Sutter Instrument P-1000 User manual

P-1000
Flaming/Brown™ Micropipette
Puller System
Operation Manual
Rev. 3.02 ( 20161118)
One Digital Drive
Novato, CA 94949
Voice: 415-883-0128 Web: www.sutter.com
Fax: [phone] Email:[email protected]

P-1000 FLAMING/BROWN MICROPIPETTE PULLER SYSTEM OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 3.02 (20161118)
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Copyright © 2016 Sutter Instrument Company. All Rights Reserved.
Flaming/Brown™ and Thermolock™ are trademarks of Sutter Instrument Company.

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DISCLAIMER
The pipette puller Model P-1000 is designed for the specific use of creating micropipettes and
no other use is recommended.
This instrument creates items that should only be used in a laboratory environment for use
on animal tissues. It is not intended for use, nor should be used, in human experimentation,
or applied to humans in any way. This is not a medical device.
Do not open or attempt to repair the instrument without expressed and explicit instructions
from Sutter Instrument Company. Extreme heat and high voltages are present and could
cause injury.
Do not allow unauthorized and or untrained operatives to use this device.
Any misuse will be the sole responsibility of the user/owner and Sutter Instruments assumes
no implied or inferred liability for direct or consequential damages from this instrument if it
is operated or used in any way other than for which it is designed.
SAFETY WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Electrical
Operate the P-1000 using 110-120 V AC, 60 Hz, or 220-240 V AC., 50 Hz line voltage.
This instrument is designed for connection to a standard laboratory power outlet
(Overvoltage Category II), and because it is a microprocessor--controlled device, it should
be accorded the same system wiring precautions as any 'computer type' system. A surge
protector and power regulator are recommended.
Fuse Replacement: Replace only with the same type and rating:
Type: 5 x 20 mm glass tube, Medium Time Delay (IEC 60127-2, Sheet III) or
Time Lag, RoHS compliant.
Rating: T4A 250V (Time Delay, 4 Amps, 250 Volts)
Examples: Bussmann S506-4-R or Littelfuse 218 004.P (or 218 004.HXP)
A spare fuse is located in the power input module. Please refer to the fuse-replacement
appendix for more details on fuse ratings and for instructions on how to change the fuse.
Avoiding Electrical Shock and Fire-related Injury
Always use the grounded power supply cord set provided to connect the system to a
grounded outlet (3-prong). This is required to protect you from injury in the event that
an electrical hazard occurs.
Do not disassemble the system. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
To prevent fire or shock hazard do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
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Back Injury Prevention
To avoid injuring your back or limbs it is recommended that you do not attempt to lift this
instrument by yourself. The P-1000 Micropipette Puller weighs in excess of 16 kg (over 35 lb)
and should be moved by TWO (2) people.
Operational
Failure to comply with any of the following precautions may damage this device.
Operate the P-1000 using 110-220V AC., 50-60Hz-line voltage.
The P-1000 is designed for operation in a laboratory environment (Pollution Degree II)
and at temperatures between 5°C - 40°C.
This unit is not designed for operation, nor has it been tested for safety, at altitudes
above 2000 meters (6562 feet).
This unit was designed to operate at maximum relative humidity of 80% for temperatures
up to 31°C, decreasing linearly to 50% relative humidity at 40°C.
Operate only in a location where there is a free flow of fresh air on all sides. NEVER
ALLOW THE FREE FLOW OF AIR TO BE RESTRICTED.
To avoid burns do not touch the heating filament, the brass clamps holding the
filament, or the heated ends of glass pipettes that have been pulled.
Only use Sutter Instrument Company replacement heating filaments.
Handling Micropipettes
Failure to comply with any of the following precautions may result in injury to the users
of this device as well as those working in the general area near the device.
The micropipettes created using this instrument are very sharp and relatively fragile.
Contact with the pulled micropipette tips, therefore, should be avoided to prevent
accidentally impaling yourself.
Always dispose of micropipettes by placing them into a well-marked, spill-proof “sharps”
container.
