NSK iPex User manual

Digital Apex Locator
iPex
OPERATION MANUAL
0197
OM-E0285E 001

The EU directive 93/42/EEC was applied in the design
and production of this medical device.
Thank you for purchasing the iPex. This is apex locator. Read
this Operation Manual carefully before use for operation
instructions, care and maintenance. Keep this Operation
Manual for future reference.
nClassifications of equipment
•Type of protection against electric shock :
- Internally powered equipment
•Degree of protection against electric shock :
- Type B applied part
•Method of sterilization or disinfection recommended by the
manufacture :
- See 7.(2) Sterilization
•Degree of protection against ingress of water as detailed in
the current edition of IEC 60529 :
- Unit…IPX1 (Protected against vertically falling water drops)
•Degree of safety of application in the presence of a
flammable anesthetic mixture with air or with oxygen or
nitrous oxide :
- EQUIPMENT not suitable for use in the presence of a
flammable anesthetic mixture with air or with oxygen or
nitrous oxide.
•Mode of operation :
- Continuous operation

CONTENTS
Cautions for handling and operation …………………… 2
1. Features …………………………………………………… 5
2. Specifications ……………………………………………… 6
3. Component Names ………………………………………… 6
4. Installation and Assembly ………………………………… 10
5. Operating Procedures …………………………………… 12
6. Alarm Sound Volume Control …………………………… 15
7. Cleaning / Sterilization …………………………………… 16
8. Changing Batteries ………………………………………… 17
9. Troubleshooting …………………………………………… 20
10. Warranty …………………………………………………… 22
11. Disposing Product ………………………………………… 22
Cautions for handling and operation
nRead these cautions carefully and use only as intended or
instructed.
nSafety instructions are intended to avoid potential hazards
that could result in personal injury or damage to the device.
Safety instructions are classified as follows in accordance
with the seriousness of the risk.
1 2
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTICE
Explains an instruction where death or
serious injury may occur.
A hazard that could result in bodily injury or
damage to the device if the safety instructions
are not followed.
A hazard that could result in light or moderate
bodily injury or damage to the device if the
safety instructions are not followed.
General information needed to operate the
device safely.
Class Degree of Risk
DANGER
•This product is powered by batteries only. Never use
batteries other than batteries designated in this manual.
•Be sure to replace four batteries of the same type from the
same manufacturer at the same time for use. Fluid leakage
or rupture may occur by mixing and using different types of
batteries or use of mixed old and new batteries or
consumed and fully charged batteries.
•Manganese dry batteries and alkali dry batteries cannot be
charged. Never charge them. Fluid leakage or rupture may
occur.
•Do not disassemble or alter the device.

WARNING
CAUTION
• This product is not built as waterproof. Do not spill water or a
chemical solution onto or into the unit. Failure to do so may
result in fire or electric shock due to a short-circuit or rusting.
•If you should notice battery fluid leak within the unit,
deformation of the unit casing or partial discoloring,
immediately stop use and contact your dealer.
•Should the leaking battery fluid get into your eyes,
immediately wash eyes thoroughly with clean water and see
your doctor. Failure to do so may result in loss of sight.
•Should the battery fluid leak and adhere to skin or clothing,
immediately wash the exposed skin thoroughly with clean
water and completely wash away the fluid. Failure to do so
may result in skin complications.
•If you will not use the product for a long period of time,
remove the batteries from the unit to avoid fluid leak.
•Exercise sufficient care in using the product by giving
patient safety first priority.
•The product is to be used only for dental treatment by
qualified personnel.
•Buy commercially available batteries designated in this
Manual. Thoroughly read each battery manufacturer’s
manual before using the respective batteries.
•Do not use or leave the product in a high-temperature
environment such as under strong direct sunlight, in a car
under a blazing sun, by a fire, or near a stove.
•Make sure if the product works properly by using "Tester"
attached, prior to use.
•Do not allow any impact on the unit. Do not drop the unit.
•Pay attention to the direction of batteries when setting.
Forcible setting in the wrong direction may cause damage
and fluid leakage due to a short circuit.
3 4
NOTICE
•Do not allow conductive materials such as wires, safety
pins, etc., to enter into the battery case.
•If chemical, solvent or antiseptic solution is deposited on this
product, immediately wipe it away. Discoloration or
deformation may occur if left as it is.
•The system functions normally in the environment where the
temperature is at 0-40°C, humidity at 10-85% RH,
atmospheric pressure at 500-1060hPa, and no moisture
condensation in the Control Unit. Use at outside of these
limits may cause malfunction.
•The unit consumes electricity very slightly even when the
power supply is off. If you will not use the product for a long
period of time, remove the batteries from the unit.
•If the battery mark flashes, replace with a new battery as
soon as possible. If consumed batteries are kept in this
product as they are, fluid leakage may occur. In particular,
pay attention to the manganese dry batteries from which
fluid is easily leaked due to its structure as it gets older.
•This product has been designed on the assumption that
manganese dry batteries or alkali dry batteries are used.
Charging type batteries such as nickel-cadmium batteries
and nickel metal hydride batteries of the same shape can
also be used, however, are limited by the following.
™This product does not have charging function.
™Even if nickel-cadmium batteries and nickel metal hydride
batteries are fully charged, they have lower voltage than
manganese batteries or alkali dry batteries, therefore, the
battery remaining mark indicates slightly less. This is due
to a difference in battery voltage, and not a failure.

