Leica EG1160 User Manual

Leica EG 1160

Paraffin Embedding Center

Instruction manual

Leica EG 1160 V 4.1 English – 05/2001

Always keep this manual near the instrument!

Read carefully prior to operating the instrument!

1.Important information

Serial No.	.................................................
Year of manufacture	.................................................

Manufactured in: Federal Republic of Germany

Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH

Heidelberger Strasse 17-19

D-69226 Nussloch

Germany

Telephone	0 62	24/143 - 0
Telefax	0 62	24/143 - 200
eMail:	[e-mail]
Internet:	http://www.histo-solutions.com

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 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

Leica EG 1160 – Paraffin Embedding Center

3

2.Table of contents

1.	Important information .....................................................................................................................................	3
2.	Table of contents .............................................................................................................................................	4
3.	Installation........................................................................................................................................................	5
4.	Technical data .................................................................................................................................................	6
5.	General description ........................................................................................................................................	7
6.	Safety precautions ..........................................................................................................................................	8
7.	Leica EG 1160 – Overview............................................................................................................................	10
8.	Components and features ............................................................................................................................	12
9.	Controls / Display ..........................................................................................................................................	16
10.	Operation ........................................................................................................................................................	17
11.	Tissue embedding .........................................................................................................................................	24
12.	Cleaning, maintenance, service .................................................................................................................	26
13.	Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................................	28
14.	Ordering information ....................................................................................................................................	31
15.	Warrenty and service ...................................................................................................................................	32

4	Instruction manual V 4.1 – 05/2001

3. Installation

The Leica EG 1160 is a compact bench-top unit and can be set up easily. All components come in a cardboard box. The components that are packed separately can be attached to the instrument easily (see page 5 "Part list").

1. Transport and assembly position

The Leica EG 1160 must never - not even for a short while - be positioned as shown. These positions will inevitably cause damage to the condenser. Therefore, please check the Tip-N-Tell indicators which are attached to the package upon receipt.

Should it become necessary to bring the instrument in a position other than normal, lay the instrument on its back turning it slowly and carefully.

2. Unpacking

The instrument may o n l y be lifted holding it at the sides of the base plate of the housing. Dot not carry the instrument holding it at the top cover, at the front handholds of the removable trays or the dispenser. Risk of fracture!

3. Place of installation

The instrument should be set up on a stable, plane laboratory table. Please

ensure that there is no air condition vent nearby.

The location must fulfil the following conditions to ensure that air circulation is not affected. The back of the instrument must be at least 15 cm away from the wall. The shipment includes two spacers which must be attached to the back. Non-compliance with this minimum distance can cause substantial damage to the instrument and will invalidate the warranty.

4. Power supply

Prior to connecting the instrument to the mains outlet, please ensure that the power supply specified on the nameplate complies with the local mains conditions.

5. Foot pedal

The foot pedal is connected to the socket in the right-hand bottom corner on the back.

Leica EG1160 – Paraffin Embedding Center

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4.Technical data

Power supply:		115 V / 60 Hz	Dimensions:			Programmable parameters:
		230 V / 50 Hz	(LxDxH)	910 x 575 x 320 mm
						Temperature
Fuses:			Weight:		50 kg	Paraffin reservoir
115V/60Hz		F1, F2 = T5.0 A				Mold warmer
230V/50Hz	acc. to IEC 127-2		Capacities:			Cassette bath
						Work surface
Power consumption:		800 VA	Paraffin reservoir:		3 l	Cold plate
			Cassette bath:		approx.100 cass.	Workdays
Operating			Heated			Daily work times (beginning, end)
temperature range:		18°C - 35°C	recessed area:		8 cassettes	Weekday
			Cold plate:		approx. 60 blocks	Time
Cooling system:
Refrigerant:	140 g ±5g R134A					Operation either manual or via the
Compressor oil:		150 ccm				foot pedal.
	EMKARATE RL15S

Temperature control

Functional unit	Temperature		Heated	Separate	Warm-up time
	range		separately	temperature	prior to operation
				control
Paraffin reservoir	45	- 70°C,	+	+	4 h
	± 1°C increments
Mold warmer	35	- 70°C	+	+	1 h
	± 1°C increments
Cassette bath	45	- 70°C	+	+	1.5 h
	± 1°C increments
Work area	45	- 70°C	+	+	1 h
	± 1°C increments
Cold plate	- 5°C		-	-	1 h
Forceps holder right	70°C		+	-
Forceps holder left	70°C		+	-
(not basic instrument)
Paraffin dispenser	45	- 70°C	+	-
+ pump

* at an ambient temperature of 22 °C and at an air humidity of 60%

All heated components include overheat protection.

6	Instruction manual V4.0 – 4/98

5.General description

Features

1.Paraffin flow rate is pump con trolled.

