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3.1.3 Micro SD card and micro SD card slot.
The Stainer is supplied with micro SD card, and the external micro SD card slot
(Figure 2, p 4)
. The memory card is used to store microprocessor firmware data. The
firmware can be updated or edited using the software for PC "Fastainer Firmware Editor"
(APPENDIX F).
The micro SD card slot is at the right-side panel of the control unit, above the power
switch. A hinged lid closes access to the card. To open it, pull the upper part of the lid. To
extract the microSD card, press it with your finger. The card will sink a little, and when
released, it will be available for retrieval. It can be extracted by taking with two fingers.
To install the micro SD card after working with it, hold it with two fingers so that the
fixation tooth is at the upper part and insert it into the slot until it snaps. Close the lid.
3.1.4 Working principle of Stainer.
The principle of the staining process is the sequential programmed movement of
racks with slides from station to station where technological operations are carried out.
The working chamber of Stainer is covered with a transparent lid and has
compulsory ventilation, which ensures safety in handling toxic reagents.
The Stainer are equipped with the following types of stations:
●
one station with a flow-through trough (tap water);
●
one station for drying or heating with warm air flow;
●
combined stations – either for placement of troughs with liquid reagents or for placement
of racks with slides, what makes it possible to create an optimum configuration of a device
for each staining technique and even for each laboratory.
The device stains slides using a group method. The slides are put into a rack. The
racks are
loaded
into the working chamber and arranged at parking stations
automatically with the help of a manipulator (15). When the loading of racks is complete,
the Stainer
starts to perform a technological program: the manipulator transfers the racks
with slides from station to station, where there are troughs with reagents, and where
technological operations are carried out (fixation, staining, washing, drying, blotting and so
on).
Operation duration, reagent, and station, in which the operation is performed, are
programmable and changeable. Control and programming are performed with a colour
touch-screen display. Programming functions include not only the consequence and
duration of technological operations but also their parameters and modes. For instance, a