oil protection for objectives on inverted scope

[Elke Kuster-Schock]

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Hello,

I was hoping for input on how to protect the objectives on an inverted scope
from oil running down the sides, and ultimately into the objective.

We are running a core facility with many users, and the obvious solution (use
less oil) doesn't seem to be obvious to some of them.
Especially on our Zeiss LSM 510s, due to the design of the objectives, we see
that oil finds its way into the objectives (and in one extreme case, even back
out of the bottom), and we are wasting time and resources to clean and repair
them.

I've looked around the web, and brainstormed with colleagues, and found the
following:

1 - Cut a finger off an examination glove, cut a small hole at the end, and slip
over entire objective.
Concerns: Does the glove fit tight enough so that oil doesn't get sucked under
it by capillary action? Will the oil degrade latex/nitrile?

2 - Put an O-ring around objective as an "oil dam."
Concerns: Similar to 1, worries about tightness of seal, and stability of
material. What kind of O-ring should I look for? Simple rubber band?

3 - Create a drip collar (similar to wine bottle collar) by wrapping layers of
lens paper or other tissue around objective and securing with rubber band.
Concerns: Similar to 1 and 2.

I would appreciate if people on the forum could give feedback on methods that
have worked for them.
Thanks,
Elke


----------------------------------------------------------------
Elke Küster-Schöck
CIAN (Cell Imaging and Analysis Network)
Proteomics & Genomics Coordinator, Microscopy Associate
McGill University, Montreal QC, Canada

[Julian Smith III]

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A couple of years ago, someone on the list suggested a variant of #3:
Scunci hair-bands.  Cheap, multicolored, moderately absorbant, and
disposable.  The ones we use are around 4mm in cross-section, and will
go around the objective twice.  We simply toss them every 2weeks-2
months (depending on use) and put on a new one.

On 7/26/11 2:47 PM, Elke Kuster-Schock wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> *****
>
> Hello,
>
> I was hoping for input on how to protect the objectives on an inverted scope
> from oil running down the sides, and ultimately into the objective.
>
> We are running a core facility with many users, and the obvious solution (use
> less oil) doesn't seem to be obvious to some of them.
> Especially on our Zeiss LSM 510s, due to the design of the objectives, we see
> that oil finds its way into the objectives (and in one extreme case, even back
> out of the bottom), and we are wasting time and resources to clean and repair
> them.
>
> I've looked around the web, and brainstormed with colleagues, and found the
> following:
>
> 1 - Cut a finger off an examination glove, cut a small hole at the end, and slip
> over entire objective.
> Concerns: Does the glove fit tight enough so that oil doesn't get sucked under
> it by capillary action? Will the oil degrade latex/nitrile?
>
> 2 - Put an O-ring around objective as an "oil dam."
> Concerns: Similar to 1, worries about tightness of seal, and stability of
> material. What kind of O-ring should I look for? Simple rubber band?
>
> 3 - Create a drip collar (similar to wine bottle collar) by wrapping layers of
> lens paper or other tissue around objective and securing with rubber band.
> Concerns: Similar to 1 and 2.
>
> I would appreciate if people on the forum could give feedback on methods that
> have worked for them.
> Thanks,
> Elke
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------
> Elke Küster-Schöck
> CIAN (Cell Imaging and Analysis Network)
> Proteomics&  Genomics Coordinator, Microscopy Associate
> McGill University, Montreal QC, Canada
>

--
Julian P.S. Smith III
Director, Winthrop Microscopy Facility
Dept. of Biology
Winthrop University
520 Cherry Rd.
Rock Hill, SC  29733

803-323-2111 x6427 (vox)
803-323-3448 (fax)
803-524-2347 (cell)
Research Website www.birdnest.org/smithj
Personal Website www.rociada-east.net

[DamirSudar]

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another option: Not as cost-effective as the ones on your list but
functionally quite effective is Zeiss's Aquastop. See:
http://www.zeiss.de/C12567BE00472A5C/ContainerTitel/Axio_Observer/$File/sicherer2_en.html

