TSE PhenoMaster User manual

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PhenoMaster
Hardware Operating Instructions
Core Modules ©
Sophisticated Life Science Research Instrumentation
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2PhenoMaster | Hardware Operating Instructions
Copyright © 2018 TSE Systems International Group - All rights reserved
These operating instructions, including all parts thereof, are protected by copyright. Any infringement
of the copyright laws without the written agreement of the TSE Systems GmbH is illegal and subject
to due penalty at law. This applies in particular to their reproduction, processing, translation,
microfilming as well as to their storage and processing in electronic systems. This regulation does not
apply to reproductions for internal use. Further examples of these operating instructions are available
and can be ordered from us; a charge will be made for these extra copies.
PM15_HW_CoreModules_e_02.docx DJM - Specifications subject to change without notice -
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Core Modules3
Table of Contents
1. Introduction .....................................................................................................................5
2. Instructions for safe Operation.........................................................................................8
2.1. Notes for the Operator.....................................................................................................8
2.2. Warranty..........................................................................................................................8
2.3. Notes for the User...........................................................................................................9
2.4. Explanation of Symbols...................................................................................................9
2.4.1. Warnings, Safety Messages, and Symbols......................................................................9
2.4.2. Warnings and Labels on the System.............................................................................10
2.4.3. Conformity.....................................................................................................................11
2.5. General Safety Instructions ...........................................................................................11
2.5.1. Proper Use....................................................................................................................11
2.5.2. Improper Use ................................................................................................................15
2.6. Ambient Conditions.......................................................................................................16
2.7. Room Requirements .....................................................................................................16
2.7.1. Loudness in Laboratory.................................................................................................17
2.8. Setting up System.........................................................................................................17
2.8.1. Space Requirements.....................................................................................................17
2.9. Transport in Laboratory.................................................................................................18
2.10. Disposal ........................................................................................................................18
3. Operating Principle........................................................................................................19
3.1. System Description .......................................................................................................20
4. PC Requirements..........................................................................................................21
4.1. Malware Scanner ..........................................................................................................21
4.1.1. Whitelist.........................................................................................................................22
4.1.1.1. System Software...........................................................................................................22
5. Installation Drivers, Interface, Software.........................................................................23
5.1. Interface Driver..............................................................................................................23
5.2. Interface Installation ......................................................................................................25
5.3. System Software...........................................................................................................26
5.3.1. Creating a Short-Cut .....................................................................................................26
5.4. Windows Settings..........................................................................................................26
5.4.1. Power Options Properties..............................................................................................26
5.4.2. Disabling Parameter "Automatically adjust clock for daylight saving changes" ..............27
6. Connecting Devices - General.......................................................................................29
7. Cage Rack / Cage Lid Holder........................................................................................30
8. System Software...........................................................................................................31
9. Performing a Measurement...........................................................................................32
10. Maintenance and Cleaning............................................................................................35
10.1. General .........................................................................................................................35
10.2. Cage .............................................................................................................................36
10.2.1. Cage Lid........................................................................................................................36
10.2.1.1. Plastic Cage Lid ............................................................................................................36
10.2.1.2. Metallic Cage Lid...........................................................................................................37
10.2.1.3. Cage Body (Home Cage) ..............................................................................................37
10.3. Control Unit, PC, Monitor, and Keyboard.......................................................................38
10.4. Cable.............................................................................................................................39
10.5. Rack..............................................................................................................................39
Appendix
A. Example configurations
B. Cage body specifications
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4PhenoMaster | Hardware Operating Instructions
List of Figures
Fig. 1 ActiMot2 result parameters (table data, binary data)................................................................5
Fig. 2 Calorimetry result parameters..................................................................................................6
Fig. 3 Hardware layout - Rod nipple.................................................................................................14
Fig. 4 Positioning of O-ring (valve rod).............................................................................................14
Fig. 5 Reference Hardware module.................................................................................................20
Fig. 6 PCI slot - PC mainboard........................................................................................................26
Fig. 7 Date and Time tab (Windows7)..............................................................................................27
Fig. 8 Time Zone Settings (Windows7)............................................................................................28
Fig. 9 Cage lid holder w/ inserted lid................................................................................................30
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Core Modules5
TSE PhenoMaster System
for small Laboratory Animals
1. Introduction
System configuration
These operating instructions describe devices and features of the PhenoMaster Phenotyping
Research Platform of TSE Systems. Some devices and features may not be available on your
system. For your individual system configuration, please refer to your order confirmation. If you have
questions or need assistance, please contact TSE Service.
The TSE system - a modular animal research platform - is designed to measure locomotor activity,
metabolic performance, drinking and feeding behavior, and wheel activity of small laboratory animals
during an experiment. The use of the different functional features according to the investigator`s
requirements is possible.
Activity measurements via sensor frames can be done in the extended version with both, animal
cages for mice and those for rats plus a single sensor frame system. A reduced version is for use with
animal cages for a single species only. The systems differ in the size of their sensor frames, among
other things.
The activity function registers the locomotor activity of the animal in the animal cage. Special frames
are equipped with IR sensors, each sensor consists of an IR receiver and the corresponding IR
emitter, which produces infrared light beams intersecting in the animal cage.
