Histology Innovation for a NEW Generation Pub No.

: OM TEC2120-1
March 2014
TEC2120

Operator’s Manual

Product-II
TEC ™
Name
Tissue Embedding Center
CatalogHere
# TEC2120
Copyright© 2009 General Data Company. All rights reserved

This document may not be copied in whole or in part or reproduced in any other media without the
express written permission of TBS-A Division of General Data Healthcare, or General Data Healthcare.
Please note that under copyright law, copying includes translation into another language.

General Data Healthcare TBS-A Division of General Data Healthcare

Corporate Headquarters 3014 Croasdaile Road
4354 Ferguson Drive Durham, NC 27705
Cincinnati, Ohio 45245 Tel. 919‐384‐9393
Tel. 513‐752‐7978 Fax. 919‐384‐9595
Fax.513‐965‐3636

User Resources and Customer Support

Contact your TBS representative for customer support. For the latest information on TBS products and
services, please visit the TBS website at: www.trianglebiomedical.com.

Scope
This document contains basic information on the use and operation of the TEC™-II Tissue Embedding
Center, and assumes you have received basic training on the instrument. Please contact your TBS
representative for information not provided in this manual.

Intended Use
Before operating the instrument, please read these instructions carefully to familiarize yourself with its
proper operation and functions.
The -TEC™-II is a highly efficient tissue embedding center designed to embed paraffin-infiltrated tissue
in paraffin.
Only skilled or specially trained personnel must operate the instrument. The marked safety measures
as well as the regulations of your respective lab must strictly be observed.

Installation Procedure
The TEC™-II must be installed, and instrument performance is to be verified, at the customer site by
trained TBS representatives.

Disclaimers
This manual is not a substitute for the detailed operator training provided by TBS, or for other advanced
instruction. A TBS representative should be contacted immediately for assistance in the event of any
instrument malfunction.

Page | 3
Instrument Compliance
TBS – A Division of General Data Healthcare, Inc. hereby declares the equipment specified conforms
to the Classifications(s), Directives(s), and Standard(s) set forth in this document.

Certifications: CE, UL/CSA

Page | 4
Operator Controls
1

7
The paraffin flow
rate can be
adjusted by
turning the knob

4 5
2 3 9
6
10

8
1. Storage for hot paraffin 7. Keypad and display for programming and
2. Left-hand chamber control
3. Right-hand chamber 8. Waste trays
4. Dispensing nozzle 9. Cryo Console
5. Forceps Warmer 10. Connector for auxiliary heated forceps
6. Cold zone

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Table of Contents
Copyright© 2009 General Data Company. All rights reserved ............................................................................ 3
Instrument Compliance .................................................................................................................................... 4
Operator Controls ............................................................................................................................................ 5
Declaration of Conformity ..................................................................................................................................
Section 1 | Safety ............................................................................................................................................. 8
Safety Devices ........................................................................................................................................................ 9
Section 2 | Specifications ................................................................................................................................. 9
Technical Specifications ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Section 3 | Preparation/Installation ............................................................................................................... 10
Unpacking Instrument ....................................................................................................................................... 10
Connecting the TEC™-II .................................................................................................................................. 10
Section 4 | Operation..................................................................................................................................... 11
Start‐Up and Programming .................................................................................................................................. 11
Keypad ................................................................................................................................................................ 11
Selecting Operating Parameters .......................................................................................................................... 13
Programming ....................................................................................................................................................... 13
Date and Time .................................................................................................................................................. 13
Temperatures................................................................................................................................................... 14
Automatic Start‐up/Shutdown ........................................................................................................................ 15
Programming Pauses ....................................................................................................................................... 16
Section 5 | Cleaning & Maintenance .............................................................................................................. 17
Daily Cleaning................................................................................................................................................... 17
Maintenance .................................................................................................................................................... 17
Fuse Replacement ............................................................................................................................................ 17
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................................... 18
Alarm Messages ............................................................................................................................................... 18