No commercial interest, just a customer.
- Damir

On 7/26/2011 11:47 AM, Elke Kuster-Schock wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> *****
>
> Hello,
>
> I was hoping for input on how to protect the objectives on an inverted scope
> from oil running down the sides, and ultimately into the objective.
>
> We are running a core facility with many users, and the obvious solution (use
> less oil) doesn't seem to be obvious to some of them.
> Especially on our Zeiss LSM 510s, due to the design of the objectives, we see
> that oil finds its way into the objectives (and in one extreme case, even back
> out of the bottom), and we are wasting time and resources to clean and repair
> them.
>
> I've looked around the web, and brainstormed with colleagues, and found the
> following:
>
> 1 - Cut a finger off an examination glove, cut a small hole at the end, and slip
> over entire objective.
> Concerns: Does the glove fit tight enough so that oil doesn't get sucked under
> it by capillary action? Will the oil degrade latex/nitrile?
>
> 2 - Put an O-ring around objective as an "oil dam."
> Concerns: Similar to 1, worries about tightness of seal, and stability of
> material. What kind of O-ring should I look for? Simple rubber band?
>
> 3 - Create a drip collar (similar to wine bottle collar) by wrapping layers of
> lens paper or other tissue around objective and securing with rubber band.
> Concerns: Similar to 1 and 2.
>
> I would appreciate if people on the forum could give feedback on methods that
> have worked for them.
> Thanks,
> Elke
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------
> Elke Küster-Schöck
> CIAN (Cell Imaging and Analysis Network)
> Proteomics&  Genomics Coordinator, Microscopy Associate
> McGill University, Montreal QC, Canada

--
Damir Sudar - Staff Scientist and Deputy for Technology
Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory / Life Sciences Division
One Cyclotron Road, MS 977R225A, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
T: 510/486-5346 - F: 510/486-5586 - E: [hidden email]
WWW: http://www.lbl.gov/lifesciences/labs/sudar_lab.html

[Tina Carvalho]

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This is what we do. Easy, works fairly well, people comment on the
changing colors. I have smaller ones that go around the objective only
once, so I put on two.

Aloha,
Tina

> A couple of years ago, someone on the list suggested a variant of #3: Scunci
> hair-bands.  Cheap, multicolored, moderately absorbant, and disposable.  The
> ones we use are around 4mm in cross-section, and will go around the objective
> twice.  We simply toss them every 2weeks-2 months (depending on use) and put
> on a new one.

****************************************************************************
* Tina (Weatherby) Carvalho               * [hidden email]           *
* Biological Electron Microscope Facility * [phone]                 *
* University of Hawaii at Manoa           * http://www.pbrc.hawaii.edu/bemf*
****************************************************************************

[Paula Sampaio]

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  Olá Elke,

Zeiss have Immersion suction ring d=22.5 (444822-0000-000) that work
very well.
https://www.micro-shop.zeiss.com/?s=41158121c13a49&l=en&p=es&f=a&i=400000002150&o=&h=25&n=0#444822-0000-000 
<https://www.micro-shop.zeiss.com/?s=41158121c13a49&l=en&p=es&f=a&i=400000002150&o=&h=25&n=0#444822-0000-000>

Best regards,

Paula



On 7/26/2011 7:47 PM, Elke Kuster-Schock wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> *****
>
> Hello,
>
> I was hoping for input on how to protect the objectives on an inverted scope
> from oil running down the sides, and ultimately into the objective.
>
> We are running a core facility with many users, and the obvious solution (use
> less oil) doesn't seem to be obvious to some of them.
> Especially on our Zeiss LSM 510s, due to the design of the objectives, we see
> that oil finds its way into the objectives (and in one extreme case, even back
> out of the bottom), and we are wasting time and resources to clean and repair
> them.
>
> I've looked around the web, and brainstormed with colleagues, and found the
> following:
>
> 1 - Cut a finger off an examination glove, cut a small hole at the end, and slip
> over entire objective.
> Concerns: Does the glove fit tight enough so that oil doesn't get sucked under
> it by capillary action? Will the oil degrade latex/nitrile?
>
> 2 - Put an O-ring around objective as an "oil dam."
> Concerns: Similar to 1, worries about tightness of seal, and stability of
> material. What kind of O-ring should I look for? Simple rubber band?
>
> 3 - Create a drip collar (similar to wine bottle collar) by wrapping layers of
> lens paper or other tissue around objective and securing with rubber band.
> Concerns: Similar to 1 and 2.
>
> I would appreciate if people on the forum could give feedback on methods that
> have worked for them.
> Thanks,
> Elke
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------
> Elke Küster-Schöck
> CIAN (Cell Imaging and Analysis Network)
> Proteomics&  Genomics Coordinator, Microscopy Associate
> McGill University, Montreal QC, Canada

