Leica VT1000 S User manual

Instructions for Use
VT1000 S
Vibrating-blade microtome
Leica VT1000 S, V 2.3 , English - 09/2018
Order No. 14 0472 80101 RevK
Always keep this manual with the instrument.
Read carefully before working with the instrument.

1
Leica VT1000 S - Vibrating-blade microtome
These are determined only by the contract
provisions agreed between ourselves and our
customers.
Leica reserves the right to change technical spec-
ifications as well as manufacturing processes
without prior notice. Only in this way is it pos-
sible to continuously improve the technology and
manufacturing 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,
microfiche, 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
manufacture, please refer to the nameplate at
the rear side 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 ac-
cording to the latest technical developments, nor
to provide our customers with additional copies,
updates etc. of this manual.
To the extent permitted in accordance with the
national legal system as applicable in each indi-
vidual case, we shall not be held liable for errone-
ous statements, drawings, technical illustrations
etc. contained in this manual.
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 Instructions for Use are not
to be considered as warranted characteristics of
our products.
Note
Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
Heidelberger Str. 17 - 19
D-69226 Nussloch
Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Internet: http://www.LeicaBiosystems.com
Assembly contracted to Leica Microsystems Ltd. Shanghai

2Instructions for Use, V 2.3 RevK – 09/2018
Contents
1. Important Information ....................................................................................................3
2. Safety ................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Safety notes................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Warnings........................................................................................................................................ 5
2.3 Safety instructions for handling the instrument...................................................................... 6
3. Instrument Characteristics ...........................................................................................7
3.1 Technical Data.............................................................................................................................. 7
3.2 General overview - VT1000 S...................................................................................................... 8
4. Installation.....................................................................................................................10
4.1 Standard delivery........................................................................................................................ 10
4.2 Unpacking and setting up the instrument............................................................................... 11
5. Operation........................................................................................................................13
5.1 Installation site requirements................................................................................................... 13
5.2 Setting up the instrument.......................................................................................................... 14
5.3 The operating elements and their function - VT1000 S ........................................................ 15
5.4 Adjusting the amplitude............................................................................................................. 19
5.5 Working with the VT1000 S on a daily basis........................................................................... 20
5.6 Routine daily maintenance and switching off the instrument - VT1000 S......................... 23
6. Malfunctions: Meaning and Troubleshooting.........................................................24
7. Cleaning and Maintenance ........................................................................................29
7.1 Cleaning the instrument............................................................................................................. 29
7.2 Changing the fuse....................................................................................................................... 30
8. Ordering Information: Spare Parts, Accessory, Consumables.............................31
8.1 Foot switch................................................................................................................................... 32
8.2 Buffer tray.................................................................................................................................... 32
8.2.1 Double-walled buffer tray S...................................................................................................... 32
8.3 Magnifier, LED illumination....................................................................................................... 33
8.4 Julabo recirculating cooler/chiller FL300............................................................................... 34
9. Warranty and Service..................................................................................................35
10. Decontamination Confirmation..................................................................................36

3
Leica VT1000 S - Vibrating-blade microtome
Symbols used in this manual and their meaning
1. Important Information
(5)
(Fig. 5)
Numbers in parentheses refer to item num-
bers in illustrations or to the illustrations
themselves.
Useful tips,
i.e. important information for the user,
appear in gray boxes and are marked by
an .
Dangers, warnings and cautions
appear in a gray box and are marked by
a warning triangle .
Environmental protection symbol of the
China RoHS directive.
The number in the symbol indicates the
"Environment-friendly Use Period" of the
product in years.
The symbol is used if a substance
restricted in China is used in excess of
the maximum permitted limit.
The CE labeling shows that the product
corresponds to one or more applicable
European directives.
Symbol for labeling electrical and elec-
tronic equipment in accordance with
Section 7 of the German Electrical and
Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG).
ElektroG is the law on the bringing into
circulation, return and environmentally
compatible disposal of electrical and
electronic equipment.
Caution! Follow the accompanying
documentation!
Instrument model:
All information provided in these Instructions for
Use applies only to the instrument type indicated
on the title page. A nameplate indicating the
instrument serial number is attached to the rear
side of the instrument.
Information:
When making inquiries, please specify correctly:
• Instrument model • Serial number
Observe the Instructions for Use
Order No.
Serial number
Date of Manufacture
Manufacturer
The Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM)
indicates a device’s compliance with
applicable ACMA technical standards of
New Zealand and Australia - that is, for
telecommunications, radio communica-
tions, EMC and EME.

