Magazine unit, slide handling; S_II
For technicians and partly for sales managers!
These instructions
describe the procedures to install and adjust the magazine unit for Pannoramic
SCAN_II scanners. To help resolve problems with the magazine unit or problems
with slide insert or slide removal, a hardware description of the used
components and adjustment procedures are added.
Contents
Slide
loader; components, construction
Slide
insert and removal (software)
Magazine load
procedure (software)
Define,
adjust slide insert and removal
Adjust
the magazine load mechanics
List
of Parameters and explanation
Remove and mount
the magazine unit
Important
remark
·
After maintenance or
services and performed tests of the scanner are 100% finished, protective
ground connections and other safety regulations related to hazardous voltages,
accessible conductive parts and dangerous to life parts have to be checked
(again).
·
For safety regulations regarding human
health and scanner functionality please refer to: Precautions
The magazine unit is a component
added to the Pannoramic SCAN scanner to give the possibility of loading and removal
of magazines and slides automatically. To handle the slides, magazines are used
with 25 slide positions. The magazine input and output stack respectively can
hold up to 6 magazines. The magazines are placed manually into the input stack
and also removed manually from the output stack by the user. The magazine load
procedure moves the magazine with the help of the magazine load mechanism from
the input stack to the magazine feeder channel.
The
magazine feeder has 2 functions:
· 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 slide position to slide position forward or backward as required
if slide change is done, after slide scanning is finished or to any desired
slide position of the magazine.
The
slide loader inserts the slide from the actual slide position of the magazine into
the Specimen holder (slide holder) of the XY-Stage and after the scan procedure
is finished it removes the slide from the specimen holder return into the
magazine.
If
automatic scan mode is selected
all slides in the magazine are loaded sequentially from the magazine into the
specimen holder, scanned by the scanner unit and returned into the magazine
automatically after the scan process of the actual slide is finished. If all
slides of the actual magazine are scanned the magazine is removed from the
magazine feeder channel to the output stack meanwhile the next magazine will be
loaded from the input stack, if there are any further magazines.
If
manual scan mode is selected the Magazine load or unload and the slide insert or
remove procedures are controlled via software buttons. The mechanical movements
are the same as described for automatic scan.
The
exchange of the entire magazine unit is necessary:
- If one of the two
magazine handling DC motors or the DC controller electronics is faulty.
- If the shape of any
part is deformed or a part is broken.
- If the magazine unit
has any fault and you are unable to
fix it.
Requirements
- Service program for Pannoramic
scanners (SlideScannerService.exe)
with actual license file
- Pannoramic
SCAN and Pannoramic Viewer software (SlideScanner.exe, SlideViewer.exe)
with actual license file
- 1.5, 2.5, 3
and
- Hardware and construction
knowledge of Pannoramic SCAN_II
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!
Software control
In the
program “SlideScanner.exe”
the movement of the magazine is controlled via the magazine load and
unload buttons in the tab “Routine work” if the manual scan operation is
selected.
- The slide loader inserts and removes the slide during the slide
insert or removal operation.
·
To select a specific slide position of the
magazine, the “Current slide” position may be incremented or decremented by the
use of the buttons of the numerical field, or you may type a value between 1
and 25 into the numerical field.
·
By pressing the button “Slide insert” the
magazine is moved to the desired slide position (shown in the numerical field)
and then, the slide will be inserted. Is a slide in the specimen holder and the
button “Slide insert” is pressed with a modified slide position, the slide will
be removed first, before the magazine is moved.
Load a magazine
The “Magazine
Loader” motor is started with the software button “Load Magazine”. By rotating
the “Magazine Input Stack Wheels” the first magazine is placed onto the
“Magazine Feeder Rails”. The end of the process is signaled by the “Magazine
Loader Sensor” (not shown) and the “Magazine Loader” motor is switched off by
software.
Unload a magazine
If the scan session of the
actual magazine is finished or the magazine remove command is issued, the
magazine is fed to the output stack position. The exact unload position is
defined by the “Right magazine sensor” actuation again after the magazine passed
it. Meanwhile the magazine is unloaded to the output stack the next magazine
(if any exists) is loaded from the input stack to the feeder.
Feed a magazine
If a magazine arrived
onto the magazine feeder rails the “Left Magazine Sensor” will be pressed. Even
the weight of an empty magazine is able to push this sensor. This sensor
signals the software, that a magazine had been loaded and a magazine is present
in the magazine feeder channel. The magazine feeder motor is switched on by
software and transports the magazine with the help of the feeder gear to the
first slide position. During magazine feeding the “Magazine feeder sensor” (not
shown) gives a pulse after each full turn of the feeder spindle to the software
via the DC electronics and the USB electronics box. The software counts the
pulses of the “Magazine feeder sensor” and finds the magazine position for the
actual slide to be inserted. The distance between two slide positions is
exactly 2 full turns of the feeder spindle.
The
slide loader inserts the slide to be scanned from the actual magazine’s slide
position into the slide holder of the X-Y-Stage by pressing the “slide load button” and
removes the slide from the specimen holder and returns it to the slide position
of the magazine, if a slide removal procedure is initiated by the “Slide
remove” button.
The DC Electronics box is mounted
onto the magazine unit from beneath. The commands to switch on or off the
motors or illuminations are issued from the software (SlideScanner.exe or SlideScannerService.exe) via the USB Controller and the cable DCF-1. The status
information (the state of the sensors) is read by the software on the same way.
To prevent the motors from overload if hardware jamming occurs, all commands
starting the DC motors have a time out. Normally, the motor is stopped with the
sensor action before the time is run out. If the sensor action is missed
(jamming occurred) the time out event will switch off the motor.
[Microscope]; SCAN_II
SerialNumber = SC150-2.....5
MicroscopeType
= 3DMic11
ScanCameraType =
PreviewCameraType = CVrmc_m8_pPro
BarcodeReaderType = PreviewCamera
LoaderType =
SL_6Mag_25Slide_NoSensor_Vertical_2
CameraChangerType = CC_None
ReflectorTurretType = RT_None
BrightfieldLightSourceType = RGBLedLight
ObjectiveChangerType = OC_2pos
ObjectGuideXYZType = OGXYZ_1.2mm
FlashUnitType = NoFlashUnit
NDFilterType = ND_None
PreviewLightType = PreviewLightUnitType_Type4
PowerSwitchBoardType = PowerSwitchBoard_None
[HardwareLimits]
Parameter options of
the section
2a Magazine
input (left) sensor
2b Magazine
output (right) sensor
3a, 3b Slide
loader mounting
4 Slide
leading spring with holder
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 BGF-1.
2.
Remove the cable HMF-1 from the slide loader and
remove the entire slide loader also.
3.
Remove the cable DCF-1 from the DC controller unit.
4.
To remove the "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 DCF-1 for the DC controller unit.
4.
Connect the preview illumination cable BGF-1.
5.
Insert the slide loader and connect the cable HMF-1.
6.
Adjust the magazine loader as described in “Adjust the
magazine load mechanics”.
7.
Adjust or check the magazine unit position as described
in “Define
the slide insert and removal positions”.
8.
Mount the cover of the magazine unit position
adjustment.
9.
Execute the magazine load and unload procedures with
the service program.
10. Execute the slide
loading test of the service program with different slide sizes, slide shapes
and different magazines also.
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 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
The magazine has 25 positions and can so contain up
to 25 slides with a thickness of up to
The magazine is moved with the feeder gears and the rack on the rear of
the magazine.