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 Declaration of Conformity

Konformitätserklärung
Déclaration de conformité
Declaración de Confomidad
Verklaring de overeenstemming
Dichiarazione di conformità

We/Wir/ Nous/WIJ/Noi

TBS-A Division of General Data Healthcare

Declare under our sole responsibility that the product,

erklären, in alleniniger Verantwortung,daß dieses Produkt,
déclarons sous notre seule responsabilité que le produit,
declaramos, bajo nuestra sola responsabilidad, que el producto,
verklaren onder onze verantwoordelijkheid, dat het product,
dichiariamo sotto nostra unica responsabilità, che il prodotto,

TEC™-II Tissue Embedding Center

to which this declaration relates is in conformity with the following standard(s) or other normative documents.
auf das sich diese Erklärung bezieht, mit der/den folgenden Norm(en) oder Richtlinie(n) übereinstimmt.
auquel se réfère cette déclaration est conforme à la (aux) norme(s) ou au(x) document(s) normatif(s).
al que se refiere esta declaración es conforme a la(s) norma(s) u otro(s) documento(s) normativo(s).
waarnaar deze verklaring verwijst, aan de volende norm(en) of richtlijn(en) beantwoordt.
a cui si riferisce questa dichiarazione è conforme alla/e seguente/i norma/o documento/i normativo/i

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Section 1 | Safety

To avoid injury from electrical current, the instrument must be connected with the protective
earth. The instrument is equipped with a three wire ground plug. The power outlet must be
connected to the protective earth and must meet the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) regulations

Never remove instrument housing during operation. Component replacements as well as

adjustments must only be made by trained service personnel. Only use original spare parts
for replacement work. Unplug the unit before removing or opening the covers

The instrument must not be operated in the presence of flammable gases. Moreover, the
instrument must not be exposed to conditions whereby dangerous gas concentrations can
occur.

When working with radioactive specimens observe all applicable radiation safety procedures.
When working with radioactive contaminated material, appropriate safety and disinfecting
measures must be carried out. According to the rules and regulations concerning the handling
of radioactive contaminated material of the respective laboratory, safety clothing (e.g. particle
mask, gloves, protective shoe covers) must be worn. Radioactive contaminated waste must
be disposed of according to the respective regulations.

All containers in instrument are only suitable for paraffin and not for any other inflammable
material.

Due to the fact that work might be hazardous because of freezer burns on frozen parts, the
TEC™-II should be only operated by skilled or well-trained lab personnel. We recommend to
wear protective gloves
Specimens used during the intended operation of the instrument might potentially be
infectious. For this reason, it is recommended to observe the general laboratory regulations
concerning protection against danger of infection.

Information on decontamination media, their use, dilution and effective range of application
can be read in the Laboratory Biosafety Manual:1984 of the World Health Organization.

When working with infectious specimens observe all applicable safety procedures. When
working with infectious material, appropriate safety and disinfection measures must be carried
out. According to the rules and regulations concerning the handling of infectious material of
the respective laboratory, safety clothing (e.g. particle mask, gloves, protective shoe covers)
must be worn. Infectious waste must be disposed of according to the respective regulations.

To avoid the hazard of malfunction of an instrument, it must only be operated in a controlled

electromagnetic environment. This means that transmitters such as mobile phones must not
be operated in their close vicinity.

