Tray, slide loading; PCON

For technicians and partly for sales managers!

 

 

This description handles the functionality, instructions and adjustments to install and to check the tray loader and slide loader unit for Pannoramic Confocal scanners.

Software relevant explanations are based on the software version 1.19.

 

·     The unit is derived from the scanner “modular MIDI”; Microscope type = 3DMic10.

·     Only some mechanical modifications are realized, the working principle is not modified.

 

 

 

Contents

General

Configure the tray unit

Components, construction

Setup and adjustment procedures

          Precautions

          General techniques

          Adjustment sequence

Test the adjustments

          Short test pass

          Tray- and slide loading test

Dismount and mount

          Remove the tray unit

          Mount the tray unit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General

 

 

The tray loader unit is used to hold and transport the tray in the tray holder. The tray itself contains 12 slide bays and is always inserted or removed from the right side of the scanner. Because the slide is not fixed in the slide bay, the slide guide rail ensures that the slide has the proper position in the slide bay during tray insertion and movements. The movement of the tray is realized with a stepper motor.

The slide sensor checks the slide bay before the bay of the slide to be inserted. If there is no slide present, then this position will be excluded from the slide loading process.

 

 

The slide loader moves the slide from the bay position of the tray into the specimen holder during slide insert action or in opposite direction, from the specimen holder to the bay position of the tray during a slide remove action by using a stepper motor driven mechanics. To ensure, that the slide does not falling down during a slide insert or remove action, the support plate supports the slide from beneath.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exchange of the tray- and slide loader unit is necessary:

          - If one of the stepper motors or its electronics is faulty.

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

          - If the tray loader or slide loader unit has any fault and you are unable to fix it.

Please refer first to the chapter “Before you start to replace units”!

 

 

Requirements

  • Service program for slide scanners (SlideScannerService.exe) with actual license file
  • Slide scanner and Slide scanner Viewer software (SlideScanner.exe, SlideViewer.exe) with dongle or actual license files
  • 0.9, 1.5, 2.5, 3 and 5 mm hex key wrenches
  • Hardware and construction knowledge of Panoramic Confocal

 

 

Play video:  Tray and slide loading”; “Remove tray

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Main modifications to the MIDI

 

The tray and slide loader unit of the Pannoramic Confocal contains the following modifications

 

·     The microscope type is defined as 3DMic10; subtype=Confocal

·     LoaderType=SL_1Mag_12Slide_Sensor_Horizontal2

·     Tray leader is prolonged by the “Tray extender”

·     Slide loader motor got a new position

·     Belt driven slide loader unit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Configure the tray 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 tray loader unit in the scanner Pannoramic Confocal is “LoaderType=SL_1Mag_12Slide_Sensor_Horizontal2”.

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 [Microscope]

SerialNumber=PCON_xxx

MicroscopeType=3DMic10

MicroscopeSubtype=Confocal

ScanCameraType=

PreviewCameraType=CVrmc_m8_pPro

BarcodeReaderType=PreviewCamera

LoaderType=SL_1Mag_12Slide_Sensor_Horizontal2

CameraChangerType=CC_none

ReflectorTurretType=RT_None

BrightfieldLightSourceType=RGBLedLight

ObjectiveChangerType=OC_2Pos

ObjectGuideXYZType=OGXYZ_FLASH4

FlashUnitType=NoFlashUnit

NDFilterType=NDType_None

PreviewLightType=PreviewLightUnitType_Type2

ShutterMotorType=Shutter_Motor

PowerSwitchBoardType=PowerSwitchBoard_Type1

ConfocalUnitType=ConfocalUnitType_Aurox

WaterFeederType=WaterFeeder_Type1

 

 

LoaderType=SL_1Mag_12Slide_Sensor_Horizontal;         the sensors are connected to the DC-controller, like in the PMIDI

 

LoaderType=SL_1Mag_12Slide_Sensor_Horizontal2;       the sensors are connected to the USB controller, like in the PCON

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Components, construction

 

 

                   Tray

 

The tray has 12 slide bays, so it can contain up to 12 slides and is inserted with the position 1 from the right side of the tray leader. The slides are not fixed in the slide bay, so they might fall down, if the tray is not handled horizontally.

From beneath, the tray has a dovetail to leading it in the tray leader; and the correspondent part to the Maltese conveyor pin of the conveyor dial, to allow a tray movement from slide bay to slide bay. If the 12th position is reached, the tray must be moved backward to the insert and eject position, to allow the remove or exchange of the tray.

The permanent magnet is used to activate the tray sensor if a tray is present in the tray leader. This magnet defines together with its sensor, the tray’s insert and eject position, in this position the tray can be inserted and exchanged.

The slide bays and conveyor mechanics of the tray should be kept clean and dry. The tray does not need adjustment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowed slide dimensions are:

 

Length:         75.00 to 76.00 mm

Width:          25.00 to 26.00 mm

Thickness:    00.95 to 01.05 mm

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

·     Please check the slide dimensions before filling the tray!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Tray leader; tray tightener

 

The tray is always inserted or removed from the right side of the scanner; on the left side of the slide leader a bumper is situated to ensure, that the tray can not be inserted or removed from or removed to the left side. The reason for this is technical nature, the implementation and construction of the tray loader mechanics. On the longer edges of the tray leader dovetail rails are realized. This solution guarantees the proper position of the tray and the slide bays. The tray tightener ensures a slippage free convey and holding of the tray.