Use only with capillary glass (tubing) recommended by Sutter Instrument Company in
the following section of this manual (1.2.1).
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DISCLAIMER .........................................................................................................................................iii
SAFETY WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ....................................................................................iii
Electrical .................................................................................................................................................iii
Avoiding Electrical Shock and Fire-related Injury.............................................................................iii
Back Injury Prevention .........................................................................................................................iv
Operational .............................................................................................................................................iv
Handling Micropipettes.........................................................................................................................iv
1. GENERAL INFORMATION..............................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Glass Capillary & Heating Filament Specifications......................................................................1
1.2.1 Glass Capillary............................................................................................................................1
1.2.2 Heating Filament .......................................................................................................................1
1.3 Technical Support.............................................................................................................................2
1.4 System Description – Front Panel ..................................................................................................2
1.5 System Description – Mechanical (Puller Anatomy) ....................................................................3
1.5.1 Some Basic Information ............................................................................................................3
1.5.2 Air Cooling System.....................................................................................................................3
1.5.3 Heating Assembly ......................................................................................................................4
1.5.4 Upper Pulley Assembly .............................................................................................................5
1.5.5 Cabinet ........................................................................................................................................7
1.5.6 Electronics...................................................................................................................................7
2. TOUCHSCREEN USER INTERFACE GUIDE...............................................................................9
2.1 Startup Screen...................................................................................................................................9
2.2 Home Screen ...................................................................................................................................10
2.2.1 Opening a Program..................................................................................................................10
2.2.2 Calibration of Touch Screen ...................................................................................................10
2.3 Pulling a Pipette..............................................................................................................................10
2.3.1 Pull Report................................................................................................................................12
2.3.2 View Pull Results .....................................................................................................................12
2.3.3 Ramp Test.................................................................................................................................13
2.4 Menu Screen....................................................................................................................................14
2.4.1 Set Time & Date.......................................................................................................................14
2.4.2 Lock Program ...........................................................................................................................14
2.4.3 Preheat Jaws 70°C (Thermolock™)........................................................................................14
2.4.4 Air before Pull...........................................................................................................................14
2.4.5 Air after Pull .............................................................................................................................15
2.5 Program List....................................................................................................................................15
2.5.1 Sutter Pipette Cookbook Feature...........................................................................................15
2.6 Editing a Program ..........................................................................................................................16
2.6.1 Installing a Program................................................................................................................17
2.6.2 Patch Pipettes...........................................................................................................................18
2.6.3 Microinjection Pipettes and High Resistant Electrodes (30-300 Megohm).......................18
2.6.4 Lock/Unlock Program..............................................................................................................18
2.6.5 Safe Heat Mode ........................................................................................................................19
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2.6.6 Time & Delay Modes of Cooling .............................................................................................19
2.6.7 Jaw Temperature .....................................................................................................................20
2.6.8 Edit User Notes ........................................................................................................................21
2.7 Error Messages during Pull...........................................................................................................21
3. INSTALLATION ...............................................................................................................................23
3.1 Unpacking........................................................................................................................................23
3.2 Setting Up........................................................................................................................................23
3.2.1 Line Power (Mains)..................................................................................................................23
4. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS......................................................................................................25
4.1 First Time Use ................................................................................................................................25
4.1.1 Quick Start Instructions..........................................................................................................25
4.1.2 Default Configuration..............................................................................................................33
4.2 Programs..........................................................................................................................................35
4.2.1 Program Structure...................................................................................................................35
4.2.2 Program Line Pull Cycle Parameters ....................................................................................36
4.2.3 Pull Cycle ..................................................................................................................................38
