Leica ASP300 User Manual

Instruction manual

Leica ASP300
V1.3 English - 12/2003
Always keep this manual together with the instrument.
Read this instruction manual carefully
before working with the instrument.

Leica ASP300

Advanced Smart Processor

Automated vacuum

tissue processor

NOTE

The information, numerical data, notes and
value judgments contained in this manual rep­resent the current state of scientific knowl­edge and state-of-the-art technology.
We are under no obligation to update the
present manual 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.

© Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH

Published by:
Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH

Heidelberger Str. 17 - 19
D-69226 Nussloch
Germany
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Internet: http://www.histo-solutions.com

Leica ASP300

3

Table of contents

1. Important notes............................................................................................................................. 6

1.1 Symbols used in this manual................................................................................................... 6

1.2 Designated use .......................................................................................................................... 6

2. Safety .............................................................................................................................................. 7

2.1 Safety instructions..................................................................................................................... 7

2.2 Warnings...................................................................................................................................... 8

2.3 Integrated safety devices...................................................................................................... 10

3. Instrument components and specifications .......................................................................... 11

3.1 Specific instrument options................................................................................................... 11

3.2 Overview - instrument components .................................................................................... 12

3.3 Standard delivery - packing list............................................................................................ 14

3.4 Technical data ......................................................................................................................... 15

3.5 Compatible reagents ............................................................................................................... 18

4. Setting up the instrument .......................................................................................................... 19

4.1 Site requirements..................................................................................................................... 19

4.2 Electrical connection.............................................................................................................. 19

4.3 Installing the accessories ..................................................................................................... 21

4.4 Setting up the data connections.......................................................................................... 22

4.5 Alarm functions ........................................................................................................................ 23

4.6 Switching the instrument on ................................................................................................. 24

4.7 Touch screen functions......................................................................................................... 26

4.7.1 User interface - overview ...................................................................................................... 26

4.7.2. Access control ......................................................................................................................... 27

4.8 Check list for first operation (at supervisor access level).............................................. 28

5. Operation...................................................................................................................................... 29

5.1 Reagent handling..................................................................................................................... 29

5.1.1 Fill/drain reagents (other than wax) .................................................................................... 29

5.1.2 Changing the wax.................................................................................................................... 31

5.2 Setting up the instrument parameters................................................................................ 34

5.2.1 System setup............................................................................................................................. 34

5.2.2 Editing the reagent list ............................................................................................................ 37

5.2.3 Viewing the program list......................................................................................................... 40

5.2.4 Adding and/or modifying programs .................................................................................... 41

5.2.5 Favorites (maximum of 5 programs) .................................................................................... 44

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Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

Table of contents

5.2.6 Editing the stations .................................................................................................................. 46

5.2.7 Reagent groups........................................................................................................................ 47

5.3 Programs.................................................................................................................................... 48

5.3.1 Editing a selected program ................................................................................................... 49

5.3.2 Starting a program................................................................................................................... 51

5.4 Reagent status ......................................................................................................................... 52

5.5 System Monitor......................................................................................................................... 53

5.6 On-line help ............................................................................................................................... 54

5.7 Configuring a printer (optional)............................................................................................. 55

6. Trouble shooting ........................................................................................................................ 56

6.1 General ....................................................................................................................................... 56

6.2 Power failure ............................................................................................................................. 56

6.3 Trouble shooting...................................................................................................................... 57

6.4 Typical fill or drain problems ................................................................................................. 58

7. Cleaning and maintenance ......................................................................................................59

7.1 Clean programs ........................................................................................................................ 59

7.1.1 Retort clean programs............................................................................................................ 59

7.1.2 Wax clean programs .............................................................................................................. 61

7.1.3 Smart clean ............................................................................................................................... 62

7.2 General cleaning steps .......................................................................................................... 63

7.3.1 Daily cleaning and maintenance ......................................................................................... 65

7.3.2 Periodic cleaning and maintenance................................................................................... 66

7.4 Preventative maintenance schedule ................................................................................. 67

8. Warranty and service ................................................................................................................ 69

Leica ASP300

5

1. Important notes

1.1 Symbols used in this manual and their meaning

Warnings
appear in a grey box and are marked
by a warning triangle .

Notes,
i.e. important user information appear
in a grey box and are marked by an
information symbol .

Flammable solvents and reagents are
marked with this symbol.

Instrument surfaces which become
hot during operation are marked with
this symbol.

1.2 Designated use

The Leica ASP300 is an automated tissue pro­cessor for the following laboratory applications:

• fixation

• dehydration

• paraffin wax infiltration
of histological tissue specimens.

The Leica ASP300 must be operated exclu­sively with the reagents listed in

Chapter 3.5 - “Compatible reagents“.

Any other use of the instrument

is considered improper!

(5)

ENTER

6

Figures in brackets refer to item nos.
in drawings.

Function keys to be pressed on the
instrument touch screen are written
in bold-print capital letters.

Instruction Manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

Make sure to comply with the safety instructions and warnings in this chapter.
Make sure to read these instructions, even if you are already familiar with the operation and
use of other Leica products.

2.1 Safety instructions

2. Safety

This instruction manual includes important in­formation related to the operating safety and
maintenance of the instrument and it is an im­portant part of the product.

If additional requirements on accident
prevention and environmental protec­tion exist in the country of operation,
this instruction manual must be
supplemented by appropriate instruc­tions to ensure compliance with such
requirements.

Instrument type

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

This instrument has been built and tested in
accordance with the following safety regula­tions on electrical measuring, control, regulat­ing and laboratory devices:

• DIN EN ISO 9001

• EN 61010-1

• EN 61010-2

• EN 61326-1 and EN 61326-2

• EN 61000-3-2 and EN 6100-3-3.

The protective devices on both in­strument and accessories may neither
be removed nor modified.
Only authorized and qualified service
personnel may repair the instrument
and access the instrument’s internal
components.

Leica ASP300

7

2. Safety

2.2 Warnings

The safety devices installed in this instrument by the manufacturer only constitute the basis
for accident prevention.
Primarily responsible for accident-free operation is above all the institution which owns the
instrument and, in addition, the designated personnel who operates, services or repairs the
instrument.
To ensure trouble-free operation of the instrument, make sure to comply with the following
instructions and warnings.

Transport and installation

Warnings and instructions on transport and installation of the instrument can be found on a
separate information sheet attached to the outside of the instrument’s shipping crate.

Warnings - reagent handling

To avoid damage to the instrument, only use the reagents listed in chapter 3.5!

When handling reagents, follow the instructions of the manufacturer and make sure all
laboratory regulations in force in your country are complied with.
Dispose of waste solvents with care according to local regulations and the waste manage­ment policy of the company or institution.

Use caution when handling hot, molten paraffin.
Do not touch paraffin stations and retort walls – they can be very hot.

Do not clean the reagent bottles in an automatic dishwasher.

Material safety data sheets can be obtained from the supplier of the chemicals.
They are also available on the Internet:
http://www.msdsonline.com

8

Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

Warnings - cleaning and maintenance

Prior to each maintenance switch the instrument off and disconnect mains power.

Do not clean the instrument with solvents containing acetone or xylene. No liquid may be
spilled into the internal components of the instrument.