--



*********************************************************
Paula Sampaio, PhD.
IBMC - Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular
Universidade do Porto
Rua Campo Alegre 823
P4150-180 PORTO
PORTUGAL

Tel: [phone]  Ext: 1606
Fax: [phone]
email: [hidden email]
Web: http://www.ibmc.up.pt/
*********************************************************

[Periasamy, Ammasi (ap3t)]

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We use the pony tail hair bands. It works well for Zeiss objective lens and sits very well, no leak. you may have to change it once a while, particularly if it soaked with oil. You can find it in any grocery shop, we bought it in Bed and Bath.
It looks something like this
http://compare.ebay.com/like/290551080877?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&_lwgsi=y


Dr. Ammasi Periasamy
Professor & Center Director
Keck Center for Cellular Imaging (KCCI)
Biology, Gilmer Hall (064), 485 McCormick Rd
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA 22904
(Campus Mail - P.O. Box 400328)
Voice: 434-243-7602 (Office); 982-4869 (lab)
Fax:[phone]; Email:[hidden email]
http://www.kcci.virginia.edu/Contact/peri.php
************************
11th Annual Workshop on FRET Microscopy, March 5-10, 2012
http://www.kcci.virginia.edu/workshop/workshop2012/
*************************


-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Elke Kuster-Schock
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 2:47 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: oil protection for objectives on inverted scope

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
*****

Hello,

I was hoping for input on how to protect the objectives on an inverted scope
from oil running down the sides, and ultimately into the objective.

We are running a core facility with many users, and the obvious solution (use
less oil) doesn't seem to be obvious to some of them.
Especially on our Zeiss LSM 510s, due to the design of the objectives, we see
that oil finds its way into the objectives (and in one extreme case, even back
out of the bottom), and we are wasting time and resources to clean and repair
them.

I've looked around the web, and brainstormed with colleagues, and found the
following:

1 - Cut a finger off an examination glove, cut a small hole at the end, and slip
over entire objective.
Concerns: Does the glove fit tight enough so that oil doesn't get sucked under
it by capillary action? Will the oil degrade latex/nitrile?

2 - Put an O-ring around objective as an "oil dam."
Concerns: Similar to 1, worries about tightness of seal, and stability of
material. What kind of O-ring should I look for? Simple rubber band?

3 - Create a drip collar (similar to wine bottle collar) by wrapping layers of
lens paper or other tissue around objective and securing with rubber band.
Concerns: Similar to 1 and 2.

I would appreciate if people on the forum could give feedback on methods that
have worked for them.
Thanks,
Elke


----------------------------------------------------------------
Elke Küster-Schöck
CIAN (Cell Imaging and Analysis Network)
Proteomics & Genomics Coordinator, Microscopy Associate
McGill University, Montreal QC, Canada

[Elke Kuster-Schock]

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Hello Damir,

Aquastop looks like an interesting product. Do you know if it can be "retrofitted"
on an existing system?

BTW, we would have needed something like that on our Leika based spinning
disk last year, when an unsuspecting user flooded it by tipping over a humidifier
bottle...

Elke

[Oshel, Philip Eugene]

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Elke,

I used small hair scrunchies. Cheap for a bag,
they absorb the oil that runs down to them, so
easy to toss when needed, and! they're colored,
so the objectives can be color-coded.

Phil

>*****
>To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>*****
>
>Hello,
>
>I was hoping for input on how to protect the objectives on an inverted scope
>from oil running down the sides, and ultimately into the objective.
>
>We are running a core facility with many users, and the obvious solution (use
>less oil) doesn't seem to be obvious to some of them.
>Especially on our Zeiss LSM 510s, due to the design of the objectives, we see
>that oil finds its way into the objectives (and in one extreme case, even back
>out of the bottom), and we are wasting time and resources to clean and repair
>them.
>
>I've looked around the web, and brainstormed with colleagues, and found the
>following:
>
>1 - Cut a finger off an examination glove, cut a
>small hole at the end, and slip
>over entire objective.
>Concerns: Does the glove fit tight enough so that oil doesn't get sucked under
>it by capillary action? Will the oil degrade latex/nitrile?
>
>2 - Put an O-ring around objective as an "oil dam."
>Concerns: Similar to 1, worries about tightness of seal, and stability of
>material. What kind of O-ring should I look for? Simple rubber band?
>
>3 - Create a drip collar (similar to wine bottle collar) by wrapping layers of
>lens paper or other tissue around objective and securing with rubber band.
>Concerns: Similar to 1 and 2.
>
>I would appreciate if people on the forum could give feedback on methods that
>have worked for them.
>Thanks,
>Elke
>
>
>----------------------------------------------------------------
>Elke Küster-Schöck
>CIAN (Cell Imaging and Analysis Network)
>Proteomics & Genomics Coordinator, Microscopy Associate
>McGill University, Montreal QC, Canada