4.2.4 Start Up.....................................................................................................................................38
4.2.5 Editing a Program....................................................................................................................40
4.2.5.1 Editing Tips........................................................................................................................40
4.2.5.2 Edit User Notes .................................................................................................................40
4.3 Menu screen ....................................................................................................................................42
4.3.1 General ......................................................................................................................................42
4.4 System Options ...............................................................................................................................42
4.5 Program Options.............................................................................................................................42
4.6 Ramp Test........................................................................................................................................43
4.6.1 Heat Value Recommendations ...............................................................................................44
4.7 Pulling Pipettes...............................................................................................................................44
4.7.1 Procedures ................................................................................................................................44
4.7.2 Notes on Program Operation..................................................................................................46
4.8 Parameter Adjustment...................................................................................................................46
4.8.1 General Information ................................................................................................................46
4.8.2 Micropipette/Microinjection Needle Fabrication..................................................................46
4.8.2.1 HEAT..................................................................................................................................46
4.8.2.2 PULL Strength..................................................................................................................47
4.8.2.3 VELOCITY (Trip Point)...................................................................................................47
4.8.2.4 TIME Mode (Cooling) .......................................................................................................47
4.8.2.5 Delay Mode (Cooling)........................................................................................................48
4.8.2.6 PRESSURE Adjustment ..................................................................................................48
4.8.2.7 Filament Width..................................................................................................................48
4.8.3 Patch Pipette Fabrication .......................................................................................................48
4.8.3.1 HEAT..................................................................................................................................49
4.8.3.2 PULL Strength..................................................................................................................49
4.8.3.3 VELOCITY (Trip Point)...................................................................................................49
4.8.3.4 Cooling ................................................................................................................................49
4.8.3.5 PRESSURE........................................................................................................................50
4.8.4 Thermolock™ Pre-Heat Mode ................................................................................................50
4.8.5 Step-by-Step Patch Pipette Programming ............................................................................53
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4.9 Technical Tips for Pulling Micropipettes.....................................................................................54
4.9.1 Regulating the Time it takes to pull a Sharp Pipette...........................................................54
4.9.1.1 HEAT..................................................................................................................................54
4.9.1.2 Pipette Position .................................................................................................................55
4.9.2 Regulating the Length and Tip Size of a Sharp Pipette ......................................................55
4.9.2.1 HEAT..................................................................................................................................55
4.9.2.2 Filament Width..................................................................................................................55
4.9.2.3 Air Flow ..............................................................................................................................55
4.9.2.4 DELAY Mode of Active Cooling.......................................................................................55
4.10 Fire Polishing ................................................................................................................................56
4.11 Heating Filaments ........................................................................................................................57
4.11.1 General Information..............................................................................................................57
4.11.2 Filament Positioning and Aligning ......................................................................................57
4.11.3 Box Filament ..........................................................................................................................58
4.11.3.1 Positioning .......................................................................................................................58
4.11.3.2 Geometry..........................................................................................................................59
4.11.4 Trough Filament ....................................................................................................................59
4.11.4.1 Positioning .......................................................................................................................60
4.11.4.2 Geometry..........................................................................................................................60
5. MAINTENANCE...............................................................................................................................61
5.1 Cleaning ...........................................................................................................................................61
5.2 Heating Filament Replacement ....................................................................................................61
5.2.1 Filament Replacement (Step by Step) ...................................................................................61
5.2.2 Air Jet Position.........................................................................................................................61
5.2.3 Positioning the Filament in Relation to the Glass Capillary ..............................................61
5.3 Pulley Adjustment ..........................................................................................................................63
5.4 Regeneration of Drierite Granules................................................................................................64
5.4.1 Removing the Canister ............................................................................................................64
5.4.2 Replacing the Granules ...........................................................................................................64
5.4.3 Reinstalling the Canister.........................................................................................................65