4Instructions for Use, V 2.3 RevK – 09/2018
Qualification of personnel
The Leica VT1000 S should be operated by trained laboratory personnel only.
All laboratory personnel designated to operate this instrument must read these Instructions for
Use carefully and must be familiar with all technical features of the instrument before attempt-
ing to operate it.
Intended use/improper use
The VT1000 S is used for sectioning in the fields of medicine, biology and industry, and is espe-
cially designed for sectioning fixed or unfixed fresh tissue in a buffer solution.
The VT1000 S may be used for research purposes only. Sections made using the VT1000 S
must NOT be used for diagnostics!
The instrument must be used exclusively according to the instructions contained in these
Instructions for Use.
Any other use of the instrument is considered improper.
1. Important Information

5
Leica VT1000 S - Vibrating-blade microtome
2. Safety
2.1 Safety notes
These Instructions for Use includes important
information related to the operating safety and
maintenance of the instrument.
The Operating Manual is an important part of
the product, and must be read carefully prior to
startup and use and must always be kept near
the instrument.
This instrument has been built and tested in
accordance with the safety requirements for
electrical equipment for measurement, control,
and laboratory use.
To maintain this condition and ensure safe opera-
tion, the user must observe all notes and warnings
contained in these Instructions for Use.
The current EC Declarations of Conformity can be
found on the Internet:
www.LeicaBiosystems.com
2.2 Warnings
The safety devices installed in this instrument by the manufacturer only constitute the basis
for accident prevention. Operating the instrument safely is, above all, the responsibility of the
owner, as well as the designated personnel who operate, service or clean the instrument.
To ensure trouble-free operation of the instrument, make sure to comply with the following
instructions and warnings.
These Instructions for Use must be ap-
propriately supplemented as required
by the existing regulations on accident
prevention and environmental safety in
the operator‘s country.
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.
The protective devices located on the instrument and the accessories must not be
removed or modified. The instrument must only be opened and repaired by service techni-
cians authorized by Leica.

6Instructions for Use, V 2.3 RevK – 09/2018
2. Safety
2.3 Safety instructions for handling the instrument
Proper handling
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.
All appropriate safety precautions must be met
to avoid the risk of infection.
Protective clothing according to safety regula-
tions for "Working with harmful substances"
(Safety mask, gloves, protective clothing) must
be worn!
Cover the magnifier during work breaks as it may
act as a burning glass when not covered!
In case of emergency, press the red EMERGENCY
STOP switch (at the right side of the instrument).
To release the switch, turn it in the direction of
the arrow.
The instrument may be opened by authorized
service personnel only.
Before removing the cover, ensure that the instru-
ment is unplugged.
Warning: Avoid touching live parts
under any circumstances!
Danger
Caution: Extremely sharp blades pose
risk of injury when touched!
Caution: Fresh tissue poses risk of
infection!
Caution: When not in use, cover magni-
fier with corresponding lid to avoid risk
of fire.

7
Leica VT1000 S - Vibrating-blade microtome
3. Instrument Characteristics
3.1 Technical Data
General data:
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
Specimen orientation.....................................................................................................................................330°
Section thickness selection......................................................................................1 - 999 µm, in 1-µm steps
Magnifier, assy. (standard accessory of the configured instrument)............................ 2 x magnification
Ambient conditions:
Operating temperature range....................................................................................... min. 5 °C to max. 40 °C
Relative humidity .................................................................................................................................. max. 80 %
Height: .................................................................................................................. up to 2000 m above sea level
Electrical data:
Rated voltage range (± 10 %): ........................................................................................................ 100 V - 240 V
Nominal frequency (± 10 %): ................................................................................................................50 - 60 Hz
Power draw .................................................................................................................................................. 50 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 support................................................................................................................ 285 mm
Weight:
(without magnifier support) ........................................................................................................................ 17 kg
(magnifier support only) ................................................................................................................................ 2 kg
(total)............................................................................................................................................................... 19 kg

