Leica EG1150 H User manual

Leica EG1150 H
Paraffin Embedding
Station
Instruction Manual
Leica EG1150H
V2.2 English, Rev. B - 12/2009
Always keep this manual near the instrument.
Read carefully prior to operating the instrument.
NOTE: All units before 7623/12.2009
the F2 Fuse is 3.2 AMP

3
Leica EG1150H – Paraffin Embedding Station
IMPORTANT NOTE
The information, numerical data, notes and val-
ue judgments contained in this manual repre-
sent the current state of scientific knowledge
and state-of-the-art technology as we under-
stand 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 develop-
ments, nor to provide our customers with addi-
tional 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 what-
soever is accepted for any financial loss or con-
sequential 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 con-
sidered as warranted characteristics of our
products.
These are determined only by the contract pro-
visions agreed between ourselves and our cus-
tomers.
Leica reserves the right to change technical
specifications as well as manufacturing pro-
cesses without prior notice. Only in this way is it
possible to continuously improve the technolo-
gy and manufacturing techniques used in our
products.
This document is protected under copyright
laws. Any copyrights of this document are
retained by Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH.
Any reproduction of text and illustrations (or of
any parts thereof) by means of print, photocopy,
microfiche, web cam or other methods — in-
cluding any electronic systems and media — re-
quires express prior permission in writing by
Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH.
For the instrument serial number and year of
manufacture, please refer to the name plate at
the left side of the instrument.
© Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
Published by:
Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
Heidelberger Str. 17 - 19
D-69226 Nussloch
Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Internet: http://www.leica-microsystems.com

4Instruction Manual V 2.2, Rev. B – 12/2009
Table of contents
1. Important notes .......................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Symbols used in the text and their
meanings ..................................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Specified use and application ................................................................................................................................. 5
1.3 User group ................................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Instrument type ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
2. Safety .......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Safety regulations ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Safety instructions ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 Built-in safety devices ............................................................................................................................................... 8
3. Instrument components and specifications ......................................................................................................... 9
3.1 Specifications ............................................................................................................................................................. 9
3.2 Overview – instrument parts .................................................................................................................................. 10
3.3 Instrument specifications ....................................................................................................................................... 11
4. Commissioning ......................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.1 Unpacking and installation ..................................................................................................................................... 12
4.3 Package contents .................................................................................................................................................... 13
4.2 Location conditions.................................................................................................................................................. 13
4.4 Necessary assembly work ..................................................................................................................................... 14
4.5 Optional accessories ............................................................................................................................................... 16
4.6 Electrical connection .............................................................................................................................................. 17
5. Operation ................................................................................................................................................................... 18
5.1 Instrument parts/functions ..................................................................................................................................... 18
5.2 Switching the instrument on .................................................................................................................................. 23
5.3 Control panel functions ........................................................................................................................................... 24
5.4 Operating modes ...................................................................................................................................................... 25
5.5 Time-program control ............................................................................................................................................. 26
5.6 Instrument heater ..................................................................................................................................................... 28
6. Cleaning and maintenance .................................................................................................................................... 30
6.1 Cleaning the instrument .......................................................................................................................................... 30
6.2 Maintenance instructions ...................................................................................................................................... 31
7. Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................................................................... 32
7.1 Possible faults ........................................................................................................................................................... 32
7.2 Replacing the halogen lamp ................................................................................................................................... 35
7.3 Changing a fuse ........................................................................................................................................................ 36
8. Warranty and service ............................................................................................................................................. 38

5
Leica EG1150H – Paraffin Embedding Station
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 in-
flammable are marked with this
symbol.
This warning symbol indicates the
surfaces on the instrument that are
hot during operation.
Avoid direct contact to prevent risk
of burning.
Figures in brackets refer to item
numbers in figures.
Function keys that have to be
pressed on the input screen, are dis-
played in bold type and capital let-
ters.
1. Important notes
1.2 Specified use and application
The Leica EG1150H is a modern paraffin embed-
ding station with microprocessor control.
It is designed for embedding histological tissue
specimens in molten paraffin for use in patholo-
gy laboratories and only for the following tasks:
• Melt solid paraffin for sample embedding
and maintain the molten paraffin at the re-
quired temperature.
• Fill the molds, in which the tissue specimens
were placed, with paraffin.
• Heat and maintain the temperatures of em-
bedding 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
• The Leica EG1150H may only be operated by
qualified personnel.
• The user must read the operating instruc-
tions supplied and be familiar with all the in-
strument’s technical details before any work
on the instrument can be carried out.
1.4 Instrument type
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 instru-
ment.
(5)
ENTER