5 6
qUnit
wProbe
eFile Clip …………3 pcs.
rExtension Cord
tLip Hook…………3 pcs.
yTester
uBatteries…………2 pack
(2 batteries in 1 pack)
3. Component Names
<Unit>
2. Specifications
Fig. 1
Type
Power Source
Operating Hours
Dimensions
Weight
NE181
DC6V
About 40 hours
(when using manganese dry batteries)
W80 x D80 x H95mm
185g
•Lightweight and compact device.
•New manganese dry batteries can operate continuously for
about 40 hours. (it depends on the operating conditions such
as battery manufacturer and temperature)
•A large and eye-friendly LCD panel has been adopted on the
unit.
•Has energy saving feature. The power of the unit
automatically turns off when there are no operations for 10
minutes. (Auto power-off function)
•For AAA batteries (1.2V), the charging type batteries (nickel-
cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries) can be
also used.
1. Features
•The attached batteries are free samples. Please understand
that these batteries may not meet the normal operating
hours.
•When disposing of the unit, follow the instructions of your
local government for disposal, as they contain materials
which may become industrial waste.
•When the power is on, do not leave the measuring terminals
short-circuited. The auto power off function will not work
while recognizing that it is measuring, and the batteries are
consumed.
•Users are responsible for operational control, maintenance
and inspection.
•Store the system in the place where the temperature is at
–10-60°C, humidity at 10-85% RH, atmospheric pressure at
500-1060 hPa, and the system is not subject to air with
dust, sulfur, or salinity.
•When trouble is found, send to dealer.
q
w
e r
t y u

[Operation Key and LCD Panel.
¡POWER Key
•When this is pressed for about one second or longer, the
alarm sounds and the power is turned ON, and then the
liquid crystal display lights up.
•When this is pressed for about one second or longer with the
power being ON, the alarm sounds and the power is turned
OFF, and then the liquid crystal display lights off.
Fig. 2
¡Bar Graph
LCD
Displays the present position of the top of the file.
¡Target Value Bar
LCD
Displays the target value while flashing.
¡Number Display
LCD
Displays the present position of the top of the file by number.
¡Dental Mark
LCD
This is displayed while the present position of the top of
the file is “0.5 to 0.0.”
This flashes to warn when the present position of the top
of the file exceeds “0.0.”
¡Alarm Key
•The alarm sound volume can be adjusted. (See 6. Alarm
Sound Volume Control)
LCD
The present alarm mark is displayed.
Big sound volume
Middle sound volume
7 8
<LCD Panel>
POWER Key
Alarm Key
Bar Graph
Dental Mark Alarm Mark
Battery Mark
Number
Display
Target
Value
Bar
[This indicates that all displays are
lighted.

9 10
4. Installation and Assembly
•Do not reverse positive (+) and negative (-).
•When it is hard to insert, the battery direction may be
wrong. Do not insert forcibly.
Caution
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Small sound volume
¡Battery Mark
LCD
The mark of the present remaining amount of the batteries is
displayed.
New battery or nearly the new one.
About 30-80% remains.
Less than about 30% remains.
(Slowly flashing)
Extremely low voltage. Replace with new batteries.
The battery remaining mark indicates battery voltage. In
the case of charging type batteries such as nickel-
cadmium batteries and nickel metal hydride batteries,
they have lower voltage than manganese dry batteries
and alkali dry batteries even if they are fully charged,
therefore, the battery remaining mark indicates slightly
less voltage. This is due to a difference in battery
voltage, not a failure.
Notice
(1) Setting of Batteries
Remove the batteries after
sliding the battery cover on
the back of the unit in the
direction of the arrow.
(Fig. 3)
Set the attached batteries
according to the polarity
indication (positive (+),
negative (-)) in the battery
box. (Fig. 4)
Close the battery cover.
1
2
3

