Thermo Scientific ERGOSTAR HM 200 User manual

Thermo Scientific Section Transfer System Microm STS
Microm International GmbH
Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Im Steingrund 4 - 6
63303 Dreieich / Germany
387 712 - English
1
Thermo Scientific
SECTION TRANSFER SYSTEM Microm STS
For ROTARY MICROTOMES / ERGOSTAR HM 200
387712 Issue 8
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Thermo Scientific Section Transfer System Microm STS
Microm International GmbH
Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Im Steingrund 4 - 6
63303 Dreieich / Germany
387 712 - English
2
CERTIFICATION
Thermo Fisher Scientific Microm International GmbH certifies that this
instrument has been tested and checked carefully. Its technical data was
verified before shipment to be in accordance with the published
specifications.
The instrument complies with applicable international safety regulations.
WARRANTY
This product is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a
period of 1 year. Parts which prove to be defective during the warranty
period will be repaired or replaced free of charge by Thermo Fisher Scientific
Microm International GmbH. No other warranty is expressed or implied.
Unauthorized modification or repair by third party persons will void the
warranty.
The warranty will expire in case of improper or wrong use of the instrument
and in case the warning and precautionary messages are not observed.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Microm International GmbH is not liable for any
occurring damage.
Errors and omissions excepted. Subject to amendment and improvement
without further notice.
This instruction manual will be supplied together with each instrument.
Further copies can be ordered at the nearest sales office by giving the serial
number of the instrument, the number of the instruction manual and the date
of issue.
This instruction manual is available in the following languages:
Cat. No.
German: 387711
English: 387712
French: 387713

Thermo Scientific Section Transfer System Microm STS
Microm International GmbH
Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Im Steingrund 4 - 6
63303 Dreieich / Germany
387 712 - English
3
INTENDED USE
Dear Customer,
Thank you for buying this Thermo Scientific instrument.
Before putting the instrument into operation, please read these
operating instructions carefully to familiarize yourself with its proper
operation and functions.
Only skilled or specially trained personnel must operate the
instrument, i.e. clamping the specimen, trimming, sectioning and
taking off the sections from the instrument. The listed and marked
safety measures as well as the regulations and hygiene measures of
your respective lab must strictly be observed.
Ser. No. :..................................................
Please enter the serial number, which is placed on the type plate on
the rear side of the instrument. This way, questions and service can
be handled faster.
Instruction manual no. 387712
Issued on 02.10.2014

Thermo Scientific Section Transfer System Microm STS
Microm International GmbH
Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Im Steingrund 4 - 6
63303 Dreieich / Germany
387 712 - English
4
Intended use
Safety precautions
PART 1 INTRODUCTION
1-1 Description of the Section Transfer System STS
1-2 Technical data Section Transfer System
PART 2 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2-1 Initial turn-on
2-2 Trim sectioning of specimens
2-3 Fine sectioning of specimens
2-4 Draining and cleaning the water bath and the pump reservoir
2-5 Cleaning the pump filter
2-6 Disposable blade carrier TE
2-7 Standard equipment
2-8 Additional equipment
PART 3 THEORY OF OPERATION OF THE SECTION TRANSFER SYSTEM
3-1 Water circulation
3-2 Cutting and detaching a section
PART 4 WORKING WITH THE SECTION TRANSFER SYSTEM
4-1 Preparing the Section Transfer System
4-2 Coarse feed and trimming function
4-3 Sectioning and picking up sections
4-4 Working with the STS in combination with the Cool-Cut
4-5 How to avoid malfunctions
PART 5 MAINTENANCE
PART 6 CLEANING AND CARE
6-1 Cleaning
6-2 Disposal of the instrument after final shutdown

