EG1150H Paraffin Embedding Station Instruction Manual

IMPORTANT NOTE The information, numerical data, notes and value judgments contained in this manual represent the current state of scientific knowledge and state-ofthe-art technology as we understand it following thorough investigation in this field. We are under no obligation to update the present manual periodically and on an ongoing basis according to the latest technical developments, nor to provide our customers with additional copies, updates etc. of this manual. For erroneous statements, drawings, technical illustrations etc. contained in this manual we exclude liability as far as permissible according to the national legal system applicable in each individual case. In particular, no liability whatsoever is accepted for any financial loss or consequential damage caused by or related to compliance with statements or other information in this manual. Statements, drawings, illustrations and other information as regards contents or technical details of the present manual are not to be considered as warranted characteristics of our products.

These are determined only by the contract provisions agreed between ourselves and our customers. Leica reserves the right to change technical specifications as well as manufacturing processes without prior notice. Only in this way is it possible to continuously improve the technology and manufacturing techniques used in our products. This document is protected under copyright laws. Any copyrights of this document are retained by Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH. Any reproduction of text and illustrations (or of any parts thereof) by means of print, photocopy, microfiche, web cam or other methods – including any electronic systems and media – requires express prior permission in writing by Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH. For the instrument serial number and year of manufacture, please refer to the name plate at the back of the instrument. © Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH

Issued by: Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH Heidelberger Str. 17 - 19 D-69226 Nussloch Germany Phone: +49 (0)62 24 143-0 Fax: +49 (0)62 24 143-200 Internet: http://www.histo-solutions.com Leica EG1150H – Paraffin Embedding Station

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Table of contents 1. 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4

Important notes ... 5 Symbols used in the text and their meanings ... 5 Specified use and application ... 5 User group ... 5 Instrument type ... 5

2. 2.1 2.2 2.3

Safety ... 6 Safety regulations ... 6 Safety instructions ... 6 Built-in safety devices ... 8

3. 3.1 3.2 3.3

Instrument components and specifications ... 9 Specifications ... 9 Overview – instrument parts ... 10 Instrument specifications ... 11

4. 4.1 4.3 4.2 4.4 4.5 4.6

Commissioning ... 12 Unpacking and installation ... 12 Package contents ... 13 Location conditions... 13 Necessary assembly work ... 14 Optional accessories ... 16 Electrical connection ... 17

5. 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6

Operation ... 18 Instrument parts/functions ... 18 Switching the instrument on ... 23 Control panel functions ... 24 Operating modes ... 25 Time-program control ... 26 Instrument heater ... 28

6. 6.1 6.2

Cleaning and maintenance ... 30 Cleaning the instrument ... 30 Maintenance instructions ... 31

7. 7.1 7.2 7.3

Troubleshooting ... 32 Possible faults ... 32 Replacing the halogen lamp ... 35 Changing a fuse ... 36

8.

Warranty and service ... 38

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Instruction Manual V 2.0 – 10/2002

1. 1.1 Symbols used in the text and their meanings Warnings and cautions appear in a gray box and are marked by a warning triangle .

Notes, i.e. important information for the user, appear in a gray box and are marked with the symbol .

Solvents and reagents that are inflammable are marked with this symbol.

Important notes

1.2 Specified use and application The Leica EG1150H is a modern paraffin embedding station with microprocessor control. It is designed for embedding histological tissue specimens in molten paraffin for use in pathology laboratories and only for the following tasks: • Melt solid paraffin for sample embedding and maintain the molten paraffin at the required temperature. • Fill the molds, in which the tissue specimens were placed, with paraffin. • Heat and maintain the temperatures of embedding cassettes with specimens and molds as well as the required forceps. Any other use of the instrument will be considered as improper use!

1.3 User group

(5)

ENTER

This warning symbol indicates the surfaces on the instrument that are hot during operation. Avoid direct contact to prevent risk of burning.

• The Leica EG1150H may only be operated by qualified personnel. • The user must read the operating instructions supplied and be familiar with all the instrument’s technical details before any work on the instrument can be carried out.

Figures in brackets refer to item numbers in figures.

1.4 Instrument type

Function keys that have to be pressed on the input screen, are displayed in bold type and capital letters.

Leica EG1150H – Paraffin Embedding Station

All information in this instruction manual applies only to the instrument type indicated on the title page. A name plate with the serial number is attached to the back of the instrument.

