper position or in case of a mechanical stage that the rear wall will be removed. Not observing this leads to the risk of squeezing your hands between the rear carrying handles and the stage housing.

HAZARD OF MALFUNCTION

To avoid the hazard of malfunction of an instrument, it must only be operated in a controlled electromagnetic environment. This means, that transmitters such as mobile phones must not be operated in their close vicinity.

CARE IN USING MICROTOME KNIFE

To diminish the danger of being injured by the knife or blade, use the knife guard when adjusting specimen and knife. If possible, the specimen should be clamped in before the knife is inserted into the knife holder. Before changing the knife holder, always remove blade or knife! Unused

knives should always be kept in a knife case. Never place the knife with the cutting edge upwards. Never try to catch a dropping knife!! Never check the sharpness of the cutting edge with your fingers. The cutting edge is extremely sharp!

WASTE DISPOSAL

All debris, waste as well as infectious and radioactive contaminated material from operation must be disposed of in accordance with the respective regulations of the lab. Disinfection and cleaning liquids as well as section waste must be disposed of according to the respective regulations for special waste!

Microm International GmbH

part of Thermo Fisher Scientific

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

69190 Walldorf / Germany

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

Fig. 1

Microm International GmbH

part of Thermo Fisher Scientific

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

69190 Walldorf / Germany

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

1 INTRODUCTION

1-1 DESCRIPTION OF THE CRYO-STAR HM 560

Open top cryostat. Modular design. Stainless steel cooling chamber. Temperature regulation variable down to -50°C for specimen holder and down to -35°C for knife carrier. Graphic LC-display of preset and actual temperatures, electronic control with user-oriented touchpad keyboard, battery-buffered memory and selfdiagnostic system. Standby and sleep status for noise reduction and energy savings. Automatic evaporator defrosting and in addition a manual defrost cycle which can be activated when needed. Defrost interrupt on keystroke request. Integrated rapid freezing device with controlled cooling element down to -60°C. Freezing device temperature independent of cryo-chamber temperature. Detach function to remove used specimen from specimen chucks. Sliding window with heater and integrated, position adjustable fluorescent lamp for cryochamber. Storage space inside the cryochamber. Flat storage space on top of the housing.

HM-Rotary Microtome with backlash and maintenance-free cross roller bearings in stainless steel. Electro-motorized feed system. Section thickness setting from 0,5 to 100 microns; up to 2 µm in 0,5 µm-increments, up to 10 µm in 1 µm-increments, up to 20 µm in 2 µm-increments, up to 50 µm in 5 µm-increments and up to 100 µm in 10 µm-increments.

Trimming thickness setting from 5 to 500 microns; up to 10 µm in 5 µm-increments, up to 100 µm in 10 µm-increments, up to 200 µm in 20 µm-increments and up to 500 µm in 50 µm-increments.

Specimen retraction during the return stroke with optical indication. Horizontal feed range 48 mm. Vertical specimen stroke 60 mm. Max. specimen size 75 x 55 mm. Motorized coarse feed in two directions with three speed selections. Limit indication and automated switch off at front and rear limits of horizontal travel. Automatic approach system for exact and safe approach of specimen towards the knife edge.

Section counter and indication of sum of section thicknesses with reset-button. Indication of remaining travel. Hand wheel brake in any position. Fine orientation of specimen on two axes. Rotatable on Z-axis, 360°.

Basic outfit with three specimen chucks, cryocompound, 100 ml cryostat oil, brush shelf and section waste tray.

A multi-use knife carrier is available. The standard knife carrier is designed so the knives as well as the disposable blade holder can be easily clamped in place and adjusted. Depending on the version, the disposable blade holders SE take up low or high profile blades. The corresponding anti-roll guides facilitate taking off sections.

MICROM International GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

D- 69190 Walldorf

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

1-2 TECHNICAL DATA CRYO-STAR HM 560

Specimen temperature control: .......................................................................... +10°C to -50°C

Knife carrier control: ................................................................................ -10°C to -35°C

Fast freezing station: ................................................................................. down to -60°C

Defrosting: automatic defrosting, adjustable with temperature control manual immediate defrosting

Microtome: Section thickness range: ............................................. 1 - 500 µm

Fine section thickness range: .................................... 0,5 - 100 µm

Resolution: .................................................. 0,5 µm for 0,5 - 2 µm

.......................................................................... 1 µm for 2 - 10 µm

........................................................................ 2 µm for 10 - 20 µm

........................................................................ 5 µm for 20 - 50 µm

.................................................................... 10 µm for 50 - 100 µm

Trimming thickness range: ........................................... 5 - 500 µm

Resolution: ........................................................ 5 µm for 5 - 10 µm

.................................................................... 10 µm for 10 - 100 µm

.................................................................. 20 µm for 100 - 200 µm

.................................................................. 50 µm for 200 - 500 µm

Knife carrier retraction during return travel ...........................40 µm

Horizontal knife carrier range ............................................ 48 mm

Vertical specimen stroke ................................................... 60 mm

Read-outs: Graphical LC display: section thicknesses, section counter, sum of section thicknesses, remaining travel to front end position, size of the cutting window

Specimen approach: .......................................................................... automatic function

........................................ alternatively manual with variable speed

Temperature parameter: ............................... temperature set values can be stored in pairs

Size of chucks: .......................................................................................30, 40 mm

............................................................. special sizes upon request

Specimen orientation: x - and y - axes: ......................................................... universal 8°

z - axis: ......................................................................... up to 360°

Coarse feed: ........................................... motorized, graduated and continuous

Cooling chamber illumination: ................................................ with variable illumination position

Sliding window: ............................................................................................. heated

Cutting speed: .................................................................................. 0 - 250 mm/s

Hand wheel brake: ................................................................................. in any position

All temperatures refer to an ambient temperature of +20°C!

Cont'd on page -2-

MICROM International GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

D- 69190 Walldorf

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

1-2 TECHNICAL DATA CRYO-STAR HM 560

Storage

temperature range: ......................................................................... -20°C up to +50°C

Operating conditions: ....................... +5°C up to +35°C (at a max. rel. humidity of 60%)

........................................................... altitude up to 2000 m M.S.L.

.......................................................................... for indoor use only

Power requirements: ....................................................... 100 V 12 A +/-10% 50...60 Hz

............................................................... 115 V 12 A +/-10% 60 Hz

................................................. 220...230 V 6 A +/-10% 50...60 Hz

................................................................. 240 V 6 A +/-10% 50 Hz

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

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

Acoustic pressure: ......................................................................................... 45 dB(A)

............................... measured with 1 m distance to the instrument

Dimensions: .. Wide (w/o Hand wheel): 769 mm, deep: 932 mm, high: 578 mm

Weight: ............................................................................................. 141 kg

All temperatures refer to an ambient temperature of +20°C!

page -2-

MICROM International GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

D- 69190 Walldorf

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

1 = On indication (sleep status) 2 = Button specimen temperature 3 = Button knife temperature 4 = Button TRIM/FEED 5 = Button UP 6 = Button DOWN 7 = LC display 8 = Button fast freezing

Fig. 2 9 = Button options 10 = Button detaching 11 = Scroll button 12 = Button RESET 13 = Button PROG 14 = Info line 15 = Status line

MICROM International GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

D- 69190 Walldorf

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

1 = Button cutting window 2 = Button ACA 3 = Button coarse feed, forwards 4 = Button coarse feed, backwards 5 = Button TRIM

MICROM International GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

D- 69190 Walldorf

387 500 - English

Fig. 3

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

1 = Symbol Hand wheel 2 = Button to activate the Hand wheel brake 3 = Button to loosen the Hand wheel brake 4 = Brake LED

Fig. 4

MICROM International GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

D- 69190 Walldorf

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

2-1 SETTING UP THE CRYOSTAT

Note:

If the microtome cryostat is supplied with an extra height-adjustable stage, first unpack and set up this stage

according to the separate instruction manual.

Unpacking the instrument:

• Loosen and remove the four tightening

straps.

• Lift and remove the wooden top of the

packing.

• Remove the foam parts upwards.

• The four side parts of the packing, which are

connected with each other, can now be removed upwards.

• Slightly tilt the cryostat to the side and

remove the right and left lower foam parts one after the other.

• Lift the cryostat by the carrying handles (fig.

5.1 and 5.2) from the pallet.

• In case the handles are not installed, securely

install the attached carrying handles (fig. 5.1 and 5.2) at the front and rear side of the instrument and carry the instrument to the site of installation (table according to the customer's choice) or place it onto the heightadjustable stage.

Danger:

When placing the microtome cryostat HM 560 onto the height adjustable

stage, it is absolutely necessary that the stage is in its upper position. Not observing this leads to the risk of squeezing your hands between the rear carrying handles and the stage housing.

