Articulate Instruments PTU User manual

PTU
™
0473
USERS MANUAL
Revision 1.10
ELECTROPALATOGRAPH
PORTABLE TRAINING UNIT
Address:
Articulate Instruments Limited
Queen Margaret Campus, Queen Margaret University Drive
Musselburgh EH21 6UU
UK
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email:[e-mail]
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Articulate Instruments Ltd. No part of this manual may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the written permission of Articulate
Instruments Ltd.

Manual for PTU System. Document No. PTUManual_1.10
Copyright 2001-2010 Articulate Instruments Ltd 1

Manual for PTU System. Document No. PTUManual_1.10
Copyright 2001-2010 Articulate Instruments Ltd 2
Contents
Definitions........................................................................................................ 3
Warranty.......................................................................................................... 3
CE Marks on electrical devices........................................................................ 3
General EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Guidelines .............................. 3
Electromagnetic Interference..................................................................... 3
Declaration of Conformity ............................................................................. 4
Safety Precautions .......................................................................................... 5
Some Do’s and Don’ts on the Safe Use of the WinEPG™ System .............. 5
Getting Started ................................................................................................ 6
Inspection ..................................................................................................... 6
System Features .......................................................................................... 6
PTU™ System Description........................................................................... 6
EPG palate ................................................................................................ 7
Multiplexer ................................................................................................. 7
PTU ........................................................................................................... 8
System Setup ............................................................................................... 9
Using the Freeze button ............................................................................. 10
Replacing the Batteries .............................................................................. 11
Adjusting the Palate Threshold................................................................... 12
Technical Details ........................................................................................... 12
Specifications ............................................................................................. 12
Multiplexer ............................................................................................... 13
General Environmental............................................................................ 13
Meaning of symbols on rear panels......................................................... 13
Electrical Safety.......................................................................................... 13
On-site Calibration Check........................................................................... 14
WinEPG Maintenance ................................................................................ 14
EPG Palate Assembly ................................................................................... 15
Palate Layout.............................................................................................. 15
Preparation for use of EPG palate.............................................................. 16
Care of the EPG Palate .............................................................................. 16
Wiring Connections for the EPG Palate...................................................... 17
Guidelines for preparing plaster models ..................................................... 17
Manufacturers of EPG palates.................................................................... 18
Troubleshooting............................................................................................. 19
FAQ ............................................................................................................ 19
Contact ....................................................................................................... 20

Manual for PTU System. Document No. PTUManual_1.10
Copyright 2001-2010 Articulate Instruments Ltd 3
Definitions
EPG Electropalatograph
SPI Serial Port Interface unit
D.C. Direct current
LED Light Emitting Diode
PTU Portable Training Unit
Warranty
Articulate Instruments Ltd warrants the Electropalatograph against defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of one year from receipt by the user.
During that warranty period, Articulate Instruments will either, at its option,
repair or replace products, which prove to be defective. Articulate Instruments
can accept no responsibility if the Electropalatograph is used other than in
accordance with the instructions supplied. This warranty applies to the initial
purchaser only and is not transferable. Full Terms and Conditions are
contained in the Warranty Terms and Conditions enclosed with the system.
CE Marks on electrical devices
The European Union has introduced directives requiring CE marks on
devices.
Non medical devices marked with indicate compliance with relevant
directives. Electropalatography systems (WinEPG/PTU) sold as medical
devices comply with EEC Council Directive 93/42/EEC of 14 June 1993
concerning Medical Devices. 0473 applies to class IIa.
NOTE: For therapeutic use palates must be manufactured by Incidental as the
only approved supplier.
General EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Guidelines
Electromagnetic Interference
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is any signal or emission, radiated in free
space or conducted along power or signal leads, that endangers the
functioning of a radio navigation or other safety service or seriously degrades,
obstructs, or repeatedly interrupts a licensed radio communications service.
The PTU™ system is designed to comply with applicable regulations
regarding EMI. In particular it complies with standards for medical electrical
equipment and information technology equipment used in medical electrical
application.