6. TROUBLESHOOTING ....................................................................................................................67
6.1 Controlling Pipette Tip Shapes .....................................................................................................67
6.1.1 Problem: What type of glass should be used? .......................................................................67
6.1.2 Problem: The resistance of pulled pipettes is too low. How can a higher-resistance
pipette be pulled?...............................................................................................................................67
6.1.3 Problem: How can tips be made even smaller?.....................................................................67
6.1.4 Problem: How can the size of a patch-pipette be increased?...............................................68
6.1.5 Problem: Patch-pipette tips vary in size from pull to pull...................................................68
6.1.6 Problem: Difficulty making an injection pipette with a 0.5 – 1 mm tip that also has a
very short final taper and tip (20 to 50 mm long). How can this be done? .................................68
6.1.7 Problem: The electrodes are bent. How can they be made to pull straight? .....................68
6.1.8 Problem: One electrode is much longer than the other electrode. .....................................68
6.1.9 Problem: The shape and resistance of the pipette changes from pull to pull....................69
6.2 System Operation/Function Problems .........................................................................................69
6.2.1 Startup Problems .....................................................................................................................70
6.2.2 General Operational Problems ...............................................................................................70
6.2.3 On-Screen Emergency Reset Messages .................................................................................70
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6.2.4 On-Screen Error Messages (Edit/Pull Screen)......................................................................71
6.3 Diagnostics.......................................................................................................................................73
6.3.1 Air Pressure System ................................................................................................................74
6.3.1.1 Air Pressure Amount (“Pressure dialed in”)..................................................................74
6.3.1.2 Air Pressure Transducer Reading ...................................................................................74
6.3.1.3 Air Pump Test (“Run the pump unregulated 1 sec.”)...................................................74
6.3.1.4 Automatic Pressure On/Off..............................................................................................74
6.3.1.5 Air Valve (“Open/close the Air Valve”) ...........................................................................74
6.3.1.6 Test for air leaks................................................................................................................75
6.3.1.7 Trace and correct leaks.....................................................................................................75
6.3.2 Heat Diagnostics ......................................................................................................................75
6.3.3 Pull Diagnostics........................................................................................................................76
6.3.4 Velocity Diagnostics .................................................................................................................77
6.4 Touchscreen Calibration................................................................................................................78
6.5 Technical Support...........................................................................................................................78
APPENDIX A. LIMITED WARRANTY..............................................................................................79
APPENDIX B. ACCESSORIES............................................................................................................81
Filaments ...............................................................................................................................................81
Capillary Glass Tubing.........................................................................................................................81
Other Accessories..................................................................................................................................81
APPENDIX C. FUSE REPLACEMENT.............................................................................................83
APPENDIX D. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.............................................................................85
APPENDIX E. DRIERITE MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET...................................................87
INDEX ....................................................................................................................................................89
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1. P-1000 front panel. ................................................................................................................. 2
Figure 1-2. P-1000 base plate with components detail........................................................................... 3
Figure 1-3. Filament block assembly........................................................................................................ 4
Figure 1-4. Heat sensor location on filament block assembly. .............................................................. 4
Figure 1-5. Upper cable pulley assembly. ................................................................................................ 6
Figure 2-1. Startup screen. ........................................................................................................................ 9
Figure 2-2. Startup fault report screen. ................................................................................................... 9
Figure 2-3. Home Screen. ........................................................................................................................ 10
Figure 2-4. Pulling a pipette.................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 2-5. Pull Report............................................................................................................................. 12
Figure 2-6. View the pull report.............................................................................................................. 12
Figure 2-7. Ramp test............................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 2-8. Ramp test result.................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 2-9. Menu Screen.......................................................................................................................... 14
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Figure 2-10. Setting time and date. ........................................................................................................ 14
Figure 2-11. Program List. ...................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 2-12. Single line looped program. ............................................................................................... 17
Figure 2-13. Two-line program with first line looped........................................................................... 17
Figure 2-14. Locking & unlocking a program (Menu screen).............................................................. 18
Figure 2-15. Items that cannot be changed in a locked program........................................................ 19
Figure 2-16. Time mode of air-cooling.................................................................................................... 19
Figure 2-17. Delay mode of air-cooling................................................................................................... 20
Figure 2-18. Jaw temperature................................................................................................................. 20
Figure 2-19. Edit user notes. ................................................................................................................... 21