 

·      The tray leader and the tray tightener should be kept clean and dry; they do not need adjustment.

·      Check the tray tightener for easy movement! Paraffin residues and small glass shards may prevent it from correct working and tray stumble may be the result!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Slide guide rail

 

Because the slides are not fixed in the slide bay of the tray, the slide guide rail pushes the slides into the slide bay during tray movement. Together with the slide sensor arm the proper position of the slide in the slide bay is defined.

 

·      The slide sensor arm pushes the slide against the slide guide rail during sensing the presence of the slide and defines so the Y-position for slide insertion also.

 

 

 

 

                   Tray holder extension

 

The tray holder is prolonged by the extender, so the tray may be correctly inserted if the tray loader door of the housing is opened.

 

 

·      The Slide guide rail and the Tray dovetail leading should be kept clean and dry; they do not need adjustment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Tray sensor

 

The tray sensor recognizes the presence of a tray in its insert or remove position. This sensor is attached by the presence of the magnet in the tray. The sensor is connected to the electronics with the cable CF01E.

The sensor does not need maintenance, but its position is adjusted. See also “Setup and adjustment procedures”.          

 

Cable label;            Tray sensor:     CF01E

 

                              Slide sensor:    CF01F

 

 

See also:    Sensors and sensor states“ and “Hall sensors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Slide sensor

 

The slide sensor fulfills two tasks; it senses the presence of the slide mechanically, one position before the slide insert position and so it helps to bring the slide into the correct X- and Y-position for the slide insert procedure also.

 

 

1.     The slide sensor senses the presence of a slide in the slide bay of the tray. The slide is sensed in the position before the slide’s insert position, so the software knows that the next slide bay contains a slide or not. The slide is assumed as present if the magnet does not attach the sensor, in other words, the magnet is moved away from the sensor if a slide is present. If the sensor is attached by the magnet, no slide is present, the slide bay is empty. The sensor is connected to the electronics with the cable CF01F.

The sensor does not need maintenance, but its position is adjusted. See also “Setup and adjustment procedures”.

 

See also:    Sensors and sensor states“ and “Hall sensors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.     The slide sensor pushes the slide against the slide guide rail, so the position of the inner edge of the slide (the Y-position) for the slide loading operation is found. Because the movement of the tray is not finished if the slide is released by the slide sensor, this is only the nominal position, the real position might differ some tenth millimeter. 

 

3.     The slide sensor together with the slide guide rail holds the slide on the shorter edges in its position; and if the tray moves the sensed slide bay to the slide insert position (the tray moves from the right to the left), the slide will stay in its position until the right-hand edge of the slide bay touches the slide and moves it to the slide insert position (so the X-position of the slide is found). Because the movement of the tray is not finished if the slide is released by the slide sensor, this is only the nominal position, the real position might differ some tenth millimeter.

 

If the tray is moved backward and any previous slide should be loaded, the tray moves 1 slide bay position more backward as required and then a forward movement follows; so the nominal X- and Y-position of the slide will be found and the slide will be sensed also before slide insertion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principle of support plate and slide loader spreading

 

If the conveyor dial is in the Home1,2 position (or a multiple number of -19 200 steps), the actuating rod does not pull the ex-center, the “Rod 1” and “Rod 2”  are forced to each other by the force of the compression spring and the entire mechanics is in the released state (as shown). In this state the slide loader (its position is defined by the position of the “Rod 1”) is lowered down and is so able to move the slide, and the support plate (its position is defined by the position of the “Rod 2”) supports the slide from beneath; and the real slide movement can be done.

 

·      The real slide movement is done, if the conveyor dial stays in Home1,2 or a multiple number of 19 200steps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If the conveyor dial is in the position of -1920 motor steps (the tenth number of motor steps of a conveyor dial revolution) or anywhere else on this part of the perimeter, the actuating rod is pulling the ex-center and this is spreading the “Rod 1” and the “Rod 2”; the slide loader is moved upward and the support plate is moved downward respectively. In this position (-1920 steps) the slide loader movements without slide transport, the X-Y-stage movements and the tray movements (any position on this part of the perimeter) are done. Possible positions between Home1,2 and -1920 steps are not defined and therefore, during the scan process or the slide load and remove actions are not allowed. It is true, that the positions -1920 steps and +1920 steps are technically identical, but the software uses always only the position -1920 steps. Please take all this into account if you are working with the service program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                Stepper motors

 

 

The drive of the conveyor unit and the slide loader unit is realized with stepper motors, and these are driven in micro stepping mode. One revolution of rotor axle is divided into 3200 steps. The forward direction of the motor’s axle is counter clockwise, CCW.

·      The address of the Slide loader motor is 08.

·      The address of the Tray conveyor motor is 07.

·      The parts and units of the stepper motors need neither maintenance nor mechanical adjustments.