Empty the condensate bottle at regular intervals.

Warnings - working with the instrument

The Leica ASP300 may only be operated by trained laboratory personnel and as per the
present instruction manual.

In case of emergency switch off mains (item no. 5 in Fig. 3) at the rear of the instrument and
unplug the power cord.
The instrument must be installed so that the mains switch at the rear of the instrument can
easily be accessed at any time.

Always press PAUSE before opening the retort lid during processing to allow the retort to
vent.

2. Safety

Do not remove the wax drain hose or the remote fill/drain hose until the fill or drain has been
entirely completed.

After refilling / replacing the reagent bottles ensure that the lids are tight.
The bottles must be properly pushed home into the connection manifolds at the rear inner
wall of the reagent module.

Fixatives containing mercuric salts, acetic or picric acid will corrode metallic components
in the instrument.

After each paraffin step a retort clean cycle must be run.

Leica ASP300

9

2. Safety

2.3 Integrated safety devices

The instrument is equipped with the following protection features:

• overpressure protection,

• protection against excessive vacuum,

• overcurrent protection,

• overheating protection.

Overpressure protection

The design of the pressure system ensures that no dangerous levels of
pressure can build up.

Protection against excessive vacuum

The vacuum system is not capable of generating a dangerous vacuum
condition.

Overcurrent protection

Overheating protection

10

Overcurrent conditions are protected against by both the mains fuse
and the separate heating power fuses.

The design of the heating system ensures that no dangerous overheat­ing conditions can occur.

Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

3.1 Specific instrument options

• Reagent Management System (RMS).

• The specimen cassette baskets may be used with or without cas­sette dividers and spring separators designed to separate cassettes
and improve fluid penetration.

• In-process fluid recirculation (‘tidal agitation’) for continuous and ef­ficient mixing of fluids.

• Remote fill/drain system for reagents.

• Remote fill/drain system for paraffin.

• Automatic optical fluid level sensor.

• Active paraffin wax solvent removal feature.

• Magnetic stirrer.

• Programmable program start time delay.

• Programmable finish time for processing programs.

• 3-step retort drain feature.

• Specimen processing under pressure, vacuum, alternating pressure
/ vacuum cycles or under ambient pressure.

• User-programmable clean cycles.

3. Instrument components and specifications

Leica ASP300

11

3. Instrument components and specifications

3.2 Overview - instrument components

3

23

22

5

21

20

13

17

18

4

6

1

10 9

7

12 11 8

19

12

2

15

14

16

Fig. 1

Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

3. Instrument components and specifications

Overview - Instrument components

1 - Basic instrument - processor module
2 - Basic instrument - reagent module
3 - Wax bath lids
4 - Retort lid
5 - Touch screen
6 - Cover flap of instrument console
7 - Instrument console comprising:
8 - Printer port
9 - Local alarm connection
10 - Remote alarm connection
11 - Floppy disk drive
12 - Serial port
13 - Activated carbon filter
14 - Condensate bottle
15 - Reagent bottle (13 units)
16 - Drip tray
17 - Wax drain connection
18 - Remote drain connection
19 - Retort
20 - Wax baths
21 - Specimen basket
22 - Lid for specimen basket
23 - Splash protector

Instrument components and accessories

The processor module comprises three paraf­fin wax baths and the processing retort.

Three baskets (21) contain the cassettes.
Each basket can hold up to 300 cassettes.
All processing occurs in the stainless steel re-

tort under the pressure, vacuum and tempera­ture conditions selected.

The reagent bottles are stored in the reagent
cabinet.

Leica ASP300

13

3. Instrument components and specifications

3.3 Standard delivery - packing list

Leica ASP300 basic standard delivery:
1 Leica ASP300 - Basic instrument 0476 34100

1 Accessory kit consisting of: 0476 35929

- 1 Basket hook

0476 34713

- 3 Specimen baskets, assy., including lid, dividers, springs and handle 0476 34193
(accessories for maximum and optimum usage of basket space)

- 1 Reagent bottle, plastic 0476 34274

- 2 Activated carbon filters, assy. 0476 34150

- 1 Remote fill/drain hose, assy. with special connecting device
for remote filling / draining of processing retort 0476 34716

- 1 Paraffin drain hose 0476 34721

- 1 Paraffin wax scraper, plastic 0476 35923

- 1 Lubricant ‘Molykote 111’, for valves and O-rings, 100 g 0336 35460

- 1 Jumper cable - mains 0411 34604

- 1 Maintenance kit (2 spare lids, 9 O-rings) 0476 35921

- 1 Stirrer bar, assy. 0476 34202

- 2 Sets of labels for reagent bottles, each set containing 15 labels 0476 35792

- 1 Splash protector 0476 34770

1 Set of power cords:

- 1 Power cord D 0411 13558

- 1 Power cord UK ST-BU F-5A 0411 27822
13 Reagent bottles, plastic (included in the instrument) 0476 34274
1 Condensate bottle, plastic (included in the instrument) 0476 34278
1 Service kit for pump (included in the instrument) 0476 35922
1 Drip tray (included in the instrument) 0476 34145
1 Cover sheet for overflow (included in the instrument) 0476 34852
1 Console cover (mounted to the instrument) 0476 34162
1 3,5 Diskette, empty (taped to the back of console cover)

1 Instruction manual Leica ASP300 multilingual 0704 37102
1 Demo-Program, CD-Rom

14

Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

3. Instrument components and specifications

3.4 Technical data

Nominal voltage: Two factory-preset voltage settings

(not user-adjustable):
100 to 120 V + 10% or
230 to 240 V + 10%

Nominal frequency: 50 to 60 Hz
Main fuses: 2 fast-blowing melting fuses, 20 x 5 mm, UL-listed

Order no.

• 100 to 120 V; F 10 A 250 VAC 69411002

• 230 to 240 V; F 5 A 250 VAC 69411000
Nominal power: 1,000 VA
Dimensions (W x D x H), in mm: 595 x 680 x 1,325
Dry weight, unpacked: approx. 140 kg
Weight, packed: 220 kg
Operating temperature range: 15 °C to 35 °C
Relative humidity: 10% to 80% - non-condensing
IEC 1010 classification: Protective Class 1

Pollution Degree 2
Overvoltage Installation Category II:

• 800 V impulse (120 V systems)

• 1500 V impulse (240 V systems)
Maximum operating altitude: maximum 2,500 m
Local / remote alarm relays: 30 V DC, maximum 2 A

2 connections:
both single voltage-free, change-over contacts
(can be operated as both normally-open and
normally-closed connections)

Paraffin wax baths

Number of baths: 3
Volume (liters): 4.3 l per bath
Melt time: approx. 10 hrs

Temperature: 40 to 65 °C
Temperature accuracy:

+ 1 °C

Leica ASP300

15

3. Instrument components and specifications

Retort

Capacity: max. 300 cassettes
Reagent volume (in liters): 4.3
Temperature (paraffin): 40 to 65 °C
Temperature (processing reagents): ambient or 35 to 55
Temperature (cleaning reagents): 50 to 65 °C
Temperature accuracy:

+ 1 K
Filling time: approx. 90 sec
Drain time : approx. 80, 120, 140 sec (adjustable)
Impregnation vacuum: -70 kPa (g)
Impregnation pressure: 35 kPa (g)
Fill vacuum: -70 kPa (g)
Drain pressure: 35 kPa (g)

General

Reagent bottles 10
Cleaning solution bottles: 3
Maximum bottle volume: 4.3 l

Printer: Optional accessory
Pretest check: ON/OFF
Fluid level sensor: ON/OFF
Recirculation (pump in/out): ON/OFF
(a) Time before 1st cycle: 12 min
(b) Time between cycles: 20 min

o

C

System setup

Password status: Supervisor / User
Type of password: alphanumeric, freely selectable

Reagent Management Status: ON/OFF
Software access control (‘Lock Mode’): ON/OFF

16

Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

3.4 Technical Data (continued)

Hardware and Software:

• Large color liquid crystal display (LCD) and touchscreen.