8Instructions for Use, V 2.3 RevK – 09/2018
3. Instrument characteristics
3.2 General overview - VT1000 S
Buffer tray S
EMERGENCY STOP
switch (not visible here)
Fixture for
magnifier
support
Module LED Hi-Power spots, 2-arm
(optional)
Magnifier
Module Hi-Power spot, LED 1000
(optional)
Knife holder
Control panel
Magnifier support
Cutting head
Fig. 2

9
Leica VT1000 S - Vibrating-blade microtome
Rotary 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 adjust-
ment" (LEDs indicate limit
positions)
Pause button -
stops sectioning process
Rotary knob
for sectioning
speed
Indication of selected sec-
tion thickness or totalized
section thickness in µm
+/- selection button for sec-
tion 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
Power switch
Connection for foot switch,
9-pole
3. Instrument Characteristics
Button for maximum
advance speed
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

10 Instructions for Use, V 2.3 RevK – 09/2018
4. Installation
4.1 Standard delivery
Basic instrument.............................................................................. 14 0472 35612
1 Silicon tube.................................................................................... 14 0462 27513
1 set of replacement fuses 2 x T 1.25 A........................................ 14 6943 01251
1 toolset:
-1 Allen key, No. 2.5................................................................... 14 0194 13195
-1 Allen key, No. 8.0................................................................... 14 0194 04792
-1 Manipulator............................................................................ 14 0462 28930
1 Microtome protective cover....................................................... 14 0212 04091
1 Instructions for Use printed (English,
with Language CD 14 0472 80200).............................................. 14 0472 80001
VT1000 S complete configuration ................................................ 14 0472 35613
- VT1000 S basic instrument....................................................... 14 0472 35612
- 3 Specimen discs S, non orientable ....................................... 14 0463 27404
- Buffer tray S................................................................................ 14 0462 30132
- 5 Countersunk screw, M 5 x 8................................................ 14 2101 77121
- 2 Hose clamps.......................................................................... 14 0481 41952
- Knife holder S – for injector and razor blades...................... 14 0462 30131
- Hexagon key w/handle, size 3 ................................................. 14 0194 04764
- 1 Bottle of Cyanoacrylate adhesive........................................ 14 0371 27414
- Magnifier assy. (magnifier glass & carrier) .......................... 14 0462 31191
When ordering additional accessories, compare the parts received with the parts or-
dered. If the parts received do not match your order, contact the sales company respon-
sible for your order immediately.
The country specific power cord needs to be ordered separately. Please find a list of all power
cords available for your device on our website www.LeicaBiosystems.com within the product
section.

11
Leica VT1000 S - Vibrating-blade microtome
4.2 Unpacking and setting up the instrument
4. Installation


1. Cut through the iron strap (1) and adhesive
tape (2) using a suitable tool and remove
them.
2. Check the accessory cartons (3) and separate
accessories provided (standard scope of
delivery - in transparent bag (4) and check to
ensure that they are complete.
1
2
34
3. Lift the instrument out of the transport carton by the carrying straps (5) and place it on a suitable
stable laboratory table. The instrument is securely fastened to the baseplate (6) using a screw.
Tilt the instrument including the baseplate (Fig. 8) - hold the instrument with one hand on the recess
(8) for the buffer tray! NEVER lift or hold it by the cutting head (7)! Unscrew the screw (6) using the
size 8 Allen key provided and remove the base plate.
5
5
6
7!
8
Fig. 5 Fig. 6
Fig. 7 Fig. 8

12 Instructions for Use, V 2.3 RevK – 09/2018
Fig. 9
5. Using both hands at the sides (Fig. 9), grasp the
bottom of the instrument and carefully place it on
a suitable laboratory table.
Fig. 10 - Bottom of the instrument
2
Assembling the drain tube
• Connect the drain tube (Fig. 10) to the bottom 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).
1
4
Assembling the magnifier support and foot switch (optional)
Fig. 11
• The magnifier support (3) is packaged separately.
• Set it on the instrument as shown in Fig. 11.
• Attach the optional foot switch.
• Securely plug the foot switch into the 9-pin socket (4).
3
4. Installation
Compare with the attached packing list to
make sure the delivery is complete.
When transporting the instrument, always do so WITHOUT the
magnifier support!

