Tray,
slide loading; M_II
For
technicians and partly for sales managers!
Under construction
This description handles the
functionality, instructions and adjustments to install and to check the tray
loader and slide loader unit for Pannoramic MIDI_II scanners.
Setup and
adjustment procedures
Play video: “Tray and slide loading”; “Remove tray”
·
For safety regulations regarding human health and scanner
functionality please refer to: Precautions
The tray and
slide loading unit is added to the scanner MIDI_II to realize an autonomic
slide load, remove and exchange procedure, without interaction of the user.
To
realize this, the maximal 12 slides are hold in the "Slide holder
tray" for 1 autonomic session. The
For the autonomic handling of the slides 2 movements
are realized.
- Move the slide in Y-direction, realized by the "tray conveyor
unit" and the tray leader; it moves the entire tray and
- Move the slide in X-direction, realized by the "slide loader
unit"; it moves the slide into the specimen holder and return, from
the specimen holder into the tray.
Each unit has a stepper motor to realize the required
movements.
Unit mounting
The entire tray and slide
loader unit is mounted by 4 bolts to the scanner plate; see also: “Dismount
and mount the tray- and slide loader unit”.
Tray unit
The tray holder and leader hold the tray and together
with the tray tightener and the conveyor unit a slippage free movement of the
tray is realized.
Slide loader unit
If the appropriate slide bay of the tray stays in the
slide insert position, the slide loader, driven by the slide loader motor via a
spindle moves the slide from the slide bay into the specimen holder and return,
from the specimen holder into the slide bay of the tray during a slide removal
action. During slide movements, the support plate is moved upward and supports
the slide from beneath.
The
tray loader unit is used
to hold and move the tray in the tray leader. 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 before slide loading.
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, SlideScanner Viewer.exe) with dongle or actual license
files
- 0.9, 1.5, 2.5, 3 and 5mm hex key wrenches
- Hardware and construction knowledge of
Panoramic scanners
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!
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.
- Insert the slides into the tray with
the barcode area first!
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.
The allowed slide
dimensions are
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 scanners with allowed slide thickness of 1.05mm; SMD-type scanners.
- If the first character of the serial number is a
“P” the tool is used to check the slide dimensions
of scanners with allowed slide thickness of 1.20mm “P250; SMD_II”.
·
Please
check the slide dimensions before filling the tray!
The tray
holder is designed to hold the tray, to allow the
tray insert and remove action only from the right side and to realize a
slippage free movement of the tray. On the left side of the tray holder a bumper is situated to ensure, that the tray can not
be inserted from or removed to the left side.
In the slide insert position of the tray
holder the slide of the slide bay can be inserted into the specimen holder by
the slide loader (not shown here). The correct tray position for the slide load
operation is found in relation to the "Right hand slide leader".
By moving the tray, every slide bay of the
tray may be the "Slide insert bay".
The tray leader is realized by using a dovetail solution on the tray
holder and the tray also. If the dovetail of both components engaged, the tray
may be moved safely and slippage free in the tray holder.
Tray tightener
The tray is
always inserted from or removed to the right side of the scanner, 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 insert bay". 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, dust and small glass
shards may prevent the mechanics from working properly!
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 before the slide arrives to
the slide insert position of the tray.
·
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.
The tray insertion
guide (it realizes a limit in height) allows the insertion of the tray only, if
the dovetail of the tray is well connected to its opposite part of the tray
leader. If the dovetail does not fitting correctly, the allowed height of the
tray will be overstepped and so, insertion of the tray into the scanner is
inhibited. This protection is used on both sides and avoids so damaging of
internal mechanical parts.
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 HAG-2.
The sensor does
not need maintenance, but its position is adjusted. See also “Setup and
adjustment procedures”.
“Sensors and
sensor states" and "Hall sensors”
The slide sensor consists of two main
parts. The sensor arm mounted onto the tray holder from the top and senses the
slide from beside and the Hall sensor, it is mounted from beneath.