• Remove the handles (fig. 5.1 and 5.2).

cryostat, as when lowering the heightadjustable stage, the handles will hit the stage and cause damage to the stage.

Caution:

Before the initial set-up of the height-

adjustable stage, it is absolutely

necessary to dismount the two rear

carrying handles (fig. 5.2) on the

Fig. 5

MICROM International GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

D- 69190 Walldorf

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

• Adjust the handles of the cryostat (fig. 5a.1

and 5a.2) on the rear side of the cryostat stage.

• Carefully keep the shipping container for

possible return shipments.

Choose installation site that

• enough ventilation for the cooling system is

guaranteed.

• the distance between wall and rear panel is

approx. 10 - 15 cm.

• the suction areas on either side are kept free.

Moreover, the installation site must be free from:

• draught by open doors or by air conditioning

systems.

• direct exposure to sunlight into the cooling

chamber.

Note:

Both measures reduce the formation of

frost and therefore result in more

favourable work conditions. A high air moisture as well as high ambient temperatures reduce the maximum performance of the instrument.

In case the instrument is equipped with the height-adjustable stage, turn the screws (fig.

5.5) on the front foot ends to fix the complete unit.

Afterwards:

• Install the attached Hand wheel handle (fig.

5.3).

Fig. 5a

MICROM International GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

D- 69190 Walldorf

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-2 INITIAL TURN-ON

As already mentioned in part 2-1, the heightadjustable stage, if equipped, must be set up according to the separate instruction manual before the initial turn-on of the microtome cryostat.

Caution:

Before turning on the instrument for the

first time, please check if the power

requirements indicated on the type plate (fig. 7) correspond to the power supply voltage being used.

• No other instruments should be connected to

the circuit used for the cryostat, as the compressor needs high surge currents when started.

• Do not use multi-socket power outlets and

extension lines for the supply of the stage.

• Connect the power line of the instrument to

the power outlet.

• Turn on the power switch (fig. 6.1) on the rear

side of the instrument.

• Close the heated sliding window (fig. 5.4) and

cool down the instrument.

Note:

To avoid frost built-up on the

specimen, the specimen temperature

is controlled to a temperature of +10°C until the knife has reached a temperature of -10°C.

The cooling phase will take approx. 1 to 2 h depending on the set knife temperature between -15°C and -30°C.

1 = Power switch 2 = Mains plug 5 = Socket for option Vacutome/Disinfection

MICROM

69190 Walldorf, Germany

GmbH

Type HM 560V

Ser. No.XXXXX

Cat. No. 956320

220...230V 6A 50...60Hz

Cooling System

Refr.: R 404a

Amount: 0,275 kg Max. Press.: 2300 kPa

Made in Germany

I V D

GmbH

MICROM

69190 Walldorf, Germany

Type HM 560 MV

Ser. No.____

Cat. No. ______

__A / ___ V + 10% __Hz

Fuse 2 x __AT

HP Circuit

Refr.: R 134a Amount: 0,180kg Max. Press.: 2300kPa

LP Circuit

Refr.: R 404a Amount: 0,270kg Max. Press.: 2300kPa

Made in Germany

GmbH

MICROM

69190 Walldorf, Germany

Type Stage f. HM 560 HV

Ser. No. __ __ Cat. No. ______

_A /___V +10% __Hz

Fuse 2x __AT

Made in Germany

Fig. 6

Fig. 7

~___V F1/F2 2x __AT

MICROM International GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

D- 69190 Walldorf

387 500 - English

Fig. 8

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-3 BASIC OPERATIONAL RULES

When turning on the instrument, the display shows:

• the configuration of the instrument

• the section thickness selection

• the specimen and knife temperatures with the

corresponding set and actual values

• the symbol for the cutting window

This is the display (fig. 9) while the instrument is in its active status.

To save energy and extend the lifetime of some instrument components, the instrument has two more operative status:

• Standby status

• Sleep status

The instrument switches to the standby status when it is turned on, but not operated for more than a pre-selected active time (see part 2-12-

3) between 1 and 9 h. The chamber illumination goes off and the display (fig. 10) switches to a large indication of the knife actual temperature. This is the clear sign for the standby status and gives the operator information on the knife temperature, also from a greater distance.

When the instrument is not operated for another hour, the cryostat switches to the sleep status. The display illumination goes off. However, the equipment-on indicator (fig. 2.1) then lights up and shows that the instrument is still on.

Note:

While in the sleep status, the

temperature control of the knife

temperature features a reduced control accuracy. The specimen temperature in the sleep status is always kept at -15°C. The set temperature of the knife carrier is kept constant. This does not only save energy, but also reduces the formation of frost on the specimen clamping.

Fig. 9

Fig. 10

MICROM International GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

D- 69190 Walldorf

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

• To return to the active operating state, press

any key on the control panels, move the Hand wheel or wait until the WAKE time (see 2-12-2) has been reached.

The WAKE time is used to trigger the instrument back into the active state.

UP/DOWN buttons

These two buttons (fig. 11.5 and 11.6) are used to change pre-selected values of different kinds in connection with the chosen function.

• section thickness

• trimming thickness

• specimen temperature

• knife temperature

• time settings

Note:

To operate the instrument easily and

comfortably with a few buttons only,

please note the following:

After having chosen a function, its pre-selected values can be changed via the UP or DOWN buttons. However, if no entry is made within 2 seconds, the operating control switches back into its basic status.

RESET-button

This button (fig. 12.4) is used to reset added values (e.g. number of sections, sum of section thicknesses) to zero. In some cases, this button is used as additional button for doublebutton functions (see part 2-8 and 2-13-3).

Keyboard lock

To lock the keyboards and to block the feed movement, press the buttons (fig. 12.4 and

12.1) for approx. 2 sec. The display (fig. 12a) shows LOCKED. To unlock the keyboards press the buttons (fig.

12.4 and 12.1) again.

Fig. 11

Fig. 12

Fig. 12a

Note:

When the keyboards have been

locked, this leads automatically after 5 sec. to the standby status and after another 5 sec. to the sleep status.

MICROM International GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

D- 69190 Walldorf

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-4 SETTING SECTION THICKNESS AND TRIMMING THICKNESS

Basic status of the operating control: To choose between section thickness and trimming thickness

• press button (fig. 14.4).

• The selected setting is shown inverted on the

display.

• Then enter the desired section or trimming

thickness via button UP (fig. 14.5) or DOWN (fig. 14.6).

• The changed values are shown on the

display.

The graduation of the section thicknesses (which can be pre-selected) is divided into 5 ranges:

range graduation

from 0,5 µm to 2 µm 0,5 µm from 2 µm to 10 µm 1 µm from 10 µm to 20 µm 2 µm from 20 µm to 50 µm 5 µm from 50 µm to 100 µm 10 µm

The graduation of the trimming thicknesses (which can be pre-selected) is divided into 4 ranges:

range graduation

from 5 µm to 10 µm 5 µm from 10 µm to 100 µm 10 µm from 100 µm to 200 µm 20 µm from 200 µm to 500 µm 50 µm

Fig. 13

Fig. 14

MICROM International GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

D- 69190 Walldorf

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-5 SPECIMEN AND KNIFE COOLING

The HM 560 makes it possible to set both the specimen and the knife temperature.

2-5-1 ACTUAL AND SET VALUE OF THE SPECIMEN TEMPERATURE

The specimen cooling of the cryostat can be controlled via the corresponding part of the operating controls (fig. 16.2). The actual and set values of the specimen cooling are shown in °C on the display (fig. 15). On the right side of the display, the actual value is shown as on a thermometer.

• Press button (fig. 16.2) for specimen

temperature.

The set value settings are made via the

• UP button (fig. 16.5)

• DOWN button (fig. 16.6)

Note: The valid range of the set value goes from +10°C down to -50°C.

• After having chosen the requested values,

the display automatically returns to its basic indications after three seconds.

Fig. 15

Fig. 16

MICROM International GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

D- 69190 Walldorf

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-5-2 ACTUAL AND SET VALUE OF THE KNIFE TEMPERATURE

The knife cooling of the cryostat can be controlled via the corresponding part of the operating controls (fig. 16.3). The actual and set values of the knife cooling are shown in °C on the display (fig. 17). On the right side of the display, the actual value is shown as on a thermometer.

• Press button (fig. 16.3) for knife temperature.

The set value settings are made via the

• UP button (fig. 16.5)

• DOWN button (fig. 16.6)

Note: The valid range of the set value goes from -10°C down to -35°C.

• After having chosen the requested values,

the display automatically returns to its basic indications after three seconds.