 

See also:      Stepper motor”, “Addresses” and “Cabling of addressable units

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Tray conveyor unit

 

The tray conveyor (transport) unit is designed to move the first slide bay from the tray insert position to the slide insert position, slide positions forward or backward as desired and to eject the tray. The principle of the movement is the Maltese cross, it transforms rotation into steps. Furthermore, the form fit mechanism moves the slide loader and the support plate upward or downward as needed for the appropriate slide insert or remove action or other, possible movements.

 All the movements are software controlled, via the number of steps, done by the stepper motor.

 

If the manual scan method is used, the tray positions and actions are reached via software buttons.

If the automatic scan method is used, the tray is inserted manually and, if the scan operation of the actual slide is finished, the next bay position is selected automatically. If a slide is present, the slide will be inserted into the specimen holder, if not, the tray is automatically moved to the next slide bay, until the presence of a slide is detected.

The tray transport unit is driven by a stepper motor via a gear. One revolution of the conveyor dial is done in exact 19200 motor steps (6 revolutions of the motor’s rotor). With the help of the Maltese conveyor pin and the tray stabilizer, the tray is moved safely from slide bay to slide bay. Within one revolution of the conveyor dial, the next or previous slide bay is reached.

 

 

See also:      PCON_Power_control, USB Controller and Addresses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second task

 

The mechanics, driven by the form fit mechanism is so constructed, that the support plate and the slide loader moves always in opposite directions. If the bearing pin stays more away from the center of the conveyor dial (-1920 steps), the slide loader stays upward and the support plate downward; this happens, if the X-Y-stage is moved and also, if the tray is moved (any position of the perimeter, shown in green).

 

If the slide is moved, the slide loader stays down and is able to touch the slide by the inner or outer finger as required for the actual action; meanwhile the support plate stays up and touches the slide from beneath, the conveyor dial stays in the Home1,2 position (or a multiple number of -19 200 steps).

 

If a slide insert or remove action is in progress, but there is no connection with the slide (the slide loader moves backward after slide insertion or the slide loader moves forward before removing the slide) the conveyor dial is moved by -1920 steps from its home position; in this position the slide loader is up and the support plate is down, but the tray is not attached yet by the Maltese conveyor pin, so the tray is not moved yet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                Slide loader drive unit

 

 

The stepper motor of the slide loader unit got a new position as shown; therefore a belt drive was realized.

·     The transmission of the belt wheels is realized by 1:1

·     The tension of the belt is not critical, but do not tighten the belt too much!

 

 

 

 

 

See also:      PCON_Power_control, USB Controller and Addresses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slide loader and support plate mechanics

 

The slide loader mechanics is used to move the slide loader from its Home position; this position is over the tray, to the specimen holder, to insert a slide. This mechanics is driven by a stepper motor and the information via the cable CON7.

The transport spindle is connected directly to the axle of the stepper motor.

The mounting of the support plate is realized with an axle bearing, so the support plate becomes moveable with the help of the “Rod 2”, upward or downward respectively see also above “The principle of the slide loader and the support plate spreading”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The same mounting solution is used for the slide loader movement, but its bearing and leading axle is longer. If the slide loader is driven by the transport spindle via the transport nut, the entire slide loader moves on this axle from its Home position to the specimen holder and back, to the position over the tray.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The entire slide loader can be lifted up, (for all movements, except slide movements) and can be lowered down (for slide movements) with the help of the “Rod 1” as described above “Principle of slide loader and support plate spreading”. During slide insertion the outer finger contacts the slide on its shorter edge and pushes it forward into the specimen holder. During slide removal the inner finger contacts the slide on its opposite shorter edge and pushes so the slide out from the specimen holder into the slide bay of the tray and releases it there. During these actions the support plate supports the slide so, that the slide can not falling down during slide movement and, if the slide insert procedure is done, the slide studs of the specimen holder are fixing the slide correctly.

 

 

 

The slide loader mechanics should be kept clean. The slide loader mechanics adjustment is reduced to the adjustment of the slide loader and support plate spreading mechanism; see also the chapter “Setup and adjustment procedures”. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Setup and adjustment procedures

 

 

                   Precautions

 

  • If the slide loader needs to be lifted up manually, please touch the mechanical mounting of the “Rod 1” close to the compression spring.

 

 

 

  • Never lift up the slide loader on the slide loader side, because the mechanics could be bend or deformed!

 

  • If the slide loader mechanics is deformed, the slides can not be inserted or removed safely!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

§       Never execute the commands Home1,2 for the tray loader with inserted tray!

If a try is inserted and the commands Home1,2 must be executed for the tray loader, remove the tray first by moving the tray backward with the service program and the button +19200 steps or by powering off the power supply and turning the tray loader gear wheel by hand (from beneath). If the tray is fully removed from the tray leader, the command Home2 for the tray loader stepper motor can be executed safely.

 

  • To take always care on the focus pin, set the focus position to -300 steps if the X-Y stage should be moved with the service program!

This way, the focus pin is as far as possible away from the specimen holder; otherwise, the focus pin will be battered during X-Y-stage movements, even if collision with the specimen holder occurs. A well battered focus pin ensures trouble during focusing of many samples!

 

     Set the focus position to -300 or +1300 steps:

Set the tray loader motor to the position -1920 steps, so the slide loader and the support plate is spread and does not collide with the X-Y-stage while it is moving!