A metal plate (to increase the slide removal security) is integrated.
- The slide
positions of the magazine should be kept clean and dry.
- The magazine
does not need adjustment.
Remark
The permanent magnet is used in the P250 only. Every magazine with 25
slide positions contains a permanent magnet to reduce the amount of different
magazines.
Length: 75.00 to 76.00mm
Width: 25.00 to 26.00mm
Thickness: 00.95 to 01.20mm
Since January
- If the first
character of the serial number is an “S” the tool is used to
check the slide dimensions of the scanners “SCAN, “
- 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!
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”
The magazine
fixing pins fix the position of the magazine during slide insertion and slide
removal.
- They need no
adjustment or maintenance.
If
the optical sensor OPF-1 and 2 (left and right magazine sensor) is pushed by
the magazine, the light path between LED and photo transistor will be broken by
a pin. This action is recognized by the software.
The sensor positions are fixed and they are situated in the magazine feeder
channel bottom plate. The sensors do not need adjustment.
- The sensors
should be kept clean. Because the action path is very short, even small
glass shards or dust is able to prevent the sensor from correct switching.
This sensor is
used to detect a magazine, after a magazine load procedure is finished; even an
empty magazine pushes this sensor. There are two possible events. Both can
occur and are fully equivalent in function of the magazine load procedure, but
the first version should be preferred; the second version is a compromise,
because the magazine feeder magnet disc has two tasks but offers only one
adjustment possibility; the compromise was done for the magazine input sensor.
1. The magazine arrives onto
the feeder rail and the sensor is pressed
In this case, the software
starts the magazine feeder gear one turn backward (the magazine is moved to the
left) and checks the state of the Magazine input sensor again. The sensor
should be released. If the sensor is released, one turn forward (the magazine
is moved to the right) of the feeder gear follows and the sensor should be
pressed again. This way, the software checks the function of the sensor and the
presence of the magazine. This behavior is preferred and has higher priority
than the second version, described in the following.
2. The magazine arrives onto
the feeder rail and the sensor is not pressed
If the sensor is not pressed
during the magazine loading (the magazine loader sensor HAC-1 is sensed), the
feeder gear is turned forward by one turn (the magazine is moved to the right)
and the sensor state is checked again.
If the sensor is
now pressed, the software detected the presence of the magazine.
If the sensor is not pressed,
the software detected “No magazine present” and stops magazine load and feed
actions and the message “Magazine not loaded” is displayed.
Magazine output (right)
sensor
This sensor is used to detect the correct unload position for the
magazine. The sensor is pushed and will be released if the magazine is moved to
the right (forward). If the software recognized, that the sensor is released, a
turn backward follows (the magazine is moved to the left). If now the sensor is
pressed again, the right magazine unload position is found and the unload
procedure is started, otherwise the software recognizes “magazine jamming
occurred” if the time out of the feeder gear is run out.
The magazine loader unit consists of:
· Input and output stack wheels
The magazine load and unload drive part of the magazine unit moves the
magazines in vertical direction, from the magazine input stack onto the
magazine feeder rails and from the magazine feeder rails to the output stack
respectively. Both actions are realized with the same motor and mechanical
drive, so they are done always at the same time. Meanwhile the actual
(finished) magazine is moved upward to the output stack, the next magazine
(with slides to be scanned) is moved downward from the input stack to the
magazine feeder channel. This combined mechanical movement is always done, even
if the first magazine is being loaded or the last magazine will be unloaded.
The magazine loader motor is a 24V DC motor
and is switched on via software with the button “Load Magazine”. In the service
program, this motor can be driven in forward and backward direction
respectively.
The backward direction can be used for test purposes only without a
magazine in the input stack. The software uses the forward direction only,
without exception.
To increase the torque of the motor, a gear is connected directly.
· The “Magazine
Loader Motor” does not need maintenance or adjustments.
The load gear
drives the spindles, both in the same direction. If magazine jamming occurred,
the gear can be driven manually on the motor axle.
· The “Magazine Load
Gear” does not need maintenance or adjustments.
The input and output stack wheels are
situated on both sidewalls of the magazine feeder channel and are driven by the
drive 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 drive spindle
are mounted in opposite direction 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.
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 opposite 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 magazine input stack wheel, situated behind the
sensor HAF-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 this “Input
stack wheel”. Because all the stack wheels are in mechanical connection, the
stop position of all stack wheels is defined this way.
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.
To find the correct stack wheel stop position, use the
service program.
- The sensor does not need maintenance.
The magazine feeder channel consists of the following
main parts:
The
inner side wall with
- Input and output
stack wheels (1) with drive spindle and mountings.
- Inner slide
loader mounting (2).
- 2 Magazine
supporters on the output stack side (3).
- Slide leading
slot (4a) and slide leading edge (4b); used during the slide insert
procedure.
- Slide
leading spring (5) with spring holder; used during the slide insert
procedure.
The
bottom plate with
- Magazine
unit mounting to the truss (not shown).
- Magazine feeder rails.
- Left magazine
(input) sensor and the right magazine (output)
sensor.
- Magazine
unit position adjustment (on the right side; not shown).
- Magazine load
gear (not shown).
- DC controller
(from beneath).
- 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.
The
outer side wall with
- Input and output
stack wheels (1) with drive spindle and mountings.
- Magazine
load sensor (12)
- Outer slide
loader mounting (10).
- Mountings for the stack rails
(not shown).
- 1 Magazine
supporter on the output stack’s side.
- Magazine
feeder gear (11).
- Mountings for the magazine
feeder unit (not shown).
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).
The stack contains the magazines for slide scanning
in the input stack and holds the magazines with finished slides in the output stack.
In the input stack as well as in the output stack maximal 6 magazines can be
placed.
Stack rails
The stack rails are rotated
by 30 degrees against the plump vertical (as well as the entire magazine unit)
and so the slides are placed always on the rear of the magazine by gravity.
This solution ensures also a smooth downward and upward movement of the
magazine during the magazine load and unload procedure.
Stack rail mounting
The stack rails are mounted
to the outer magazine channel side wall by 3 bolts for each rail; on the other
end, the stack rails are glued into the stack rail spacer.
Stack rail spacer
It defines the upper
distance of the stack rails to each other and guarantees the parallelism of the
stack rails.
Important
The stability of the stack rail spacer is not designed for any
movements or the transport of the scanner; it is not a handle!
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 feeder rails
are different in shape, because the magazine is driven only on the back side of
the magazine by the magazine feeder gear. To ensure very small surface resistance
during feeding on the non driven side of the magazine, “Rail
· In newer versions,
the “D” shape may be altered to an “O” shape.
· The rails should
be kept clean and dry.
· The magazine
feeder rails do not need adjustment.
The mounting bolt together with the
force of the spring (Mounting1) guarantees the optimal connection between drive
spindle and feeder wheels during feeding. This solution protects the motor from
overload also during magazine feeding.
By removing the mounting bolt (1) the feeder gear can
be rotated downward.
The force of the spring (1) defines the stop position
of the magnet disc also.
· If
magazine jamming occurs the spring allows a disconnection of the drive spindle
from the feeder wheel.
· By
disconnecting the drive unit from the feeder wheels manually (Pull), the magazine
becomes manually moveable in the feeder channel (Move magazine manually).
· The
spring should not be stretched or shortened!
Move the magazine manually in the
feeder channel
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 left or right side.
If the mounting plate is released again, the right
connection between drive spindle and feeder wheels should be checked.
· Rotate
all three feeder wheels a little bit or
· Issue
the Magazine Feeder
Forward” command via the service program.