• User-friendly, intelligent software.

• 3,5“ floppy drive and printer port.

• Alarm system with two remote alarm sockets.

• Password-protected instrument supervisor mode.

• Multiple specimen protection system.

Capacities:

• 15 programs of up to 10 reagent and 3 paraffin wax steps each.

• Time per program step: 0 to 99 hours , 59 minutes.

• Delay time: max. 7 days.

• Up to 300 cassettes can be processed simultaneously.

• Four user-programmable retort clean programs.

• Wax clean program.

• 10 Reagent bottles.

• 3 Wax baths.

• 3 Cleaning solution bottles.

• 1 Condensate bottle.

• Reagent temperature adjustable from 35°C to 55°C
or ambient.

• Paraffin temperature adjustable from 40°C to 65°C.

• Choice of three retort drain rates of 80, 120 and 140 seconds.

• Up to 100 reagent names in memory.

3. Instrument components and specifications

Leica ASP300

17

3. Instrument components and specifications

3.5 Compatible reagents

Fixatives

1. Formalin, buffered or unbuffered

2. Formalin saline

Dehydration

1. Ethanol 4. Butanol

2. Isopropanol 5. Industrial Methylated Spirits

3. Methanol

Clearing

1. Xylen (recommended)

2. Toluol

*

3. Chloroform *

Paraffin wax

1. Paraffin

* Prior to using these reagents, contact

your Leica representative or Leica di­rectly for information on necessary pro­tective measures. Using these reagents
will require an increased number of main­tenance interventions by Leica Techni­cal Service.

18

Caution:
Reagents other than those listed here may damage some com­ponents of the instrument.
Do not use acetone, benzene or trichlorethane in the instru­ment.

Fixatives containing mercuric salts, acetic or picric acid will
corrode metallic components in the instrument and shorten in­strument life.
If you choose to work with such fixatives, it is essential to per­form a clean cycle which contains multiple water rinses each
time after use, to minimize damage.
In addition, we recommend frequent and regular preventive
maintenance by the Leica Technical Service.

Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

4.1 Site requirements

Moving the instrument

4. Setting up the instrument

• The instrument needs approx. 650 x 700 mm floor space.

• Practically vibration-free floor.

• Room temperature constantly between +15 °C and +35 °C.

• Relative humidity maximum 80%, non-condensing.

• Avoid vibrations, direct sunlight and heavy variation in temperature.

The chemicals to be used in the Leica ASP300 are both flam­mable and noxious. Therefore, the instrument must be set up in
a well ventilated area, free from any ignition sources.
The room where the instrument is installed is not suitable for
people to stay in for longer periods of time, unless it is
equipped with a fume extraction system.
Do not operate the instrument in rooms with explosion hazard.

The instrument must be installed such that the mains switch at
the rear of the instrument (item no. 5 in Fig. 3) can easily be ac­cessed at any time.

After the instrument has been unpacked (see unpacking instructions
attached to outside of transport crate) it must be touched only at the
points marked with dots ‘ ‘ for transport to its final site of installation.
Once the instrument has been installed there, the brakes on the instru­ment rollers must be locked.

4.2 Electrical connection

• Check the voltage label (Fig. 2) on the rear of the instrument to ensure

Leica ASP300

that the instrument is set to the correct voltage range.

Fig. 2

The power supply voltage for the instrument is factory-preset
and CANNOT be altered by the user.

19

Connecting the instrument to mains

The instrument MUST be connected to an earthed mains power
outlet socket.
It is recommended that the ASP300 be plugged into a wall socket
that has Ground Fault Circuit Interruption (GFCI) protection - as
an additional electrical safeguard.
Make sure to use the appropriate mains cable for the local volt­age supply (wall outlet).

• Connect mains cable (6) to mains power supply socket (1) (see Fig. 3).

• Jumper cable (3) connects the mains power supply output (2) to the
electronics module input (4).

• Switch ON/OFF switch (5) ON.

• Switch ON/STOP switch at the right of the instrument ON.

Electrical
connections at the

1

5

rear panel of the
instrument

4. Setting up the instrument

6

20

4

2

3

Cables

connected

Fig. 3

correctly

Important:!
Specification for connection (2) is as follows:
100 - 120 V or 230 - 240 V, max. 200VA.

Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

4. Setting up the instrument

6

4.3 Installing the accessories

• Unpack the activated carbon filter and in­sert it into the instrument (see Fig. 4). Make
sure to insert the filter with the correct side
facing upwards. See label (6) at the front of

7

the filter - the arrow must point upwards.

• Unpack the magnetic stirrer and insert into
the retort.

Fig. 4

• Install the console flap (covers floppy drive
and ports).

l Prior to filling the bottles with reagent for the

first time, check the connections. If neces­sary, tighten manually.

Remote fill / drain hose

• Connect the remote fill / drain hose as
shown in Fig. 5.

8

• Important!
When inserting the hose into the fill/drain

connection (item 7 in Fig. 5) the connecting
device (8) of the hose must lock with an au­dible click.

Leica ASP300

7

Fig. 5

21

4. Setting up the instrument

11

12

4.4 Setting up the data connections

9

8

7

10

Fig. 6

Printer (optional)

• Lift off the instrument console flap (12).

• Connect the printer to the printer port (7) via
a standard Centronics cable (refer Fig. 6).

Other connections

• For additional data transfer and storage the
instrument console is equipped with a stan­dard 1.44 MB floppy drive (10) for 3.5“ dis­kettes and with an RS 232 serial port (11) .

Only instruments which satisfy the re­quirements for SELV circuits may be
connected to interfaces (7), (8), (9)
and (11).

22

Instruction Manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

4.5 Alarm functions

4. Setting up the instrument

The Leica ASP300 is equipped with two different alarm functions:

Instrument alarm

This alarm is generated from within the Leica ASP300. The instrument
alarm is generated in all alarm situations.

Remote alarm

This alarm device is installed outside of the Leica ASP300.
All alarms (all types of alarm) are forwarded to the remote dialer con-

nected to the instrument, regardless of whether the local instrument
alarm (type 1) is connected or disconnected.

The optional remote alarm system works via a potential-free
relay. If an alarm situation occurs, the circuit is closed.
The remote alarm device connected to the instrument must be
rated at less than 2 amp.
A maximum voltage of 30 V DC may be present.

