Magazine unit, Slide handling; P250

For technicians and partly for sales managers!

 

 

These instructions describe the procedures to install and adjust the magazine unit for Pannoramic 250 scanners. To help resolve problems with the magazine unit or problems with slide insertion or removal a hardware description of the used components and adjustment procedures are added.

 

The description is based on the software version 1.15.

 

 

 

       Contents

General

Enhancements in the magazine unit of the P250

Configure the magazine unit

Functional overview

            Software control

Components, construction

Magazine feeder channel

Magazine loader unit

Magazine load procedure

Magazine feeder unit

Adjust magazine load mechanics

Slide loader

Remove or mount the slide loader

Adjust the magazine load mechanics

Slide insert and removal (software)

Full adjustment of the magazine unit

Adjustment sequence

Adjustment procedures

Finishing the adjustments

Magazine load and unload test and slide insert and removal test

List of Parameters and explanation

 

 

 

 

 

General

 

 

The magazine unit is a component, added to the Pannoramic P250 scanner, to give the possibility of loading and unloading of magazines and insertion and removal of slides, automatically. To handle the slides, magazines are used with 25 slide positions.

 

The magazine input and output stack respectively can hold up to 9 magazines; after the first magazine is loaded into the magazine feeder channel, the 10th magazine can be placed into the input stack.

The presence of a magazine in the input stack is sensed by the magazine input stack sensor.

The magazines are placed manually into the input stack and are manually removed from the output stack by the user.

If the scan process of the slides in the 10th magazine is finished, and the output stack contains 9 magazines, the output stack sensor signals the state “Output stack full”. In this case, at least one magazine has to be removed from the output stack, only then the 10th magazine can be moved from the magazine feeder channel into the output stack.

 

The magazine load procedure moves the magazine with the help of the magazine load mechanism from the input stack into the magazine feeder channel or, if a magazine is present in the magazine feeder channel, the magazine is moved into the output stack at the same time.

 

The magazine feeder moves the magazine in the magazine feeder channel to the left or to the right as required and has 2 tasks:

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

·    It moves the magazine from the actual slide position to the next or previous slide position if a slide exchange is done 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 back into the magazine. 

 

If the automatic scan mode is selected all slides in the magazine are inserted sequentially from the magazine into the specimen holder, scanned by the scanner unit and removed from the specimen holder back, 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 unloaded from the magazine feeder channel into the output stack meanwhile the next magazine will be loaded from the input stack, if there is any further magazine.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enhancements on the magazine unit of the P250 in relation to the SCAN 150

 

  • The stack rails are prolonged; so the input and output stack may contain up to 9 magazines.
  • The construction of the stack rail spacer is modified.
  • In the stack rail of the input stack a sensor is implemented and shows the state “magazine present”.
  • The sensor in the output stack signals the state “output stack full”.
  • Because two new sensors are implemented, additional sensor connections are realized and connected to the DC controller.
  • The magazine load gear got an additional drive cog wheel on the motor axle; so the speed for lowering down the magazine is reduced.
  • The magazine feeder motor with gear is of a different type; so the feeder moves the magazine more slowly.
  • The acting edge of the magazine feeder sensor was modified. Now the rising edge is used, so the magnets of the magnet disc will not stop on the sensor, the stop position is always after the magnet has passed the sensor.
  • The magazine load procedure control and the procedure to detect the presence of a magazine in the feeder channel are modified.
  • On the output stack part of the magazine channel side walls magazine supporters are realized. These supporters prevent the magazine(s) from falling down if a magazine load action is initiated and no magazine is present in the magazine channel to be moved into the output stack.
  • On the bottom plate of the magazine channel the “specimen holder fixing fork” is realized; it fixes the position of the specimen holder during the slide insert or removal action. Because the focus pin is not in connection with the specimen holder during slide loading, the Z-position of the specimen holder is fixed in this way.
  • On the left side of the magazine feeder channel bottom plate a magazine movement limiter is realized to prevent the brightfield scan camera if wrong magazine movement is executed (might be done with the service program).

 

  • The slide loader “Outer finger” and “Inner finger” are modified in shape.
  • The slide leader of the slide loader is not used (dismounted); a slide leading spring is used instead.

 

 

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

 

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Configure the magazine unit

 

 

Since the software version 1.15 the units of the scanner are configured in the file “MicroscopeConfiguration.ini”, section [Microscope].

 

The actual version of the magazine unit and slide loader in the scanner Pannoramic 250 is “LoaderType=SL_9Mag_25Slide_Sensor_Vertical”.

 

[Microscope]

SerialNumber=xxxxx

MicroscopeType=3DMic9

ScanCameraType=

PreviewCameraType=CVrmc_m8_pPro

BarcodeReaderType=PreviewCamera

LoaderType=SL_9Mag_25Slide_Sensor_Vertical

CameraChangerType=CC_3DH_2Pos

ReflectorTurretType=RT_3DH_10Pos_Belt

BrightfieldLightSourceType=FlashLight2010

ObjectiveChangerType=OC_2Pos

ObjectGuideXYZType=OGXYZ_FLASH3

FlashUnitType=FlashUnit_Type2

NDFilterType=NDType2

PreviewLightType=PreviewLightUnitType_Type2

PowerSwitchBoardType=PowerSwitchBoard_Type1

 

If a different value is used for the magazine unit, may be units are not recognized or working wrong!

 

 

          Parameter options of the section

 

 


 

 

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 load 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” of the magazine channel. The end of the process is signaled by the “Magazine load sensor” and the “Magazine load motor” is switched off by software.

 

 

Watch video:            Magazine load_P250

                                   Magazine unload_P250

 

 

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 magazine unload position is defined by the “Right magazine sensor” actuation. If the magazine releases the sensor, the forward movement of the magazine is stopped and a backward movement is initiated. If the sensor is pressed again (after 1 revolution backward) the correct magazine unload position (and the magazine load position also) is reached and a magazine unload procedure starts. Meanwhile the magazine will be unloaded into the output stack; the next magazine (if any exists) is loaded from the input stack to the feeder channel.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Load a slide

 

The slide loader inserts the slide to be scanned from the actual magazine’s slide position into the specimen holder (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. 

 

 

 

Watch video:            Slide insert

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Control and interface unit

The DC control electronics box is found on the magazine unit from beneath. The commands to switch on or off the motors (or any connected device) are issued from the software (SlideScanner.exe or SlideScannerService.exe) via the USB Controller and the cable DCJ-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, issued by the software “SlideScanner.exe”, starting the DC motors with a time out also. 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 and so protecting them from overload.

 

Mounting

The DC control electronics box is mounted to the inner and outer side wall of the magazine feeder channel with 4 bolts from beneath.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The state of the connected sensors is shown in the service program “SlideScannerService.exe’.

  • Switch “Active” the section “DC controller”; and the field “State” shows the actual sensor state.

 

 

= acting position found; sensor attached

 

X = unattached or unknown

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Components and construction

 

 

 

 

 

1           Magazine unit mounting

2a         Magazine input (left) sensor

2b         Magazine output (right) sensor

3a, 3b   Slide loader mounting

4           Slide leading spring with holder

5           Magazine feeder motor

6           Magazine feeder drive

7           Magazine feeder wheels

8           Magazine supporter

9           Magazine stack wheels

 

 

 

 

 

                   Magazine unit mounting

 

The entire magazine unit is mounted to the truss by the use of 4 washers and bolts (1).

 

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

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Dismount magazine unit

 

1.      Remove the preview illumination cable BGJ-1.

 

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

 

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

 

4.      To remove the "Unit position adjustment cover", 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 mounting bolts for the Magazine unit (1) see above.

 

6.      Move the entire magazine unit upward.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               Mount 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 DCJ-1 for the DC controller unit.

 

4.      Connect the preview illumination cable BGJ-1.

 

5.      Insert the slide loader and connect the cable HMJ-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 unit position

 

It may happen that the magazine unit needs to be removed for some adjustments. if the position of the magazine unit is already adjusted, and the unit needs to be removed, the adjusted position would be lost.

With the adjustable bumper (2) the magazine unit position is defined.

If the magazine unit is placed onto its mounting, easily push the entire unit against the bumper, tighten the unit position fixing (3) barely and tighten the Magazine unit mounting bolts (1) from the top.

 

If the magazine unit position should be adjusted, the magazine unit mounting bolts (1) must be loosened a little bit to make the magazine unit barely moveable. With the bumper position (2) adjustment and the position fixing (3) 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.

