Leica RM2245 manual

Leica RM2245 Rotary Microtome Instruction Manual Leica RM2245 V1.4 English - 02/2007 Always keep this manual with the instrument. Read carefully before working with the instrument.[...]

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3 Leica RM2245 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 [...]

4 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Important notes .......................................................................................................................................... 6 1.1 Symbols in the text and their meanings ..........................................................................................[...]

5 Leica RM 2245 TABLE OF CONTENTS 6.1.3 Fine-directional fixture for specimen clamps .............................................................................. .3 7 6.1.4 Quick clamping system ..................................................................................................... ............... 38 6.2 Specimen clamps and holders [...]

6 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 Function keys which must be pressed on the control panel are shown in the text in bold capital letters. 1. 1 Symbols in the text and their meanings 1. Important notes (5) 1.3 Intended use of instrument The Leica RM2245 is a semi-motorized rotation microtome with a separate control panel for creating thin secti[...]

7 Leica RM2245 2. Safety 2.1 Safety notes This instruction manual contains important instructions and information regarding the operational safety and maintenance of the instrument. 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 additi[...]

8 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 2. Safety 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 compon[...]

9 Leica RM 2245 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! • Nev[...]

10 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 2.3 Integrated safety devices 2. Safety 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 posit[...]

11 Leica RM2245 2. Safety Knife guard on the knife holder Each knife holder is equipped with a tightly mounted knife guard ( 8 , 9 ). This makes it possi- ble to cover completely the cutting edge in every knife or blade position. Knife holder N/NZ The knife guard ( 8 ) of the knife holder N/NZ can be easily positioned via the two handles ( 7 ) ( Fi[...]

12 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 3.1 Overview – instrument components 3. Instrument components and specifications Leica RM2245 Knife guard on the knife holder Smooth-turning handwheel Lever of handwheel brake Handwheel locking mechanism Separate control panel Directional specimen holder fixture with quick clamping system Fig. 6 Knife holde[...]

13 Leica RM2245 3. Instrument components and specifications Fig. 7 Vents Voltage selector switch with fuses Main switch Power connection Connecting cable for control panel Rear side of instrument Magnet for holding the wrench size 4 3.2 Instrument specifications The Leica RM2245 is a semi-motorized rotary microtome with a light-action handwheel. Th[...]

14 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 3.3 Technical data General Approvals: The inst rument-specific marks are located next to the identification label. Nominal supply voltages: 100 / 120 / 230 / 240 V AC ±10% Nominal frequency: 50/60 Hz Power draw: 70 VA Protective class ➀ ➀ ➀ ➀ ➀ :I Power fuses: 2 x T 1.0 A UL listed Pollution degree[...]

15 Leica RM 2245 Microtome Sectioning thickness setting: Section thickness setting range: 0.50 - 100 μm Setting values: from 0.50 μm - 5.0 μm in 0.5 μm increments from 5.0 - 20.0 μm in 1.0 μm increments from 20.0 - 60.0 μm in 5.0 μm increments from 60.0 - 100.0 μm in 10.0 μm increments Trimming section thickness setting range: 1 - 600 μm[...]

16 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 4.1 Standard delivery The Leica RM2245 standard delivery includes: 1 Leica RM2245 basic instrument, without orientation ................. 0501 38178 1 handwheel, complete ...................................................................... 0501 38181 1 external control panel ................................[...]

17 Leica RM2245 Setting up the instrument Do not transport the instrument by holding it on the handwheel shaft, the object head or the cover! • By holding the instrument ( 5 ) at the front by the baseplate, and at the rear by the recessed grip (Fig. 8), lift it out of the molded cushion ( 6 ) of the packaging and place it on a stable laboratory t[...]

18 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 4. Startup The feather key ( 4 ) is loosely placed in the handwheel shaft ( 1 ) and fixed in place with a tie-rap during transport. • Remove the cable tie. Caution! Make sure not to lose the feather key! • Place the handwheel ( 2 ) on the handwheel shaft ( 1 ) as shown. • Tighten the screw ( 3 ) located[...]

