PRECISIONARY RF-1000 Fully Automated Microtome for Research and Clinical Studies User Manual

PRECISIONARY RF-1000 Fully Automated Microtome for Research and Clinical Studies

Safety

| Dangers, warnings, and cautions appear in a box and are marked by the warning triangle.
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| Important information for the user, such as disclaimers, appear in a box and are marked by the information symbol.
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| Caution! Follow the accompanying documentation.
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This user manual is a key part of the Precisionary Rotary Microtome RF-1000, therefore make sure to keep it on hand and as close as possible to the instrument itself for future reference. Specifically, this user manual contains crucial instructions and guidance regarding the safety and service of the rotary microtome. As a responsible user, it is important to carefully read all the materials in the manual before attempting to use the rotary microtome.
The Precisionary Rotary Microtome RF-1000 is in line with the safety requirements for electrical equipment regarding measurement, control, and laboratory use. Follow all the instructions and warnings in this user manual. This helps to ensure your safety as the user and helps prolong the condition of the rotary microtome.

Instrument Type & Use

The information (technical specifications, instructions, and handling of this rotary microtome) provided in this user manual applies only to the Precisionary Rotary Microtome RF-1000 model. Please only refer to this user manual when handling the Precisionary RF-1000 rotary microtome.
The Precisionary RF-1000 is meant to be used by trained laboratory personnel only and is intended only for professional use. Please read this manual thoroughly and understand all instructions BEFORE operating this instrument. For your safety and for obtaining the best possible tissue slicing results, please familiarize yourself with the technical details explained in this user manual.

| The RF-1000 can be easily cleaned with chemical disinfectant (i.e., isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, etc.). This instrument can be safely cleaned under a UV lamp. Be sure to wear safety goggles, gloves, a laboratory coat, and mask to protect yourself from contaminants and UV light when cleaning
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Intended Use of the Instrument

We advise that the safety regulations found in this user manual are maintained in good practice to prevent accidents and/or personal injuries from occurring. Any other use of this instrument, not in a laboratory nor research setting, is considered improper use.

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• Please do not adjust or remove the accessories or protective devices located on or inside the rotary microtome. It should only be opened and repaired by Precisionary Instrument engineers.
• Only original accessories and spare parts authorized by Precisionary Instruments can be used with the RF-1000.
• Only Precisionary Instruments-approved power cords should be used, please do not attempt to replace with any other type. Make sure to contact customer service if the power plug does not fit.

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Safety Devices

Before you begin working with your instrument, it is important that you become familiar with all devices that provide safety with your machine. Your instrument is equipped with the following safety devices: a hand wheel lock system, safety guard on the blade and knife holder, and an emergency STOP button.

Model Description

RF-1000 Rotary Microtome General Information

The Precisionary RF-1000 rotary microtome is a fully automatic model that is ideal for routine and high-throughput histology tissue sectioning. This microtome provides high precision cutting and stability, which gives you reproducible, high-quality wax-embedded and fixed tissue sections. Key Features include:

• Fully automated controls for moving the specimen head and automated cutting.
• LCD touchscreen panel shows all cutting metrics
• Touchscreen control panel provides easy and friendly controls.
• Specimen clamp is compatible with multiple cassette sizes.
• Cutting stage has a blade guard for increased safety.
• Large volume waste tray is removable for easy cleaning.
• Top of rotary microtome can be used as storage for consumables during cutting.
• Smooth turning hand wheel can be locked, allowing for improved ergonomics.

Technical Specifications

Basic Information

Dimensions| 19 ½ in (L) x 16 7/8 in (W) x 12 in (H)
Weight| 60 lb

Cutting Specifications

Section Thickness Range| 0.5µm – 100µm adjustable as follows: 0.5µm – 5µm (in 0.5µm increments)
5µm – 20µm (in 1µm increments)
20µm – 60µm (in 5µm increments)
60µm – 100µm (in 10µm increments)
Trimming Thickness Range| 5µm – 600µm adjustable as follows:
5µm – 10µm (in 5µm increments)
10µm – 100µm (in 10µm increments) 100µm – 200µm (in 20µm increments) 200µm – 600µm (in 50µm increments)
Minimum Section Thickness| 0.5µm
Specimen Vertical Stroke| 60 mm
Specimen Horizontal Stroke| 20 mm
Specimen Retraction| 0-220µm (can be turned off)
Sample Orientation| 6° along the X-Y axis
Power Supply| 100-120V, 60Hz

RF-1000 Rotary Microtome Components

The Precisionary RF-1000 is delivered with everything you need to get started right away to use your new rotary microtome for cutting experiments. The following items are included with your RF-1000 rotary microtome:

*Please compare the delivered components with this part list and your order. Should you have any questions about your RF-1000 delivery, please contact us at [email protected] or by phone at 617-682-0586. We are here to help!