In case of malfunctions and/or service work, please turn off the instrument and contact your
local dealer

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Safety Devices

Section 2 | Specifications
Technical Specifications

Dispensing Console
Size in mm Width 595, Depth 650, Height 430,
Size in Inches Width 23.4, Depth 25.6, Height 16.9
Electrical Voltage 100-120V/50-60 Hz 220-240V/50-60 Hz
connections Power consumption 7.5A 3.6A
Paraffin storage tank
Adjustable Right and left chambers from 50° to 70°C
temperature Work AREA
range Forceps from 50° to 75°C
Auxiliary heated forceps from 60° to 75°C
Paraffin storage tank 5l
Capacity
Right and left chambers 2.2 l
Weight 62.3 lbs. (27.8 kg)
Primary circuits 100 – 120 V, 2 x T10AH
220 – 240 V, 2 x T5AH
Sound pressure
45 db (A) - measured with 1 m distance to the instrument
Cryo Console
Size in mm Width 340, Depth 600, Height 405,
Voltage 100 V/50 – 60 Hz 100-V/ 110-120 V/ 220-240V/
Electrical 50-60 Hz 50-60 Hz 50-60Hz
connections
Power consumption 3 A 2.4A 3.0 A 1.2A
Adjustable temperature Adjustable from 0 to -12°C
Size of the cold plate 305 x 375 mm
Weight 24.40 kg
Ambient Max. humidity 80% (without condensation)
conditions Temperature range from 5 °C to 40 °C
100 – 120 V, 2 x T10AH
Primary circuits
220 – 240 V, 2 x T6,3AH
Sound pressure 45dB(A) measured with 1 m distance to the instrument
Dispensing & Cryo Console
Transport and Storage Requirements
Storage temperature range: -20°C up to +50°C

+5°C to +40°C (at a max. rel. humidity of 60%)

Operating conditions:
altitude up to 2000 m M.S.L.

Pollution degree: 2
Overvoltage category: II
Floor loading requirements: 150 kg/m2

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Section 3 | Preparation/Installation
Unpacking Instrument

Insert pictures and procedure for unpacking and installing instrument

Connecting the TEC™-II

1. Connect the power supply to the corresponding input on both console units.
2. If required, the Dispensing Console should be connected to the Cryo Console using the
connection cable provided as shown below.
3. The pedal cable should also be connected to the Dispensing Console if the pedal has been
supplied as an optional accessory, together with the additional external set of tweezers.
4. Tighten the screws on the plugs to prevent the connections from becoming loose.
5. To reach the maximum working efficiency, dispensing console must be always connected to the
mains and with the mains switch in the ON position.
Cryo Console

Connection Cable

Power Cable

Power Cable

Pedal Cable

NOTE: The Dispensing Console and Cryo Console are independently connected to the power supply.
However, if connected together, both units are controlled and programmed from the Dispensing
Console. For this reason it is important that the cable connecting both units be correctly installed.

After connecting both units to the power supply, make sure the connection cable is installed correctly,
first turn on the Cryo Console and then the Dispensing Console.

The POWER pilot light on the keyboard and beside the display screen indicates that the unit is
energized.
Under normal operating conditions the screen may display different messages depending on the status
of the unit and the selected interface language:

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Section 4 | Operation
Start‐Up and Programming

Waiting for start-up.

This display appears on the screen if the unit is programmed to start and stop within a time range which
does not include the time now, or if the timer is set to 00:00.

MANUAL
MODE
ON/OFF
In this case, the console must be started manually by pressing the MANUAL MODE ON/OFF
key (see page 15, Programming Start and Stop).

Programmed pause.
This display appears on the screen if the unit is programmed to remain on standby between certain
dates, including the current date (see page 16, Programming Standby).

Heating mode.
The paraffin storage tank or another point that requires heating has not yet reached the programmed
temperature.
ESC
Press ESC key.

The display appears illuminated. The equipment is in operation with the settings as programmed.

UP DOWN
Pressing either the or keys successively display the temperatures of the following:

1. Paraffin: Reservoir
2. Cryo Console (If Activated)
3. Auxiliary Heated Forceps
4. Pipe: Paraffin Transfer Tube
5. Right Chamber
6. Left Chamber
7. Valve: Paraffin Dispenser
8. Area: Work Area
9. Forceps: Forceps Warming Area

Keypad

This soft-touch keypad is used to control and program the embedding center.