 

Important

If the unit position bumper is turned counter clockwise, please pull the entire Magazine unit manually to the right, until the bumper is reached again!

 

 

 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.

 

 

          Fixing fork

 

 

 

 

 

                   Magazine

The magazine has 25 positions and can so contain up to 25 slides with a thickness of up to 1.4mm, 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 and 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; dust, paraffin residues or small glass shards may cause slide loading difficulties!!
  • The magazine does not need adjustment.

 

 

Permanent magnet

 

The permanent magnet of the magazine is used to signal to the appropriate sensor the states “magazine present in the input stack” and “Output stack full”; see also “Magazine input stack sensor” and “Magazine output stack sensor”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowed slide dimensions are

 

Length:          75.00 to 76.00mm

Width:            25.00 to 26.00mm

Thickness:    00.95 to 01.20mm

 

 

 

 

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 magazine!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                      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.

 

          Specimen holder”; “Cleaning optics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               Input and output stack

The stack contains the magazines for slide scanning in the input stack and holds the finished magazines in the output stack. In the input stack as well as in the output stack maximal 9 magazines can be placed.

  • If the 1st magazine is load from the input stack into the magazine feeder channel, the 10th magazine can be inserted into the input stack.
  • If the 9th magazine is removed from the output stack, the 10th magazine can be moved from the magazine feeder channel to the output stack.

 

Stack rails

The stack rails are rotated by 30 degrees against the plump vertical and so the slides are placed always on the rear of the magazine by gravity. This solution ensures also a smooth downward or upward movement of the magazine during the load and unload procedure.

 

Stack rail spacer

It defines the upper distance of the stack rails to each other and guarantees the parallelism of the stack rails.

 

Magazine input stack sensor

The magazine input stack sensor signals the presence of a magazine in the input stack, so the magazine load procedure can be started by the software.

 

Magazine output stack sensor

If 9 magazines are situated in the output stack, the output stack sensor signals the state “output stack full”.

The 10th magazine can be removed from the magazine channel to the output stack only, if at least 1 magazine is removed from the output stack.

 

          Input and output stack sensors

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Stack sensor connection

  • The input and output stack sensors are realized with Hall elements; their positions are fixed, so they can not be adjusted.
  • The sensors are connected to the DC-controller via the cables “HTJ-1” for the input stack sensor and “HTJ-2” for the output stack sensor.
  • The action of the sensor is initiated by the permanent magnet, placed into the side wall of the magazine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the service program

  • The input stack sensor “HTJ-1” is shown as “tray hall1” and
  • The output stack sensor “HTJ-2” is shown as “tray hall2”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magazine feeder channel

 

 

Magazine feeder part

The magazine feeder channel together with the feeder rails ensures proper movements of the magazine in horizontal direction, to the desired slide position or to the magazine unload position. If the magazine was just loaded, the magazine will be moved automatically (controlled by software) to the first slide position of the magazine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The magazine feeder channel consists of the following main parts

 

Inner side wall with

 

 

Bottom plate with

 

 

  • The entire magazine feeder channel should be kept clean and dry.
  • Dust and glass shards can be removed easily with a brush from the magazine bottom plate and other parts.

 

 

Outer side wall with

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Magazine supporters

 

On the inner and on the outer side wall of the magazine channel output stack part magazine supporters are realized.

The supporters are required, if magazines are present in the output stack and no magazine is in the magazine feeder channel during a magazine load procedure is in progress.

If the supporter would be missed (or it works wrong) the magazine would falling down onto the output stack wheels and magazine jamming might occur.

 

Solution

 

If the magazine moves upward from the feeder channel in direction to the output stack, the supporters are pushed outward by the front and the rear part of the magazine (1).

The diameter of the magazine output stack wheels is some 10th mm more than the height of the support surface (2); so, if the vertical position of the magazine output stack wheels is reached, the spring pushes the support surface (2) under the magazine.

If now a magazine unload procedure is in progress without a magazine in the feeder channel, the magazine(s) moving downward only some 10th mm and then the magazine movement is stopped by the support surface (2).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 by the help of the input stack wheels (1) 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. During the actual (finished) magazine is moved upward to the output stack by the help of the output stack wheels (2), the next magazine (with slides to be inserted) 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.

 

Watch video:            Magazine load_P250

                                   Magazine unload_P250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The magazine loader motor is a 24V DC motor with directly connected gear 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 or in the magazine feeder channel. The software uses the forward direction only, without exception.

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

 

  • The “Magazine load motor” does not need maintenance or adjustments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Magazine load gear

  

The magazine load and unload 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 inserted) is moved downward from the input stack into the magazine feeder channel. This combined mechanical movement is always done, even if the first magazine is being loaded or the last magazine had been unloaded.

 

  • The “Magazine load gear” does not need maintenance or adjustments.

 

 Mounting

The magazine load gear is mounted together with the magazine movement limiter to the base plate of the magazine feeder channel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               Magazine load drive

 

Input and output stack wheels are situated on both sidewalls of the magazine feeder channel and are driven by the worm spindle so, that the output stack wheels moving the magazine upward during the input stack wheels lowering down the magazine. To reach the opposite movement of the stack wheels, the drive parts “A” and “D” of the worm spindle are mounted in opposite direction (rotated by 180°) in relation to the drive parts “B” and “C”. With this solution, the required movement of the stack wheels can be reached.

 

  • The Stack wheels do not need maintenance.
  • By adjusting the magazine load sensor position, the correct stop position of the stack wheels can be found.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               Magazine load sensor

 

The magazine input stack wheel, situated behind the sensor HAJ-1, contains two permanent magnets in a distance of exact 180 degrees in relation to each other.

The sensor senses so a half revolution of the “Input and Output stack wheels”.

After loosening the sensor’s mounting bolt, the sensor can be moved upward or downward respectively. The right sensor position is found if the stack wheels are in vertical position and the sensor is attached.

 

  • The sensor does not need maintenance.

 

          Magazine load sensor

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Hall sensors

 

The “Magazine Loader Sensor” and the “Magazine Feeder Sensor” are realized with Hall elements. If the south pole of a magnet is over the hall element the switch is closed and this state is recognized by the software.

If the other polarity of the magnet is over the hall element no action occurs.

 

  • The sensor position is adjustable. For adjustment procedures see the appropriate chapters.
  • The sensor does not need maintenance.

 

 

  • The input and output stack sensors are also realized with Hall elements, but their position cannot be adjusted.

 

 

          Hall sensor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Optical sensors OPJ-1 / 2

 

If the optical 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 on 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.

 

 

 

          Optical sensor”, “How to exchange the optical sensor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Magazine input sensor (left magazine sensor)

 

This sensor is used to detect a magazine in the magazine feeder channel, after a magazine load procedure is finished. Even the weight of an empty magazine should be able to push this sensor.

In opposite to the SCAN 150 the task and actions of this sensor are modified.

  • If the magazine arrives onto the feeder rails, the sensor may be pressed or not until the position “Stop forward” of the magnet disc is reached. The software checks the sensor state and decides now the presence of the magazine. If a magazine is present, the feeder will feed the magazine until the appropriate slide position is present at the slide loading position; this is mostly the 1st slide position of the magazine.
  • If the position “Stop forward” of the magnet disc is reached and the sensor is not pressed, the software detects the state “No magazine in the feeder channel” present and aborts all further actions.

 

 

          How to exchange the optical sensor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Magazine output sensor (right magazine 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.

 

 

 

          How to exchange the optical sensor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magazine load procedure

 

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 magnet disc stays in the magazine load position (“Stop backward”); 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 stack wheels have done a half turn, the magazine load sensor will be attached and the software will switch off the magazine load motor.

 

5.      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 (“Left magazine sensor”) stays attached, the magazine will be feed to the first slide load position.

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

 

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

 

Magazine unload procedure

 

7.      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.

 

8.      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).

 

9.      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.

 

10. 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 rails.

 

11. After the feeder gear reached the position “Stop forward”, the software checks the magazine input sensor (left magazine sensor). If it is not attached (see also the part “The Magazine input sensor”), the magazine load / unload procedure is finished; otherwise go to step 6 of the “magazine load procedure”.

 

 

Watch video:            Magazine load_P250

                                   Magazine unload_P250

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magazine feeder unit

 

 

The magazine feeder gear of the magazine unit moves the magazine in the feeder channel in horizontal direction, to the desired slide position forward or backward as desired or to the magazine unload position. If the magazine was just loaded, the magazine will be moved automatically (controlled by software) to the first slide position of the magazine. The distance of the slide positions in the magazine is exactly 2 revolutions of the feeder spindle. If a previous position should be reached, the feeder spindle rotates one revolution more backward as required, and then a forward revolution is followed.