- The “Magazine feeder gear” does not need maintenance.
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 magazine’s unloading 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.
· The “Magazine
feeder motor” does not need maintenance or adjustments.
Magazine feeder
drive
The magazine feeder gear moves the magazine in the feeder
channel via the feeder 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; it is situated near the end of the drive spindle. In newer solutions,
one revolution of the drive spindle moves the magazine a half slide position.
To reach the next slide position, exactly two revolutions of the feeder spindle
is needed. The first magnet of the magnet disc initiates a pulse via the sensor to
the software after each revolution of the drive 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, during the magazine load action is always
done in the backward stop position. If previous slide positions should be
reached, the drive spindle is turned backward one turn more as necessary, and
then a forward turn of the feeder gear follows to fulfill this requirement.
Please take this into account if you are adjusting the slide insert or 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 correctly.
The
feeder wheels are driven by the drive spindle from the outer side, during the
inner side of the feeder wheel drives the magazine rack.
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
feeding of the magazine will never
work correctly.
The magnet disc, together with the Feeder sensor is used to stop the
magazine movement in the feeder channel at defined positions; these positions
depending on the SCAN version.
Pannoramic SCAN (magazines with 25 slide positions and Slide Leading
Spring; LoaderType = SL_6Mag_25Slide_NoSensor_Vertical_2)
· The magnet disc
selects the previous or the next slide position of the magazine by exact 2
revolutions; the sensor acts with the rising edge.
To adjust the magnet disc position in relation to the spindle or the
magazine position, the fixing must be barely loosened to rotate the disc on the
spindle and tightened again before position checks are done.
The magnet disc position is in connection with two actions, the “slide
insert and removal” procedure as well as the “magazine load and unload”
procedure; both depending on the right adjustment:
See also “Configure
the magazine unit” and “Magazine load procedure”
· If you are
adjusting the magazine unit please set the appropriate “magazine feeder sensor
edge” first, after starting the service program!
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 sensor” to the option “raising” and close the dialogue
“Advanced” with OK!
· In the
same way, the falling edge may be defined.
· In
opposite to the P250, in the Pannoramic SCAN or the SCAN 150 the raising edge
or the falling edge may stop the magazine feeder motor; depending on the scanner version!
1. The magazine load action
The position of
the cogs of the magazine rack and the cogs of
the feeder wheels should match up eachother to ensure, that the magazine moves
downward smoothly and evenly. If the magazine arrived onto the feeder rails, the
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 (with the service program);
see also (1) on the right.
The magnet disc stop position
should be a bit behind the 4th magnet and the
sensor should signal the inactive state.
2. The slide insert and
removal action
The correct slide insert or
removal position 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 (with the service program);
see also (2) on the right.
The slide insert and removal action has higher priority then the
magazine load action, during adjustments!
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.
Components and construction of the 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, adjustments may be required if the slide
loader is exchanged!
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”.
Limit
positions
Because
the mechanical construction has inertia, an inner and outer position limit was
realized. This solution eliminates the inertia and guarantees always the same
limit position for the inner and outer position of the slide loader moveable part.
The slide loader movable part reaches always the outer position limit, but the
inner position limit is a backward movement limiter only (against inertia); it
is not a requirement that the inner position limit is reached always.
·
During the inner sensor stays active if
the inner position is reached, the outer position sensor stays released when
the outer final position is reached.
“Check
the slide loader sensors”
Components
The inner and the
outer sensors are situated in the clutch housing. The “Sensor operating rod”
removes the sensor magnet (situated on the sensor spring 1) from the Hall
element for the inner sensor.
This event is signaled to the software and the
software will switch off the DC motor, the inner position is reached.
If the moveable part of the slide loader moves
outward, from the inner position to the outer position, the magnet, situated on
the sensor spring 2 will be moved over its Hall element for the outer sensor;
this state is signaled to the software and the motor will be switched off. A
spring (not shown) in the outer end position moves the slide loader moveable
part into the “outer position fixing”; releases so the sensor and the final
outer position is reached.
If the moveable
part of the slide loader moves outward, from the inner position to the outer
position, the "Outer sensor operator" moves the magnet, situated on
the sensor spring 2 will be moved over the Hall element for the outer sensor. This
state is signaled to the software and the motor will be switched off. A spring
(not shown) in the outer sensor operator moves the slide loader moveable part
into the “outer limit position”; releases so the sensor and the outer position
is reached. While the inner sensor stays active
if the inner position is reached, the outer sensor
stays released when the outer position is reached.
· The sensor state on the right is shown in the final
outer position
“Check
the slide loader sensors”
The slide loader should be hold at the motor and / or
the clutch housing, but please does not touch the sensor cover, it may be
deformed easily.
Move the slide loader moving part
manually
For test purposes, the moving part of the slide loader
can be moved manually also. If the slide loader cable HMJ-1 is disconnected,
the movement is done easier.
The slide loader should be hold at the motor and / or
the clutch housing, but does not touch the sensor cover, it can be deformed
easily. The moveable part can be pulled on the mounting bolt of the inner
finger or pushed on the surface near to the inner finger or outer finger
mounting.
- To avoid deforming, other parts should not be touched for this
purpose.
Check
the slide loader sensors
To
check the inner sensor state, move the slide loader into the inner end position
by clicking the right hand arrow button of the “Slide loader in or out” part of
the service program. If the end position is reached, the sensor state should be
attached and stays attached, as signaled by the sensor state “slide loader arm
in the scope” (see below).
To check the outer sensor move the slide loader
moveable part backward by clicking the left hand arrow button several times of
the “Slide loader in or out” part of the service program.
By pushing
the slide loader moveable part backward manually and then releasing it, the
sensor state “Slide loader arm out from the scope” should be attached and
released either. Check this behavior several times.
Faulty behavior
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!
The
slide loader is mounted onto the two side walls of the magazine channel as
shown in the figure on the right.
· Both
mountings include a horizontal and a vertical fixing for the slide loader
position.
The exact horizontal position of the slide loader in
relation to the specimen holder is defined by adjusting the entire magazine
unit position with the “Magazine
unit mounting” and the “Magazine
unit adjustment” bolts respectively and was discussed above.
Because the “Slide loader inner finger”
moves into the specimen holder, it’s height in relation to the slide clamp (the
vertical position) must be adjusted also and will be discussed later.
1.
Disconnect
the Slide loader cable “HMF-
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”) with your right hand and push the “Plastic
Holder” (“1. PUSH”) with the thumb to the left a little bit, until the “Inner
vertical fixing” is disconnected.
4.
Now pull the inner part (2= PULL) of the
slide loader upward a little bit.
5.
Shift the entire slide loader frontward
(3) a little bit to disconnect the “Outer vertical fixing”.
6.
Now the entire slide loader can be removed
in upward direction (4).
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 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
- Insert the slide loader outer part slanted, and then push the outer
part into the outer mounting. This way, the compression spring may be
stressed easier.
- Take care on the sensor cover, please do not deform it!
10. 
Close
the gap between clutch housing and magazine feeder channel wall so that the
vertical fixing is connected right.
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 slide loader
- The slide loader is connected well if the horizontal and vertical
fixings on both sides of the slide loader are connected right and no
significant gaps are visible.
Slide
handling parts
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.
- By adjusting the height of the inner slide
finger, the slide clamp of the specimen holder will be opened, even if the
widest and thickest allowed slide sizes are loaded.