Page | 11
 SET
STBY  Enables programming date intervals when the unit does not need to start automatically
(e.g. public holidays, vacations, etc.).
 When the key is in programming mode, the pilot incorporated in the key will be lit.

SET
TIMER  Sets the time when the unit will be turned on and off. When the key is in programming
mode, the pilot incorporated in the key will be lit.

SET
TEMP  Sets the temperature for the areas to be heated.

SET
CLOCK  For setting local time and date.

MANUAL
MODE
ON/OFF  For manual control over starting and stopping the unit. When the unit is in manual mode,
the pilot incorporated in the key will be lit.

LIGHT  Turns the dispensing nozzle light on/off. The pilot indicates that the light is on.

HEAT  Starts and stops the heating process.

 Red pilot light: heating in progress.
 Green pilot light: at operating temperature.

COOL  Starts and stops the Cryo Console.

 Green pilot light: the Cryo Console has reached the pre-set temperature.
 Red pilot light: the Cryo Console is stopped.
 Intermittent green pilot: the Cryo Console is in the start-up phase.
 Intermittent red pilot: the Cryo Console is disconnected from the power supply
or not connected to the Dispensing Console.

ALARM  This key is used to acknowledge alarms and displays the most recent alarm conditions
that have occurred. The red pilot indicates that an alarm has been activated.

UP
 When the unit is in operation (display lit), these keys successively display the current
DOWN
temperatures of each area.
 When the unit is in programming mode, these keys are used to set (increase or
decrease) the values for the temperatures, times, dates, etc.
ESC
 Press this key to cancel any programming situation.

ENTER  This key is used to accept the option selected using the arrow keys. Once the <ENTER>
key is pressed, the option is saved and program automatically advances to the next
option.

Page | 12
Selecting Operating Parameters

Before beginning to program the unit you will probably want to select the interface language including ,
the units for temperatures and other variables.

1. Turn off the Dispensing Console using the switch on the rear panel and then turn it on
again.
2. Before 5 seconds have elapsed, press the following keys sequentially; MANUAL MODE, UP and
DOWN.

The screen will display the following message:

This message indicates that the unit is in the special programming

S.A.T
mode for Technical Service.
MANUFACTURER
After about 5 seconds the following message will appear:

Use the UP or DOWN arrow keys to select the desired interface

SELECT LANGUAGE
language. Once selected, press the <ENTER> key to confirm.
*ENGLISH
The following screen is displayed:

Use the UP or DOWN keys to select the temperature units as

TEMPER. SELECTION
CELSIUS or FAHRENHEIT and confirm the choice by pressing
*CELSIUS
<ENTER>.

Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to select ENABLED if the optional
AUX. FORCEPS
auxiliary tweezers are installed or DISABLED if they are not. Confirm
*ENABLED
by pressing <ENTER>.

Use the UP and DOWN keys to select the date format:

DATE FORMAT
- European Format: DD-MM (Day - Month)
*EUROPEAN FORMAT
- American Format: MM-DD (Month - Day)
Confirm by pressing <ENTER>.

Programming

The TEC™-II combines several easy programming options.

It is possible to program:
 The real date and time (internal clock/calendar)
 The temperature of each zone
 The scheduled time for automatic start-up 1 and shut down of the unit.
 That the unit does not start on certain dates (e.g. vacations, etc.)

Date and Time

SET Should the display be greyed out press and hold the <MANUAL MODE> key
CLOCK
for five seconds.

1 When programming the start-up time the unit automatically calculates when it should connect the heaters so that the

temperatures of the paraffin and other areas are correct for the TEC™-II
to be used at that time.

Page | 13
Press the SET CLOCK key and the following display will appear (see page 14).

Tuesday 11:40:00
11‐27‐13 The day of the week (in this example, Tuesday) flashes.