RF-1000 Rotary Microtome Anatomy

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Name

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Function

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1| Foot Pedal| Controls Start/Stop functions for automated cutting.
2| Side Control Panel| Allows for adjusting cutting parameters and cutting modes displayed on the touchscreen.
3| LCD Touchscreen Panel| Displays cutting parameters, numbers, and controls.
4| Microtome Storage Surface| Flat surface for easy storage of accessories and

consumables while cutting.

5| Specimen Head Clamp| Allows for specimen samples to be clamped tightly in place for tissue cutting.
6| Specimen Head Rotation

Locking Handle

| Allows for X-axis and Y-axis rotation of specimen head.
7| Emergency Stop Button| Safety feature that immediately stops automated cutting.
8| Handwheel Handle| Allows for handwheel turning.
9| Knife Holder Set| Cutting stage and knife holder set for cutting tissue, can be adjusted horizontally and at different angles.
10| Removable Waste Tray| For collecting tissue and sample debris.
11| Locking Lever for Knife Holder Set| Allows for knife holder set to be firmly held in place to the base microtome.
12| Locking Handle for Handwheel| Allows for handwheel to be locked.

RF-1000 Specimen Head Clamp Anatomy

#

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Name

|

Function

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1| Specimen Head X-Axis Adjustment Knob| Allows for changing the specimen head angle in the X-axis.
2| Specimen Head Y-Axis

Adjustment Knob

| Allows for changing the specimen head angle in the Y-axis.
3| Sample Clamp| Allows cassettes to be inserted and tightly clamped for slicing.
4| Specimen Head Rotation Locking Handle| When loosened, allows for X- and Y- axis rotation adjustments of the specimen head.
5| Sample Insertion Area| Front holder of the specimen head for cassettes.
6| Universal Paraffin Clamp| Universal clamp for holding paraffin blocks and samples in different cassette sizes. This is an additional accessory.

RF-1000 Knife Holder Base Anatomy

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Name

|

Function

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1| Insertion Groove onto Rotary Microtome Base| Allows for stable insertion onto the rotary microtome unit base.
2| Clamping Knob for Locking into Rotary Microtome Base| Loosens/tightens the knife block to the rotary microtome unit base.
3| Blade Guard| Safety feature to cover the cutting blade.
4| Cutting Stage| Area for collection of cut tissue slices.
5| Clamping Knob for Cutting Stage (Horizontal Movement)| Allows for knife holder to be adjusted horizontally. Also loosens/tightens the cutting stage slot to allow for inserting and removing the cutting blade.
6| Clamping Knob for Cutting Stage

(Rotation Movement)

| Allows for knife holder to be adjusted at different angles for cutting.

Installation

Delivery & Installation

| Do not operate the instrument in rooms with an explosion hazard.
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The following restrictions apply:

• The instrument is for indoor use only.
• Make sure that the power plug/circuit breaker is freely and easily accessible.
• Do not use an extension cable with this instrument.
• Keep the machine in a location with a vibration-free floor that has sufficient load capacity and rigidity for the weight of the instrument (35 kg).
• The instrument must be connected to a grounded power socket. Only use the power cord provided.
• Chemicals used with the instrument may be flammable and hazardous. Keep the installation location well ventilated without sources of ignitions of any kind.
• Keep the installation location protected against electrostatic charge.

| For optimal use of the instrument, make sure that a minimum distance of 12 inches from walls and furniture is obtained as to avoid heat dissipating appliances within the vicinity of the instrument.
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The Precisionary Rotary Microtome RF-1000 is delivered with all safety precautions using freight shipment. Your rotary microtome will be delivered in a secure wooden crate that will require disassembly before installation of the instrument. Upon receipt of your rotary microtome delivery, please transport the instrument to the desired location. The instrument can be transported with a forklift, pallet jack, or hand truck. The wooden crate containing the rotary microtome must be transported in an upright or slightly inclined position.

| To ensure safe transport with a forklift, we recommend that 3 people are required: one operating the forklift, and the other 2 holding the instrument on either side to prevent it from sliding down.
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At the final installation location of the uncrated rotary microtome, remove all adhesive tape, plastic dust wrappers, and accessories.