Move the X-Y stage by at least 25 000 steps in +X-direction! This way, the slide tightener is not connected with the release plate and the focus pin movement can take effect. Set the focus position; then set the X-stage to any desired position.

 

  • 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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   General techniques

 

A.      All the movements of the X-Y-stage, tray- and slide loader and the focus unit are done by using the service program, except explicitly specified otherwise.

B.      All the parameter values to be actualized are found in the file MicroscopeConfiguretion.ini sections [HardwareLimits], [SlideLoading] and [MagazineLoader]. Use always an accuracy of 100 steps, except explicitly specified otherwise!

C.     Negative step numbers or values are starting with a minus (-) sign in the *.ini files!

D.     The focus position should never be set in the specimen holder’s X-Home1,2 and Y-Home1,2 position, because the action has no effect (if the focus pin moves downward) or the focus pin (4:1 divider) may be strained (if the focus pin moves upward)! Instead go forward to +25 000 steps in +X-direction to disconnect the specimen holder from the release plate; set the focus position and move the specimen holder back by X=-25 000 steps if necessary.

E.      Do not hesitate to remove the turret unit or turret plate (if the scanner will be used without the fluorescence option) during the adjustment procedure is done, even if a full adjustment should be done; so it is easier to reach certain places.

F.      Remove the entire tray- and slide loader unit if brightfield illumination adjustments and adjustments of the optical path are done; otherwise certain places can not be reached.

 

 

 

Adjustments are done in the following sequence

 

1.      Check the physical limits of the tray loader

 

2.      Adjust the home position of the conveyor dial and tray loader motor

 

3.      Adjust the length of the actuating rod

 

4.      Adjust the tray sensor position.

 

5.      Adjust the slide sensor position.

 

6.      Define the value of the parameter MidiFeederArmMin, MidiFeederArmMax

 

7.      Define the value of the parameter MidiSlideFeederArmTrayMovingPosition

 

8.      Adjust the height of the slide loader.

 

9.      Adjust the height of the support plate.

 

9a. Check or adjust the slide bay position.

 

10.   Define the value of the parameters “InsertSlidePositionX” and “InsertSlidePositionY1

 

11.   Adjust the position of the release plate.

 

12.   Define the value of the parameter MidiSlideFeederArmSlideLoadingStartPosition

 

13.   Define the value of the parameter MidiSlideFeederArmSlideLoadingEndPosition

 

14.   Define the value of the parameter MidiXPositionToFixTheSlide

 

15.   Define the value of the parameter MidiSlideFeederArmSlideUnLoadingStartPosition

 

16.   Define the value of the parameters “RemoveSlidePositionX1and “RemoveSlidePositionY”

 

 

 

 

 

1. Check the physical limits of the tray loader

 

These are predefined values and should be checked or set only; adjustments are not required.

The parameter “MidiTrayMoverMin” is set to 0 and the parameter “MidiTrayMoverMax” is set to 233 000.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Adjust the home position of conveyor dial and tray loader motor

 

a.     Set the stepper motor of the conveyor unit to Home1,2 position, without a tray inserted!

b.     Adjust the conveyor dial position in relation to the motor gear wheel by loosening the mounting bolts of the motor (found from beneath) and disconnect the cogs of the gear wheels. Adjust the position of the gearwheels to each other so, that the ball bearing is in the smallest elongation; nearest to the center of the conveyor dial. Rotate always the conveyor dial, never the motor axle!

c.       After the mounting bolts are tightened, check the engagement and connection between rotor- and gear wheel!

d.     Set the tray motor position to Home1,2 again and check the entire adjustment.

e.     Repeat the adjustment from step “a” if necessary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Adjust the length of the actuating rod 

 

Adjust the length of the actuating rod by screwing the rod strainer with the 0.9 mm hex key wrench or another thin tool so, that a very small gap (about 0.1 mm) exists between the ball bearing and the conveyor dial.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Adjust the tray sensor position

 

This adjustment assumes, that the correct slide bay position for the slide load operation is found; see also “Check or adjust the slide bay position”.

 

The goal of this adjustment is, to set the tray insert position so, that the sensor is checked if the tray is fully inserted and it can be loaded safely.

If the sensor position is wrong, the inserted tray will not be recognized or, if the tray is recognized, and the tray is to far from the conveyor dial, the Maltese pin can not engage the appropriate tray mechanics.

 

a.     Set the conveyor dial to Home1,2 position.

b.     Insert the tray until it stops.

c.      Move the hall sensor of the tray “CF01E” away from its action position and then carefully toward to the action position until the service program shows even the active state of the sensor and tighten the mounting bolt.

 

 

Tray and slide sensor

Sensor

Name

Label

Tray

TMC-HAL1(2)

CF01E

Slide

TMC-HAL1(1)

CF01F

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check the correct position

 

Move the tray carefully backward until the tray sensor is inactive and by carefully inserting the tray again, stop the movement if the sensor goes even active.

Now rotate the conveyor dial with the cog wheel and the motor cable disconnected. The Maltese pin should engage the appropriate part of the tray smoothly and safely. The gap between conveyor dial and tray should be less then 2 mm.

 

·      The gap can be checked if the tray is pushed from the acting position of the sensor (the sensor shows even the active state) toward the conveyor dial; this movement length should be less then 2mm. please repeat this check more times.