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2.

Safety Please pay particular attention to the safety regulations and safety instructions in this section. Please also read this information, even if you are familiar with handling and using a Leica instrument.

2.1 Safety regulations This instruction manual contains important instructions and information regarding operational safety and maintenance of the instrument. The instruction manual is an important part of the product. It must be read carefully before using the instrument for the first time and always kept near the instrument. It may be necessary to add appropriate instructions to this instruction manual, if required by existing national regulations on accident prevention or environmental protection in the country of the operating authority.

This instrument was built and tested in accordance with the safety regulations for electrical measuring, control, regulating and laboratory devices as specified below: • EN 61010-1/A2 • EN 61010-2-010 • EN 61326-1 • EN 61000-3-2 • EN 61000-3-3 • EN 61000-3-4. In order to maintain this condition and ensure safe operation, the operator must observe all the instructions and warnings contained in this instruction manual.

The protective devices on the instrument and its accessories must not be removed or modified. The instrument may only be opened and repaired by authorized Leica servicing technicians.

2.2 Safety instructions The safety devices provided on this instrument by the manufacturer only constitute the basis for protection against accidents. The main responsibility for accident prevention while using the instrument rests with the employer where the instrument is operated, and with the persons he appoints for operating, servicing or repairing the instrument. To ensure a safe operation of the instrument at all times, the following instructions and warnings should be observed.

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Instruction Manual V 2.0 – 10/2002

2.

Safety

Safety instructions – safety regulations on the instrument itself Safety regulations marked with a warning triangle on the instrument itself mean that when operating or exchanging respective parts of the instrument, the correct operating steps as described in the instruction manual supplied, must be adhered to. Non-observance can cause accidents, injuries and/or damage to the instrument/accessories. Certain surfaces of the instrument are hot during operation under normal conditions. They are marked with this warning sign. Touching these surfaces can cause burns.

Safety instructions – transport and installation After unpacking the instrument it may only be transported in an upright position. Place the instrument on a laboratory table and adjust it to a horizontal position. The instrument must not be exposed to direct sunlight (window)! Plug the instrument only into a grounded mains socket. The protective effect may not be eliminated by an extension cable without a protective grounding conductor. The instrument automatically recognizes the applied voltage/frequency. The installation location must be well-ventilated; there should be no ignition sources there of any kind. The instrument may not be operated in hazardous locations. Extreme temperature fluctuations between storage facility and setup site as well as high humidity may cause condensation to form. In this case, wait at least two hours before switching on.

Safety instructions – working with the instrument Paraffin is flammable and should therefore be handled with due care. Do not use sharp tools to remove solidified paraffin from the work areas, as this may destroy the coating on the surface. Use the plastic spatula supplied with the instrument. During operation, the paraffin reservoir, mold warmer, cassette warmer, work area as well as the forceps holder are hot. Risk of burning! Do not store any combustible and flammable substances near the instrument. There is a fire hazard if work with an exposed flame (e.g. Bunsen burner) is carried out in the direct vicinity of the instrument (solvent vapors). Therefore a minimum safety distance of 2 meters must be adhered to!

Leica EG1150 H – Paraffin Embedding Station

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2.

Safety

Hazards – servicing and cleaning Switch off the instrument each time before servicing and pull out the mains plug. When using cleaners, please comply with the safety instructions of the manufacturer and the laboratory safety regulations. Before changing defective fuses, the instrument has to be disconnected from the mains. Only fuses that are easily accessible may be replaced by the user. Set the standby switch to “Standby“ ( ) when replacing the halogen lamp and pull the power cable out of the mains socket. During operation and cleaning, do not allow any liquid to penetrate inside the instrument and the transporting arm.

2.3 Built-in safety devices The instrument is equipped with the following safety features and devices: Fuses in the heating elements All resistance mats of the instrument are equipped with overheating fuses, which switch the heating element off if overheated. Automatic circuit breaker in standby switch An automatic circuit breaker is located in the standby switch. This circuit breaker separates the power electronics from the mains power supply in the event of a short-circuit. In this case, the standby switch jumps to the position “0“ = Off. Note that the only way the user has for complete disconnection from the mains supply is disconnection of the mains plug.