Manual for PTU System. Document No. PTUManual_1.10
Copyright 2001-2010 Articulate Instruments Ltd 4
Declaration of Conformity
Marking
Manufacturer:
Articulate Instruments Ltd.
Queen Margaret Campus
Queen Margaret University Drive
Musselburgh EH21 6UU UK
[phone]
[phone] (Facsimile)
Product Designation: Electropalatograph (Models WinEPG and PTU)
The above mentioned products meet the essential requirements of:
1. The Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC, Statutory Instrument 2002 No.
618, classified as a Class IIa medical device (Annex IX rule 9).
2. Canadian Medical Devices Regulations (PC 1998-783, 7 May 1998),
classified Class II (CMDR rules 9,10)
Standards to which Conformity is declared:
ISO 9001:2008 Quality management systems: except service & installation
ISO 13485:2003 Medical Devices: Quality Management systems: except service &
installation
ISO 14971:2009 Application of risk management to medical devices
IEC 980:2008 Symbols for use in the labelling of medical devices
IEC 60601-1:1990 +A1:1993, A11:1993, A12:1993, A2:1995, A13:1996 Medical
electrical equipment – general requirements for safety
IEC 60601-1-1:2001 Safety requirements for medical electrical systems
IEC 60601-1-2:2007 Electromagnetic compatibility – requirements and tests
IEC 60601-1-4:1996 Safety of programmable electrical medical systems
MDR (PC 1998-783, 7 May 1998) Canadian Medical Devices Regulations
Annex VI & VII MDD 93/42EEC Medical Device Directive
Notified Body:
AMTAC Certification Service Limited
www.intertek-acsl.com
Notified Body Number: 0473
Testing Laboratory:
SGS United Kingdom Ltd
www.uk.sgs.com
UKAS No 1116
Certificate No.: 637CE
I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment specified by this
declaration conforms to the listed directives and standards
Signature: Date: 20 October 2009
Name: Alan Wrench
Position: Managing Director

Manual for PTU System. Document No. PTUManual_1.10
Copyright 2001-2010 Articulate Instruments Ltd 5
Safety Precautions
WARNING: To Prevent Fire or Shock Hazard, Do not expose this system
(except the palate) to rain or moisture.
CAUTION
• When you are not using the PTU™ system for a long period of time, it is
recommended that you remove the batteries from the PTU™ unit.
• Refer internal servicing to qualified service personnel.
ATTENTION: Under normal circumstances, the duration of EPG therapy
should not be longer than sixty (60) minutes.
WARNING
• Potential EPG users with a heart PACEMAKER should NOT USE EPG
until they have discussed the risks with their GP and the manufacturer of
the pacemaker.
Some Do’s and Don’ts on the Safe Use of the WinEPG™ System
This equipment has been designed and manufactured to meet international
safety standards but, like any electrical equipment, care must be taken if you
are to obtain the best results and safety is assured.
DO read the operating instructions before you attempt to use the equipment
DO ensure that all electrical connections (including the mains plug, leads and
interconnections between pieces of equipment ) are properly made and in
accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
DO consult the manufacturer if you are ever in doubt about the installation,
operation or safety of your system.
DON’T continue to operate the equipment if you are in doubt about it working
normally, or if it is damaged in any way.
NEVER walk around with the multiplexer around your neck
ALWAYS have a responsible adult (preferably a clinician) supervising
children or adults with incapacity that are using EPG.
ALWAYS visually inspect the EPG palate for any signs of damage prior to
every use.