Leica ASP300

Connecting a remote alarm device:

A remote alarm device can be connected to the Leica ASP300 via a 6.3
mm-diameter jack connector (optional accessory).

• For details on how to connect a remote alarm device to the Leica
ASP300, please contact your local Leica office or the manufacturer
Leica Microsystems Nussloch directly.

23

4. Setting up the instrument

4.6 Switching the instrument on

Once the instrument has been switched on, the mains switch (ON/OFF) (5) should always re­main in position ON.

Fig. 7

• After switching it on the instrument will take
a few minutes to initialize (see opposite -

Fig. 7).

• After initialization, the FAVORITES screen will
be displayed (Fig. 8).

Screen saver

• A screen saver will operate turning the
screen off when no key has been pressed
for a (user-) programmable time.
Press any part of the touchscreen to restore
the screen.
After having been restored, the screen will
be inoperational for a few seconds to avoid
accidental activation of any key symbols.

.

24

Fig. 8

Instruction Manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

4. Setting up the instrument

System diagnostics menu
If, during initialization, ‘Touch here

...’ is touched (refer Fig. 7) and sub-

2

1

3

4

5

6

7

8

sequently the supervisor pass­word is entered, the SYSTEM
DIAGNOSTICS menu (Fig. 9) opens
up, giving access to standard in­strument settings.

Attention!
Serious instrument malfunctions

may occur if any settings are
modified wrongly.

Fig. 9

The following functions can be selected:

1 - Access for service engineers only.
2 - Access INSTALLATION menu.
3 - Abort the current program.
4 - Abort the current program and delete the

current allocation of reagents to reagent
bottles and retort.

5 - Delete all programs and reset instrument

status (all lists will be empty).

6 - Store actual instrument status on floppy

disk.

7 - Display run log.
8 - Restart instrument.

Fig. 10

To exit this menu, the instrument has to be re­started - press: RESTART APPLICATION.

Press YES to confirm ‘ARE YOU SURE YOU
WANT TO ...’ (refer Fig. 10) .

• Initialization starts again from the screen

shown in Fig. 7.

Leica ASP300

25

4. Setting up the instrument

4.7 Touch screen functions

4.7.1 User interface - overview

The Leica ASP300 is programmed and operated via a colored LCD
touch screen.

An on-line help feature provides detailed information on all instrument
functions.

HELP can be accessed from any screen by pressing the HELP button.

Button symbols

To activate any functions on the Leica ASP300 touchscreen, press the
corresponding button symbols. Examples of buttons are:

26

Enabled

Buttons on the Leica ASP300 touch screen can either be enabled or dis­abled.

Disabled

A button that is disabled appears with a thinner border than a button
that is enabled.

Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

4.7.2. Access control

4. Setting up the instrument

The Leica ASP300 may be configured to allow two levels of user ac­cess.

‘Operator’ symbol

‘Supervisor’ symbol

→

Operator access level:

• Operators may run programs and view results. On this level, the OP­ERATOR symbol is displayed in the upper right corner of the touch

screen.

Supervisor access level:

• Supervisors may perform all Operator functions, and additionally cre­ate programs and perform the instrument sit-up functions.

• To access Supervisor level, press SUPERVISOR, enter the required
password and confirm. The SUPERVISOR symbol will then be dis­played instead of the OPERATOR symbol and all enabled buttons will
be surrounded by a black border instead of a blue one.

Lock feature against unauthorized use

• The Leica ASP300 provides a feature called "Lock" to prevent ac­cess to any operations of the Leica ASP300 to unauthorised users.

• The ‘Lock’ mode and the corresponding ‘Lock’ password are config­ured from the SYSTEM SETUP menu.

Leica ASP300

27

4. Setting up the instrument

4.8 Check list for first operation (at supervisor access level)

Screen

→ Press button

→

→

→→

→→

→

→→

→

→

→

or

→

Parameter settings

Enter instrument name and select lan­guage.
Activate printer (optional).

Enter carbon filter age warning and pump
warning threshold.

Set all parameters as required, especially
wax bath set temperature.
Check whether date and time are correct.

Add the desired reagents and edit the
‘REPLACE REAGENTS’ warning thresholds.

Allocate a reagent to each of station.

Fill the reagent stations (bottles), either via
the ASP300 remote drain/ fill function
(SMART SCREEN) or manually (REAGENT
STATUS).

28

→

→

→

→→

Create the programs you need.
Programs can be copied and modified.

Allocate the most popular programs to the
FAVORITES menu and, if desired, set a fin­ish time for these programs and allocate a
symbol.

Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

5.1 Reagent handling

5.1.1 Fill/drain reagents (other than wax)

1. Manually changing the reagents

• Remove the appropriate reagent bottle from the Leica ASP300 re-

↓

↓

↓

↓

agent cabinet, remove the bottle screw cap.

• Drain/refill the reagent by pouring to/from a bulk container.

• On the REAGENT STATUS screen, verify correct allocation and set
the reagent bottle as full.

2. Use the ‘Remote Fill / Drain’ features of the Leica ASP300

5. Operation

Connect the supplied remote fill/drain hose to

the remote drain connection (refer Fig. 11).

Important!
Ensure that the hose is pushed all of
the way onto the connection, until a
clear click is heard

Leica ASP300

• Put the loose end of the remote fill/drain hose
into the desired container for the drain/fill
operation as desired.

Fig. 11

29

5. Operation

Fill / drain reagents

→

In FAVORITES, press MENU. In MENU FUNC­TIONS, press SMART SCREEN.

The SMART SCREEN (Fig. 12) pops up.

Fig. 12

Select station Press key symbol

30

Remote drain

• On the screen, select reagent bottle no. 3
and the bulk container (Remote).
The press STATION DRAIN.

• Check for leaks.

Remote fill

• On the screen, select reagent bottle no. 3
and the bulk container (Remote).

The press STATION REFILL.

• The remote fill procedure takes less than 3
minutes.

• Check for leaks.

Instruction Manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

5.1.2 Changing the wax

1

Draining the wax

5. Operation

2

Fig. 13

• Connect the paraffin drain hose (2) as shown
in Fig. 13 and insert the loose end of the hose
into a remote collecting container.

→

+

→

• Make sure the hose end is securely kept in
the remote container until both the drain has
been completed and the hose has been
purged with pressurized air.

From the FAVORITES screen, press SMART
SCREEN (see previous chapter).

• Select the wax bath to be drained and the
remote container (‘Remote’).
Then press STATION DRAIN.

• Several queries will be displayed each of
which has to be confirmed individually.

Leica ASP300

31

5. Operation

Filling with wax pellets

→

1

2

→

Fig. 14

• Remove the splash protector.

• Fill the wax bath (Fig. 15) with wax pellets up
to the top.

• Press BACK and REAGENT STATUS to ac­cess the reagent status table (Fig. 14). High­light the wax bath you just filled and press
SET AS FULL.

• After about 90 minutes, add another 0.5 kg
of wax pellets.

• The pellets will take a total of approx. 10
hours to melt.

Important!
During the melting process, the paraf­fin level MAY NOT drop below the
MIN level (2, Fig. 15).

• Once the paraffin is completely molten, re­insert the splash protector.