 

 

                   The magazine feeder unit consists of

 

 

 

 

Feeder unit mounting

 

The Feeder unit mounting is realized on three points, A, B, and C.

On the points B and C The mounting plate may be rotated downward to disconnect the feeder gears.

The mounting A is realized with a spring. The force of the spring guarantees the proper connection of the drive spindle to the feeder wheels. With this solution the feeder drive unit may be disconnected from the feeder wheels if magazine jamming occurs, overload of the motor is avoid.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The mounting bolt together with the force of the spring guarantees the optimal connection between worm spindle and feeder wheels during feeding. This solution protects the motor from overload also, if magazine jamming occurs in the magazine channel during magazine feeding. The spring should not be stretched or shortened!

 

·       By disconnecting the drive unit from the feeder wheels, the magazine becomes manually moveable in the feeder channel (pull the mounting plate frontward).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pull the mounting plate frontward

 

During adjustments, checks and services, the feeder drive unit can be disconnected manually from the feeder wheels and so the magazine becomes manually moveable in the magazine feeder channel.

By pulling the mounting plate frontward, the compression spring of the mounting bolt will be pressed, the drive of the feeder wheels is disconnected and so:

  • The magazine can be shifted to any desired slide position manually.
  • The magazine can be removed from the magazine channel manually by shifting the magazine to the right and
  • The magazine can be inserted into the magazine feeder channel manually from the right side.

 

If the mounting plate is released again, the right connection between worm spindle and feeder wheels should be checked by rotating all three feeder wheels a little bit or you can issue the “Magazine Feeder” command via the service program.

 

  • The “Magazine feeder gear” does not need maintenance.

 

 

 

 

Feeder motor

 

The magazine feeder motor is a 24V DC motor and it is switched on via software to reach the desired slide position, the first slide position after magazine load or to reach the magazines unload position. With the software (SlideScanner.exe or SlideScannerService.exe) the backward direction of this motor is used to reach previous slide positions also.

To increase the torque of the motor, a gear is connected directly. The transmission of this gear is different to the gear of the magazine loader motor.

 

  • In opposite to the scan 150, the gear of this motor has another transmission, so the magazine is fed more slowly in the P250.

 

  • The “Magazine feeder motor” does not need maintenance or adjustments.

 

 

 

 

 

Feeder gear

   

The magazine feeder gear moves the magazine in the feeder channel via the worm spindle and the feeder wheels. Because the position of the feeder wheels during the magazine load action is different from the position during the slide load action, the magnet disc contains four permanent magnets (in previous versions two permanent magnets); it is situated near the end of the worm spindle. One revolution of the worm spindle moves the magazine a half slide position. To reach the next slide position, exactly two revolutions of the worm spindle is needed. The first magnet of the magnet disc initiates a pulse via the sensor to the software after each revolution of the worm spindle. The pulse is used to switch off the motor. For slide insert actions always and only the forward stop position of the feeder gear is used. The magazine load action is always done in the backward stop position. If previous slide positions should be reached, the worm spindle is turned backward one turn more as necessary, and then a forward turn of the feeder gear follows to fulfill the requirement. Please take this into account if you are adjusting the slide insert / removal position with the service program! Before a magazine load procedure is done, the magnet disc should be in the start position, otherwise the cogs of the magazine rack and the cogs of the feeder wheels will not engage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feeder wheels

The feeder wheels are driven by the worm spindle from the outer side, during on the inner side of the feeder wheel the magazine rack is driven.

To prevent a mechanical shorting during magazine movements in the feeder channel if the magazine connects the middle feeder wheel or the feeder wheel on the right, the left and right sided feeder wheels are not fixed in their positions; these are fixed with springs, inside the wheel mounting.

The acting range of the left and right handed feeder wheels is about 0.5mm. The acting direction is always outward; it means, the left feeder wheel has the acting direction to the left and the right handed feeder wheel has its acting direction to the right.

To ensure a stable slide loading position of the magazine, the feeder wheel in the middle is fixed and has no acting range.

  • If magazine feeder jamming occurs often (if the magazine rack drive changes from the left to the middle feeder wheel or the drive changes from the middle to the right sided feeder wheel), check the acting range and the acting direction of the feeder wheels!
  • To check this, please remove the mounting bolt with spring, disconnect the feeder sensor and rotate the feeder unit mounting plate downward.

 

Important

  • If the acting direction of any feeder wheel is different or there is no acting range, a shorting of the mechanics of the feeder drive unit occurs (magazine jamming) and the feeding of the magazine will never work correctly.

 

 

Feeder rails

 

The magazine feeder rails are different in shape, because the magazine is driven only on the back side of the magazine by the magazine feeder wheels. To ensure very small skin resistance during feeding on the non driven side of the magazine, the inner rail (1) has a D-shape; in older versions it may be an O-shape. To lead the magazine during feeding and to ensure stable movement of the magazine, the outer rail (2) has a square profile.

 

  • The rails should be kept clean and dry.
  • The magazine feeder rails do not need adjustment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Magazine movement limiter

 

  • On the left side of the magazine feeder channel bottom plate a magazine movement limiter is realized to prevent the brightfield scan camera if wrong magazine movement is executed (might be done with the service program).

 

Mounting

The magazine movement limiter is mounted together with the magazine load gear to the base plate of the magazine feeder channel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Magnet disc

 

To adjust the magnet disc position in relation to the spindle and so, in relation to the magazine position, the fixing must be loosened.

 

To reach the correct stop position of the magnet disc use the rising edge of the sensor action.

 

The magnet disc position is in connection with two actions, both depending on the right adjustment:

 

  1. Magazine load action

The position of the cogs of the magazine rack and the cogs of the left sided feeder wheel should allow the cogs to match up; so the magazine can move downward smoothly and evenly. If the magazine arrived onto the feeder rails, and the magnet disc is in the stop forward position (slide insert position) the left magazine (input) sensor should be pressed. The correct start position of the magnet disc for the magazine load procedure is found by rotating the magazine feeder gear backward until the position “Stop backward” is reached (with the service program); see also (1) on the right.

 

 

Watch video:            Magnet disc during magazine load_P250

                                   Magnet disc during magazine unload_P250

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Slide insert and removal action

The correct magazine position for the slide insert and removal action is also found by adjusting the “Magnet disc” position. The slide loader outer finger should be in the middle of the magazine rail. The correct position of the magnet disc for the slide load procedure is found by rotating the magazine feeder gear forward until the position “Stop forward” is reached (with the service program); see also (2) on the right.

 

The magnet disc stop position should be anywhere behind the second magnet and the sensor should not signal (SlideScannerService.exe, DC controller, Sensor state, Magazine feeder= X). It is important that after each turn of the feeder spindle, the stop position of the disc should be always the same, if the option “Stop with sensor” is selected. To reach this requirement, the position of the sensor in relation to the magnet disc can be adjusted in a small range.

The detailed adjustment procedure is described later.

 

 

  • The magnet disc and the sensor do not need maintenance.

 

 

 

 

Watch video:            Magnet disc during magazine load_P250

                                   Magnet disc during magazine unload_P250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sensor disc modified; since 2014

 

Working principle

 

By implementing 2 further permanent magnets into the existing magnet disc, the stability of the recognition of the magazine presence in the feeder channel is improved. While the slide insert position remains unchanged; the left magazine sensor will be surely attached if a magazine is present.

 

With this solution, the south pole of the permanent magnets stays longer in time (twice) over the feeder sensor.

·      The sensor “sees” the two or four permanent magnets as a unit of one permanent magnet; the signal is not pulsed!

 

The exchange of the magnet disc requires adjustments regarding the slide insert position and the magazine load position!

 

 

·      Adjust always the slide insert position first, and then check the magazine load action in relation to the found slide insert position.

 

The disc modification or exchange does not require software modification; so the upgrade may be executed regardless the software version.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Magazine unit mounting

 

These four bolts with washers mount the entire magazine unit to the truss. These bolts should be loosened a little bit to make the magazine unit moveable only during the magazine unit position adjustment procedure, otherwise they are always tightened.

 

 

          Dismount magazine unit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magazine unit position adjustment

 

Adjust the slide leading edge position to the position of the specimen holder

  • For this adjustment the specimen holder fixing fork's mounting and the magazine unit mounting should be barely loosened!