2.Paraffin flow rate adjustable in 10 increments

3.Paraffin quantity level indicated in the display

4.Separate paraffin collecting tray

5.Removable cassette bath

6.Forceps holder on the right (ba sic instrument) or on the right and left (not basic instrument)

7.Paraffin dispenser with inte grated illumination

8.User menu available in 5 lan guages

9.Fault detection by error codes in the display

10.Optional accessories: Magni fier, vacuum attachment, fiber optical light guide (for connec tion to the coldlight souces of the Leica CLS series)

The Leica EG 1160 is a modern tissue embedding center providing all features required for rapid, convenient and efficient paraffin embedding of tissue including a separately heated 3-liter capacity paraffin reservoir. Paraffin quantity level shown on LCD display in two steps. Separately heated paraffin delivery system with integrated filter and pump ensure a smooth, consistent paraffin flow. The paraffin flow rate is adjustable in 10 increments.

The paraffin outlet nozzle can be operated either manually or via foot pedal. A non-glare illumination is integrated at the paraffin dispenser outlet to provide a well lighted work area.

The separately heated mold warmer to the right of the paraffin reservoir is designed to store and heat the molds prior to embedding.

The work area is divided into three parts: Cassette storage, working and embedding area and cold plate. The cassettes containing the tissue are stored in a separately heated, removable tray with a capacity of approx. 100 specimen capsules.

The large work area ensures convenient block removal and easy access to the cassettes. The forceps holder(s) is/are designed to accommodate three forceps and is/are integrated in the instrument. The heated recessed area behind the dispenser handle is designed to keep the par-

affin in the cassette molten. Excess paraffin can be drained through an outlet after the removing the stopper.

In front of the paraffin dispenser outlet a refrigeration spot is integrated in the cold plate ensuring optimal cooling. The large cold plate provides space for more than 60 embedding molds. A removable tray is located under the work area to collect excess paraffin drained from the work area.

The Leica EG 1160 is operated and programmed via a menu-driven control board. The menu is displayed in German, English, French, Spanish or Italian as selected. All operations are microprocessor-controlled.

Malfunctions are indicated by a numerical error code in the display. A battery backup prevents loss of all programmed parameters if a power failure occurs.

The individual functional units of the Leica EG 1160 are ergonomically positioned to enable rapid and convenient operation. The instrument may be operated by qualified personnel only in accordance with this operating instruction manual.

If used in accordance with the operating instructions and appropriate maintenance is ensured, the tissue embedding center will operate trouble-free and give perfect embedding results for many years.

Leica EG1160 – Paraffin Embedding Center

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6.Safety precautions

-The instrument may be used by qualified personnel only.

-To avoid any operating mistakes from the beginning, it is necessary to read the operating instructions to familiarize oneself with the technical details.

-Paraffin is flammable and should be handled with care. Spillage should be avoided. Paraffin on the surfaces must not be removed with sharp tools as it would ruin the coating. It should be avoided to allow xylene to react on all surfaces.

Caution:

Xylene is a flammable organic solvent. Its flash point is between 27 and 32°C. Xylene vapours are heavier than air and can easily catch fire on hot surfaces or sparks even over a greater distance.

-Illumination: Before replacing the lamp, the tissue embedding center must be turned off with the main switch.

-To clean the condenser fins, switch the instrument off with the main switch and disconnect it from mains.

-To replace the fuses, the power cord must be disconnected from the power supply. Only fuses that are accessible from outside can be replaced. If you need further information, please contact your local Leica sales office or dealer.

-When operating, the paraffin reservoir, mold warmer, cassette bath, work area and forceps holder are all hot.

Caution: Risk of burning!

Note: Combustible and flammable substances must not be stored near the instrument!

8	Instruction manual V 4.1 – 05/2001

6. Safety precautions

-When using the optional vacuum attachment, please ensure that, after infiltration, the vacuum is neutralised very slowly. Therefore, open the aeration knob very cautiously. Air entering too rapidly could cause hot paraffin to splash and should therefore be avoided.

-Prior to connecting the instrument to the power supply in the laboratory, please make sure that the power supply complies with the values specified on the nameplate. The tissue embedding center should be connected to a grounded socket only.

-The equipment must not be set up near an air condition vent or should not be exposed to direct sunlight!

-Full refrigeration capacity is ensured only if the clearance on the back of the instrument is not less than 15 cm. Therefore, it is necessary to mount the spacers provided.

-Prior to any maintenance and service action, the tissue embedding center must be disconnected from the power supply.

Leica EG1160 – Paraffin Embedding Center

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7.Leica EG 1160 – Overview

Illumination button (3)

LCD display (2)

Leica EG1160

Menu button (4)			Arrow UP/DOWN					ON/OFF button (7)
			buttons (6)
SET/ACT button (5)						Contol panel (1)
								Dispenser
								with integrated illumination (8)
Forceps holder (11a)*									Paraffin reservoir (13)
(only on model with

	Work area (20)	Heated area for
		cassettes (10)

Forceps holder (11)

10	Instruction manual V 4.1 – 05/2001