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Instruction Manual V 2.0 – 10/2002

3. Instrument components and specifications 3.1 Specifications General data Approvals: Power voltages: Input: Class of protection1: Degree of pollution1: Overvoltage category: Operating temperature range: Working temperatures: Relative air humidity: 1)

Fuses

The approval symbols relating to this instrument are located on the rear of the instrument next to the nameplate. 100-120 V, 50/ 60 Hz 230-240 V, 50/ 60 Hz 1100 VA I 2 II +18 °C to + 40°C 55 °C to 70 °C, adjustable in 5 degree (K) increments. maximum 60 %, non-condensing.

according to IEC-1010, UL 3101, EN 61010

Standby switch: Fine-wire fuses 6.3 x 32 mm: Fuse type:

Circuit breaker manufactured by ETA, model 3120-F421-P7T1-W01D-5A T 2 A; T 4 A; 2 x T 3.2 A; T 6.3 A Co. Schurter: type Fst

Dimensions and weight Dimensions: Height: Width: Depth: Weight:

360 mm 500 mm 640 mm approx. 22 kg

Capacities Paraffin reservoir: Cassette warmer: Mold warmer:

approx. 3 l approx. 100 cassettes approx. 50 molds

Programmable parameters Temperature: Time: Leica EG1150 H – Paraffin Embedding Station

Paraffin reservoir/dispenser (heating-up time = 4h) Mold warmer, cassette warmer, work area Working days, current weekday Working times (start, end), time

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3.

Instrument components and specifications

3.2 Overview – instrument parts Standby switch

Paraffin reservoir with lid

Control panel

Work area illumination

Dispenser Cassette warmer lid Cassette warmer

Forceps holder

Work area

Mold warmer lid Mold warmer

Paraffin collection tray left

Paraffin collection tray right Refrigeration spot

Fig. 1

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Instruction Manual V 2.0 – 10/2002

3. Instrument components and specifications Instrument rear view Secondary fuses F1-F3

Secondary fuses F4-F5

Heat sink Port for power cord

Port for foot switch Sliding elements

3.3 Instrument specifications

Fig. 2

• Paraffin reservoir with a capacity of 3 liters. • The paraffin flow is activated by means of a height-adjustable, pivotable clip – activated either manually by the mold or a foot switch (optional). • Controllable flow rate. • Removable, heatable (indirectly, via the work surface) paraffin collection trays. • Spacious, easy-to-clean, heated work area, with integrated refrigeration spot, also for extra large cassettes (‘Super Mega Cassettes’) with paraffin flow system. • Warmers for cassettes and/or molds with sliding lid, removable and interchangeable. • Removable, heated forceps holder for 6 forceps, accessible from both sides. • Optimum illumination of the work surface by individually adjustable halogen lamp. • Temperature range of cassette and mold warmer, work area and paraffin reservoir adjustable from 55°C to 70°C. • Permanent temperature display for all the work areas. • The beginning and end of the work time and work days can be programmed. Leica EG1150 H – Paraffin Embedding Station

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4.

Commissioning

4.1 Unpacking and installation The unpacking instructions are attached to the outside of the transport crate. Fig. 3 shows the design of the original packaging. The numbers indicate the sequence of disassembling and reassembling.

• To lift up the instrument (6), hold it at the front and rear of the base plate (Fig. 4) and lift it from the foam padding (8). Important! Lifting the instrument by the dispenser (10) or paraffin reservoir (11) can cause serious damage.

• After unpacking the instrument it should only be transported in a horizontal position. • Two slide faces (9) at the rear of the base plate help to reposition the instrument on the table. To reposition, slightly lift the instrument at the front of the base plate and slide it on the slide faces. • The instrument should be set up in such a way that the air circulation is not affected. A smooth operation is ensured only when the instrument is set at a minimum distance of 15 cm from walls and furniture. 11

10

9 Fig. 3

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Fig. 4

Instruction Manual V 2.0 – 10/2002

4. Commissioning 4.2 Location conditions • Stable, vibration-free laboratory table with horizontal, flat table top, as far as possible vibration-free ground. • The instrument must not be placed in the vicinity of the air outlet of an air conditioner and must be shielded from strong sunlight (window). • To ensure a fully functional heat sink, there must be gap of at least 15 cm behind the instrument. • The vicinity of the work area must be free of oil and chemical vapors. The installation location must be well-ventilated; there should be no ignition sources there of any kind. The instrument should not be operated in hazardous locations.