Thermo Scientific Section Transfer System Microm STS
Microm International GmbH
Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Im Steingrund 4 - 6
63303 Dreieich / Germany
387 712 - English
5
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING SIGNALS AND SYMBOLS
The installation and routine use of the STS is easy and safe if the instructions in this manual are being
observed.
However, the situations which might be risky for the personnel or equipment are specially marked in
this manual with the following symbols and messages.
Note:
Special instructions regarding operation of the instrument.
Caution:
Special precautionary measures to prevent damage to equipment. For a long lifetime of the
equipment, please observe these instructions carefully.
Danger:
Special warning messages to prevent harm to persons and/or serious damage to equipment.
For your own safety, please observe these instructions carefully.
Biohazard:
Warning of biological danger.
Separate taking back of electrical and electronic instruments in the countries of the
European Union:
This is to be applied in the countries of the European Union and other European countries
with a separate collecting system within the waste management.
This product, being an electro and/or electronic instrument, must be treated separately
within the waste management process (WEEE).

Thermo Scientific Section Transfer System Microm STS
Microm International GmbH
Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Im Steingrund 4 - 6
63303 Dreieich / Germany
387 712 - English
6
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
A T T E N T I O N !
Please observe the following general precautions during operation of this instrument.
Failure to comply with these precautions violates safety standards and the intended
use of the instrument. Thermo Fisher Scientific Microm International GmbH is not
liable for misuse of the instruments and failure to comply with basic safety
requirements.
INSTRUMENT GROUNDING
To avoid injury from electrical current, the instrument must be connected with the safety ground. The
instrument is equipped with a three wire ground plug. The power outlet must be connected to the
safety ground and must meet the International Electro technical Commission (IEC) regulations.
CAUTION: MAINS VOLTAGE
Never remove instrument covers during operation. Component replacements as well as adjustments
must only be made by trained service personnel. Unplug the unit before removing or opening the
covers. Only original spare parts must be used for replacement work.
DANGER IN EXPLOSIVE ENVIRONMENT
The instrument must not be operated in the presence of flammable gases.
HAZARD OF RADIOACTIVE RADIATION
When working with radioactive specimens observe all applicable radiation safety procedures. When
working with radioactive contaminated material, appropriate safety and disinfection measures must be
carried out. According to the rules and regulations concerning the handling of radioactive
contaminated material of the respective laboratory, safety clothing (e.g. particle mask, gloves,
protective shoe covers) must be worn.
Radioactive contaminated waste must be disposed of according to the respective regulations.

Thermo Scientific Section Transfer System Microm STS
Microm International GmbH
Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Im Steingrund 4 - 6
63303 Dreieich / Germany
387 712 - English
7
HAZARD OF WATER
Set up and operate the separate control unit in a way that it is protected from water.
HAZARD OF BIOLOGICAL DANGER
Specimens used during the intended operation of the instrument might potentially be infectious. For
this reason, it is recommended to observe the general laboratory regulations concerning protection
against danger of infection.
Information on decontamination media, their use, dilution and effective range of application can be
read in the Laboratory Biosafety Manual : 1984 of the World Health Organization.
HAZARD OF MALFUNCTION
To avoid the hazard of malfunction of an instrument, it must only be operated in a controlled
electromagnetic environment. This means that transmitters such as mobile phones must not be
operated in their close vicinity.
DANGER WHEN USING OPERATING MATERIALS
Xylene and other solvents may be considered hazardous. For this reason, please observe the
stipulated safety measures to avoid contact with eyes and skin (e.g. wear protective gloves).
WASTE DISPOSAL
All debris, waste as well as infectious and radioactive contaminated material from operation must be
disposed of in accordance with the respective regulations of the lab. Disinfection and cleaning liquids
as well as section waste must be disposed of according to the respective regulations for special waste!