19 Leica RM2245 4. Startup 22 25 24 21 23 The voltage selector is located above the main power switch, on the left-rear side of the instru- ment ( Fig. 10 ). The voltage setting is displayed in the viewing window ( 22 ). • Insert a small screwdriver into the cutout ( 25 ) and carefully pry out the insert. • Remove the voltage selector housing ([...]

20 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 4. Startup 4.5 Switching on the instrument Exposure to extreme temperature changes and high air humidity may cause condensation to form inside the instrument. After transporting, please wait at least 2 hours to allow the instrument to adopt the ambient temperature before turning it on! Failure to comply with [...]

21 Leica RM 2245 5. Operation 5.1 Operating elements and their functions The operating functions of the microtome are divided between a control panel and a display unit on the microtome. A control panel on the instrument displays the current operating mode as well as various settings. All operating functions are centrally located in the separate co[...]

22 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 5. Operation Three-digit display for section thickness/ trimming section thickness LED TRIM (green) Lights up when trim- ming mode is activated LED SECT (green) Lights up when sectioning mode is activated 5.1.2 Control panel Buttons for setting the section thickness/trimming section thickness TRIM/SECT button[...]

23 Leica RM2245 5. Operation 5.1.3 Display and control elements Three-digit display This display is located both on the instrument and on the control panel. If the SECT LED is lit up, the display shows the section thickness setting in μm. If the TRIM LED is lit up, the display shows the trimming section thickness setting in μm. Fig. 14 The electr[...]

24 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 In sectioning mode the user can select between STEP function (step- by-step specimen feed) and continuous specimen feed. When continuous feed is selected, the coarse feed buttons have the same func- tions as in trimming mode. The STEP function is useful for careful step-by-step approximation of the specimen t[...]

25 Leica RM2245 5. Operation • To change the display mode, push MENU MODE until the LED of the desired mode is illuminated. • Press CLEAR to reset section thickness sum or section number. • This will only reset the currently displayed value. Caution! When the instrument is switched off using the main power switch, both values (section thickne[...]

26 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 Configuring the retraction settings • To call up the retraction settings, press the MENU MODE and CLEAR buttons simultaneously. • The current set value is displayed as a three-digit number in the four- digit display (e.g. " 025 " = 25 μm). • Select the desired retraction value. The retraction[...]

27 Leica RM2245 Indication of remaining horizontal feed The visible and audible remaining feed indica- tion feature informs the user during trimming and sectioning when a remaining feed of ap- proximately 1 mm is available before the front limit is reached. The yellow LED ( 41 ) in the COARSE FEED button lights up from the beginning of the remainin[...]

28 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 In the quick clamping device of the directional specimen holder fixture, all specimen clamps available as optional accessories can be used (implemented). Directional fixture for specimen clamps Orienting the specimen Specimen blocks must not be oriented during the retraction phase! If a block is oriented duri[...]

29 Leica RM2245 Fig. 18 Fig. 19 33 34 Important! Never turn the screw more than 1 / 2 turn at a time. 5. Operation Fine adjustment of the force balance If another accessory of a different weight is mounted on the object head ( 33 ), you must check whether it is necessary to readjust the force balance. Checking the correct setting: • Attach the ne[...]

30 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 Setting up the knife holder base • Release the clamping lever ( 50 ) by rotating it counterclockwise. • Insert the knife holder base ( 51 ) using the notch ( 52 ) on the bottom into the T-piece ( 55 ) of the microtome base plate ( 53 ). • To secure the knife holder base, turn the clamping lever ( 50 ) c[...]

31 Leica RM2245 5. Operation There are two versions of the specimen holder, one with and one without specimen orientation, which are interchangeable. The object orientation allows for simple position correction of the specimen surface when the specimen is clamped into place. You can use the quick clamping system ( 64 ) to hold all available accesso[...]