2-5-3 FUNCTION FAST FREEZING

To accelerate freezing-on of a specimen on a specimen chuck, choose the function fast freezing. If this function is activated in due time before freezing-on, the fast freezing plate can achieve a temperature of -60°C.

• For this, press button (fig. 19.1).

• The surface in the front of the fast freezing

station (fig. 59.1) will then be activated for 8 min.

• The course of the changing temperature will

then be shown on the display (fig. 18) as a figure and as on a thermometer.

• Afterwards, the function fast freezing will

automatically be inactivated.

• If it is necessary to turn off this function within

those 8 min., press button (fig. 19.1) once more.

Fig. 17

Fig. 18

Fig. 19

MICROM International GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

D- 69190 Walldorf

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-5-4 PROGRAMMING TEMPERATURE PARAMETERS

With the cryostat HM 560 it is possible to store four different combinations of set value temperatures for the specimen and knife temperatures. The stored temperatures are of no direct importance for the respective valid set value temperatures of knife and specimen.

Note: The menu for the programs can only be called when the info line

(fig. 2.14) is also called and values are shown. To avoid an unintended operation, see part 2-7-2.

Calling a program:

• Press button (fig. 21.3) to open the menu

for the program lines.

• The first stored program appears in the info

line of the display (fig. 20).

• To choose a program line, press button (fig.

21.5) until the desired program appears.

• To use the stored temperatures as set

values for the active cutting status, press the UP button (fig. 22.5).

• The program line goes off and the info line

appears again.

• The new set values are now shown in the

set value column and the instrument adjusts itself to the new temperatures.

Storing a program:

• Open the menu for the programs via the

button (fig. 21.3).

• Via button (fig. 21.5) call this program line

which the new set value temperatures are supposed to be stored in.

• Store the actual set value temperatures into

the program via the DOWN button (fig.

22.6).

• Then, the info line is shown again on the

display.

Note:

If nothing is changed in the

programs and they are called only

for information purposes, this menu can be closed again via the button (fig. 21.4).

Fig. 20

Fig. 21

Fig. 22

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-6 CUTTING MOVEMENT AND RETRACTION

• Turn the Hand wheel in a clockwise direction

so the cutting movement is carried out.

• As the specimen moves down, sections are

produced.

• Continue turning the Hand wheel clockwise to

bring the specimen back up.

• To protect the knife and specimen during

return travel, the knife carrier is retracted electro-mechanically.

• This is shown by the letter "R" in the status

line (fig. 2.15) on the display.

X=selected section thickness, 1=specimen, 2=cutting movement 3=knife R=retraction F=cutting window

Fig. 23

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-7 FEED

2-7-1 KNIFE CARRIER COARSE FEED

For the fast forward and backward travel between knife and specimen, the cryostat microtome has a motorized coarse feed system. The approach between knife and specimen can also be carried out by means of an automatic function (see part 2-7-3).

Return travel of the knife carrier

• Press button (fig. 24.4). Pressing the button

briefly leads to short return travels only.

• Press the button (fig. 24.4) for more than

approx. 2 seconds, the function is carried out continuously. The knife carrier will entirely be moved backwards.

Note:

The rear end position is defined as

that position which has the longest

distance to the specimen.

• To stop this function, briefly press button (fig.

24.4) once more.

• When the rear end position of the knife

carrier is reached, the coarse feed turns off.

• The LED in button (fig. 24.4) blinks, which

means that the knife carrier is in its rear end position.

Feed travel of the knife carrier

• The continuous forward travel is only carried

out as long as the button (fig. 24.3) is being pressed.

• Press button (fig. 24.5). Briefly press this

button, to carry out a forward travel of that trimming section thickness which was chosen via the control panel and shown on the display.

Caution:

With the function coarse feed forwards knife and specimen are adjusted very

quickly. To avoid damage to specimen and knife, the following points are of utmost importance!

Fig. 24

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

• Take note that the knife edge and specimen

do not come in contact with each other.

• Carefully observe the narrowing gap between

knife edge and specimen to stop the function coarse feed forwards in time before the knife touches the specimen.

When the instrument is just carrying out the retraction movement and the function coarse feed forwards is selected, the coarse feed movement is carried out and the retraction is annulled.

• When the front end position of the knife

carrier is reached, the coarse feed turns off.

• The LED in button (fig. 24.3) lights up and

shows that the knife carrier has reached its front end position.

2-7-2 SPEED FOR KNIFE CARRIER COARSE FEED

The speed for the knife carrier coarse feed can be selected in three different settings. The selected setting is shown in the status line (fig. 2.15) on the display by one, two or three little stars. Three stars means the fastest coarse feed setting.

Setting the speed:

• Make sure that there is no information in the

info or program line. For this press the scroll button until this line is blank.

• Press button (fig. 25.3) until the desired

speed is selected.

• The number of the shown stars determines

the speed.

Fig. 25

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-7-3 AUTOMATIC APPROACH SYSTEM

The automatic approach system performs the fast and exact approach of the specimen towards the knife edge and can be applied between -5°C and -35°C. Beyond these temperature limits, the automatic approach system is blocked (see error code 'OUT OF TEMPERATURE').

Danger:

For your personal safety, before

activating the automatic approach

system, move the anti-roll plate onto the blade against possible splintering of the blade. This might be caused by an incorrect approach.

Danger:

When using different freezing

techniques, for example by means of

the fast freezing stations, liquid nitrogen, CO2 and the like, which generate a

freezing temperature of below -35°C, the automatic approach system can only be applied after the specimen will have adjusted itself to the respective temperature of the specimen holder which must be between the temperature range of -5°C and -35°C. As a safety measure, place the anti-roll plate onto the blade, otherwise an incorrect approach will be carried out and the blade might splinter.

Starting the automatic approach

• Use the Hand wheel to make sure that the

most protruding point of the specimen is opposite the knife edge. This position must be within the selected cutting window (see part 2-8).

Note: If the button cutting window is

pressed twice and the cutting

window is thus inactive, the automatic approach can be released in any position.

• Press button (fig. 27.2) to start the automatic

approach process.

• The red LED in this button (fig. 27.2) lights up

and confirms the chosen function and AUT.APPROACH is shown in the status line (fig. 2.15) on the display (fig. 26).

• The knife carrier moves forwards until the

knife edge touches the specimen.

Fig. 26

Fig. 27

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

• Immediately afterwards, this forward travel of

the knife carrier is stopped and moved backwards by a safety distance of 200 µm. AUT.APPROACH is still shown on the display as the process of the automatic approach has not yet been finished.

• When passing the next upper reversal point,

the knife carrier automatically moves forwards again by 200 µm.

• The red LED in button (fig. 27.2) goes off as

well as the term AUT.APPROACH disappears.

• The specimen is now in position to start

sectioning.

Cancellation of the automatic approach

• Press button (fig. 27.2) or

• pass upper or lower reversal point via Hand

wheel.

When an automatic approach has been carried out, another approach can be started immediately, if needed. This might become necessary, when the specimen has been oriented again.

Error codes during an automatic approach process

• Error code 'AMPLIFIER ERROR'

is shown on the status line (fig. 2.15) on the display, in case the activating signal for the automatic approach has already been recognized before the automatic approach movement has been started.

• Possible cause: the specimen has already

been in contact with the knife edge, e.g. by protruding fibers.

• Press button (fig. 27.2), remove the cause

for the error and press button (fig. 27.2) again, to start the automatic approach once more.

• However, if there is no obvious explanation

for this error code, e.g. frost built-up, please call a service technician.

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

• Error code 'OUT OF TEMPERATURE'

appears in the status line (fig. 2.15) on the display, if the actual temperature for the knife or the specimen is outside the temperature range of -5° and -35°C, which is valid for the automatic approach function only.

• Press button (fig. 27.2). The error message

goes off.

Note: In this case the function automatic approach cannot work. The

approach between knife edge and specimen must be carried out via the coarse feed button (fig. 24.3) (see part 2-7-1).

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-7-4 TRIMMING AND FIRST CUTS

After the specimen and the knife are adjusted, further gradual feed for trimming can be carried out using the function trimming. For different sectioning series, deeper layers of the specimen can be reached with the function trimming.

• Make sure that the trimming thickness setting

is selected via the button (fig. 28.4). Trimming thickness is shown inverted on the display.

• Press the button UP (fig. 28.5) or DOWN (fig.

28.6) to select the desired trimming value.

• Turn the Hand wheel in a clockwise direction

to carry out the trimming feed in the upper reversal point of the cutting movement.

2-7-5 FINE FEED

After having adjusted knife and specimen as well as having trimmed the specimen, sectioning can be started.

