BRIGHT 8000 Base Guide

Issue 3 April 2011 1
Operating, Maintenance and
Spare Parts Manual for the
Bright 8000 Base
Sledge Microtome
Serial Number: ……….

Issue 3 April 2011 2
Contents
CONTENTS .....................................................................................................2
SAFETY INFORMATION ................................................................................4
CONSUMER PROTECTION ..................................................................................................... 4
MECHANICAL.................................................................................................4
MICROTOME KNIVES/BLADES.............................................................................................. 4
OPERATION ...................................................................................................4
ACCESSORIES...............................................................................................4
PRODUCT SAFETY SUGGESTIONS.............................................................5
DECONTAMINATION CERTIFICATES ..........................................................5
IMPORTANT ............................................................................................................................. 5
WARRANTY....................................................................................................6
1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................7
1.1 Receipt and Unpacking ..........................................................................................................7
1.1.1 Receipt .................................................................................................................................7
1.1.2 Unpacking ...........................................................................................................................7
1.2 ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION ........................................................7
1.2.1 Positioning ...........................................................................................................................7
2. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS...............................................................8
2.1 Operating handle (3) ..............................................................................................................8
2.2 Thickness control (5) ..............................................................................................................8
2.3 Coarse advance/trim control (4)............................................................................................8
2.4 Specimen holder......................................................................................................................8
2.5 Knife clamps............................................................................................................................8
2.6 Knife guards............................................................................................................................8
2.7 Side pillars [Fig.1 20 & 23]...................................................................................................8
3. OPERATION...........................................................................................9
3.1 Fitting the Object Holder.......................................................................................................9
3.2 Fitting and Adjusting the Knife.............................................................................................9
3.3 Trimming the Specimen.........................................................................................................9
3.4 Section Cutting and Collection ............................................................................................10
3.5 Hints on Sectioning...............................................................................................................10

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4. MAINTENANCE ...................................................................................11
4.1 Cleaning.................................................................................................................................11
4.2 Lubrication............................................................................................................................11
4.3 Decontamination...................................................................................................................11
4.4 Removing the Sledge ............................................................................................................11
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET .............................................................12
Name: Microtome Lubricating Oil..............................................................................................12
5. SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................13
6. ACCESSORIES AND CONSUMABLES ..............................................14

Issue 3 April 2011 4
SAFETY INFORMATION
CONSUMER PROTECTION
The Consumer Protection Act 1987 Part 1. refers to Product Liability. This legislation was
issued as a direct result of an EC Directive to all member states and has been in force with
effect from 1 March 1988.
The Bright Instrument Company Limited, ever mindful of the need to ensure that their
products are not subject to misuse and/or incorrect handling, have made it their aim to
communicate any possible dangers to their customers.
Whilst the Bright Instrument Company Limited markets products manufactured to the highest
safety standards, it is in the interest of the purchaser that he is aware of the resultant dangers
of misuse and/or incorrect handling of these products.
Your attention is therefore drawn to the following precautions:
MECHANICAL
MICROTOME KNIVES/BLADES
The microtome knife/blade can be a hazard in the laboratory. Personnel should be made
aware of the dangers and observe the following warnings:
a. DO NOT leave the microtome unattended with an exposed knife/blade in position.
Remove the knife/blade, or cover with the guards or visor provided.
b. DO NOT leave unboxed knives/blades lying around. Place knives/blades that are not
in use in their boxes or packets.
c. DO NOT carry knives/blades unless secure in the box or packet provided.
d. DO NOT clean the knife/blade along its length. Wipe the knife from the back edge to
the cutting edge.
e. REMEMBER that even used knives and blades are dangerous. The are still sharp
and may have been used to cut potentially infectious specimens.
f. DISPOSE of used knives and blades with the same care as other sharp objects. On
no account should used knives or blades be placed in waste bins.
OPERATION
When placing object holders in the microtome, when orientating, manipulating or in any way
placing fingers in a position above the knife/blade edge – ensure that the hand wheel is
locked and knife guards are in position.
ACCESSORIES
Fluids supplied as accessories with Bright instruments, such as Cryospray 134 and
microtome oil are strictly for laboratory use only. They should not be taken by mouth and
precautions afforded to other laboratory chemicals should be adhered to. Please refer to the
material safety data information, towards the back of this instruction manual for further details.