Adjust the inner finger vertical position
By loosening the mounting
bolt of the slide loaders inner finger, its position can be adjusted. The
adjustment is correct, if the inner finger even passes the slide leader bolt
without hitting it. By moving the slide loader moveable part manually, the
inner finger should even pass the bolt for the slide leader up or down
movement. If the distance is too much, the inner finger can hit the slide clamp
of the specimen holder if the slide loader moves backward after slide
insertion.
The
leading of the slide from the magazine to the specimen holder during the slide
insert action requires special slide leading means.
The successful slide insert operation depends on:
- The correct position
of the magazine unit; so the slide leading edge of the slide position
guide will be in plane with the right hand edge of the specimen holder;
the inner finger of the slide loader even passes the specimen holder’s
right hand edge.
- The correct height of the
slide loader’s inner finger; so the slide clamp may
be opened correctly to insert the widest slides also.
- The correct distance of the slide leading
spring to the slide leading edge (about 1.4mm); so the slide will be
moved to the slide leading edge and will be shifted on it.
1= Magazine supporter
2= Specimen holder fixing fork
3= Slide leading spring with holder
4= Slide position guide
5= Inner slide loader fixing
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.
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.
Specimen
holder fixing fork
During slide insertion and slide removal, the Specimen
holder fixing fork fixes the horizontal position of the specimen holder. This
is mainly important for a successful slide insert operation.
Slide
leading spring
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.
The slide leading
edge and slot is situated in the inner side wall of the
magazine channel. The slide “Leading Slot” bottom should be 0.1mm higher than the
lower edge of the specimen holder during slide insertion. The slide “Leading
edge” should be in the same plane with the specimen holder right hand edge; see
also ‘Adjust the slide insert
position in X-direction”.
The shape of the “Leading slot”, the construction of
the slide holding mechanics of the specimen holder (Slide clamp and lower edge)
and the width of the slide position in the magazine are together the reason for
the maximal allowed slide thickness of 1.05mm.
The
slide clamp of the specimen holder, together with its
lower edge holds the slide during scan operation or moving the specimen holder
inside the scannable area. If the slide insert or removal position is reached,
the slide clamp is loosened via the slide tightener; only the small force of
the “Soft Spring” situated behind the slide clamp will hold the slide clamp and
the slide can be moved easily.
If the slide insert or removal position will be
reached, the Slide tightener touches the magazine feeder channel from
below meanwhile the specimen holder moves in upward direction and forces so the
“Strong spring”, situated behind the slide clamp to release the slide clamp
(details about the
specimen holder mechanics are discussed in the file “The X-Y-stage”).
- During slide insert operations, the right hand edge of the specimen
holder has to be in the same plane as the slide leading
edge.
The following steps describe the slide insert and removal procedure as
it is done by software; until the software version 1.14.
1.
The focus pin goes to the position +800 steps to bring
the specimen holder into the nominal slide insert position horizontally (Z-direction).
In this position the slide “Leading edge” of the slide position guide should be
in the same vertical plane with the “Right hand edge” of the specimen holder.
2.
The specimen holder goes to the slide insert position
in X (InsertSlidePositionX) and Y (InsertSlidePositionY1) direction. The value
for the slide insert position in Y direction is always +400 steps.
3.
Meanwhile the specimen holder moves upward (-X
direction), the slide tightener will be moved to the lower edge of the magazine
feeder channel and releases so the slide clamp; it will be hold only by the
force of the soft spring; the slide can be moved easy into the specimen holder.
4.
If the slide insert position is reached, the slide
loader motor is started with a time of 600ms. The outer finger touches the
slide edge and moves the slide in direction to the specimen holder; meanwhile
the shape of the outer finger helps to find the
middle of the rail.
5.
A few 100 ms later, the slide leader moves downward to
the upper edge of the slide and brings so the slide into vertical position with
the help of the “Slide leading surface”; then the “Slide holding surface” holds
the slide on the upper edge with the force of the “Slide leader spring”.
6.
The “Slide leading slot” leads the slide lower part to
the specimen holder “Lower edge” and the “Leading edge” defines the position of
the slide in relation to the “Right hand edge” of the specimen holder; both
should be in the same plane.
7.
If the inner finger arrives to the slide clamp of the
specimen holder, the edge and the shape of
the slide clamp is opening the slide clamp and the first part of the slide will
be inserted; meanwhile the slide leader releases the upper edge of the slide.
8.
If the time of 600ms is over, the specimen holder
moves to the final Y-position (InsertSlide PositionY2,3). Both parameters have
always the same value.
9.
The slide loader motor is started again until the
inner sensor of the slide loader is attached. The software will switch off the motor
and the inner sensor stays attached; the slide is inserted.
10. Now the specimen
holder moves with the slide in +X direction (downward) with the value of the
parameter DeafultPositionX nearly to the limit Xmax.
11. The slide loader
motor is started again, but now in opposite direction until the slide loader
outer sensor is attached and the slide loader motor will be switched off by
software. A spring (not shown) moves now the slide loader moveable part to the
outer position fixing, meanwhile the outer sensor will be released; the
software checks the released state of the sensor after 300 ms
(SlideLoaderDelayTimeBeforeSensor) and the slide insert procedure is finished
or, if the sensor is not released or the sensor was not attached and the time
was run out, the message “Slide loader arm got stuck during process!” will be
issued.
1.
The focus pin goes to the position +800 steps to bring
the specimen holder into the nominal slide removal position horizontally
(Z-direction).
2.
The specimen holder goes to the positions X-Home1,2
and Y-Home1,2.
3.
To remove a slide, the specimen holder moves first
with the slide in +X direction (downward) with the value of the parameter
DeafultPositionX nearly to the limit Xmax. The correct Y-remove position is
defined with the value of the parameter RemoveSlidePositionY.
4.
The software will switch on the Slide Loader motor
until the inner sensor will be attached.
5.
Now the specimen holder goes in –X direction (upward)
and moves so the slide between the inner and outer finger of the slide loader.
The end position is defined by the value of the parameter
RemoveSlidePositionX1.
6.
Meanwhile the specimen holder moves upward (-X
direction), the slide tightener will be moved to the lower edge of the magazine
unit and releases so the slide clamp; the slide will be held by the Slide clamp
with the force of the soft spring only.
7.
The Slide Loader motor is switched on in backward
direction for 300ms and then stops the movement; the surfaces and of the Inner
Finger touches the slide inner edge and moves so the slide backward; the outer
part of the slide stays over the magazine rail; the inner finger stays inside
the specimen holder before the slide clamp and the slide leader does not touch
the slides upper edge.
8.
Now the specimen holder goes downward to the position,
defined by the value of the parameter RemoveSlidePositionX2 and places so the
slide outer part over the bottom of the magazine rail.
9.
The slide loader motor is switched on again in backward
direction; the slide will be pushed into the rail of the slide position of the
magazine by the slide leader nearly until the outer sensor is attached; the
slide loader motor will be switched off by the software. At the end of this
procedure a spring (not shown) moves now the slide loader moveable part to the
outer position fixing, meanwhile the outer sensor will be released and the
software checks the released state of the sensor after 300ms
(SlideLoaderDelayTimeBeforeSensor). The slide removal procedure is finished.
10. With the magazine
feeder, the next or any slide position in the magazine can be found to select
the slide to be inserted next.
If the “LoaderType” is:
LoaderType = SL_6Mag_25Slide_NoSensor_Vertical_2; the magnet disc stops with the rising edge of the sensor
Please refer also to the “Slide insert and
removal” procedure of the P250!
