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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Core Modules11
Warning illustration
WARNING
Toxic substances
Toxic substances can escape by diffusion, condensation.
•In cases of doubt, take appropriate safety measures.
•Wear protective clothing such as safety goggles, gloves.
This warning is given on the instrument in position XXXX.
Shorter warnings may be given for space reasons:
WARNING
Toxic substances: Test substances can represent a health
hazard by exposure.
The further information given in these instructions must be observed.
Warnings given on instruments if the information is too voluminous, or if too many warnings need to
be given.
WARNING
For safe operation, see Operating Instructions.
Removed, missing, damaged or difficult to read or illegible warnings must be replaced immediately.
Please contact TSE Service.
The presence and legibility of warnings must be checked every 6 months at the latest and replaced
as necessary.
Conformity2.4.3.
This product and its accessories conform to the requirements of the Low-Voltage Guideline
73/23/EEC as well as the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and are accordingly marked with the CE
symbol. For conformity with the standard, it is essential that the details in the instructions are strictly
observed during operation.
2.5. General Safety Instructions
Proper Use2.5.1.
The TSE PhenoMaster is a system, which can be used to determine the metabolic performance, the
animal activity via sensor frames or infrared sensor(s), the drinking & feeding behavior as well as
wheel activity of small laboratory animals during an experiment. Your individual system configuration
can be found in the order documentation.
General
•The device/system…
o…is designed and intended to be operated by skilled professionals whose background
and training qualify them to do so.
o…has been specially designed and constructed for research purposes and is intended
for laboratory use only.
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12 PhenoMaster | Hardware Operating Instructions
o…is intended for use in laboratories equipped in accordance with the relevant safety
regulations, valid standards, and guidelines.
o…is intended for use with the specified animal; if different animals are used, then
incorrect results could be obtained.
o…is intended for use with a max. number of animals at the same time - according to
the order documentation.
o…is normally intended for measurements with a single animal per animal cage.
o…can be controlled by a combination of the TSE Control Units and the associated
hardware and software only.
•The system devices can be operated in the given setup only.
•If only individual components or parts of a system have been supplied by TSE Systems and
the user makes up a complete system by using components from other manufacturers, then it
is the user’s responsibility to ensure that the individual components are properly matched to
one another and that the system - taking safety regulations into special consideration -
functions perfectly.
•The system has been tested with English and German MS Windows operating system
versions only. If a different Windows operating system version is used, then TSE Systems
cannot guarantee that the system will function perfectly.
Activity measurements via sensor frames (ActiMot2)
•The sensor frames are, depending on their specification, intended to register the activity in the
X, Y, or Z direction only. They should not be interchanged and should be mounted in
accordance with these instructions.
•The system isn´t intended to register distances covered for determining the exact location of
the animal.
•The sensors for measuring the activity should be free from contamination, and the beam path
should not be hindered by solid objects in the vicinity of the sensors.
Calorimetry measurements
NOTICE - Reduced lifetime!
If Calorimetry Process Control Units and Air Pumps are powered ON without operating the
system, this may reduce lifetime of devices.
•Always run system software when devices are powered ON.
•Power OFF devices after use.
NOTICE - Reduced lifetime!
If excess heat produced by the Air Drying Units cannot dissipate to the outside, this may
reduce lifetime.
Ensure that the device is properly ventilated:
•Min. distance:
oAir Drying Unit - Wall: >=150…200mm (>=5.91…7.87inch)
oAir Drying Unit - Other devices: >=150…200mm (>=5.91…7.87inch).
NOTICE - Reduced lifetime!
If Calorimetry Process Control Units and Air Pumps are powered ON while there is a leakage
in the sample line, this may reduce lifetime of devices.
•After you have discarded condensed water, carefully reconnect collection vessel to 1x Air
Drying Unit and reconnect separating bottle to tubing.
•Select "Status/Calo" and check for proper "SampleFlow” on "Calo Current Values" dialog (see
Software Operating Instructions - Calorimetry, Section "Status Menu, Calo").
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Core Modules13
NOTICE - Reduced lifetime!
If Calorimetry Process Control Units and Air Pumps are powered ON while there is a leakage
in the sample line, this may reduce lifetime of devices.
•Never remove collection vessels from the 4x Air Drying Unit. Drain off condensed water via
collection vessel tubing only.
•After you have discarded condensed water of separating bottle, carefully reconnect bottle to
tubing.
•Select "Status/Calo" and check for proper "SampleFlow” on "Calo Current Values" dialog (see
Software Operating Instructions - Calorimetry, Section "Status Menu, Calo").
•The test area should be limited by a door or similar so no rapid alteration in the CO2/O2
concentration of the reference air can take place during the measurement.
•A warmed-up calorimetry system should be used for an experiment only. The warming-up
period should be at least 2 hours.