 

 

 

 

 

5. Adjust the slide sensor position

 

Adjust the sensor position without slide in the sensed slide bay!

The sensor state should show the empty slide bay safely.

 

a.     If an adjustment is needed, modify the Hall sensor position of the slide sensor “CF01F”, see also the paragraphs “Tray sensor” and “Slide sensor” above.

b.     The sensor position is correct if the presence or not presence of the shortest possible slide is clearly detected. Check this behavior with the service program and by moving the sensor arm manually also.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Define the values of the parameters “MidiFeederArmMin” and “MidiFeederArmMax

 

These parameters are defining the limit positions of the slide loader.

 

Find the negative limit for the slide loader mechanics (“MidiFeederArmMin”)

 

a.     Set the slide loader motor to Home1,2.

 

b.     Go forward to the slide loader motor position -1200 steps.

 

c.      Go backward +1200 steps.

 

d.     Press Home1 (only). There should be not more then +-2 steps difference to Home1. If there are more steps lost, decrease the actual absolute number of steps by 100 and repeat from step “a”. In the steps “b” and “c” use the actual absolute number of steps!

 

e.     If there are not more then 2 steps difference to Home1, increase the number of steps by 100 and repeat from step “a”. In the steps “b” and “c” use the actual absolute number of steps!

 

f.       The negative limit is found correctly if the motor movement has no steps lost and the actual absolute number of steps, increased by 100 would produce lost steps. The found negative limit can differ by more 100 steps from unit to unit. The reason is the tolerance of the components.

 

g.     Update the value of the parameter “MidiFeederArmMin” with the found number of the actual steps (negative signed step numbers are starting with a minus (-) sign!) in the file “MicroscopeConfiguration.ini” section [HardwareLimits] and save the file.

 

Find the positive limit of the slide loader mechanics (“MidiFeederArmMax”)

 

The value of the parameter MidiFeederArmMax is always set to 91 000 steps.

 

Check the found limits by moving the slide loader without slide and using the number of steps, used as parameter value in the file MicroscopeConfiguration.ini” section [HardwareLimits]. Lost steps must not occur.

 

 

 

 

 

7. Define the value of the parameter “MidiSlideFeederArmTrayMovingPosition

 

This parameter value defines the position for the slide loader if the tray is moved and the distance between slide loader inner and outer finger to the short edges of the slide in motor steps. Define this value by moving the slide loader motor and lowered down slide loader so, that the distance between slide loader finger and slide is nearly equal on both sides of the largest possible slide. Update the parameter value with the found, new value and save the file.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Adjust the height of the slide loader

 

The height of the slide loader is adjusted well, if a very small gap exists between the slide loader fingers and the tray surface (about 0.4 mm) during slide insertion (the focus position is -300 steps) and the slide loader fingers are not touching the specimen holder during slide removal (the focus position is now +1300 steps)!

 

 

  • Please keep in mind that the slide insert procedure is always done in the focus position -300 steps and the slide remove procedure is always done in the focus position +1300 steps.

 

          Check the gap

 

a.     Set the X-Y-stage to the X and Y Home1,2 positions and load an empty tray.

 

b.     Set the focus motor to the position -300 steps; see also above “Precautions” and “To set the focus position”

 

c.      Move the slide loader to the position +20 000 steps.

 

d.     Check the gap between slide bay surface and the claws of the outer finger. The gap should be less then 0.9 mm, the optimum is 0.4 mm (the slide thickness is 1.0 mm nominal). Ensure with this adjustment, that all allowed thicknesses of the slide can be loaded safely, especially the thinnest slides.

 

e.     If the surface of the slide bay is touched or the gap is too much, the height of the slide loader has to bee adjusted.

 

f.       Next we send the slide loader forward again by 40 000 - 60 000 steps until the outer finger is nearest to the specimen holder but still over the tray. There should be nearly the same gap size as before.

·   If the gap is not equal on both sides of the slide bay, the slide loader mechanics may be deformed.

 

g.     Set the focus motor to the position +1300 steps.

 

h.     Insert the slide loader without a slide into the specimen holder and check the gap between outer finger and specimen holder surface. There should be a gap of 0.1 mm!

·     Check the correct mounting position (Seat and Shoulder) of the entire tray- and slide loader unit, if there is no gap or the gap is too much!

 

 

 

Adjust the height of the slide loader

 

  • Please keep in mind that the slide insert procedure is always done in the focus position -300 steps and the slide remove procedure is always done in the focus position +1300 steps.

 

i.        Set the focus position.

 

j.        Set the X-Y-stage to the X and Y Home1,2 positions and load an empty tray.

 

k.      Move the slide loader to the position +20 000 steps.

 

l.        Insert the 1.5 hex-key wrench for the ex-center of the slide loader adjustment hole (see Height adjustment 2) and loosen the slide loader’s mounting bolt with a 0.9 hex-key wrench (see Height adjustment 1).

 

m.   By rotating the ex-center with the 1.5 hex key wrench the slide loader moves upward or downward respectively (see height adjustment 2).

 

n.     Adjust the height of the slide loader so, that the gap between the lower part of the slide loader to the surface of the tray’s slide bay is about 0.4 mm, then tighten the mounting bolt.

