AkraLab PLUGGO Instruction Manual
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User’s Handbook
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY
BEFORE ATTEMPTING
TO USE THE INSTRUMENT
This manual describes the automated de-capper PLUGGO.
Content
1. General Information
2. Installation
3. Operation Instructions
3.1 First Time Operation and Training
3.2 Normal Operation
4. Cleaning Instructions
5. Service Instructions
5.1 Serviceable Parts and Spare Parts list
5.2 Repackaging Instruction and Service Shipment
6. Warranty
7. Declaration of Conformity
____________________________________________________________________________________
Clinicon AB, Box 7025, S-161 07 Bromma, Sweden
Phone +46 8 37 8134, Telefax +46 8 37 8138
www.clinicon.se, e-mail: info@clinicon.se Rev no 7d
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1. General Information – Read this first
1. Type of equipment and intended use:
Pluggo is used for safe removal of original caps from vacuum collection tubes. It is
intended for use in laboratory environment under normal in-house conditions.
Clinicon AB cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or damage, however caused,
arising from a faulty or incorrect use of the instrument.
2. Tube Handling
Pluggo is capable of handling 5ml, 7ml, 7ml long and 10ml Vacuum tubes of the same
brand.
Note: Each tube size has to be loaded in its corresponding carousel size with different
colour marks.
Note: Never load de-capped tubes in carousel. Pluggo will damage tubes without caps!
Note: Never change brand without consulting Pluggo technical support.
3. Carousels
Different tube sizes are handled by use of different carousels with corresponding colour
marks.
Carousel colour Tube size Volume
Blue
13 x 75 mm
5 ml
Red
13 x 100 mm
7 ml long
Grey
16 x 75 mm
7 ml short
Yellow
16 x 100 mm
10 ml
Note: All tubes placed in a carousel must be of the same type and size. Otherwise,
damaged tubes may result.
Each carousel is capable of loading up to 24 tubes.
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4. Waste of biohazard material
When Pluggo is in operation, the de-capped plugs have to be collected and handled as
biohazard waste. The chute mounted on Pluggo will guide the plugs to the right side of
the equipment. As an option, a special chute for left hand mounting could be ordered.
In this case however, the installation of Pluggo must not disable easy access to the
control panel and the Red emergency stop.
5. Cleaning and disinfecting of equipment
Use clinic disinfectant solution only. Use cleaning cloth. Do not use spray solution on
Pluggo unit.
Note: Do not use Bleach on Pluggo unit.
Further instructions is found under Cleaning/Service instructions.
6. Emergency stop
If any unexpected happens during operation, press the Red stop button.
After removing the carousel from the driving disk, press stop button once again to reset
and if necessary press Start button to let Pluggo go to the normal “home position”.
7. Unpacking and inspections
At arrival of delivery, please check for any transportation damage prior to installation. It
is recommended to save the transportation package for later service or repair
shipment.
8. Supply voltage
Note: Please check that the supply voltage indicated on Pluggo sign at the bottom of
the unit corresponds to your local supply voltage.
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2. Installation
1. Place the unit on a counter with the right side at the edge of the counter.
2. Open the plexiglass cover.
3. Hold the chute with the clip attached to it directed downwards. Clip the chute onto the
round white plastic cylinder directly under the de-capper arm. The chute should now be
extending to the right of the unit, on the same side as the power switch and controls
are located. Se figure 4.
4. Make sure that there is no space between the chute and the back surface of the unit. If
there is, press chute against the back wall to eliminate any space present.
5. Close the plexiglass cover to make sure that the chute does not interfere with the
closure of the cover. Please keep the cover closed.
6. The used caps will be disposed through the chute. Please place a receptacle with the
appropriate biohazard lining to catch the falling used caps.
7. Plug the power cord into a supply connector with protective ground. Press the
rectangular power switch on the right side of the unit. Check that the light on the power
switch is now lit. Se figure 2.
8. Without any carousels placed on the unit, and the cover closed, press the “Black” start
switch and allow the unit to go through one complete cycle until it stops. If nothing
happens when you press the black start switch, please press the “Red” stop switch
once and if necessary the black start switch again.
9. Open the plexiglass cover and inspect the de-capper arm. Its position should be as
indicated in the figure 1:
Leaf Spring Puller Puller action rod
Screws
Spring Stop
Needle in protected position
Figure 1: De-capper arm in home position
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10. Locate the black “home position pin” on the drive disk. It should always be pointing
directly towards the black pad and in line with the de-capper head.
11. Pluggo is now ready for operation. Please proceed to “operation instructions” for
further information before operation starts.
De-capper head
Emergency Stop
(Red)
Fuse:T1A/250V
Power On/Off
Tube Support Start (Black)
Figure 2: Right side view with control panel
Start to load here
Colour tube size mark
Carousel moves and home position
counter clockwise indicator
Figure 3: Carousel with coloured tube size mark
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3. Operation Instructions
3.1 First time Operation and Training:
We do recommend that you run PLUGGO for a few cycles without it¹s sample carousel in
order to familiarise yourself with it¹s general mode of operation.