 

Loosen the magazine unit mounting bolts a little bit to make the magazine unit moveable.

Loosen the Specimen holder fixing fork's mounting bolts a bit, so the fixing fork becomes also moveable.

With the position adjustment (2) and the position fixing bolt (3) the entire magazine unit can be moved to the left or to the right to find the correct position for the slide position guide 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.

 

  

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, if the entire magazine unit was removed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remove the magazine unit

 

 

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

 

2.      Remove the cable DCJ-1 from the DC controller unit.

 

3.      To remove the cover of the magazine unit position adjustment, remove the bolt (3) and loosen respectively the bolt (2); the cover can be moved downward. Barely loosen the adjustment fixing bolt a little bit.

 

4.      Remove the mounting bolts (1) for the magazine unit.

 

5.      Move the entire magazine unit upward.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mount the magazine unit

 

1.      Place the magazine unit onto the truss and push it to the right, until the “Position adjustment bolt” is reached.

 

2.      Insert the mounting bolts with the washers (1) and push the entire magazine unit to the right until the “Position adjustment bolt” is reached, then tighten the mounting (1) carefully;.

 

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

 

4.      Insert the slide loader and connect the cable HMJ-1.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

8.      Execute the magazine loading test and the slide loading test of the program “SlideScanner.exe” with different magazines and different slide sizes, slide shapes also.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magazine fixing pins

 

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

  • They need no adjustment or maintenance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjust magazine load mechanics

 

 

 

 Set feeder rising edge

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

2.      In the tab „Advanced”, section “Magazine feeder” check or select the “Edge of the sensor” for or to the option “raising” and close the dialogue “Advanced” with OK!

 

  • In opposite to early versions of the SCAN 150, in the P250 the raising edge stops the magazine feeder!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.      With the “Magazine feeder” backward button the feeder gear brings the magnet disc into the start position for the magazine load operation (1).

 

 

 

 

 

Watch video:            Magnet disc during magazine load_P250

                                   Magnet disc during magazine lunload_P250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.      With the “Magazine loader” forward button and no magazine in the input stack, bring the magazine input and output stack wheels into the start position.

 

Remark

Upward and downward is related to the input stack.

 

 

 

 

Important

·         Use the direction "Upward" carefully, magazine stumble may occur if the position of the magazine is incorrect!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

9.      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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. 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.

 

11. If the magazine arrives onto the feeder rails and the magnet disc position had been changed from backward to forward (from the magazine load position to the slide load position), the magazine input sensor should be pressed (see also “Magazine input sensor”).

 

12. Adjust the position of the magnet disc so, that the magazine input sensor is even pressed if the magnet disc had changed from “Stop backward” to “Stop forward” (check the action with the shown sensor state (the left magazine sensor) in the service program!).

 

13. Repeat the steps 7 to 9 several times and with different magazines. If the requirements are fulfilled (no stumble during magazine load action and step 11 is fulfilled), the adjustment is finished.

 

14. Finally test the magazine load and unload procedure with all the 10 magazines, without slides. Observe the load procedure, the empty magazines should move downward smoothly and evenly and the left magazine sensor should be pressed, if the magazine arrives onto the feeder rails and the slide insert position of the magazine is found (2).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slide loader

 

 The slide loader is mounted on the magazine unit but is not a part of the magazine unit; it is a separate spare part instead.

Nevertheless, if the slide loader will be exchanged, special adjustments and corrections have to be done before the slide loading operation works correctly.

 

The DC motor drives via a gear the spindle. In the clutch housing the connection between gear and spindle is realized. This way, the inner and outer finger can be moved into the specimen holder of the specimen holder to insert a slide, or return, from the specimen holder to the slide position of the magazine, to remove a slide.

 

 

 

                      Contents

Movement limits

Handling the slide loader

Slide loader mounting

         Remove the slide loader

         Mount the slide loader

Move the slide loader moving part manually

Check the functionality of the slide loader sensors

Specimen fingers

Slide clamp lifter

Slide loader and slide clamp

Further slide handling parts

         Specimen holder fixing fork

         Slide position guide

         Slide leading spring

         Specimen holder

 

 

 

 

 

 

Movement limits

 

Because the mechanical construction has inertia, an inner and outer movement limit position 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 limit position, while the inner position fixing is a limiter only; it is not a requirement that the inner position fixing is reached always.

 

 

 

Watch video:            Slide insert P250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The slide loader movable part has only two positions, the inner and the outer position. The entire mechanics is constructed so, that only these two positions are defined. The state “Inner position reached” is signaled to a sensor via the “Sensor operating rod”. The inner and the outer sensors are situated in the clutch housing, behind the sensor cover. 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.

 

·        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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 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 or outer finger mounting.

 

  • To avoid deforming or misaligning of adjusted parts, other parts should not be touched.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                        Slide loader mounting

 

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

 

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

 

By moving the plastic holder a little bit sideward on its upper end, the vertical fixing will be disconnected from the slide loader inner mounting.

 

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 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 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 “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.

 

  • Push the slide loader against the channel sidewall

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 motor 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 mounting are connected right and no significant gaps are visible.

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 functionality of 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 / 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 / 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.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Faulty behavior

 Push the moving part of the slide loader against the outer sensor operator manually. The sensor state is shown with, this means, the sensor is active.

Now release the slide loader moving part, the spring in the outer sensor operator should move the moving part to the outer limit position and the sensor state have to be X.

 

 

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

During slide removal the surfaces (2) touches the upper and the lower part of the inner slide edge and shifting so the slide back to the slide position of the magazine.

 

  • During slide removal, and there was an empty position in the magazine, the edge (3) must not collide with the slide clamp.

 

 

Before October 2012

 

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 (it lifts up the slide clamp). 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 and shifting so the slide back to the slide position of the magazine (in reality, the surfaces are found on the opposite side).

 

  • By adjusting the height of the inner slide finger, the slide clamp of the specimen holder will be opened with the edge (3) of the inner finger, even if the widest and thickest allowed slide sizes are loaded.
  • During slide removal, and there was an empty position in the magazine, the edge (3) must not collide with the slide clamp. 

·         Since October 2012 the inner finger is modified. In the new version, the slide clamp is not opened by the edge (3); instead a separate slide clamp lifter is mounted to the mountings (5) of the inner finger.

 

          Slide clamp lifter”; “Slide loader and slide clamp”; RemoveSlidePositionX2

 

 

 

 

Slide clamp lifter

 

Scanners, delivered since October 2012, got a slide clamp lifter to improve the slide clamp opening procedure. For this, the slide clamp of the specimen holder is also modified; the lifter ball bearing moves on the runway and opens so the slide clamp if the inner edge of the slide will be inserted into the specimen holder.

 

 

 

 

 

Scanners, delivered before October 2012

 

The construction of the slide loader is modified since October 2012 and increases the safeness of the movements.

 

Now, not the edge (3) of the inner finger will open the slide clamp, instead a separate “Slide clamp lifter” part is implemented and the construction of the slide clamp is modified.

 

          Adjust the slide clamp lifter position

 

Watch video:            Slide clamp lifter_P250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slide loader and slide clamp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • The “Slide clamp lifter ball bearing” moves on the runway of the “slide clamp lifter” with a very little mechanical resistance and, as defined by the shape of the runway of the clamp lifter, it lifts up the slide clamp until the first part (the inner edge) of the slide is fully inserted.
  • Then it lowers down the slide clamp again. Remember, the slide may differ in length, width and thickness; see also: Slide dimensions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

                   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 or the height of the slide clamp lifter; so the slide clamp may be opened correctly to insert the widest slides also.
  • The correct position of the specimen holder’s fixing fork; so the specimen holder does not move sideward during the slide will be inserted; on the other hand, the parallelogram limiter has not to be strained.
  • 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specimen holder fixing fork

 

The specimen holder fixing fork is mounted onto the inner magazine channel side wall from beneath by the use of two bolts.

Because in the P250 the specimen holder has no contact to the focus pin during slide insertion and slide removal, the specimen holder position is fixed by this fork; see also “Adjust the position of the specimen holder fixing fork”.

 

Position adjustment

Check / adjust the magazine unit position first.

Adjust the position of the fixing fork so, that the specimen holder is not pushed in Z-direction (slide focusing) if the Y-stage moves the specimen holder into the fork.

If the fork position is found, check the plane of the slide leading edge and the specimen holder right hand edge again!

 

Since summer of the year 2014 a new type of the specimen holder fixing fork is used.

