Amos AST 550 User manual

AST 550 （Version：AMOSAST550OP20130402）
Fully-automatic Cryostat Microtome
Operation Manual
www.amos-scientific.com
AMOS SCIENTIFIC PTY.LTD. ABN37 159 778 140

Foreword
AST550 Cryostat Microtome is a fully-
automatic microtome whose design concept
comes from customers all over the world , it
can meet different requirements for tissue
section .
To ensure the instrument works
properly , safely and perform durably , it is
necessary to read the operation manual
carefully .
Our company are not only responsible
for the repair , but also train distributors'
ability of repairing . To repair the product
smoothly in time , please contact your local
distributor . Notice : With the development of
technology and constantly updating of
products , this manual will make the
corresponding changes . Please forgive us not
to notify the improvement of technical data
and structure .

Contents
1、Safety Notes……………………………………………………...……..1
1.1 Overview……………………………………………………………………....……….1
1.2 Safety Warning………………………………………………………………....….….1
1.3 Safety Device………………………………………………........................…...…..….2
2、Performance & Parameters…………………………….......................4
2.1 Overview of Instrument Component………………………………….….…...….….4
2.2 Performance Index……………………………………………………………..……..5
2.3 Technical Parameters…………………………………………………………..……..5
3、Preparation before operating………………………………….….…..7
3.1 Requirement of Installation ………………………………………………..……..….7
3.2 Standard Delivery………………………………………………………….............….7
3.3 Installation ………………………………………………………………................….8
3.4 Electrical Connection…………………………………………………...................….10
4、Operation …………………………………………………….........….11
4.1 Operate Panel Function &Control………………………………………….....……11
4.2 Installation of Blade Holder…………………………….…………….............….…16
4.3Clamping The Specimen&Inserting The Blade………………………....….………18
4.4 Temperature Setting……………………………………………………….………...19
4.5 Time Setting………………………………………………………………....….……20
4.6 Section Setting………………………………………………………………..………22
4.7 Retraction Setting…………………………………………………………….……...24
4.8 Section Reference…………………………………………………………….………24
5、Clearance & Maintenance…………………………………...……….25
5.1 cleaning……………………………………………………………...............………25
5.2 Maintenance………………………………………………………………..........……26
6、Trouble Shooting…………………………………………………...….27

AST550 Cryostat Microtome AMOSAST550OP20130402
---1---
1、Safety Notes
1.1Overview
The Operator Manual contains important safety instructions and information . In order
to operate the instrument safely , the operator must read carefully prior to starting up the
instrument . It is very important to ensure safety and avoid instrument damage . Please keep
the manual close to the instrument to read easily at any time .
This instrument was built and test in accordance with the safety regulation as specified
below :
GB4793.1-2007 Medical Electrical Equipment First Part:Current Requirements for safety
▲Note: The safety marks and protective device on both instrument and accessories may
neither be removed nor modified , so as not to injure human body or instrument .
1.2 Safety Warning
Every principle person should read carefully and carry out strictly according to the
following safety notes relating to transport , installation ,calibration , operation ,
maintenance , cleaning and all aspects of the instrument .
1.2.1 Warning during transport and installation
●The instrument may only be transported or moved in an upright position and the tilt
angle should not exceed 45 °.
●Priortoremovingthemicrotome,removethebladeholder.
●The input voltage has been preset at the factory , please check this setting complies
with your local power requirement before connecting to the main power
●Please use the power cord provided . If need to replace it , please use the power
cordwithearthwire.
●Do not operate this instrument in the room with the danger of explosion .
●Don't remove or modify the protective device on both instrument and accessories , in
order to avoid injury to instrument or human body !
1.2.2 Warning of Operation
●Take care when handling microtome knives and disposable blades . The cutting
edgeisextremelysharpandmightcauseseriousinjury.
●Remove the knife/blade before detaching the blade holder from the instrument , and
putthebladebackintothebladeboxwhennotinuse
●Never place the blade with the cutting edge facing upwards and never take out the
bladewithyourhands.
●Please clamp the specimen block before clamping the blade .
●Prior to replacing the specimen and blade , please lock the handwheel and cover the
bladeguardonthecuttingedge.
●Rotate the handwheel clockwise, otherwise it would affect section .
●Don't rotate the handwheel clockwise and counterclockwise frequently at top and
bottom , it might lead to deviation of section thickness .