• Make sure that the section thickness setting

is selected via the button (fig. 28.4). Section thickness is shown inverted on the display.

• Press the button UP (fig. 28.5) or DOWN (fig.

28.6) to select the desired value.

• Turn the Hand wheel in a clockwise direction

to feed the specimen at the selected section thickness.

Fig. 28

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-8 SETTING THE CUTTING WINDOW

To activate an automatic approach process, it is necessary to set a cutting window first (see part 2-7-3).

The instrument automatically detects the cutting window. It is shown on the display (fig.

29) in the status line with the letters "AW" (automatic window). The size of this window is then shown in the symbol cutting window. When passing the cutting window this symbol is shown inverted on the display. During this automatic function, the cutting window adjusts itself to the size of the specimen.

Note:

The automatic window is only

possible within the temperature

range of -5°C and -35°C. Beyond these temperature limits the automatic window turns off automatically and the manual setting is possible only.

Manual setting:

• If necessary, the cutting window can be

determined by manual entries.

• For this, turn off the automatic cutting window

registration. As a precondition for this process, values must be shown in the info line (fig. 2.14).

• For this, press button (fig. 30.4) and while this

button (fig. 30.4) is still being pressed, press button (fig. 31.1). The letters "AW" disappear from the display.

• Turn the Hand wheel so that the lower edge

of the specimen is positioned slightly above the knife edge.

• Press button (fig. 31.1) to set the upper limit

of the cutting window.

Fig. 29

Fig. 30

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

• Continue turning the Hand wheel clockwise to

place the upper edge of the specimen just below the knife edge.

• Press button (fig. 31.1) to set the lower limit

of the cutting window.

• The LED in button (fig. 31.1) lights up during

each further passing through of the cutting window. The length of the cutting window is shown in mm within the cutting window symbol on the display.

• To activate the automatic cutting window

again, press button (fig. 30.4) and while this button (fig. 30.4) is still being pressed, also press the button (fig. 31.1).

• Then the letters "AW" are shown on the

display again.

Note:

A cutting window should only be set

while the specimen is moved

downwards. If, by mistake, a cutting window limit is set during return travel of the specimen, the set limits are applied to the cutting movement accordingly.

Note:

In case the cutting window limits

are set incorrectly, please repeat

above-mentioned process again.

Note:

If no cutting window is needed,

briefly press the button (fig. 31.1)

twice. The automatic approach system can now be released in any position.

Fig. 31

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-9 HAND WHEEL BRAKE

Unintended movements of the specimen holder can be avoided via the Hand wheel brake. This reduces the danger of being injured while adjusting specimen clamp and knife carrier!

Caution: When the instrument is turned off, the Hand wheel brake is not operative.

Caution:

For your personal safety, the Hand wheel brake should be turned on when

working on the specimen holder or

knife carrier.

Activating the brake

• Activate the function Hand wheel brake via

button (fig. 35.2).

• The red LED (fig. 35.4) lights up.

Releasing the brake

• To release the Hand wheel brake, press

button (fig. 35.3).

Fig. 35

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-10 DETACHING THE SPECIMEN

To detach a frozen specimen from the specimen chuck, choose the detach function.

• For this, press button (fig. 40.6).

• The plate of the fast freezing station warms

up.

• Place the specimen chuck onto the plate.

• After a corresponding warm-up, the

specimen can be removed from the specimen chuck.

• If the temperature is higher than +5°C, this

function is turned off automatically.

Fig. 39

Fig. 40

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-11 INDICATION OF CUTTING PROCESSES

Further information on the cutting processes can be seen on the display. Press the scroll button (fig. 41.5), to show the various functions one after the other.

The following information on the carried-out cutting processes of the instrument can be read on the info line of the display:

• number of sections

• sum of section thicknesses

• remaining travel to the front end position

• real time

• Press the scroll button (fig. 41.5) until the

required information lights up on the display.

• If no information is required in this line of the

display, press button (fig. 41.5) until this line is blank.

2-11-1 SECTION COUNTER

• The section counter adds up the number of

sections produced.

• After each downward movement of the

specimen holder, the number on the section counter increases by 1.

• The counter can be reset to zero via button

(fig. 41.4).

2-11-2 SUM OF SECTION THICKNESSES

• This value shows the sum in microns of the

sections already cut.

• Trimming values as well as sectioning values

are added up.

• This value can be reset to zero via button (fig.

41.4).

Fig. 41

Fig. 42

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Fig. 43

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-11-3 REMAINING TRAVEL TO FRONT END POSITION

• This value shows the distance in microns,

which is left for sectioning.

• When the knife carrier is in the rear end

position, the display shows 48 000 µm. This number decreases the closer the knife carrier moves towards the front.

Note:

If no further feed is possible

anymore, the display automatically

shows the remaining travel, independently which information on the sectioning processes, e.g. number of sections or sum of section thicknesses, was chosen before.

2-11-4 REAL TIME

The real time is shown here.

Fig. 44

Fig. 45

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-12 SETTING THE REAL TIME, WAKE TIME AND ACTIVE TIME

2-12-1 SETTING THE REAL TIME

• Press button (fig. 47b.2) once.

• To change the instrument's real time at

intervals of one minute, press the UP or DOWN button (fig. 47d.5 or 47d.6).

2-12-2 SETTING THE WAKE TIME

• Press button (fig. 47b.2) three times.

• To change the WAKE time at intervals of 15

minutes, press the UP or DOWN button (fig. 47d.5 or 47d.6).

After having reached the WAKE time, the instrument switches over to the active status.

2-12-3 SETTING THE ACTIVE TIME

• Press button (fig. 47b.2) four times.

• To change the ACTIVE time at intervals of

1-hour-steps (1 to 9 h), press the UP or DOWN button (fig. 47d.5 or 47d.6).

The set ACTIVE time is only valid when the instrument has left the sleep status after having reached the START time. Then the set ACTIVE time will be prolonged whenever pressing a key or turning the Hand wheel.

Note:

If the ACTIVE time has been

passed and the instrument is in the

sleep status and has been activated afterwards by the operator, the default value of 1 h is now valid again.

Note:

Further menu steps are relevant for

service technicians only.

Fig. 46

Fig. 46a

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-13 DEFROSTING

2-13-1 SETTING THE DEFROSTING TIME

• Press button (fig. 47b.2) twice.

• To change the instrument's defrosting time at

intervals of 15 minutes, press the UP or DOWN button (fig. 47d.5 or 47d.6).

Note:

Defrosting can only be carried out

at the set defrosting time, if the real

time is set correctly (see part 2-12).

2-13-2 DEFROSTING CYCLE

Every 24 hours the evaporator in the rear part of the microtome chamber is defrosted automatically.

• During the defrosting cycle, the display (fig.

47a) shows DEFROST in the upper line.

• It is advisable to set the time of the

defrosting cycle not during routine working time (see part 2-13-1).

• According to the frost built-up, a defrosting

cycle normally takes approx. 40 min.

• Immediate defrosting can be carried out at

any time by pressing the RESET button (fig. 47b.4) and additionally the button (fig. 47d.2) (specimen temperature).

• Before starting the immediate defrosting, it

is absolutely necessary to remove section waste.

Note:

When an immediate defrosting is

carried out, the instrument is

"actively heated", i.e. the heatings of the instrument are turned on. Knife carrier, specimen clamping as well as the fast freezing stations are heated.

Caution: Remove the specimen from the chamber when defrosting is carried

out. The temperature inside the chamber rises considerably and thus the specimen would be damaged.

Fig. 47

Fig. 47a

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-13-3 INTERRUPTING A DEFROSTING CYCLE

If needed, the daily defrosting can be interrupted or cancelled.

• For this, press button (fig. 47d.3) (knife

temperature) together with the RESET button (fig. 47b.4).

• The interrupted defrost cycle is indicated

with INTR. in the status line (fig. 2.15) of the display (fig. 47c).

Note: A cancelled or interrupted defrost cycle must be repeated later on, as

otherwise the evaporator will cover completely with frost and cannot cool anymore (see immediate defrosting, part 2-13-2).

For this reason, the function INTERRUPT is automatically reset at the end of an interrupted defrosting (max. time approx. 1 h), i.e. the next defrosting is carried out again at the preselected defrosting time. While INTR. is active, neither the defrosting time nor the real time can be changed.

When INTR.ACT appears in the status line, this means that INTERRUPT was selected while defrosting should otherwise be carried out and the next defrosting is carried out again at the next pre-selected defrosting time.

Fig. 47b

Fig. 47c

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Fig. 47d

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-14 TURNING OFF THE FUNCTION RETRACTION

If needed, the function retraction can be turned off.

