Leica VT1000 S User manual

Instruction Manual
Leica VT1000S V1.6 English - 11/2007
Always keep this manual near the instrument.
Read carefully prior to operating the instrument.
Leica VT1000 S
Vibrating-blade
microtome

3
Leica VT1000 S – Microtome
Issued by :
Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
Heidelberger Str. 17 - 19
D-69226 Nussloch
Germany
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: [phone]
eMail: [email protected]
Internet: http://www.histo-solutions.com
These are determined only by the contract provi-
sions agreed between ourselves and our custom-
ers.
Leica reserves the right to change technical speci-
fications as well as manufacturing processes with-
out prior notice. Only in this way is it possible to
continuously improve the technology and manufac-
turing techniques used in our products.
This document is protected under copyright laws.
Any copyrights of this document are retained by
Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH.
Any reproduction of text and illustrations (or of any
parts thereof) by means of print, photocopy, micro-
fiche, web cam or other methods – including any
electronic systems and media – requires express
prior permission in writing by Leica Biosystems
Nussloch GmbH.
For the instrument serial number and year of manu-
facture, please refer to the name plate at the back
of the instrument.
© Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
The information, numerical data, notes and value
judgments contained in this manual represent the
current state of scientific knowledge and state-of-
the-art technology as we understand 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 developments, nor to provide our custom-
ers with additional copies, updates etc. of this
manual.
For erroneous statements, drawings, technical il-
lustrations etc. contained in this manual we exclude
liability as far as permissible according to the na-
tional legal system applicable in each individual
case. In particular, no liability whatsoever is ac-
cepted for any financial loss or consequential dam-
age caused by or related to compliance with state-
ments or other information in this manual.
Statements, drawings, illustrations and other infor-
mation as regards contents or technical details of
the present manual are not to be considered as
warranted characteristics of our products.
Note

4Instruction Manual V 1.6 – 11/2007
Table of contents
1. Important notes .............................................................................................................. 5
1.1 Symbols used in this manual and their meaning ...................................................... 5
1.2 Qualification of personnel .............................................................................................. 5
1.3 Designated use / improper use ..................................................................................... 5
2. Safety ................................................................................................................................6
2.1 General safety instructions ............................................................................................ 6
2.2 Safety instructions for handling the instrument ......................................................... 7
3. Instrument properties ................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Technical Data ................................................................................................................. 8
3.2 Overview - VT1000S ........................................................................................................ 9
4. Installation .................................................................................................................... 11
4.1 Standard delivery ........................................................................................................... 11
4.2 Unpacking and installing the instrument .................................................................. 12
5. Operation........................................................................................................................ 13
5.1 Setting up the instrument ............................................................................................. 13
5.2 The VT 1000 S controls and their function ................................................................ 14
5.3 Adjusting the amplitude ............................................................................................... 18
5.4 Working with the VT 1000 S on a daily base ............................................................ 19
5.5 Daily routine maintenance / switching the VT1000S off......................................... 22
6. Trouble shooting .......................................................................................................... 23
7. Cleaning and maintenance ....................................................................................... 28
7.1 Cleaning the instrument ............................................................................................... 28
7.2 Exchanging the main fuses .......................................................................................... 29
8. Ordering information: replacement parts, accessories and consumables .. 30
8.1 Additional accessories for standard size specimens (functional description) .. 31
8.2 Additional accessories for large specimens (functional description) ................ 31
8.3 Foot switch (functional description) ........................................................................... 32
8.4 Magnifier, fiber optics, cold light source .................................................................. 33
9. Warranty and service ................................................................................................. 34
10. EC Declaration of Conformity .................................................................................... 35
11. Peoples Republic of China......................................................................................... 36

5
Leica VT1000 S – Microtome
1.1 Symbols used in this manual and
their meaning
Warnings
appear in a grey box and are marked
by a warning triangle:
Useful notes,
i.e. important user information ap-
pear in a grey box and are marked by
an information symbol:
Figures in brackets refer to item
numbers in drawings or to the draw-
ings themselves.
1. Important notes
(5)
(Fig.5)
Instrument type:
All information given in this instruction manual
applies only to the VT1000 S.
A name plate, indicating the instrument serial
number, is attached to the back of the instru-
ment.
Required information for all inquiries:
For any inquiries please specify:
• Instrument type
• Serial number
1.2 Qualification of personnel
The Leica VT1000S should be operated by
trained laboratory personnel only.
Prior to starting work with the instrument, all
laboratory personnel designated to operate the
instrument must carefully read the present in-
struction manual and must be familiar with all
technical features of the instrument.
1.3 Designated use / improper use
The VT1000S has been designed for section-
ing of specimens in medicine, biology and in-
dustry, especially for sectioning fixed or fresh
tissue immersed in buffer solution.
The instrument must be operated exclusively
according to the instructions contained in this
manual.
Any other use of the instrument is considered
improper.