Software control

• The software calculates when the wax will
be ready for use and selects program start­ing times accordingly, i.e. the paraffin will
definitely be molten when it is required for
the first paraffin step.

32

Fig. 15

Instruction Manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

Adding molten paraffin

5. Operation

• Molten wax may have a maximum temperature of 70°C.

• If filling with molten wax, do not fill above the MAX level (see Fig. 15).

• After a wax bath has been filled, it must be marked as ‘full’ in the

REAGENT STATUS screen.

Software control

• If the wax baths are filled with molten wax, it is possible to override
the Leica ASP300 melting time calculation.

→

→

→

For that purpose, in supervisor mode, access the
SERVICE FUNCTIONS screen (Fig. 16).

• Press TIME UNTIL WAX MELTED.

• Enter the required delay time and press OK
to confirm.

→

Fig. 16

If the instrument attempts a paraffin step with the paraffin only partly molten, severe instru­ment malfunctions may occur.

Leica ASP300

33

5. Operation

5.2 Setting up the instrument parameters

→

5.2.1 System setup

From the start screen, press MENU to go to the MENU FUNCTIONS
screen, then press MORE.

In the MORE MENU FUNCTIONS screen, press SYSTEM SETUP.

SYSTEM SETUP screen
(Fig. 17).

34

Fig. 17

The DISPLAY/BUZZER field is practically self-explanatory:

• The number next to DISPLAY OFF indicates the remaining time (in min)
until the screen saver (after the last user action) is activated.

• LCD CONTRAST can be set from 0 to 14.

• The BUZZER VOLUME can be set between 1 and 10.

Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

5. Operation

Program Options

Selection of the options on how programs are carried out.

• STATION ALLOCATION: By age or Sequential

By age - RMS is activated, reagents will automatically be

used in order of increasing cleanliness.

Sequential - reagents will be used in sequential order of stations.

• WAX BATH ORDER: Auto or 1.; 2. ; 3.

Wax bath order can be activated only when STATION ALLOCATION
is set to Sequential.

• PROMPT FOR NUM BLOCKS : Enabled or Disabled

Enabled- When starting a program, the actual number of

blocks must be entered.
This is recommended with the RMS being enabled.

Disabled - Number of blocks can be entered optionally (not

mandatory).

Leica ASP300

Date / Time

Be sure to verify that the date and time entered do actually correspond
to the local time/date.

Press the buttons to access the entry windows where time/date can be
corrected, if necessary.

Instrument

Press WAX BATH SET TEMP (°C) to access the wax bath temperature
entry window. Select the highest temperature compatible with the type
of paraffin used as paraffin temperature will drop slightly once the paraf­fin is in the retort.

35

5. Operation

Security

To determine the level of access to the instrument.

• SUPERVISOR PASSWORD: Enabled or Disabled
Enabled - A password is required for access to the supervisor

level.

Disabled - All instrument and software functions are fully

accessible to all staff.

• LOCK MODE: Enabled or disabled.
Enabled - No screen functions can be accessed.

To unlock, a password has to be entered.

Disabled- Screen can be accessed at any time until the screen

saver turns off the screen.

Entry keyboard

The keyboard is displayed any time text needs to be entered. The key­board headline (1) tells you what kind of text to enter. 30 characters can
be entered into each entry field, though sometimes not all characters
entered can be displayed.

36

1

Important keys
Shift:

To shift to upper case symbols.
AltGr :

For access to a number of
special characters.

<-- :
Deletes last character entered.

Clear:
Deletes entire line.

Fig. 18

Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

5.2.2 Editing the reagent list

Adding new reagents

1. Enter the reagent name and allocate the new reagent to the reagent

2. Define the stations (bottles) that will be filled with the new reagent.

3. Fill the stations (bottles) according to the reagent list.

Enter reagent names

Enter reagent names via the REAGENTS screen.
You must be logged on at supervisor access level to proceed.

• From the start screen, press MENU to go to the MENU FUNCTIONS

→

• Press REAGENTS.

• The SET UP REAGENTS AND WARNING THRESHOLDS screen opens.

• To add a reagent:

5. Operation

group it belongs to.

screen, then press MORE to go to MORE MENU FUNCTIONS.

• Press INSERT.

• Enter the new reagent name.

• Press OK to confirm.

• You will then automatically be prompted to select the reagent
group:

Leica ASP300

Select the reagent group

Allocate the new reagent to the desired
group and press OK to confirm.

Fig. 19

37

5. Operation

Allocation of reagents to the correct reagent group is the basis for
compatibility monitoring. Allocation to the wrong reagent group
can lead to reagent cross contamination.

Changeable parameters

Entering / modifying reagent thresholds

• Highlight the reagent to be modified.

• Press the headline key symbol of the parameter to be changed.

• Enter a new threshold or - if no warning is desired - press CLEAR to
remove the threshold altogether.

• Press OK to confirm.

The same threshold value applies for all reagent stations con­taining the same reagent.

Changing reagent names or reagent groups

• Highlight the reagent.

• Press the corresponding headline key symbol.

• In the entry window (or via the keyboard), enter the new reagent
group allocation.

• Press OK to confirm and save.

• Reedit all station and programs allocated to the reagent changed.

38

Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

↓

↓

5. Operation

Deleting reagents

• Highlight the reagent to be deleted in the SET UP REAGENTS AND

WARNING THRESHOLDS screen.

• Press DELETE.

• Press OK in the screen prompt.

Please remember that a reagent which is already used in a pro­gram cannot be deleted.

Adding new reagents to stations

Go to SMART FUNCTIONS to remote-fill the reagent bottle.

If a bottle is filled manually, it must be defined as full afterwards.
For that purpose:

• Press MENU to access the MENU FUNCTIONS screen.

• Press REAGENT STATUS.

• In the reagent list, highlight the station / reagent that has been filled

manually.

• Press SET AS FULL to mark the station as ‘full’.

↓

Leica ASP300

Upon activation of the RMS all warning thresholds for the se­lected reagent are automatically reset to ‘0’.

39

5. Operation

5.2.3 Viewing the program list

→

This list (Fig. 20) displays all programs currently existing in the
ASP300.

You can create:

• up to 15 processing programs,

• 3 retort cleaning programs,

• 1 wax cleaning program.

At supervisor access level:

• the processing program names
can be edited,

• new processing programs can
be created and existing ones
can be deleted.

Fig. 20

Important!
New processing programs are created by copying existing
ones. Therefore, the list must contain at least one program at all
times.

40

• Program duration cannot be edited directly.

• To alter the duration of a program, the duration of one or more indi­vidual program steps has to be modified.

Retort and wax cleaning programs are predefined and cannot
be altered.

Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

5.2.4 Adding and/or modifying programs

Creating a new program

• You must be logged on at supervisor level.

• In the VIEW/EDIT PROGRAMS screen (Fig. 20) highlight a program as

similar as possible to the program you wish to create.

• Press COPY to copy the selected program.

The new program will have the same name as the program copied,
however, the figure “(2)“ will be added.

• Highlight the line containing the new program.

• Press PROGRAM NAME.

• Enter the new program name.

Editing program steps

• Press EDIT (refer Fig. 20) to access the PROGRAM STEPS screen.