The magazine load procedure is done in 2 ways, depending on the value of
the parameter “LoaderType” in the file MicroscopeConfiguration.ini section
[Microscope].
The
following procedure is true, if the value is
LoaderType = SL_6Mag_25Slide_NoSensor_Vertical
Or the parameter does not
exist in the file MicroscopeConfiguration.ini section [Microscope].
1.
If the program SlideScanner.exe starts up, the
following actions are done:
a.
The slide loader is moved backward, to the outer
fixing position.
b.
The feeder gear had done at least one turn backward;
the sensor disc stays in the magazine load position; see also “The magnet disc”.
2.
The magazine load procedure is started via
SlideScanner.exe (or the service program) with the button
“Load Magazine”.
3.
The magazine load motor and the input stack wheels are
driven forward and the magazine moves downward to the magazine feeder rails. At
the same time, the magazine (if any) is moved from the feeder channel to the
output stack.
4.
If the magazine input wheels have done a half
revolution, the magazine load sensor will be attached and the software will
switch off the magazine load motor.
5.
At the same time, as the magazine arrives onto the
magazine feeder rails the magazine input sensor will be attached; so the
software knows that a magazine is present on the magazine feeder rails (see
also the description “Magazine
input sensor”).
6.
The software starts the magazine feeder gear one turn
backward (to the left) and checks the state of the left magazine sensor (see
also “The Magazine
input sensor”). The sensor should not be pressed.
7.
If the sensor is not pressed, one revolution forward
(the magazine moves to the right) of the feeder gear follows and the sensor
should be pressed again. This way, the software checks the function of the
sensor and the presence of the magazine.
8.
Now the magazine is moved to the actual slide position,
shown by the slide position selector of SlideScannerScan.exe.
1.
If the last slide to be scanned had been removed into
the magazine, the magazine feeder gear moves the magazine to the right
(forward), until the magazine output sensor was released.
2.
The software counts the pulses of the magnet disc of
the magazine feeder and checks always the state of the right hand sensor
(Magazine output sensor).
3.
If the state of the magazine output sensor is
released, a turn backward (the magazine moves to the left) follows and the
magazine output sensor is checked again.
4.
If the sensor is pressed, the magazine load motor is
started, the output stack wheels rotates for a half turn and moving so the
magazine into the output stack; in the same time the next magazine (if any
exists) is moved from the input stack onto the feeder rail.
5.
The software checks the magazine input sensor (left
magazine sensor). If it is not attached (see also the description “Magazine input sensor”),
the magazine load and unload procedure is finished; otherwise go to step 5 of
the “magazine load procedure”.
The
following procedure is true, if the value is
LoaderType =
SL_6Mag_25Slide_NoSensor_Vertical_2
- If the
program SlideScanner.exe starts up, the following actions are done:
- The slide
loader is moved backward, to the outer fixing position.
- The feeder
gear had done at least one turn backward; the sensor disc stays in the
magazine load position; see also “The magnet disc”.
- The magazine
load procedure is started via SlideScanner.exe (or the service
program) with the button “Load Magazine”.
- The magazine load
motor and the input stack wheels are driven forward and the magazine moves
downward to the magazine feeder rails. At the same time, the magazine (if
any) is moved from the feeder channel to the output stack.
- If the
magazine input wheels have done a half turn, the magazine load sensor will
be attached and the software will switch off the magazine load motor.
Until now, all is the same as before; the modification
follows now.
- The magazine
input sensor may be pressed or not, the software changes the position of
the magnet disc from “Stop backward” to “Stop forward” first, before the
state of the magazine input sensor is checked!
If the magazine
input sensor stays attached, the magazine will be feed to the first (or the
actual) slide load position.
If the magazine
input sensor stays released, the state “Magazine not present” will be detected
and all further operations are aborted.
Magazine unload procedure
- If the last
slide to be scanned had been removed into the magazine, the magazine
feeder gear moves the magazine to the right (forward), until the magazine
output sensor was released.
- The software
counts the pulses of the magnet disc of the magazine feeder and checks
always the state of the right hand sensor (Magazine output sensor).
- If the state
of the magazine output sensor is released, a turn backward (the magazine
moves to the left) follows and the magazine output sensor is checked
again.
- If the sensor
is pressed, the magazine load motor is started, the output stack wheels
rotates for a half turn and moving so the magazine into the output stack;
in the same time the next magazine (if any exists) is moved from the input
stack onto the feeder rail.
- The software
checks the magazine input sensor (left magazine sensor). If it is not
attached (see also the description “Magazine input
sensor”), the magazine load or unload procedure is finished; otherwise
go to step “E” of the “magazine load procedure”.
Define
and adjust the slide insert and removal positions
The task is, to define the parameter values mentioned below, and to do
the required adjustments so, that the slides insert and removal procedure is
done evenly and smoothly, without slide jamming or even slide cracking.
Furthermore, the slide insert or removal action, done by software, should not
cause collision of the slide loader inner finger with the slide clamp of the
specimen holder; even if there was no slide in the magazine and a slide removal
action is executed. The following adjustments assume that the focus unit is
adjusted well and the hardware limits for the X-Y-stage are already defined.
The slide insert position
adjustment is done in the following steps and with the following parts:
1.
Adjust the position of
the magazine unit; so the position of the slide loader and the “Slide
leading edge” in the side wall of the magazine channel in relation to the right
hand edge of the specimen holder will be adjusted.
2.
Adjust the
position of the magnet disc; so the position of the slide loader outer
finger in relation to the magazine rail will be defined. The outer finger and
the slide should be in the middle of the magazine rail.
See also “Configure the
magazine unit” and “The magazine load
procedure”
3.
Adjust the position
of the inner finger of the slide loader and define the value of the
parameter “DeafultPositionX” (See also above “To adjust the position of the
inner finger” in the description of the slide loader). This adjustment
guarantees that the inner finger can cross the slide clamp of the specimen
holder in the step 11 of the slide insert procedure and in the step 4 of the
slide removal procedure.
4.
Define the value of the
parameter “DeafultPositionX”
If the X-stage is in the
position “DeafultPositionX”, the slide loader inner finger should be able to cross
the slide clamp of the specimen holder without touching it. For this adjustment
insert a slide with the maximal width of 26.00mm. Check this behavior manually
first, then electromechanically by moving the slide loader moveable part. If
hitting occurs, check the position of the inner finger, see also “To adjust the
position of the inner finger” in the description of the slide loader and check
the correctness of the parameter value ObjectGuideXMax.
5.
Adjust the slide insert
position in X-direction for the specimen holder; so the position of the lower
edge of the specimen holder in relation to the slot of the slide leading guide
will be defined. The conclusion of this adjustment is the value of the
parameter “InsertSlidePositionX”.
6.
Adjust the final insert
position in Y-direction of the specimen holder; define the value of the
parameters “InsertSlidePositionY2,3”. The goal of this adjustment is, that:
a.
The slide loader outer finger never touches the slide
clamp of the specimen holder during slide insertion and
b.
The slide never touches the side wall of the magazine
channel, even if the specimen holder is in the Y-position -800 steps and is
moved in X-direction (the Y-position of -800 steps is used to capture the
preview).
Steps
for slide removal:
1.
Define the value of the parameter RemoveSlidePositionY.
2.
Define the value of the parameter RemoveSlidePositionX1
3.
Define the value of the parameter RemoveSlidePositionX2
Adjust the position
of the magazine unit
Task: The slide, if shifted
backward from the specimen holder even touches the slide leading edge.
1.
