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Table of Contents
The McIlwain Tissue Chopper
This apparatus has been designed to prepare pieces of tissue for metabolic experiments and to be especially
applicable to small and irregular specimens available at biopsy or from small organs. Its special features are to
cause much less disturbance of cell structure than homogenisers or blenders and to be applicable to fragments
that would be difficult or impossible to cut by ordinary methods. Typical applications are to liver, kidney and
various parts of the central nervous system.
Slices up to 1mm thick and cubes and prisms up to 1mm cross section can be prepared with the chopper in 30
seconds. Provision is made for stepless variation of slice thickness from zero to the maximum by means of a
micrometer head calibrated in microns.
The action of the machine is as follows: a circular stainless steel table, on which the specimen is placed, is
traversed automatically from left to right of the machine. At the same time a chopping arm carrying a blade is
raised and dropped rapidly by an adjustable force. As the table carrying the tissue passes under the blade it is
chopped into the required slices. If prisms are required the table is returned to the left hand side of the machine,
turned through 45 degrees, and the process repeated. Cubes are formed by rotating the table 90 degrees. The
cutting speed can be varied from zero to over 200 strokes per minute. A safety limit switch is provided to
prevent the machine overrunning and a quick release mechanism for the return of the table.
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Table of Contents
Summary of Contents for McIlwain Tissue Chopper
- Page 1 The McIlwain Tissue Chopper This apparatus has been designed to prepare pieces of tissue for metabolic experiments and to be especially applicable to small and irregular specimens available at biopsy or from small organs. Its special features are to cause much less disturbance of cell structure than homogenisers or blenders and to be applicable to fragments that would be difficult or impossible to cut by ordinary methods.
- Page 2 Use the Tissue Chopper on a firm bench and do not restrict ventilation by using in a confined space. Clean the Tissue Chopper with a dry cloth, we do not recommend the use of solvents. To sterilise the blade holder, cutting table and plastic disc see “Operating Procedure”.
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Page 3: Setting Up Procedure
After first switching off, remove this paper and the Tissue Chopper is ready to take a specimen Note: Alternatively the specimen may be attached to the plastic disc without the use of the filter papers. -
Page 4: Operating Procedure
OPERATING PROCEDURE To bring the table to the starting position, pull out the Table Release Knob, slide it to the left and release it. Place the specimen on the centre of the table, switch on and press the Reset Switch. The speed may be adjusted with the Speed Control Knob –... -
Page 5: Warranty
WARRANTY This product is guaranteed against defects arising from faulty workmanship or materials for a period of one year from the original date of purchase, provided that the product has been used solely within the guidelines set by the operation instructions. Return the equipment to us and we will rectify the fault free of charge.
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Questions and answers
The Manual Operating Knob on our tissue chopper is not working properly and it is not moving the blade up and down. What could be the reason for this and how to fix it?
The Manual Operating Knob may not move the blade up and down if the manual arm manipulator is rotated incorrectly or if components like the blade holder, clasp, or nut are not properly secured. To fix this:
1. Ensure the manual arm manipulator is rotated clockwise only.
2. Check that the blade and clasp are correctly positioned and securely fastened with the nut.
3. Confirm that no foreign objects are obstructing the mechanism.
4. If the blade holder was removed, make sure it is reattached correctly and all nuts and washers are in place.
If the issue persists, inspect for damage and ensure the machine has not been dropped.
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