• In the headline you will find the PROGRAM NAME.

• The colors on the left border of the table indicate the reagent groups

to which the reagent of the step belongs.

• The program steps (max. 13 steps per program) are displayed in the

order in which they are carried out.

The following characteristics can be edited:

• reagent name

• duration of step

(with the exception of fill and drain steps)

• retort temperature

(if “Ambient“ is selected, the retort temperature indication remains
empty)

• type of pressure and/or vacuum cycle

• retort drain time

• delay step.

5. Operation

Leica ASP300

41

5. Operation

Editing program steps

• To edit a step, highlight the corresponding line and press the re­spective headline.

• In the entry windows that pop up enter / select the program step set­tings.

↓

42

↓↓ ↓ ↓

Fig. 21

Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

Editing program steps (continued)

Setting a delay step

A so-called ‘delay step’ ensures that a program is finished at a specified
time.

• Highlight the program step you wish to define as a delay step.

• Press DELAY.

The delay symbol is moved to the selected step, thus defining the
step as delay step.

Copying steps

• Highlight the step to be copied.

• Press COPY.

• Use the MOVE UP / MOVE DOWN symbols to move program steps up

or down within an existing program without having to recreate those
steps.

5. Operation

Leica ASP300

DELETING PROGRAM STEPS

• Highlight the step to be deleted.

• Press DELETE.

43

5. Operation

5.2.5 Favorites (maximum of 5 programs)

Favorites can be programmed to end either:

• “as soon as possible“ (ASAP) or

• at a predetermined finish time.

Adding and/or modifying Favorites

• Highlight the program line to be altered.

↓

• Press PROGRAMS.

• Select the desired program and press OK to confirm.

↓

Fig. 22

44

Setting a finish time

• Press FINISH TIME.

• Enter the finish time (24-hour clock). Select ASAP, if the program finish
time is not to be delayed.

• Press OK to confirm.

Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

Assigning a finish day

5. Operation

↓

↓

↓

↓

• Press DAY.

• Select the desired week day in the list and press OK to confirm.

Assigning an icon to a “Favorite“

• Press SYMBOL in the table header.

• Select the desired icon and press OK to confirm.

The first icon on the list is empty - select this option, if you do
not want to assign an icon to a specific program.

Leica ASP300

Deleting a ‘Favorite’

• Highlight the Favorite to be deleted.

• Press DELETE.

The ‘Favorite“ is deleted from the FAVORITES list only - the
program itself is not deleted.

45

5. Operation

5.2.6 Editing the stations

→

→

Fig. 23 shows all stations / allocated reagents cur-

rently defined in the instrument.

↓

Adding / changing reagents

Highlight the desired station.

• Press REAGENT NAME.

• The SELECT REAGENT entry window pops up.

Only those reagents that are compat­ible with the respective station will be
available for selection.

• Highlight the desired reagent and press OK
to confirm.

46

Fig. 23

Allocating reagents

• Only processing reagents (except paraffin)
can be allocated to stations 1 – 10.

• Only a cleaning reagent can be allocated to
station 11.

• Only a cleaning alcohol can be allocated to
station 12.

• Only cleaning water/detergent can be allo­cated to stations 13 and 13-ext.

• Only paraffin wax can be allocated to the
wax baths.

Instruction Manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

5.2.7 Reagent groups

→

→

5. Operation

In this screen (Fig. 24) you find the colors used for each
reagent group in the graphic program display.

↓

Leica ASP300

Fig. 24

Selecting a new color for a reagent group

• Highlight the line containing the reagent color you wish to change.

• Press COLOR in the table header: the entry window SELECT COLOR
pops up.

• Select the desired color and press OK to confirm.

• If you want to close the entry field without changing the color, press
CANCEL.

47

5. Operation

5.3 Programs

Programs can be started from two different screens:

FAVORITES (max. 5 programs)

Fig. 25 Fig. 26

A ”Favorite” is a processing program that is
frequently used.
All settings are already programmed. Only the
number of blocks has to be entered (if this
function is enabled).

Starting a “Favorite“

To start a Favorite, press the corresponding
symbol on the Favorites screen - the program
will be started immediately.

ALL PROGRAMS

In the Favorites screen, press
ALL PROGRAMS.

• Press the symbol corresponding to the pro­gram you wish to start.

• A graphic representation of the stations /
retort will be displayed with the stations re­quired for the program you are about to start
colored in the corresponding reagent group
colors (Fig. 27).

• Prior to starting it, modify the program as
required.
All processing step modifications made will
only be applied to the current program.

48

Instruction Manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

5.3.1 Editing a selected program

Fig. 27

To modify a program prior to starting it, press
EDIT to access the Edit Program screen.

5. Operation

Redefine the program finish time:

• Press FINISH TIME. In the entry window, set

a new finish time.

↓

↓

Leica ASP300

↓

↓

Fig. 28

• Enter the day when you want the program

finished.

• Enter the finish time (24-hour clock format).

• Press OK to confirm.

Fig. 29

49

5. Operation

↓

Access the RUN OPTIONS function to display
the options selected for the current program.

• LEVEL CHECK enabled:
The lower level sensor in the retort is acti­vated.

• RECIRCULATION enabled:
During each processing step, the reagent
is pumped periodically from the bottle to the
retort and back for continuous and efficient
mixing of fluid. The first pump step is carried
out after 16 minutes, all subsequent pump
steps in 12-minute intervals.

• PRETEST enabled:
After starting the program a test run is per­formed: the first reagent is pumped into the
retort and back into the bottle.

• STIRRER enabled:
Magnetic stirrer is on.

50

• PRINTER enabled:
At the end of the program run, a full run log
will be printed out.

Fig. 30

Important!
The options selected will be applied to ALL programs!
All run options can be enabled / disabled during the program run if necessary.

The printer option will be displayed only if a printer has been configured for the instrument.

Instruction Manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

5.3.2 Starting a program

5. Operation

↓

Fig. 31

• Press START to start the program. Press OK to confirm the query that
follows. Enter the number of blocks, if the NUMBER OF BLOCKS op­tion has been enabled.

→

→

→

Leica ASP300

• The FINISH TIME button shows the time when the current program
will be finished.

• Before a program in progress can be modified, the PAUSE symbol
must be pressed.
To modify or delete program steps, press EDIT and, in the entry win­dow, carry out any changes you wish to make. Press CONTINUE to re­start the program.

The finish time of a program in progress can only be changed as
long as the delay step has not yet been completed.

• Press TABLE to change from graphic to tabular program display,
press GRAPHICAL to go back to graphic display.

51

5. Operation

5.4 Reagent status

→

In the reagent status screen (Fig. 32) you can display and update the
actual reagent status of each station and you can set the stations
as full or empty.

• Warning thresholds that trigger
warning messages appear on a
red background.

• To change a reagent status,
highlight the corresponding line
and press the corresponding
key symbol .

Reagent warnings

If the RMS is enabled, the instrument will give
you warning messages when reagents have
been used for too long.

Warning messages for normal reagents are
given based on up to 3 criteria; warning mes­sages for paraffin wax on up to 6 criteria.

The warning messages are displayed at the
end of a cleaning cycle. From there, you can
go directly to the REAGENT STATUS screen.