See also the description “The
magazine unit position adjustment” in the chapter “Components and
mechanical construction of the magazine unit”.
2.
Set the focus position to +800 steps, the nominal
slide insert position in Z-direction.
3.
Insert a slide
manually and the specimen holder should be in the position Y home 1,2 and X home
1,2.
4.
Shift the slide manually and carefully from the
specimen holder backward, in direction to the magazine until the slide leading
edge will be touched. The position of the specimen holder (Z-direction) should
not be changed during this action!
5.
Check and adjust the magazine unit position so, that
the slide leading edge is even touched by the slide.
6.
Shift the slide manually return into the specimen
holder so, that the specimen holder can move downward without slide cracking.
With the service program go downward 26000 steps in +X direction and return to
the actual X position. In this case, the slide tightener is disconnected from
the magazine unit and the done adjustment becomes effect. This step 6 should be
done after each magazine unit movement, even if only small adjustments are
done!
7.
Repeat steps 4 to 6 until the requirements are
fulfilled.
8.
Check this adjustment again if the procedure “Adjust the
position of the magnet disc” had been done.
Adjust the position of the magnet disc
Task: The slide, if shifted backward from the specimen
holder fits the middle of the magazine rail.
1.
See also the description “The magnet disc” in the chapter “The magazine feeder
part”.
2.
Check the stop position of the magnet (disc) in relation
to the Hall element and memorize it.
3.
Set the focus position to +800 steps, the nominal
slide insert position in Z-direction.
4.
Insert a
slide manually into the specimen holder so, that the outer part of the slide stays
over the magazine rail.
5.
Adjust the magnet disc position on the feeder spindle
by rotating the feeder spindle manually so, that the slide is in the middle of
the magazine rail, and the magnet disc is in the previously checked, memorized
stop position.
6.
Check this adjustment in the positions 2, 13 and 24 of
the magazine and correct the found position, if necessary.
7.
Check this adjustment again if the procedure “Adjust the position of
the magazine unit” had been done.
Check and adjust the magazine position
Task
Adjust the slide position of the magazine so, that the outer specimen
finger is in the middle of the slide slot of the magazine.- The adjustment is done by positioning the
“The
magnet disc” on the
feeder spindle.
The adjustment assumes that the position
of the magazine unit is correct.
1. Insert
a magazine manually or by the use of the service program,
prepared with two slides, nearly in the middle of the magazine as shown on the
right (“Magazine”).
2.
Set the feeder rising
or falling edge as required
3.
With the part “magazine feeder” of the
service program move the magazine in the feeder channel until the slide loader
stays over the “empty position”, between the two slides, and the stop position of the magnet
disc is “Stop forward”, the slide insert
position.
4.
Move the slide loader moving part manually
a little bit into the scanner until the outer finger can be seen easily.
5.
Push the two slides toward the outer
finger.
6.
If the gaps on both sides of the outer
finger are not equal, memorize the “Stop forward” position then rotate the
magnet disc until the gaps are equal. Memorize this position also.
7.
Loosen the magnet disc fixing and rotate
the magnet disc by the difference of the two memorized positions and tighten
the fixing bolt.
8.
With the service program move the slide loader
moving part into its outer end position, rotate the feeder gear backward two
turns, then rotate the feeder gear forward until the empty position of the
magazine is found again, the stop position of the magnet disc is “Stop
forward”.
9.
Repeat from step 4 until the gaps are
equal on both sides.
If the adjustment is finished, check the correctness
of the found position by executing the magazine load test. Check all the
magazines without any slide in any magazine; see also: “Check the magazine load
procedure”.
Adjust the slide
insert position in X-direction
Requirements
Two slides with a thickness of 1.20mm, equal in shape, without cut corners.
Task: Find the height
of the slide in the specimen holder in relation to the slide, pushed from the
magazine; the height should be equal at the shown position. If this position of
the specimen holder in X-direction is found, add to the actual X-position 100
steps and set the value for the parameter
InsertSlidePositionX.
1.
Set the positions Y-Home1,2 and X-Home1,2 of the
X-Y-Stage.
2.
Set the focus position to +800 steps, the nominal Z-position
for slide insert actions.
3.
Set the X-direction to the value of 1600 steps.
4.
Set the Y-direction to the value of the parameter InsertSlidePositionY1 (=400 steps).
5.
Remove the slide loader and insert a slide without cut
corners manually into the specimen holder.
6.
In the magazine position behind the specimen holder
insert a second slide of the same shape and the same size.
7.
Push the slide in
the magazine position forward to the outer edge of the inserted slide.
8.
Modify the specimen holder X-position (service program,
X-direction) so, that both slides are equal in height. You can check this by
using a screw driver and moving it on the upper edge of both slides, over the
fitting edge. If the height of both slides is not equal, a step can be
recognized. An accuracy of 100 steps is enough.
9.
If the height of both slides is equal add to the found
value 100 steps and the value of the parameter InsertSlidePositionX is found.
10. Update the value
of the parameter “InsertSlidePositionX” in the file “MicroscopeConfiguration.ini” and save the
file.
Set the value of “InsertSlidePositionY1’
The value is set to be -500steps. If this limit is less then the hardware
limit “ObjectGuideYMin”, please use a value of
InsertSlidePositionY1
= ObjectGuideYMin + 100steps
In earlier released SCAN versions, this value were set to +400steps.
· The value is not
critical in question of slide operations.
Adjust the final insert
position in Y-direction
Task: Set the value for the parameters
“InsertSlidePositionY2,3” so, that the specimen holder is never touched.
Remember, that both parameters must have always the same value!
1.
Set the positions Y-Home1,2 and X-Home1,2 of the
X-Y-Stage.
2.
Set the X-direction to the value of the parameter InsertSlidePositionX.
3.
Set the Y-direction to the value of the parameter InsertSlidePositionY1 (=400 steps).
4.
Push the slide loader moveable part manually, until
the slide clamp of the specimen holder is reached by the outer finger.
5.
Adjust the specimen holder Y-position (service
program, Y-direction) so, that the outer finger of the slide loader has a gap
of about 0.2mm (means 200steps) to the slide clamp of the specimen holder and
the slide loader moveable part is fully pushed into the inside of the specimen
holder. An accuracy of 100 steps is enough.
6.
The right value for the parameters “InsertSlidePositionY2,3” is found if the slide
loader is fully pushed into the specimen holder (check this behavior manually)
and a minimal gap is given between slide loader outer finger and slide clamp of
the specimen holder. If the gap is too much, the slide will touch the side wall
of the magazine channel if the specimen holder is in the Y-position -800 steps
(used for the preview capture) and the slide is moved in X-direction.
7.
Update the value of the parameters “InsertSlidePositionY2,3” in the file “MicroscopeConfiguration.ini” and save the file.
Remark
The slide clamp is modified.
Define the value of the parameter “DeafultPositionX”
DeafultPositionX
= ObjectGuideXMax -100steps
Update the value of the
parameter “DeafultPositionX” in the file “MicroscopeConfiguration.ini” and save the
file.
Define the value of the parameter RemoveSlidePositionY
Add six hundred
steps to the value of the parameter “InsertSlidePositionY2,3”.
RemoveSlidePositionY
= InsertSlidePositionY2,3 + 600steps
Update the value of
the parameter “RemoveSlidePositionY” in the file “MicroscopeConfiguration.ini” and save the
file.
Define the value of the
parameter RemoveSlidePositionX1
RemoveSlidePositionX1 = InsertSlidePositionX
-1000steps or, if impossible, the limit X-min.
