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Microtome with Vibrating Blade Operating Manual Leica VT1000 S, V1.8 English - 12/2009 Always keep this manual with the instrument. Read carefully before working with the instrument.
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Leica reserves the right to change technical spec- ing thorough investigation in this field. We are ifications as well as manufacturing processes under no obligation to update the present manu- without prior notice.
Setting up the instrument ......................15 The VT1000S controls and their function ................16 Adjusting the amplitude ......................20 Working with the VT1000S on a daily base ................21 Daily routine maintenance and switching off the VT1000S ..........24 Malfunctions: Meanings and Troubleshooting ............25 Cleaning and Maintenance ..................
A nameplate indicating the instrument serial num- ber is attached to the rear side of the instrument. Qualification of personnel The Leica VT1000 S should be operated by trained laboratory personnel only. All laboratory personnel designated to operate the Leica instrument must read this Operating...
The safety and caution notes in this chapter must be observed at all times. Be sure to read these notes even if you are already familiar with the operation and use of other Leica products. This instrument has been built and tested in ac-...
To release the switch, turn it in the direc- tion of the arrow. The instrument may be opened by authorized ser- vice personnel only. Before removing the cover, ensure that the in- strument is unplugged. Leica VT1000 S – Vibrating-blade microtome...
Instrument Characteristics Technical Data General data: Sectioning frequency (± 10 %) ......................0 - 100 Hz Amplitude .................. adjustable in 5 steps: 0.2; 0.4; 0.6; 0.8; 1 m m Sectioning speed (± 10 %) ....................0.025 - 2.5 m m / s Return stroke speed (±...
Overview - VT1000 S Fiber optics (optional) Cold light source Leica CLS 100 (optional) Magnifier carrier Magnifier Emergency stop switch (not visible here) Fixture for Cutting head magnifier Knife holder Buffer tray S Control panel Leica VT1000 S – Vibrating-blade microtome...
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Instrument Characteristics Control knob Control knob for sectioning for sectioning speed frequency Button for maximum advance speed LED mode indication: 'Totalized section Indication of selected thickness' section thickness or totalized section 'Section thickness' thickness in µm CLR-Clear button +/- Selection button for DISP-Programming button sectioning thickness Selector button...
Installation Unpacking and setting up the instrument Fig. 12.2 Fig. 12.1 1. Cut through the iron strap (1) and adhesive 2. Check the accessory cartons (3) and sepa- tape (2) using a suitable tool and remove rate accessories provided (standard scope of them.
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• Set it on the instrument as shown in Fig. 13.3. • Attach the optional footswitch. • Securely plug the footswitch into the 9-pin socket (4). When transporting the instrument, always do so WITHOUT the magnifier support! Fig. 13.3 Leica VT1000 S – Vibrating-blade microtome...
Operation Installation site requirements The place of installation must meet the following requirements: Do not operate the instrument in rooms with an explosion hazard! • The instrument is designed for indoor use only. • The power plug must be freely and easily accessible. •...
The instrument MUST be set up so that the power plug and switch are free and easily accessible at all times! The Leica VT1000 S is equipped with an autoranging power supply to cover voltages from 100 V to 240 V.
Operation The VT1000 S controls and their function Attention: Practice working with the controls without a knife hold- er inserted. Only insert the knife holder when you are completely familiar with all control functions. Locking lever SPEED 10-Speed rotating potentiometer with scale Scale setting mm/s Function: 0.00...
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• In SINGLE mode, the knife stops automatically in the rear end position. • In CONT mode, START/STOP has to be pressed again to stop the sec- tioning movement. • The knife stops in the rear end position once the current section has been completed. Leica VT1000 S – Vibrating-blade microtome...
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Operation Function: Immediate interruption of knife movement. - Press PAUSE once again to continue sectioning. Toggle switch Function: To move the knife towards the specimen. Can also be used for manual sectioning. Because of safety aspects the FORW-movement is carried out only while the toggle switch is pressed and held;...
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• To select the retraction thickness, to deactivate retraction or to set the volume of the VT1000S sound signal, press the following function key combinations: Volume adjustment: •...
Operation Adjusting the retraction • In programming mode, press DISP to display the specimen retraction menu. • The indication 'LO' will be displayed. • Press the -/+ button to set a specimen retraction value between 1 and 999 µm. Or to turn off the retraction by selecting '0'. •...
Operation Working with the VT1000S on a daily base • Mount the buffer tray (1) onto the bolt (2) inside the cooling bath (3). • Secure the buffer tray by relocating the clamping lever (4) to the right (in the direction of the arrow).
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• Use the adjusting lever (2) to select the desired clearance angle. • Secure the selected clearance angle by tightening the two screws (1). The Leica VT1000 S does not require the readjustment of the clear- ance angle every time you change the knife. Make an adjustment only if required by an application for technical reasons (e.g.
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Fig. 23.3 the specimen (from the user´s view). • Pick up the section as shown on the left using a brush (5) to mount it on a glass slide (6). Leica VT1000 S – Vibrating-blade microtome...
Operation Daily routine maintenance and switching off the VT1000 S After you finish working, proceed as follows: • Switch off the mains switch at the back of the instrument. • Place the magnifier cover on the magnifier. • Remove the knife holder. •...
Stop and position. after that the emergency stop - To reactivate the return stroke was released again without movement, lock the releasing the REV/FORW-but- REV/FORW-button again ton to its center position. (to REV position). Leica VT1000S – Vibrating-blade microtome...
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Malfunctions: Meanings and Troubleshooting Error messages/symptoms Sources of error Troubleshooting - Operating error due to locking function of the UP/DOWN- button: - Audible warning signal. - With the UP/DOWN-button - Release the UP/DOWN-button - Downward stroke is not locked in the DOWN position to its center position.
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- Error code E0.5xx is displayed. feed). the Technical Service. - Audible sound signal. - Light barrier error (section - Switch the instrument off; call - Error code E0.600 is displayed. thickness feed). the Technical Service. Leica VT1000S – Vibrating-blade microtome...
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Malfunctions: Meanings and Troubleshooting Error messages/symptoms Sources of error Troubleshooting - Audible sound signal. - Software detected severe - Switch the instrument off; call - Error code E0.700 is displayed- hardware fault. the Technical Service. for approx. 2 secs. - Audible sound signal. - E-EPROM defective.
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Technical Service imme- sealed. diately. Do not use the instrument when in this condition. Leica VT1000S – Vibrating-blade microtome...
Cleaning and Maintenance Cleaning the instrument Always remove the knife / blade before detaching the knife holder from the instrument. Always put the knife (blade) back into the knife case or blade dispenser when not in use! When using cleaning agents, observe the manufacturer's safety instructions and the laborato- ry regulations valid in the country of use.
Ref. no. 14 0463 27405 (Specimen disc L, non orientable) Fig. 33.2 Foot switch (functional description) Footswitch • The foot switch is an optional accessory which can be used instead of the START/STOP-button. Ref. no. 14 0463 27415 Fig. 33.3 Leica VT1000 S – Vibrating-blade microtome...
Ordering Information: Spare Parts, Accessories, Consumables Buffer trays 8.4.1 Double-walled buffer tray S When using the double-walled buffer tray, the recirculating cooler must be attached accord- ing to the installation instructions BEFORE working with the specimens (see the Short Instruc- tion Manual for the minichiller).
Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH guarantees that the contractual product delivered has been subjected to a comprehensive quality control proce- dure based on the Leica in-house testing standards, and that the product is faultless and complies with all technical specifications and/or agreed char- acteristics warranted.
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