6Instruction Manual V 1.6 – 11/2007
This instruction manual includes important instructions and information
regarding the operating safety and maintenance of the instrument.
The instruction manual is an important part of the product. It must be read
carefully before using the instrument for the first time and must always be
kept with the instrument.
If additional requirements, which exceed the scope of this manual, are imposed
by regulations and/or laws on accident prevention and environmental
protection in the country of operation, appropriate instructions for compliance
with such requirements must be added to this manual.
Read this instruction manual carefully before attempting to work on or operate
the instrument.
2. Safety
2.1 General safety instructions
These instruments have been built and tested in accordance with the
safety regulations for electrical measuring, control, regulating and labo-
ratory devices.
In order to maintain this condition and to ensure safe operation, the user
must follow the instructions and warnings contained in this Operating
Manual.
For current information about applicable standards, please refer to the
CE Declaration of Conformity on our Internet site:
www.histo-solutions.com

7
Leica VT1000 S – Microtome
Caution / danger
Caution: risk of injury when touching
the knives and blades as these are
extremely sharp.
Warning: risk of infection when
working with fresh tissue or with
material where an infection cannot
be excluded.
Caution: When not in use, cover
magnifier with corresponding lid to
avoid risk of fire.
Warning: Avoid touching live parts
under any circumstances!
2. Safety
2.2 Safety instructions for handling the instrument
Correct behavior
Be sure to handle knives and blades very cau-
tiously!
Never touch the cutting edge of knives and
blades!
Do not leave knives, blades and bladed knife
holders unprotected.
Take adequate protective measures to elimi-
nate risk of infection!
Protective clothes according to safety regula-
tions "Working with harmful substances"
(Safety mask, gloves, protective clothing) must
be worn!
The magnifier must be covered while the in-
strument is not in use, as it may act as a burn-
ing glass when not covered!
In case of emergency, press the red EMER-
GENCY STOP switch (at the right side of the in-
strument). To release the switch, turn it in the
direction of the arrow.
The instrument cover may only be removed by
qualified service personnel!
Before removing the cover, ensure that the in-
strument is unplugged.

8Instruction Manual V 1.6 – 11/2007
3. Instrument properties
3.1 Technical Data
General:
Sectioning frequency (± 10 %) ......................................................................................................... 0 - 100 Hz
Amplitude .................................................................................. adjustable in 5 steps: 0.2; 0.4; 0.6; 0.8; 1 mm
Sectioning speed (± 10 %) ...................................................................................................... 0.025 - 2.5 mm/s
Return stroke speed (± 10 %)................................................................................................................ 5 mm/s
Total vertical specimen stroke ......................................................................................... 15 mm (motorized)
Sectioning range .......................................................................................................... 1 - 40 mm (adjustable)
Specimen retraction .............................................................. 0 - 999 μm (adjustable; can be deactivated)
Maximum specimen size:
with standard knife holder ........................................................................................................ 33 x 40 mm
with knife holder L ...................................................................................................................... 70 x 40 mm
Specimen orientation.................................................................................................................................. 330°
Section thickness selection .................................................................................. 1 - 999 μm, in 1-μm steps
Magnifier, assy. (Standard accessory) ...................................................................................................... 2 x
Ambiance conditions:
Working temperature range .................................................................................... min. 10 °C to max. 40 °C
Relative humidity of air ..................................................................................................................... max. 60 %
Altitude (site): ....................................................................................................max. 2,000 m above sea level
Electrical specifications:
Nominal voltage range (± 10 %): ................................................................................................100 V - 240 V
Rated frequency (± 10 %): ................................................................................................................ 50 - 60 Hz
Power draw ................................................................................................................................................ 35 VA
Mains fuse............................................................................................................................................... T 1.25 A
Pollution degree ................................................................................................................................................. 2
Overvoltage installation category ................................................................................................................. II
Overload protection ...................................................................................................................................... yes
Internal current limiter of electronics ....................................................................................................... yes
Dimensions:
L x W x H ................................................................................................................ 480 mm x 360 mm x 200 mm
Height with magnifier............................................................................................................................. 285 mm
Weight:
(without magnifier) ..................................................................................................................................... 17 kg
(magnifier only) ............................................................................................................................................. 2 kg
(total) ............................................................................................................................................................. 19 kg