Update the value of the parameter “RemoveSlidePositionX1” in the file “MicroscopeConfiguration.ini” and save the
file.
Define the value of the parameter RemoveSlidePositionX2
1.
Define the value for the parameter “RemoveSlidePositionX2” so, that the
Edge (3) of the inner finger crosses the slide clamp easily, if no slide is
inserted.
2.
Update the value of the parameter “RemoveSlidePositionX2” in the file “MicroscopeConfiguration.ini” and save the
file.
Adjust the
magazine load mechanics
Since the software
version 1.15 the magazine feeder disc movement is stopped with the rising edge
of the magazine feeder sensor, depending on the magazine unit type.
“Configure the
magazine unit” and see also above “Magnet disc”.
In this case of “LoaderType = SL_6Mag_25Slide_NoSensor_Vertical_2; the magnet disc stops with the rising edge of
the sensor; therefore, please refer to the chapter “Adjust the magazine
load mechanics” of the file “P250_Magazine_unit_slide_handling”.
The following part is true, if the LoaderType is LoaderType =
SL_6Mag_25Slide_NoSensor_Vertical;
if the magnet disc movement is stopped with the falling edge of the magazine
feeder sensor; see “Configure the
magazine unit” and also above “Magnet disc”.
1.
Start the service program SlideScannerService.exe and
switch active the section “Low level service” and “DC controller”.
2.
Select the “rising” edge of the “Magazine feeder
sensor”
3.
With the “Magazine Feeder” backward button the feeder gear
brings the magnet disc into the start position for magazine load.
4.
With the “Magazine loader” forward button bring the
magazine input and output stack wheels into the start position.
5.
Check the “Magazine loader” sensor state and the
“Magazine Feeder” sensor state as shown on the right.
“Configure the
magazine unit” and “Magazine load procedure”
6.
Check the stop
position of the input and output stack wheels.
The stop position of the
stack wheels should be perpendicular, and in plane with the bottom of the
magazine channel.
7.
Adjust the
magazine loader sensor position so, that this requirement (step 5) is reached,
it is not a critical adjustment; repeat steps 3 to 6 until the requirements are
fulfilled.
8.
Insert a magazine into the input stack and with the
“Magazine loader” forward button start a magazine load. The magazine should
move smoothly and evenly downward, without stumble.
9.
If stumble occurs, the magazine feeder gear should be
adjusted via the magnet disc
so, that the cogs of the feeder wheel and the magazine rack engages and do not
disturb each other.
10. If the magazine
arrives onto the feeder rails, the magazine input sensor should be pressed (see
also “The magazine input sensor”).
11. Repeat the steps 7
to 9 several times and with different magazines. If the requirements are
fulfilled, the adjustment is finished.
12. Finally test the
magazine load and unload procedure at least with 6 different magazines, without
slides. Observe the load procedure, the empty magazines should move downward
smoothly and evenly and the
magazine sensor should be pressed, if the magazine arrives onto the feeder
rails.
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
The magazine load procedure should be executed without
stumbling of the magazine; the magazines moving downward smoothly and the
feeder wheel engages the rack of the magazine easily.
· During
this test, only 1 magazine should be in the input stack!
· If
stumble of the magazine during any load procedure occurs, please adjust the “Magazine position for the slide insert -
removal operation” more
precise.
· Check
also the magazine(s) and its rack
During unload of the magazine, the magazine should move
into the output stack smoothly and evenly. Arrived in the output stack, the
magazine supporters should work correctly!
If 9 magazines are placed in the output stack, the
state “Output stack full” should be shown by the sensor!
· Check
this behavior with the service program and move the magazine in the 9th
position a little bit up and release it again; move the last magazine a little
bit sideward also.
· In all
cases, the state “Output stack full” should be detected clearly.
2. Check the magazine load operation with the test program
· Use
the magazines, prepared in the previous check also with the “Magazine
load test”, the requirements are the same.
We assume the test “Check the magazine load - unload operation”
is finished correctly.
Slide
insert and removal test
Finally
test the slide insert and removal actions with all the delivered magazines and
different slide sizes and slide shapes. This test should include the thinnest,
thickest, smallest and largest allowed (metal) slides. Test the slide insert or
removal action also in magazine slide positions without slide.
Prepare the magazines
for the test
Fill all available magazines with slides and execute
the slide insert and removal test. In each magazine, there should be several
places without slides in different slide positions.
During 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”
·
If all the tests and checks
are fulfilled correctly, the adjustment of the magazine unit is finished.
Magazine load,
unload and slide insert, removal test
Start
the program “SlideScanner.exe” with the service password; the menu “Service”
appears.
Select the option “Service” and “Slide loading test”;
the combined “magazine load or unload” (1, 2) and the slide insert or removal
(3, 4) test will be selectable.
·
Insert one or more magazine(s) into the
input stack.
Magazine
load - unload and slide insert – removal test
By pressing the button “Insert magazine” (1) the magazine is moved from the magazine input
stack into the magazine feeder channel and if the magazine is detected by the
left magazine sensor, the magazine is moved to the first slide position of the
magazine.
By pressing the button “Remove magazine” (2) the magazine is moved in direction to the
output stack until the right magazine sensor is even passed, the sensor is in
the released state.
The magazine feeder motor rotated the magnet disc one
turn backward and checks the right magazine sensor again. If the right magazine
sensor is attached, the magazine unload position is found and the magazine is
moved into the output stack.
By repeating the procedure (press the buttons “Insert
magazine” and “Remove magazine”) the magazine load test is performed.
By pressing the button “Slide insert test” (3)
1.
If no magazine is present in the feeder
channel:
The magazine load
procedure is executed as described above (1).
The slides will
be inserted into the specimen holder and a few seconds later it will be removed
into the magazine.
If all (selected)
slides of the magazine passed the slide insert and removal procedure, the
magazine is feed to the output stack; see (2) above and the next magazine with
slides will be loaded. The procedure will be repeated until magazines are
present in the input stack or if the button “Stop test” (4) is pressed.
2.
If a magazine is already present in the magazine feeder
channel:
The magazine is
moved until the first slide position of the magazine is reached and then the
slide insert - removal procedure is executed.
If the button “Stop
test” (4) is pressed, the test stops only, if the actual slide insert and
removal action is finished.
In emergency
conditions, the switch “Emergency power off”
should be switched off.
Positions:
In the table “Positions” slide positions of the
magazine can be disabled from the slide insert and removal procedure by easily
deleting the appropriate line from the table. If the test is loaded again from
the start menu, all slide positions are available again.
Mistakes and abnormal
or faulty behavior during slide insertion
The following or other faulty behavior can also occur
if dust, paraffin residues or bits of broken glass are in the magazine slide rail
or on other parts, needed for the slide insert and slide removal procedure.
1.
The slide cannot be inserted, the slide
hits the specimen holder and the action is aborted.
§
Check the plane of the slide leading edge
with the specimen holder right hand edge (Magazine
unit position; position of the specimen holder fixing fork).
§
Check the slide
leading slot bottom in relation to the lower edge of the specimen holder (“InsertSlidePositionX”).
§
Check the position of the slide loader outer
finger in relation to the magazine rail (Adjust
the position of the magnet disc).
§
Check the slide dimensions of the used slide.
2.
Some slides are inserted well, but some
times a big bang can be listened or even cracking the slide on the top:
§
Check the slide
leading slot bottom in relation to the lower edge of
the specimen holder; see also: “InsertSlidePositionX”.