Turning off

To turn the function retraction off, the following preparation is necessary:

• Via the scroll button (fig. 48.5) select the

blank status line (fig. 2.15) on the display.

• Then press the RESET-button (fig. 48.4) to

turn the retraction off.

• The letters "REN" on the display go off.

Note:

The letter "R", however, might still

be on. This function goes off only

after having passed from the return travel again to the cutting movements via the Hand wheel.

Activating

• Via the scroll button (fig. 48.5) select the

blank status line on the display.

• Then press the RESET-button (fig. 48.4) to

turn the retraction on.

• The letters "REN" appear on the display.

Fig. 48

Fig. 49

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-15 CUSTOMER-SPECIFIC SETTINGS

The information on the display can be shown in various contrasts and in four different languages.

2-15-1 SETTING THE CONTRAST

• To set the contrast higher or lower, press

the RESET-button (fig. 50.4). While the RESET-button is still being pressed, also activate button (fig. 53.4).

• Then the word CONTRAST is shown on the

display (fig. 52.).

• To set the contrast lower, press the button

DOWN (fig. 53.6).

• To set the contrast higher, press the button

UP (fig. 53.5).

• To acknowledge the desired contrast, press

the RESET-button (fig. 50.4).

• The display returns to its basic indication.

Fig. 50

Fig. 52

Fig. 53

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-15-2 SELECTING THE LANGUAGE

The information on the display can be shown in four different languages.

The following languages are available:

- German

- English

- French

- Spanish

• To select or change one of these languages,

first turn off the power switch (fig. 6.1) of the instrument.

• When turning on the instrument again, keep

the scroll button (fig. 54.5) pressed.

• The user enters the menu mentioned in part

2-15.

• Confirm the contrast setting via the RESET-

button (fig. 54.4).

Now the desired language can be selected:

• The display shows as the first suggestion:

LANGUAGE DEUTSCH (fig. 55).

• To choose another language, press the scroll

button (fig. 54.5) until the desired language is shown in the respective national language on the display.

• Acknowledge the desired language via the

button (fig. 54.4).

• Then the main menu for the service routine

(fig. 56) is shown as well as "Next with SCROLL, confirm with RES." To quit the menu, please press the button (fig. 54.4).

• The display now shows the terms in the

desired language.

Note:

If the menu has been used beyond

the a.m. settings, the user enters

service routine programs which can be operated by trained service technicians only.

Fig. 54

Fig. 55

Fig. 56

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-16 TURNING OFF THE COOLING FUNCTION

With this OFF-function (fig. 56a), it is possible to turn off the major electric assemblies of the instrument (e.g. the compressors, the fast freezing element, the temperature control) without having to turn off the instrument on the main switch. Consequently, the temperature in the cooling chamber increases. Now, the instrument can be used with certain restrictions in the same way as a rotary microtome under ambient conditions.

Turning on and off the cooling function:

• First press the RESET button (fig. 56b.4).

• While the RESET button is still being

pressed, also press the button (fig. 56b.6).

• To activate the cooling function of the

instrument again, press the buttons (fig. 56b.4) and (fig. 56b.6) once more.

For further specimen processing, let the instrument cool down accordingly.

Fig. 56a

Fig. 56b

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-17 ILLUMINATION OF THE COOLING CHAMBER

To illuminate the cooling chamber, a fluorescent lamp is located in the handle of the sliding window.

• The fluorescent lamp is automatically turned

on when the instrument is turned on.

• The lamp remains on as long as the

instrument is in its active status (see standby status, part 2-3).

• Used lamps can be changed by the user

himself (see part 5-3).

2-18 ADJUSTING THE OPERATING PANEL

For better looking at the display and for the ergonomical operation of the buttons, the user can adjust the angle of the console up to approx. 15°.

• Press the knob (fig. 57.1) on the right side

of the console.

• Then take the console on the right and left

side in your hands and swivel the console forwards or backwards into the desired position.

Fig. 57

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-19 SPECIMEN HOLDER, FREEZING-ON AND SPECIMEN ORIENTATION

2-19-1 SPECIMEN HOLDER, FREEZING-ON

There are several possibilities to freeze on specimens. Various specimen chucks are available. Round specimen chucks can be supplied with a diameter of 30 mm and 40 mm and rectangular specimen chucks with a size of 50, 55, 60 and 70 mm. Special sizes on request. Fig. 58 shows a variety of specimen chucks and cryo molds. (See 2-22-2).

Note:

Besides the usual method of freezing specimens from above on the

specimen chuck, it is highly recommendable to apply the below-described method by using cryo-molds (fig. 58).

• Put the cryo mold (fig. 59.2) onto the

freezing station (fig. 59.1).

• Place fresh tissue into the sparing of the

cryo mold (fig. 59.2). The surface of the tissue has direct contact with the cold fast freezing plate (fig. 59.1).

• Fill freezing compound into the cryo mold

(fig. 59.2) so that the sparing is filled well.

• Put the chuck with the clinging grooves

downwards (fig. 59.3) onto the cryo mold (fig. 59.2) which is filled with tissue and freezing compound.

• To accelerate the freezing, put the heat

extractor (fig. 59.4) onto the specimen chuck (fig. 59.3) from above.

Note:

Within approx. 40 sec. the tissue will

be frozen through.

• Remove the specimen chuck (fig. 59.3)

together with the cryo mold (fig. 59.2) from the fast freezing plate.

• Insert the chuck with the cryo mold into the

specimen holder on the microtome and clamp it.

• Open the cryo mold (fig. 59.2) by pressing

the two grips (fig. 59.5) and remove it from the chuck with specimen.

Fig. 58

Fig. 59

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

• After having oriented the specimen (see

part 2-19-2), the specimen can be sectioned.

Note:

The upper side of the freezing station

must not be covered by frost or ice. To

avoid this, use acetone, ethanol or the like.

2-19-2 SPECIMEN ORIENTATION

In many cases, the orientation of the specimen in relation to the cutting edge would be advantageous. This can easily be done by means of the orienting specimen holder on the microtome.

• Before the specimen chuck can be inserted,

loosen the clamping lever (fig. 60.2) upwards.

• Insert the specimen chuck and clamp it via

the clamping lever (fig. 60.2).

Note:

The clamping mechanism can be

adjusted in case the chucks cannot be

clamped properly.

• For this, turn the adjusting ring (fig. 60.5) by

means of the enclosed pin (fig. 60.6) (see standard equipment part 2-22-1).

• For a tighter clamping, turn the ring to the

right side.

• For a looser clamping, turn the ring to the

left side.

• To orient the specimen, loosen the orienting

lever (fig. 60.1).

• Via the adjusting knobs (fig. 60.3 and 60.4),

the specimen clamping can be moved into various directions.

Note:

When the adjusting knob (fig. 60.4) for

specimen orientation is activated a

slight lock-in position can be noticed during each rotation. The entire adjusting range includes four rotations in either direction. The middle lock-in position marks the zero position.

Fig. 60

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

• After having oriented and aligned the

specimen, press the orienting lever (fig.

60.1) upwards.

For the further specimen orientation, the specimen chuck can be rotated by 360°.

• Slightly loosen the clamping lever (fig. 60.2)

upwards.

• Turn the specimen chuck with specimen as

needed.

• Then bring the clamping lever (fig. 60.2)

back in its clamping position.

• Pull the adjusting knob (fig. 60.3) upwards

to facilitate the taking off of sections by means of a slide.

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-20 KNIFE CARRIERS

2-20-1 STANDARD KNIFE CARRIER SM

The standard knife carrier SM takes up commercially available conventional knives with c- and dprofiles as well as the disposable blade holder SE.

Fig. 61

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

Inserting the knife:

• The knife is inserted into the knife carrier

from above.

• For this, swivel both knife guards (fig. 61.1a

and 61.1b) over the knife carrier towards the microtome.

• Via the knob (fig. 61.3), remove the anti-roll

plate (fig. 61.2) together with the finger protecting bow adapted to the anti-roll hood (fig. 61.4) from the knife carrier.

• Insert the knife.

Danger:

When the knife guards are open, the

fixing force for the knife is strongly

reduced. However, the knife is still pulled towards the magnetic surfaces with some force. Be careful, when inserting the knife.

• Swivel the knife guards (fig. 61.1a and

61.1b) back over the knife.

Note:

With this movement, the holding

magnets, which clamp the knife in

place, are brought into their correct position. The knife is now fixed in its position.

• Via the knob (fig. 61.3) put the anti-roll plate

(fig. 61.2) against the knife.

• Place the knife guard middle part (fig. 61.4)

over the knife blade.

If the cutting area of the knife is no longer usable, the knife can be moved:

• Open the knife guards (fig. 61.1a and

61.1b) and move the knife to the left or right side as required.