32 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 5. Operation • The index marks (0 °, 5 ° and 10 °) for adjust- ment of the clearance angle ( 59.1 ) are located on the right side of the knife holder ( 57 ). • There is also an index mark ( 59.2 ) on the right side of the knife holder basis ( 51 ) which serves as a reference point when adjusting the cl[...]

33 Leica RM 2245 5. Operation 5.5 Clamping the specimen Always clamp the specimen block BEFORE clamping the knife. Lock the handwheel and cover the knife edge with the knife guard prior to any manipulation of knife or specimen, prior to changing the specimen block and during all work breaks! • Rotate the handwheel until the specimen clamp is in t[...]

34 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 5. Operation 5.7 Cutting into the specimen (trimming) • Use the TRIM/SECT key to select the trim mode. • Set the desired trim section thickness. • Release the handwheel lock and the brake. •I n TRIM mode, use the coarse feed buttons to move the sample against the knife/blade. • Trim the sample by tu[...]

35 Leica RM 2245 5.9 Changing the specimen or interrupting sectioning Lock the handwheel and cover the knife edge with the knife guard prior to any manipulation of knife or object head, as well as prior to changing the specimen block and during all work breaks! • Raise the specimen to the upper end position and activate the me- chanical handwheel[...]

36 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 6.1 Assembly for fixture for specimen clamps Depending upon the purchase order, the basic instrument is delivered with the directional or rigid fixture for specimen clamps which must be assembled first. All specimen clamps available as accessories can be used in both fixtures for specimen clamps. Before assem[...]

37 Leica RM2245 6. Optional accessories 6.1.3 Fine-directional fixture for specimen clamps • Before the fine-directional fixture for specimen clamps can be mounted, loosen 4 screws ( 10 ) (Allen key size 3) and carefully remove the fixture for specimen clamps from the baseplate ( 9 ). Fig. 26 10 11 • Using the 4 supplied screws ( 11 ) and the A[...]

38 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 6.1.4 Quick clamping system It is used as specimen holder for use with the fine-directional fixture for specimen clamps with zero point indicators or the directional fixture for specimen clamps. • Screw the 4 screws ( 13 ) into bore A with an Allen key size 2.5 and tighten them. Fig. 27 13 A A 6. Optional a[...]

39 Leica RM2245 6. Optional accessories 6.2.1 Standard specimen clamp The standard specimen clamps are available in two sizes: 40 x 40 mm and 50 x 55 mm. They are designed for direct clamping of rectangular blocks. In addition, they accommo- date the foil clamps. • Turn the knurled screw ( 66 ) counterclock- wise to move the movable jaw ( 68 ) do[...]

40 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 6. Optional accessories Clamping of foil pieces • Move the movable jaw ( 74 ) to the right as required by turning the set screw with an Allen key size 4 ( 71 ). • Place the foil ( 72 ) between the movable jaw ( 74 ) and the fixed jaw ( 73 ). • To clamp the foil, screw the movable jaw ( 74 ) against the [...]

41 Leica RM2245 • To open the jaws ( 78 ) and ( 79 ) lightly loosen the 3 screws ( 81 ) with an Allen key size 4 ( 71 ). • Insert the foil ribbon ( 72 ) from behind to po- sition it between the movable jaw ( 79 ) and the fixed jaw ( 78 ). • To clamp the foil, first tighten the screw in the middle and then the other two screws ( 81 ) with the [...]

42 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 65 The universal cassette clamps (UCC) are designed for horizontal or vertical clamping of all kinds of commercial cassettes. • Push the lever ( 60 ) forwards. • Mount the cassette ( 65 ) horizontally or vertically as required. • To clamp the cassette, release the lever ( 60 ). 6.2.5 Universal cassette [...]

43 Leica RM2245 Assembly of the super mega-cassette clamp The super mega-cassette clamp should preferably be used with the rigid fixture for specimen clamps. To do so, proceed as follows: Remove the rubber ring (5) only after having attached the cassette clamp on the object head! • Screw the rigid fixture for specimen clamps ( 4 ) onto the object[...]