In addition, warning messages (on a yellow
background) are displayed in the program
start screens.

52

Fig. 32

Criteria for warning messages

For normal reagents, the following warning cri­teria apply:

• number of blocks processed

• number of programs carried out

• number of day lapsed
since the reagent has last been changed.

For paraffin wax, three additional criteria can
be applied:

• number of blocks processed

• number of programs carried out

• number of days lapsed
since the wax has last been cleaned.

Instruction Manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

5.5 System Monitor

5. Operation

→

→

After replacing the filter press RESET.

ROTARY VALVE RETRIES:

If a figure higher than 50 is indicated, a preventive maintenance is
recommended.

The SYSTEM MONITOR screen supplies important infor­mation on the Leica ASP300 system status.

PUMP AGE:

Indication of hours of service of the pressure/
vacuum pump. After approx. 1,000 hours of
use, have Leica Technical Service carry out a
preventive maintenance of the pump.

CARBON FILTER AGE:

Indication of hours of service of the activated
carbon filter. The carbon filter must be ex­changed after approx. 4 months of use.

Fig. 33

Leica ASP300

FILL/DRAIN:

This screen displays the average fill / drain times of all stations
(in seconds).

Short term = average duration of last 5 fills / drains.
Long term = average duration of last 20 fills / drains.

If one of the figures displayed exceeds 250, call Leica Technical
Service.

53

5. Operation

5.6 On-line help

The Leica ASP300 features an extensive on-line Help system.
For information on basic problems refer to the Help Index (to access

press INDEX on the Help screen).

Use the UP/ DOWN arrows to
scroll.

Press PREVIOUS TOPIC (1) to
return to the index.

Press BACK (2) to go back to the screen
from where you accessed Help.

CUSTOM HELP (3) is only displayed, if user­specific help files have been installed.

23

1

Fig. 34

Detailed information on how to create and install customer-specific help
files can be found in the “What is Custom Help?“ help text.

Accessing ‘Help’ in the event of error messages

• Press DETAILS, or

• Press the HELP button on the error message.

54

Instruction Manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

5.7 Configuring a printer (optional)

5. Operation

→

↓

↓

→

• With a Centronics standard cable, connect the printer to

Printing run logs

Printing is possible when the PRINT symbol is displayed.

To select and configure a printer, proceed as follows:

the printer port (refer chapter 4.4, Fig. 6).

Leica ASP300

For the PRINT symbol to be displayed, a printer must have been
configured for the instrument.

The following lists and protocols can be printed:

• reagent list,

• stations list,

• reagent status list,

• all programs,

• run log,

• error log.

55

6. Trouble shooting

6.1 General

The Leica ASP300 is equipped with a trouble shooting system.
If an error is detected, detailed error messages and corresponding user

instructions on what to do are displayed on the touch screen.

For all correctable error conditions the instrument will take
corrective actions to protect the specimens.

→

6.2 Power failure

• Details of all events are recorded in “Run Log”.
Run log can be viewed by pressing MENU and then RUN LOG.

Power failure during a processing program

• In the event of a power failure, the instrument automatically compen­sates any impact the power failure might have on the specimens.

Power failure during a paraffin or retort clean cycle

• If a power failure occurs during a clean cycle, the total duration of
the cycle will be extended by the duration of the power failure.

56

Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

6.3 Trouble shooting

→

6. Trouble shooting

• Check for error messages indicating the nature of the problem.

• Press the Help button on the message for any information relating to

the cause.

• Check the Run Log for any information on the nature of the failure.

Use the SMART SCREEN functions to individually test opera­tions such as fill, drain, pressurizing and evacuation operations.

Power failure

• Verify that the mains lead is plugged in to the wall socket, and that, if

applicable, the wall socket is switched ON.

• Verify that the jumper lead or UPS lead are fully inserted into their re-

spective socket.

• Verify that the power switches on the rear (adjacent to the power

lead) and on the side of the instrument are both switched ON.

Leica ASP300

If, by carrying out the above listed steps, you cannot identify the
problem, call Leica Technical Service.

57

6. Trouble shooting

6.4 Typical fill or drain problems

Fill and drain problems may be due to several causes:

1. There is insufficient reagent

• Verify that both the reagent bottles and the wax stations have

sufficient reagent.

2. Insufficient pressure or vacuum

The Leica ASP300 is unable to create sufficient vacuum (for a fill) or
pressure (for a drain) in the retort.

• Verify that the reagent bottle in question is correctly inserted in

the reagent cabinet.

• Verify that all reagent bottles are fully pushed home into their

sockets.

• Check whether there is some debris under the retort lid seal

causing a leak.

3. There is a blockage in the air or reagent lines

If there is reagent in the retort that cannot be drained, try to remove
the blockage as follows:

• Heat the retort to the maximum possible temperature (consistent

with the reagent currently in the retort, if any) and leave it at this
temperature for at least 15 minutes.

• Whilst the retort is at maximum temperature, attempt to fill or

drain.

• If the retort is empty:

Run the extended retort clean program. Use the maximum set­tings for number of clean cycles and temperature (consistent
with the type of reagents/solvents used in the clean program).

58

If you cannot eliminate the problem by carrying out the above
listed steps, call Leica Technical Service

Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

7.1 Clean programs

→ →

7.1.1 Retort clean programs

7. Cleaning and maintenance

You find the clean programs at the end of the programs
list (Fig. 35). To display a clean program, highlight the re­spective line and press EDIT.

The ASP300 offers three retort clean programs and one paraffin
clean program. Clean programs cannot be copied or deleted.

A clean program comprises a
minimum of three and a maxi­mum of four steps:

1. Cleaning Solvent
1 step from station 11

2. Cleaning Alcohol
1 step from station 12

3. Cleaning Water
1 step from station 13

Leica ASP300

Optional step between
steps 2 and 3:
Cleaning Water / Detergent
1 step from station 13-ext.

Fig. 35

• The steps of retort clean programs are listed in the order in which
they are carried out.

• The clean programs skip any steps not required to complete the re­tort clean.

59

7. Cleaning and maintenance

Editing steps

• To edit a program step highlight the corresponding line and press
the respective table header.

• To disable a step, set the number of cycles to “0“. Only cleaning wa­ter steps can be disabled.

The following characteristics of each step can be edited:

• Reagent name - only those reagents that are compatible with the re­agent station being edited will be displayed.

• Number of cycles - the duration displayed is calculated based on
the number of cycles.

• Retort temperature - temperatures from 50 to 65 °C can be set.

Station 13-ext

• The term “13-ext“ stands for an additional station which can be used
instead of station 13.

• Station 13 always contains cleaning water.

• If a program contains a “13-ext“ step, during the clean cycle the op­erator is prompted to insert bottle “13-ext“ when needed, and to re­move the bottle as soon as the step has been completed.

60

Only reagents belonging to the cleaning water group can be al­located to station 13-ext.
Station 13-ext may be used for clean programs only.

Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

7. Cleaning and maintenance

7.1.2 Wax clean programs The Leica ASP300 contains a wax clean fea-

ture that removes solvents (xylene) from used
wax.

Follow the instructions on the left (Fig. 36) to run
a wax clean program.