Thermo Scientific Section Transfer System Microm STS
Microm International GmbH
Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Im Steingrund 4 - 6
63303 Dreieich / Germany
387 712 - English
8
Fig. 1
0
10
6
7
5

Thermo Scientific Section Transfer System Microm STS
Microm International GmbH
Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Im Steingrund 4 - 6
63303 Dreieich / Germany
387 712 - English
9
1 INTRODUCTION
1-1 Description of the Section Transfer System STS
The system consists of a special disposable blade carrier TE with integrated transfer bridge, a heated
water bath as well as a control unit.
The Section Transfer System can be used along with all current rotary microtomes and the Ergostar
HM 200.
It takes a few minutes only to upgrade the microtome from the common paraffin sectioning technique
to the STS method.
The STS is used solely for tissue specimens embedded in paraffin. During the sectioning process with
the STS, sections glide on a water film via the disposable blade carrier TE and the transfer bridge and
are then transferred into the water bath.
Water circulation is guaranteed by a pump, the capacity of which can be adjusted.
The water temperature of the water bath can be adjusted between ambient temperature and +45°C.
Only use demineralized or distilled water!!
Due to the use of the STS damage to the tissue sections can be diminished by gliding on the water
flow. The sections are stretched during the cutting process due to the smooth water flow. This way,
extremely thin as well as high-quality sectioning results can be obtained.
The common manual transfer of the sections into a water bath is no longer necessary.
When the sections are generated, their quality can be checked immediately, i.e. when the ribbon or
the individual sections are stretched on the water flow of the disposable blade carrier TE. The second
quality check can be carried out in the water bath facilitated by the integrated section illumination.
The sections which are not used, e.g. from trimming paraffin blocks, can be guided directly into a
waste basket via the water flow on the disposable blade carrier TE.
The water bath, the waste container as well as the waste filter of the STS can easily be removed and
cleaned.
The integrated water container for the pump circulation is freely accessible and allows for easy
cleaning.

Thermo Scientific Section Transfer System Microm STS
Microm International GmbH
Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Im Steingrund 4 - 6
63303 Dreieich / Germany
387 712 - English
10
1-2 TECHNICAL DATA SECTION TRANSFER SYSTEM
Heated water bath: +45°C
Volume of heated water bath: 800 ml
Volume of pump reservoir: 600 ml
Required liquid: demineralized or distilled water
Flow rate: 0 ml/min. - 500 ml/min.
Operating conditions: +10°C to + 35°C (at max. 60% rel. humidity of the air)
altitude up to 2000 M.S.L.
for indoor use only
Pollution degree: 2
Overvoltage category: II
Acoustic pressure: 40 dB(A)
Power requirements: 220 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz, 0,7 A
100 - 120 V, 50/60 Hz, 1,4 A
Internal protection of the secondary circuit: 1 x T4AH; 1 x T2AH
Weight: control unit: 2,4 kg
STS complete: 4,4 kg
disposable blade carrier TE: 2,8 kg
Dimensions of the STS: Ø 300 mm x height: 130 mm
Dimensions of the control unit: 265 x 160 x 80 mm (long x wide x high)

Thermo Scientific Section Transfer System Microm STS
Microm International GmbH
Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Im Steingrund 4 - 6
63303 Dreieich / Germany
387 712 - English
11
2 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2-1 Initial turn-on
Note:
The work sequence which is described
in this part must strictly be observed.
To use a rotary microtome together with a
Section Transfer System (STS), the
following preparations are necessary:
Pull off the integrated section waste tray of
the rotary microtome.
Unplug the possibly connected foot pedal
and the power cord.
Then tilt the rotary microtome backwards and
replace the shorter rubber feet with the
higher feet for correct height adjustment. (If
necessary, use appropriate pliers).
Again bring the rotary microtome into working
position.
Insert the disposable blade carrier TE (fig.
2.3) onto the dovetail guide of the rotary
microtome.
Then evenly slide the STS housing (fig. 2.2)
from the front onto the rotary microtome.
Place the control cable, which is mounted on
the left front side of the STS housing, under
the microtome and lead it to the rear side.
Note:
The control cable ends in a multi-plug.
Insert this plug into the rear wall (fig.
3.1) of the control unit (fig. 4) and
secure it via the lateral screws.
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
0
10
6
7
5
Fuse 2 x __AT
Made in Germany
69190 Walldorf, Germany
MICROM GmbH
Type STS-II
Prototyp 5
__A /___V +10% __Hz
1
4
23
set
2
4
MICROM
T
ection-
S
ransfer-ystem
S
2
1
3