§
Check the position of the slide
loader outer finger in relation to the middle of the magazine rail.
§
Check the
height position of the inner finger.
§
Check the slide dimensions of the used
slide.
3.
Some slides are inserted well, but some
times a big bang can be listened or even cracking the slide on the bottom:
§
Check the slide
leading slot bottom in relation to the lower edge of
the specimen holder.
§
Check the position of the slide loader
outer finger in relation to the middle of the magazine rail.
§
Check the slide dimensions of the used
slide.
4.
The slide insert procedure is done, but
often or some times, the slide is slant inserted and falling down onto the
truss.
§
Check the plane of the slide
leading edge with the specimen
holder right hand edge; see also “Adjust the magazine
unit position”.
5.
During slide insertion a stronger (more force
requiring) sound can be listened, even in the second phase of slide insertion
or the slide is removed before the slide insert procedure is finished (the
slide loader time out was running out).
§
Check or adjust the slide insert position
in X-direction; define the value for the parameter “InsertSlidePositionX”
again; the value of this parameter is often too much.
§
Check the slide dimensions of the used
slide.
6.
If the slide will be inserted, a bang can
be listened always or on some slides, the Inner finger cannot cross the slide
clamp or is in collision with other parts of the specimen holder.
§
Check the plane of the slide
leading edge with the specimen
holder right hand edge.
§
Check the slide
leading slot bottom in relation to the lower edge of the specimen holder (“InsertSlidePositionX”).
§
Check the
height of the inner finger.
§
Check the slide dimensions of the used
slide.
7.
The outer finger touches the specimen
holder during the second part of slide insertion is done.
§
Check or adjust the slide insert position
in Y-direction; define the value for the parameter “InsertSlidePositionY2,3” again.
8.
The slide is touching the sidewall of the
magazine channel if the specimen holder is in the Y-position -800 steps.
§
Check or adjust the slide insert position
in Y-direction; define the value for the parameter “InsertSlidePositionY2,3” again.
9.
If the slide loader is returned to the outer
position (after slide insertion), the lower edge of the slide loader inner
finger touches the upper part of the specimen holders slide clamp.
§
Define the value of the parameter “DeafultPositionX” again and check the
height position of the inner finger; check also the correctness of the limit “Xmax”.
§
Check the slide dimensions of the used
slide.
Mistakes
and abnormal or faulty behavior during slide removal
10. The
inner finger cannot cross the slide clamp if there was an empty position in the
magazine.
§
Define the value of the parameter RemoveSlidePositionX2 again.
List of Parameters and explanation
In the following list the parameters for the magazine unit, the slide loading
and slide removal are collected; the parameters are situated in the file
MicroscopeConfiguration.ini.
Non relevant sections like [ScanCamera], [PreviewCamera],
[PreviewAndBarcodeScanning], [Focus], [ReflectorTurret] and parameters, used
for Pannoramic MIDI are left out. A short explanation of the parameters should
help to understand the meaning of the parameter values.
Please make a
security backup of the file MicroscopeConfiguration.ini before parameter values
are modified!
[Version]
CurrentInifileVersion=1.9; actual MicroscopeConfiguration.ini file version
since MScan.exe version 1.9 or higher, do not modify
[Microscope]
SerialNumber=2000; a four digit number higher then 2000
defines the serial number of the SCAN-150, so the file MicroscopeConfiguration.ini
is assigned to the hardware.
MicroscopeType=3DMic8; 3DMic8
means SCAN -150 and Pannoramic SCAN
ScanCameraType=AVT Marlin F146C; Camera
type
PreviewCameraType=DFK21F04; Preview
camera type
BarcodeReaderType=MS904; for
older scanners only (3DMic4), do not modify
[HardwareLimits] The number of steps is defined without lost
steps
ObjectGuideXMin=-800; number
of steps allowed in negative direction from Home1,2
ObjectGuideXMax=29900; number
of steps allowed in positive direction from Home1,2
ObjectGuideYMin=-800; number
of steps allowed in negative direction from Home1,2
ObjectGuideYMax=73400; number
of steps allowed in positive direction from Home1,2
FocusDeviceMin=-320; number
of steps allowed in negative direction from Home1,2
FocusDeviceMax=3540; number
of steps allowed in positive direction from Home1,2
ReflectorTurretMin=-400; number
of steps allowed in negative direction from Home1,2
ReflectorTurretMax=58700; number
of steps allowed in positive direction from Home1,2
·
·
·
StepSizeXinMicrometer=1; do
not modify
StepSizeYinMicrometer=1; do
not modify
ScannableAreaPositionXMin=2200; the
specimen holder is even not touched by the focus pin
ScannableAreaPositionXMax=26000; the medium wide slide should be touched by
the half diameter of the focus pin, the step size for adjustment is 100 steps
ScannableAreaPositionYMin=22646; starts usually with 22000 and is modified by
the preview calibration program.
ScannableAreaPositionYMax=73400; the
specimen holder is not touched by the focus pin
ObjectGuideXYTimeDelayBeforeImageAcquisition=0; A value between 0 and 30 ms can help
to eliminate vibration after stage movements before the scan camera image is
taken; 0 means no wait, 30ms is recommended.
[SlideLoading]
DeafultPositionX=29600; can be the value of
“ObjectGuideXMax”-100 steps; the slide loader inner finger should not touch the
slide clamp if the slide is inserted and the slide loader movable part is
moving backward to the slide position of the magazine.
DeafultPositionY=18000; the focus pin moves on the metal
part of the specimen holder and the X-motor limits can be reached. Do not
modify.
InsertSlidePositionX=700; the
specimen holder position for slide insertion
InsertSlidePositionY1=400; the
specimen holder position for slide insertion at the beginning
InsertSlidePositionY2=600; the
final specimen holder position for slide insertion.
InsertSlidePositionY3=600; the
final specimen holder position for slide insertion.
SlideHolderReleasePositionY=8000; the
slide tightener is released, the slide clamp is spanned by the strong spring.
RemoveSlidePositionX1=-300; the
specimen holder position for slide removal at the beginning
RemoveSlidePositionX2=000; the
specimen holder position for slide removal at the 2. Phase
RemoveSlidePositionY=1100; the
specimen holder Y-position for slide removal
[SlideLoader]
SlideLoaderTimeout=1200; do
not modify
SlideLoaderDelayTimeBeforeSensor=300; If the outer sensor is attached it should
be released after 300ms; do not modify
[MagazineLoader]
MagazineFirstSlidePosition=18; number of turns to
reach the first slide position of the magazine, do not modify
MagazineRemovePosition=85; number of turns to
reach the magazine remove position, do not modify
MagazineFirstSensorPosition=0; do
not modify
MagazineLastSensorPosition=85; do
not modify
StackerTimeout=10000; the magazine
load sensor should be attached in less then 10s, do not modify
StackerDelayTimeBeforeSensor=100; do
not modify
StackerPreloadTime=2900; do
not modify
MagazineFeederMoveTimeAtPreload=0; do
not modify
MagazineFeederTimeout=500; less
then 500ms for one revolution is allowed, do not modify
MagazineFeederDeadTime=100; do
not modify
MagazineFeederDelayTimeBeforeSensor=100; do not modify
MagazineFeederTryCount=10; do
not modify
MagazineFeederDelayTimeBeforeMagazineSensor=300; after 300 ms check the left or right
magazine sensor; do not modify
SlideCountPerMagazine=25; If
SCAN-150=25, Pannoramic SCAN=25 If
MIRAX SCAN=50; other
values are not allowed