American Optical Spencer 820 Precision Rotary Microtome
The American Optical Spencer 820 Precision Rotary Microtome is a trusted tool in medical, educational, and research laboratories worldwide. Known as the "820," it has built a reputation for precision, dependability, and superior performance over the past half-century. Its consistent quality makes it essential for critical material sectioning in microscopic examinations.
The AO Spencer 820 seamlessly blends timeless design with modern advancements, offering unmatched precision and reliability for demanding laboratory applications.
AO Spencer No. 820 – Specifications
- Sample cutting 1 to 50um
- 90-day warranty
No. 820 Precision Rotary Microtome – Features
The AO Spencer 820 Precision Rotary Microtome preserves its proven operating principles while incorporating advancements in manufacturing and inspection methods. These refinements have improved the assembly tolerances of its three hand-lapped compound slide-ways, enhancing precision and reliability during sectioning tasks.
The microtome’s feed mechanism operates independently of the object block’s vertical movement, ensuring unmatched accuracy. Each complete turn of the counterbalanced drive wheel engages the feed pawl with the ratchet wheel precisely. This mechanism drives the feed screw, advancing the cone across an inclined plane. It moves the object block toward the knife in precise increments, enabling tissue sectioning down to 1 micron in thickness.
The compound slide-ways ensure smooth and accurate object travel, with a two-inch vertical excursion range to accommodate large serial sections. The feed indicator, graduated in microns and located on the front, provides clear settings. A knurled knob at the back allows easy adjustments between 1 and 50 microns, with detent action ensuring positive 1-micron increments.
For improved safety and convenience, a gentle push on a lever securely locks the counterbalanced drive wheel in place. This mechanism halts the object block at the top of its excursion, providing ample clearance for specimen block insertion, orientation, or knife edge cleaning. It also allows knife removal without disturbing alignment. A quick flip of the lever releases the wheel, enabling smooth and uninterrupted operation.
Testing
The American Optical Spencer No. 820 is used and reconditioned. Our technicians test all microtomes and cryostats to confirm proper functioning and verify temperature with an external probe. While we can’t test for a specific analytical application, we will do our best to simulate the conditions under which the equipment will be run.
Additionally, if you have specific testing requirements or requests, please inform us. We will gladly work with you to ensure these requirements are addressed during testing.
Pictures
The photos above represent our equipment, which is currently stored in our warehouse. Since we often stock multiple units of each model, we may not feature photos of every unit. However, if you request, we will provide photos of your specific equipment after we test and clean it.
For inquiries about the American Optical Spencer 820 Precision Rotary Microtome, call us at 978-521-2221 or fill out the form on this page.