The frames can be supplied with light beams in the X, Y, and Z level according to the system
configuration.
Various parameters can be used for determining the locomotor activity of the animals.
The software registers the number of beam interruptions caused by the animal’s movement. Beam
breaks are divided into ambulatory and fine movements whose sum provides the total number of
interrupted light beams. According to the system configuration, the parameters listed below can be
measured.
ActiMot2 Result Parameters
Parameter
Description
"XT", "YT"
Breaks X-beam total (is equivalent to XA + XF)
Breaks Y-beam total (is equivalent to YA + YF)
"XF", "YF"
Breaks X-beam, fine movements
Breaks Y-beam, fine movements
"XA", "YA"
Breaks X-beam, ambulatory movements
Breaks Y-beam, ambulatory movements
"Z"
Breaks Z-beam, rearing
"Z2"
Breaks Z2-beam, rearing
"CenT", "PerT"
Sum central and peripheral, ambulatory and fine
movement
"CenA", "CenF"
Central ambulatory and central fine movement
"PerA", "PerF"
Peripheral ambulatory and peripheral fine movement
Fig. 1 ActiMot2 result parameters (table data, binary data)
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6PhenoMaster | Hardware Operating Instructions
The operator can define a part of the sensors as the 'center'. This allows the measurement area to be
adapted to suit animal cages with different sizes as well as the definition of two different measuring
ranges (central and peripheral).
To avoid counting scratching or tail flipping, a refractory period can be defined, during which an
additional interruption of a beam will not be counted within a certain period of time.
The CaloSys module is operated as an open circuit measuring system for determining the
parameters O2 consumption, CO2 production, Respiratory Exchange Rate (RER), heat, difference
O2 (reference air O2 - Box O2), and difference CO2 (Box CO2 - reference air CO2). All these
parameters may be calculated both, offline and online by the system software, and can be displayed
as required by the investigator. The following values can be stored per measuring interval and serve
as a basis for the calculation of the above mentioned parameters:
•Date and time,
•O2, CO2, concentration, reference (surrounding air);
•Per measuring place: O2 or CO2 concentration, flow, and temperature (optional)
The other parameters are calculated and displayed as required (Graph and Table). This means that
the operator can assemble the required parameters both, in the Table and in the Graph display, print
them out or export them as a *.csv file that can be read, e.g., into spreadsheet or database software.
This is possible both, online with the running data file and also offline.
Calorimetry Result Parameters
Parameter
Description
Unit
Remarks
"Flow"
Flow
l/min
"Temp"
Temperature
°C
Measurement in the box.
"O2"
Concentration
%
Reference and per box.
"CO2"
Concentration
%
Reference and per box.
"dO2"
Difference
%
Reference O2 - Box O2.
"dCO2"
Difference
%
Reference CO2 - Box CO2.
"VO2"
O2 consumption
ml/(kg x h) or ml/h
"VCO2"
CO2 production
ml/(kg x h) or ml/h
"RER"
Respiratory Exchange Rate
VCO2/VO2
"H"
Heat
kcal/(kg*h) or Kcal/h
Also possible in W/kg
Fig. 2 Calorimetry result parameters
*According to system configuration
The standard CaloSys module is available for small animals and consists of the following principal
devices:
•Special animal cages adapted to the system configuration.
•An air supply pump.
•Control Units containing the necessary equipment for measuring O2 and CO2 concentrations,
flow, and temperature (optional).
•A Sample Switch Unit to draw air samples from the cages.
•A Calibration Control Unit.
•An Air Drying Unit.
•Special control interfaces.
•CaloSys module of the system software package.
The numbers and versions of devices correspond with the information given in the order confirmation.
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Core Modules7
The drinking and feeding behavior of the animals is registered with special drinking and feeding
sensors and the appropriated mounting devices. The standard configuration is the dual-sensor
system with one feeding and one drinking station.
The drinking stations consist of a vessel containing the liquid and a sensor for measuring the amount
of liquid removed through the drinking nipple.
A feeding station consists of a food dispenser suspended from a sensor. The dispenser can hold
different standard food pellets.
Access to the food is given via a round stainless steel wire basket. The animals can gnaw off pieces
of food through the steel bars in the same way as they do with the ordinary food cribs.
An upper and a lower limit for liquid or food removal can be entered in the "Setup" menu. Within these
limits, the amounts of liquid and feed removed will be registered. Measured values that lie outside
these limits, e.g., those caused by knocking the dispenser against the sensor or by the animal lifting
the dispenser, will not be taken into account.
Activity measurements via InfraMot sensors can be done for rapidly and easily determining the
gross activity of mice, rats, and other small laboratory animals via an infrared sensor.
These sensors register the activity of one or more subjects by sensing the body heat image, i.e.
infrared radiation and its spatial displacement over time. In this way, movement within the cage can
be reliably determined. This even includes brief movement events of a few milliseconds duration only.
A voluntary wheel can be included in the system in order to obtain further activity parameters. The
voluntary wheel can be used to measure the spontaneous activity of the test animal. The number of
turns that the wheel makes clockwise or counterclockwise will be registered.