9
Leica VT1000 S – Microtome
3. Instrument properties
3.2 Overview - VT1000 S
Buffer tray S
Emergency stop switch
(not visible here)
Fixture
for magnifier
Fiber optics (optional)
Magnifierglass
Cold light source
Leica CLS 100 (optional)
Knife holder
Control panel
Magnifier
carrier
Cutting head

10 Instruction Manual V 1.6 – 11/2007
3. Instrument properties
Control knob for sectioning
frequency
LED mode indication:
'Totalized section thickness’
'Section thickness’
CLR-Clear button
DISP-Programming button
Selector button
'Single/ Continuous stroke'
(LEDs indicate selected mode)
Toggle switch for knife
forward and return stroke
Toggle switch
'Buffer tray height adjustment
(LEDs indicate limit positions)
Pause button -
stops sectioning process
Control knob
for sectioning speed
Indication of selected section
thickness or totalized section
thickness in μm
+/- Selection button
for sectioning thickness
(1 - 999 μm selectable),
retraction and/or volume
Button for setting the limit
stops of the sectioning
window
Start button
for single / continuous
sectioning stroke
Emergency stop button
Fixing device for drain tube
Connecting socket for power cord
Mains switch
9-Channel plug for foot
switch
Button for maximum advance
speed

11
Leica VT1000 S – Microtome
4. Installation
4.1 Standard delivery
VT1000S – Basic instrument 0472 35612
1 Silicon tube D-6x1.5 ....................................................................... 0462 27513
1 Set of mains cables
-Mains cable ‘Germany’ ............................................................ 0411 13558
-Mains cable 'USA-CAN-J' ....................................................... 0411 13559
-Mains cable 'UK' ST/BU F-5A .................................................. 0411 27822
1 Set of replacement fuses 2 x T 1.25 A ...................................... 6943 01251
1 Tool set
-1 Allen key, size 2.5 .................................................................... 0194 13195
-1 Allen key size 8.0 ..................................................................... 0194 04792
-1 Manipulator ............................................................................. 0462 28930
1 Microtome protective cover, type 104 R – flexible................. 0212 04091
1 Instruction manual Leica VT1000 S, in 4 languages .............. 0702 37104
VT1000S complete configuration 0472 35613
- 1 x VT1000S Basic instrument .................................................. 0472 35612
- 3 Specimen discs S, ∅50 mm, non orientable..................... 0463 27404
- Buffer tray S .................................................................................. 0462 30132
- 5 Countersunk screw, M 5x8 ................................................ 2101 77121
- 2 Hose clamps ........................................................................... 0481 41952
- Knife holder S – for injector and razor blades ..................... 0462 30131
- 1 Hexagon key w/handle, size 3 – metric .............................. 0194 04764
- 1 Bottle of Cyanoacrylate adhesive........................................ 0371 27414
- Magnifier assy. (magnifier glass & carrier) .......................... 0462 31191
VT 1000 S complete configuration & sapphire knife 9010 00001
- 1x VT1000 S Basic instrument .................................................. 0472 35612
- Accessories as for complete configuration above............ 0472 35613
plus:
- 1x Sapphire knife......................................................................... 0216 35654
If you ordered additional accessories, please compare the deliv-
ered parts with your order form. Should there be any discrepan-
cies, please contact your local Leica sales representation imme-
diately.

12 Instruction Manual V 1.6 – 11/2007
4.2 Unpacking and installing the instrument
If at all possible the instrument should be installed on a low-vi-
bration workbench surface.
Unpacking the instrument:
- Open the transport box and carefully remove all the parts from the
box.
- Compare with the attached pack list to make sure the delivery is com-
plete.
- Connect the drain tube (Fig. 13.1) of the cooling bath at the underside
of the instrument (1).
- Ensure that the loose end of the drain tube is closed tightly with the
matching stopper.
- Secure the loose end of the drain tube in the holder at the rear of the
instrument (2).
Mounting the magnifier:
- The magnifier carrier is packed separately.
- Attach it to the instrument as shown in Fig. 11.2.
- Connecting the optional foot switch:
- Plug in the foot-switch into the 9-channel plug (3) at the rear of the
instrument.
4. Installation
Fig. 12.1
1
2
Fig. 12.2 3