(2) Probe Connection
Insert the probe into the probe
connector at the side of the
unit. (Fig.5)
Fig. 5
(3) File Clip Connection
Connect the plug of the file
clip to the plug of either probe.
(Fig. 6)
Fig. 6
(4) Lip Hook Connection
Connect the lip hook to the
plug of the other probe.
(Fig. 7)
Fig. 7
11 12
(5) Extension Cord Connection
Use this for extension
between the file clip or lip
hook and probe if necessary.
(Fig. 8)
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Extension Cord
5. Operating Procedures
(1) Inspection before use
Be sure to carry out an operation check with a tester before
use to confirm that it operates properly.
Press the power key for
about one second or longer
to turn ON power. (Liquid
crystal display lights up)
Pinch either one of the
electrodes on the tester
with a file clip. (Fig. 9)
Expose a lip hook to the
other electrode on the
tester. (Fig. 10)
1
2
3

(2) Use
qHang the lip hook on the
corner of the mouth of the
patient. (Fig. 12)
13 14
When removing the probe, be sure to grab the
connector, and make sure to never grab the cord.
Caution
Set the target value of
the bar graph to 0.5.
Caution
When the number display is “”after the use
completion (root canal end-measuring is completely
ended), about ten minutes elapses as it is, then the power
is automatically turned OFF. (Auto-power off function)
Notice
Fig. 12
wCheck that the power is
ON.
ePinch the metallic shaft of
the file inside the root canal
with a file clip. (Fig. 13)
rCarry out root canal end-
measuring.
tWhen work is completed,
press the power key for
about one second or longer
to turn OFF the power.
(Liquid crystal display lights off)
yRemove the probes etc.
Fig. 13
rCheck that the number display on the liquid crystal display
reaches within “0.2 to 0.9.”
tRemove the tester when measurement has ended.
Fig. 11
•Prevent the tester and file clip from being moistened
or prevent the electrode on the tester from touching
skin. Otherwise, correct measurement cannot be
made.
•If the number display is still out of “0.2 to 0.9”or not
properly displayed, check the following.
qCheck whether the probe, file clip and extension
cord are securely connected.
wIf there is no prob-
lem with connection
of the respective
cords, disconnect all
of the respective
cords and directly
insert the electrode
on the tester into the
probe connector.
(Fig.11)
•If the number display is displayed to reach within “0.2
to 0.9”at this time, a cord (s) may be broken. Contact
the dealer.
•If the number display is out of “0.2 to 0.9”or not
properly displayed at this time, there may be an
abnormality in the main body. Contact the dealer.
Caution

The alarm sound volume can be controlled at the three steps of
“Big Volume, Middle Volume and Small Volume.”
qLightly push the alarm key
with the thin bar. (Fig. 14)
wThe alarm mark on the
LCD panel changes, and
the sound volume changes.
eThe sound volume is
adjusted each time the
alarm key is pressed.
•Do not push the alarm key strongly. Otherwise, it may
be broken.
•Avoid using a hard bar such as metal for the thin bar.
Otherwise, the alarm key may be damaged.
•Do not insert the thin bar into the speaker by
mistakenly confusing it
with the alarm key.
Otherwise, the
speaker may be
damaged.
6. Alarm Sound Volume Control
Caution
The sound level is retained, even if the power is turned
off.
Notice
Fig. 14
Speaker
15 16
(1) Cleaning
If dirt sticks on the unit, probe, file clip, lip hook, or extension
cord. Then, soak a clean cloth in water and squeeze cloth
tightly to drain water. Use the cloth to wipe away dirt. After that,
wipe off with an alcohol soaked clean cloth.
(2) Sterilization
•Autoclave sterilization is recommended.
•Sterilization is required first time you use and after each
patient.
•Can be autoclaved: file clip, lip hook, extension cord
nAutoclave Procedure
qWipe away dirt on the surface of the file clip and lip clip with
a clean cloth dipped in water and sufficiently squeezed. And
then, wipe with a clean cloth dipped with disinfecting
alcohol. (Refer to 7. (1) Cleaning)
wInsert into an autoclave pouch. Seal the pouch.
eAutoclavable up to a max. 135˚C.
Ex) Autoclave for 20 min. at 121˚C or 15 min. at 132˚C.
rKeep the handpiece in the autoclave pouch to keep it clean
until you use it.
7. Cleaning / Sterilization
To clean the product, do not use any solvent such as
benzine and, thinner.
Caution
Do not autoclave any parts (the unit, and probe) other
than those that can be subjected to autoclave
sterilization.
Caution