1. Change the day by pressing the UP or DOWN key and confirm the selection by
UP pressing <ENTER>.
2. The first digit of the date then begins flashing.
DOWN
 Remember that the date format may be DAY-MONTH-YEAR if the
European date format has been programmed, or MONTH-DAY-YEAR, if the
American date format has been programmed.
ENTER
3. Change the date by using the UP or DOWN key as required and confirm the
selection by pressing <ENTER>.
4. Repeat to edit all the values for the date and time.

Temperatures
SET
TEMP Press the SET TEMP key and the following display will appear.

Note that the temperature units (Celsius / Fahrenheit), will depend on

SET TEMPERATURE those set in the section on language and units.
PARIFFIN 60A
Use the UP or DOWN keys to change the value, and confirm by
pressing <ENTER>.

Repeat the procedure for adjusting the temperatures for each zone of the TEC™-II in the order shown
below. Please note that for safety reasons some values are internally limited by the unit. This is why it
is not possible to select temperature values that exceed certain limits.

The recommended values for each of the zones (factory default values) are:

Zone Temperature
PARAFFIN 61°C - 142°f
CRYO CONSOLE -10°C - 14°F
AUX. HEATED FORCEPS 62°C - 144°F
PIPE 62°C - 144°F
RIGHT CHAMBER 62°C - 144°F
LEFT CHAMBER 62°C - 144°F
VALVE 62°C - 144°F
AREA 60°C - 140°F
FORCEPS 65°C - 149°F

Page | 14
NOTE: If the Cryo Console works as a stand-alone unit, temperatures will be adjusted through a
potentiometer located at the back of the instrument.
The list below shows temperatures of the Cryo Console depending on position of potentiometer knob:

Knob Position Temp in °C (±1°C)

0 0°C (OFF)
1 0°C
2 -1.2°C
3 -2.7°C
4 -4.0°C
5 -5.4°C
6 -6.8°C
7 -8.2°C
8 -9.6°C
9 -11.4°C
10 -12.0°C

Automatic Start-up/Shutdown
The Modular Embedding Center offers different program options for the unit operating times.:
 The same times from MONDAY to FRIDAY
 Different operating times (or stopped) on SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS
 Individual programs for each day of the week

MANUAL
MODE
ON/OFF Should the display be grayed out press and hold the <MANUAL MODE> for five seconds.

SET
TEMP Press the SET TIMER key and the following display will appear.

Use the UP or DOWN keys to select the operating time programmed

START UP for all work days (Monday to Friday) or if necessary, it is possible to
*MON‐ individually program each day of the week. Confirm the selection by
pressing <ENTER>

The upper left corner of the display shows the appropriate reference
START UP
(Monday to Friday or each day of the week)
*DAILY

Use the UP or DOWN keys to change the value for start-up or

MON‐FRI
operation of the unit if necessary, and confirm the selection by
ON TIME HH‐MM
pressing <ENTER> to move to the next value

Page | 15
 Once the start time has been set the screen will display the options for
MON‐FRI the unit shut-down time:
OFF TIME HH‐MM
Proceed in the same way to set time when the unit should be
automatically shut-down.
Once these values have been set, the option for SATURDAY and
SUNDAY will display.

SATURDAY If the unit is not to be used over the weekend enter the values 00:00
ON TIME 00‐00 for START and 00:00 for STOP. Repeat the same operation for
SUNDAY.
If the DAILY option has been selected it will be necessary to set the
START and STOP time for each day of the week.
Default values for the TIMER (factory-set values) are:

Day ON/OFF Time

ON 08:00
MON - FRI
OFF 15:00
ON 00:00
SATURDAY
OFF 00:00
ON 00:00
SUNDAY
OFF 00:00

Programming Pauses
The TEC™-II can be programmed so that it will NOT AUTOMATICALLY START between certain
dates. This option is ideal for saving energy when the unit is not in use (e.g. Holidays or during
vacations).

Should the display be greyed out, press and hold the <MANUAL MODE> key for five seconds.