--
Philip Oshel
Microscopy Facility Supervisor
Biology Department
024C Brooks Hall
Central Michigan University
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859
[phone]

[Z.J. Zhang]

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The Aquastop, if I am not mistaken, is mainly for preventing spill of liquid medium. It does not work well with oil.

Zhaojie

Zhaojie Zhang, Ph. D.
Director, Jenkins Microscopy Facility
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY 82071
PHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]



-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Damir Sudar
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 1:28 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: oil protection for objectives on inverted scope

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
*****

another option: Not as cost-effective as the ones on your list but
functionally quite effective is Zeiss's Aquastop. See:
http://www.zeiss.de/C12567BE00472A5C/ContainerTitel/Axio_Observer/$File/sicherer2_en.html

No commercial interest, just a customer.
- Damir

On 7/26/2011 11:47 AM, Elke Kuster-Schock wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> *****
>
> Hello,
>
> I was hoping for input on how to protect the objectives on an inverted scope
> from oil running down the sides, and ultimately into the objective.
>
> We are running a core facility with many users, and the obvious solution (use
> less oil) doesn't seem to be obvious to some of them.
> Especially on our Zeiss LSM 510s, due to the design of the objectives, we see
> that oil finds its way into the objectives (and in one extreme case, even back
> out of the bottom), and we are wasting time and resources to clean and repair
> them.
>
> I've looked around the web, and brainstormed with colleagues, and found the
> following:
>
> 1 - Cut a finger off an examination glove, cut a small hole at the end, and slip
> over entire objective.
> Concerns: Does the glove fit tight enough so that oil doesn't get sucked under
> it by capillary action? Will the oil degrade latex/nitrile?
>
> 2 - Put an O-ring around objective as an "oil dam."
> Concerns: Similar to 1, worries about tightness of seal, and stability of
> material. What kind of O-ring should I look for? Simple rubber band?
>
> 3 - Create a drip collar (similar to wine bottle collar) by wrapping layers of
> lens paper or other tissue around objective and securing with rubber band.
> Concerns: Similar to 1 and 2.
>
> I would appreciate if people on the forum could give feedback on methods that
> have worked for them.
> Thanks,
> Elke
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------
> Elke Küster-Schöck
> CIAN (Cell Imaging and Analysis Network)
> Proteomics&  Genomics Coordinator, Microscopy Associate
> McGill University, Montreal QC, Canada

--
Damir Sudar - Staff Scientist and Deputy for Technology
Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory / Life Sciences Division
One Cyclotron Road, MS 977R225A, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
T: 510/486-5346 - F: 510/486-5586 - E: [hidden email]
WWW: http://www.lbl.gov/lifesciences/labs/sudar_lab.html

[EricMarino]

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We use felt rings that have a snug fit. Depending on usage, each ring lasts for over a month, I've been using them for 4 years now without a problem. I also stress to the users that they wipe off the oil and re-apply it every time they change specimens, that way you prevent build-up.