Manual for PTU System. Document No. PTUManual_1.10
Copyright 2001-2010 Articulate Instruments Ltd 6
Getting Started
Inspection
Upon receipt of your WinEPG system (or upgrade system), it should be
examined immediately for any evidence of damage. Damaged shipments
should be reported promptly to the carrier, who is normally liable for such
damage.
All documentation, airway bills and packing materials should be retained in
order to establish claims. After notifying the carrier of shipping damage, please
also advise Articulate Instruments so that we may assist in damage claims and
supply replacement equipment if necessary.
System Features
− Safety. No direct connection between client and power
source. All connections are capacitance coupled.
Maximum signal current is 50 micro amperes
− Low running costs. Designed to have low power
consumption. Around 100 hours continuous use from one
set of batteries. Automatic shutdown after 20minutes with
no use, to conserve batteries if unit accidentally left on.
− Compatibility. Uses the same multiplexer and palate as
EPG3
− Portability. The system comes in its own carry case,
making it easy to store and transport between clinic and
home.
PTU™ System Description
The Portable Training Unit (PTU) system includes the following supplied
components:
− Multiplexer with chrome handgrip
− PTU™ display unit
− Carry case
− Threshold adjustment screwdriver
− Optional Freeze button
To operate the system the following additional items are required:
− An EPG palate, custom made for each client

Manual for PTU System. Document No. PTUManual_1.10
Copyright 2001-2010 Articulate Instruments Ltd 7
Figure 1 PTU™ system hardware
EPG palate
The EPG palate (1F) comprises an acrylic palate fitted with 62 silver contacts
wired to a multiplexer input connector. EPG palates must be manufactured to
fit each individual client. See Appendix for EPG palate manufacturer address.
Before use the EPG palate should be inspected for any defects that might put
the patient at risk (e.g. breaks, cracks etc).
Multiplexer
The EPG palate plugs into the connector slot on the multiplexer (Figure 2E),
which is suspended from a cord around the client’s neck.
E.Multiplexer
F. EPG palate
D
. Chrome
handgrip
A
.Carry case
C
. Portable
Training Unit
B
. Palate
case
G
. Freeze
button

Manual for PTU System. Document No. PTUManual_1.10
Copyright 2001-2010 Articulate Instruments Ltd 8
WARNING The lanyard should never be tied at the free end, as this
would pose a risk of the wearer being strangled by the lanyard if the
unit catches on something.
Figure 2 Correct use of the lanyard (neck cord)
The lanyard located in the top of the multiplexer should be slipped through the
bracket which is also mounted on the top of the mutiplexer. The cord will grip
without the need to tie a knot and may be adjusted by pulling it through the
bracket until the unit rests at a comfortable height. Ideally the multiplexer
should be high on the chest so that there is no strain on the palate cables.
The client should hold the chrome handgrip, which plugs into the side of the
multiplexer box to complete the contact circuit.
The palate should always be plugged into the multiplexer BEFORE it is placed
in the client’s mouth and DO NOT REMOVE PALATE CONNECTOR WHILST
THE CLIENT IS IN CONTACT WITH THE APPARATUS. This is to prevent
the possibility that the connector end could come into contact with a surface
or piece of equipment that is live or earthed. Likewise the handgrip should
always be plugged into the multiplexer before being handed to the client.
PTU
The Portable Training Unit (PTU™)(Figure 3) controls and scans the input
from the multiplexer, then decodes and displays the EPG contact pattern at
around 300 times a second. The PTU™ incorporates an on/off switch (2C), a
battery indicator (2B) and a threshold adjustment control (2D). The PTU™ is
powered by 6 AA batteries and is designed to last for many hours before
needing to change the batteries. There is an automatic shutdown which
prevents battery drain if the unit is left unused for more than 20 minutes.