• Clamp and fix the knife again via the knife

guards (fig. 61.1a and 61.1b).

Danger:

To avoid the danger of injury on the

knife during adjustment of specimen,

always position the knife guards (fig.

61.1a and 61.1b as well as fig. 61.4) over the blade edge.

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

Height adjustment of the knife:

• Open the knife guards (fig. 61.1) to loosen

the fixation of the knife.

• Via the knurled screws (fig. 61.8) adjust the

height of the knife so that the blade corresponds with the red marking line.

Note:

Please note the parallel alignment of

knife edge and edge of the anti-roll

plate.

Putting the anti-roll device holder against the non-cutting edge of the knife:

• Loosen the knurled screws (fig. 61.9) to put

the anti-roll device holder against the noncutting edge of the knife.

• Press the anti-roll device holder onto the

knife.

• Fasten the knurled screws (fig. 61.9) again.

Fine adjustment of the anti-roll device:

• The fine adjustment of the anti-roll device is

carried out via the knurled screw (fig. 61.5).

• The parallel positioning between knife edge

and anti-roll plate is carried out via another knurled screw on the right side of the knurled screw (fig. 61.5).

Selecting the clearance angle:

• Loosen the levers (fig. 61.6).

• Swivel the upper part of the knife carrier on

the base (fig. 61.7) until the desired clearance angle is reached.

• The clearance angle can be read on the

scale on the left side on the base.

• Bring the levers (fig. 61.6) into clamping

position.

• The selected clearance angle is now fixed

in its position.

Note:

Usable cuts are only achieved at a

clearance angle of 8° to 12°!

Adjusting the flat lever handles (fig. 61.6)

The position of the flat lever handles (fig. 61.6) can be adjusted in 30° steps.

• Slightly pull out the handles and turn them

further into a more favorable position.

• The the handles must lock into place again.

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-20-2 DISPOSABLE BLADE HOLDER SE

The disposable blade holder SE takes up all commercially available low profile blades with a dimension of 80 x 8 mm and a facette angle of approx. 35° and as another version it takes also up high profile blades. The disposable blade holder SE is inserted into the standard knife carrier SM.

Fig. 62

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

Inserting the blade:

• Open the left and right knife guard (fig.

62.1a and 62.1b).

• Open the clamping lever (fig. 62.8)

upwards.

• Insert the blade from the left side into the

slot behind the clamping plate (fig. 62.9) as far as possible.

• Use the attached brush or a similarly

shaped object to insert the blade in its entire length behind the clamping plate (fig. 62.9).

• Close both knife guards (fig. 62.1a and fig.

62.1b) so that the fixation force of the magnets are applied on the disposable blade holder.

Danger:

When activating the clamping lever (fig.

62.8) with a strong or jerky movement,

the disposable blade holder SE might be suddenly dislocated. For this reason, always keep both knife guards (fig. 62.1a and 62.1b) closed.

• Close the clamping lever (fig. 62.8)

downwards to clamp the blade.

If the cutting area of the blade is no longer usable, the blade can be moved:

• The blade itself is clamped solidly into the

disposable blade holder. The complete holder is moved.

• Open the knife guards (fig. 62.1a and

62.1b) and move the blade to the left or right side as required.

• Clamp and fix the blade holder again via the

knife guards (fig. 62.1a and 62.1b).

Danger:

To avoid the danger of injury on the

blade during adjustment of specimen,

always position the knife guards (fig.

62.1a and 62.1b as well as fig. 62.4) over the blade edge.

Fine adjustment of the anti-roll device:

• The fine adjustment of the anti-roll device is

carried out via the knurled screw (fig. 62.5).

• The parallel positioning between blade and

anti-roll plate is carried out via the knurled screw (fig. 62.9)

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

Selecting the clearance angle:

• Loosen the levers (fig. 62.6).

• Swivel the upper part of the knife carrier on

the base (fig. 62.7) until the desired clearance angle is reached.

• The clearance angle can be read on the

scale on the left side on the base.

• Bring the levers (fig. 62.6) into clamping

position.

• The selected clearance angle is now fixed

in its position.

Note:

Usable cuts are only achieved at a

clearance angle of 8° to 12°!

Adjusting the flat lever handles (fig. 62.6)

The position of the flat lever handles (fig. 62.6) can be adjusted in 30° steps.

• Slightly pull out the handles and turn them

further into a more favorable position.

• Then the handles must lock into place

again.

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-20-3 MODIFICATION FROM STANDARD KNIFE CARRIER SM TO DISPOSABLE BLADE HOLDER SE

For the cryostat HM 560 series a knife carrier system is used which is modified depending on the application of either a standard knife or disposable blades. The basic part consists of a knife carrier which is suitable for standard knives. Optionally, a blade holder for disposable blades can be inserted into this basic part. For this, a minor modification becomes necessary.

• Remove the knife.

• Loosen the fastening screws (fig. 63a.11) of

the anti-roll guide (fig. 63a.10) from above.

• Remove the anti-roll guide (fig. 63a.10).

• Pull off the stands (fig. 63a.13) in an upward

direction.

• Remove the wedge rail (fig. 63a.7).

Note:

Carefully keep the two stands (fig.

63a.13) as well as the wedge rail (fig.

63a.7). These parts will be needed again when modifying from disposable blade holder SE to standard knife carrier SM.

• Fasten the anti-roll guide (fig. 63b.10) for

the disposable blade holder SE via the screws (fig. 63b.11).

• Tilt the knife guards (fig. 63b.12) upwards

and place the disposable blade holder SE (fig. 63b.9) against the holding surfaces.

Note:

A complete and secure fixation is only

achieved, when the knife guards (fig.

63b.12) are put over the disposable blade holder SE (fig. 63b.9).

• Adjust the anti-roll guide (fig. 63b.10) onto

the disposable blade holder SE.

Danger:

Before inserting and clamping the

blade into the disposable blade holder

SE, left knife guard for the fixation (fig. 63b.12) must be placed over the disposable blade holder SE on the left side. This way, the disposable blade holder SE does not tilt to the right side when clamping the blade.

Bild 63a

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Fig. 63b

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-21 ERROR CODE INDICATION

The instrument has an error code indication to define faster and better possible malfunctions.

The error codes describe so-called system errors. Additionally, error messages are shown on the display as text messages, e.g. when the temperature sensors are faulty, when the end position of the knife carrier has not been reached, when there is a high pressure in the cooling system and when the function of the automatic approach system is faulty (see part 2-7-3).

Note:

If an error code appears on the display

of your instrument, please note it down

and contact your sales organisation where you bought the instrument or directly contact Thermo Scientific

2-21-1 DEFINITION OF THE ERROR CODES

ERROR OF A TEMPERATURE SENSOR

Four different error codes, which indicate a defect on a temperature sensor, can appear on the display. The message is shown on the second line from below on the display (fig. 64).

1. 'SPECIMEN SENSOR ERR'

The instrument recognizes a faulty operation on the specimen temperature sensor, which is placed in the specimen head.

2. 'KNIFE SENSOR ERR'

The instrument recognizes a faulty operation on the knife carrier sensor, which is placed in the knife carrier base.

3. 'FREEZE SENSOR ERR'

The instrument recognizes a faulty operation on the sensor of the fast freezing station, which is placed inside the fast freezing plate.

4. 'EVAP SENSOR ERR'

The instrument recognizes a faulty operation of the defrost limiting sensor, which is placed between the fins of the evaporator.

Note:

However, you can work to a certain

extent with the instrument until the

operational fault is removed by a trained service technician.

Fig. 64

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

ERROR CODE 'NO END POSITION'

Before turning on the instrument on the main switch, it carries out an automatic travel calibration of the knife carrier. The knife carrier is brought into that position which has the longest distance to the specimen head. If there is an operational fault during this process, e.g. debris or frost impedes the knife carrier movement, this is shown via the message 'NO END POSITION' and means that a calibration was not carried out.

A service technician must be called.

Caution:

After pressing the RESET-button (fig.

65.4), you can work with the instrument

again. However, be sure that there will not be a collision between knife carrier and vertically moving specimen head.

ERROR CODE 'HIGH PRESSURE'

The pressure conditions in the cooling system are permanently monitored. If a fixed pressure barrier is exceeded due to excessive high ambient temperatures (see part 1-2) or due to a malfunction of the cooling system, the cooling system is turned off. Additionally, the error message 'HIGH PRESSURE' is shown on the display.

In this case, make sure that the permissible operating conditions are adhered to. Afterwards, acknowledge the error message by pressing the scroll button (fig. 65.5). After the pressure has decreased, the cooling system turns on automatically.