Figure 3-1. P-1000 Cabinet (rear view), detailing power entry module, fuse-holder, fuse, and spare
fuse holder. .............................................................................................................................. 24
Figure 3-2. P-1000 Cabinet (end view, left), showing power switch. .................................................. 24
Figure 4-1. Startup screen. ...................................................................................................................... 25
Figure 4-2. Home screen. ......................................................................................................................... 25
Figure 4-3. Using the knob or keypad to select a program. .................................................................26
Figure 4-4. Instruction to run ramp test................................................................................................ 26
Figure 4-5. Running the ramp test. ........................................................................................................27
Figure 4-6. Ramp Test screen. ................................................................................................................ 27
Figure 4-7. Loading a piece of glass. ....................................................................................................... 28
Figure 4-8. Using the PULL button to start the ramp test. ................................................................ 28
Figure 4-9. Selecting a ramp value. ........................................................................................................ 29
Figure 4-10. Identifying the installed ramp value. ............................................................................... 29
Figure 4-11. Using the installed ramp value for Heat.......................................................................... 30
Figure 4-12. Pressing PULL on front panel to start the ramp test. ................................................... 30
Figure 4-13. Cycling through a looped 1-line program......................................................................... 31
Figure 4-14. Brief display of Pull Results............................................................................................... 31
Figure 4-15. Making a different type of pipette using the Sutter Cookbook. ....................................32
Figure 4-16. Placing puller into Safe Heat Mode. ................................................................................. 32
Figure 4-17. Obtaining Help information..............................................................................................33
Figure 4-18. Examining the contents of a program using the Program Edit screen........................ 36
Figure 4-19. Home screen........................................................................................................................ 38
Figure 4-20. Examining the contents of a program using the Program Edit screen........................ 39
Figure 4-21. Program list screen............................................................................................................. 40
Figure 4-22. Edit user notes. ................................................................................................................... 41
Figure 4-23. Menu screen. ....................................................................................................................... 42
Figure 4-24. Ramp test ramp value screen. ........................................................................................... 43
Figure 4-25. Pull Report. ......................................................................................................................... 44
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Figure 4-26. Sample program.................................................................................................................. 45
Figure 4-27. Pull cycle report (multiple-loops). ..................................................................................... 45
Figure 4-28. Side view of fire polishing spacer. ..................................................................................... 56
Figure 4-29. Fire-polish spacer in puller bar. ........................................................................................ 57
Figure 4-30. Filament alignment. ........................................................................................................... 57
Figure 4-31. End view of box filament and glass................................................................................... 58
Figure 4-32. Box filament positioning. ................................................................................................... 59
Figure 4-33. End view of trough filament and glass............................................................................. 59
Figure 4-34. Trough filament positioning.............................................................................................. 60
Figure 5-1. V-Groove bearings and puller bars. .................................................................................... 61
Figure 5-2. Filament alignment. ............................................................................................................. 62
Figure 5-3. Micropipette shapes..............................................................................................................63
Figure 5-4. Pulley adjustment................................................................................................................. 64
Figure 6-1. Starting Diagnostics from the Main Menu screen. ........................................................... 73
Figure 6-2. Diagnostics screen.................................................................................................................73
Figure 6-3. Air pressure system diagnostics screen..............................................................................74
Figure 6-4. Heat system diagnostics screen........................................................................................... 75
Figure 6-5. Heat system diagnostics error reporting............................................................................ 76
Figure 6-6. Pull diagnostics screen. ........................................................................................................ 76
Figure 6-7. Velocity diagnostics screen. ................................................................................................. 77
Figure 6-8. Starting Calibrate TouchScreen from the Main Menu screen. ....................................... 78
Figure 6-9. TouchScreen Calibration. .................................................................................................... 78
Figure 6-10. Power entry module and fuse holder................................................................................83
TABLE OF TABLES
Table 4-1. Standard factory configuration............................................................................................. 33
Table 4-2. Box filament sizes................................................................................................................... 59
Table 4-3. Trough filament sizes.............................................................................................................60
Table 6-1. Startup Problems Troubleshooting...................................................................................... 70
Table 6-2. General operational problem troubleshooting. ................................................................... 70
Table 6-3. On-screen emergency reset messages. .................................................................................70
Table 6-4. On-screen error message in Edit/Pull Screen when Ramp value is not specified. .......... 71
Table 6-5. On-screen error messages in Edit/Pull screen when PULL is pressed. ...........................72
Table 6-6. Other on-screen error messages in Edit/Pull screen. ......................................................... 72

1
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Introduction
The P-1000 can fabricate pipettes for use in intracellular recording, patch clamping,
transferring (ICSI, ES Cells), microinjection, aspiration, and microperfusion. Realizing the
full potential of this instrument is dependent on a complete understanding of the way it
implements the pulling process. To this end, we urge that this manual be read in its entirety.