Manual for PTU System. Document No. PTUManual_1.10
Copyright 2001-2010 Articulate Instruments Ltd 9
Figure 3 Front panel of PTU.
System Setup
The Portable Training Unit is simple to use; with only one user control: An
on/off switch.
1. Switch on the PTU™ to check the battery level. If the needle on the
battery meter is in the red region then the batteries need to be
replaced. NB. If the PTU™ has been left on accidentally
then the PTU™ should be switched off then on again to read the meter.
It may be necessary to wait a few seconds between switching the unit
off and on again to reset the automatic shutdown.
2. Switch off the PTU™ and replace batteries if necessary (see section on
Replacing the Batteries).
3. Plug the multiplexer cable into the socket marked “INPUT” on the front
of the PTU.
4. Plug the chrome handgrip (1D) into the multiplexer.
5. Plug the EPG palate worn by the client into the multiplexer as shown in
Figure 4.
The PTU™ is now ready to be used with a client.
6. Get the client to fit the EPG palate into their mouth. This should ideally
be done 15 minutes or more before recording to allow the client to
become accustomed to the palate.
7. Hang the multiplexer (1E) around the client’s neck, pulling the cord
through the hole in the bracket to ensure the multiplexer rests at a
comfortable height and so that there is no strain on the EPG palate
when it is in the subject’s mouth.
8. Switch on the PTU.
9. Get the client to hold the chrome handgrip.
C
. On/off
D
. Threshold
Adjustment
B
. Battery indicator
A
. Input
E
. Freeze button
socket

Manual for PTU System. Document No. PTUManual_1.10
Copyright 2001-2010 Articulate Instruments Ltd 10
Figure 4 Palate plugged into multiplexer
Using the Freeze button
The “freeze button” is an optional extra for the PTU. It consists of a robust
“click-ON-click-OFF” button switch in an ergonomic handgrip suitable for both
right and left-handed users (Figure 4)
Freeze button setup
Connect the plug on the end of the cable into the socket (figure 2E) on the
PTU, taking care to match the orientation of the plug with the socket. NB Plug
will only fit as shown in figure 5. Forcing the plug into the socket in another
orientation may result in damaging the plug.
FREEZE
Figure 5. Freeze button socket (left) and matching orientation of plug (right)

Manual for PTU System. Document No. PTUManual_1.10
Copyright 2001-2010 Articulate Instruments Ltd 11
Figure 4. Freeze button operation
Operating the Freeze button
Click button once to put the system in freeze mode and freeze the display.
Click button a second time to resume live display of dynamic palate pattern.
NB. If the system is switched on in freeze mode it will not respond. Click the
button again to start the live display.
Replacing the Batteries
Six AA type batteries are used to power the PTU. Three battery
compartments are located on the rear panel of the PTU. Each compartment
takes 2 AA size 1.5V batteries. Alkaline batteries are recommended but it is
possible to use any type of battery including rechargeable ones. To replace
the batteries:
1. Use a coin which fits into the battery compartment cap (Fig. 4B) to turn
each cap 90 degrees, allowing the cap to be released.
2. Remove ALL six batteries and replace with new ones making sure that
the positive ends are facing out of the compartment ( +ve
See also Fig. 4A )
3. Replace each cap by pushing down on batteries until lugs engage and
turn 90 degrees with coin to lock. Lugs

Manual for PTU System. Document No. PTUManual_1.10
Copyright 2001-2010 Articulate Instruments Ltd 12
Figure 4. Battery replacement
Adjusting the Palate Threshold
The threshold adjustment control (2D) on the front panel will have been set
following manufacture and SHOULD NOT NEED TO| BE CHANGED but if the
display tends to have contacts stick on or the display flickers when contacts
are on then it is possible to adjust the threshold to obtain reliable results.
Turn anti clockwise if contacts are sticking on. Turn clockwise if contacts are
flickering or failing to come on.
Ideally, have the palate worn by the subject. If the problem is flickering
contacts the get them to press their tongue to the palate and adjust clockwise
with the screwdriver supplied (or similar) until they stop flickering. Once this is
achieved get the palate wearer to make palate contact and release at regular
intervals so that it is possible to tell whether contacts are sticking ON after
release. If they are, then adjust anti-clockwise until the contacts stop sticking.
Note that eating salty or sugary foods immediately prior to wearing the palate
can cause the contacts to stick on. In these circumstances thwearer should
rinse there mouth out in preference to making adjustments
Technical Details
Specifications
PTU™
Power Supply 6x 1.5V AA size batteries
Power Consumption 855 mW (with all 62 LEDs on)
180 mW (with no LEDs on)
Continuous operation 100 hours on one set of batteries based on
Duracell ® alkaline batteries with an
average of 14 LEDs on continuously.
Display Refresh Rate 300Hz
Contact Signal Frequency 15 kHz
Maximum Signal Current 50 microamperes
Shutdown timer Triggers after 15-20 minutes with no change
in contact pattern.
A
. AA size
1.5Vbattery
(+ve end)
B
. Battery compartment cap