·      During insertion of the hammer into the holder, its not chamfered edge is near to the holder.

·      Do the adjustment of the fixing fork’s size and its position as described above.

·      Please refer also to “Position and size of the fixing fork

 

 

 

 

Slide position guide

 

The slide position guide defines with the slide leading edge the horizontal position of the slide during slide insertion.

The slide leading slot bottom is used to define the vertival position of the slide during slide insertion.

 

  • During slide removal the parts have no function.

 

 

 

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 1.20mm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slide leading spring 

The slide leading spring leads the slide to the slide leading edge of the slide position guide and by shifting the slide along the leading edge, the horizontal position of the slide is defined.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the non-working position, the angulated end of the slide leading spring must not hit the inner side wall; only this way a deforming of the spring can be avoided.

 

 

  • The non-working position is reached if the slide loader stays in the outer position.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 1.20mm and the thickness of the cover slip is 0.17mm, the resulting value together with tissue will be 1.37mm, so about 1.40mm distance to the slide leading edge is required.

 

·                  During slide insertion the slide leading spring must not perform force against the cover slip.

 

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

1.37mm ≤ 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 1.20mm without cover slip.

 

0.2mm ≤ distance to the slide (without cover slip) ≤ 0.30mm; measured to the closest part of the spring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specimen holder

 

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 scan 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.

 

 

Slides insert procedure

 

1.      The focus pin goes to the position -300 steps to move the specimen holder away from the objective; this position has no reason in question of the slide load procedure.

 

2.      The specimen holder goes to the slide insert position in X-direction (InsertSlidePositionX) and Y-direction (InsertSlidePositionY1). In this position the slide “Leading edge” of the slide position guide should be in the same plane with the “Right hand edge” of the specimen holder; the specimen holder position is fixed by the fixing fork.

 

3.      Meanwhile the specimen holder moves upward (-X direction), the slide tightener will be moved to “The specimen holder fixing fork” and releases so the slide clamp; it will be hold only by the force of the soft spring. The slide can be moved now easy into the specimen holder.

 

4.      If the slide insert position is reached (InsertSlidePositionX), 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 leading spring pushes the slide in direction of the slide leading edge.

 

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.

 

7.      If the inner finger arrives to the slide clamp of the specimen holder, the edge (3) of the inner finger (or the slide clamp lifter, depending on the hardware version) opens the slide clamp and helps to insert the inner edge of the slide easily, the first part of the slide is inserted.

 

8.      If the time of 600ms is over, the specimen holder moves to the final Y-position (InsertSlidePositionY2,3). 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 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

 

12. The focus pin goes to the position -300 steps to bring the specimen holder into the nominal slide removal position horizontally (Z-direction).

 

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

 

14. 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.

 

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

 

16. 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”.

 

17. Meanwhile the specimen holder moves upward (-X direction), the slide tightener will be moved to the lower edge of the specimen holder fixing fork and releases so the slide clamp; the slide will be hold by the force of the soft spring only.

 

18. The Slide Loader motor is switched on in backward direction for 300ms and then stops the movement; the surfaces (2) 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.

 

19. Now the specimen holder goes to the position, defined by the value of the parameter “RemoveSlidePositionX2”. This value is so defined, that the slide loader’s inner finger edge (3) can cross the slide clamp, if no slide is present in the specimen holder but the software executes a slide removal action. If the slide clamp lifter is used to open the slide clamp, it should also be able to move backward without jamming if no slide is present in the specimen holder.

 

20. The slide loader motor is switched on again in backward direction; the slide will be moved into the rail of the slide position of the magazine. If the slide loader’s outer sensor is attached; the slide loader motor will be switched off by the software. At the end of this procedure a spring 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.

 

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

 

Watch video:            Magazine load_P250

                                   Magazine unload_P250

                                   Slide insert test_P250

                                   Slide clamp lifter_P250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full adjustment of the magazine unit

 

The following procedures and checks are done to adjust all the components of the magazine unit; the result should be:

 

  • The slides with the specified slide dimensions should be inserted easily into the specimen holder, without any slide insert difficulties.
  • The slides with the specified slide dimensions should be hold in the specimen holder correctly, the slide must not change its position during slide scanning.
  • The slides with the specified slide dimensions should be removed easily from the specimen holder and placed return into the slide position of the magazine, without any slide removal difficulties.
  • The magazines should be loaded from the input stack into the magazine channel without stumble or magazine jamming.
  • The magazine should move in the magazine channel easily; without magazine jamming.
  • The magazine should be moved from the magazine channel into the output stack correctly, without magazine jamming.
  • The magazine input stack sensor should show the state “Magazine present”.
  • The magazine output stack sensor should show the stat “Magazine output stack full”.
  • The magazine supporters should work correctly.

 

 

        Checks

Before you are starting any scanner checks or adjustments, please check the following conditions:

 

 

The magazine

 

The slide positions are clean and dry (no cover slip glue residues, no dust and no glass shards can be found); otherwise clean the slide positions of the magazine.

  • The magazine, used for the check and adjustment purposes should be cleaned by the use of a brush and compressed air or canned aerosol cleaner.

The permanent magnet is present and works correctly together with the input and output magazine stack sensor (check this behavior with the service program).

 

The magazine input sensor and the magazine output sensor are switching correctly! Check this behavior with an empty magazine and the service program!

          Magazine input sensor

 

 

 

The slide

 

The used slide(s) (of the user) fulfill the allowed slide dimensions.

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

Labels or stickers should be found only on the barcode area, beside the cover slip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustment sequence

 

  • Please make a security backup of the file Microscope Configuration.ini”!

 

The following sequence is based on the adjustments of the new components (since October, 2012; the specimen holder fixing fork, the slide leading spring and the slide clamp lifter mechanics), but by replacing the appropriate procedure, the other, earlier developed components can be adjusted as well by the use of this sequence.

 

  • For checks, use the appropriate values in the relevant section of the file “MicroscopeConfiguration.ini” of the scanner in question!

1)      Check / adjust the magazine load mechanics

2)     Check / define the hardware limits of the X-Y-stage unit.

3)     Check / adjust the magazine unit position.

4)     Check / adjust the position and the size of the specimen holder fixing fork.

5)     Check / adjust the magazine position for the slide insert / removal operation.

6)     Check the magazine load / unload operation.

7)     Check / define the value of the parameter “DefaultPositionX”.

8)     Check / define the slide insert position in X-direction; define “SlideInsertPositionX”.

9)     Check / adjust the position and the height of the inner finger.

10) Set the slide insert start position in Y-direction; define “InsertSlidePositionY1”

11) Check / define the final slide insert position in Y-direction.

12) Check / adjust the height and the position of the slide clamp lifter.

13) Check / define the slide removal position in Y-direction.

14) Check / define the slide removal position “X1” in X-direction.

15) Check / define the slide removal position “X2” in X-direction.

16) Finishing the adjustments

 

  • Run the tests to check the magazine load / unload and the slide insert / removal procedures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustment procedures

 

 

      Check or define the hardware limits of the X-Y-stage unit

 

       Limiters” and “Important”.

 

 

 

Important

For the following checks, use the values in the section [HardwareLimits] of the file “Microscope Configuration.ini” of the scanner in question; the here shown example values must not to be used!

 

 

 

 

 

Requirements:

  • During movements of the specimen holder in X-Y-direction lost steps (not more than +-2 steps) have not to be expired.

 

 

 

 

Check the hardware limits in X-direction

 

        Check the negative limit in -X-direction

1.      With the service program set the Y-carriage to Home1,2.

2.      Set the X-carriage to Home1,2.

3.      With the service program go forward in direction of the negative limit to the X-motor position, defined as value of the parameter “ObjectGuideXMin”; in the example on the right it would be 700 steps.

4.      Go backward 700 steps.

5.      Press Home1 (only). There should be not more than +-2 steps difference to Home1. If there are more steps lost, the negative limit is faulty, define / find the negative limit.

6.      If there are not more than 2 steps difference to Home1, increase the number of steps by 100 steps.

7.      With the new value (now 800 steps, in relation to the example) go in direction to the negative limit.

8.      Go backward 800 steps in direction to Home1.

9.      Press Home1 (only).

10. If there are more than +-2 steps lost, the limit position is found correctly; the appropriate limit must not be defined again.

 

 

 

Check the positive limit in +X-direction

11. With the service program set the Y-carriage to Home1,2.

12. Set the X-carriage to Home1,2.

13. With the service program go forward to the X-motor position, defined as value of the parameter “ObjectGuideXMax” in the example on the right =30100 steps.