17 18
•Be sure to turn OFF the power when changing
batteries.
•Do not open any part other than the battery cover.
•Use batteries designated by NSK. Unless designated
batteries are used, breakage, fluid leakage or rupture
may occur.
Designated batteries: AAA cell
Manganese dry batteries, Alkali
dry batteries 1.5V
Nickel cadmium batteries, Nickel
metal hydride batteries 1.2V
* Use reliable manufactures’
batteries.
•Be sure to replace four batteries of the same type
from the same manufacturer at the same time to use.
Fluid leakage or rupture may occur by mixing and
using different types of batteries or use of mixed old
and new batteries or consumed and fully charged
batteries.
•Do not work with wet hands. This may cause trouble
due to short-circuiting of batteries and moisture
infiltrating this product.
Caution on Changing Batteries
•If the sterilizer has a dry process that exceeds 135°C,
skip the process.
•Since the bottom shelf of the sterilizer is close to the
heat source, it can be too hot. Place instruments in the
middle or top shelves.
•If autoclaved with other instruments stained with
chemical solution, it could strip the plating and make
the surface black.
•File clip, lip hook and extension cord are
consumables. When they are discolored by repetition
of autoclave sterilization, replace with new ones.
•If the battery remaining mark flashes slowly, immediately
replace with new batteries.
•When replacing them by yourself, be sure to observe the
following “Caution on Changing Batteries”. Note that NSK
shall not be held liable for any malfunction or failure resulting
from your notfollowing the “Caution on Changing
Batteries”.
8. Changing Batteries
Caution

•Do not reverse positive (+) and negative (-).
•When it is hard to insert, the direction may be wrong.
Do not insert forcibly.
Caution
The used nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride
batteries are recyclable, but their disposal may
sometimes not be permitted by the country. Return them
to your dealer.
Caution
Fig. 15
Fig. 16
19
When trouble is found, check the following items again before
asking repairs. If none of these are applicable or the trouble is
not remedied even after action has been taken, a failure of this
product is suspected. Contact your dealer.
20
9. Troubleshooting
Insert batteries.
Set batteries according to
the polarity indication
(positive (+), negative (-)) in
the battery box.
Replace with new batteries.
Contact your dealer.
Replace with new batteries.
Connect the probe.
Connect probe, file clip and
extension cord.
No batteries are
inserted.
Are batteries
inserted according
to the polarity
indication (positive
(+), negative (-)) in
the battery box?
Are the batteries
being consumed?
Safety function
is activated.
Is the battery
remaining mark
flashing slowly?
Is the probe
connected?
Are the probe,
file clip and
extension cord
connected?
The power is
not turned on.
Even if the
power is
turned ON, it
is immediately
turned OFF.
Bar graph is
not displayed.
Number display
becomes “”
during
operation.
Problem Cause Solution
nChanging Batteries
Turn OFF the power.
Remove the batteries after
sliding the battery cover on
the back of the unit in the
direction of the arrow.
(Fig. 15)
Remove old batteries.
Set new batteries
according to the polarity
indication (positive (+),
negative (-)) in the battery
box. (Fig. 16)
1
2
3
4
Close the battery cover.
5

21 22
Manufacturer warrants its products to the original purchaser
against defects in material and workmanship under normal
practices of installation, use and servicing. File clip, lip hook,
extension cord, and batteries are expendable components, and
are not covered by this warranty.
10. Warranty
•Please consult with dealer from whom you purchased it
about waster despoil.
•The used nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride
batteries are recyclable, but their disposal may sometimes
not be permitted by the country. Return them to your dealer.
11. Disposing Product
Insert the batteries, or re-
turn ON the power. If it is
still displayed, contact the
dealer.
Connect the probe, file clip
and extension cord.
Disconnect all of the
respective cords and
directly insert the electrodes
on the tester into the probe
connector. If the number
display is displayed to reach
within “0.2 to 0.9”at this
time, a cord(s) may be
broken. Contact the dealer.
Disconnect all of the
respective cords and
directly insert the electrodes
on the tester into the probe
connector. If the number
display is out of “0.2 to 0.9”
or not properly displayed at
this time, there may be an
abnormality in the main
body. Contact the dealer.
Internal
abnormality.
Are the probe,
file clip and
extension cord
connected?
Are the probe,
file clip and
extension cord
broken?
Abnormality in
main body.
Number
display
becomes
“.”
When
measured
with a tester,
the number
display on the
LCD is out of
“0.2 to 0.9”or
not properly
displayed.

’08.11.01 M