Manual for PTU System. Document No. PTUManual_1.10
Copyright 2001-2010 Articulate Instruments Ltd 13
Case Dimensions H101(52) x W219 xD157
Weight 0.862kg
Serial Number ________
Multiplexer
Power Supply +/- 5Vdc
Case Dimensions 94 x 158 x 32mm
Weight 0.288kg
Serial Number ________
General Environmental
Temperature (Operation) +10 to +40°C
Temperature
(Storage/Transport) -15 to +60 °C
Humidity No Condensation 30 to 70%
Meaning of symbols on rear panels
Fuse symbol with accompanying voltage and current
specifications and whether a time-delay or fast acting type fuse
is required.
Eg. 240V T200mAL = 240 Volt Time delay 200 milliamp fuse
Attention, consult accompanying documentation (this manual)
Type BF: Equipment providing a particular degree of protection
against electric shock. In particular
• allowable leakage currents
• reliability of the protective earth connection (if present)
and having an F-type non cardiac floating applied part isolated
from all other parts of the equipment to such a degree that the
patient leakage current allowable in a single fault condition is
not exceeded when a voltage of 1.1 x the highest rated mains
voltage is applied between the applied part and earth.
Electrical Safety
The electrical safety of the PTU™ has been a major consideration during
design of the system hardware. The design includes capacitance coupling

Manual for PTU System. Document No. PTUManual_1.10
Copyright 2001-2010 Articulate Instruments Ltd 14
between the multiplexer and EPG palate providing high impedance to low
frequency current. The PTU™ should not be placed in contact with any high
voltage device when in use.
On-site Calibration Check
The PTU™ system is calibrated at the time of manufacture and should not
need to be adjusted. However, a simple on-site calibration check can be
performed in the following manner.
Connect an EPG palate to the system that is known to be fully functioning.
Switch on the PTU™ system and have the wearer of the palate press their
tongue firmly against the palate until all the contacts are ON. If any of the
contacts flicker then threshold adjustment may be required. Use a small 1.2-
2.4mm flat-headed screwdriver (a suitable one is supplied with the system) to
turn the threshold adjustment screw clockwise until the contacts stop
flickering. Now, have the wearer of the EPG palate remove their tongue from
contact with the EPG palate. If any of the contacts stick ON (even for a
moment) after release then threshold adjustment may be required. Use the
above-mentioned screwdriver to turn the threshold adjustment screw
anticlockwise until the contacts no longer stick ON.
WinEPG Maintenance
Regular maintenance of a technical nature is not required for
Electropalatograph systems. If contact patterns on the display are flickering or
sticking ON then this can be adjusted using the threshold adjustment. See
Adjusting the Palate Threshold section above.
If the system does not work or appears to be malfunctioning please contact
customer support services for advice, or, if necessary, to arrange the return of
the unit to Articulate Instruments Ltd for repair or replacement.
Under normal circumstances the unit should not be disassembled or repairs
attempted on site. If done, then this action may invalidate the warranty terms.
The Articulate Instruments website should be regularly monitored for updated
manuals.
Hygene
After a period of use with one client and before being reallocated for use by
another client we recommend wiping down both the multiplexer unit (including
handgrip) and the portable training unit with an antibacterial, antivirus,
antifungal solution. Wipes of this type are manufactured by "AZO Max"
"Milton" and "Bioguard" amongst others. The wipes may be alcohol or non
alcohol based. Sprays may also be used but as the units are not sealed so
care must be taken not to allow ingress of liquid inside the units.
End of Life Disposal
Units may include components containing traces of lead. Units should be
disposed of accordingly or returned to the manufacturer for disposal.