4.3 Package contents The basic equipment for the Leica EG1150 H contains the following components: 1 Leica EG1150 H basic instrument 1 set of power cords for heater equipment: 1 power cord “EU” 1 power cord “UK” ST/BU F-5A 1 power cord “USA-C-J” 2 cassette/mold warmers, removable 2 lids for cassette/mold warmers 1 lid for paraffin reservoir 1 paraffin spatula 1 forceps holder, removable 1 filter screen with holder * 2 paraffin collection trays 1 halogen lamp (12 V, 5 W) * 1 replacement halogen lamp 5 W. * The parts marked * are already on the instrument.

Leica EG1150H – Paraffin Embedding Station

1 set of spare fuses: 1 fuse T 2.0 A 2 fuses T 3.2 A 1 fuse T 4.0 A 1 fuse T 6.3 A 1 instruction manual Optional accessories: 1 magnifier (2-fold) 1 foot switch for controlling the paraffin exit. Please compare the delivered components against the packing list, delivery note, and your order. Should there be any discrepancy, please contact the Leica distributor handling your order.

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4.

Commissioning

4.4 Necessary assembly work Install the following accessories and make the appropriate adjustments to make the instrument ready for use: • Install accessories. • Adjust instrument feet if necessary. • Install magnifier (optional). • Connect foot switch (optional). • Establish the electrical connections. Install accessories  Install mold warmer (2) and cassette warmer (3). Depending on the preferred working direction, the two heated trays (11) can be used for molds or cassettes as required. ‚ Close mold/cassette warmer with the corresponding lids (4), (5). ƒ Push the paraffin collection tray (6) into the respective guide underneath the work top. „ Install the forceps holder (1). Insert the filtering screen (7) in the paraffin outlet hole (8) inside the paraffin reservoir so that the black O-ring seals the hole. † Place the lid (9) on the paraffin reservoir. Adjustable instrument feet The four feet are height-adjustable to allow the instrument to be adjusted to match the height of other devices or to compensate slight depressions on the surface. Lift the instrument slightly and turn the instrument foot (10 in Fig. 5) to adjust it to the proper height.

To ensure a safe stand, all of the four feet must be adjusted to the same height.

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Instruction Manual V 2.0 – 10/2002

4.

Commissioning

Installing the accessories

9 8

7

† 4

5

‚

‚ 



2

11

11

„

1

3

10

ƒ

ƒ

6

6

Fig. 5

Leica EG1150 H – Paraffin Embedding Station

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4.

Commissioning

4.5 Optional accessories Magnifying glass The magnifying glass provides a magnified view of the work area. When properly adjusted, an enlarged view of the dispenser and refrigeration spot is available. 5

1

1

2

3

4

5 4 3 Fig. 6

Installing the magnifying glass • On the dispenser (5) a tap hole (1) is provided, which is closed with a nylon screw (2). • Remove the screw (2) with a screwdriver and store it in a safe place. Screw the knurled screw (3) of the stand (4) into the tap hole and align the magnifier. Foot switch The foot switch can be used to actuate the dispenser valve, leaving the operator’s hands free. • To connect and use the foot switch, see Chapters 4.6 and 5.1. Fig. 7

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Instruction Manual V 2.0 – 10/2002

4. Commissioning 4.6 Electrical connection The instrument MUST be connected to a grounded mains socket. The instrument is supplied with a set of different power cords. Only the power cord intended for the local power supply (socket) may be used. Do not use an extension cord.

1

4

6

2

3

5

Fig. 8

Before connecting the power cord to the foot switch, ensure that the standby switch (1) (control panel, front) is set to ‘O’ (‘O’ = OFF).

Connecting the power cord • Connect the plug (2) of the power cord to the connecting port (3). • Plug the power cord into the wall outlet.

Leica EG1150H – Paraffin Embedding Station

Connecting the foot switch (optional) • Insert the plug (4) of the foot switch into the connecting port (5) on the rear of the instrument. • Tighten the screws (6) of the plug.

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5.

Operation

5.1 Instrument parts/functions 1

2

11

Recycled paraffin may not be used in the Leica EG1150H due to the danger of contamination.

1

14

13

13

2

12 Fig. 9

The flow cannot be stopped completely with the metering screw (11). It must not be turned whilst cold!