NO COMMERCIAL INTEREST:

Felt Objective Ring Supplier
Southeastern Felt & Supply Corp
Concord, NC 28025

f-1 white wool felt , 30 mm OD x 2.5 mm ID x 1/8”
 
I think that we paid about 0.37/each

On Jul 26, 2011, at 4:58 PM, Z.J. Zhang wrote:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> *****
>
> The Aquastop, if I am not mistaken, is mainly for preventing spill of liquid medium. It does not work well with oil.
>
> Zhaojie
>
> Zhaojie Zhang, Ph. D.
> Director, Jenkins Microscopy Facility
> University of Wyoming
> Laramie, WY 82071
> PHONE: [phone]
> FAX: [phone]
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Damir Sudar
> Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 1:28 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: oil protection for objectives on inverted scope
>
> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> *****
>
> another option: Not as cost-effective as the ones on your list but
> functionally quite effective is Zeiss's Aquastop. See:
> http://www.zeiss.de/C12567BE00472A5C/ContainerTitel/Axio_Observer/$File/sicherer2_en.html
>
> No commercial interest, just a customer.
> - Damir
>
> On 7/26/2011 11:47 AM, Elke Kuster-Schock wrote:
>> *****
>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>> *****
>>
>> Hello,
>>
>> I was hoping for input on how to protect the objectives on an inverted scope
>> from oil running down the sides, and ultimately into the objective.
>>
>> We are running a core facility with many users, and the obvious solution (use
>> less oil) doesn't seem to be obvious to some of them.
>> Especially on our Zeiss LSM 510s, due to the design of the objectives, we see
>> that oil finds its way into the objectives (and in one extreme case, even back
>> out of the bottom), and we are wasting time and resources to clean and repair
>> them.
>>
>> I've looked around the web, and brainstormed with colleagues, and found the
>> following:
>>
>> 1 - Cut a finger off an examination glove, cut a small hole at the end, and slip
>> over entire objective.
>> Concerns: Does the glove fit tight enough so that oil doesn't get sucked under
>> it by capillary action? Will the oil degrade latex/nitrile?
>>
>> 2 - Put an O-ring around objective as an "oil dam."
>> Concerns: Similar to 1, worries about tightness of seal, and stability of
>> material. What kind of O-ring should I look for? Simple rubber band?
>>
>> 3 - Create a drip collar (similar to wine bottle collar) by wrapping layers of
>> lens paper or other tissue around objective and securing with rubber band.
>> Concerns: Similar to 1 and 2.
>>
>> I would appreciate if people on the forum could give feedback on methods that
>> have worked for them.
>> Thanks,
>> Elke
>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------
>> Elke Küster-Schöck
>> CIAN (Cell Imaging and Analysis Network)
>> Proteomics&  Genomics Coordinator, Microscopy Associate
>> McGill University, Montreal QC, Canada
>
> --
> Damir Sudar - Staff Scientist and Deputy for Technology
> Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory / Life Sciences Division
> One Cyclotron Road, MS 977R225A, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
> T: 510/486-5346 - F: 510/486-5586 - E: [hidden email]
> WWW: http://www.lbl.gov/lifesciences/labs/sudar_lab.html
>

Eric Marino
Senior Imaging Specialist
Immune Disease Institute
Harvard Medical School
200 Longwood Ave
WAB 133D
Boston, MA 02115
Lab: 617 713-8885
Cell: 617 913-9647
[hidden email]

[Pascal Lorentz-2]

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We use a piece of parafilm that we wrap around our Zeiss objectives.
Similar to the glove finger that you described. It seals perfectly well
and keeps the spring system working.
The oil will then run over the parafilm outside the objective. Of course
you have to clean or change them from time to time before the oil
reaches the nosepiece but you have much more time.
But I guess if you combine it with a hair band it will be the perfect
solution.

Pascal

Am 26.07.2011 23:54, schrieb Eric Marino:

> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> *****
>
> We use felt rings that have a snug fit. Depending on usage, each ring lasts for over a month, I've been using them for 4 years now without a problem. I also stress to the users that they wipe off the oil and re-apply it every time they change specimens, that way you prevent build-up.
>
> NO COMMERCIAL INTEREST:
>
> Felt Objective Ring Supplier
> Southeastern Felt&  Supply Corp
> Concord, NC 28025
>
> f-1 white wool felt , 30 mm OD x 2.5 mm ID x 1/8”
>
> I think that we paid about 0.37/each
>
> On Jul 26, 2011, at 4:58 PM, Z.J. Zhang wrote:
>
>> *****
>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>> *****
>>
>> The Aquastop, if I am not mistaken, is mainly for preventing spill of liquid medium. It does not work well with oil.
>>
>> Zhaojie
>>
>> Zhaojie Zhang, Ph. D.
>> Director, Jenkins Microscopy Facility
>> University of Wyoming
>> Laramie, WY 82071
>> PHONE: [phone]
>> FAX: [phone]
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Damir Sudar
>> Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 1:28 PM
>> To: [hidden email]
>> Subject: Re: oil protection for objectives on inverted scope
>>
>> *****
>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>> *****
>>
>> another option: Not as cost-effective as the ones on your list but
>> functionally quite effective is Zeiss's Aquastop. See:
>> http://www.zeiss.de/C12567BE00472A5C/ContainerTitel/Axio_Observer/$File/sicherer2_en.html
>>
>> No commercial interest, just a customer.
>> - Damir
>>
>> On 7/26/2011 11:47 AM, Elke Kuster-Schock wrote:
>>> *****
>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
>>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
>>> *****
>>>
>>> Hello,
>>>
>>> I was hoping for input on how to protect the objectives on an inverted scope
>>> from oil running down the sides, and ultimately into the objective.
>>>
>>> We are running a core facility with many users, and the obvious solution (use
>>> less oil) doesn't seem to be obvious to some of them.
>>> Especially on our Zeiss LSM 510s, due to the design of the objectives, we see
>>> that oil finds its way into the objectives (and in one extreme case, even back
>>> out of the bottom), and we are wasting time and resources to clean and repair
>>> them.
>>>
>>> I've looked around the web, and brainstormed with colleagues, and found the
>>> following:
>>>
>>> 1 - Cut a finger off an examination glove, cut a small hole at the end, and slip
>>> over entire objective.
>>> Concerns: Does the glove fit tight enough so that oil doesn't get sucked under
>>> it by capillary action? Will the oil degrade latex/nitrile?
>>>
>>> 2 - Put an O-ring around objective as an "oil dam."
>>> Concerns: Similar to 1, worries about tightness of seal, and stability of
>>> material. What kind of O-ring should I look for? Simple rubber band?
>>>
>>> 3 - Create a drip collar (similar to wine bottle collar) by wrapping layers of
>>> lens paper or other tissue around objective and securing with rubber band.
>>> Concerns: Similar to 1 and 2.
>>>
>>> I would appreciate if people on the forum could give feedback on methods that
>>> have worked for them.
>>> Thanks,
>>> Elke
>>>
>>>
>>> ----------------------------------------------------------------
>>> Elke Küster-Schöck
>>> CIAN (Cell Imaging and Analysis Network)
>>> Proteomics&   Genomics Coordinator, Microscopy Associate
>>> McGill University, Montreal QC, Canada
>> --
>> Damir Sudar - Staff Scientist and Deputy for Technology
>> Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory / Life Sciences Division
>> One Cyclotron Road, MS 977R225A, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
>> T: 510/486-5346 - F: 510/486-5586 - E: [hidden email]
>> WWW: http://www.lbl.gov/lifesciences/labs/sudar_lab.html
>>
>
> Eric Marino
> Senior Imaging Specialist
> Immune Disease Institute
> Harvard Medical School
> 200 Longwood Ave
> WAB 133D
> Boston, MA 02115
> Lab: 617 713-8885
> Cell: 617 913-9647
> [hidden email]

--
Pascal Lorentz
BioOptics Facility
Department of Biomedicine
University of Basel
Mattenstrasse 28
4058 Basel
Switzerland

[Claudia Florindo]

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Hi Eike

Zeiss as "collar rings", Immersion suction ring for objectives (no
commercial interest). Check the diameter of your objective, they have 2 size
of rings.


I do not have the reference but ask your zeiss rep he should know.

Claudia.

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On
Behalf Of Elke Kuster-Schock
Sent: terça-feira, 26 de Julho de 2011 19:47
To: [hidden email]
Subject: oil protection for objectives on inverted scope

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Hello,

I was hoping for input on how to protect the objectives on an inverted scope

from oil running down the sides, and ultimately into the objective.

We are running a core facility with many users, and the obvious solution
(use
less oil) doesn't seem to be obvious to some of them.
Especially on our Zeiss LSM 510s, due to the design of the objectives, we
see
that oil finds its way into the objectives (and in one extreme case, even
back
out of the bottom), and we are wasting time and resources to clean and
repair
them.

I've looked around the web, and brainstormed with colleagues, and found the
following:

1 - Cut a finger off an examination glove, cut a small hole at the end, and
slip
over entire objective.
Concerns: Does the glove fit tight enough so that oil doesn't get sucked
under
it by capillary action? Will the oil degrade latex/nitrile?