Issue 3 April 2011 5
PRODUCT SAFETY SUGGESTIONS
All Bright Instrument Company Limited personnel are encouraged to make suggests
regarding product safety. We also welcome such suggestions from our customers. They may
be submitted by completing the appropriate (Safety) section of the Quality Survey Record
Form supplied with all Bright instruments, or alternatively, by letter, telephone, fax or email. All
communications should be direct to our Quality Assurance Department and will be
acknowledged.
DECONTAMINATION CERTIFICATES
IMPORTANT
If the instrument or any part of it is to be returned to Bright Instrument Company Limited, a
decontamination certificate must accompany it, and please note the following:
1. If the instrument or any part of it has been exposed to or been in contact with potential
pathogenic or radioactive material, it is essential that it be decontaminated.
2. Set procedures are laid down by the Health and Safety Executive for decontamination.
For the avoidance of doubt, we ask that instruments or parts returned to us should be
accompanied by a completed decontamination certificate. A copy of this can be found at
the back of this instruction manual and we suggest you use a photocopy of this when
returning parts. Alternatively we would be pleased to either post or fax you another copy
should you require.
3. Should the instrument or any part of it be received in a condition that Bright Instrument
Company Limited, consider to be a potential biological hazard, the instrument or part will
be returned un-repaired at the expense of the customer.
4. Customers declarations must indicate that the package contains ‘British Returned
Goods’. Failure to do so will involve customs duty payable by us, which will be invoiced
to the sender.

Issue 3 April 2011 6
WARRANTY
The Warranty relating to the instrument is outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Sale
paragraph 6.
i. The Seller ‘s products are carefully inspected and submitted to its standard tests.
ii. The Seller warrants all its products to be free from defects in workmanship and
materials under normal conditions of use and service provided always:
a) that if any of the goods so manufactured is alleged to be defective in workmanship
and material and is returned carriage paid, and protected against damage in transit to
the Seller’s works at Huntingdon within 12 months from the date of despatch and if
after examination by the Seller that goods or part of them are found to be so defective
then the Seller will repair or replace them free of charge and will return them to the
Buyer, carriage paid.
b) where any part of the goods manufactured by the Seller is repaired or replaced under
the terms of the foregoing warranty, such warranty shall thereafter be limited to a
period of six months from the date when the goods shall have been re-delivered to
the Buyer.
c) this warranty does not apply to any defects caused by wear and tear, incorrect
installation abnormal conditions of working, accident, misuse or neglect.
d) that save as in this clause herein before expressed, the Seller shall not be under any
liability for negligence or otherwise in respect of defects in goods delivered or for any
injury, damage or loss resulting from such defects and the Seller’s liability under this
clause shall be in lieu of any warranty or condition implied by law as to the quality or
fitness for any particular purpose of such goods.
e) this warranty is expressly in lieu of all other warranties, guarantees or liabilities
expressed or implied by any of the Seller’s Representatives or Agents.
Please see our separate Product Warranty sheet for deliveries to the mainland UK.
WARNING
Before proceeding to Operating Instructions, ensure you are familiar with the contents of the
pages marked ‘Safety Information’. This instrument must only be used by competent persons.

Issue 3 April 2011 7
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Receipt and Unpacking
This instrument received a final test and inspection prior to despatch from the factory. The
following instructions are given for the re-assembly of the instrument, adjustments and its
correct use. If the instrument is received before preparations for installation are completed, it
should be stored in a clean, dry place and not exposed to dirty or damp conditions.
1.1.1 Receipt
Immediately upon receipt of the instrument, make a careful examination for evidence of
damage encountered in transit. If any damage is found or suspected, notify both the carrier
and Bright Instrument Company Limited.
1.1.2 Unpacking
All packing must be carefully removed and parts checked against the enclosed packing list. If
any damage or discrepancy is noted, please inform our agent/distributor, or bright Instrument
Company Limited direct, immediately. At least two people are required during the unpacking.
When removing the main instrument from the packaging, grip the instrument on the underside
(one person to each side) and lift out the microtome. Do not lift by the sledge or attempt to
separate the sledge from the casting within the case as damage can result.
1.2 ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION
1.2.1 Positioning
The instrument should be positioned on a level, sturdy surface at a height convenient for the
operator. It may be used with its long axis parallel to the bench, at right angles or obliquely.
Ensure it has been positioned away from direct, hot sunlight and is in a location completely
free from draughts.

Issue 3 April 2011 8
2. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
On receipt of your new Bright instrument, please refer to section 1.1 (Receipt and Unpacking)
and section 1.2 (Assembly and Installation).
As part of its policy of continual improvement, Bright Instrument Company Limited, reserves
the right to incorporate changes, or make additions to, without prior notice. There may,
therefore, be minor details differences between the information in this manual and your
instrument. These differences will not affect the safety and use of the instrument.
Refer to Figure One.
2.1 Operating handle (3)
Semi automatic advance – when pushed towards the knife the sledge will move along the
runners and will also advance the specimen the selected amount (thickness). When pulled
back the specimen retraction mechanism is activated.
2.2 Thickness control (5)
A knob, calibrated in microns, is used to select the thickness of sections to be cut from 1µm –
40µm, in 1µm steps. Always set the thickness by turning the knob anticlockwise. If the
thickness has to be reduced then turn clockwise past the required thickness, then
anticlockwise.
2.3 Coarse advance/trim control (4)
Quickly raises or lowers the specimen 450µm per turn. As this control is always engaged, it
can be used at any time.
2.4 Specimen holder
Specimens are clamped in the vice (7) or alternative holder if fitted. The specimen holder can
be raised and lowered after releasing the clamp lever (14).
2.5 Knife clamps
Two screws, turned by a lever (10), are used to fix the knife in the knife clamp and the knife
clamp in the knife block (9). The cutting angle of the knife is adjustable from 0-40º. A scale is
provided on the knife block. Slew angles of the knife can be obtained by loosening the knife
block clamp levers (12) and the knife clamp levers (10) and moving knife to slew angle
required.
2.6 Knife guards
Each knife guard (1) can be moved to the central position to cover the working area of the
knife, or to the outer position while section cutting. The black knobs secure the guards in the
chosen position.
2.7 Side pillars [Fig.1 20 & 23]
In normal use, these pillars slope inwards slightly. For large area sections they can be
unbolted from the base, swapped left to right and refitted, so that they slop outwards, so
providing more space.