Manual for PTU System. Document No. PTUManual_1.10
Copyright 2001-2010 Articulate Instruments Ltd 15
EPG Palate Assembly
The essential component of the EPG system is an artificial palate custom built
to fit the subject’s mouth. This is made from acrylic, moulded to fit the upper
palate and teeth, and carries 62 miniature silver contacts exposed to the
lingual surface.
Palate Layout
These are arranged according to a predetermined scheme based upon
anatomical landmarks. This ensures adequate coverage of the entire palate
including such phonetically important areas such as the region near the
junction between the hard and soft palates and the lateral margins close to
the teeth. The procedure involves first marking the positions for the contacts
on a plaster model of the subject’s upper palate and teeth. Three reference
lines are then traced out on the surface:
− A line drawn horizontally across the top of the model
through the palatal junctures of the upper front incisors.
− A line drawn horizontally through the mid-point of the
juncture between the hard and soft palates.
− A line drawn vertically down the centre of the palate.
The 62 contact positions are arranged in eight horizontal rows with eight
contacts in each row, except the first (the most anterior), which has six (see
Figure).
The most anterior and most positive rows constitute the two horizontal
reference lines ([i] and [ii] above). Along these lines the contact positions are
marked out at equidistant intervals with the most lateral ones just inside the
teeth. The remaining rows are arranged so that the spacing between the front
four row contacts is half of that of the back four row contacts. As with the first
(most anterior) and eighth (most posterior) rows, the contact positions are
equally spaced across the rows. The contact positions are marked out on the
plaster cast and used as a guide for placing the contacts during the palate
manufacturing process.
Acrylic upper denture plate
fitted with 62 silver contacts
wired to an external cable
harness
Double sided 31
x 2 printed
circuit gold
plated connector
which plugs in
to
EPG3
multiplexer.

Manual for PTU System. Document No. PTUManual_1.10
Copyright 2001-2010 Articulate Instruments Ltd 16
The contacts themselves are thin silver discs, 1.4mm in diameter, each
connected to a 46cm length of 41 s.w.g. enamelled copper wire. The bundles
of wires are brought to the posterior corner of the palate, usually behind the
wisdom teeth (in adults) and are fed out of the mouth via the buccal surfaces
of the maxillary dentition. The wires are protected by soft heat-shrink tubing.
The choice of anatomically-based reference lines and the proportional
spacing of the contacts ensure that different palate sizes can be compared
with reference to specific rows and contact positions during articulation
analysis. Thus for example, row number three (third from the edge of the
alveolar ridge) will stand will stand in more or less the same relationship to the
palate and teeth in different subjects.
Preparation for use of EPG palate
A number of requirements must be met before the acrylic palate is
satisfactory.
It is obviously important that the palate interferes as little as possible with
normal speech production. It should be as thin as possible, but at the same
time robust enough to tolerate frequent use and thick enough to keep its
shape accurately. An exact fit is essential and the palate should not move
even when considerable pressure is exerted on the posterior edge, as may
happen for example during the closure for a velar stop. It is a routine
procedure to issue users with a “practice palate”. This is a duplicate palate but
without contacts and wires, which can be taken home and worn for increasing
periods of time prior to clinical sessions. When the palate is worn for the first
time, increased salivation normally occurs, but this effect subsides after
wearing the palate for a few hours. Occasionally a user is sensitive to the
presence of the palate in the mouth. This is usually overcome after it has
been worn a few times. The age of the user does not appear to be a
significant factor in tolerating the palate. Some, as young as four years old,
have found the palate quite comfortable to wear.
Audio recordings can be made with and without the palate being worn in order
to estimate the effect that the presence of the palate is having upon speech.
If a user wears a denture, then it is a straightforward procedure to make a
duplicate denture with contacts embedded in it. This has the added advantage
of not requiring an adaptation period, since the user will already be used to
wearing the denture. Children’s teeth can move slightly over a period of time,
or they may lose teeth. This may happen, for example, if the child requires
EPG treatment, which extends over a considerable length of time. In these
circumstances, it is advisable for a dentist to adjust the wire retention clasps.
Care of the EPG Palate
To clean the palate after use, rinse in warm water, and if necessary clean with
a soft toothbrush and mild detergent (keep the multiplexer connector dry).
Wipe dry with tissues. Always place the palate back on the plaster cast when