44 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 • To mount the required insert ( 89.1-3 ) turn the clamping ring ( 90 ) counterclockwise and remove it. • Place the required insert into the tension ring ( 90 ) and screw the tension ring onto the thread ( 91 ) by turning it clockwise. • Mount the sample ( 67 ) and fix by turning the clamping ring ( 90 [...]

45 Leica RM2245 6. Optional accessories 6.3 Knife holder base and knife holder Repositioning the knife holder base The one-piece knife holder base (rigid) ( 51 ) can be moved forwards and backwards on the microtome base plate. This vertical displacement allows bringing the knife holder into the optimal cutting position in relation to the specimen. [...]

46 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 6. Optional accessories Prior to inserting the blade, both knife holder and knife holder base must have been installed on the instrument! Inserting the blades, knife holder E and E-TC • Fold knife guard ( 9 ) downward. • To insert the blade, flap the right clamping lever ( 10 ) forward and down. • Caref[...]

47 Leica RM2245 6. Optional accessories Lateral displacement (only for knife holder E) The lateral movement feature of the knife holder base enables the use of the entire length of the blade or knife, eliminating the need for re- adjusting the knife holder. The knife holder E consists of a segment arch A (with lever ( 11 )) and the clamp mount B (w[...]

48 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 Knife holder E with water bath for narrow-band and broad-band blades 6. Optional accessories Fig. 42 Knife holder E with water bath is available for both narrow-band and broad-band blades. The knife guard on knife holder E consists of a red foldaway handle ( 9 ). To cover the cutting edge, fold the knife guar[...]

49 Leica RM 2245 6.3.3 Knife holder N/NZ The knife holders N and NZ are appropriate for standard steel and tungsten carbide knives, profile c and d, up to 16 cm long. The integrated height adjustment feature allows you to also use knives that have been resharpened numerous times. Fig. 44 Enlarged detail: Knife inserted and height-adjusted 6. Option[...]

50 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 6. Optional accessories Inserting the knife • Rotate the knurled nuts ( 48 ) on the right and left of the knife holder forward in opposite directions, lowering the knife support bar to the lowest possible position, thus ensuring that the knife edge will not be damaged when inserting the knife. • Unscrew t[...]

51 Leica RM2245 6. Optional accessories The backlighting is inserted at the front into the one-piece knife holder base. • Remove the two screws ( 1 ) using a slotted screwdriver and then remove the cover plate ( 2 ). • Insert the backlighting ( 3 ) in the recess at the rear of the knife holder base. • Connect the plug ( 4 ) of the backlightin[...]

52 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 6. Optional accessories 6.7 Freezer pack Fig. 48 98 99 98 Fig. 47 6.6 Tray The freezer pack consists of the freezer plate ( 98 ) and the insulation jacket ( 99 ). It is for cooling (or keeping cold) paraffin specimens. Up to 35 standard cassettes can be cooled at the same time. The specimens require approx. 2[...]

53 Leica RM2245 6.8 Universal microscope carrier 6. Optional accessories 1 - Baseplate with drilling (a) 2 - Vertical column with size 8 cap screw (b) and lock washer (c) 3 - Horizontal arm with cross-member (d) and support ring (e) 4 - Support plate, large (for RM2235, RM2245 and RM2255) 5 - Support plate, small (for RM2265) 6 - Allen key, size 3 [...]

54 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 2. Attach vertical column • Insert the cap screw ( b ) into the hole of the baseplate from below. Place the lock washer ( c ) on the cap screw from above. • Thread the silver vertical column ( 2 ) onto the baseplate from above and tighten with the Allen key size 8. A Extreme danger of tipping! After insta[...]

55 Leica RM2245 6. Optional accessories 6.9 Magnifying lens Fig. 55 Fig. 57 Fig. 56 1 3 The magnifying lens provides a 2x magnification and can be used with all Leica 2200 series rotary microtomes. 2 4 Always protect the magnifier glass from exposure to direct sunlight! Exposure to sunlight may cause a burning glass effect. Danger of fire! • Use [...]