Thermo Scientific Section Transfer System Microm STS
Microm International GmbH
Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Im Steingrund 4 - 6
63303 Dreieich / Germany
387 712 - English
12
Note:
The control unit must be positioned in
a way that the ventilating slots are not
covered. The optimal as well as space-
saving position is on top of the microtome
housing. Moreover, please note that there is
always enough space behind the control unit to
easily the mains plug unit to the supply.
Place the water bath (fig. 5.1) onto the
heating plate (fig. 5.2).
Note:
The heating plate of the water bath as
well as the section illumination are only
activated via an inductive sensor when
placing the water bath onto the heating plate.
In case the water bath has been removed,
the heating and the section illumination are
immediately turned off.
Then place the waste receptacle (fig. 5.3)
into the front bearing surface of the pump
reservoir (fig. 5.4).
Place the basket for paraffin waste (fig. 5.5)
onto the waste receptacle directly below the
transfer bridge.
The beveled edge of the basket must
correspond with the beveled edge of the
water bath.
Now fill the pump reservoir and the water
bath with distilled or demineralized water.
For this, fill the water bath with 800 ml water
and the pump reservoir with 600 ml via the
waste receptacle.
Caution:
Before turning on the system for the
first time, please check if the power
requirements indicated on the type
plate and on the voltage selector in the power
switch unit correspond to the power supply
voltage being used.
Caution:
Before turning on the STS, set the
pump power to minimum via the lateral
adjusting wheel (fig. 2.1).
Fig. 5
5
3
67
1
4
8
2

Thermo Scientific Section Transfer System Microm STS
Microm International GmbH
Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Im Steingrund 4 - 6
63303 Dreieich / Germany
387 712 - English
13
Connect the plug of the system into the
power outlet.
Turn on the STS via the touchpad key "0/1"
(fig. 6.5) on the control unit.
Adjust the set temperature of the water
bath on the control unit as follows:
1. Press the set button (fig. 6.4) and keep it
pressed while setting the temperature.
2. Select the desired temperature via the UP or
DOWN buttons (fig. 6.1 and 6.2).
3. Keep the set button (fig. 6.4) pressed for
another second. Only then, the selected
temperature is stored!!!
Connect the drain hose made of silicone with
the connecting piece (fig. 8.9) on the lower
right side of the disposable blade carrier TE.
Note:
Via this hose, water which flows down
behind the blade (due to a too high
pump capacity) is guided back into the
pump reservoir.
Fill pump and feeding line (fig. 7.3) to the
disposable blade carrier TE via attached
disposable syringe with water.
For this, hold the feeding line (silicone hose)
(fig. 7.3) with inserted syringe over the waste
receptacle (fig. 5.3).
Pull on the syringe until water flows into the
syringe. The pump and the silicone hose are
then evacuated.
Via the lateral adjusting wheel (fig. 2.1) set
the pump capacity so that the water does not
flow backwards into the hose nor draining
from the hose (minimum pumping capacity).
Carefully put the silicone hose onto the
connecting piece (fig. 8.3) of the disposable
blade carrier TE.
Insert the blade into the disposable blade
carrier TE from the side and clamp it.
Then set the suitable clearance angle for
disposable blades.
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
+2
4
set
MICROM
S
ection-
0
S
I
T
ransfer- ystem
1
234
5
6
0
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2