The position of the permanent magnet in relation to the Hall sensor is
used to decide the presence of the slide.
The slide sensor fulfills two tasks; it senses the presence of the slide
mechanically, one position before the slide's insert position. With the force
of the mounting spring the slide is pushed against the slide guide rail, 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 HAG-1.
The sensor does not need maintenance, but its position is adjusted. See
also “Setup and adjustment procedures”.
“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.
Mechanics
of slide loader lifting
If the conveyor
dial is in the Home1,2 position (or a multiple number of -19 200µ-steps), the
actuating rod does not pull the ex-center, the “Rod
·
The
real slide movement is done, if the conveyor dial stays in Home1,2 or a
multiple number of 19 200µ-steps.
Remark
In question of
functionality, the position of the "Inverter" and the "Bearing
pin" is shown incorrectly in relation to the conveyor dial position!
- The lifting mechanics is shown for
the conveyor dial position, rotated by 90° CCW!
If the conveyor dial is in the position of
-1920 rotor steps (the tenth number of rotor 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 lifting up the “Rod
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
3200µ-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.
“Stepper motor”, “Addresses” and “Cabling of addressable
units”
The tray conveyor
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.
The stepper motor gets its information via the cable STG-5.
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 µ-steps (6 revolutions of the 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.
The mechanics, driven by the form fit
mechanism is so constructed, that the slide loader moves also upward. If the
bearing pin stays more away from the center of the conveyor dial
(-1920µ-steps), the slide loader stays upward; 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; the conveyor dial stays in
the Home1,2 position (or a multiple number of -19 200µ-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 -1920µ-steps
from its home position; in this position the slide loader stays up, but the
tray is not attached yet by the Maltese conveyor pin, so the tray is not moved
yet.
Slide loader lifting
If the conveyor dial moves to the position
from Home1,2 into the position -1920µ-steps, the Ex-center will be rotated (see
Pull) and the ball bearing as well as the Rod 1 moving upward and so the slide
loader (not shown here) also.
Mechanics of slide
loader lifting
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 STG-6.
The transport
spindle is connected directly to the axle of the stepper motor.
“Mechanics of slide
loader lifting”.
Slide
loader with drive
As the motor is
rotating the spindle, the transport nut moves the slide loader mounting plate
on the slide loader leading rod.
With this
movement, the slide can be moved into the specimen holder or from the specimen
holder return into the slide bay of the tray.
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
The slide loader
mechanics should be kept clean.
Adjust the slide
loader height
Adjust the slide clamp mover
position
Interaction of slide loader and specimen holder
If the X-Y-Stage unit is positioning the specimen
holder for the slide movement position, the release plate is loosening the
slide clamp by stretching the strong spring of the specimen holder.
Now, the slide
clamp force against the slide is done only by the soft spring (the action is
done from beneath, below the specimen holder).
During moving the
slide into the specimen holder, the slide clamp mover touches the slide clamp
pin from beside and opens so the slide clamp, until the inner edge of the slide
has passed the slide clamp.
As the slide
clamp mover releases the slide clamp pin, the soft spring is moving the slide
clamp against the slide and holds so the slide on the cross plate and the slide
loader is moving the slide into its final position in the specimen holder.
Because the soft
spring together with the slide clamp is holding the slide on the cross plate of
the specimen holder, the support plate, used in the
Setup and
adjustment procedures
If the slide loader needs to
be lifted up manually, please touch the mechanical mounting of the “Rod
- 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 tray is inserted and
the commands Home1,2 has to be executed for the tray loader, remove the tray first
by moving the tray backward with the service program and the button
+19200µ-stepsor 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 -300µ-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 motor to -300 or +1300µ-steps
Set the tray loader motor
to the position -1920 µ-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 000µ-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 100µ-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 (8:1 divider) may be strained (if the focus pin moves
upward)! Instead go forward to +25 000µ-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 000µ-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; to be omitted; support plate removed.