1. Connect PLUGGO to a supply source with protective ground.
2. Switch on using rocker switch on panel at right hand side.
The red neon should now be on.
3. Black button on same panel is for starting carousel movement.
(Carousel drive disk will move counter clockwise.)
4. Red button on same panel is an emergency stop for carousel.
5. Carousel drive disk can be moved manually but only in a counter
clockwise direction.
Now load an empty carousel. See figure 3. Locate the colour mark on the carousel to be in
line with the “home position pin” on the carousel drive disk. In this case, the pin will fit into
the hole in base of carousel. Be sure not to rotate the carousel when placing on the drive
disk. With the carousel installed correctly you will see that it stops automatically when
reaching the “home position” which is marked.
If the drive disk is unintentionally rotated when handling the carousel, the drive disk will be
out of the correct position and cause malfunction. In this case, lift of carousel and press
start to let Pluggo go to automatic stop.
As an alternative, the drive disk could be turned counter clockwise manually until it
reaches the home position. Make sure not to rotate beyond the home snap location!
Note: If the drive disk is slightly out of the home snap position, Pluggo will fail in de-
capping the tubes.
PLUGGO’s red emergency stop button (see Fig 1) works like a normal switch i.e. after
use, it has to be pressed again to reset and if necessary press the start button again. It is
recommended to test this function at this time.
PLUGGO will automatically adjust itself to accept smaller differences up to 4 mm
difference in tube height. It does this by moving its “de-capper head” out and across and
adjusting for the caps. It is therefore important not to run PLUGGO with tubes whose
caps have already been removed since this could result in tubes being broken.
Four different types of carousels can be used in the standard version off PLUGGO.
Carousel colour Tube size Volume
Blue
13 x 75 mm
5 ml
Red
13 x 100 mm
7 ml long
Grey
16 x 75 mm
7 ml short
Yellow
16 x 100 mm
10 ml
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3.2 Normal Operation
After initial training and under normal conditions the following procedure
should apply:
1. Open the Plexiglass cover
2. Check that the chute is mounted and that the proper collecting device of de-capped
plugs is in order.
3. Place a loaded carousel with the colour mark in line with the home position pin on the
drive disk. Check that the first tube is located correctly in line with the de-capper head.
4. Close the cover
5. After power on, press the start button.
6. After automatic stop, open cover and replace the carousel for continuous operation.
7. Close cover and press start.
8. After finishing operation, close cover and power off the unit.
9. On daily basis, remove the chute and de-capper head for cleaning according the
Cleaning/Service instructions.
Figure 4: Chute attached on Pluggo (standard on right-side)
To remove the chute: Lift and pull it straight out from side of Pluggo
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4. Cleaning Instructions
Due to the handling of tubes with blood samples, it is important to clean all potential
infectious parts on a daily basis. Use clinic/laboratory approved disinfectant solution.
Never use Bleach!
Note: Always use protective gloves when cleaning equipment.
1. Remove chute from the unit for cleaning procedure using disinfectant solution or in
auto-clave equipment.
2. To remove the de-capper head:
•Remove any carousel
•Press Start to let de-capper head move outwards.
•Press Stop button. This will let de-capper arm to stop in out position
•Push de-capper head and turn left (90 degree counter clockwise). Se figure 5.
•Pull out the head gently from arm.
The de-capper head is cleaned with disinfectant solution or in auto-clave.
Warning: The sharp needle will be exposed during removal. It presents a potential hazard
from possible contact with infected blood samples. Take all necessary precaution when
handling de-capper head or chute.
De-capper head To remove head Push and turn left 90 degree
Figure 5: Removal of de-capper head
3. Clean unit and cover by using disinfectant solution on a cleaning cloth.
Note: Never use spray solution on Pluggo unit! It may affect the mechanical function.
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4. Before mounting de-capper head:
-Check needle for any damage: The needle should be sharp and in straight condition.
-Check spring stop: The spring should be in parallel line with the de-capper head.
5. To mount the de-capper head:
•Check that de-capper arm is put in outward position. See above “To remove de-
capper head”.
•Hold the head in a 90 degree left position and push de-capper head onto the
mounting arm. In pressed position, turn right (90 degree clockwise) and release.
The head should now be in locked normal position.
•Press Red button once, then Start to let Pluggo go to automatic stop.
6. To mount chute: Hold chute with spring downwards and press onto holder.
7. Close cover and check no interfering with chute.
Pluggo is now ready for operation.
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5. Service Instructions
5.1 Serviceable parts
With necessary tools and skills, the following parts are replaceable:
1. Rubber pad
2. Needle
3. Spring stop
4. Leaf spring
Note: Before service of any kind, All parts must be cleaned according to the cleaning
instructions.
Warning: The sharp needle will be exposed during removal. It presents a potential hazard
from possible contact with infected blood samples. Take all necessary precaution when
handling de-capper head or chute.