To aid in understanding the function of the instrument, sample programs are already loaded
in memory (Programs 0 through 5, as discussed in subsequent material).
The Model P-1000 Flaming/Brown Micropipette Puller combines a proven pulling technology
with programmability to produce a very versatile instrument. The pulling mechanism is
derived from the Flaming/Brown series of pullers, which have demonstrated the ability to
pull a complete range of pipette profiles. Added to this mechanism is the ability to program
different pulling sequences; thus, allowing ease of use for pulling a variety of pipette types on
one device.
The P-1000 is a ‘velocity sensing’ puller. This patented feature allows the puller to indirectly
sense the viscosity of the glass, giving the P-1000 the ability to pull pipettes from all glasses
except quartz. Even difficult to pull formulations, such as aluminosilicate glasses, are
handled with relative ease.
Throughout this manual reference will be made to the size of the glass tubing used to pull
micropipettes. The convention used here for describing the outside diameter (O.D.) and
inside diameter (I.D.) is as follows: O.D. x I.D. These dimensions will always be given in
millimeters (mm). See our catalog or visit www.sutter.com to find a wide selection of glass
capillaries available for purchase.
1.2 Glass Capillary & Heating Filament Specifications
1.2.1 Glass Capillary
The P-1000 micropipette puller is designed for use with aluminosilicate, borosilicate or other
lower melting-point glass tubing or rod ranging from 0.6 to 3.0 mm in outer diameter. This
instrument does not pull quartz glass. Examples of the specific types and sizes of glass that
can be used with the P-1000 are listed in the Sutter Instrument Company catalogue that was
included with this instrument or can be viewed on Sutter Instrument’s web site at
www.sutter.com. Any glass with comparable technical specifications can be used with the P-
1000.
1.2.2 Heating Filament
The type and size of glass that you choose may require a Heating Filament other than the
one installed in your puller at the factory. Please refer to the Heating Filament section of
this manual to determine the appropriate style and size of filament necessary for pulling the
specific glass you would like to use. This instrument is designed to accommodate any of the
Sutter Instrument Trough-type or Box-type filaments that are shown in the Sutter
Instrument catalogue. This selection of replacement filaments can also be viewed on Sutter
Instrument’s web site at www.sutter.com.
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NOTE: USE ONLY SUTTER INSTRUMENT-SUPPLIED REPLACEMENT HEATING
FILAMENTS IN THIS INSTRUMENT!
Systematic instructions for replacing the heating filament can be found in the Maintenance
section of this manual and in the Help Menu of the P-1000.
1.3 Technical Support
Unlimited technical support is provided by Sutter Instrument Company at no charge to our
customers. Our technical support staff is available between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00
PM (Pacific Standard Time) at [phone]. You may also Email your queries to
[email protected].
1.4 System Description – Front Panel
Figure 1-1. P-1000 front panel.
Color Touchscreen Provides a user interface with touch sensitive buttons and text
descriptions. All touch-sensitive items are blue, including text in
blue.
A keypad or keyboard is displayed where needed
Reset The Reset button is used to perform an emergency reset of the P-
1000’s microprocessor.