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• When tilting the instrument, ensure that there is at a minimum of 2 people assisting from the front side to prevent damage to the instrument and injury to transport personnel.

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Operation

Step 1. Install the handwheel
The handwheel on the RF-1000 Rotary Microtome will need to be attached to the base microtome after unpacking. To do this, align the handwheel to the base microtome opening, and insert the screw into the handwheel center. Tighten the screw to lock the handwheel in place. In summary:

1. Align the handwheel to base microtome.
   

2. Insert the screw into the handwheel center and tighten it to lock the handwheel in place.
   

Step 2. Install the removeable waste tray
After unpacking the removable waste tray, slide it onto the base of the RF-1000 rotary microtome from the front. The grooves in the removable waste tray will fit perfectly into the underside of the microtome base. Make sure that the waste tray is secure after installation.

Step 3. Switch on the rotary microtome

1. Begin by plugging in the rotary microtome power cord (with any appropriate surge protectors) directly into the wall.

2. Next, plug in the cord for the foot pedal
3. Finally, plug in the cord for the side control panel.

4. Turn the rotary microtome ON by flipping the on/off switch on the back side of the rotary microtome. Flipping the switch in the opposite direction will turn the microtome OFF.|

Step 4. Learn the different components of the knife holder base

The knife holder base is composed of three (3) separate components that interlock together:

Starting from the bottom-most piece, here is what each component does:

• Base Component
  

| The base component has a groove opening on the bottom that allows it to slide onto the microtome unit.

The handle on the right side of the base component allows the angle of the knife holder base to be adjusted for cutting.

• Middle Component
  
  

| The middle component allows for horizontal (or lateral) movement of the cutting stage. This is advantageous because it allows users to be able to access the entire length of the microtome cutting blade during slicing.

• **Top Component (Cutting Stage & Blade Holder)

**

| The top component functions as a cutting stage for collection of sectioned tissue slices. It also contains the knife blade holder.

Blade guard: This guard covers the entire length of the cutting blade, to protect users.

Step 5. Install the knife holder base onto the microtome base unit

Match the grooves on the microtome base to the opening on the knife holder base (green arrow). Once the knife holder base is installed, lock it securely in place by turning the handle.

Step 6. Adjust the knife block cutting angle
The cutting angle can be adjusted on the RF-1000 Rotary Microtome by moving the middle component of the knife block. To do so, loosen the middle component of the knife block by turning the handle on the right side (red arrow below). Adjust the angle of the knife block to be an incline between 0-10 degrees (green circle below). Test cutting at different angles to optimize your cutting angle.

Step 7. Turn and lock the handwheel
The lever below the handwheel allows you to lock and unlock the handwheel’s movement:

Cutting Sections with the Rotary Microtome

This section covers the operational procedures of the Precisionary Rotary Microtome RF-1000.

| Always remember to wear safety gloves while operating the instrument.
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Step 1. Insert a cassette or tissue block into the specimen head clamp

Begin by pushing the specimen clamp lever towards you, then insert the cassette block. Once your cassette is inserted, let go of the specimen clamp lever. The cassette will be securely and firmly held in place, ready for cutting.

Step 2. Adjust the orientation angles of the specimen head

To adjust the angle of the specimen head holding your specimen:

• Vertical angle adjustment (north-south axis or Y-axis): Loosen the Specimen Head Rotation Locking Lever (4), and adjust using the top knob (2) to your desired angle.
• Horizontal angle adjustment (left-right axis or X-axis): Loosen the Specimen Head Rotation Locking Lever (4), and adjust using the side knob (1) to your desired angle.

Step 3. Insert a rotary microtome cutting blade

First, loosen the clamping knob (green arrow) for the top component of the knife block set to insert a microtome cutting blade. Then tighten the clamping knob. We recommend using lowprofile cutting blades with the RF-1000 rotary microtome.

The RF-1000 has a blade safety feature installed on the cutting stage. There is a blade guard (red arrow): This guard covers the entire length of the cutting blade to protect users.

| The knives are very sharp! Handle with care! Never attempt to catch a falling knife!
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Please note the safety guards located on the knife holder.

| Always lock the hand wheel and cover the cutting edge with a safety guard before making any changes to the knife and specimen or when taking a break.
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Please note the safety guards located on the knife holder.