13
Leica VT1000 S – Microtome
5.1 Setting up the instrument
1. Put the mains switch at the back of the instrument to the OFF position.
2. Make sure the mains cable is connected correctly to the instrument.
3. Attach the magnifier carrier.
4. Insert a blade into the knife holder.
5. Insert the buffer tray.
6. Insert the knife holder.
7. Connect magnifier carrier / optional fiber optics light guide to the cold
light source as shown below: insert plug (1) of the fiber optics light
guide into socket (2) at the cold light source.
8. Connect the optional foot switch at the rear of the instrument.
9. Plug the mains cable into the mains power wall outlet.
10. Switch the instrument ON (mains switch).
5. Operation
1
2
The Leica VT1000S is equipped with a wide-range power
pack to cover voltages from 100 V to 240 V.
Once the mains switch is turned on, the instrument carries
out an initialization process: after performing a slight for-
ward movement, the knife moves to the final rear position.

14 Instruction manual V1.6 – 11/2007
5. Operation
5.2 The VT 1000 S controls and their function
Attention: Practise working with the controls without a knife
holder inserted. Only insert the knife holder when you are com-
pletely familiar with all control functions.
Scale setting mm/s
0 0.00
0.5 0.025
1 0.05
2 0.10
3 0.15
4 0.20
5 0.25
6 0.50
7 0.75
8 1.00
9 1.75
10 2.50
-10-Speed rotating potentiometer with scale
-Function:
Continuous knife feed adjustment from 0.05
- 2.5 mm/s:
Knife return stroke is performed at constant
speed of 5 mm/s.
The additional locking lever (lever in 12 o’clock
position) prevents the speed setting from be-
ing accidentally changed while sectioning is
in progress.
SPEED
-Control knob with scale from 0 to 10
-Function:
Continuous adjustment of knife sectioning
frequency (vibration) from 8 - 100 Hz.
Scale setting Hz
00
0.5 8
110
220
330
440
550
660
770
880
990
10 100
FREQ
FREQ
Locking lever

15
Leica VT1000 S – Microtome
5. Operation
Function:
• When the V-Max button is activated in manual mode (LED on - red light)
and the REV/FORW button is pressed, the knife moves towards the
specimen at maximum speed.
• When the START button is pressed, the LED in the V-Max button is
extinguished. Sectioning starts at the speed previously selected.
Setting a sectioning window:
If - accidentally - only one limit stop of the sectioning window is
set, the knife covers the maximum sectioning range!
• Activate the V-Max button. Press REV/FORW toggle switch for fast
movement of the knife towards the specimen. Press the button to
set the first limit of the sectioning window.
• Press REV/FORW once again, moving the knife edge past the speci-
men block and press once more to set the second sectioning
window limit.
• Press START to deactivate V-Max. The knife edge moves back to the
first sectioning window limit and resumes sectioning at the previ-
ously selected speed (10-speed rotary potentiometer).
Function:
• Start single or continuous sectioning stroke – according to whether
SINGLE or CONT mode has previously been selected (see descrip-
tion of Single/Cont mode for further details)
• Specimen feed (section thickness) takes place prior to each section.
• Retraction (specimen is lowered) takes place when the knife reaches
the rear inversive point.
• In SINGLE mode, the knife stops automatically in the rear end posi-
tion.
• 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.
2
1
Button with LED
Button with LED

16 Instruction Manual V 1.6 – 11/2007
5. 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; the REV-movement is carried out
completely once the switch has been locked into place.
To stop the REV-movement before reaching the rear end position, switch
the toggle switch manually back into its center position.
The REV/FORW switch can also be used to stop a sectioning stroke which
has been activated by pressing the START/STOP button.
LED indication with -/+ adjusting button, DISP and CLR function keys
Function of LED indication:
Indicates the selected sectioning thickness or totalized section thick-
ness.
Function of the -/+ button:
Selection of section thickness in 1-μm steps from 0 to 999 μm.
The specimen feed (in the preselected section thickness) takes place at
the beginning of each sectioning stroke.
Function of the DISP button:
To select between two modes of operation:
'∑μm'= section thickness totalizing
'μm' = section thickness
Function of the CLR button in section thickness totalizing mode:
Sets the value indicated in the section thickness totalizer mode
(∑μm) to zero.

