Bright Instrument OTF Cryostat 5030-RR8 Rotary Microtome Dual Refrigeration 208V

Bright Instrument OTF Cryostat 5030-RR8 Rotary Microtome Dual Refrigeration 208V

The Bright Instrument Model OTF is a floor-standing laboratory cryostat with an integrated Bright 5030-RR8 rotary microtome, manufactured by Bright Instrument Company Ltd of Huntingdon, England. The OTF combines a motorized rotary microtome permanently mounted inside a refrigerated cryochamber, allowing frozen tissue blocks to be sectioned at controlled sub-zero temperatures in a single self-contained unit. This unit operates on 208V/60Hz single-phase power (1 KVA) and includes a dual-compressor refrigeration system capable of reaching chamber temperatures of -40°C when both compressors run in tandem.

Specifications & What's Included

• Manufacturer: Bright Instrument Company Ltd, Huntingdon, England
• Cryostat model: OTF
• Integrated microtome model: Bright 5030-RR8 (rotary microtome)
• Anti-roll plate: Bright 5030-ARB (clear acrylic, included)
• Power: 208V AC, 60Hz, 1 KVA
• Plug type: NEMA L6-20 twist-lock (included with unit)
• Refrigeration: Dual-compressor system
• Temperature settings: Compressor 1 only: -30°C; Compressors 1 & 2 combined: -40°C; Compressor 2 only: -30°C
• Temperature displays: Quick Freezer Temp (digital, °C); Specimen Temperature (digital); Chamber Temperature (digital — reading -54°C in photos)
• Compressor service meter: 2000-hour gauge (needle near 0 in photos)
• Defrost: Automatic, programmable via Bright analog defrost clock (24-hour timer)
• Front panel controls: Mains, Demist, Cont, Light, Defrost (illuminated green push buttons)
• Microtome drive: Motorized with Start/Stop Drive buttons, Zone slider (Top–Bottom), Speed Control slider (Min–Max), Single/Trim toggle, Drive/Speed Control toggle; manual handwheel override
• Microtome section thickness dial: Graduated 0–20 scale with fine division markings
• Blade holder angle adjustment: Graduated 0–25° scale
• Rear fuse panel: Supply L 10A/250V; Supply N 10A/250V; Defrost 2A/250V; Light 0.2A/250V; Demist 0.5A/250V; Cryomatic Temp Cont 0.16A/250V
• Form factor: Floor-standing cabinet on casters
• Unit No: 8C12C; Comp No: 602305/002306; Microtome No: B.4434
• Includes: Bright 5030-ARB anti-roll plate, NEMA L6-20 power cord

Applications

Cryostats of this type are standard equipment in histology and pathology laboratories, where they are used to cut thin frozen sections of biological tissue for microscopic examination. The OTF design — placing a full rotary microtome permanently inside the cryochamber — became a widely adopted configuration from the 1970s onward because it eliminates the need to transfer frozen blocks from a separate freezer to a bench microtome, preserving section quality and reducing artifact. Typical applications include intraoperative frozen sections (rapid diagnosis during surgery), routine histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and research histology. The Bright 5030-RR8 integrated microtome provides motorized sectioning with adjustable stroke zone and speed, suitable for a wide range of tissue types and section thicknesses. Units of this era and configuration are found in hospital pathology departments, university medical schools, research institutions, and veterinary diagnostic labs. The dual-compressor system allows the operator to select temperatures appropriate for different tissue types — harder or more lipid-rich tissues generally require lower temperatures to section cleanly.