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 “RemoveSlidePositionX1”
and “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 233000.
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; the rotor stays always in Home1,2!
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
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 too 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 “HAG-2” 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.
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 than
·
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 “HAG-1”,
see also the paragraphs “The tray sensor” and “The 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 -1200µ-steps.
c.
Go
backward +1200µ-steps.
d.
Press
Home1 (only). There should be not more then +-2µ-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 2steps 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 100steps from unit to unit. The
reason is the mounting position of the spindle to the motor axle.
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 000µ-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 0.4mm) during slide insertion (the
focus position is -300µ-steps) and the slide loader fingers are not touching
the specimen holder during slide removal (the focus position is now
+1300µ-steps)!
Please keep in mind that the slide insert procedure is always done in
the focus position -300µ-steps and the slide remove procedure is always
done in the focus position +1300µ-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 -300µ-steps; see also above “Precautions” and “To set the focus
position”
c.
Move
the slide loader to the position +20 000µ-steps.
d.
Check
the gap between slide bay surface and the claws of the outer finger. The gap
should be less then 0.9mm, the optimum is 0.4mm (the slide thickness is 1.0mm
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 000µ-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 +1300µ-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
0.1mm!
·
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!
Height
of the slide loader
Please keep in mind that the slide insert procedure is always done
in the focus position -300µ-steps and the slide remove procedure is always
done in the focus position +1300µ-steps.
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 000µ-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
0.9mm hex-key wrench (see Height adjustment 1).
m.
By
rotating the ex-center with the 1.5mm 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 0.4mm, 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 +1300µ-steps (if the slide remove procedure is in progress). There should be
a gap of 0.1mm 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
9. Adjust the height of the support plate
·
No longer
required; support plate not implemented in this version!
·
No
longer required; slide studs not implemented in this version!
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
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 100steps. 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 -300µ-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 -1920µ-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 1920µ-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 100µ-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 -800µ-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 -1920µ-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 +1920µ-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 0.5mm 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 100µ-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 76.00mm should be
used; the value is often found between 85000 and 87000µ-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 000µ-steps.
e. Increase or decrease the slide loader
position by 100µ-stepsuntil the gap of nominal 0.5mm 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 -1920µ-stepsforward 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 +1920µ-stepsbackward 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 -1920µ-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 100µ-stepsis enough.
l.
Increase
the found value by 100µ-stepsand 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”
– 500µ-steps.
16.
Define the value of the parameter
“RemoveSlidePositionX1” and “RemoveSlidePositionY”
“RemoveSlidePositionX1” =
”InsertSlidePositionX” +
200µ-steps
The slide should be
away from the slide leader by 0.1mm to ensure a resistance free slide unloading
procedure.
The value of the
parameter “RemoveSlidePositionY” is
always =0.
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
Slide studs not used
Check is no longer required!
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!!
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 of 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”
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, do necessary adjustments and run the tests again.
Dismount and mount the
tray- and slide loader unit
Remove the tray- and slide loader unit
- With the SlideScannerService.exe program and the
Low Level Service option move the X-Y-stage to the position
X=27000µ-stepsand Y=27000 µ-steps. This way the tray loader unit and
X-Y-stage are mechanical disconnected from each other and during
dismounting the tray unit, the X-Y-stage slide holding mechanics will not
be bend or damaged.
Remove the connector for the tray sensor HAG-2 and the slide sensor
HAG-1.
- Remove the connector of the tray loader motor STG-5
and the slide loader motor STG-6 (not shown).
- Remove the preview illumination connector BGG-2.
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=27000µ-stepsand Y=27000 µ-steps.
This way the tray loader unit and X-Y-stage are mechanical disconnected from
each other and during dismounting the tray unit, the X-Y-stage slide holding
mechanics will not be bend or damaged.
2.
Bring the tray loader unit in position and
drive 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 tray loader stepper motor (STG-5), slide loader motor STG-6 (not
shown) and the sensors HAG-1 and HAG-2.
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.