Leica RM2235 User manual

/HLFD50
Rotary Microtome
Instruction Manual
Leica RM2235
V1.4; Rev B, English – 02/2010
Always keep this manual with the instrument.
Read carefully before working with the instrument.

3
Leica RM2235
The information, numerical data, notes and val-
ue judgments contained in this manual repre-
sent the current state of scientific knowledge
and state-of-the-art technology as we under-
stand it following thorough investigation in this
field.
We are under no obligation to update the
present manual periodically and on an ongoing
basis according to the latest technical develop-
ments, nor to provide our customers with addi-
tional copies, updates etc. of this manual.
For erroneous statements, drawings, technical
illustrations etc. contained in this manual we
exclude liability as far as permissible according
to the national legal system applicable in each
individual case.
In particular, no liability whatsoever is accepted
for any financial loss or consequential damage
caused by or related to compliance with state-
ments or other information in this manual.
Statements, drawings, illustrations and other
information as regards contents or technical
details of the present manual are not to be con-
sidered as warranted characteristics of our
products.
These are determined only by the contract
provisions agreed between ourselves and our
customers.
Leica reserves the right to change technical
specifications as well as manufacturing pro-
cesses without prior notice. Only in this way is it
possible continuously to improve the technolo-
gy and manufacturing techniques used in our
products.
This document is protected under copyright
laws. Any copyrights of this document are re-
tained by Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH.
Any reproduction of text and illustrations (or of
any parts thereof) by means of print, photocopy,
microfiche, web cam or other methods – includ-
ing any electronic systems and media –
requires express prior permission in writing by
Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH.
For the instrument serial number and year of
manufacture, please refer to the name plate at
the back of the instrument.
© Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
NOTE
Published by:
Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
Heidelberger Str. 17 - 19
D-69226 Nussloch
Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Internet: http://www.leica-microsystems.com

4Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2010
Table of contents
1. Important notes ........................................................................................................................... 6
2. Safety ............................................................................................................................................ 7
2.1 Safety notes ................................................................................................................................ 7
2.2 Warnings ...................................................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Integrated safety devices ........................................................................................................ 10
3. Instrument components and specifications ....................................................................... 12
3.1 Overview – instrument components ...................................................................................... 12
3.2 Instrument specifications ........................................................................................................ 13
3.3 Technical data ........................................................................................................................... 14
4. Startup ........................................................................................................................................ 15
4.1 Standard delivery ...................................................................................................................... 15
4.2 Installation site requirements.................................................................................................. 15
4.3 Unpacking and installation ...................................................................................................... 16
4.4 Assembling the handwheel .....................................................................................................18
4.5 Inserting the universal cassette clamp ................................................................................. 19
4.6 Inserting the knife holder ......................................................................................................... 20
5. Operation ................................................................................................................................... 21
5.1 Operating elements and their functions ................................................................................ 21
5.1.1 Section thickness setting ......................................................................................................... 21
5.1.2 Coarse driving wheel ................................................................................................................ 21
5.1.4 Mechanical trimming function ................................................................................................ 22
5.1.3 Specimen retraction ................................................................................................................. 22
5.1.5 Specimen holder with precision orientation ......................................................................... 23
5.2 Adjusting the clearance angle ................................................................................................24
5.3 Fine adjustment of the force balance .................................................................................... 25
5.4 Clamping the specimen ............................................................................................................ 26
5.5 Clamping the knife / disposable blade ................................................................................... 26
5.6 Sectioning ................................................................................................................................... 27
5.7 Changing the specimen or interrupting sectioning ............................................................. 28
5.8 Finishing daily routine ............................................................................................................... 28
6. Optional accessories .............................................................................................................. 29
6.1 Assembly for fixture for specimen clamps ............................................................................ 29
6.1.1 Rigid fixture for specimen clamps ..........................................................................................29
6.1.2 Directional fixture for specimen clamps ............................................................................... 29
6.1.3 Fine-directional fixture for specimen clamps ....................................................................... 30

5
Leica RM2235
Table of contents
6.1.4 Quick clamping system ............................................................................................................. 31
6.2 Specimen clamps and holders ................................................................................................ 32
6.2.1 Standard specimen clamp ....................................................................................................... 32
6.2.2 Vee insert .................................................................................................................................... 32
6.2.3 Foil clamp type 1 ........................................................................................................................ 33
6.2.4 Foil clamp type 2 ........................................................................................................................ 34
6.2.5 Universal cassette clamp......................................................................................................... 35
Universal cassette clamp, ice-cooled ................................................................................... 35
6.2.6 Super mega-cassette clamp ................................................................................................... 36
6.2.7 Holder for round specimens .................................................................................................... 37
6.3 Knife holder base and knife holder ......................................................................................... 38
6.3.1 Knife holder base, without lateral movement feature ......................................................... 38
6.3.2 Knife holder E/E-TC ................................................................................................................... 39
6.3.3 Knife holder N/NZ ...................................................................................................................... 42
6.4 Section waste tray .................................................................................................................... 44
6.5 Backlighting................................................................................................................................ 44
6.6 Tray .............................................................................................................................................. 45
6.7 Freezer pack ............................................................................................................................... 45
6.8 Universal microscope carrier .................................................................................................. 46
6.9 Magnifying lens ......................................................................................................................... 48
6.10 Ordering information ................................................................................................................. 49
7. Customized solutions .............................................................................................................. 51
7.1 Possible faults ............................................................................................................................ 51
7.2 Instrument malfunctions .......................................................................................................... 51
8. Cleaning and maintenance .................................................................................................... 52
8.1 Cleaning the instrument ........................................................................................................... 52
8.2 Maintenance instructions ........................................................................................................ 54
8.3 Lubricating the instrument ....................................................................................................... 55
9. Warranty and service .............................................................................................................. 56

6Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2010
Notes, i.e. important user information
appear in a gray box and are marked
by an information symbol .
Dangers, warnings and cautions ap-
pear in a gray box and are marked by
a warning triangle .
Symbols in the text and their meanings
1. Important notes
(5)
Intended use of instrument
The Leica RM2235 is a manually operated rota-
tion microtome for creating thin sections of
specimens of varying hardness for use in rou-
tine and research laboratories in the fields of bi-
ology, medicine and industry.
It is designed for sectioning soft paraffin speci-
mens as well as harder specimens, as long as
they are suitable for being cut manually.
Any other use of the instrument is considered
improper!
Instrument type
All information provided in this manual applies
only to the instrument type indicated on the
cover page.
An identification label indicating the instrument
serial number is attached at the left side of the
instrument.
Fig. 1
Qualification of personnel
• The Leica RM2235 may be operated by
trained laboratory personnel only.
• All laboratory personnel designated to oper-
ate the Leica instrument must read this in-
struction manual carefully and must be fa-
miliar with all technical features of the
instrument before attempting to operate it.
Numbers in parentheses refer to item
numbers in illustrations.

7
Leica RM2235
Be sure to comply with the safety instructions and warnings provided in this chapter.
Be sure to read these instructions, even if you are already familiar with the operation and use
of other Leica products.
2. Safety
2.1 Safety notes
This instruction manual contains important
instructions and information regarding the op-
erational safety and maintenance of the instru-
ment.
The instruction manual is an important part of
the product, which must be read carefully prior
to startup and use and must always be kept
near the instrument.
If additional requirements on accident
prevention and environmental protec-
tion exist in the country of operation,
this instruction manual must be sup-
plemented by appropriate instructions
to ensure compliance with such
requirements.
This instrument is built and inspected according
to the Safety requirements for laboratory instru-
ments.
For current information about applicable stan-
dards, please refer to the CE declaration of con-
formity on our Internet site:
www.leica-microsystems.com
In order to maintain this condition and ensure
safe operation, the operator must observe all
the instructions and warnings contained in this
instruction manual.
The protective devices on both instrument and accessories may neither be removed nor modi-
fied. Only service personnel qualified by Leica may repair the instrument and access the in-
strument’s internal components.
2.2 Warnings
The safety devices installed in this instrument by the manufacturer only constitute the basis
for accident prevention. Primarily responsible for accident-free operation is above all the own-
er of the instrument and, in addition, the designated personnel who operates, services or
cleans the instrument.
To ensure trouble-free operation of the instrument, make sure to comply with the following
instructions and warnings.

8Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2010
Warnings – Working at the instrument
• Take care when handling microtome knives and disposable blades. The cutting edge is
extremely sharp and can cause severe injury!
• Always remove the knife / blade before detaching the knife holder from the instrument. Always
put the knives back into the knife case when not in use!
• Never place a knife anywhere with the cutting edge facing upwards and never try to catch a
falling knife!
• Always clamp the specimen block BEFORE clamping the knife.
Warnings – Safety instructions / warning labels attached to the instrument
• Safety instruction labels on the instrument marked with a warning triangle indicate that the
correct operating instructions (as described in this manual) must be followed when operating
or replacing the instrument component bearing the label.
Failure to adhere to these instructions may result in an accident, personal injury, damage to
the instrument or accessory equipment.
Warnings – Transport and installation
• Once removed from the crate, the instrument may only be transported in an upright position.
• Do not transport the instrument by holding it by the handwheel grips, coarse driving wheel or
the knob for setting the section thickness.
• The protective devices on both instrument and accessories must neither be removed nor mod-
ified.
2. Safety

9
Leica RM2235
Warnings – Working at the instrument
• Prior to manipulating the knife and specimen, or changing the specimen or knife, and during
breaks, always lock the handwheel and cover the cutting edge with the knife guard!
• ALWAYS turn the handwheel clockwise; otherwise, the brake will not work properly.
• Always wear protective glasses when sectioning brittle specimens. Specimen may splinter!
• Specimen blocks must not be oriented during the retraction phase! If a block is oriented during
retraction, the block will advance by the retraction value PLUS the selected section thickness
before the next section. This may cause damage to both specimen and knife!
Warnings – Cleaning and maintenance
• Always lock the handwheel before cleaning!
• Do not use any solvents containing acetone or xylene for cleaning!
• Ensure that no liquids enter the interior of the instrument when cleaning!
• When using detergents please comply with the safety precautions of the manufacturer.
2. Safety

10 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2010
• To lock the handwheel, press the lever (5)
outwards and continue to turn the hand-
wheel slowly until it locks exactly in the
12 o'clock position.
When using both brake systems at the
same time, always move the lever (3)
to position cfirst.
Otherwise, it may be not be possible
to release the lever (5).
2. Safety
2.3 Integrated safety devices
Locking the handwheel
There are two ways of locking the handwheel
(12):
Using the lever (3) on the right side of the micro-
tome base plate, the handwheel can be braked
in almost any position.
• To brake, rotate the lever in a counterclock-
wise direction to position z.
Caution!
The braking lever (3) must be exactly
in position z, so that the handwheel
brake is applied correctly.
If the lever is moved beyond this point,
it is possible that the handwheel is no
longer braked.
• To unlock the handwheel brake turn the
lever (3) back to its original position.
Position c.
Fig. 2
3
5
12