56 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 2 4 5 6 6. Optional accessories 6.9 Cold light source 6.10 Fiber-optic light guide Fig. 62, Leica rotary microtome with installed optional accessories: magnifying lens and fiber-optic light guide Fig. 58 Fig. 60 Fig. 59 The cold light source may be operated at the power supply voltage specified on the identif[...]

57 Leica RM2245 6.11 Ordering information Fixture for specimen clamps, rigid, silver ............................................................................. 0502 38160 Fixture for specimen clamps, directional, s ilver ................................................................. 0502 38949 Fixture for specimen clamps, directional, with 2 [...]

58 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 6. Optional accessories EM specimen holder fixture, black .......... ................................... ................................... ....... 0502 29 968 EM univ. specimen holder ...................................................................................................... 0 356 10868 EM flat s[...]

59 Leica RM 2245 7. Customized solutions Certain instrument malfunctions appear on the 3-digit LED display or are indicated through illuminated LED’s on the control panel. 7.1.1 Error reports Indication E1 If this message follows the software version indication after switching on the instrument, a loss of all parameters has occurred. • Press an[...]

60 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 7. Customized solutions • Feed motion no longer occurs. Problem Corrective action Possible cause 1. STEP mode is still active (LED in SECT button lights up). 1. The end of the residual path has been reached. 2. The specimen was already within the residual path when the instrument was switched on. • The sp[...]

61 Leica RM 2 2 45 7. Customized solutions 1. Thick/thin sections The sections alternate between being thick and thin. In extreme cases, there are no sections whatsoever. • Check the clamping positions and repeat the clamping process • Laterally displace the knife holder or insert a new blade. • Insert a new pressure plate or use a new knife [...]

62 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 Cleaning the knife Always wipe the knife from the back of the knife to the cutting edge. NEVER wipe in the opposite direction - risk of injury! Clean using an alcohol-based solution or acetone. Before each cleaning carry out the following preparatory steps: • Raise the specimen clamp to the upper end positi[...]

63 Leica RM2245 8. Cleaning and maintenance Knife holder E Fig. 61 10 11 9 Fig. 62 86 83 83 86 87 11 10 Take the knife holder apart for cleaning. To do so, proceed as follows: • Fold the knife guard ( 9 ) and ejector ( 84 ) downward. • Rotate the clamping lever ( 11 ) of the lateral dis- placement forwards and pull it out sideways. • Push the[...]

64 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 Universal cassette clamp • Detach cassette clamp ( 13 ) for a thorough cleaning, removing all paraffin residues. • For cleaning, do not use xylene. Use xylene substitutes or paraffin removers such as "Para Gard". • The cassette clamp ( 13 ) can also be placed in an oven heated to a maximum of [...]

65 Leica RM2245 8.2.2 Maintenance instructions Only authorized and qualified service personnel may access the internal components of the instrument for service and repair! The instrument is basically maintenance-free. To ensure trouble-free operation of the instrument over a long period of time, the following is recommended by Leica: 3. Have the in[...]

66 Instruction manual V 1.4 – 02/2007 8. Cleaning and maintenance 97 88 73 11 10 90 Universal cassette clamp: • Shaft ( 90 ) and flat coil spring ( 91 ) of the clamping lever of the cassette clamp. After lubrication, move the lever back and forth several times. Knife holder E: • Clamping lever ( 11 ) for the lateral displace- ment. • T-piec[...]

67 Leica RM 2245 9. Warranty and service Warranty Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH guarantees that the contractual product delivered has been subjected to a comprehensive quality control procedure based on the Leica in-house testing standards, and that the product is faultless and complies with all technical specifications and/or agreed characteris[...]

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dag Graupner Managing Director EC Declaration of Conformity Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH Postfach 1120 D-69222 Nussloch January 12, 2004 10. EC Declaration of Conformity We herewith declare, in exclusive responsibility, that the Leica RM2245 – Rotary Microtome was developed, designed and[...]