14. Go backward 30100 steps.

15. Press Home1 (only). There should be not more than +-2 steps difference to Home1. If there are more steps lost, the positive limit is faulty, define / find the positive limit.

16. If there are not more than 2 steps difference to Home1, increase the number of steps by 100 steps.

17. With the new value (now 30200 steps, in relation to the example) go in direction to the positive limit.

18. Go backward 30200 steps in direction to Home1.

19. Press Home1 (only).

20. If there are more than +-2 steps lost, the limit position is found correctly; the appropriate limit must not be defined again.

 

       Find the hardware limits of the X-carriage

 

 

 

Check the hardware limits in Y-direction

·       Insert a slide into the specimen holder manually

 

 

 

            Check the negative limit in -Y-direction

21. With the service program set the Y-carriage to Home1,2.

22. Set the X-carriage to Home1,2.

23. Go forward to the position X=28000 steps.

24. With the service program go forward to the Y-motor position, defined as value of the parameter “ObjectGuideYMin” in the example on the right =-1200 steps.

25. Go backward +1200 steps.

26. Press Home1 (only). There should be not more than +-2 steps difference to Home1. If there are more steps lost, the negative limit is faulty, define / find the negative limit.

27. If there are not more than 2 steps difference to Home1, increase the number of steps by 100 steps.

28. With the new value (now 1300 steps, in relation to the example) go in direction to the negative limit.

29. Go backward +800 steps in direction to Home1.

30. Press Home1 (only).

31. If there are more than +-2 steps lost, the limit position is found correctly; the appropriate limit must not be defined again.

 

 

 

Check the positive limit in +Y-direction

32. With the service program set the Y-carriage to Home1,2.

33. Set the X-carriage to Home1,2.

34. Go forward to the position X=29000 steps.

35. With the service program go forward to the Y-motor position, defined as value of the parameter “ObjectGuideYMax” in the example on the right =90100 steps.

36. Go backward 30100 steps.

37. Press Home1 (only). There should be not more than +-2 steps difference to Home1 and the focus pin should not touch the specimen holder! If there are more steps lost, the positive limit is faulty, define / find the positive limit.

38. If there are not more than 2 steps difference to Home1, increase the number of steps by 100 steps.

39. With the new value (now 30200 steps, in relation to the example) go in direction to the positive limit.

40. Go backward 30200 steps in direction to Home1.

41. Press Home1 (only).

42. If there are more than +-2 steps lost, the limit position is found correctly; the appropriate limit must not be defined again.

 

 

Execute the procedure “Find the hardware limits” if necessary.

 

 

 

 

Magazine unit position

 

               Check the magazine unit position

 

Requirement

·       If the slide is pushed from the specimen holder in direction to the slide leading edge (manually), the slide leading edge should be even touched by the slide.

·       If the slide leading edge will be hit or a gap exists between slide and slide leading edge, adjustments are required.

 

 

1.      Set the specimen holder to the positions Y-Home1,2 and X-Home1,2.

2.      Shift the slide carefully backward (the specimen holder has not to be moved in Z-direction), in direction to the magazine. The slide should be a little bit higher than the slide leading slot bottom. If required, move the X-stage some hundred steps in direction to the negative limit, “ObjectGuideXMin”.

3.      If the slide leading edge is not touched or the slide will hit the slide leading edge:

a.      The position of the magazine unit may be wrong and / or

b.      The position of the “Specimen holder fixing fork” is wrong.

 

4.      Shift the slide return into the specimen holder so, that a movement in the +X-direction can be performed.

5.      Move the X-stage 28000 steps in plus (+) direction.

6.      Loosen the “Specimen holder fixing fork” from beneath until it becomes easily moveable.

7.      Move the X-stage 28000 return to the previous position. With this movement, the specimen holder fixing fork may move in Z-direction as required; it will not fix the specimen holder in the wrong position.

8.      Now shift the slide again in direction to the slide leading edge and check the behavior:

9.      If the slide leading edge is not touched or the slide will hit the slide leading edge:

10. The position of the magazine unit is wrong.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Adjust the magazine unit position

 

 Task

·       Adjust the position of the magazine unit so, that the slide leading edge is even touched by the slide if the slide is pushed from the specimen holder in direction to the slide leading edge (manually).

·       If the slide leading edge will be hit or a gap exists between slide and slide leading edge, adjustments are required.

 

 

     Magazine unit mounting” and “Magazine unit position adjustment

 

 

 

11. Set the specimen holder to the positions Y-Home1,2 and X-Home1,2.

12. Insert a slide manually into the specimen holder.

13. The slide should be a little bit higher than the slide leading slot bottom. If required, move the X-stage in direction to the negative limit, “ObjectGuideXMin”.

14. Move the X-stage 28000 steps in plus (+) direction.

15. Loosen the “Specimen holder fixing fork” until it becomes easily moveable.

16. Move the X-stage 28000 steps return to the previous position. With this movement, the specimen holder fixing fork may move in Z-direction as required; it will not fix the specimen holder in the wrong position.

17. Shift the slide carefully backward, in direction to the slide leading slot; the specimen holder should not move in Z-direction; otherwise repeat from step 13 logically.

18. If the slide leading edge is not touched or the slide will hit the slide leading edge:

a.      Loosen the magazine unit fixing bolts a little bit until the magazine unit may be barely shifted on its mounting and

b.      Drive the magazine unit position adjustment bolts as required.

 

19. Shift the slide return into the specimen holder so, that a movement in the +X-direction can be performed.

20. Move the X-stage 28000 steps in plus (+) direction.

21. Move the X-stage 28000 return to the previous position. With this movement, the specimen holder fixing fork may move in Z-direction as required; it will not fix the specimen holder in the wrong position.

22. Now shift the slide again in direction to the slide leading edge and check the behavior:

23. If the slide leading edge is not touched or the slide will hit the slide leading edge, repeat from step 18b.

24. If the slide even touches the slide leading edge tighten the magazine unit fixing bolts and check the behavior again; repeat from step 19 one time.

 

 

 

 

 

                   Position and the size of the specimen holder fixing fork

 

Task

  •  Adjust the position of the fixing fork so, that the specimen holder is not pushed in Z-direction if the Y-stage moves the specimen holder into the fork.
  • Adjust the size of the fork so, that movement in Z-direction of the specimen holder is not possible but the specimen holder moves easily in the fork it should not be pressed by the fork.

          “Specimen holder fixing fork

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjust the size of the specimen holder fixing fork

 

The size of the specimen holder fixing fork can be adjusted in a small range by driving the size adjustment bolts.

The adjustment is correct, if:

  • The specimen holder can not move in Z-direction (focusing direction) during the slide insertion or removal procedure and
  • The specimen holder does not move strong; it is not be pressed by the fork.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjust the position of the specimen holder fixing fork

 

Task

  • Find the correct position of the specimen holder fixing fork so, that the specimen holder right hand edge is in plane with the slide leading edge and the parallelogram is not moved in Z-direction.

 

1.      Move the Y- and X-stage to the positions Home1,2.

2.      Move the X-stage to the position 28000 steps.

3.      Move the Y-stage to the position 88000 steps.

4.      Loosen the mounting bolts of the fixing fork from beneath.

5.      Move the Y-stage until the position Y=3200 steps is reached.

6.      Move the Y-stage backward in direction to Home1,2 by 100 steps until the movement surface will touch the fixing fork.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.      Fit the fixing fork with the movement surface of the specimen holder and tighten the mounting bolts of the fixing fork; please do not touch the specimen holder during this action, it should not move in Z-direction!

8.      Check the adjustment by repeating this sequence from the step 5. If the specimen holder movement surface touches the fixing fork, no movements in Z-direction should be expired, otherwise repeat from step 3. 

·            If the correct position of the fork is found, check the plane of the slide leading edge and the specimen holder right hand edge again; execute the steps logically as described in: check the magazine unit position!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check or adjust the magazine position in the magazine feeder channel for the slide insert or removal operation

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 and the position of the specimen holder fixing fork 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 edge

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.