•Exactly specified gases with a test certificate should be used for calorimetric calibration only.
Calibration gases (O2, CO2) which concentration is known accurately to two decimal places
should be available.
•The calorimetry sensors should be calibrated under the same conditions that are to be used
for the measurement (e.g. room temperature, pressure, location).
•The calorimetry devices of the system should be leak-free, as otherwise the measurements
will be inaccurate.
•The setting of the flowmeter (Calorimetry Master Control Unit) for the measurement should be
the same as for the calibration process.
•For better comparability of test data, the room conditions, particularly temperature and
humidity, should be kept as constant as possible.
•Air pumps (push principle respirometry, overpressure principle)
oThe pump is designed for pumping air only. The performance values can be found on
the pump label.
oEnsure that the operating air temperature is within the range -10...+40°C (14…104°F)
oEnsure that humidity is <90%.
•Vacuum pumps (pull principle respirometry, underpressure principle)
oThe pump is suitable exclusively for air and NOT for pumping liquids or gases. Max.
permissible humidity <90%.
oThe ambient temperature must not fall below -5°C (23°F) and must not exceed +40°C
(104°F). You are NOT allowed to operate the pump close to explosive liquids or on
potentially explosive premises.
oUnusual noises may indicate that a diaphragm has broken. In this case, unplug device
from mains supply and contact TSE Service.
•When the High-Speed Sensor Unit is in operating mode, ensure that the Oxymat sensor is
supplied with reference air (scavenging air) to protect the device against contamination.
NOTICE - Reduced lifetime!
If High-Speed Sensor Unit is powered ON without operating the system, contamination may
damage the sensors.
•During operating mode of High-Speed Sensor Unit, ensure that…
o…its sensors are supplied with air from reference gas cylinder continuously.
o…all other devices of the CaloSys module entered operating mode as well.
o…PhenoMaster software is running.
•Power OFF High-Speed Sensor Unit after use.
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14 PhenoMaster | Hardware Operating Instructions
Drinking and Feeding measurements
•The drinking and feeding sensors can be used with the dispensers supplied by TSE only - if
others are used, measuring errors will occur.
•(Re)assembly of rod drinking nipples
NOTICE - Dehydration hazard!
If the O-ring of the valve rod is positioned in the false orientation, flow through the opening of
the extension cap is always blocked and animals can die of thirst.
•Position O-ring onto the gasket so that its smaller base is orientated towards the gasket.
•After (re)assembly, always perform a test to ensure that liquid can flow throughout the nipple.
Fig. 3 Hardware layout - Rod nipple
1 Nipple receiver
2 O-ring, NBR (nipple receiver)
3 Valve rod
4 Gasket
5 O-ring, rubber (valve rod)
6 Pressure spring
7 Extension cap
oPosition O-ring (valve rod) onto gasket (shorter end of valve rod). The smaller base of
the O-ring must be orientated towards the gasket, as otherwise flow through the
opening of the extension cap is always blocked and animals can die of thirst!
Correct
Incorrect
Fig. 4 Positioning of O-ring (valve rod)
3
2
5
6
1
7
4
How to test the operability, i.e. flowability, of the drinking nipple?
•Fill dispenser with water.
•If not already done, attach drinking cap including nipple.
•Suspend dispenser from sensor.
•Wait approx. 20s until water and air are in equilibrium.
•With a moistened finger, touch the tip of the nipple slightly (thereby moving the valve
rod to the side). It should be possible to "pull off" a drop. If not, a check for potential
sources and remedies, respectively, has to be made.
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Core Modules15
Activity measurements via infrared sensors (InfraMot)
•Infrared sensors supplied by TSE should be used only.
•There should be no external heat source in the measuring area of the sensor - and no persons
should stand directly in front of the cage.
Activity measurements via voluntary running wheels
•The voluntary running wheels are designed for measuring the spontaneous wheel activity of
small laboratory animals only.
Improper Use2.5.2.
•No constructional alterations should be made to the system without the explicit written
authorization of the manufacturer.
•The system must NOT be used…
o…in an explosive environment.
o…with dirty and contaminated device components. Do NOT store the system when it is
still contaminated.
•Do NOT obstruct any ventilation openings.
Computer system (PC, PC monitor, Process Control Units, etc.)
•Only those programs described in the instructions should be installed on the PC in order to
rule out software incompatibility.
•Windows internal programs and memory resident software should be deactivated, e.g.,
screensaver, automatic switch OFF, etc.
Animal cages
The animal cages should be assembled and connected as described in these instructions only, as
otherwise inaccurate results will be obtained.
If calorimetry measurements are to be made without the presence of the drinking dispensers / feeding
dispensers, the corresponding openings should be closed off.