17
Leica VT1000 S – Microtome
5. Operation
Function:
Switch between single stroke
(1 sectioning stroke / 1 return stroke of the knife) and
continuous stroke (continuous sectioning until the START/STOP-but-
ton is pressed).
- To stop the knife at the rear end position in CONT mode press the
START/STOP button. The sectioning stroke in progress will be com-
pleted and the knife will then stop at the selected end position of the
sectioning range.
Toggle switch
•Function:
Motorized height adjustment of buffer tray within a total vertical range
of 15 mm (= total vertical specimen stroke).
The upper and lower end positions of the buffer tray are indicated
each by an audible sound signal and a red LED.
While the knife is in motion the UP/DOWN toggle switch is
inoperational.
For the DOWN motion the toggle switch can be locked in the DOWN
position; for the UP motion, the switch must be pressed and held in
the UP position.
When the lowest possible position is reached with the toggle switch
being locked in DOWN there will be both an audible and a visible
signal. Once the switch is unlocked, the buffer tray is automatically
raised until both signals switch off.
• To select the retraction thickness, to deactivate retraction or to set
the volume of the VT1000 S sound signal, press the following function
key combinations:
Volume adjustment:
• Select section thickness mode (‘μm’) pressing the DISP button.
• Press the CLR and +buttons simultaneously. The indication 'BE 15'
will be displayed. The volume can now be adjusted via the -/+ button.
'0’ is equivalent to no sound signal.
• To quit the programming mode, press CLR.
Button with LED

18 Instruction Manual V 1.6 – 11/2007
5. 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'.
- The selected value will be displayed in the FEED window.
- Press CLR to quit the menu function.
5.3 Adjusting the amplitude
- To obtain excellent sectioning results, the amplitude requires adjust-
ment according to the specimen type being sectioned.
To this end:
- With a 2.5 mm Allen key loosen the clamping screw (1) and secure the
eccentric on the bottom with your finger. Selectable amplitude posi-
tions are, from left to right: 0.2 mm; 0.4 mm; 0.6 mm; 0.8 mm; 1 mm.
- Slide the amplitude clamping screw to the desired amplitude position
and retighten.
When adjusting the amplitude setting, do not remove the clamp-
ing screw, simply loosen it.
The instrument is shipped with the amplitude set to 0.6 mm.
Fig. 18
1

19
Leica VT1000 S – Microtome
5.4 Working with the VT 1000 S 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).
- Via the UP/DOWN toggle switch lower the buffer tray to its lowest
position (indicated by audible signal and red LED).
- Move the toggle switch back to the mid-position - the audible signal
stops.
- If necessary, fill crushed ice into the cooling bath (3).
- Fill the buffer tray (1) with cooled buffer solution.
- Fix the specimen onto the specimen disc with cyanoacrylate adhe-
sive (19.2).
- Insert the specimen disc (5) with the specimen into the buffer tray
using the manipulator (6).
- Use the manipulator (8) to rotate the specimen disc into the desired
position. Tighten with a 3 mm Allen key (7).
- The clamping screw or one of the clamping devices must not be
located over the gap in the specimen disc, as in these positions clamp-
ing the specimen disc is not possible.
- Remove the manipulator (8).
Fig. 19.1
Fig. 19.2
Fig. 19.3
Fig. 19.4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
5. Operation

20 Instruction Manual V 1.6 – 11/2007
Adjusting the clearance angle
- Adjust the clearance angle (2) of the knife holder.
To this end:
- Loosen the two lateral screws (1) with a 3-mm Allen key).
- Use the adjusting lever (2) to select the desired clearance angle.
- Secure the selected clearance angle by tightening the two screws (1).
The Leica VT1000S does not require the readjustment of the
clearance angle every time you change the knife. The clearance
angle needs to be readjusted only, when required by a different
application (e.g. different type of tissue to be sectioned).
- To insert the blade, loosen the clamping screw (3) located on the
knife holder.
- Clean the blade.
- Insert the blade into the knife holder (4).
- Secure the blade with clamping screw (5).
The blade must fit tightly against the entire length of the inner
limit stop of the knife holder.
The blade must be clamped parallel to the front edge of both
knife holder clamping jaws.
5. Operation
Fig. 20.1
Fig. 20.2
Fig. 20.3
1
1
2
3
5
4