Microtome knives

• Take extreme caution when handling microtome knives/disposable blades as mishandling sharp objects may cause serious injury.
• Remember to always keep knives/disposable blades accounted for in secured areas.
• Never place a knife/disposable blade on a surface with its cutting edge facing upward.
• Do not attempt to catch a falling knife/disposable blade.
• Always remember to lock the handwheel and ensure that the knife/disposable blade is covered by the safety guard before handling or changing the specimen.

Always remember to wear safety gloves while operating the instrument.

Exchanging clamp heads in the specimen head holder

The RF-1000 Rotary Microtome has a specimen head that works with two different types of specimen clamps:

1. Cassette Clamp: This clamp is included on all RF-1000 units and can fit a typical plastic cassette with tissue embedded in wax.
2. Paraffin Clamp: This clamp is an additional RF-1000 accessory and can fit larger samples.

To exchange the clamp heads, simply use an Allen wrench and loosen the socket head screw beneath the specimen head. Slide out the clamp head to one side to remove it, and slide in the clamp head you want to install for use. Tighten the socket head screw so that the clamp head is firmly held in place on the specimen head.

Using the Touchscreen Control Panel

The Precisionary Rotary Microtome RF-1000 is unique in that it has a state-of- the-art LCD touchscreen control panel for all functionalities. To help explain the functions of each panel in the Main Control Panel, here are the specific buttons and selections:

Using the Side Control Panel

The RF-1000 Rotary Microtome also has a separate side control panel to allow for easy access and control during cutting sessions. To help explain the functions in the Side Control Panel, here are the specific buttons and selections:

Using the Foot Pedal

The RF-1000 comes with a foot pedal that allows for control of the automated cutting feature on the microtome. The foot pedal can be used as follows:

Summary of Common Useful Functions

This section summarizes how to operate the RF-1000 Rotary Microtome based on commonly used functions. Each type of function may have multiple methods of control, allowing the RF1000 microtome model to be extremely user friendly and versatile.

How to move the specimen head forward and backward

There are two (2) ways to automatically move the specimen head forward or backward on the RF-1000 Rotary Microtome:

How to change between Trimming and Sectioning modes

There are two (2) ways to change between trimming and sectioning modes on the RF-1000 Rotary Microtome:

How to change the slice thickness

There is one (1) main method to changing the slice thickness setting on the RF-1000 Rotary Microtome:

How to start and stop automated cutting

There are three (3) ways to start and stop the “Automatic Cutting” mode on the RF-1000 Rotary Microtome:

How to wake the microtome from sleep mode

After the RF-1000 is turned on but is not used for a long period of time, the rotary microtome will enter a “Sleep Mode.” When this occurs, the touchscreen Main Control Panel will go dark. To turn the RF-1000 Rotary Microtome back on, simply touch the Main Control Panel and resume. How to use the emergency STOP button The RF-1000 Rotary Microtome is equipped with an emergency STOP button that operates during automated cutting. This is a safety feature that immediately halts any cutting process. While automated cutting is on, pressing the emergency STOP button will immediately stop all cutting mechanisms. To restart the system, turn the emergency STOP button clockwise. This will restart the microtome, and the touchscreen Main Control Window will show reactivation of the operating system. Once the system is rebooted, normal cutting can resume.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Cleaning & Disinfecting

The RF-1000 has been designed to facilitate easy cleaning. Upkeeping the proper maintenance and cleaning of your instrument is essential in reducing machine degradation.

| Personal protective wear such as gloves and mask should be worn throughout this process. Safety precautions for all disinfecting solutions are provided by the manufacturer and should be followed.
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The section waste can easily be removed by taking out the debris collection tray and disposing of the section waste into a biohazard bin.

| It is important that all sectioning waste is removed BEFORE proceeding to section a new sample. All waste MUST be removed after each specimen is sectioned.
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We recommend cleaning the anti-roll glass with isopropyl alcohol (70%).

• Do NOT use xylene, scouring powders or solvents containing acetone or xylene.
• Do NOT use bleach.
• These chemicals will damage the finished surfaces of the RF-1000 rotary microtome.

Allow the RF-1000 rotary microtome to completely dry before using it again.

To remove paraffin residue, you may use removers such as PARAGard™ Paraffin Repellant. Remove paraffin residues with a dry cloth or paper towel.