In case, this error occurs repeatedly, the cooling system must be checked by a service technician.

Fig. 65

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

SYSTEM-ERROR

The instrument is designed to check for internal system errors. In case such an error is recognized, it is shown as 'ER-10' to 'ER-16' for approx. 5 sec. in the middle of the display. The recognition of such an error leads to an automatic RESET-process. The cause for this might be a temporary fault.

Note:

In case one of these messages occur

more than once, please note down the

error code and contact a service technician.

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-22 ACCESSORIES

2-22-1 STANDARD EQUIPMENT

The microtome cryostat HM 560 Cryo-Star is equipped with the following accessories:

Cat. No.

2 specimen chucks, 30 mm round 715600

1 specimen chuck, 40 mm round 715610

1 Allan key 2,5 mm 362220

1 Allan key 5 mm 362260

1 Allan key 6 mm 362120

1 magnetic brush 334000

1 cryostat oil no. 407 100 ml 350040

1 freezing compound 100 ml 350100 for low and medium temperatures

1 section waste tray 406360

1 brush shelf 449880

1 screwdriver 362270

2 carrying handles, front 570360

2 carrying handles, rear 424910

1 pin for specimen orientation 242530

1 drain hose 585030

1 instruction manual 387500

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

2-22-2 ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT (OPTIONAL)

Cat. No.

Specimen chucks:

∅ 30 mm 715600 ∅ 40 mm 715610

Cryo-Molds:

10 mm 570400 15 mm 570380 22 mm 570390

Knife carriers with anti-roll guide:

Standard knife carrier SM 705700

Disposable blade holder SE 705710

Heat extractor 524510

Cryostat Stages:

Cryostat Stage with mechanical height adjustment 956100

Cryostat Stage with motorized height adjustment 100 V/50-60 Hz 956110 115 V/60 Hz 956120 220-230 V/50-60 Hz 956130 240 V/50 Hz 956140

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

3 THEORY OF OPERATION

3-1 SPECIMEN AND KNIFE CARRIER COOLING, DEFROSTING

The chamber, the knife carrier and the specimen head are cooled by two refrigeration machines. In the rear area of the microtome chamber is an evaporator which the cold coolant flows through as well as through the knife carrier and the specimen head. Due to the heat extraction from the microtome chamber a cooling down of the knife carrier to

-35°C can be achieved. By means of an installed thermo-electrical element, controlled temperatures down to

-50°C can be achieved on the specimen head. On the left side of the microtome chamber, there are freezing stations which can be cooled down to a temperature of -30°C. The instrument is equipped with an active deep freezing device. The station can be cooled down to -60°C by means of a Peltier cooling element. Use the heat extractor to accelerate the freezing of the specimen. The temperature of the knife carrier can be adjusted continuously down to -35°C. For this, pre-select the desired temperature as set value on the control panel. The actual value is constantly measured and sent to the control unit.

The specimen temperature control serves for a more efficient working with the cryostat. For various specimens, different cutting temperatures can be achieved very quickly. After having cut, the specimen can be detached quickly from the chuck by using the function detach. Another possibility to detach the specimen is to warm it up outside the chamber. The specimen temperature control is supplied via the same circuit as the evaporator and the knife carrier. The coolant flows through the cooling head which is designed as a small evaporator chamber and cools it.

A thermo-electrical element is coupled with the evaporator housing on the specimen head. Via a set value input for the specimen head on the control panel, the electronics control the thermo-electrical element at any desired temperature between +10°C and -50°C.

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

Inevitably, when working on the microtome the dry cold air of the microtome chamber mixes with the warm humid air outside the chamber. Frost forms on the finned evaporator. The increasing thickness of the frost reduces the efficiency of the evaporator. For this reason, the daily defrosting of the evaporator becomes necessary. To carry out the defrosting cycle, a heating warms the evaporator from below. Set the time of the daily defrosting on the control panel. The period of the defrosting takes approx. 40 min. and varies according to the thickness of the frost. Possible frost built-up on the microtome or on the knife carrier are not removed by defrosting the instrument. However, the frost recedes after defrosting as now the evaporator is fully efficient again.

In addition, the instrument is equipped with an immediate defrosting function. All areas, which are actively cooled during normal operation, are heated. Together with the drying process, the immediate defrosting takes approx. 90 min.

To avoid condensation the sliding window is heated when closed.

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3-2 CUTTING MOVEMENT

The microtome of this cryostat is a rustproof rotary microtome. The cutting movement is carried out by turning the Hand wheel. The rotary movement results in the vertical movement of the specimen clamp and in the horizontal movement of the knife carrier. Sectioning is carried out by knives or blades, which must be adjusted and fixed on the knife carrier.

With the downward movement of the specimen, sectioning is carried out (cutting movement). The upward return travel of the specimen is carried out by turning the Hand wheel further in a clockwise direction. During this return travel, the knife carrier together with the knife is drawn back automatically to protect knife and specimen. If required, the function retraction can be turned off. The selected section thickness is delivered at the upper reversal point of the return travel. The number of the sections made can be shown on the section counter on the display. After each downward movement of the specimen holder, the number on the section counter increases by 1. The sum of the sections carried out can also be seen on the display. For this, trimming values and sectioning values are added up. Section counter and sum of section thicknesses can be reset to zero at any time by means of the RESET-button. Moreover, the remaining travel to the front end position can also be shown on the display. The remaining travel, which is still available for sectioning, is shown in microns. If the knife carrier is in the back end position, the display shows 48.000 µm. This number decreases, the further the knife carrier is moved towards the front, i.e. in the direction of the specimen.

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

3-3 KNIFE CARRIER COARSE FEED AND TRIMMING FUNCTION

After changing the specimen or moving the knife or knife carrier, it is necessary to adjust the knife edge to the specimen again.This can easily be done by means of the coarse feed and the trimming function.

After the specimen and the knife are adjusted, further gradual feed for trimming can be carried out by pressing the button for trimming, which is available as pulse function. If the pulse function is chosen, the knife carrier moves forwards by the pre-selected trimming value whenever pressing the button for trimming.

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

3-4 AUTOMATIC APPROACH SYSTEM

The automatic approach system is used for the fast and exact approach of the specimen towards the knife edge. The function of the automatic approach system is limited to the temperature range between 5°C and -35°C. Beyond these temperature limits the automatic approach system does not work (see part 2-7-3).

The automatic approach system uses the intrinsic capacity of the specimen to notice a first contact between specimen and knife edge. If specimen and knife edge get in contact with each other, a very low current is measured via a pre-amplifier, which is placed directly behind the specimen holder. The signal form of the detected current is transferred via the outlet of the pre-amplifier to the micro-processor. A corresponding software recognizes the threshold value causing an immediate interruption of the horizontal drive. The threshold value is also determined regarding the temperature. The optimal function of the automatic approach system is based on the fact that the knife is conductively connected with the knife carrier base, whereas the specimen holder is separated by an isolating piece.

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

4 WORKING WITH THE

CRYOSTAT

4-1 PREPARATIONS ON THE MICROTOME AND INSIDE THE COOLING CHAMBER

Before sectioning, the knife carrier and the cooling chamber should be at a stable temperature around the desired cutting temperature. Select a knife carrier and specimen temperature corresponding with the consistency of the specimen that should be sectioned. All tools which are necessary to take off sections or to manipulate the specimen must also be cooled, as the section will stick to them. For this reason, the required working accessories should always be stored on the shelves or brush tray in the microtome chamber. The heated sliding window should be closed during breaks and while preparing work to avoid warm air getting into the chamber. Consequently, more favorable work conditions with a lower frost built-up on the microtome and knife are achieved.

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

4-2 FREEZING-ON THE SPECIMEN

The specimen is frozen-on to the specimen chuck with clinging groves by means of a freezing compound. To freeze-on specimens, use the fast freezing device on the left side of the chamber.

Press the button Freeze Down in due time before the freezing-on so that the active cooling surface can adjust itself to the corresponding temperature. It will take approx. 2 - 3 min. until the cooling surface reaches a temperature of -60°C (see part 2-5-3).

Besides the usual method of freezing specimens from above on the specimen chuck, it is highly recommendable to apply the belowdescribed method by using cryo-molds (fig.

58).

The cryo-mold is placed onto the fast freezing plate. Afterwards, fresh tissue is placed into the sparing of the cryo-mold. The surface of the tissue is in direct contact with the cold fast freezing plate. Then fill freezing compound into the cryo-mold so that the sparing is filled well. Place the specimen chuck, with the clinging groves downwards onto the cryo-mold which is filled with tissue and freezing compound. For faster freezing through, place the heat extractor onto the specimen chuck from above. The tissue is frozen through within approx. 40 sec.