 

 

          Check the magazine load procedure”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check the magazine load and unload procedure

 

The result should be

  • All the empty magazines, used with this scanner can be loaded from the input stack into the magazine feeder channel without stumble; insert the magazines into the input stack one by one!
    • If not:             Check the rack of the magazine in question.
        • If more magazines failed this test, adjust the slide insert position of the magazine more precise.
        • If more magazines failed this test, check the smoothness of the side wall surface in relation to the stack wheels; the stack wheels should be about 0.1mm deeper as the surface of the side wall.
  • The magazine (all 10 magazines), arrived onto the feeder rails, should be recognized by the left magazine sensor and should be moved to the first slide position.
  • Now check the first slide position visually, it should fit with the slide leading slot.
  • By moving the magazine to the magazine unload position, the unload position should be found correctly and the magazine should be moved into the output stack evenly and smoothly, without stumble.
  • Check the correct function of “The magazine supporters” also.
  • If 9 magazines are present in the output stack and the 10th magazine will be moved into the output stack, the test program should send a message, that the output stack is full.

 

Check this behavior with the options “Magazine load” and “Magazine unload” of the service part of the program “SlideScanner.exe”.

 

If the magazine load / unload test with the empty magazines is finished, prepare some magazines as follows:

 

  • Fill the left side of a magazine with 10 slides.
  • Fill the right side of a magazine with 10 slides.
  • Fill an entire magazine with slides (25 slides).

 

Check the smoothness and the correctness of the magazine load procedure (without stumble) with the options “Magazine load” and “Magazine unload” of the service part of the program “SlideScanner.exe”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Define the value of the parameter DeafultPositionX

 

Task

·       This value allows the movement of the inner finger above the slide clamp and the specimen holder if a slide was inserted and the slide loader moves backward without slide after a slide insert procedure or

·       The slide loader moves inward, into the scanner, before the real slide removal procedure will be executed.

·       In both movements of the slide loader, the inner finger has not to hit the specimen holder or the slide clamp.

·       Check the value by inserting and removal of the widest and thickest test slide manually (26.1mm wide and 1.20mm in thickness).

 

Requirements

·       The hardware limit in the direction “Xmax” has to be defined correctly.

 

DeafultPositionX = ObjectGuideXMax - 100 steps.

 

 

Example

If the hardware limit in +X-direction is found with “ObjectGuideXMax” = 29800 steps, the value of the parameter “DeafultPositionX” will be 29700 steps.

  • Update the value of the parameter “DeafultPositionX” in the section [SlideLoading] of the file “Microscope Configuration.ini” and save the file.

 

Remark

The value of the parameter “DeafultPositionX” is not critical, but a gap between “Slide loader inner finger” and the slide clamp and specimen holder has to exist, if specified movements are executed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjust the slide insert position in X-direction

 

Task

  • Define the value for the parameter “InsertSlidePositionX” so, that the slide lower edge does not collide with the lower edge of the specimen holder during slide insertion.
  • The widest and thickest allowed slide has to be inserted smoothly also.

 

To reach this, the “Level height” has to be found first.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Level height

The “Level height” means the position of the specimen holder in motor steps of the X-direction where the specimen holder lower edge is in the same height as the bottom of the slide leading slot.

·       Please notify the found value of the “Level height”, it will be required again if the value of the parameter RemoveSlidePositionX1” will be defined.

 

InsertSlidePositionX = level height +600 steps ±100 steps

 

Because we are defining the level height in an accuracy of 100 steps, the tolerance of +-100 steps may occur.

 

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

2.      Set the focus position to -300 steps.

3.      Set the Y-direction to the value of the parameter InsertSlidePositionY1.

4.      Remove the slide loader and put a utility knife blade onto the lower edge of the specimen holder.

5.      Move the blade in direction to the slide leading slot bottom.

6.      If the blade hits the slide leading slot bottom, move the X-stage in direction to the negative limit by 100 steps and check the height again with the blade.

7.      Repeat the previous step until the specimen holder is in the same height as the slide leading slot bottom.

8.      If the correct “Level height” is found, add to the actual number of steps in X-direction 600steps.

 

“SlideInsertPositionX” = Level height + 600 steps.

 

Example: If the found Level height is -500 steps (shown by the service program, X-direction step number), the value of the parameter “SlideInsertPositionX” will be +100 steps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.      Update the value of the parameter “InsertSlidePositionX” in the section [SlideLoading] of the file “MicroscopeConfiguration.ini” and save the file.

10. Check the slide insert position with the widest and thickest slide; insert it with the slide loader manually.

11. If the slide lower edge hits the specimen holder lower edge, add to the value of the parameter ‘InsertSlidePositionX’ 100 steps.

12. If the thickest and widest slide will be inserted strong (the slide clamp has no gap), reduce the value of the parameter ‘InsertSlidePositionX’ by 100 steps.

 

 

          Adjust the slide clamp lifter position

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Check or adjust the position and the height of the inner finger

 

  Requirement

 

 Task

  • If the moving part of the slide loader is moved from the position over the magazine into the specimen holder or vice versa, the right hand edge of the inner finger should pass the specimen holder without hitting it, otherwise, the gap should be not more than 0.1mm.
  • Adjust the height of the inner finger in relation to the slide loader lower surface so; that the surface can be passed safely, otherwise, the gap should not be more than 0.2mm.

 

Height of the inner finger

  • Loosen the mounting bolt of the inner finger and adjust the height as shown on the right.
  • Check the correct height by moving the slide loader moving part manually.

 

       Check or define the value of the parameter “DefaultPositionX”

 

 

Position of the inner finger

The position of the inner finger in relation to the edge of the specimen holder is adjusted by the use of a fitting plate, situated on the mounting surface of the inner finger; this adjustment is mostly not done in the field!

If the inner finger hits the edge of the specimen holder or if the gap is too much, please check the position of the magazine unit and check also the correct position of the specimen holder fixing fork first.

 

       Check the magazine unit position” and Position of the specimen holder fixing fork”.

 

 

 

 

                   Adjust the inner finger vertical position

 

The version of the inner finger is before October, 2012.

 

Check

·       Move the slide loader from the outer end position to the inner end position and vice versa manually. Check the gap of the slide leader bolt in relation to the inner finger.

·        Check the behavior by moving the slide loader moving part manually first and then with the service program also; hitting the bolt must not be expired.

 

Task

·       Adjust the inner finger height so, that the slide leader bolt is even passed by the inner finger if the slide loader moving part is moving.

 

Adjustment

·       Move the moving part of the slide loader until the inner finger stays in the near to the slide leader bolt.

·       If the inner finger can not pass the slide leader bolt, loosen the mounting bolt of the inner finger and adjust a small gap.

·       Adjust the gap also, if the gap is too much, more then 0,1mm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Set the slide insert position in Y-direction; define “InsertSlidePositionY1”

 

Requirements

  • The hardware limit ObjectGuideYMin≤ -500 steps.

 

Task

  • Set the start position for the slide insert procedure in Y-direction.

 

InsertSlidePositionY1 = -500steps

 

·       Update the value of the parameter “InsertSlidePositionY1” in the section [SlideLoading] of the file “MicroscopeConfiguration.ini” and save the file.

 

 

Remark

This position is not critical. In earlier delivered systems this value was 400steps by default. Please, use now always the value of -500 steps, if possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Adjust the final insert position in Y-direction

 

 

Requirements

 

  • “InsertSlidePositionY1” ≤ “InsertSlidePositionY2,3”

 

Task

 Set the value for the parameters “InsertSlidePositionY2” and “InsertSlidePositionY3” (often named as “InsertSlidePositionY2,3”) so, that the specimen holder is never touched during slide insertion.

·       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 (nominal =-500 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 0.2mm to the slide clamp of the specimen holder and the slide loader moveable part is fully pushed into 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 exists between slide loader outer finger and slide clamp of the specimen holder.

·       If the gap is too much, the slide might touch the side wall of the magazine channel.

 

7.      Update the value of the parameters “InsertSlidePositionY2” and “InsertSlidePositionY3” in the section [SlideLoading] of the file “Microscope Configuration.ini” with the same value and save the file.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Define the value of the parameter RemoveSlidePositionY

 

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

 

RemoveSlidePositionY = InsertSlidePositionY2 + 600 steps

 

Update the value of the parameter “RemoveSlidePositionY” in the section [SlideLoading] of the file “MicroscopeConfiguration.ini” and save the file.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Define the value of the parameter “RemoveSlidePositionX1

 

 “RemoveSlidePositionX1” = “Level height” -150 steps.

See also: Adjust the slide insert position in X-direction

 

Update the value of the parameter “RemoveSlidePositionX1” in the section [SlideLoading] of the file “Microscope Configuration.ini” and save the file.

 

If the slide clamp lifter is mounted:

 

 “RemoveSlidePositionX1 = level height -150 steps.