1. Replacement of Rubber Pad on Tube Support
When the Tube support no longer holds the Tubes in a steady grip at de-capping, the
Rubber pad should be replaced.
Tube support Rubber pad with self-adhesive tejp
without pad
Figure 6: Tube support rubber pad
•Remove the old Rubber pad from the Tube support.
•Clean the Tube support with Acetone.
•Remove protective film from the rubber pad and put it onto the tube support.
•Press firmly on the rubber pad.
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2. Replacement of Needle
If needle is no longer sharp or in straight condition, it should be replaced.
Use a small screwdriver 3mm to remove the lower small screw, see figure 7.
Replace the needle with a new according to the specified part in the spare part list below.
When mounting the new needle, use some silicone grease on screw and needle to
facilitate future replacement. Do not over-tighten the screw.
Replace the Spring Stop by removing this screw
Replace the Leaf Spring by removing this screw
Replace the Needle by removing this screw
Figure 7: Replacement of de-capper head spare parts
3. Replacement of Spring stop
If the spring stop is damaged and no longer could be adjusted in line according to the
figure 8, it should be replaced. Use a screwdriver 5mm to remove the upper screw, se
figure 7. Replace the Spring Stop with a new according to the specified part in the spare
part list below. Check correct mounting with figure 8.
4. Replacement of Leaf spring
If the leaf spring is no longer holding the puller in a tight position when head is removed, it
should be replaced. Use a small screwdriver 3 mm to remove the middle screw, see figure
7. Replace the Leaf Spring with a new according to the specified part in the spare part list
below.
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Spare parts list
Item Part No Description Comment
96 00 4496 De-capper head assembly complete
1. 96 00 4470 Leaf Spring
2. 95 27 0557 Screw
3. 95 27 0558 Screw
4. 96 00 4475 Spring stop std. 9600 4499 for 16x100mm
Hemogard tubes.
5. 96 00 4472 Needle std. 9600 6172 for16x100 mm
Hemogard tubes.
Figure 8: De-capper head assembly
96 00 4393 Carousel for 10 ml tubes yellow marking
96 00 4394 Carousel for 7 ml short tubes grey marking
96 00 4395 Carousel for 7 ml long tubes red marking
96 00 4484 Carousel for 5 ml tubes blue marking
96 00 4445 Pull spring under the disk drive
96 00 4468 Rubber pad
96 00 4397 Plexiglass cover
96 00 44 61 Hinge screw for the plexiglass cover
96 00 4509 Chute for caps right-hand side standard
96 00 4490 Chute for caps left-hand side optional
96 00 4463 Home position pin black pin on the disk drive
95 83 00 26 Fuse, T1A/250V slow blow
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5.2 Repackaging instructions
When necessary to ship Pluggo unit for service or repair, please follow the instructions
below to pack the instrument. Do not include the plexiglass cover, chute or carousels in
the shipment.
1. Remove chute and any carousel from Pluggo.
2. Clean the unit and de-capper head according to the “Cleaning Instructions”.
3. Remove the two screws holding the plexiglass cover and lift off. Use tape to fix screws
to the inside of the cover. Place the plexiglass cover at a safe place. It will not be sent.
4. Use the original box with packing material and lift out all material except for the bottom
and side wall foam material.
5. Place Pluggo unit into box. Do not include the plexiglass cover.
6. Make sure the power cord is tucked to the side of the unit.
7. Place the cardboard on top of the Pluggo unit. Cut down the box in the corners to
reduce the height down to the top level of the unit. This will ensure stability of the
content during shipment. Do not include chute or carousels in box.
8. Include a written message with service request or description of technical problems. Do
not forget to include Company name and complete address for return after
service/repair.
9. Seal the box and label with appropriate shipping address.
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6. Warranty and Technical Support
WARRANTY
Clinicon AB warrants this product against any defect due to faulty material or workmanship
for one year after the original date of purchase. This warranty does not include damage to
the product resulting from accident or misuse. If the product should become defective
within the warranty period, we will repair it or select to replace it free of charge. We will
return your product, transportation prepaid, provided it is delivered prepaid to Clinicon AB.
Manufacturer's liability under it's warranties is limited to the repair or replacement of
products returned prepaid to the factory, and does not include the cost of any loss or
inconvenience, misuse, abuse, accident or damage from service by other than an
authorised service centre.
Since product developments is a continuous process, Clinicon AB reserves the right to make changes in the
specifications without notice.
Adress to Clinicon AB or service centre:
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7. Declaration of Conformity
Manufacturer: Clinicon AB
Box 7025
S-161 07 Bromma
Sweden
Declares that the Product:
Pluggo automated de-capper
is in conformity with the provision of the following directives:
•Machinery Directive 2006/42/EG
•Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EG
•EMC directive 2004/108/EG
and with reference to the following harmonised standards:
Safety of machinery:
•EN 12100
Electric safety:
•EN 61010
•EN 61010-2-081
EMC requirements:
•EN 60000-6-3
•EN 55022 Class B
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