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Paraffin reservoir (1) The paraffin reservoir has a capacity of 3 liters. The paraffin temperature is adjustable between 55 °C and 70 °C in 5 degree (K) increments. The lid should always be in place, otherwise the adjusted temperature cannot be maintained. An overtemperature cutout is provided to prevent overheating the paraffin if temperature control fails. A built-in filtering screen prevents any particles contained in the paraffin from getting in the paraffin block.

Dispenser (2) The dispenser is heated separately. The temperature adjustment of the dispenser and paraffin reservoir is coupled. The quantity of paraffin released from the filler tube (14) can be adjusted continuously with the metering screw (11). The dispenser handle (12) is used for manually operating the paraffin flow. It is provided with an extension clip (13). The extension clip is height-adjustable and can be shifted to the side (left or right) depending whether the dispenser handle is released with the mold or the finger . The dispenser handle can be operated by simply pushing the mold (or the finger) against the extension clip. Slightly pushing the handle backwards will open the dispenser valve ‚. Once released, the handle flips back in the original position and the valve shuts.

Instruction Manual V 2.0 – 10/2002

5. Operation Work area (3) The temperature of the work area can be adjusted between 55 °C and 70 °C in 5 degree (K) increments. This includes the embedding area, forceps holder (5) and the refrigeration spot (4). A groove around the work area and several drain holes (15) are provided to allow liquid paraffin to drain rapidly.

5 3

4

3

Refrigeration spot (4) The refrigeration spot is an integral part of the work area. Its position directly in front of the embedding area enables convenient working in ergonomically most favorable conditions. To orientate the samples, the mold is filled about one third with liquid paraffin. The liquid paraffin begins to solidify rapidly on the refrigeration spot. While the paraffin is semi-liquid, the sample can be oriented as required. Finally, the mold can rapidly be filled up with paraffin.

15

4

While orienting the tissue, the paraffin should not become too solid, as this may cause different phases in the finished block, including fissures inside, as a result of which the block may break during sectioning.

5

Fig. 10

The forceps holder is separately heated to approximately 70 °C. Risk of burning! Leica EG1150H – Paraffin Embedding Station

Forceps holder (5) The removable forceps holder under the dispenser can accommodate up to 6 forceps.

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5. Operation Paraffin collection tray (8) Two indirectly-heated paraffin collection trays for excess paraffin are located under the work surface. The paraffin collection tray must be emptied daily. To prevent contamination, do not reuse paraffin collected in this tray. If the instrument is operated without the paraffin collection trays there is risk of burning.

7

6

8 8

Mold warmer and cassette warmer (16) Depending on the preferred working direction, the two heated trays can be used for molds or cassettes (6,7). The temperature is adjustable between 55 °C and 70 °C. A removable receptacle (16) can be placed in each of the trays. Each receptacle can hold approx. 100 cassettes or approx. 50 molds. A lid (17) is provided for each of the trays (16) to prevent loss of heat and contamination inside the tray. For easy access, the lid can be opened and folded back.

17 16

Fig. 11

When working with half-open lids (17), raise the temperature one level to ensure that the paraffin remains molten.

20

Only operate the cassette and mold warmer and paraffin reservoir with lid; otherwise the set temperature cannot be maintained.

Instruction Manual V 2.0 – 10/2002

5. Operation Standby switch (8) After the unit has been commissioned, the standby switch should only be used if the unit is to be switched off for a longer period of time.

21 8

9

20

In daily routine operation, the ON/OFF button on the control panel should be used. Pressing the ON/OFF button (20) switches the instrument into active standby mode. All displays are switched off, only the LED (21) of the ON/OFF button remains lit. If programmed procedures are to be carried out: the standby switch (8) must be switched on and the unit must be in standby mode. For more information, see Chapter 5.4.

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19

Fig. 12

Leica EG1150H – Paraffin Embedding Station

Work area illumination (9) A halogen lamp provides homogeneous diffuse illumination of the embedding area and refrigeration spot. This gives an optimum view of the embedding process and tissue orientation. The lamp should be adjusted in a way that it is switched on and off only with the lamp button on the control panel. For this purpose, turn the cap (18) in the position where the two “I“ “I“ marks (19) are located one above the other. To access the halogen bulb, the cap (18) can be removed. (For replacement of the halogen lamp see Chapter 7.2)

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