AST550 Cryostat Microtome AMOSAST550OP20130402
---2---
●Ensure no liquid enters into interior of instrument during working .
1.2.3 Warning during cleaning and Maintenance
●Onlyauthorizedpersonmaydotheserviceandrepair.
●Before cleaning and maintenance of each part, please cut off the power , unplug
thepowerplug,removethebladeholderandblade.
●Lock the handwheel before cleaning.
●Don'tcleantheinstrumentwithcorrosiveliquid.
●Ensure no liquid enters into interior of instrument during clearing.
●After cleaning , don't turn on the instrument before it is completely dry .
●Turn the instrument off and unplug the power cord before changing the fuse .
Please use the fuse according to the requirement and specification in operation manual .
1.3 Safety Device
Handwheel locking mechanism
As showed in Fig, it is the lock lever .
Clockwise push the lever(1) until it lock the
handwheel at the upright position . To unlock
the handwheel , rotate counterclockwise the
lever(1) .
As showed in Fig, the handwheel is
locked .
If the lock activated , the "Lock" light will
be lit on display panel , while the instrument
can't run and the AUTO key is invalid .
●Don't lock the handwheel when the
handwheel is rotating , otherwise it will damage
theinstrument.
▲Attention: Before removing the instrument , changing specimen/blade or cleaning the instrument ,
thehandwheelmustbelocked.

AST550 Cryostat Microtome AMOSAST550OP20130402
---3---
Emergency Stop Function
Fig (2) is the switch for emergency stop .
The emergency-stop function is activated with
the red switch (2) pressed while the main
power off and all action stops .
To deactivate this function , turn the switch in
the direction of the arrow .
Correct use in order :
Activate emergency switch -turn off power
switch - deactivate - turn on power switch .

AST550 Cryostat Microtome AMOSAST550OP20130402
---4---
2、Performance & Parameters
2.1Overview- Instrument Components
Display Control Panel
Control Panel
Handwheel
Blade Holder
Specimen Clamp
Lock Lever
Waste Container
Tool Shelf
Heating Glass
Stationary Heat
Extractor
Quick Freeze Shelf
Peltier on freeze
shelf freezing
Area
Control Panel
E-stop switch

AST550 Cryostat Microtome AMOSAST550OP20130402
---5---
2.2Performance Index
AST550 is a fully-automatic cryostat microtome whose specimen forward and
backward movement are controlled by motor . So it can get high quality section and easily
operated . The following is its performance :
⊙The whole instrument follows human engineering theory as well as artistic
appearance , made by numerical control machine .
⊙The retraction function can prevent the specimen from touching the blade sharp
duringlift.
⊙It equips counter which is able to show total quantity of slice .
⊙Artificial intelligence interface that is easy to learn and operate.
⊙Adopt UV and O3 to sterilize for 30 minutes every time .
⊙The specimen clamp semiconductor refrigerating function is enabled or disabled .
⊙Defrosting at fixed time or manually
⊙Large freezing shelf could load 8 cassettes simultaneously .
⊙Two running way : manual and automatic
⊙Emergency stop function: Press the red button to stop running when any
emergency happens .
2.3Technical Parameter
⊙Environment requirements：Temperature Range：+15℃—+30℃，
AirHumidity：≤60%
Workingpressure：（86～106）kPa；
⊙Nominal Voltage：AC 220V /AC 110V
⊙Normal Frequency：50/60 Hz
⊙Power：≤1000VA
⊙Fuse：8A/15A
⊙Safe Classify：Classify I - Type B
⊙Lowest freeze chamber Temperature ：-35±2℃
⊙Lowest freeze shelf Temperature：-45±5℃
⊙Lowest temperature of peltier unit on freeze shelf：-55±5℃
⊙Lowest temperature of peltier unit on specimen clamp：-50±5℃(Working time of
peltier :15 minutes)