Pull Start/Stop Starts and stops the pull cycle
Rotary Dial Used as an alternative to the displayed keypad for numeric entry.
Turn right (clockwise) to increase the currently displayed value,
left (counterclockwise) to decrease, and press in to enter the
currently displayed value.
Rotating the dial also allows scrolling up or down a list of choices.
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1.5 System Description – Mechanical (Puller Anatomy)
1.5.1 Some Basic Information
This section presents a basic mechanical description of the P-1000, with particular emphasis
on terminology. Knowing the names of the various parts greatly facilitates communication
between the investigators and the manufacturer when discussing adjustments or service
problems. In addition, various controls and adjustments on the top of the instrument are
located and described. Those adjustments, which are considered part of maintenance
procedures, are dealt with in the Maintenance Section of this manual.
1.5.2 Air Cooling System
The Model P-1000 supplies a blast of air to cool the filament area after the heating segment
of a pull cycle. The components of the air-cooling system are shown below.
Air Compressor Drierite Canister
Air Jet Air Valve Solenoid
Figure 1-2. P-1000 base plate with components detail.
Air Compressor The air compressor (or pump) creates the air pressure used to cool
the filament and glass during the pull cycle.
Air Jet Directs the cooling air to the filament. The air jet should be
positioned 2 to 3 millimeters below the filament. The screw that
secures the air jet to the filament block can be loosened allowing
the jet to move up and down.
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Air Valve Solenoid Regulates the flow of cooling air to the filament and glass.
Drierite Canister A canister filled with Drierite used to remove moisture from the air
flowing between the pump and the air solenoid. The dissected air is
used to purge the Humidity Control Chamber before and after a
pull, allowing the flow of dry air to cool the filament and glass
during the pull cycle.
1.5.3 Heating Assembly
The Heating Assembly comprises the Filament, Filament Block Assembly and the Humidity
Control Chamber. The Filament Block Assembly and the Humidity Control Chamber are
discussed below. Filaments are discussed in a separate section.
Humidity Control
Chamber
(Figure 1-3)
The chamber encloses the filament block assembly to provide a
controlled environment in which to pull the glass. Access holes in
the side of the chamber allow the glass to be loaded into position.
The chamber must be removed to access the heating filament. To
remove, unscrew the thumbscrew on the front plate of the
chamber, remove the front plate, and then pull the chamber
towards you.
Figure 1-3. Filament block assembly.
Figure 1-4. Heat sensor location on filament block assembly.
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Filament Block
Assembly
(Figure 1-3)
The filament block assembly is made up of several pieces of hard
black nylon. Wires supplying current to the filament are attached
to threaded ‘posts’. This current is carried to the filament via the
upper and lower Brass Jaws. Note that these jaws may be moved up
and down by loosening the screws (D) that secure them to the front
of the filament block assembly. When changing the filament type
from trough to box (or vice versa), the jaws must be moved up or
down so that the filament is positioned at the correct level relative
to the glass. If the jaws are repositioned and/or the filament type
has been changed, make sure that the securing screws of the jaws
and filament clamp are again tightened. Failure to tighten these
screws can result in, poor current flow for scorching and
insufficient heat to melt the glass. Please refer to the “Installing a
Filament” You Tube video at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCsJsIZlzLw.
See “Filament Replacement” in the Maintenance chapter and
Pages 9-18 in the
Sutter Pipette Cookbook for additional
instructions.
Eccentrics and
Angle Plate
(Figure 1-3)
The Angle Plate secures the Filament Block Assembly to the Cover
Plate; it contains two eccentric adjustments. The two chrome-
plated screws Aand Bare the eccentrics, and A’ and B’ are the
corresponding locking screws. By turning the eccentrics with a
screwdriver the Filament Block Assembly can be moved up and
down (A) or forward and back (B) to adjust the position of the
filament. Loosen the locking screw associated with each ‘eccentric
screw’ before turning, and tighten after completing the adjustment.
Note: Changing the eccentrics should be made only for fine/small
adjustments.