Thermo Scientific Section Transfer System Microm STS
Microm International GmbH
Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Im Steingrund 4 - 6
63303 Dreieich / Germany
387 712 - English
14
Via the lateral adjusting wheel increase the
pump capacity that there is an even water
flow on the transfer surface (fig. 8.4).
The pump capacity is too high, in case water
flows down behind the blade on the
disposable blade carrier TE.
Note:
First, thoroughly moisten the dry
transfer surface using a brush and
having selected a low pump capacity.
Only an even water flow on the transfer
surface leads to optimal operation processes
with the STS.
Note:
The transfer surface is moistened
enough when, after having activated
the detaching tongue (fig. 8.5) via the
detaching lever (fig. 8.6), the sections glide on
the water downwards on the transfer surface
with an even speed.
Fig. 8
0
10
9
7
8
2
4
6
3
5

Thermo Scientific Section Transfer System Microm STS
Microm International GmbH
Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Im Steingrund 4 - 6
63303 Dreieich / Germany
387 712 - English
15
2-2 Trim sectioning of specimens
For the first cuts, approach specimen and
disposable blade carrier TE as usual.
Set the water volume running down the
disposable blade carrier, on the lateral
adjusting wheel (fig. 2.1) depending on the
selected trimming thickness.
Note:
The transfer bridge (fig. 8.7) must
remain open during trimming, i.e. the
lever of the transfer bridge (fig. 8.8)
must be pushed backwards.
Danger:
To minimize the hazard of being
injured, the knife guard should be
placed over the blade. It can remain in
this position also during the sectioning
process.
The generated trim sections glide over the
blade, the transfer surface and the open
transfer bridge into the basket for paraffin
waste. If necessary, trim sections must be
removed from the blade edge via the detaching
tongue (fig. 8.5).
Remove the basket with section waste and
empty the waste into the intended waste
container.
Dispose of this waste container according to
the respective lab regulations.
Note:
Before changing from trimming to fine
sectioning, activate the lever (fig. 8.6)
of the detaching tongue to dispose
trimming sections into the waste
basket.
Note:
Detailed information on setting and
generating of trim sections can be
found in the instruction manual of the
respective rotary microtome under part
"Trimming and first cuts".

Thermo Scientific Section Transfer System Microm STS
Microm International GmbH
Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Im Steingrund 4 - 6
63303 Dreieich / Germany
387 712 - English
16
2-3 Fine sectioning of specimens
In general, both single sections as well as
ribbons can be generated with the STS.
Note:
Ribbons can only generated when the
correct clearance angle is selected and
the upper and lower edge of the
paraffin block is parallel and even.
Ribbons are generated when the upper edge
of the last section "clings" to the blade. The
lower edge of the following sections is then
being pressed on the upper edge of the
previous section. This way, the sections stick
together.
When cutting fine sections, the ribbons or
single sections are guided directly into the
water bath via the closed transfer bridge
(fig. 8.7):
For this, pull back the lever of the transfer
bridge (fig. 8.7) until the bridge lies on the rim
of the water bath.
Activate the lever (fig. 8.8) of the detaching
tongue to loosen the sections and/or the
ribbon.
Section and/or ribbon now glide on the water
flow into the water bath.
Then pull back the transfer bridge to
minimize the mixture of cold and heated
water.
Note:
The STS offers two different possibilities to
evaluate the quality of the sections produced
and to make a selection:
First quality evaluation of sections:
Only after having evaluated the produced fine
sections on the transfer surface for good
quality, activate the detaching tongue to guide
the sections via the closed transfer bridge into
the water bath.
Second quality evaluation of sections:
The stretched sections are illuminated in the
water bath by the section illumination (fig. 5.7)
from below. This way, evaluation is even
better. Sections with the best quality can be
picked up by a slide.