2 - Put an O-ring around objective as an "oil dam."
Concerns: Similar to 1, worries about tightness of seal, and stability of
material. What kind of O-ring should I look for? Simple rubber band?

3 - Create a drip collar (similar to wine bottle collar) by wrapping layers
of
lens paper or other tissue around objective and securing with rubber band.
Concerns: Similar to 1 and 2.

I would appreciate if people on the forum could give feedback on methods
that
have worked for them.
Thanks,
Elke


----------------------------------------------------------------
Elke Küster-Schöck
CIAN (Cell Imaging and Analysis Network)
Proteomics & Genomics Coordinator, Microscopy Associate
McGill University, Montreal QC, Canada

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[Nuno Moreno]

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Just go to a joint store and ask to make some rings for you out of felt. Ours came up to 2 cents each.

https://picasaweb.google.com/nunomoreno/Share#5633952121784712242

You only need 2 different sizes for different brands.

these are my 2 cents,
Nuno Moreno

[Elke Kuster-Schock]

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Seems like we are not the only ones with this problem!

There are a number of great ideas posted now:

- fabric-covered hair elastics as oil dam and to absorb small amounts of oil;
cheap and available everywhere, probably the first thing I'll try

- parafilm around the entire objective to let excess oil run down on; could
even be combined with hair elastic, and is another fix that I will try
immediately

- felt rings to absorb oil; sounds like a good idea, I will hunt around for local
supplier

- Zeiss "immersion suction rings" seem to be a variation to the felt rings;
unfortunately not available in Canada

- Zeiss "Aqua-Stop"; may or may not be suitable to divert excess oil, and is
certainly the most expensive solution

Thanks to everyone for the overwhelming response.
Regards,
Elke


----------------------------------------------------------------
Elke Küster-Schöck
CIAN (Cell Imaging and Analysis Network)
Proteomics & Genomics Coordinator, Microscopy Associate
McGill University, Montreal QC, Canada

[Guy Cox-2]

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With our SP2 we used to work on a system that ALL immersion objectives were to be removed from the microscope at the end of the session.  We had a storage drawer constructed so that the lenses - in their cases - could only be stored tip down.  That way even if they weren't clean no great damage was done.  But the current Leica SP5 version of LASAF make changing objectives a major hassle, so we can't do this any more.  Maybe Leica could take note??  Quite apart from the immersion fluid issue, having something like 15 objectives for a 6-spot nosepiece makes this a serious hassle.

                               Guy

Optical Imaging Techniques in Cell Biology
by Guy Cox    CRC Press / Taylor & Francis
     http://www.guycox.com/optical.htm
______________________________________________
Associate Professor Guy Cox, MA, DPhil(Oxon)
Australian Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis,
Madsen Building F09, University of Sydney, NSW 2006

Phone [phone]     Fax [phone]
             Mobile [phone]
______________________________________________
      http://www.guycox.net
 


-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Elke Küster-Schöck
Sent: Wednesday, 27 July 2011 11:10 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: oil protection for objectives on inverted scope

*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
*****

Seems like we are not the only ones with this problem!

There are a number of great ideas posted now:

- fabric-covered hair elastics as oil dam and to absorb small amounts of oil;
cheap and available everywhere, probably the first thing I'll try

- parafilm around the entire objective to let excess oil run down on; could
even be combined with hair elastic, and is another fix that I will try
immediately

- felt rings to absorb oil; sounds like a good idea, I will hunt around for local
supplier

- Zeiss "immersion suction rings" seem to be a variation to the felt rings;
unfortunately not available in Canada

- Zeiss "Aqua-Stop"; may or may not be suitable to divert excess oil, and is
certainly the most expensive solution

Thanks to everyone for the overwhelming response.
Regards,
Elke


----------------------------------------------------------------
Elke Küster-Schöck
CIAN (Cell Imaging and Analysis Network)
Proteomics & Genomics Coordinator, Microscopy Associate
McGill University, Montreal QC, Canada

-----
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[Dan Stevens-2]

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A few points regarding having the felt rings manufactured.

I had some 300 of these made several years ago after seeing lenses come
back with thousands of dollars in damage.