 

o.     Check the gap between slide loader and the tray’s slide bay surface as described above in this chapter “To check the gap”.

 

p.     Check the gap between outer finger and the surface of the specimen holder if the focus position is 2400 steps (if the slide remove procedure is in progress). There should be a gap of 0.1 mm to the specimen holder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

q.     Check the movement of the ball bearing. If the slide loader will be moved upward, the ball bearing must rotate! If the ball bearing of the slide loader does not rotate, find the correct position by rotating the ex-center into the opposite position and repeat the entire adjustment.

 

·   Move the “Rod 1” upward by hand a little bit so, that the “Rod 1” is even not in connection with the ball bearing and try to rotate it; it should rotate easily!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Adjust the height of the support plate

 

The adjustment sequence is done similar to the adjustment procedure of the slide loader.

 

  • Please keep in mind that the slide insert procedure is always done in the focus position -300 steps and the slide remove procedure is always done in the focus position +1300 steps.

 

a.     Load a tray with a slide in the first slide bay.

b.     Set the focus motor to the position -300 steps; see also above “Precautions” and “To set the focus position”

 

c.      Set the specimen holder to the slide insert position in X-and Y-direction.

 

d.     Move the slide 45 000 steps toward the specimen holder until the front of the slide is above the support plate.

 

e.     Insert the 1.5 hex-key wrench for the ex-center of the support plate adjustment hole (Height adjustment 2) and loosen the support plates mounting bolt with a 0.9 hex-key wrench (Height adjustment 1).

 

f.       By rotating the ex-center with the 1.5 hex key wrench the support plate moves upward or downward respectively.

 

g.     Adjust the height of the support plate so, that the slide is even touched from beneath; tighten the mounting bolt.

 

h.     The reached position is correct, if the reflection on the slide slightly moves.

 

i.        This slide should be fully unloaded then moved toward the specimen holder again by 80 000 steps. The slide should not collide with the edge of the support plate and should fit inside the specimen holder the 3 slide studs without hitting them.

 

 

j.        Check the movement of the ball bearing. If the support plate will be moved downward, the ball bearing must rotate! If the ball bearing of the support plate does not rotate, find the correct position by rotating the ex-center into the opposite position and repeat the entire adjustment.

·   Move the “Rod 2” downward by hand a little bit so, that the “Rod 2” is even not in connection with the ball bearing and try to rotate it; it should rotate easily!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check the slide studs

 

Check the surface quality of the slide studs.

When the slide is loaded by hand it should be slightly pushed against the slide studs leading surface so that it can be judged if the slide collides with a lump on the slide leading part of the slide studs. If this occurs the stud should be replaced or grinded by a qualified service technician.

 

 

 

Check the slide tightener

 

Check the surface quality, the functionality of the slide stud and the safe holding of the slide. If the slide tightener holds the slide correctly, the slide must not be moveable easily. The slide tightener is checked by moving it toward and away from the slide gently. The movement should be easily and the spring has to be firm enough. Push the slide tightener always only sideward, never down- or upward because the specimen holder or the parallelogram could be bend.

 

 

 

 

 

9a. Check and adjust the slide bay position

 

To ensure a proper slide loading procedure, the right-hand edge of the slide bay has to be in the same plane as the right-hand slide leader. If the slide is moved toward the specimen holder on the right-hand edge of the slide bay, the slide leader has to be touched, but hitting of the slide leader should not be felt.

·   Check this behavior in all slide bay positions of both trays.

·   The conveyor unit position can be moved or adjusted only in a very small range.

·   If the conveyor unit position was modified, check the correct movement of the try and the tray sensor position again, see also “Adjust the tray sensor position”!

 

 

 

Adjust the slide bay position

 

a.     Fill a tray with slides without cut corners in each slide bay.

b.     Insert the tray and check the plane of the slide leader in relation to the right-hand side wall in the slide bay position 1.

c.     If necessary, loosen the conveyor unit mounting and bring the entire conveyor unit into the proper position and tighten its mounting.

d.     Remove the tray with the service program and insert the tray again; check the easy and correct movement of the tray.

e.     Check the plane in the slide bay positions 1, 6 and 12.

f.      If the slide hits the slide leader or there is no contact between slide and slide leader repeat from step “b”; find the optimum.

g.     If the plane in the trays slide bay positions 1, 6 and 12 is correct, check the plane in all slide bay positions and check the other tray also.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. Define the value of the parameter “InsertSlidePositionX” and “InsertSlidePositionY1”

 

This parameter defines the X-Y stage position for the slide loading procedure. This can be set by moving the X-stage in the negative direction from Home1,2 by 100 steps. The adjustment is correct if the slide can be inserted smoothly, and no collision occurs between the inner right slide corner and the slide studs during slide insertion.

 

a.      Set the focus position to 800 steps.

 

b.      Set the X-Y-stage to X-Home1,2 and Y-Home1,2.

 

c.       Set slide loader to Home1,2.

 

d.      Set tray loader to Home1,2; without inserted tray!

 

e.      Insert the slide of the maximal width in the first slide bay.

 

f.        Insert the tray.

 

g.      Set the tray motor -1920 steps forward to lift up the slide loader.

 

h.      Insert the slide by hand so, that the slide leader and the inner slide stud are touched at the same time.