Thermo Scientific Section Transfer System Microm STS
Microm International GmbH
Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Im Steingrund 4 - 6
63303 Dreieich / Germany
387 712 - English
17
2-4 Draining and cleaning the
water bath and the pump reservoir
Draining the water bath
For this remove the water bath (fit. 5.1) from
the heating plate (fig. 5.2).
The heating as well as the section illumination
are deactivated via the inductive sensor.
Dispose of the contents of the water bath
according to the respective lab regulations.
Draining the pump reservoir:
For this pull the feed hose (fig. 7.3) off the
disposable blade carrier TE.
Pump the water into a collecting container.
Maximum water volume is pumped, when the
button "pump" (fig. 6.6) is being pressed to
empty the reservoir.
There is also another possibility to empty the
pump reservoir:
For this, first remove the water bath, the
waste receptacle and the basket for paraffin
waste. Then pull off the cable connection to
the control unit as well as the feed hose on
the disposable blade carrier TE. Then empty
the contents of the pump reservoir into a
collecting container.
Cleaning the water bath and the pump
reservoir:
Wipe them off dry or use commercially
available, water-soluble disinfectants.

Thermo Scientific Section Transfer System Microm STS
Microm International GmbH
Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Im Steingrund 4 - 6
63303 Dreieich / Germany
387 712 - English
18
2-5 Cleaning the pump filter
To clean the pump filter (fig. 5.8), pull it off.
Brush down the coarse paraffin particles
according to the respective lab regulations
and dispose of them.
Wipe off the finer paraffin particles with a
cloth soaked in Xylene.
Note:
If the pump filter (fig. 5.8) is obstructed,
only a reduced volume of water is
delivered.

Thermo Scientific Section Transfer System Microm STS
Microm International GmbH
Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Im Steingrund 4 - 6
63303 Dreieich / Germany
387 712 - English
19
2-6 Disposable blade carrier TE
The disposable blade carrier TE is designed to
take all commercially available high and low
profile disposable blades. Insert the blade into
the slot. When using high profile blades, first
loosen the two screws and remove the spacer
strip.
Move the knife guard (fig. 9.4) backwards.
Turn the clamping lever (fig. 9.1) to the
front. A small gap between rail and
clamping plate can be seen. Insert the
blade and push it from the side to the
middle.
Afterwards, return the clamping lever (fig.
9.1) upright, thus locking the blade in
position.
Move the knife guard (fig. 9.4) again over
the blade.
The clearance angle can be shifted and
adjusted to the requirements of the tissue to be
sectioned.
Loosen the clamping lever (fig. 9.5) on the
right side of the blade carrier and swivel
the upper part (fig. 9.2) on the base.
The adjusted clearance angle can be read
on the scale.
Then turn the clamping lever (fig. 9.5)
upwards to lock in the new clearance
angle.
Note:
By experience, usable cuts are only
achieved at clearance angles between
7 and 10°.
Depending on the size of the specimen block,
there is the possibility to approach the blade
carrier on the dovetail guide to the blade edge
via the coarse feed or by moving the blade
carrier.
Fig. 9
If the transfer surface of the blade carrier
TE is damaged or used up, it must be
replaced:
For this open the clamping lever (fig. 9.1) of
the clamping plate. Remove the clamping
plate from the upper part of the blade carrier
to the side.
Note:
The transfer surface is glued on two
aluminum sheets which differ in size.
The smaller one projects over the
lower end of the clamping plate.
This way the entire transfer surface can be
pulled off the clamping plate.
The transfer surface is inserted in the same
way until it locks in place.
Then push back the clamping plate into the
upper part of the blade carrier.
0
10
3
1
2
4
5

Thermo Scientific Section Transfer System Microm STS
Microm International GmbH
Part of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Im Steingrund 4 - 6
63303 Dreieich / Germany
387 712 - English
20
2-7 Standard equipment
The Section Transfer System is supplied with the following accessories:
1 disposable blade carrier TE
1 water bath
1 STS basic instrument including heating plate, pump and pump reservoir
1 control unit
2 transfer surface (2 parts) for replacement (see fig. 8.4 and 8.7)
1 screen
1 instruction manual
2-8 Additional equipment Cat. no.
Transfer surface (including 2 parts) 575170