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8PhenoMaster | Hardware Operating Instructions
2. Instructions for safe Operation
2.1. Notes for the Operator
This system has been manufactured in accordance with the latest technological developments and is
operationally safe. However, it may nevertheless represent a potential hazard, particularly if it is
operated by not suitably trained personnel, or if it is improperly used for other than its intended
purpose.
•The operator must prepare written instructions for the operation of system in a reasonable
form, based on the safety and operating instructions, the safety data sheets, and the
applicable technical guidelines.
•These written instructions must be announced in the language of the operating personnel.
•In order to operate the system in a laboratory, the operator must carry out a risk assessment
and determine the specific risks arising from the typical setup at the location and the operator-
specific operation of the system. The users must be informed of this and appropriately trained.
Risk assessment is a method for evaluating the health and safety hazards for employees at
their workplaces.
•Use these operating instructions to familiarize the service and cleaning personnel with the
functions, operation, and maintenance of the system.
•The national rules and regulations concerning the operation and handling of this system must
always be observed.
•The contents of the operating instructions are subject to change without further notice.
•These instructions, or parts of these instructions, should only be translated into other
languages by a qualified technical translator. TSE Systems should be informed about this in
advance. TSE Systems cannot be made responsible for a faulty translation. Liability claims
resulting from a faulty translation are to be made against those responsible for the faulty
translation.
•Save all instructions. Keep these operating instructions close to the system so that safety
instructions and important information are always accessible.
•If the product is passed on to a third party, then the operating instructions must also be
passed on.
Should you encounter problems concerning components of TSE Systems, please contact TSE
Service for your own safety. For contact data, please see last page.
2.2. Warranty
TSE Systems warrant the operational safety and the operability of the system only under the
condition that…
•…the system is operated exclusively in accordance with its intended purpose - taking
particular notice of the safety information - and as described in these operating instructions
and is properly serviced and maintained;
•…the system isn´t modified by the operator.
•…original spare parts and accessories that have been approved by TSE Systems are used
only. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact TSE Service.
•…inspections and maintenance work are performed at the specified intervals.
The warranty is valid from the date of delivery of the system to the operator.
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Core Modules9
Exclusion of warranty
The warranty becomes null and void…
•…if inspections and maintenance work are not performed at the specified intervals.
•…if device housings are removed by unauthorized personnel.
2.3. Notes for the User
Prior to the initial operation of the system, read these operating instructions carefully to ensure that
you can fully exploit the advantages of the system and to protect personnel, animals, and the
environment against possible damage:
•These operating instructions describe the TSE PhenoMaster system.
•Images in these instructions show standard devices; depending on the system specifications
these may differ from the devices actually supplied.
•The system is to be operated by qualified and suitably trained personnel only.
•If the system is to be operated with devices from other manufacturers, then these will be
described in separate instructions provided by the manufacturer of the particular device.
•Any repairs to the system must be performed by members of the Technical Service of TSE
Systems only, or by suitably trained and authorized expert personnel.
Test run
We recommend to perform a test run before the system is used for the first time in order to familiarize
yourself with its operation and to make the necessary settings for the particular series of experiments.
2.4. Explanation of Symbols
Warnings, Safety Messages, and Symbols2.4.1.
The following section contains information about the use of the safety symbols and explanations
about how they are to be understood. Please read it through carefully and observe the described
measures in order to protect yourself and others from injury or death.
WARNING
Safety alert symbol Signal word
Indicates potential hazard Level hazard seriousness
Toxic substances
Identification of hazard
Health hazards by toxic substances.
Probable consequences of not avoiding the hazard
•In cases of doubt, take appropriate safety measures.
•Wear protective clothing, e.g., safety goggles, safety gloves.
Measures: how to avoid the hazard
*Blue-colored text passages provide short explanations.
Safety alert symbol
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential physical injury hazards. Obey all
safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible death or injury.
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10 PhenoMaster | Hardware Operating Instructions
Signal word
The signal word indicates the hazard seriousness.
DANGER
Will lead to death or severe injuries!
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
May lead to death or severe injuries!
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.
CAUTION
May lead to minor or moderate injuries!
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate
injury.
Embedded safety message
This warning is used to indicate risks that could occur during handling sequences.
•Instructions with Dos and Don'ts
•WARNING! Here the description of the hazard follows.
•Instructions with Dos and Don'ts….
In this case a warning is associated with operating steps that follow.
or
•Instructions with Dos and Don'ts
Instructions with Dos and Don'ts
WARNING! Here the description of the hazard follows.
•Instructions with Dos and Don'ts
In this case a warning is associated with the particular operating step that precedes it.
Notice
"Notice” is used to address damages not related to physical injury, e.g., property damage.
NOTICE - Rubber Stoppers
Rubber stoppers can be used for the leak test.
Do not use rubber stoppers during operation of the exposure system.
Additional information
Is used for application hints and useful information.
Warnings and Labels on the System2.4.2.
In this section the warning information given on the components of the PhenoMaster system is
explained. The warnings on the components correspond to those in these instructions.
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