Then remove the specimen chuck together with the cryo-mold from the fast freezing plate. Insert the specimen chuck with cryo-mold into the specimen holder on the microtome. Open the cryo-mold by pressing the handles together and remove it from the specimen and specimen chuck.

This method guarantees that the surface of specimen, which is later to be sectioned, gets in direct contact with the very cold spot of the fast freezing station. This allows a higher freezing speed, especially on the section surface resulting in a reduced formation of ice crystals in the tissue.

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

4-4 ORIENTATION AND TRIMMING

Clamp the specimen chuck together with the frozen specimen into the specimen holder. For this, tighten the clamping lever (fig. 60.2) and insert the specimen chuck into the specimen holder. Tighten the clamping lever again.

Loosen the orienting lever (fig. 60.1) to have the possibility to adjust the specimen parallel in relation to the cutting edge by means of the adjusting knobs (fig. 60.3 and 60.4).

With the motorized coarse feed (see part 2-7-1) specimen and knife can roughly be adjusted. The process of the first approach between specimen and knife edge can also be carried out via the automatic approach system (see part 2-7-3). Then carry out a further gradual feed by using the function trimming. Turn the Hand wheel in a clockwise direction resulting in the first contact between knife and specimen. Continue this thus achieving the desired level.

Any waste should be wiped away in an upward direction with a brush. A magnet is installed invisibly in the middle of the front internal chamber wall. For fast and ergonomical operation, the magnetic brush can be put there in an upright way.

4-5 SECTIONING AND TAKING OFF SECTIONS

For sectioning, pre-select the desired section thickness by means of the buttons on the operating controls (see part 2-4). Put the antiroll plate against the knife by means of the knob. Turn the Hand wheel in a clockwise direction to carry out sectioning. The section slides into the space between the knife and the anti-roll guide. Then remove the anti-roll guide by means of the knob. The section sticks to the knife surface. Transfer the specimen now onto a slide by using a brush or tweezers.

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

4-6 HOW TO AVOID MALFUNCTIONS

To cut usable sections, the following points are of utmost importance:

• Condition of the knife edge, probably move

it horizontally to the left or right side.

• Check adjustment of anti-roll guide and

correct it, if necessary.

• Carefully remove frost from front and rear

part of the knife and from the anti-roll plate (i.e. with ethanol, acetone or the like).

• Tighten all clamping screws and clamping

levers on the knife carrier and specimen holder.

• Select the appropriate knife carrier and

specimen temperature according to the specimen.

• Select the appropriate freezing compound.

Note: If the specimen was frozen with liquid nitrogen or similar freezing techniques, the specimen must

adapt itself to the cutting temperature.

• Carefully select the required knife material

and profile.

• Adjustment of knife height.

• Adjustment of proper clearance angle.

Select a clearance angle of 8-12° according to the facet angle of a steel knife.

• Select a proper cutting speed:

The harder the material, the slower the cutting speed!

• Take care in bringing knife and specimen

together.

• The most protruding point of the specimen

must be recognized for the optimal operation of the automatic approach system.

• The specimen must not be covered at all or

too thick by freezing compound.

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

• Moreover, for the functionality of the

automatic approach system and the automatic window, a certain conductivity must be given via the specimen chuck as well as from the knife edge to the microtome base. For this reason, the original equipment such as knife carrier and specimen chucks should be used only.

• The specimen holder of the microtome is

connected with a sensitive electronic detecting device. The temperature sensor on the left side of the microtome housing is also connected with such a device. Malfunctions might occur after electrostatic discharges on one of the above-mentioned parts. Recommendation: Before touching the specimen holder or temperature sensor, touch another metallic part, e.g. knife carrier, inner wall of chamber or waste tray to guarantee a safe discharge.

• When working with the active deep freezing

device, sufficient time must have been passed to allow this device reaching a temperature of -60°C.

For optimal sectioning, knife and anti-roll guide must be cleaned of paraffin waste. Only use a sharp knife and exactly adjust the anti-roll guide in relation to the knife edge.

CAUTION:

During defrosting, remove the

specimens from the cooling chamber,

as the temperature inside the chamber will increase. Do not leave or store tissue inside the cryostat over a longer period. Due to a power failure or other unexpected malfunctions of the instrument, the specimen might be damaged.

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Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

5 MAINTENANCE OF THE

CRYOSTAT

5-1 SHUTTING-OFF FOR CLEANING

Cleaning of the cryostat depends on how frequently the instrument is used. However, it is recommended to shut the instrument off every 6 - 8 weeks.

Please proceed as follows:

• Turn off the main switch; pull the main plug

off.

• Remove the knife/blade from the knife

carrier and store it in a knife case.

• Remove or suck off cold section waste.

• Remove section waste tray, specimen

chucks and working tools. Loosen the two clamping levers on the knife carrier and pull them out. Then remove the knife carrier upwards.

• Again suck off cold section waste.

• The warming up of the microtome chamber

can actively be accelerated by using a hair dryer.

• Clean and wash the cooling chamber with

appropriate cleaning agents.

• The liquids from cleaning inside the cooling

chamber can drain off via the outlet on the lower right side of the cooling chamber. For this, make sure that the attached hose is connected to the outlet and placed into an appropriate container.

• Open the stopper inside the chamber.

Note: After cleaning, insert the stopper again as otherwise cold air leaks out while in operation and the

instrument will cover with frost.

Caution:

Any shipping of the instrument requires original packaging materials! Damages caused by shipping with non-conform packaging are not covered by the manufacturer warranty! Any damage repairs resulting in non-conforming package are fully charged to the sending party. We reserve the right depending on seriousness of damage NOT to repair. To order original packaging materials, please contact Thermo Fisher Scientific or your local, by Thermo Scientific authorized, dealer.

Caution: The user must care for a clean and safe condition of the instrument when returning it to an appropriate service provider.

Note:

If the original packaging is no longer available, please contact your local Thermo Scientific representation.

MICROM International GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

D- 69190 Walldorf

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

5-2 CLEANING AND CARE OF THE MICROTOME

• Carefully clean and dry the dismounted

knife carrier.

• As there is condensated humidity inside the

microtome, dry the components inside the cooling chamber very carefully. For this, use a hair dryer.

Note: For the examination and readjustment of the microtome a

routine maintenance should be performed by trained service technician once a year.

MICROM International GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

D- 69190 Walldorf

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

5-3 CHANGING THE FLUORESCENT LAMP

The fluorescent lamp L8/12 of the cryostat is integrated in the grip (fig. 66.1) of the heated sliding window.

• Before exchanging the lamp, turn off the

main switch and unplug the instrument.

• Open the sliding window halfway.

• Turn the two red knurled screws (fig. 66.2)

which are placed on the right and left lower side of the sliding window in a counterclockwise direction and remove them.

• Remove the grip (fig. 66.1) from the upper

side of the sliding window.

• Turn the lamp by 90° forwards or

backwards and remove it from the sockets (fig. 66.4).

• Insert the new lamp from above into the

socket and turn it by 90°.

Note:

Only use the lamp type L8/12, cat.

no. 346190, which was installed in

the factory.

Note:

Whenever exchanging the

fluorescent lamp, please also

exchange the starter S10 Philips (cat. no. 322710).

• Turn the starter (fig. 66.5) in a counter-

clockwise direction and remove it from the socket.

• Insert the new starter into the socket.

• Turn the new starter clockwise until the

starter is positively locked.

• Place the grip (fig. 66.1) onto the

illumination ledge from above.

• Screw in the two red knurled screw

clockwise from below and tighten them.

• Plug in and then turn on the instrument and

check the illumination.

Fig. 66

MICROM International GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

D- 69190 Walldorf

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientific Cryostat Microm Cryo Star HM 560

5-4 DISPOSAL OF THE INSTRUMENT

AFTER FINAL SHUTDOWN

After the final shutdown of the instrument, we recommend to contact a local recycling company for the disposal according to the national applicable regulations.

To be applied in the countries of the European Union and other European countries with a separate collecting system within the waste management.

The marking of the product and/or the respective literature indicates that, after its final shutdown, it must not be disposed of together with ordinary domestic waste.

• Please dispose of your instrument

separately from other waste to not harm our environment and/or human health by uncontrolled waste disposal.

• Recycle your instrument to support the

sustainable recycling of material resources.

• Industrial users should contact their

suppliers and observe the conditions of the contract. This product must not be disposed of together with other commercial waste.

• Please contact your supplier!!

MICROM International GmbH

Robert-Bosch-Str. 49

D- 69190 Walldorf

387 500 - English

Thermo Scientifi? Cryostat Microm Cryo-Star HM 560 Instruction Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual