Magazine

Magazine unit, slide handling; SCAN

For technicians and partly for sales managers!

These instructions describe the procedures to install and adjust the magazine unit for Pannoramic SCAN scanners. To help resolve problems with the magazine unit or problems with slide insert or slide removal, a hardware description of the used components and adjustment procedures are added.

Contents

General

Functional overview

Configure the magazine unit

Components and construction

Slide loader; components, construction

Slide insert and removal (software)

Magazine load procedure (software)

Define, adjust slide insert and removal

Adjust the magazine load mechanics

Finishing adjustments

List of Parameters and explanation

Remove and mount the magazine unit

Important

If a software upgrade from the software version 1.14 to the software version 1.15 or higher is done, please adjust the position of the magnet disc again.

See: “Configure the magazine unit” and “Magnet disc”

See also: “What is new …”

General

The magazine unit is a component added to the Pannoramic SCAN scanner to give the possibility of loading and removal of magazines and slides automatically. To handle the slides, magazines are used with 25 slide positions. The magazine input and output stack respectively can hold up to 6 magazines. The magazines are placed manually into the input stack and removed from the output stack by the user. The magazine load procedure transports the magazine with the help of the magazine load mechanism from the input stack to the magazine feeder.

The magazine feeder has 2 functions:

· It transports the magazine from the magazine load position to the first slide position and from the last slide position to the magazine unload position.

· It transports the magazine from slide position to slide position if slide change is done, after slide scanning is finished or to any desired slide position of the magazine.

The slide loader inserts the slide from the actual slide position of the magazine into the Specimen holder (slide holder) of the XY-Stage and after the scan procedure is finished it removes the slide from the specimen holder into the magazine.

If automatic scan mode is selected all slides in the magazine are loaded sequentially from the magazine into the specimen holder, scanned by the scanner unit and returned into the magazine automatically after the scan process of the actual slide is finished. If all slides of the actual magazine are scanned the magazine is removed from the magazine feeder channel to the output stack meanwhile the next magazine will be loaded from the input stack, if there are any further magazines.

If manual scan mode is selected the Magazine load or unload and the slide load or unload procedures are controlled via software buttons. The mechanical movements are the same as described for automatic scan.

The exchange of the entire magazine unit is necessary:

- If one of the two magazine handling DC motors or the DC controller electronics is faulty.

- If the shape of any part is deformed or a part is broken.

- If the magazine unit has any fault and you are unable to fix it.

Requirements

Service program for Pannoramic scanners (SlideScannerService.exe) with actual license file
Pannoramic SCAN and Pannoramic Viewer software (SlideScanner.exe, SlideViewer.exe) with actual license file
1.5, 2.5, 3 and 6 mm hex wrenches,
Hardware and construction knowledge of Pannoramic SCAN

Attention: Do not mix the versions of SlideScanner.exe and SlideScannerService.exe! Always use these programs with the same version number. Otherwise the SlideScannerService.exe program could produce unwanted results and SlideScanner.exe does not work correctly or even freeze!

Functional overview

Software control

In the program “SlideScanner.exe” the movement of the magazine is controlled via the magazine load and unload buttons in the tab “Routine work” if the manual scan operation is selected.

The slide loader inserts and removes the slide during the slide insert or removal operation.

· To select a specific slide position of the magazine, the “Current slide” position may be incremented or decremented by the use of the buttons of the numerical field, or you may type a value between 1 and 25 into the numerical field.

· By pressing the button “Slide insert” the magazine is moved to the desired slide position (shown in the numerical field) and then, the slide will be inserted. Is a slide in the specimen holder and the button “Slide insert” is pressed with a modified slide position, the slide will be removed first, before the magazine is moved.

Load a magazine

The “Magazine Loader” motor is started with the software button “Load Magazine”. By rotating the “Magazine Input Stack Wheels” the first magazine is placed onto the “Magazine Feeder Rails”. The end of the process is signaled by the “Magazine Loader Sensor” (not shown) and the “Magazine Loader” motor is switched off by software.

Unload a magazine

If the scan session of the actual magazine is finished or the magazine remove command is issued, the magazine is fed to the output stack position. The exact unload position is defined by the “Right magazine sensor” actuation again after the magazine passed it. Meanwhile the magazine is unloaded to the output stack the next magazine (if any exists) is loaded from the input stack to the feeder.

Feed a magazine

If a magazine arrived onto the magazine feeder rails the “Left Magazine Sensor” will be pressed. Even the weight of an empty magazine is able to push this sensor. This sensor signals the software, that a magazine had been loaded and a magazine is present in the magazine feeder channel. The magazine feeder motor is switched on by software and transports the magazine with the help of the feeder gear to the first slide position. During magazine feeding the “Magazine feeder sensor” (not shown) gives a pulse after each full turn of the feeder spindle to the software via the DC electronics and the USB electronics box. The software counts the pulses of the “Magazine feeder sensor” and finds the magazine position for the actual slide to be inserted. The distance between two slide positions is exactly 2 full turns of the feeder spindle.

The slide loader inserts the slide to be scanned from the actual magazine’s slide position into the slide holder of the X-Y-Stage by pressing the “slide load button” and removes the slide from the specimen holder and returns it to the slide position of the magazine, if a slide removal procedure is initiated by the “Slide remove” button.

Newer version of the slide loader

DC controller

The DC Electronics box is mounted onto the magazine unit from beneath. The commands to switch on or off the motors or the preview illumination are issued from the software (SlideScanner.exe or SlideScannerService.exe) via the USB Controller and the cable DCF-1. The status information (the state of the sensors) is read by the software on the same way. To prevent the motors from overload if hardware jamming occurs, all commands starting the DC motors have a time out. Normally, the motor is stopped with the sensor action before the time is run out. If the sensor action is missed (jamming occurred) the time out event will switch off the motor.

Configure the magazine unit

In the software version 1.15 or higher the components of the scanner SCAN 150 can be defined in the section [Microscope].

Because modifications are taken on the magazine unit and the slide loader; and these modifications have to be handled by the software also, a new parameter with value was implemented.

There are two parameter values possible:

LoaderType = SL_6Mag_25Slide_NoSensor_Vertical; The magnet disc stops with the falling edge of the sensor

LoaderType = SL_6Mag_25Slide_NoSensor_Vertical_2; The magnet disc stops with the rising edge of the sensor

The improvement includes:

The slide leader of the slide loader moveable part was removed.
The slide leading spring was mounted onto the magazine channel inner side wall.
The stop position of the magnet disc is found with the raising edge of the sensor. Please take this into account if you are working with the service program!

These modifications improve the stability of the magazine load procedure and the stability of the slide load procedure.

If the value is “SL_6Mag_25Slide_NoSensor_Vertical” or the parameter is missed in the file MicroscopeConfiguration.ini section [Microscope], the magazine load and unload operation and the slide insert or removal operation is done in traditional form, as done until the software version 1.14.

This solution has to be used if the slide leader is present on the slide loader’s moveable part!

LoaderType = SL_6Mag_25Slide_NoSensor_Vertical

This type uses the “falling” edge of the magazine feeder sensor!

If the value is “SL_6Mag_25Slide_NoSensor_Vertical_2” in the file MicroscopeConfiguration.ini section [Microscope], the magazine load and unload operation and the slide insert and removal operation is modified; the new magazine unit type can be easily recognized by the presence of the slide leading spring on the inner side wall and the slide leader of the slide loader’s moveable part is missed.

This “LoaderType” should be used if the slide leader is not present on the slide loader’s moveable part and the slide leading spring is present!

LoaderType = SL_6Mag_25Slide_NoSensor_Vertical_2

This type uses the “raising” edge of the magazine feeder sensor!

Important

If the value of the parameter “LoaderType” was changed in the file MicroscopeConfiguration.ini section [Microscope], the magazine load and unload procedure and the slide insert and removal procedure has to be adjusted again (readjust the position of the magnet disc)!

· If an upgrade of the magazine unit was done, please implement the parameter “LoaderType” into the section [Microscope].

Before adjustments are done with the service program, the appropriate edge of the magazine feeder sensor has to be selected or checked.

If the value of the parameter is:

LoaderType = SL_6Mag_25Slide_NoSensor_Vertical

Or no parameter exists for the loader type (software versions, before the version 1.15) Select the “falling” edge and

If the value of the parameter is:

LoaderType = SL_6Mag_25Slide_NoSensor_Vertical_2

Select the “raising” edge!

Components and construction

Magazine unit mounting

The entire magazine unit is mounted to the truss by the use of 4 washers and bolts

· If the magazine unit should be dismounted, please remove the bolts.

· If the position of the magazine unit must be adjusted, please loosen the bolts barely.

See also: “Truss”; “Magazine unit position adjustment’; “Adjust the position of the magazine unit”; “Remove” and “Mount the magazine unit”.

Magazine unit position

If the magazine unit position should be adjusted, the magazine unit mounting bolts must be loosened a little bit to make the magazine unit moveable. With the position adjustment and the position fixing bolt the entire magazine unit can be moved to the left or to the right to find the correct position for the slide position guide and the inner finger of the slide loader in relation to the specimen holder.

The position fixing bolt should be loosened if the position adjustment bolt is turned clockwise; the entire magazine unit moves to the left.

Adjust the magazine unit position

If the position adjustment bolt is turned counter clockwise (loosened), the entire magazine unit can be moved to the right by carefully tightening the position fixing bolt.

If the adjustment is finished, the position adjustment bolt should touch the magazine unit and the position fixing bolt should be even tighten. With this solution the adjusted position is not lost and the correct position of the magazine unit is found again, even if the entire magazine unit was removed.

Remove the magazine unit

1. Remove the preview illumination cable BGF-1.

2. Remove the cable HMF-1 from the slide loader and remove the entire slide loader also.

3. Remove the cable DCF-1 from the DC controller unit.

4. To remove the cover of the magazine unit position adjustment, remove and loosen respectively the bolts as shown; the cover can be moved downward. Loosen the adjustment fixing bolt a little bit.

5. Remove the shown mounting bolts for the Magazine unit.

6. Move the entire magazine unit upward.

Mount the magazine unit

1. Place the magazine unit onto the truss.

2. Insert the mounting bolts with the washers and tighten these carefully.

3. Connect the cable DCF-1 for the DC controller unit.

4. Connect the preview illumination cable BGF-1.

5. Insert the slide loader and connect the cable HMF-1.

6. Adjust the magazine loader as described in “Adjust the magazine load mechanics”.

7. Adjust or check the magazine unit position as described in “Define the slide insert and removal positions”.

8. Mount the cover of the magazine unit position adjustment.

9. Execute the magazine load and unload procedures with the service program.

10. Execute the slide loading test of the service program with different slide sizes, slide shapes and different magazines also.

Magazine

The magazine has 25 positions and can so contain up to 25 slides with a thickness of up to 1.4 mm, meaning the thickness of the cover slip and the barcode label is included. Insert the slide into the magazine so, that the cover slip shows always to the objective during slide insertion or scanning. The slide position numbering is realized on the upper edge of the rear wall.

The magazine is moved with the feeder gears and the rack on the rear of the magazine.

A metal plate (to increase the slide removal security) is integrated.

The slide positions of the magazine should be kept clean and dry.
The magazine does not need adjustment.

Remark

The permanent magnet is used in the P250 only. Every magazine with 25 slide positions contains a permanent magnet to reduce the amount of different magazines.

Allowed slide dimensions are:

Length: 75.00 to 76.00 mm

Width: 25.00 to 26.00 mm

Thickness: 00.95 to 01.05 mm

Since January 2015 a slide dimension’s check tool is delivered with the scanner.

If the first character of the serial number is an “S” the tool is used to check the slide dimensions of the scanners “SCAN, “MIDI” and “DESK””.

If the first character of the serial number is a “P” the tool is used to check the slide dimensions of the scanner “P250”.

· Please check the slide dimensions before filling the tray!

Slides

The cover slip should be in distance from the lower slide edge, in distance from the slide holding mechanics of the specimen holder; not less than 1.0mm from the slide edge.

Because the slide holds the tissue to be scanned, the slides have to fulfill optical requirements also.

The slide bottom (the surface, oriented to the condenser) must be clean and dry.

Dust and paraffin residues may result in focusing difficulties (because the focus pin contacts this surface) or may generate vibration during the slide scan process, resulting in reduced quality of the virtual tissue.
The slide is mechanically fixed by the slide clamp on the barcode area. Therefore, never use stickers or labels on the bottom of the barcode area, because these produce a deviation of the field of view in relation to the optical axis; the result will be a “Slanted FOV”; see also: “The stage skew check”.

The top of the slide (the surface, oriented to the objective) holds the tissue together with the cover slip.

Keep the top of the cover slip clean and dry. Dust or paraffin residues may cause focusing difficulties during the slide scan process, resulting in reduced quality of the virtual tissue.
Before inserting the slide into the magazine, wait, until the cover slip glue is already dry, otherwise, residues may occur on the slide slot bottom of the magazine and then slide loading difficulties are the result.

See also: “Specimen holder”; “Cleaning optics”

Magazine fixing pins

The magazine fixing pins fix the position of the magazine during slide insertion and slide removal.

They need no adjustment or maintenance.

Optical sensor

If the optical sensor OPF-1 and 2 (left and right magazine sensor) is pushed by the magazine, the light path between LED and photo transistor will be broken by a pin. This action is recognized by the software.

The sensor positions are fixed and they are situated in the magazine feeder channel bottom plate. The sensors do not need adjustment.

The sensors should be kept clean. Because the action path is very short, even small glass shards or dust is able to prevent the sensor from correct switching.

Magazine input (left) sensor

This sensor is used to detect a magazine, after a magazine load procedure is finished; even an empty magazine pushes this sensor. There are two possible events. Both can occur and are fully equivalent in function of the magazine load procedure, but the first version should be preferred; the second version is a compromise, because the magazine feeder magnet disc has two tasks but offers only one adjustment possibility; the compromise was done for the magazine input sensor.

1. The magazine arrives onto the feeder rail and the sensor is pressed

In this case, the software starts the magazine feeder gear one turn backward (the magazine is moved to the left) and checks the state of the Magazine input sensor again. The sensor should be released. If the sensor is released, one turn forward (the magazine is moved to the right) of the feeder gear follows and the sensor should be pressed again. This way, the software checks the function of the sensor and the presence of the magazine. This behavior is preferred and has higher priority than the second version, described in the following.

2. The magazine arrives onto the feeder rail and the sensor is not pressed

If the sensor is not pressed during the magazine loading (the magazine loader sensor HAC-1 is sensed), the feeder gear is turned forward by one turn (the magazine is moved to the right) and the sensor state is checked again.

If the sensor is now pressed, the software detected the presence of the magazine.

If the sensor is not pressed, the software detected “No magazine present” and stops magazine load and feed actions and the message “Magazine not loaded” is displayed.

Magazine output (right) sensor

This sensor is used to detect the correct unload position for the magazine. The sensor is pushed and will be released if the magazine is moved to the right (forward). If the software recognized, that the sensor is released, a turn backward follows (the magazine is moved to the left). If now the sensor is pressed again, the right magazine unload position is found and the unload procedure is started, otherwise the software recognizes “magazine jamming occurred” if the time out of the feeder gear is run out.

Magazine loader unit

The magazine loader unit consists of:

· Magazine loader motor

· Magazine load gear

· Magazine load drive

· Input and output stack wheels

· Magazine load sensor

The magazine load and unload drive part of the magazine unit moves the magazines in vertical direction, from the magazine input stack onto the magazine feeder rails and from the magazine feeder rails to the output stack respectively. Both actions are realized with the same motor and mechanical drive, so they are done always at the same time. Meanwhile the actual (finished) magazine is moved upward to the output stack, the next magazine (with slides to be loaded) is moved downward from the input stack to the magazine feeder channel. This combined mechanical movement is always done, even if the first magazine is being loaded or the last magazine will be unloaded.

The magazine loader motor is a 24V DC motor and is switched on via software with the button “Load Magazine”. In the service program, this motor can be driven in forward and backward direction respectively.

The backward direction can be used for test purposes only without a magazine in the input stack. The software uses the forward direction only, without exception.

To increase the torque of the motor, a gear is connected directly.

· The “Magazine Loader Motor” does not need maintenance or adjustments.

See also: “DC controller”

Because the mechanical construction has inertia, an inner and outer position fixing was realized. This solution eliminates the inertia and guarantees always the same limit position for the inner and outer position of the slide loader moveable part. The slide loader movable part reaches always the outer position fixing, but the inner position fixing is a backward movement limiter only (against inertia); it is not a requirement that the inner position fixing is reached always.

· During the inner sensor stays active if the inner position is reached, the outer position sensor stays released when the outer final position is reached.

See also: “Check the slide loader sensors”

The inner and the outer sensors are situated in the clutch housing. The “Sensor operating rod” removes the sensor magnet (situated on the sensor spring 1) from the Hall element for the inner sensor.

This event is signaled to the software and the software will switch off the DC motor, the inner position is reached.

If the moveable part of the slide loader moves outward, from the inner position to the outer position, the magnet, situated on the sensor spring 2 will be moved over its Hall element for the outer sensor; this state is signaled to the software and the motor will be switched off. A spring (not shown) in the outer end position moves the slide loader moveable part into the “outer position fixing”; releases so the sensor and the final outer position is reached.

· The slide leader is no longer used (since the software version 1.16); its task is replaced by the slide leading spring together with the slide leading edge and the shape of the outer finger.

If the moveable part of the slide loader moves outward, from the inner position to the outer position, the magnet, situated on the sensor spring 2 will be moved over the Hall element for the outer sensor; this state is signaled to the software and the motor will be switched off. A spring (not shown) in the outer end position moves the slide loader moveable part into the “outer position fixing”; releases so the sensor and the outer position is reached. During the inner sensor stays active if the inner position is reached, the outer position sensor stays released when the outer position is reached.

· The sensors state on the right is shown in the final outer position

See also: “Check the slide loader sensors”

Slide loader

Since the summer of the year 2014 the same construction of the specimen holder and slide insert removal mechanics is used as in the P250.

· Only mechanical modifications existing on the moveable part (Slide clamp lifter and inner finger) the main construction and working principles are not changed.

· For related components and adjustments, please refer to relevant chapters in the P250.

See: Magazine unit of P250; Slide loader; Adjustment procedures

Handling the slide loader

The slide loader should be hold at the motor and / or the clutch housing, but please does not touch the sensor cover, it may be deformed easily.

Move the slide loader moving part manually

For test purposes, the moving part of the slide loader can be moved manually also. If the slide loader cable HMJ-1 is disconnected, the movement is done easier.

The slide loader should be hold at the motor and / or the clutch housing, but does not touch the sensor cover, it can be deformed easily. The moveable part can be pulled on the mounting bolt of the inner finger or pushed on the surface near to the inner finger or outer finger mounting.

To avoid deforming, other parts should not be touched for this purpose.

Check the slide loader sensors

To check the inner sensor state, move the slide loader into the inner end position by clicking the right hand arrow button of the “Slide loader in or out” part of the service program. If the end position is reached, the sensor state should be attached and stays attached, as signaled by the sensor state “slide loader arm in the scope” (see below).

To check the outer sensor move the slide loader moveable part backward by clicking the left hand arrow button several times of the “Slide loader in or out” part of the service program.

By pushing the slide loader moveable part backward manually and then releasing it, the sensor state “Slide loader arm out from the scope” should be attached and released either. Check this behavior several times.

Faulty behavior

If the sensor stays attached after releasing it, faulty behavior occurred and the SlideScanner.exe program will not finishing the start up procedure!

Slide loader mounting

The slide loader is mounted onto the two side walls of the magazine channel as shown in the figure on the right.

· Both mountings include a horizontal and a vertical fixing for the slide loader position.

The exact horizontal position of the slide loader in relation to the specimen holder is defined by adjusting the entire magazine unit position with the “Magazine unit mounting” and the “Magazine unit adjustment” bolts respectively and was discussed above.

Because the “Slide loader inner finger” moves into the specimen holder, it’s height in relation to the slide clamp (the vertical position) must be adjusted also and will be discussed later.

Remove the slide loader

1. Disconnect the Slide loader cable “HMJ-1”.

2. Move the slide loader moving part into the specimen holder manually, until the inner finger stays behind the slide clamp.

3. Take the slide loader inner part from below (the part named as “2. PULL upward”) with your right hand and push the “Plastic Holder” (“1. PUSH”) with the thumb to the left a little bit, until the “Vertical Position” fixing is disconnected.

4. Now pull the inner part (2. PULL upward) of the slide loader upward a little bit.

5. Shift the entire slide loader backward a little bit to disconnect the “Vertical fixing pin” of the “Slide loader mounting 2”; the outer mounting.

6. Now the entire slide loader can be removed in upward direction.

Mount the slide loader

7. Move the specimen holder to Y-home 1,2 and X-home 1,2.

8. Move the slide loader moveable part a little bit toward to the inner end position. The inner finger should be behind the “Slide clamp”, inside of the specimen holder.

9. Fit the slide loader with the “Slide loader mounting 2” so, that the “Compression spring” (see above) is pressed and push the slide loader motor or the clutch housing downward, but do not press the sensor cover, it can be deformed easily. To mount this part easier, you can insert it a little bit slanted and by rotating it into the vertical position the spring can be strained easily, see also “Mount the slide loader 1 and 2”.

10. Close the gap between clutch housing and magazine feeder channel wall so that the vertical fixing is connected.

11. Push the slide loader to the left and downward until the horizontal and vertical position fixing of the “Inner slide loader mounting” is connected alright; see “Mount the slide loader 3”. Some times it helps if the slide loader clutch housing is pushed to the magazine channel side wall at the same time.

The slide loader is connected well if the horizontal and vertical fixings on both sides of the slide loader are connected right and no significant gaps are visible.

Slide loader parts for slide handling

The slide leader has two useful surfaces during slide loading. The “Slide leading surface” brings the slide in vertical position from the left side during slide loading; and the “Slide holding surface” presses the slide into the magazine rail with the force of the slide leader spring, to fixing the slide in vertical position. Meanwhile slide removal, the slide holding surface pushes the slide into the slide rail of the magazine.

Used only in the version: LoaderType = SL_6Mag_25Slide_NoSensor_Vertical;

See also “Configure the magazine unit” and “The magazine load procedure”

Specimen fingers

The shape (1) of the outer finger helps to positioning the slide into the middle of the outer finger (it should be the middle of the magazine rail also) if the outer slide edge is attached during slide insertion.

During slide removal this part of the outer finger has no function.

In case of slide insertion the inner finger does not touch the slide, but it helps with the edge (3) to open the slide clamp of the specimen holder. This way, the slide insert procedure is done easier.

During slide removal the surfaces (2) touches the upper and the lower part of the inner slide edge.

By adjusting the height of the inner slide finger, the slide clamp of the specimen holder will be opened, even if the widest and thickest allowed slide sizes are loaded.

Adjust the inner finger vertical position

By loosening the mounting bolt of the slide loaders inner finger, its position can be adjusted. The adjustment is correct, if the inner finger even passes the slide leader bolt without hitting it. By moving the slide loader moveable part manually, the inner finger should even pass the bolt for the slide leader up or down movement. If the distance is too much, the inner finger can hit the slide clamp of the specimen holder if the slide loader moves backward after slide insertion.

Further slide handling parts

The leading of the slide from the magazine to the specimen holder during the slide insert action requires special slide leading means.

The successful slide insert operation depends on:

The correct position of the magazine unit; so the slide leading edge of the slide position guide will be in plane with the right hand edge of the specimen holder; the inner finger of the slide loader even passes the specimen holder’s right hand edge.
The correct height of the slide loader’s inner finger; so the slide clamp may be opened correctly to insert the widest slides also.
The correct distance of the slide leading spring to the slide leading edge (about 1.4mm); so the slide will be moved to the slide leading edge and will be shifted on it.

Slide leading spring

The slide leading spring leads the slide to the slide leading edge of the slide position guide.

In the working position, the distance of the spring to the slide leading edge is important.

If we assume, that the maximal slide thickness is 1.05mm and the thickness of the cover slip is 0.17mm, the resulting value together with tissue will be about 1.25mm distance to the slide leading edge.

· During slide insertion, the cover slip must not be touched by the slide leading spring.

The position of the slide leading spring is correct, if the distance to the slide leading edge is:

1.30mm ≤ distance to the slide leading edge ≤ 1.45mm; measured to the closest part of the spring.

Gap to the slide

For this measurement, please use a slide with a thickness of 1.05mm without cover slip.

0.3mm ≤ distance to the slide (without cover slip) ≤ 0.50mm; measured to the closest part of the spring.

In the non-working position, the angulated end of the slide leading spring must step over the inner edge of the inner sidewall of the magazine channel by about 0.4mm. Only this way a deforming of the spring can be avoided.

The angulated end distance is:

0.3mm ≤ G1 ≤ 0.5mm

Slide position guide

The slide leading edge and slot is situated in the inner side wall of the magazine channel. The slide “Leading Slot” bottom should be 0.1mm higher than the lower edge of the specimen holder during slide insertion. The slide “Leading edge” should be in the same plane with the specimen holder right hand edge; see also ‘Adjust the slide insert position in X-direction”.

The shape of the “Leading slot”, the construction of the slide holding mechanics of the specimen holder (Slide clamp and lower edge) and the width of the slide position in the magazine are together the reason for the maximal allowed slide thickness of 1.05mm.

The slide clamp of the specimen holder, together with its lower edge holds the slide during scan operation or moving the specimen holder inside the scannable area. If the slide insert or removal position is reached, the slide clamp is loosened via the slide tightener; only the small force of the “Soft Spring” situated behind the slide clamp will hold the slide clamp and the slide can be moved easily.

If the slide insert or removal position will be reached, the Slide tightener touches the magazine feeder channel from below meanwhile the specimen holder moves in upward direction and forces so the “Strong spring”, situated behind the slide clamp to release the slide clamp (details about the specimen holder mechanics are discussed in the file “The X-Y-stage”).

During slide insert operations, the right hand edge of the specimen holder has to be in the same plane as the slide leading edge.

Slide insert and removal

The following steps describe the slide insert and removal procedure as it is done by software; until the software version 1.14.

Slides insert procedure

1. The focus pin goes to the position +800 steps to bring the specimen holder into the nominal slide insert position horizontally (Z-direction). In this position the slide “Leading edge” of the slide position guide should be in the same vertical plane with the “Right hand edge” of the specimen holder.

2. The specimen holder goes to the slide insert position in X (InsertSlidePositionX) and Y (InsertSlidePositionY1) direction. The value for the slide insert position in Y direction is always +400 steps.

3. Meanwhile the specimen holder moves upward (-X direction), the slide tightener will be moved to the lower edge of the magazine feeder channel and releases so the slide clamp; it will be hold only by the force of the soft spring; the slide can be moved easy into the specimen holder.

4. If the slide insert position is reached, the slide loader motor is started with a time of 600ms. The outer finger touches the slide edge and moves the slide in direction to the specimen holder; meanwhile the shape of the outer finger helps to find the middle of the rail.

5. A few 100 ms later, the slide leader moves downward to the upper edge of the slide and brings so the slide into vertical position with the help of the “Slide leading surface”; then the “Slide holding surface” holds the slide on the upper edge with the force of the “Slide leader spring”.

6. The “Slide leading slot” leads the slide lower part to the specimen holder “Lower edge” and the “Leading edge” defines the position of the slide in relation to the “Right hand edge” of the specimen holder; both should be in the same plane.

7. If the inner finger arrives to the slide clamp of the specimen holder, the edge and the shape of the slide clamp is opening the slide clamp and the first part of the slide will be inserted; meanwhile the slide leader releases the upper edge of the slide.

8. If the time of 600ms is over, the specimen holder moves to the final Y-position (InsertSlide PositionY2,3). Both parameters have always the same value.

9. The slide loader motor is started again until the inner sensor of the slide loader is attached. The software will switch off the motor and the inner sensor stays attached; the slide is inserted.

10. Now the specimen holder moves with the slide in +X direction (downward) with the value of the parameter DeafultPositionX nearly to the limit Xmax.

11. The slide loader motor is started again, but now in opposite direction until the slide loader outer sensor is attached and the slide loader motor will be switched off by software. A spring (not shown) moves now the slide loader moveable part to the outer position fixing, meanwhile the outer sensor will be released; the software checks the released state of the sensor after 300 ms (SlideLoaderDelayTimeBeforeSensor) and the slide insert procedure is finished or, if the sensor is not released or the sensor was not attached and the time was run out, the message “Slide loader arm got stuck during process!” will be issued.

Slide removal procedure

1. The focus pin goes to the position +800 steps to bring the specimen holder into the nominal slide removal position horizontally (Z-direction).

2. The specimen holder goes to the positions X-Home1,2 and Y-Home1,2.

3. To remove a slide, the specimen holder moves first with the slide in +X direction (downward) with the value of the parameter DeafultPositionX nearly to the limit Xmax. The correct Y-remove position is defined with the value of the parameter RemoveSlidePositionY.

4. The software will switch on the Slide Loader motor until the inner sensor will be attached.

5. Now the specimen holder goes in –X direction (upward) and moves so the slide between the inner and outer finger of the slide loader. The end position is defined by the value of the parameter RemoveSlidePositionX1.

6. Meanwhile the specimen holder moves upward (-X direction), the slide tightener will be moved to the lower edge of the magazine unit and releases so the slide clamp; the slide will be held by the Slide clamp with the force of the soft spring only.

7. The Slide Loader motor is switched on in backward direction for 300ms and then stops the movement; the surfaces and of the Inner Finger touches the slide inner edge and moves so the slide backward; the outer part of the slide stays over the magazine rail; the inner finger stays inside the specimen holder before the slide clamp and the slide leader does not touch the slides upper edge.

8. Now the specimen holder goes downward to the position, defined by the value of the parameter RemoveSlidePositionX2 and places so the slide outer part over the bottom of the magazine rail.

9. The slide loader motor is switched on again in backward direction; the slide will be pushed into the rail of the slide position of the magazine by the slide leader nearly until the outer sensor is attached; the slide loader motor will be switched off by the software. At the end of this procedure a spring (not shown) moves now the slide loader moveable part to the outer position fixing, meanwhile the outer sensor will be released and the software checks the released state of the sensor after 300ms (SlideLoaderDelayTimeBeforeSensor). The slide removal procedure is finished.

10. With the magazine feeder, the next or any slide position in the magazine can be found to select the slide to be inserted next.

If the “LoaderType” is:

LoaderType = SL_6Mag_25Slide_NoSensor_Vertical_2; the magnet disc stops with the rising edge of the sensor

Please refer also to the “Slide insert and removal” procedure of the P250!

Magazine load procedure

The magazine load procedure is done in 2 ways, depending on the value of the parameter “LoaderType” in the file MicroscopeConfiguration.ini section [Microscope].

The following procedure is true, if the value is

LoaderType = SL_6Mag_25Slide_NoSensor_Vertical

Or the parameter does not exist in the file MicroscopeConfiguration.ini section [Microscope].

See also “Configure the magazine unit”

1. If the program SlideScanner.exe starts up, the following actions are done:

a. The slide loader is moved backward, to the outer fixing position.

b. The feeder gear had done at least one turn backward; the sensor disc stays in the magazine load position; see also “The magnet disc”.

2. The magazine load procedure is started via SlideScanner.exe (or the service program) with the button “Load Magazine”.

3. The magazine load motor and the input stack wheels are driven forward and the magazine moves downward to the magazine feeder rails. At the same time, the magazine (if any) is moved from the feeder channel to the output stack.

4. If the magazine input wheels have done a half turn, the magazine load sensor will be attached and the software will switch off the magazine load motor.

5. At the same time, as the magazine arrives onto the magazine feeder rails the magazine input sensor will be attached; so the software knows that a magazine is present on the magazine feeder rails (see also the description “Magazine input sensor”).

6. The software starts the magazine feeder gear one turn backward (to the left) and checks the state of the left magazine sensor (see also “The Magazine input sensor ”). The sensor should not be pressed.

7. If the sensor is not pressed, one turn forward (the magazine moves to the right) of the feeder gear follows and the sensor should be pressed again. This way, the software checks the function of the sensor and the presence of the magazine.

8. Now the magazine is moved to the actual slide position, shown by the slide position selector of SlideScannerScan.exe.

Magazine unload procedure

1. If the last slide to be scanned had been removed into the magazine, the magazine feeder gear moves the magazine to the right (forward), until the magazine output sensor was released.

2. The software counts the pulses of the magnet disc of the magazine feeder and checks always the state of the right hand sensor (Magazine output sensor).

3. If the state of the magazine output sensor is released, a turn backward (the magazine moves to the left) follows and the magazine output sensor is checked again.

4. If the sensor is pressed, the magazine load motor is started, the output stack wheels rotates for a half turn and moving so the magazine into the output stack; in the same time the next magazine (if any exists) is moved from the input stack onto the feeder rail.

5. The software checks the magazine input sensor (left magazine sensor). If it is not attached (see also the description “Magazine input sensor”), the magazine load and unload procedure is finished; otherwise go to step 5 of the “magazine load procedure”.

The following procedure is true, if the value is

LoaderType = SL_6Mag_25Slide_NoSensor_Vertical_2

See also “Configure the magazine unit”

If the program SlideScanner.exe starts up, the following actions are done:

The slide loader is moved backward, to the outer fixing position.
The feeder gear had done at least one turn backward; the sensor disc stays in the magazine load position; see also “The magnet disc”.

The magazine load procedure is started via SlideScanner.exe (or the service program) with the button “Load Magazine”.

The magazine load motor and the input stack wheels are driven forward and the magazine moves downward to the magazine feeder rails. At the same time, the magazine (if any) is moved from the feeder channel to the output stack.

If the magazine input wheels have done a half turn, the magazine load sensor will be attached and the software will switch off the magazine load motor.

Until now, all is the same as before; the modification follows now.

The magazine input sensor may be pressed or not, the software changes the position of the magnet disc from “Stop backward” to “Stop forward” first, before the state of the magazine input sensor is checked!

If the magazine input sensor stays attached, the magazine will be feed to the first (or the actual) slide load position.

If the magazine input sensor stays released, the state “Magazine not present” will be detected and all further operations are aborted.

Magazine unload procedure

If the last slide to be scanned had been removed into the magazine, the magazine feeder gear moves the magazine to the right (forward), until the magazine output sensor was released.

The software counts the pulses of the magnet disc of the magazine feeder and checks always the state of the right hand sensor (Magazine output sensor).

If the state of the magazine output sensor is released, a turn backward (the magazine moves to the left) follows and the magazine output sensor is checked again.

If the sensor is pressed, the magazine load motor is started, the output stack wheels rotates for a half turn and moving so the magazine into the output stack; in the same time the next magazine (if any exists) is moved from the input stack onto the feeder rail.

The software checks the magazine input sensor (left magazine sensor). If it is not attached (see also the description “Magazine input sensor”), the magazine load or unload procedure is finished; otherwise go to step “E” of the “magazine load procedure”.

Define and adjust the slide insert and removal positions

The task is, to define the parameter values mentioned below, and to do the required adjustments so, that the slides insert and removal procedure is done evenly and smoothly, without slide jamming or even slide cracking. Furthermore, the slide insert or removal action, done by software, should not cause collision of the slide loader inner finger with the slide clamp of the specimen holder; even if there was no slide in the magazine and a slide removal action is executed. The following adjustments assume that the focus unit is adjusted well and the hardware limits for the X-Y-stage are already defined.

The slide insert position adjustment is done in the following steps and with the following parts:

1. Adjust the position of the magazine unit; so the position of the slide loader and the “Slide leading edge” in the side wall of the magazine channel in relation to the right hand edge of the specimen holder will be adjusted.

2. Adjust the position of the magnet disc; so the position of the slide loader outer finger in relation to the magazine rail will be defined. The outer finger and the slide should be in the middle of the magazine rail.

See also “Configure the magazine unit” and “The magazine load procedure”

3. Adjust the position of the inner finger of the slide loader and define the value of the parameter “DeafultPositionX” (See also above “To adjust the position of the inner finger” in the description of the slide loader). This adjustment guarantees that the inner finger can cross the slide clamp of the specimen holder in the step 11 of the slide insert procedure and in the step 4 of the slide removal procedure.

4. Define the value of the parameter “DeafultPositionX”

If the X-stage is in the position “DeafultPositionX”, the slide loader inner finger should be able to cross the slide clamp of the specimen holder without touching it. For this adjustment insert a slide with the maximal width of 26.00mm. Check this behavior manually first, then electromechanically by moving the slide loader moveable part. If hitting occurs, check the position of the inner finger, see also “To adjust the position of the inner finger” in the description of the slide loader and check the correctness of the parameter value ObjectGuideXMax.

5. Adjust the slide insert position in X-direction for the specimen holder; so the position of the lower edge of the specimen holder in relation to the slot of the slide leading guide will be defined. The conclusion of this adjustment is the value of the parameter “InsertSlidePositionX”.

6. Adjust the final insert position in Y-direction of the specimen holder; define the value of the parameters “InsertSlidePositionY2,3”. The goal of this adjustment is, that:

a. The slide loader outer finger never touches the slide clamp of the specimen holder during slide insertion and

b. The slide never touches the side wall of the magazine channel, even if the specimen holder is in the Y-position -800 steps and is moved in X-direction (the Y-position of -800 steps is used to capture the preview).

Steps for slide removal:

1. Define the value of the parameter RemoveSlidePositionY.

2. Define the value of the parameter RemoveSlidePositionX1

3. Define the value of the parameter RemoveSlidePositionX2

See also: “Adjust the magazine unit”

Adjust the position of the magazine unit

Task: The slide, if shifted backward from the specimen holder even touches the slide leading edge.

1. See also the description “The magazine unit position adjustment” in the chapter “Components and mechanical construction of the magazine unit”.

2. Set the focus position to +800 steps, the nominal slide insert position in Z-direction.

3. Insert a slide manually and the specimen holder should be in the position Y home 1,2 and X home 1,2.

4. Shift the slide manually and carefully from the specimen holder backward, in direction to the magazine until the slide leading edge will be touched. The position of the specimen holder (Z-direction) should not be changed during this action!

5. Check and adjust the magazine unit position so, that the slide leading edge is even touched by the slide.

6. Shift the slide manually return into the specimen holder so, that the specimen holder can move downward without slide cracking. With the service program go downward 26000 steps in +X direction and return to the actual X position. In this case, the slide tightener is disconnected from the magazine unit and the done adjustment becomes effect. This step 6 should be done after each magazine unit movement, even if only small adjustments are done!

7. Repeat steps 4 to 6 until the requirements are fulfilled.

8. Check this adjustment again if the procedure “Adjust the position of the magnet disc” had been done.

Adjust the position of the magnet disc

Task: The slide, if shifted backward from the specimen holder fits the middle of the magazine rail.

1. See also the description “The magnet disc” in the chapter “The magazine feeder part”.

2. Check the stop position of the magnet (disc) in relation to the Hall element and memorize it.

3. Set the focus position to +800 steps, the nominal slide insert position in Z-direction.

4. Insert a slide manually into the specimen holder so, that the outer part of the slide stays over the magazine rail.

5. Adjust the magnet disc position on the feeder spindle by rotating the feeder spindle manually so, that the slide is in the middle of the magazine rail, and the magnet disc is in the previously checked, memorized stop position.

6. Check this adjustment in the positions 2, 13 and 24 of the magazine and correct the found position, if necessary.

7. Check this adjustment again if the procedure “Adjust the position of the magazine unit” had been done.

Check and adjust the magazine position

Task

Adjust the slide position of the magazine so, that the outer specimen finger is in the middle of the slide slot of the magazine.
The adjustment is done by positioning the “The magnet disc” on the feeder spindle.

The adjustment assumes that the position of the magazine unit is correct.

1. Insert a magazine manually or by the use of the service program, prepared with two slides, nearly in the middle of the magazine as shown on the right (“Magazine”).

2. Set the feeder rising or falling edge as required

3. With the part “magazine feeder” of the service program move the magazine in the feeder channel until the slide loader stays over the “empty position”, between the two slides, and the stop position of the magnet disc is “Stop forward”, the slide insert position.

4. Move the slide loader moving part manually a little bit into the scanner until the outer finger can be seen easily.

5. Push the two slides toward the outer finger.

6. If the gaps on both sides of the outer finger are not equal, memorize the “Stop forward” position then rotate the magnet disc until the gaps are equal. Memorize this position also.

7. Loosen the magnet disc fixing and rotate the magnet disc by the difference of the two memorized positions and tighten the fixing bolt.

8. With the service program move the slide loader moving part into its outer end position, rotate the feeder gear backward two turns, then rotate the feeder gear forward until the empty position of the magazine is found again, the stop position of the magnet disc is “Stop forward”.

9. Repeat from step 4 until the gaps are equal on both sides.

If the adjustment is finished, check the correctness of the found position by executing the magazine load test. Check all the magazines without any slide in any magazine; see also: “Check the magazine load procedure”.

Adjust the slide insert position in X-direction

Requirements

Two slides with a thickness of 1.05mm, equal in shape, without cut corners.

Task: Find the height of the slide in the specimen holder in relation to the slide, pushed from the magazine; the height should be equal at the shown position. If this position of the specimen holder in X-direction is found, add to the actual X-position 100 steps and set the value for the parameter InsertSlidePositionX.

1. Set the positions Y-Home1,2 and X-Home1,2 of the X-Y-Stage.

2. Set the focus position to +800 steps, the nominal slide insert position in Z-direction.

3. Set the X-direction to the value of 1600 steps.

4. Set the Y-direction to the value of the parameter InsertSlidePositionY1 (=400 steps).

5. Remove the slide loader and insert a slide without cut corners manually into the specimen holder.

6. In the magazine position behind the specimen holder insert a second slide of the same shape and the same size.

7. Push the slide in the magazine position forward to the outer edge of the inserted slide.

8. Modify the specimen holder X-position (service program, X-direction) so, that both slides are equal in height. You can check this by using a screw driver and moving it on the upper edge of both slides, over the fitting edge. If the height of both slides is not equal, a step can be recognized. An accuracy of 100 steps is enough.

9. If the height of both slides is equal add to the found value 100 steps and the value of the parameter InsertSlidePositionX is found.

10. Update the value of the parameter “InsertSlidePositionX” in the file “MicroscopeConfiguration.ini” and save the file.

Set the value of “InsertSlidePositionY1’

The value is set to be -500steps. If this limit is less then the hardware limit “ObjectGuideYMin”, please use a value of

InsertSlidePositionY1 = ObjectGuideYMin + 100steps

In earlier released SCAN versions, this value were set to +400steps.

· The value is not critical in question of slide operations.

Adjust the final insert position in Y-direction

Task: Set the value for the parameters “InsertSlidePositionY2,3” so, that the specimen holder is never touched. Remember, that both parameters must have always the same value!

1. Set the positions Y-Home1,2 and X-Home1,2 of the X-Y-Stage.

2. Set the X-direction to the value of the parameter InsertSlidePositionX.

3. Set the Y-direction to the value of the parameter InsertSlidePositionY1 (=400 steps).

4. Push the slide loader moveable part manually, until the slide clamp of the specimen holder is reached by the outer finger.

5. Adjust the specimen holder Y-position (service program, Y-direction) so, that the outer finger of the slide loader has a gap of about 0.2 mm (means 200steps) to the slide clamp of the specimen holder and the slide loader moveable part is fully pushed into the inside of the specimen holder. An accuracy of 100 steps is enough.

6. The right value for the parameters “InsertSlidePositionY2,3” is found if the slide loader is fully pushed into the specimen holder (check this behavior manually) and a minimal gap is given between slide loader outer finger and slide clamp of the specimen holder. If the gap is too much, the slide will touch the side wall of the magazine channel if the specimen holder is in the Y-position -800 steps (used for the preview capture) and the slide is moved in X-direction.

7. Update the value of the parameters “InsertSlidePositionY2,3” in the file “MicroscopeConfiguration.ini” and save the file.

Define the value of the parameter “DeafultPositionX”

DeafultPositionX = ObjectGuideXMax -100steps

Update the value of the parameter “DeafultPositionX” in the file “MicroscopeConfiguration.ini” and save the file.

Define the value of the parameter RemoveSlidePositionY

Add six hundred steps to the value of the parameter “InsertSlidePositionY2,3”.

RemoveSlidePositionY = InsertSlidePositionY2,3 + 600steps

Update the value of the parameter “RemoveSlidePositionY” in the file “MicroscopeConfiguration.ini” and save the file.

Define the value of the parameter RemoveSlidePositionX1

RemoveSlidePositionX1 = InsertSlidePositionX -1000steps or, if impossible, the limit X-min.

Update the value of the parameter “RemoveSlidePositionX1” in the file “MicroscopeConfiguration.ini” and save the file.

Define the value of the parameter RemoveSlidePositionX2

1. Define the value for the parameter “RemoveSlidePositionX2” so, that the Edge (3) of the inner finger crosses the slide clamp easily, if no slide is inserted.

2. Update the value of the parameter “RemoveSlidePositionX2” in the file “MicroscopeConfiguration.ini” and save the file.

Adjust the magazine load mechanics

Since the software version 1.15 the magazine feeder disc movement is stopped with the rising edge of the magazine feeder sensor, depending on the magazine unit type, see “Configure the magazine unit” and see also above “Magnet disc”.

In this case of “LoaderType = SL_6Mag_25Slide_NoSensor_Vertical_2; the magnet disc stops with the rising edge of the sensor; therefore, please refer to the chapter “Adjust the magazine load mechanics” of the file “P250_Magazine_unit_slide_handling”.

The following part is true, if the LoaderType is LoaderType = SL_6Mag_25Slide_NoSensor_Vertical; if the magnet disc movement is stopped with the falling edge of the magazine feeder sensor; see “Configure the magazine unit” and also above “Magnet disc”.

1. Start the service program SlideScannerService.exe and switch active the section “Low level service” and “DC controller”.

2. Select the “falling” edge of the “Magazine feeder sensor”

3. With the “Magazine Feeder” backward button the feeder gear brings the magnet disc into the start position (not shown).

4. With the “Magazine loader” forward button bring the magazine input and output stack wheels into the start position.

5. Check the “Magazine loader” sensor state and the “Magazine Feeder” sensor state, both should be attached.

See also “Configure the magazine unit” and “Magazine load procedure”

6. Check the stop position of the input and output stack wheels.

The stop position of the stack wheels should be perpendicular, and in plane with the bottom of the magazine channel.

7. Adjust the magazine loader sensor position so, that this requirement (step 5) is reached, it is not a critical adjustment; repeat steps 3 to 6 until the requirements are fulfilled.

8. Insert a magazine into the input stack and with the “Magazine loader” forward button start a magazine load. The magazine should move smoothly and evenly downward, without stumble.

9. If stumble occurs, the magazine feeder gear should be adjusted via the magnet disc so, that the cogs of the feeder wheel and the magazine rack engages and do not disturb each other.

10. If the magazine arrives onto the feeder rails, the magazine input sensor should be pressed (see also “The magazine input sensor”).

11. Repeat the steps 7 to 9 several times and with different magazines. If the requirements are fulfilled, the adjustment is finished.

12. Finally test the magazine load and unload procedure at least with 6 different magazines, without slides. Observe the load procedure, the empty magazines should move downward smoothly and evenly and the magazine sensor should be pressed, if the magazine arrives onto the feeder rails.

Finishing the adjustment

1. Checks with the service program

Check the magazine load procedure by using empty, half filled and fully filled magazines (shown on the right).

· If the magazine is placed into the input stack, the sensor “Tray hall 1” should be active; the presence of a magazine in the input stack is recognized.

The magazine load procedure should be executed without stumbling of the magazine; the magazines moving downward smoothly and the feeder wheel engages the rack of the magazine easily.

· During this test, only 1 magazine should be in the input stack!

· If stumble of the magazine during any load procedure occurs, please adjust the “Magazine position for the slide insert - removal operation” more precise.

· Check also the magazine(s) and its rack

During unload of the magazine, the magazine should move into the output stack smoothly and evenly. Arrived in the output stack, the magazine supporters should work correctly!

If 9 magazines are placed in the output stack, the state “Output stack full” should be shown by the sensor!

· Check this behavior with the service program and move the magazine in the 9th position a little bit up and release it again; move the last magazine a little bit sideward also.

· In all cases, the state “Output stack full” should be detected clearly.

2. Check the magazine load operation with the test program

· Use the magazines, prepared in the previous check also with the “Magazine load test”, the requirements are the same.

We assume the test “Check the magazine load - unload operation” is finished correctly.

Slide insert and removal test

Finally test the slide insert and removal actions with all the delivered magazines and different slide sizes and slide shapes. This test should include the thinnest, thickest, smallest and largest allowed (metal) slides. Test the slide insert or removal action also in magazine slide positions without slide.

Prepare the magazines for the test

Fill all available magazines with slides and execute the slide insert and removal test. In each magazine, there should be several places without slides in different slide positions.

Meanwhile the slide loading test is in progress, check the following actions visually:

· Please use always a protective eye wear if the slide loading test is in progress and you are looking closely at the loading procedure! It may happen that a slide can fly in peaces during the process, even if the adjustment is incorrect!

1. During the magazine load action the magazines moving downward smoothly and evenly.

2. The magazine input sensor is attached the magazine is moved to the first slide position (see also the chapter “Magazine input sensor”).

During slide insertion

3. The slide is inserted smoothly and evenly, without bangs and stronger (more force requiring) sound, even if the thickest slides with the maximal width of 26.00mm are inserted.

4. The smallest slides should be hold correctly.

5. The outer finger does not touch the slide clamp of the specimen holder if the slide is fully inserted.

6. If the slide loader moves backward the upper part of the slide clamp is not touched, even if slides with the maximal width of 26.00mm are inserted.

During slide removal:

7. The inner finger crosses the slide clamp if there was an empty position in the magazine.

8. If the 9^th magazine is present in the output stack and the last slide of the 10^th magazine is removed from the specimen holder, the message “Output stack full” must occur!

· If all the tests and checks are fulfilled correctly, the adjustment of the magazine unit is finished.

Magazine load, unload and slide insert and removal test

Start the program “SlideScanner.exe” with the service password; the menu “Service” appears.

Select the option “Service” and “Slide loading test”; the combined “magazine load or unload” (1, 2) and the slide insert or removal (3, 4) test will be selectable.

· Insert one or more magazine(s) into the input stack.

Magazine load - unload and slide insert – removal test

By pressing the button “Insert magazine” (1) the magazine is moved from the magazine input stack into the magazine feeder channel and if the magazine is detected by the left magazine sensor, the magazine is moved to the first slide position of the magazine.

By pressing the button “Remove magazine” (2) the magazine is moved in direction to the output stack until the right magazine sensor is even passed, the sensor is in the released state.

The magazine feeder motor rotated the magnet disc one turn backward and checks the right magazine sensor again. If the right magazine sensor is attached, the magazine unload position is found and the magazine is moved into the output stack.

By repeating the procedure (press the buttons “Insert magazine” and “Remove magazine”) the magazine load test is performed.

By pressing the button “Slide insert test” (3)

1. If no magazine is present in the feeder channel:

The magazine load procedure is executed as described above (1).

The slides will be inserted into the specimen holder and a few seconds later it will be removed into the magazine.

If all (selected) slides of the magazine passed the slide insert and removal procedure, the magazine is feed to the output stack; see (2) above and the next magazine with slides will be loaded. The procedure will be repeated until magazines are present in the input stack or if the button “Stop test” (4) is pressed.

2. If a magazine is already present in the magazine feeder channel:

The magazine is moved until the first slide position of the magazine is reached and then the slide insert - removal procedure is executed.

If the button “Stop test” (4) is pressed, the test stops only, if the actual slide insert and removal action is finished.

In emergency conditions, the switch “Emergency power off” should be switched off.

Positions:

In the table “Positions” slide positions of the magazine can be disabled from the slide insert and removal procedure by easily deleting the appropriate line from the table. If the test is loaded again from the start menu, all slide positions are available again.

Mistakes and abnormal or faulty behavior during slide insertion

The following or other faulty behavior can also occur if dust, paraffin residues or bits of broken glass are in the magazine slide rail or on other parts, needed for the slide insert and slide removal procedure.

1. The slide cannot be inserted, the slide hits the specimen holder and the action is aborted.

§ Check the plane of the slide leading edge with the specimen holder right hand edge (Magazine unit position; position of the specimen holder fixing fork).