↓

↓

Leica ASP300

→ →

Fig. 36

The duration of the wax clean program is
user-programmable.

Follow the instructions in Fig. 37.

Fig. 37

61

7. Cleaning and maintenance

7.1.3 Smart clean

The Smart Clean prepares the ASP300 for transport.
Prior to starting a Smart Clean, a complete retort clean program must be

run.
To start a Smart Clean, press SMART CLEAN on the MORE MENU FUNC-

→

TIONS screen and press OK to confirm.
The Smart Clean takes approx. 15 minutes and consists of 3 phases:

Phase 1:

Make sure all reagent containers are inserted correctly.
All internal tubing is cleaned with pressurized air.

Phase 2:

Before phase 2 starts, the operator is prompted to remove all reagent
bottles from the instrument.
All internal tubing is again cleaned with pressurized air.

Phase 3

Before phase 3 starts, the operator is prompted to insert an empty bottle
into station 11.
The tubing is cleaned with pressurized air for the third time - remaining
rests of reagents, if any, are forced back into station 11.

62

Empty and clean all reagent bottles thoroughly before reinsert­ing them into the instrument to make sure there will be no re­agent spills from the bottles that could cause damage during
transport.

The SMART clean is ideal for removing residual liquid from the
internal pipes of the instrument, as it thoroughly purges them
with pressurized air. A SMART clean should be carried out
once every month.

Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

7.2 General cleaning steps

Paraffin wax baths

• Wipe the wax baths and lids clean.

The lid can be removed for cleaning purposes.

• If they are dirty, remove the wax strainers from the wax baths. Clean,

dry and reinsert them.

• Ensure that the air vent hole at the top rear right hand corner is un-

obstructed.

Instrument exterior

Clean the instrument exterior as necessary. Wipe with a damp cloth
moistened with mild detergent and dry.

7. Cleaning and maintenance

Warning! Be careful as the walls of the wax baths are very hot
and may cause burns!

Do not use solvents on painted surfaces and/or the touch
screen!

Checking the drip tray

Leica ASP300

Regularly check the drip tray for spilled
reagents (refer Fig. 38).

Fig. 38

63

7. Cleaning and maintenance

Draining the condensate bottle

Exchanging the activated carbon filter

• Remove and empty the condensate bottle
and reinsert (Fig. 39).

Fig.39

• Exchange the filter as shown in Fig. 40.

• Replace the filter at least every four months
– make sure to insert correctly –
(see arrow on label)!

• Perform a Smart Clean prior to changing the
filter.

64

Fig. 40

Filter label

Instruction Manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

7.3.1 Daily cleaning and maintenance

Cleaning the retort lid

• Remove wax from the inside of the retort lid with the plastic scraper
provided. Make sure to remove all wax from around the retort lid
seal.

• For convenience, the lid may be removed during cleaning by lifting it
vertically and sliding it towards the console.

Cleaning the retort

• The retort may be wiped clean using a cloth moistened with solvent
(xylene or alcohol) or mild detergent. Ensure that the air holes at the
top front of the retort are open - remove all dirt!

Cleaning the retort strainer

• Use alcohol or xylene to clean the strainer located at the bottom of
the retort. For convenience, the strainer may be taken out to remove
all solid dirt.

Cleaning the touch screen

• On the MENU FUNCTIONS screen press CLEAN TOUCH SCREEN.

• Clean the touchscreen.

• Press ENABLE EXIT and then BACK to return to MENU FUNCTIONS.

7. Cleaning and maintenance

Leica ASP300

Cleaning the processor module top surface

• Remove both lids for cleaning.

• First scrape the stainless steel surface with the plastic scraper and
then wipe down.

Reagent and condensate bottle seal lubrication

• To ensure easy removal of the reagent and condensate bottles, lu­bricate the O-ring seals on the plug-in nozzles with the O-ring lubri­cant supplied.

• Check regularly whether the reagent bottles are still properly con­nected to the connection manifolds in the instrument. Retighten, if
necessary.

65

7. Cleaning and maintenance

This procedure is particularly important with bottles containing
chloroform. Chloroform tends to swell the bottle seals, making
them difficult to remove. This problem can be prevented by
regular lubrication.

Checking the retort and wax bath lid seals

• Regularly check the retort and wax bath lid seals for damage. If a
seal is damaged, it must replaced without delay.

7.3.2 Periodic cleaning and maintenance

Cleaning the reagent bottles

• Remove the reagent bottles from the reagent cabinet.
Empty and clean them using a bottle brush and a laboratory deter-

gent in warm water.

• Never clean the reagent bottles in an automatic dishwasher.

66

• Wipe the stainless steel inner walls of the reagent cabinet with a
damp cloth moistened with a mild detergent.

• Refill and reconnect the bottles once cleaned.
Make sure the bottle lids are tight.

• Make sure the bottles are properly pushed home into the connection
manifolds at the rear inner wall of the reagent module.

Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

7. Cleaning and maintenance

7.4 Preventative maintenance schedule

Maintenance activity daily weekly monthly every

4 months

Lubricate reagent bottle O-rings √√∗
and check for damage.

Wipe dry retort and lid √
after completing retort clean cycle.

Clean exterior of instrument √
with soft cloth and minimal
amount of xylene.

Check retort strainer √
for any tissue or wax debris.

Remove residual paraffin √
from inner surface of wax bath lid.

Inspect and, if necessary, √
clean retort lid seal.

Inspect and, if necessary, √
clean wax bath lid seal.

Inspect and, if necessary, √
adjust paraffin levels.

Inspect reagent container fluid levels. √

* if the automatic fill and drain function is actually being used

Leica ASP300

67

7. Cleaning and maintenance

Maintenance activity daily weekly monthly every

4 months

Inspect and, if necessary, √
clean wax bath strainers .

Inspect wax bath air vent and,

√

if necessary, clear.

Inspect and empty condensate bottle.

√

Clear inlet holes.

Examine activated carbon filter.

√

Replace carbon filter. √

emove fluid level sensor (float),

R

inspect and clean. √

Inspect electrical connectors √
at the rear panel of the instrument.

Inspect and, if necessary,

√

clean inside reagent bottles.

Check that the bottle caps and seals
(O-rings) of the reagent bottles are in
place and tight.

Check that the reagent bottles are fully
inserted in the connection manifolds.

68

√

√

Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003

Warranty

Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH guarantees that the contractual
product delivered has been subjected to a comprehensive quality con­trol procedure based on the Leica in-house testing standards, and that
the product is faultless and complies with all technical specifications
and/or agreed characteristics warranted.

The scope of the warranty is based on the content of the concluded
agreement. The warranty terms of your Leica sales organization or the
organization from which you have purchased the contractual product
shall apply exclusively.

Technical service information

If you require technical service or replacement parts, please contact
your Leica sales representative or dealer who sold the product.

Please provide the following information:

• Model name and serial number of the instrument.

• Location of the instrument and name of the person to contact.

• Reason for the service call.

• Date of delivery.

8. Warranty and service

Decommissioning and disposal

The instrument or parts of the instrument must be disposed of in compli­ance with the local laws.

Leica ASP300

69

Notice

70

Instruction manual V 1.3 – 12/2003