 

i.         Set the tray motor +1920 steps backward to lift up the support plate.

 

j.         By moving the slide manually toward the bumper edge and return, the position of the slide studs in relation to the slide leader can be checked.

 

k.       Adjust the X-position of the X-Y-stage so, that both slide studs and the slide leader are in the same plane.

 

l.         Add to the found absolute value 100 steps (=0.1 mm) and update the value of the parameter “InsertSlidePositionX” and save the file. The value is often found in the range of

-300 to -800 steps.

 

m.    The value of the parameter ”InsertSlidePositionY1” is always =0.

 

n.      Check the correctness of the adjustment during the slide insert procedure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11. Adjust the position of the release plate

 

The release plate ensures the correct disconnection between slide studs and slide for the slide insert and slide remove procedure. In the slide insert position X and Y the release plate is connected with the slide tightener and this is moved away from the slide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a.     Insert the slide of the maximal allowed width into the tray.

 

b.     Insert the tray.

 

c.      Set the tray motor -1920 steps forward to lift up the slide loader.

 

d.     Set the X-Y-stage to X-Home1,2 and Y-Home1,2.

 

e.     Set the X-Y-stage to the insert position X by using the value of the parameter ”InsertSlidePositionX”.

 

f.       Insert the slide manually.

 

g.     Set the tray motor +1920 steps backward to lift up the support plate.

 

h.     Loosen the release plate.

 

i.        Move the release plate to the left until a gap of nominal 0.5 mm exists between the left hand slide stud (the slide stud of the slide tightener) and the slide.

 

j.        Tighten the release plate.

 

k.      The slide should be moveable between the slide studs but should not fall down if the support plate is moved downward.

 

l.        Check the correctness of the adjustment during the slide’s insert procedure; and with the smallest slide also.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12. Define the value of the parameter “MidiSlideFeederArmSlideLoadingStartPosition”

 

With this start position the slide loader outer finger should be in plane with the slide bay outer edge of the tray. This adjustment ensures that the slide can be safely touched on its outer edge during slide insertion.

 

a.     Insert a tray.

 

b.     Set the slide loader motor to Home1,2.

 

c.      By modifying the slide loader position, adjust the position of the claws (by moving the slide loader with the motor) of the slide loader outer finger so, that the inner edge of the claws are in plane with the inner edge of the slide bay.

 

d.     Subtract from the found value 100 steps and update the value of the parameter “MidiSlideFeederArmSlideLoadingStartPosition” and save the file.

 

e.     Check this adjustment during the slide insert procedure also.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13. Define the value of the parameter MidiSlideFeederArmSlideLoadingEndPosition

 

This value defines the gap between the inner slide edge and the bumper of the specimen holder. For this adjustment the longest possible slide of 76.00 mm should be used; the value is often found between 85000 and 87000 steps.

 

a.     Insert a tray with the longest possible slide.

 

b.     Set the slide loader to the slide loading start position by using the value of the parameter “MidiSlideFeederArmSlideLoadingStartPosition”.

 

c.      Set the X-Y-stage to the slide insert X and Y-positions; use the values InsertSlidePositionX” and “InsertSlidePositionY1” as defined previously.

 

d.     Insert the slide with the slide loader by using the value of 85 000 steps.

 

e.     Increase or decrease the slide loader position by 100 steps until the gap of nominal 0.5 mm is reached.

 

f.       Update the value of the parameter “MidiSlideFeederArmSlideLoadingEndPosition” with the found value and save the file.

 

 “MidiSlideFeederArmSlideUnloadingEndPosition” This value is usually set to 0. There are only special cases when this is a negative number.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14. Define the value of the parameter “MidiXPositionToFixTheSlide”

 

Find the X-position of the specimen holder with the widest slide inserted, where the slide tightener is fully released by the release plate and the slide is tightened.

 

a.                          Insert the slide of maximal allowed width into the tray.

 

b.                          Insert the tray with the slide in slide loading position.

 

c.                           Set the tray motor -1920 steps forward to lift up the slide loader.

 

d.                          Set the X-Y-stage to X-Home1,2 and Y-Home1,2.

 

e.                          Set the X-Y-stage to the insert position X by using the value of the parameter ”InsertSlidePositionX”.

 

f.                            Set the tray motor +1920 steps backward to lowering down the slide loader.

 

g.                          Insert the slide with the slide loader by using the value of the parameter “MidiSlideFeederArmSlideLoadingEndPosition”.

 

h.     Set the slide loader to the slide loading start position with the value of the parameter “MidiSlideFeederArmSlideLoadingStartPosition”.

 

i.        Set the tray loader motor to actual position -1920 steps.

 

j.        Set the X- and Y-motor to Home1,2.

 

k.      Increase the X-position of the specimen holder until the slide tightener is even released by the release plate; an accuracy of 100 steps is enough.

 

l.        Increase the found value by 100 steps and update the value of the parameter “MidiXPositionToFixTheSlide” with the found value and save the file.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15. Define the value of the parameter “MidiSlideFeederArmSlideUnLoadingStartPosition”

 

MidiSlideFeederArmSlideUnLoadingStartPosition” = “MidiSlideFeederArmSlideLoadingEndPosition”

500 steps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16. Define the value of the parameter “RemoveSlidePositionX1” and “RemoveSlidePositionY”

 

 RemoveSlidePositionX1” = ”InsertSlidePositionX” + 200 steps

 

The slide should be away from the slide leader by 0.1 mm to ensure a resistance free slide unloading procedure.