Troubleshooting

Are you the proud owner of a Precisionary Instruments Rotary Microtome RF-1000, but are having problems? This is our “Troubleshooting Guide,” which we wrote to help you troubleshoot the most commonly encountered issues. Jump right in! If you cannot find the solution below, or if you are still having problems, contact us at:

Precisionary Instruments, LLC
207 Union Street, 2nd floor
Natick, MA 01760

Phone: 617-682-0586
Fax: 1-866-424-2217
E-mail: [email protected]

We welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions!

clamping the cutting knife tightly.

Make sure that the specimen in the cassette is clamped to the specimen head clamp tightly.

If clamping the cassette is difficult, remove the specimen clamp holder and clean any paraffin residue.

The cutting blade may be blunted. Change to a new cutting blade.

The angle of cutting may not be optimal. Try adjusting the cutting angle until slicing improves.

Tissue sections are compressed or folded| Change to a new knife blade. Typically, this occurs when the blade is dull.

Also try slowing down the sectioning speed. A cutting speed that is too fast can cause compressed or folded sections.

The specimen, if embedded in wax, may be too warm. Cool the temperature in the room where you are sectioning.

The cutting angle is too large. Decrease the cutting angle to between 0-5°.

Tissue sections have “stripes” or smears| This results from an accumulation of paraffin debris. Using a tissue, wipe and clean the cutting blade. Or, change to a new cutting blade.

The angle of cutting may not be optimal. Try adjusting the cutting angle until slicing improves.

The specimen head cannot move forward| You have likely reached the front-end position of the travel distance of the specimen head. Reverse the specimen head to its original back position.
Cut tissue sections are curling and not forming a “ribbon”| Your section thickness may be too thick because you are still trimming. Try decreasing the section thickness. Ribbons are best achieved when the slice thickness is <10µm.

The angle of cutting may not be optimal. Try adjusting the cutting angle until slicing improves.

Your knife may be too dull, so change to a new cutting blade.

After turning on the rotary microtome, the LCD screen is off| This results from a damaged power cord or fuse. Contact Precisionary Instruments for ordering a replacement power cord and/or instructions on replacing the fuse.

Warranty & Services

Warranty

Precisionary Instruments guarantees that the acknowledged product provided has passed through extensive quality control procedures based on Precisionary Instrument’s in-house testing standards. In addition, Precisionary assures that the product complies with all technical specifications and/or agreed characteristics that were promised. The extent of the warranty is based on the content of the finalized agreement with Precisionary. The Precisionary terms of warranty apply exclusively to your purchase of the Rotary Microtome RF-1000.

There is a one (1) year warranty for the Precisionary Rotary Microtome RF-1000. Additional years of the Annual Service Plan are available for purchase. Consumables, shipping fees, handling costs, and training plans are non-refundable. Delivery is considered to be completed when items arrive to the customer. Shipping fees incurred from repairs for under-warranty service in the first year under warranty will be paid by Precisionary Instruments. All shipping fees both to and from Precisionary Instruments following this one year period must be paid by the customer.

Procedures for Obtaining Warranty Service: If repairs are required, the customer must contact Precisionary Instruments and provide proof of purchase.

Service Information

If you need technical support or spare parts, Precisionary Instruments offers superior customer service. Make sure to contact Precisionary headquarters or your Precisionary representative directly. When reaching out for customer service, please provide the following information:

• Model name and serial number belonging to your particular rotary microtome · Address/location of the rotary microtome
• Full name of the person to contact regarding the rotary microtome
• Reason for the service call

Thank You!

Thank you for choosing the Precisionary Rotary Microtome RF-1000!

At Precisionary Instruments, we are thrilled to help you get started with your new rotary microtome, and we take great pride in quality customer service. Please read the following manual to help you get started with the Precisionary Rotary Microtome RF-1000.

Note

The information, numerical data, notes and value judgements contained in this manual represent the current state of scientific knowledge and state-of-the- art technology. We aim to update the present manual regularly according to the latest technical developments. Please
contact us or visit our website to find the latest versions of this user manual.

Contact [email protected] or call 617-682-0586 for updated information. Website: http://www.precisionary.com

Contact Information

Additional questions? Need assistance? We have multiple ways for you to contact us, including:

E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.precisionary.com
Phone: Customer Service: 617-682-0586
Quotes: 617-682-0586 Technical Support: 508-810-0111
Fax: 1-866-424-2217
Mailing Address: Precisionary Instruments 207
Union Street 2nd Floor
Natick, MA 01760

References

• Vibrating & Rotary Microtomes | Precisionary Instruments

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