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Version 1.2, Revision C
Operation
5
5.
Operation
5.1
Prerequisite for sectioning the specimens
• To use it with the HistoCore rotary microtomes, a vertical travel range of at least 70mm, and an
adjustable force balance, are necessary.
• To use the non-directional specimen fixture or the directional specimen fixture (fine or only XY), bring
the specimen fixture into the zero position.
• The embedded tissue samples to be sectioned must be precooled to -5 °C (+23 °F) using ice or a
cooling plate prior to sectioning.
• After the RM CoolClamp's precooling phase of 30 min., the universal cassette can be inserted and the
sections carried out.
• Permitted maximum sectioning speed: 155 sections/min..
• Trim at maximum 40μm and section at a thickness of 1-15 μm.
Warning
• Operating with larger thicknesses will lead to potential damage of the specimen block.
5.2
Operating concept
Warning
• Installation on a HistoCore rotary microtome, the following applies in general: Handling specimen
head or knife / blade holder, always lock handwheel in place. Release locking mechanism only for
sectioning and use safety guard; see Safety information
For a microtome that is already configured:
1. Remove knife / blade holder with base and specimen clamp.
2. Bring the specimen head into the rear end position (home position).
3. Lock the handwheel in place and, where appropriate, check whether the hand wheel lock has
been activated.
4. We recommend working with the non-directional specimen holder fixture. If you will be
working with the directional specimen fixture (XY or fine), it must be brought into the zero
position.
5. Push the RM CoolClamp with adapter into the dovetail guide of the quick clamping system for
specimen clamps and tighten it using a size 4 Allen key.
6. To carry out the force balancing, please observe the Instructions for Use of the respective
microtome under the Operation chapter, Fine Adjustment of the Force Balance. The specimen
head must not fall into the knife after being stopped/released.
7. Reinstall the knife / blade holder with base and select the desired clearance angle.
8. Attach the cable holder to the microtome; cable holders are included in the standard delivery
of the RM CoolClamp.
5.3
Installing the RM CoolClamp to Rotary Microtomes with Quick Clamping System
Tip
The RM CoolClamp is attached the same way as changing the universal cassette clamp; for
additional information, refer to the Instructions for Use of the respective rotary microtomes.