SET Press the <SET STBY> key and the following display will appear.
STBY

Use the UP, DOWN and ENTER keys to set the day and month (or
SET STANDBY ON TIME
the month and day if the American format has been selected) ON
00‐00 DD‐MM
WHICH the unit is NOT TO START automatically i.e., the beginning of
the pause. Confirm the settings by pressing <ENTER> for each value.

Use the UP, DOWN and ENTER keys to set the END of the pause,
i.e., the day and month the unit WILL COME INTO OPERATION
AGAIN under normal programmed operating times.

If the unit is not to have any programmed pause, enter 00-00 as the values for START and STOP.

The default values for the pause are:

Pause Time
START 00-00
END 00-00

Page | 16
Section 5 | Cleaning & Maintenance
Daily Cleaning
As it is a precision medical instrument, the Tissue Embedding Center TEC™-II requires careful
cleaning each day after use.

Do not use solvents, harsh detergents, sharp or pointed objects to clean the unit.
Always use citric based detergents or hot soapy water.

The work AREA has drainage channels that guide any paraffin that has dripped into waste
collection trays.

Cleaning any paraffin that may be deposited in the waste trays is much easier if you cover the
bottom of each tray with a piece of paper.

CAUTION: Before the removing paraffin trays located right and left of the dispensing nozzle, be
careful not to spill any paraffin. It may leak into the interior of the instrument where it may
cause damage to some components.

Maintenance
Annual Maintenance - To maintain optimal performance, it is recommended Periodic
Maintenance be performed by a trained service technician once a year.

Fuse Replacement
The instrument fuses are placed on the rear side of the instrument. To replace the fuses, de-
energize the instrument and disconnect the POWER CABLE from the outlet.
Unlock the FUSE CAP on the upper side by using a pointed tool (1) and fold down the FUSE
LID (2).

Page | 17
 Pull out the red FUSE HOLDER and check or replace the FUSES. If replacing FUSES, please
verify the fuse voltage (3) corresponds to the FUSE HOLDER. When inserting the FUSES
into the FUSE HOLDER, please note the correct positioning of the lateral holding clips.
Install the FUSE HOLDER so the voltage can be read and is upright. Reconnect the
POWER CABLE and energize the instrument.

Troubleshooting

PROBLEM DESCRIPTION REMEDY

Check:

Electrical connections to the power

Instrument does not supply.
The POWER pilot light does not
Power illuminate
Position of the switch on the rear panel

Condition of the two fuses located above

the switch

Check:

The temperatures of the paraffin, delivery

tube and valve have been set to adequate
Paraffin not Paraffin is not dispensed when touch- values.
dispensed plate and/or foot switch is operated The nozzle flow rate is adjusted correctly.

Alternatively operate the pedal and/or the

touch-plate to see which of the two
systems is failing.

Insufficient heat Some of the zones do not heat Check that the temperatures are
programmed correctly

The cold area does Cold Areas not cooling sufficiently to

Contact the Maintenance Service Center
not cool keep paraffin cold.

Alarm Messages

ERROR Indicates that the system has stopped automatically because of

SECURITY excess temperature.

ERROR Indicates that one of the temperature probes controlling the heating
SENSOR ERROR process is faulty.

Page | 18
Page | 19
 More Information

PH: 844.643.1129 General Data Healthcare helps labs enhance

productivity and improve workflow with
innovative products, solutions and support that
www.general-data.com/hc focus on delivering better patient safety & care.

©2014 General Data Healthcare, Inc. All rights reserved. Specifications are current at the time of publication; however, they are subject to change without notification. All trademarks and
registered trademarks are property of General Data Healthcare, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

Sales Inquiries:
PH: 844.643.1129
Email: talktous@general-data.com
Web: www.general-data.com/hc
General Data Healthcare, Inc.
Headquarters: 4354 Ferguson Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45245 Service:
TBS Facility: 3014 Croasdaile Drive, Durham, NC 27705 PH: 800.245.5029
Email: customersupport@general-data.com