§ Check the slide leading slot bottom in relation to the lower edge of the specimen holder (“InsertSlidePositionX”).

§ Check the position of the slide loader outer finger in relation to the magazine rail (Adjust the position of the magnet disc).

§ Check the slide dimensions of the used slide.

2. Some slides are inserted well, but some times a big bang can be listened or even cracking the slide on the top:

§ Check the slide leading slot bottom in relation to the lower edge of the specimen holder; see also: “InsertSlidePositionX”.

§ Check the position of the slide loader outer finger in relation to the middle of the magazine rail.

§ Check the height position of the inner finger.

§ Check the slide dimensions of the used slide.

3. Some slides are inserted well, but some times a big bang can be listened or even cracking the slide on the bottom:

§ Check the slide leading slot bottom in relation to the lower edge of the specimen holder.

§ Check the position of the slide loader outer finger in relation to the middle of the magazine rail.

§ Check the slide dimensions of the used slide.

4. The slide insert procedure is done, but often or some times, the slide is slant inserted and falling down onto the truss.

§ Check the plane of the slide leading edge with the specimen holder right hand edge; see also “Adjust the magazine unit position”.

5. During slide insertion a stronger (more force requiring) sound can be listened, even in the second phase of slide insertion or the slide is removed before the slide insert procedure is finished (the slide loader time out was running out).

§ Check or adjust the slide insert position in X-direction; define the value for the parameter “InsertSlidePositionX” again; the value of this parameter is often too much.

§ Check the slide dimensions of the used slide.

6. If the slide will be inserted, a bang can be listened always or on some slides, the Inner finger cannot cross the slide clamp or is in collision with other parts of the specimen holder.

§ Check the plane of the slide leading edge with the specimen holder right hand edge.

§ Check the slide leading slot bottom in relation to the lower edge of the specimen holder (“InsertSlidePositionX”).

§ Check the height of the inner finger.

§ Check the slide dimensions of the used slide.

7. The outer finger touches the specimen holder during the second part of slide insertion is done.

§ Check or adjust the slide insert position in Y-direction; define the value for the parameter “InsertSlidePositionY2,3” again.

8. The slide is touching the sidewall of the magazine channel if the specimen holder is in the Y-position -800 steps.

§ Check or adjust the slide insert position in Y-direction; define the value for the parameter “InsertSlidePositionY2,3” again.

9. If the slide loader is returned to the outer position (after slide insertion), the lower edge of the slide loader inner finger touches the upper part of the specimen holders slide clamp.

§ Define the value of the parameter “DeafultPositionX” again and check the height position of the inner finger; check also the correctness of the limit “Xmax”.

§ Check the slide dimensions of the used slide.

Mistakes and abnormal or faulty behavior during slide removal

10. The inner finger cannot cross the slide clamp if there was an empty position in the magazine.

§ Define the value of the parameter RemoveSlidePositionX2 again.

List of Parameters and explanation

In the following list the parameters for the magazine unit, the slide loading and slide removal are collected; the parameters are situated in the file MicroscopeConfiguration.ini.

Non relevant sections like [ScanCamera], [PreviewCamera], [PreviewAndBarcodeScanning], [Focus], [ReflectorTurret] and parameters, used for Pannoramic MIDI are left out. A short explanation of the parameters should help to understand the meaning of the parameter values.

Please make a security backup of the file MicroscopeConfiguration.ini before parameter values are modified!

[Version]

CurrentInifileVersion=1.9; actual MicroscopeConfiguration.ini file version since MScan.exe version 1.9 or higher, do not modify

[Microscope]

SerialNumber=2000; a four digit number higher then 2000 defines the serial number of the SCAN-150, so the file MicroscopeConfiguration.ini is assigned to the hardware.

MicroscopeType=3DMic8; 3DMic8 means SCAN -150 and Pannoramic SCAN

ScanCameraType=AVT Marlin F146C; Camera type

PreviewCameraType=DFK21F04; Preview camera type

BarcodeReaderType=MS904; for older scanners only (3DMic4), do not modify

[HardwareLimits] The number of steps is defined without lost steps

ObjectGuideXMin=-800; number of steps allowed in negative direction from Home1,2

ObjectGuideXMax=29900; number of steps allowed in positive direction from Home1,2

ObjectGuideYMin=-800; number of steps allowed in negative direction from Home1,2

ObjectGuideYMax=73400; number of steps allowed in positive direction from Home1,2

FocusDeviceMin=-320; number of steps allowed in negative direction from Home1,2

FocusDeviceMax=3540; number of steps allowed in positive direction from Home1,2

ReflectorTurretMin=-400; number of steps allowed in negative direction from Home1,2

ReflectorTurretMax=58700; number of steps allowed in positive direction from Home1,2

StepSizeXinMicrometer=1; do not modify

StepSizeYinMicrometer=1; do not modify

ScannableAreaPositionXMin=2200; the specimen holder is even not touched by the focus pin

ScannableAreaPositionXMax=26000; the medium wide slide should be touched by the half diameter of the focus pin, the step size for adjustment is 100 steps

ScannableAreaPositionYMin=22646; starts usually with 22000 and is modified by the preview calibration program.

ScannableAreaPositionYMax=73400; the specimen holder is not touched by the focus pin

ObjectGuideXYTimeDelayBeforeImageAcquisition=0; A value between 0 and 30 ms can help to eliminate vibration after stage movements before the scan camera image is taken; 0 means no wait, 30ms is recommended.

[SlideLoading]

DeafultPositionX=29600; can be the value of “ObjectGuideXMax”-100 steps; the slide loader inner finger should not touch the slide clamp if the slide is inserted and the slide loader movable part is moving backward to the slide position of the magazine.

DeafultPositionY=18000; the focus pin moves on the metal part of the specimen holder and the X-motor limits can be reached. Do not modify.

InsertSlidePositionX=700; the specimen holder position for slide insertion

InsertSlidePositionY1=400; the specimen holder position for slide insertion at the beginning

InsertSlidePositionY2=600; the final specimen holder position for slide insertion.

InsertSlidePositionY3=600; the final specimen holder position for slide insertion.

SlideHolderReleasePositionY=8000; the slide tightener is released, the slide clamp is spanned by the strong spring.

RemoveSlidePositionX1=-300; the specimen holder position for slide removal at the beginning

RemoveSlidePositionX2=000; the specimen holder position for slide removal at the 2. Phase

RemoveSlidePositionY=1100; the specimen holder Y-position for slide removal

[SlideLoader]

SlideLoaderTimeout=1200; do not modify

SlideLoaderDelayTimeBeforeSensor=300; If the outer sensor is attached it should be released after 300ms; do not modify

[MagazineLoader]

MagazineFirstSlidePosition=18; number of turns to reach the first slide position of the magazine, do not modify

MagazineRemovePosition=85; number of turns to reach the magazine remove position, do not modify

MagazineFirstSensorPosition=0; do not modify

MagazineLastSensorPosition=85; do not modify

StackerTimeout=10000; the magazine load sensor should be attached in less then 10s, do not modify

StackerDelayTimeBeforeSensor=100; do not modify

StackerPreloadTime=2900; do not modify

MagazineFeederMoveTimeAtPreload=0; do not modify

MagazineFeederTimeout=500; less then 500ms for one revolution is allowed, do not modify

MagazineFeederDeadTime=100; do not modify

MagazineFeederDelayTimeBeforeSensor=100; do not modify

MagazineFeederTryCount=10; do not modify

MagazineFeederDelayTimeBeforeMagazineSensor=300; after 300 ms check the left or right magazine sensor; do not modify

SlideCountPerMagazine=25; If SCAN-150=25, Pannoramic SCAN=25 If MIRAX SCAN=50; other values are not allowed