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3. OPERATION
The microtome should be installed on a sturdy bench at a height convenient for the operator.
It may be used with its long axis parallel to the bench, at right angles or obliquely.
There are many variations of the preparation procedure according to the type of specimen to
be sectioned, the size of the specimen and how the specimen is prepared.
The following general procedures can be applied to all uses:
3.1 Fitting the Object Holder
Pull the sledge away from the knife holders. Secure the required object holder by placing it in
the holder in the sledge slide (17). Set to correct height and lock by tightening clamp lever
(14).
Note that the clamp lever has a ratchet with its movement limited to prevent the lever being
left in positions where it could impact on other parts during sectioning.
3.2 Fitting and Adjusting the Knife
NB: The term ‘knife’ used here also includes disposable blade holder.
a. Slacken the knife clamp levers (10) just enough to let the knife slide into the knife
clamps from the side.
b. Insert the knife, taking care to avoid touching the edge against the metalwork.
c. Check that the knife lies flat on the pad pieces in the knife clamps and that the heel of
the knife is not caught up on the slot in the knife clamps.
d. Screw the knife clamp levers down just sufficiently to steady the knife in position.
e. Slacken the knife block clamp levers (12). Set the knife holders to the desired slew
angle, ensure the knife clamps still cover the ends of the knife. Set the knife to the
desired cutting angle and tighten the knife clamping levers.
f. Check that the knife is still at the desired slew angles and tighten the knife block
clamp levers.
NB: To ensure that the knife clamps are correctly aligned in the holders, the knife block
clamp levers must always be slackened before the knife clamping levers are
tightened.
3.3 Trimming the Specimen
Fit the specimen securely into the appropriate specimen holder on the microtome.
To trim excess material from the surface of the specimen block:
a. First move the sledge towards the knife and adjust the specimen height using the
coarse advance so that the specimen is just below the knife.
b. Either set the thickness control to cut thick sections, eg: 20µm, and move the sledge
back and forth repeatedly to trim the specimen.
c. Or set the thickness control to zero and alternately raise the specimen slightly using
the coarse advance and move the sledge forward then backwards. This method is
quicker but should only be used if the operator is experienced in the use of base
sledge microtomes.

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3.4 Section Cutting and Collection
Select the desired section thickness. Operate the sledge back and forth a few times to
remove any surface roughness on the specimen block caused by trimming.
Cut sections using slow. Steady forward movements of the sledge. Wax-embedded
specimens should form a ribbon of sections on the knife.
Sections can be removed either singularly or as a ribbon using forceps. Wax sections are
usually floated onto warm water to soften and flatten them. They can be collected on
microscope slides as follows:
a. Dip a microscope slide vertically into the warm water some distance from the
sections.
b. Carefully bring the slide close to the section so that the sections edge contacts the
slide in the appropriate position.
c. Now raise the slide vertically from the water.
3.5 Hints on Sectioning
1. Ensure the knife is sharp and clean. During use, the knife should be cleaned
occasionally to remove built-up wax.
2. Wax embedded specimens usually cut more easily if they have been chilled. It is
common practice to trim a batch of wax blocks, then place them face down on a cold
plate or crushed ice to cool them. This way they can be returned to the microtome
and sections cut while they are still cold.
3. A slow, steady cutting action is needed to obtain the best results. However, different
specimens may benefit from different cutting speeds, so experimentation will
sometimes bring improved results.
4. If the section ribbon is excessively folded, creased or compressed on the knife, first,
float it onto cold water and flatten it with the aid of a small artists brush. Now collect
sections with a microscope slide and carefully re-float onto warm water.
5. After collection, dry the wax sections onto the slides using either an oven or a
hotplate. Using temperatures 10º - 20º above the melting point of the wax, sections
will flatten and stick to the slide without being damaged.
For more detailed instructions on the preparation, cutting and subsequent staining of paraffin
wax sections, see any conventional text book of histological technique.