AST550 Cryostat Microtome AMOSAST550OP20130402
---6---
⊙Electric coarse feed：Slow 300µm/s±30µm/s
Rapid 900µm/s±30µm/s
⊙Section thickness range：0 to 100µm
0to3µm，in 0.5µm increments
3to10µm, in1µmincrements
10to20µm, in2µmincrements
20 to 100µm，in 5µm increments
⊙Trimming thickness range: 10 to 600µm
10to50µm，in 5µm increments
50 to 100µm, in 10µm increments
100 to 600µm, in 50µm increments
⊙Retraction ：0~80µm, in 5µm increments
⊙Specimen feed：15mm ±0.2mm
⊙Vertical stroke：48mm±1mm
⊙Specimen Max：35×35mm
⊙Repositioning of blade holder base(left-right) ：50±1mm
⊙Motorize cutting speed : 75-230mm/s ± 10% .
⊙Dimension: Length：805mm ,
Width：715mm ,
Height：1210mm ,
⊙Weight: About 130kgs

AST550 Cryostat Microtome AMOSAST550OP20130402
---7---
3、Preparation before operating
3.1 Installation site requirement
⊙The floor stand instrument fixed 4 wheels and 2 fixed support feet . The front only be
used during movement . Remove the package and move the instrument to the installation site ,
then adjust the two fixed support feet and make the front wheels disabled .
⊙Start the instrument after let it rest for at least 2 hours .
⊙Ensure no other goods around the instrument . At least 300mm distance must be kept for
ventilation and heat dissipation .
⊙Ensure the working temperature and humidity must be in accord with the specification in
manual .
⊙Ensure leaving enough running space for rotating the handwheel .
▲Notice: Do not operate the instrument in the room with explosion hazard .
3.2 Standard Delivery
CryostatMicrotome⊙1set
⊙BladeHolder 1set
Hand⊙wheel 1pc
SpecimenClamp⊙10 pcs
M5 Allen⊙Key 1pc
M3AllenKey⊙1 pc
7mmWrench⊙1 pc
DisposableBlade⊙1 box
PowerCord⊙1 pc
Fuse⊙2 pcs
⊙Brush 1pc
OperateManual⊙1 pc
●Please check the supply carefully with the packing list after opening the carton . If you have
any doubt , contact the seller immediately .If you have any special requirement , please illuminate it
beforetheorder.

AST550 Cryostat Microtome AMOSAST550OP20130402
---8---
3.3 Installation
3.3.1 Unpacking
As showed in the picture，the following is the instrument accessories：
⊙Carton Cover（1）
⊙Upholder（2）
⊙Corner Support1（3）
⊙Carton body（4）
⊙Glass Support（5）
⊙Corner Support 2（6）
⊙Corner Support 3（7）
⊙Handwheel（8）
⊙Blade Holder（9）
⊙Carton Base（10）
⊙Cryostat Microtome （11）
⊙Corner Support 4（12）
Remove the cover (1) and carton body
(4) , then take the following things in
order : Upholder (2) , Corner Support
1 (3) , Corner Support 2(6) , Corner
Support 3(7) , Corner Support 4 (12) ,
Handwheel (8) , Blade Holder (9),
Cryostat Microtome (11) , Glass
Support (5) . Then take out other
accessories in the inner box package to
install the instrument.