6Instruction Manual V 2.2, Rev B – 12/2009
2. Safety
Be sure to comply with the safety instructions and warnings provided in this chapter.
Be sure to read these instructions, even if you are already familiar with the operation and
use of other Leica products.
2.1 Safety notes
This instruction manual contains important
instructions and information regarding the
operational safety and maintenance of the
instrument.
The instruction manual is an important part of
the product, which must be read carefully prior
to start-up and use and must always be kept
near the instrument.
If additional requirements on accident
prevention and environmental protec-
tion exist in the country of operation,
this instruction manual must be
supplemented by appropriate instruc-
tions to ensure compliance with such
requirements.
This instrument has been built and tested in ac-
cordance with the safety regulations for electri-
cal measuring, control, regulating and laborato-
ry devices.
To maintain this condition and ensure safe op-
eration, the user must observe all notes and
warnings contained in this Operating Manual.
For current information about appli-
cable standards, please refer to the
CE declaration for the instrument and
to our Internet site:
http://www.leica-microsystems.com
The protective devices on both instrument and accessories may neither be removed nor modi-
fied. Only service personnel qualified by Leica may repair the instrument and access the
instrument’s internal components.
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 owner
of the instrument and, in addition, the designated personnel who operates, services or cleans
the instrument.
To ensure trouble-free operation of the instrument, make sure to comply with the following
instructions and warnings.

7
Leica EG1150 H – Paraffin Embedding Station
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-obser-
vance 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!

8Instruction Manual V 2.2, Rev. B – 12/2009
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.

9
Leica EG1150 H – Paraffin Embedding Station
3. Instrument components and specifications
3.1 Specifications
General data
Approvals: The approval symbols relating to this instrument are located
on the rear of the instrument next to the nameplate.
Power voltages: 100-120 V, 50/ 60 Hz
230-240 V, 50/ 60 Hz
Input: 1100 VA
Class of protection1:I
Degree of pollution1:2
Overvoltage category: II
Operating temperature range: +18 °C to + 40°C
Working temperatures: 55 °C to 70 °C, adjustable in 5 degree (K) increments.
Relative air humidity: maximum 60 %, non-condensing.
1) according to IEC-1010, UL 3101, EN 61010
Fuses
Standby switch: Circuit breaker manufactured by ETA,
model 3120-F421-P7T1-W01D-5A
Fine-wire fuses 6.3 x 32 mm: 2x T 2.0 A; 2x T 3.2 A; T2x 4.0 A; T2x 5.0 A; T2x 6.25 A
Fuse type: Co. Schurter: type Fst
Dimensions and weight
Dimensions:
Height: 360 mm
Width: 500 mm
Depth: 640 mm
Weight: approx. 22 kg
Capacities
Paraffin reservoir: approx. 3 l
Cassette warmer: approx. 100 cassettes
Mold warmer: approx. 50 molds
Programmable parameters
Temperature: Paraffin reservoir/dispenser
(heating-up time = 4h)
Mold warmer, cassette warmer, work area
Time: Working days, current weekday
Working times (start, end), time

10 Instruction Manual V 2.2, Rev. B – 12/2009
3.2 Overview – instrument parts
3. Instrument components and specifications
Fig. 1
Paraffin reservoir
with lid
Cassette warmer
Work area illumination
Standby
switch
Forceps holder
Paraffin collection
tray right
Work area
Control panel
Dispenser
Mold warmer
lid
Refrigeration spot
Mold warmer
Paraffin collection tray
left
Cassette warmer
lid

11
Leica EG1150 H – Paraffin Embedding Station
3. Instrument components and specifications
3.3 Instrument specifications
• 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 collec-
tion trays.
• Spacious, easy-to-clean, heated work area, with integrated refrigera-
tion spot, also for extra large cassettes (‘Super Mega Cassettes’) with
paraffin flow system.
• Warmers for cassettes and/or molds with sliding lid, removable and in-
terchangeable.
• 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 paraf-
fin 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 pro-
grammed.
Instrument rear view
Port for power cord
Heat sink
Secondary fuses F1-F3
Secondary fuses
F4-F5
Port for
foot switch
Fig. 2
Sliding elements

12 Instruction Manual V 2.2, Rev B – 12/2009
• 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 dis-
penser (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 instru-
ment 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.
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.
Fig. 3
9
Fig. 4
11 10