13
Leica VT1000 S - Vibrating-blade microtome
5. Operation
• The instrument is designed for indoor use only.
• The power plug must be freely and easily accessible.
• Power supply at a distance no greater than the length of the power cable
(3m) – an extension cable must not be used.
• Level installation location,
• Substrate as free of vibration as possible,
• Relative humidity should not exceed 80 %
• Room temperature consistently between +5 °C and +40 °C
• Avoid vibrations, direct sunlight, and large temperature fluctuations!
The instrument MUST be connected to a grounded power socket. Use only a provided
power cable that is intended for the local power supply.
5.1 Installation site requirements
The place of installation must meet the following requirements:
The instrument may not be operated in hazardous locations.

14 Instructions for Use, V 2.3 RevK – 09/2018
2. Make sure the power cable is connected correctly to the instrument.
3. Attach the magnifier support.
4. Insert the buffer tray.
5. Insert the knife holder.
6. Insert a blade into the knife holder.
7. Connect the magnifier support with Module LED Hi-Power spots, 2-arm, as shown in Fig. 12.
Insert plug (1) of the Module LED Hi-Power spots, 2-arm, into socket (2) at the Module
Hi-Power spot, LED 1000.
8. Connect the optional foot switch at the rear of the instrument.
9. Plug the power cable into the wall socket.
10. Switch the instrument on (main switch).
5. Operation
1
2
Fig. 12 Fig. 13
5.2 Setting up the instrument
1. Put the main switch at the back of the instrument to the OFF position.
The instrument MUST be connected to a grounded power socket. Use only a provided
power cable that is intended for the local power supply.
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 a autoranging power supply to
cover voltages from 100 V to 240 V.
After switching on the main switch, the instrument carries out an
initial startup run: The blade returns to the rear starting position
after a short forward movement.

15
Leica VT1000 S - Vibrating-blade microtome
5. Operation
5.3 The operating elements and their function - VT1000 S
Scale setting mm/s
0 0.00
0.5 0.025
1 0.050
2 0.075
3 0.125
4 0.175
5 0.225
6 0.40
7 0.65
8 0.90
9 1.30
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
Rotary knob with scale from 0 to 10
Function:
Continuous adjustment of knife sectioning fre-
quency (vibration) from 8 - 100 Hz.
Scale setting Hz
0 0
0.5 8
1 10
2 20
3 30
4 40
5 50
6 60
7 70
8 80
9 90
10 100
FREQ
FREQ
Locking lever
SPEED
Caution: Practice working with the controls without a blade holder inserted. Only insert
the knife holder when you are completely familiar with all control functions.
Fig. 14
Fig. 15

16 Instructions for Use, V 2.3 RevK – 09/2018
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 speci-
men 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:
5. Operation
2
1
Button with LED
Button with LED
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 move-
ment of the blade towards the specimen. Press the button to set the
first limit of the sectioning window.
• Press REV/FORW once again, moving the blade edge past the specimen
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 previously
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 description 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 position.
• In CONT mode, START/STOP has to be pressed again to stop the section-
ing movement. The knife stops in the rear end position.
• A sectioning process, once started, will continue.
Fig. 16

17
Leica VT1000 S - Vibrating-blade microtome
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 thickness.
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 totalizing mode (∑µm) to
zero.
Fig. 17
Fig. 18

18 Instructions for Use, V 2.3 RevK – 09/2018
5. Operation
Function:
Switch between
• Single stroke (1 sectioning stroke / 1 return stroke of the blade) and
continuous stroke
(continuous sectioning until the START/STOP button is pressed).
• To stop the blade at the rear end position in CONT mode press the START/
STOP button.
• The sectioning stroke in progress will be completed and the blade will
then stop at the selected end position of the sectioning range.
Toggle switch
• Function:
Motorized height adjustment of buffer tray. Maximum travel: 15 mm
(= total vertical specimen stroke).
The upper and lower end positions of the buffer tray are indicated each
by an audible warning signal and a red LED.
While the knife is in motion the UP/DOWN toggle switch is inoperational.
Forthe DOWNmotion,the toggleswitchcan belockedin theDOWN 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 warning signal, press the following function key
combinations:
Volume adjustment:
• Select section thickness mode ("µm") by pressing the DISP button.
• Press the CLR and +buttons simultaneously. Display: "BE 15".
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
Fig. 19
Fig. 20