After some trial and error, I made a second version, where I had the gasket
manufacturer attach neoprene to the back of the felt.  The Neoprene is fairly
thick, and so provides structure even when the wool becomes "wet".  As well,
I had the gaskets cut a mm smaller than the objective barrel, so that the
resulting ring "puckered", making a sort of cup, and presumably sealing much
better.

I also was particular about the type of felt, as different types have different
capacities for absorbance.  I think I used F10, but dont recall, and dont seem
to have kept any records.

I include this here so others can make the same if desired.

The resulting ring was able to take 1ml of immersol F without spilling.  The only
complaint I have received was that once exposed to oil it fell apart over time
(>1yr), but of course the intention is that it is not used for this long once it
has been exposed to oil.

Elke, you are in Canada, send me your mailing address by email
([hidden email]), and I will find some to send you if you like.  They are
fitted for a contemporary Zeiss plan-apo 40x, 63x and 100x.

[Zac Arrac Atelaz]

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Hello Elke:
 
We used to have the same issue with our old Zeiss objectives, our solution was reevaluate specs and brand change as soon as we have the oportunity of buying new systems, we purchased factory sealed objectives with a inverted microscope design in mind, as this is the most often used device in our location. So now is easier for us cleaning, working, spilling and everything, we have been showed by service guys sometimes when maintenance is made to the microscope (every 4-6 months) a lot of oil downstream, trough the objective, nosepiece, and even to part of the body of the microscope, but even then, there is no entrance into the objective, and we have never shipped back objectives (even when somebody by  mistake "lubricates abundantly" the dry, non oil, not specially sealed, 20x objective, something that we see almost every week) the images quality, time for regular service or performance in general once we clean the optics, is back to normal.
 
We make a weekly detailed cleaning of the objectives, mainly dry ones, in order to avoid the oil where we know that it should not be and that it can be able to go inside it. But even sometimes when Holyday comes and there is a long delay in cleaning (3 - 4 weeks) we have been fortunate enough to be able to clean the 20x, 10x and 4x without damage. In this objectives is in the only ones that we have been previously told by Olympus that oil might go inside.
 
Another important thing is the reduction in expenses that we noticed as the MTBF and service time was shorter than before which end up giving you more time to work, and more money in saled services.
 
Not easy solution but a definitive one, by the way I noticed that all the complains in oil management are from only the same two brands, so if there is someone having the same or different luck that we have with this brand please let us all know to make a larger population sampling for this statement.
 
Regards
 
Gabriel Orozco Hoyuela
 

> Date: Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:47:06 -0500
> From: [hidden email]
> Subject: oil protection for objectives on inverted scope
> To: [hidden email]
>
> *****
> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to:
> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy
> *****
>
> Hello,
>
> I was hoping for input on how to protect the objectives on an inverted scope
> from oil running down the sides, and ultimately into the objective.
>
> We are running a core facility with many users, and the obvious solution (use
> less oil) doesn't seem to be obvious to some of them.
> Especially on our Zeiss LSM 510s, due to the design of the objectives, we see
> that oil finds its way into the objectives (and in one extreme case, even back
> out of the bottom), and we are wasting time and resources to clean and repair
> them.
>
> I've looked around the web, and brainstormed with colleagues, and found the
> following:
>
> 1 - Cut a finger off an examination glove, cut a small hole at the end, and slip
> over entire objective.
> Concerns: Does the glove fit tight enough so that oil doesn't get sucked under
> it by capillary action? Will the oil degrade latex/nitrile?
>
> 2 - Put an O-ring around objective as an "oil dam."
> Concerns: Similar to 1, worries about tightness of seal, and stability of
> material. What kind of O-ring should I look for? Simple rubber band?
>
> 3 - Create a drip collar (similar to wine bottle collar) by wrapping layers of
> lens paper or other tissue around objective and securing with rubber band.
> Concerns: Similar to 1 and 2.
>
> I would appreciate if people on the forum could give feedback on methods that
> have worked for them.
> Thanks,
> Elke
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------
> Elke Küster-Schöck
> CIAN (Cell Imaging and Analysis Network)
> Proteomics & Genomics Coordinator, Microscopy Associate
> McGill University, Montreal QC, Canada

     

[Alberto Diaspro]

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Ciao everybody,
please have a look at http://www.microscopy-analysis.com/magazine-issue/volume-25-issue-5-july-2011.
All the best
Alby


Please, put on your agenda 4-6 July 2012, Optics Within Life Sciences in Genoa.