AST550 Cryostat Microtome AMOSAST550OP20130402
---9---
3.3.2 Handwheel assembly
·Take out the handwheel accessories
from handwheel box (8) .
·Tighten the handwheel lever (14)
into handwheel (13) with 7mm
wrench .
·Insert bearing(15) , handwheel
cover (16) ,bearing (15) and
handwheel washer (17) in order .
·Tighten them with M5 X 16
hexagon socket screw(18) .
3.3.3 Blade holder
Take out the Blade
holder (19) from the box, push it
along the track as it is showed in
the Fig , and then rotate the Blade
holder lock lever(20) to lock the
blade .

AST550 Cryostat Microtome AMOSAST550OP20130402
---10---
3.4 Electrical Connection
●The voltage has been preset at the factory . Before connecting the instrument to the
power , please check that this settingcomplieswiththelocalpowerrequirements.
●Connect the instrument to a ground power socket toavoidaccident.
●Please use the power cord provided . If need to replace it , please use the power cord
withearthwire.
●Insert the fuse(23) into the fuse socket
(22)as it showed in the Fig and insert the
whole fuse socket into the socket(21) .
●Attention:Before changing the fuse ,
please cut off the power supply and pull the
plug . Use the fuse according to the
specificationinoperationmanual.
●As Fig shows power switch . Turn off as
the left fig and turn on as right fig .
●After turning on the power , display panel
light and the specimen block will be back to
the original base position automatically with a
beep .

AST550 Cryostat Microtome AMOSAST550OP20130402
---11---
4、Operation
4.1 Control panel function & Control
All the parameters are set and displayed via control panel . After power on , use the control panel
to operate the instrument as follows:
4.1.1 Display Panel
Three lines in blue-mask LCD .
The first line displays current status ( Key lock , defrosting,
sleep and disinfection icons in order)
The second line displays section thickness, retraction, cryo
chamber temperature and time etc .
The third line displays section/trimming situation,
specimen clamp progress , slice quantity , temperature
Display area show main information
such as : section thickness , trimming
thickness, retraction , cryo chamber
temperature , specimen clamp
temperature and time .
The area is to set the value of
section thickness , trimming
thickness,retraction ,temperat
ure and time .
: Setting Key
Indicator light
RUN : Auto running indicator light
LOCK : Locking light for hand
wheel.
: Defrosting light
SECT/TRIM: Alternative select
key
RETRA: Retraction key
: Cycle select key among
specimen clamp temperature ,
cryo chamber temperature ,
freezing shelf temperature and
ambient temperature
: Cycle key to select
desired time mode
:Real time
:Defrosting time
O3: Disinfection time
ZZ: Sleep time
WAKE UP: Wake up
time
: Immediate defrosting
key
UV: UV disinfection key
O3: Ozone disinfection key
: Lamp key
ZZ : Immediate sleep key
: Key-board
lock key .

AST550 Cryostat Microtome AMOSAST550OP20130402
---12---
situation and week time .
“＋”、“－”The two keys are used for setting
section/trimming thickness , time and temperature
parameters.
Section thickness value : 0 to 100µm
0to3µm，in 0.5µm increments
3to10µm，in 1µm increments
10to20µm，in 2µm increments
20 to 100µm, in 5µm increments
Trimming thickness value :10 to 600µm
10to50µm，in 5µm increments
50 to 100µm, in10µm increments
100to600µm,in50µmincrements
is setting key .
This key is used to activate setting of the section/trimming
thickness , retraction ,temperature and time .
Indicator light on Section mode
RUN: When this light is lit up , it means this
instrument is under auto running mode .
LOCK : if its led is lit up , it shows the handwheel is
locked , and it is disabled at this moment to slice
section.
, if its led lit up , it shows it is defrosting now .
SECT/TRIM is the alternating key between section
mode and trimming mode .
RETRA is retraction key .
This key is used to enter into retraction function .
is temperature setting key .
It is a cycle key to select desired item among
specimen clamp temperature, cryo chamber
temperature , freezing shelf temperature , and ambient
temperature .