Sensors
•The sensors are intended to register the specified measured values only and are to be used
for this purpose only. For proper use, the calorimetry and the drinking & feeding & body weight
sensors should be calibrated.
•The drinking and feeding sensors must always be handled carefully. Do NOT drop them.
When not in use, they should be stored in transport boxes.
•The infrared sensors for measuring the activity should be free from contamination, and the
path should NOT be hindered by solid objects in the vicinity of the sensors.
Calorimetry measurements
•Air supply pumps (push principle respirometry, overpressure principle)
oThe air supply pump supplied must be used for generating the required air flow only.
Oil-operated compressed air generators will destroy the sensitive measuring and
control equipment.
oThe pump must NOT be installed in area that is subject to explosion hazard.
oThe following media must NOT be allowed to enter the air intake: dangerous gas
mixtures (e.g. combustible gases, explosive gases or vapors), extremely humid air,
water vapour, any liquids, aggressive gases, oil traces or oil mist, and grease.
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16 PhenoMaster | Hardware Operating Instructions
•Vacuum pumps (pull principle respirometry, underpressure principle)
oUnder no circumstances you should grease or oil the pump!
oChoking the air flow by reducing the outlet or closing it leads to premature wear of the
pump. If the air flow fails, the windings overheat and burn.
•Mass Flow Controllers
The mass flow controllers of the Control Units are intended for measuring and controlling air
only. Oil-free air must be used only. The pump supplied must be used only; do NOT use
compressed air generators.
•Reference air
oNo rapid alteration in the CO2 or O2 concentration of the reference air should take
place during the measurement, as this will cause inaccurate results.
oNo O2 consumers or CO2 generators should be located in the air from which the
reference air is taken.
oThe reference air should be taken from the same location as that used for the air
supply pump.
•When the High-Speed Sensor Unit is in operating mode, ensure that sensors are supplied with
reference gas to protect device against contamination.
2.6. Ambient Conditions
The system must be operated in locations only which satisfy the following ambient conditions.
•Setup in a closed room.
•Fresh air supply required.
•Dry location; don´t store liquids above the system devices. Keep all surfaces (e.g. floors) dry.
•Protect against water splashes.
•Solid, level, and nonflammable support.
•The ambient temperature must be >=15°C (>=59°F) and <=25°C (<=77°F). The animal cages
alone can be placed in a climate chamber with temperatures >=3°C (>=37.4°F) and <=30°C
(<=86°F) but the Control Units and the PC must be placed outside close to that chamber
under normal environmental conditions.
NOTICE - Measurement errors!
If the air is very humid, this will affect the measuring accuracy of the MFC.
Do NOT operate Process Control Units and Air Drying Unit with non-ambient temperatures (<15°C
(<59°F) or >25°C (>77°F)).
•The relative humidity of the surroundings must NOT exceed 60% (non-condensing).
•The system must NOT be exposed to direct sunlight or radiated heat.
•The system must NOT be located directly beside or above sources of heat.
•The system must NOT be exposed to dust.
2.7. Room Requirements
•The room must permit connection to a grounded mains supply which is in accordance with the
local safety standards.
•The mains connection fuse is adequate for the number of amperes required by all the system
devices.
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Core Modules17
•We recommend the use of a specially protected system for connecting the hardware in order
to prevent overvoltage surge damage, e.g., by a lightning strike, together with a system that
ensures an uninterruptible power supply.
•For calorimetric measurements, we recommend that the system is installed in a separate
room, in which the room climate does not alter during the measurement. The room conditions,
particularly temperature and humidity, should be kept as constant as possible for all the runs
in a test series.
Loudness in Laboratory2.7.1.
For behavior studies, you need a room with a noise level below 65dB. In the laboratory, the noise
level could amount to approx. 70dB from air conditioning, lighting, general lab noise, etc. Most of this
loudness is below 1kHz and is therefore in a frequency range, which mice cannot hear, and which is
in the lower audible range for rats if the sound pressure level exceeds 60dB.
The CaloSys module produces approx. 42dB - from the air pumps, PC fan, and Air Drying Units.
It should also be taken into consideration that the animals are inside cages, which also reduce noise.
This means that the loudest noise that the animals can hear will be approx. 40dB from the air pump of
the system.
It is important that your animal test laboratory isn´t subject to regular public traffic, that neither doors
nor windows are opened and closed at frequent intervals, and that persons don´t enter or leave the
room frequently.
2.8. Setting up System
•The support surfaces for the cages must ensure vibration-free operation, as otherwise the
sensitive measurement technique could be negatively affected.
•If shelving systems are used for setting up the cages, you should ensure that they are not
located beneath the illumination or in front of an air-conditioning inlet, as otherwise the test
and keeping conditions will differ between the animals, which could cause considerable
differences between the single measurements.