Cover Plate
(Figure 1-3)
The cover plate conceals the entry of the Pulling Cables into the
Base of the instrument. It is attached to the top by two screws, in
slots, at points labeled C. Loosening these screws allows the
Filament Block/Angle Plate assembly to move forward and back
over large distances.
NOTE: The movements of the Cover Plate and the Jaws constitute the ‘coarse adjustments’
of filament position, while the eccentric screws allow ‘fine adjustments’.
1.5.4 Upper Pulley Assembly
This assembly guides the Pulling Cables (T in Figure 1-5)from the Puller Bars (G in Figure
1-5)to the centrally located (and concealed) Lower Cable Pulley Assembly. Note that the
Upper Cable Pulley Assembly is attached to its panel by two screws, in slots (J’ in Figure
1-5), and contains a large eccentric adjustment screw (J in Figure 1-5). This eccentric screw
is used to adjust cable ‘tension’. Its use is covered in the Maintenance Section, and changes
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to the settings should not be performed without the supervision of Sutter Instrument
Technical Support.
Figure 1-5. Upper cable pulley assembly.
Panels, Left And
Right
(K in Figure 1-5)
The panels are the angled surfaces that provide mountings for the
Puller Bars and their Bearings, the Spring Stops, the Bumpers, and
the Upper Cable Pulley Assemblies. Except for minor differences in
shape, the left and right Panels are mirror images of each other.
Note the three socket-head cap screws that attach each Panel to the
base plate top. These screws are used to align the Puller Bars.
Their adjustment, if necessary, is covered in the Maintenance
Section. Contact Sutter Instrument Technical Support for more
instructions on how the panels are aligned.
Bumpers
(N in Figure 1-5)
The Bumper stops the motion of its associated Puller Bar. Each
Bumper also prevents impact forces from breaking pipettes.
Spring Stops
(P in Figure 1-5)
The Spring Stops are one-way catches that catch the Puller Bars as
they rebound off the Bumpers so as to prevent pipette tip collision.
Puller Bars
(G in Figure 1-5)
This assembly consists of the puller bar, threaded post, electrode
clamp knob, and cable retaining screw. The cable retaining screw
(H) holds the cable in a shallow groove (I) at the end of the puller
bar, and forms the ‘resistance’ against which the cable ends pull.
The puller bar is made of mild steel and coated with a controlled
thickness of hard chrome. Glass is loaded into the groove near the
tip of the puller bar and is held in position by tightening down the
clamping knob (R).
V- Bearings
(S in Figure 1-5)
These bearings are the guides for the Puller Bar motion. They are
made of stainless steel and must NEVER be oiled (see Maintenance
Section). Note that these bearings are mounted on stainless steel
bushings, one of which is round with the other two being
hexagonal. The hexagonal (eccentric) bushings are used to adjust
position and ease of travel of the PULLER BARS (see Maintenance
Section). Do not adjust the eccentrics without additional
instruction.
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Pull Cable
(T in Figure 1-5)
This cable transmits the pulling force of the solenoid to the Puller
Bars via the Upper (F) and Lower Pulley Assemblies. It is made of
flexible metal with a nylon coating. Never pinch or distort the
cable. The cable is terminated with crimped-on clamps or ‘swages’
at the back-end of each Puller Bar.
Glass Stop Mounting
(U in Figure 1-5)
Holes for mounting the glass stop. Either the left side or the right
may be used.
1.5.5 Cabinet
Baseplate The top thick metal plate on which the mechanical assemblies are
mounted.
Base The Base includes the cabinet to which the top Baseplate is
mounted as well as the transformers and the circuit board
contained within.
1.5.6 Electronics
The P-1000 micropipette puller is controlled by a dsPIC microprocessor. The HEAT power
supply is a precision constant-current switching unit. The PULL supply is a constant-current
DC power supply. The velocity trip point is set by a D-A converter. The output of the velocity
transducer is compared to the output of the velocity D-A to determine when the trip velocity
is reached.
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