AST550 Cryostat Microtome AMOSAST550OP20130402
---13---
is a c
y
cle ke
y
toselectdesiredtimemode.
Short push the button to select: real time , setting of
real time , defrosting time , disinfection time , sleep
time and wake up time .
is the real time indicator light .
The real time setting is ready when real time light is
on
is defrosting time indicator light .
The defrosting time setting is ready when the
defrosting time light is on.
O3 is disinfection time indicator light .
The disinfection time setting is ready when the
disinfection time light is on .
ZZ is the sleep time indicator light .
The sleep time setting is ready when the sleep
time light is on.
WAKE UP is the wake up time indicator light .
The wake up time setting when the wake up time
light is on .
is the key to start defrosting immediately .
Hold on this button for about 5 seconds to start
defrosting immediately ，Meanwhile the
defrosting indicator light is on. The process lasts about
30 minutes，and go back to work status automatically,
light off .
UV is the button to turn on/off UV disinfection .
Short push this button to turn on UV disinfection ,
and turn it off by pushing it again .
O
3 is the button to turn on/off O3disinfection
immediately
Short push this button to turn on O
3 disinfection and
turn it off by pushing it again .

AST550 Cryostat Microtome AMOSAST550OP20130402
---14---
is the button to turn on/off lamp .
Short push this button to turn on lamp and turn it off
by pushing it again .
Z
Zis the button to turn on/off sleep function .
Keyboard locking button
This key is used to lock the keyboard.
Hold on this button until the icon " " is
displayed on display panel ( As showed in left
Fig ), the keyboard has been locked. All other
keys are disabled at this moment , and release the
lock by long press the button .
4.1.2 Left control panel
Fast forward and fast backward key .
Adjust the specimen position rapidly , the speed
could reach 900±30µm/s.
Slow forward and fast backward key .
Adjust the specimen position slowly , the speed
could reach 300±30µm/s.
●Specimen feed distance is 15mm . Once exceeding this distance , the buzzer
will beep and the specimen movement stops .
The buttons is to
control the specimen
forward or backward
moving , it has two
speed.

AST550 Cryostat Microtome AMOSAST550OP20130402
---15---
4.1.3 Right control panel
Mode selection
between manual
and automatic
Speed adjusting
button under
automatic mode
Run/Stop in
motorized mode
Mode selection between manual and automatic
Select the mode by pressing this button shortly.
Autorun/ Stop button in motorized mode
Press and hold this button about three seconds while the
lights into autorun . When the motorized mode starts , the
operation speed is slowest in default . Press the button to
stop running while goes out .
Speed adjusting button
The button for adjusting speed of section can be
activated only during running , and the speed range is
75-230mm/s±10% .

AST550 Cryostat Microtome AMOSAST550OP20130402
---16---
4.2 Installation of holder
As fig shows , the blade holder is composed of the following parts : blade holder base (1) ,
longitudinal movable jaw (2) , rotating movable jaw (3) , movable knife clamp(4), fixed knife
clamp (5), anti-roll plate (6) , fixed lever 1 (7) , fixed lever 2 (8) , fixed lever 3 (9) , fixed lever
4(10) , anti-roll plate lock knob (11) , anti-roll plate height adjusting knob(12) .
⊙Insert the longitudinal movable jaw (2) into the track of blade holder base(1) , and rotate
lever 2(8) to lock firmly . Then adjust the handle of lever 2(8) to horizon position .
⊙Adjust the rotating movable jaw(3) into longitudinal movable jaw (2) , and rotate the
lever 4(10 ) to lock firmly .
⊙Put movable knife clamp (4) and fixed knife clamp(5) on rotating movable jaw (3) ,
rotate the lever 3 (9) to lock it firmly . Adjust the handle of lever 3 (9) to vertical position .
⊙Rotate the lever 1 (7) to lock the movable knife clamp (4) and fixed knife clamp (5) .