 

Update the value of the parameter “RemoveSlidePositionX1” in the section [SlideLoading] of the file “Microscope Configuration.ini” and save the file.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Define the value of the parameter “RemoveSlidePositionX2

 

  • There are two possibilities to define the value of the parameter “RemoveSlidePositionX2”, depending on the used type of the inner finger.

 

If the earlier developed inner finger type is present (scanners, delivered before Oct. 2012)

 

1.    Define the value for the parameter “RemoveSlidePositionX2” so, that the edge (3) of the inner finger (or the runway of the slide clamp lifter) passes the slide clamp easily, if no slide is inserted and the slide loader moves backward.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       Specimen fingers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If the newer inner finger type (since October, 2012, with slide clamp lifter) is present

The values of the parameters “RemoveSlidePositionX1” and “RemoveSlidePositionX2” are identical.

 

Set:    Value of “RemoveSlidePositionX2” = Value of “RemoveSlidePositionX1”

 

Remark

If there is no slide present in the specimen holder, the slide lifter has also to pass easily the “Slide clamp lifter ball bearing”! Therefore, a difference of some 100steps is allowed to fulfill this requirement.

 

Update the value of the parameter “RemoveSlidePositionX2” in the section [SlideLoading] of the file “MicroscopeConfiguration.ini” and save the file.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Check the position of the slide leading spring

 

The slide leading spring should be in the same plane as the slide leading slot edge, in opposite of the slide leading edge as shown.

The distance of the leading spring surface to the slide leading edge is about 1.6 mm.

 

  • If the thickest allowed slide dimension with cover slip will be inserted, the spring should even not touch the cover slip!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Adjust the slide clamp lifter position

 

  • This adjustment assumes that the value of the parameter “InsertSlidePositionX” is defined correctly.

 

As discussed above, the slide clamp lifter opens the slide clamp during slide insertion.

 

Adjust the position of the slide clamp lifter so, that the slide clamp is fully opened during insertion of the thickest and widest slide but the specimen holder should not be pulled upward. Therefore, a small movement upward (about 0.1 … 0.2mm) of the slide clamp should be possible in the positions 1, 2 and 3 of the runway.

 

1.      Insert the thickest and widest slide manually.

2.      Move the slide loader manually in the direction of the specimen holder until the linear part of the clamp lifter is reached (1) and the slide inner edge stays over the slide fixing ball bearing.

3.      Loosen the clamp lifter mounting bolts and adjust the position of the clamp lifter so, that the the slide fixing ball bearing is even not touched by the slide (a gap of about 0.1mm) exists and the slide should not falling out, then tighten the clamp lifter bolts.

4.      Move the slide loader manually to the middle (2) and the end (3) of the linear part of the slide clamp lifter’s runway and check the gap in these positions also.

5.      Check in all three positions the gap of the “Lifter ball bearing in relation to the run way of the slide clamp lifter; a gap of at least 0.1 … 0.2mm is required, so straining of the specimen holder and the parallelogram can be avoided.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 at a time!

·       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 and removal action also in magazine slide positions without slide (empty positions).

 

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

 

     Mistakes and abnormal or faulty behavior during slide insertion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magazine load and unload test, 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 / unload” (1, 2) and the slide insert / removal (3, 4) test will be selectable.

 

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

 

 

 

Watch video:            Magnet disc during magazine load_P250

                                   Magnet disc during magazine unload_P250

 

 

 

Watch video:            Magazine load_P250

                                   Magazine unload_P250

                                   Slide insert test_P250

                                   Slide clamp lifter_P250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

               Magazine load and unload 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 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 loading procedure is executed.

 

·       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!

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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 / adjust the slide insert position in X-direction; define the value for the parameter “InsertSlidePositionX” again; the value of this parameter is mostly 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 / 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 / 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] 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!

 

The description is based on the software version 1.15.

 

 

·       The path of the file MicroscopeConfiguration.ini, in the version with the operating system Windows® 7 is:

C:\ProgramData\3DHISTECH\SlideScanner\MicroscopeConfiguration.ini

 

·       in the version with the operating system Windows® xP is:

C:\ Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\3DHISTECH\SlideScanner\ MicroscopeConfiguration.ini

 

 

 

·       All of the shown unit specific parameter values are examples and for information only; these are different from unit to unit of the same type also. Please never use the example values!

 

More information can also be found in the chapter     Handling the INI files

 

 

[Version]

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

[Microscope]

SerialNumber=xxxxxx;                                                       a six digit number defines the serial number of the P250, so the file MicroscopeConfiguration.ini is assigned to the hardware.

MicroscopeType=3DMic9;                                                 3DMic9 means Pannoramic 250

ScanCameraType=;                                                           not used

PreviewCameraType=CVrmc_m8_pPro;                       the preview camera

BarcodeReaderType=PreviewCamera

LoaderType=SL_9Mag_25Slide_Sensor_Vertical;      Magazine unit type, see also: Configure …

CameraChangerType=CC_3DH_2Pos;                         see also: the camera changer

ReflectorTurretType=RT_3DH_10Pos_Belt;                 see also: P250_turret_unit

BrightfieldLightSourceType=FlashLight2010;              see also: The brightfield light source

BrightfieldLightSourceType=FlashLight2012;         see also: “The ND filter unit” and “Upgrade to the software version 1.16

ObjectiveChangerType=OC_2Pos;                                 see also: Configure …

ObjectGuideXYZType=OGXYZ_FLASH3;                     see also: Configure the X-Y-stage unit

FlashUnitType=FlashUnit_Type2;                                  see also: Configure electronics components

NDFilterType=NDType2;                                                   see also: The ND-filter unit

PreviewLightType=PreviewLightUnitType_Type2;      see also: Configure the preview unit

PowerSwitchBoardType=PowerSwitchBoard_Type1; see also: Configure electronics components

 

 

[HardwareLimits]                             The number of steps is defined without mechanical jamming

                                                              See also:    Find the hardware limits for the X-Y-stage unit and the Focus unit, 

ObjectGuideXMin=-700;                   number of steps allowed in negative direction from Home1,2

ObjectGuideXMax=30000;               number of steps allowed in positive direction from Home1,2

ObjectGuideYMin=-1200;                number of steps allowed in negative direction from Home1,2

ObjectGuideYMax=89200;               number of steps allowed in positive direction from Home1,2

FocusDeviceMin=-1760;                  number of steps allowed in negative direction from Home1,2

FocusDeviceMax=2750;                  number of steps allowed in positive direction from Home1,2

ReflectorTurretMin=-300;                 not used in the belt driven version

ReflectorTurretMax=58700;             not used in the belt driven version

StepSizeXinMicrometer=1

StepSizeYinMicrometer=1

ScannableAreaPositionXMin=1900;    see also “define the scannable area

ScannableAreaPositionXMax=26400; see also “define the scannable area

ScannableAreaPositionYMin=36989;  see also “define the scannable area

ScannableAreaPositionYMax=89200; see also “define the scannable area

CameraChangerVT_Min=-1010;           see also “CC find the hardware limits

CameraChangerVT_Max=1090;            see also “CC find the hardware limits

 

ObjectGuideXYTimeDelayBeforeImageAcquisition=0;          A value between 0 and 30 ms can help to eliminate vibrancy after stage movement before the scan camera picture is taken; 0 means no wait (or the parameter is missed), 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=-500;                  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 forced to hold the slide.

 

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 than 10s, do not modify

 

StackerDelayTimeBeforeSensor=100; do not modify

 

StackerPreloadTime=2900;                    do not modify

 

MagazineFeederMoveTimeAtPreload=0;     do not modify

 

MagazineFeederTimeout=1000;           less than 1000ms for one turn 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;                P250=25; other values are not allowed

 

 

 

[Focus];                                                      at the end of the file

FocusPositionMin=-300

FocusPositionMax=1300

DefaultScanPosition=-300

SlideInsertPosition=-300

SlideRemovalPosition=-300

SlideFeederPosition=-300

SafePosWhileMoving=-300

CondenserCoverOn=2750;                   

CondenserCoverOff=-1760

NoFocusPinOnTheObjectHolderX=27000

NoFocusPinOnTheObjectHolderY=16000

[ReflectorTurret]

StartingMotorPosition=-30

MotorPositionDelta=3200

 

[ObjectiveChanger]

ObjectiveChangerTimeout=7000

 

[CameraChanger_Zeiss]

CameraChangerTimeout=500

 

[CameraChanger_VT]

Position1=-1000

Position2=1080