13
Leica EG1150H – Paraffin Embedding Station
4. Commissioning
4.2 Location conditions
• Stable, vibration-free laboratory table with hori-
zontal, 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.
4.3 Package contents
The basic equipment for the Leica EG1150H contains the following components:
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.
1 Leica EG1150 H basic instrument
1 set of power cords for heater equipment:
1 power cord “EU” 14 0411 33613
1 power cord “UK” ST/BU F-5A 14 0411 33614
1 power cord “USA-C-J” 14 0411 33615
2 cassette/mold warmers, removable 14 0388 38138
2 lids for cassette/mold warmers 14 0388 32480
1 lid for paraffin reservoir 14 0388 33148
1 paraffin spatula 14 0388 33133
1 forceps holder, removable 14 0388 32497
1 filter screen with holder 14 0388 32208
2 paraffin collection trays 14 0388 38138
1 halogen lamp (12 V, 5 W) 14 0388 32464
1 replacement halogen lamp 5 W 14 0187 32494
1 set of spare fuses: 14 0388 46335
2 fuse T 2,0 A 6x32 14 6943 02001
2 fuse T 3.2 A 6x32 14 6943 32001
2 fuse T 4.0 A 6x32 14 6943 04001
2 fuse T 6.25 A 6x32 14 6943 06251
2 fuse T 5.0 A 6x32 14 6943 05001
1 instruction manual Leica EG1150H 14 0388 80001
1 EC Declaration of Conformity Leica EG1150H 14 0388 80011
Please compare the delivered components against the packing list, delivery note, and your or-
der. Should there be any discrepancy, please contact the Leica distributor handling your order.

14 Instruction Manual V 2.2, Rev. B – 12/2009
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).
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.

15
Leica EG1150 H – Paraffin Embedding Station
4. Commissioning
Installing the accessories
1
23
45
6
78
9
10
Fig. 5






11 11
6


16 Instruction Manual V 2.2, Rev. B – 12/2009
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.
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.
5
12
5
1 43
Fig. 7
4
3

17
Leica EG1150H – Paraffin Embedding Station
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 in-
tended for the local power supply (socket) may be used.
Do not use an extension cord.
4. Commissioning
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.
Fig. 8
1
2
Connecting the foot switch (optional)
• Insert the plug (4) of the foot switch into the
connecting port (5) on the rear of the instru-
ment.
• Tighten the screws (6) of the plug.
4 6
Before connecting the power cord to the foot switch, ensure that the standby switch (1)
(control panel, front) is set to ‘O’ (‘O’ = OFF).
35

18 Instruction Manual V 2.2, Rev B – 12/2009
5.1 Instrument parts/functions 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 ad-
justed temperature cannot be maintained.
An overtemperature cutout is provided to pre-
vent overheating the paraffin if temperature
control fails.
A built-in filtering screen prevents any particles
contained in the paraffin from getting in the par-
affin block.
Recycled paraffin may not be used
in the Leica EG1150H due to the dan-
ger of contamination.
5. Operation
The flow cannot be stopped com-
pletely with the metering screw
(11). It must not be turned whilst
cold!
Fig. 9
1
2
12
13
11
14 13
1
2
Dispenser (2)
The dispenser is heated separately. The tem-
perature adjustment of the dispenser and paraf-
fin 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 op-
erating the paraffin flow. It is provided with an ex-
tension clip (13). The extension clip is height-ad-
justable 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 sim-
ply 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 orig-
inal position and the valve shuts.

19
Leica EG1150H – Paraffin Embedding Station
Work area (3)
The temperature of the work area can be ad-
justed 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.
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 refrig-
eration spot.
While the paraffin is semi-liquid, the sample
can be oriented as required. Finally, the mold
can rapidly be filled up with paraffin.
While orienting the tissue, the
paraffin should not become too
solid, as this may cause different
phases in the finished block, in-
cluding fissures inside, as a result
of which the block may break dur-
ing sectioning.
Forceps holder (5)
The removable forceps holder under the dis-
penser can accommodate up to 6 forceps.
5. Operation
The forceps holder is separately
heated to approximately 70 °C.
Risk of burning!
3
3
4
5
5
4
15
Fig. 10

20 Instruction Manual V 2.2, Rev B – 12/2009
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 con-
tamination, do not reuse paraffin
collected in this tray.
If the instrument is operated with-
out the paraffin collection trays
there is risk of burning.
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.
Only operate the cassette and
mold warmer and paraffin reser-
voir with lid; otherwise the set
temperature cannot be main-
tained.
When working with half-open lids (17),
raise the temperature one level to en-
sure that the paraffin remains molten.
5. Operation
8
6
7
16
17
Fig. 11
8