Manual for PTU System. Document No. PTUManual_1.10
Copyright 2001-2010 Articulate Instruments Ltd 17
not in use. Try not to subject the wires to any undue tension, or coil them
excessively.
Wiring Connections for the EPG Palate
Figure below shows the correspondence between the contacts and the actual
contacts on the connector plug.
Guidelines for preparing plaster models
• In order to obtain an EPG artificial palate for a client, a model (plaster cast)
of the client’s upper palate and teeth is required (figure 1). A qualified
dentist should take an impression using high quality alginate to obtain an
accurate record of the client’s upper palate and teeth.
• The requirements for an EPG palate are somewhat different from those of
general dental plates. Specifically, the impression should include the gum
area immediately behind the posterior molars. This is to accommodate the
passage of leadout wires from the EPG artificial palate
• Also the impression should be taken as far back as is comfortable for the
patient; at least as far back as the posterior tuberosity.
• The stone model may be left untrimmed. If it is trimmed then the posterior
edge should leave the posterior tuberosity and the gum area behind the
rear molars.

Manual for PTU System. Document No. PTUManual_1.10
Copyright 2001-2010 Articulate Instruments Ltd 18
Figure 5 Lefthand model is over-trimmed. Righthand model is suitable and
leaves room for positioning leadouts of wires exiting behind the rear molars
a) b)
Figure 6 a) “Reading” palate made from acrylic resin and hand soldered
wires. b) “Articulate” palate made from pre-formed flexible circuit and pressure
formed acrylic sheet. Both palates are compatible with the PTU and WinEPG.
Plaster models (see figure 5) should be packaged securely and sent to the
palate manufacturer.
Manufacturers of EPG palates
The process of manufacturing the palates is a skilled process and is currently
carried out by two firms of dental technicians in the U.K.
Incidental, (John Broughton)
Suite 14, Building 169,
Greenham Park,
Newbury, Berkshire.
RG19 6HW
U.K.
Tel. [phone]
Email: (Bertha Bates) [e-mail]
Trimmed too much Suitable model for
EPG



Manual for PTU System. Document No. PTUManual_1.10
Copyright 2001-2010 Articulate Instruments Ltd 19
Grove Orthodontics,
3 Wallace Twite Way,
Dersingham,
King’s Lynn,
Norfolk. PE31 6XY
U.K.
Tel. [phone]
Email: (Jacquie/Richard Pearce) [email protected]
Troubleshooting
FAQ
Q. Some of the lights on the display never come on. How can I fix it.
A. Check that the multiplexer is plugged into the PTU™ correctly. Then check
the EPG palate plug is fully inserted into the multiplexer socket. If the problem
persists then take the following steps to check that the PTU™ is functioning
correctly.
1. Unplug the EPG palate from the multiplexer but leave the rest of the
system connected and switched on.
2. Take a paper clip and hold it in one hand while holding the chrome
handgrip in the other hand.
3. Touch each metal tooth of the multiplexer socket in turn with the paper
clip checking that one light comes on. If no light comes on then there
may be a problem and you should contact the manufacturer.
Q. The battery needle indicates there is no battery power
A. Possible reasons for this are:
1. The batteries need to be replaced
2. The batteries have been replaced but one or more batteries is in the wrong
way or a mixture of new and old batteries have been used. Make sure ALL the
replacement batteries are new and inserted the correct way, as shown on the
label, next to the battery holders, on the back of the PTU.
3. The threshold adjustment screw has been turned too far in one direction.
Use the threshold adjustment screwdriver to turn the threshold adjustment
screw by a couple of turns in one direction and switch on the PTU to see if the
battery indicator has moved. If not, then repeat the procedure, turning the
screw in the other direction. If the battery indicator needle moves into the
green then follow the instruction for On-site Calibration Check.