 

The value of the parameter “RemoveSlidePositionY” is always =0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Test the adjustments

 

                   Short test pass

 

The test should run three times (3 times the full tray). Load a tray with slides of different kind, including the shortest, longest, smallest widest and thinnest possible slide and slides without cut corners and start the slide loading test. The position of the slide in relation to the slide bay should be at the left, at the right and in the middle position also.

Watch for correct loading of all the slides, without sound of mechanical jamming and the slides must not collide with any parts of the slide or tray loader unit or the specimen holder.

 

·      Please, do not forget to use protective eye wear while looking!

 

a.     Check the position of the support plate in relation to the slide inner edge.

 

b.     Check the position of the slide studs in relation to the slide inner right corner during insertion.

 

c.      Check the slide inner edge in relation to the bumper edge of the specimen holder after the slide is fully inserted.

 

d.     Check the following adjustments during the slide load and remove procedure and the tray movements: 7, 8n, 8o, 12.

 

 

 

e.     Check the slide position in the slide studs

 

The slide studs should hold the slide always in the proper position. If the slide is not fixed properly, the height of the support plate has to be adjusted again (adjustment 9); or the release plate opens the slide studs too much and the smallest allowed slide may be inserted slant (adjustment 11).

 

·     Check these adjustments with the smallest and widest allowed slide size.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fix the actuating rod strainer position

 

After the short slide loading test passed correctly, the thread of the rod strainer should be secured in the adjusted position with LOCTIDE 242 glue. For this it is the best to use a toothpick or a needle (that can be cleaned after use); drop glue onto the thread on the left and on the right side of the nut.

 

Important

Please wait about 30 minutes until the glue dry up; otherwise, if the tests are directly continued, the position of the rod strainer might be altered and a wrong position will be fixed!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remove abrade residues

 

If the tray is brand new and is loaded first time, abrade residues may occur after finishing the short test. Mechanical tolerances are so reduced and the stabilizer fits the opposite part on the tray correctly. Remove abrade with a brush from the tray and the tray loader! Protect optical surfaces first, even if a canned air blower should be used.

Abrade should decrease as much as the tray loader procedure runs. The mechanical tolerances of the tray in relation to the tray loader mechanics are so reduced.

 

Important

Take care on the objective! Protect the objective and other optical surfaces in the surrounding before you blowing away abrade; otherwise, may be you have to clean the optics (preview and illumination mirror, condenser).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watch video:         Tray and slide loading”; “Remove tray

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   Tray- and slide loading test

 

After the short test passed correctly, the loading procedure should be tested for a longer period with both trays fully loaded with slides of different kind, including the shortest, longest, smallest widest and thinnest possible slide. The slide position in the slide bay should be at the left, at the right and the middle position also. Each tray is usually tested for a time period of at least 1.5 hour. If there is a slide jam or any problem experienced, check and adjust the appropriate values, doe necessary adjustments and run the tests again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dismount and mount the tray- and slide loader unit

 

 

 

          Remove the tray- and slide loader unit

 

  1. With the SlideScannerService.exe program and the Low Level Service option move the X-Y-stage to the position X=27000 steps and Y=27000 steps. This way the tray loader unit and X-Y-stage are mechanical disconnected from each other and during dismounting the X-Y-stage slide holding mechanics will not be bend or damaged.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Remove the connector for the tray sensor CF01E and the slide sensor CF01F.

 

 

 

  1. Remove the connector of the tray loader motor CF11 and the slide loader motor CF04 (not shown).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Remove the preview illumination connector CF01A.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Loosen the bolt pairs on both sides of the tray loader unit, hold the tray loader unit with one hand, meanwhile remove the screws and then remove the entire unit frontward.

 

 

 

Attention!    The tray loader unit can fall down. Hold on to it while the screws are taken out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Mount the tray- and slide loader unit

 

Important:

Before you mount the tray loader unit; all optical adjustments should be done correctly as these adjustments will be difficult or impossible to make after mounting the tray loader unit.

 

1.     Make sure that the X-Y-Stage is moved to the position X=27000 steps and Y=27000 steps. This way the tray loader unit and X-Y-stage would be mechanical disconnected from each other and during mounting, the X-Y-stage slide holding mechanics will not be damaged or bend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.     Bring the tray loader unit in position and screw in the right hand mounting bolts first.

 

3.     Drive in the left hand mounting bolts next.

 

4.     Tighten all four mounting bolts; on the right side, fit the shoulder with the seat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.     Reconnect the cables of the tray loader motor CF11 and the slide loader motor CF04 (not shown) and the connector for the tray sensor CF01E and the slide sensor CF01F.

 

 

 

6.     Connect the preview illumination (backlight) BGG-2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.     Do the adjustments, checks and tests described above as necessary.

 

If the same tray and slide loader unit is mounted again, no adjustments are needed.

 

If the tray- and slide loader unit was exchanged, all adjustments should be checked and test sequences should be executed.