•With shelving systems that are intended for use with both, rat and mouse cages, remember
that the rat cages are higher and require a greater distance between the shelves.
•Shelving systems used for setting up the cages should be horizontal so that, in eating and
drinking tests in particular, the dispensers hang freely without touching.
•Mobile support surfaces, e.g., on casters, must have the casters locked when the system is in
use.
•The support surfaces should be easy to clean, e.g., smooth stainless steel surfaces - if
possible, grids or benchtops with joints should not be used.
•The cages must be placed on a stable, horizontal base (bench top) at a convenient working
height (no sagging shelves!).
Ensure that there is sufficient distance between the cages! Under no circumstances should
occurrences in one cage interfere with the measurements made in neighbouring cages!
Space Requirements2.8.1.
When setting up the system, ensure that...
•…all the devices for controlling and operating the system are freely accessible.
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18 PhenoMaster | Hardware Operating Instructions
•…the device ventilation slots are NOT blocked.
•…information and safety warnings are NOT covered up.
2.9. Transport in Laboratory
•Transport the system devices only when…
o…they are powered OFF.
o…the cables have been unplugged.
o…the tubing connections have been removed.
•Lift the system devices by their housings and not by their cables.
•Drinking and feeding dispensers must not be attached at the sensor hooks.
•The sensor frames should be transported only in a dismantled condition in order to avoid
distortion of the individual devices by shearing forces.
2.10. Disposal
Discarded devices or worn device components contain reusable material.
Recycling!
All the components of the device can be disposed of in accordance with statutory waste management
procedures after appropriate cleaning (decontamination if necessary).
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Core Modules19
3. Operating Principle
The system permits a customer-specific arrangement of individual measuring modules. Registration
of activity using sensor frames, calorimetric measurement, registration of drinking and feeding
behavior or body weight, as well as determining the activity by using infrared sensor or a voluntary
wheel are possible.
For activity measurements via sensor frames, the animal cage is inserted in frames containing
light beams. No calibrations are needed for the light beams. Depending on the system configuration,
activity in the X and/or Z, X and Y, or X, Y and Z direction can be registered. An infrared sensor is
located every 5mm (0.20inch); this consists of an IR emitter and an IR receiver.
If the animal moves in one of the three spatial axes - providing that the system has the max. number
of light beams - and if one of the light beams is interrupted that was previously uninterrupted, then the
system will register a count. This means that interruptions that are linked with a movement will be
registered only. Permanently interrupted light beams will not be taken into account.
Movements that are repeated at short intervals, e.g., tail flicking, can be ignored by defining a
refractory period, i.e. if short-term movements are detected within this defined period, then no count
will be registered.
The operator can define a part of the light beams 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).
The calorimetry measuring module can be configured to run with up to eight special animal cages
per Calorimetry Control Unit. Each cage is continuously provided with fresh air from an air pump via
the Control Unit. For a 16-place system, one Master Control Unit and one Slave Unit are required,
which each have eight connections for the air supply (to the cages) and the temperature sensors.
The Master Control Unit also contains the standard sensors for O2 and CO2 measurement in addition
to the ports for data transmission with the PC. For high speed O2/CO2 measurements, a separate
measuring Unit is required. Master and Slave Control Unit are connected to each other via a further
data cable. With the help of a Sample Switch Unit, air samples are taken in defined intervals from the
animal cages and are being analyzed.
The samples are transferred to the Master Control Unit, where O2 as well as CO2 gas concentrations
are measured. The sample concentrations are compared to a fresh air reference.
With the help of temperature sensors, the temperature in the test cage can be measured and
registered during the specified experiment time.
Moisture that could be deposited on the O2 and CO2 sensors is removed from the sample flow by an
Air Drying Unit.
The drinking and feeding behavior of test animals as well as their body weight can be measured
with high precise sensors located on the cage lids. The removal of liquid or food pellets from the
dispensers is registered by the weight sensors and the alterations are registered by the software.
Limit values for the range, in which removals are to be registered can be entered here; values that
are too high, e.g., those caused by the animal lifting the dispenser, will then no longer be registered.
By using a trial monitor, the amount removed during the trial can be followed; this makes it easier to
recognize the necessity of refilling the dispenser.
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20 PhenoMaster | Hardware Operating Instructions
For activity measurements via infrared sensors (InfraMot), passive infrared sensors are used.
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.
The standard sensor assembly includes a stainless steel sensor housing and is designed to be
mounted on top of a home cage. The sensor unit is available as a stand-alone version or can be
mounted to other cage types such as a drinking and feeding cage. In calorimetry systems, the sensor
is mounted air-tight on the cage cover.
The registered area depends on the setting in the factory and on the height, at which the sensor unit
is mounted.
Activity can be measured under any lighting conditions. Measurements can even be made in
complete darkness.
The software registers the counter totals during a measuring interval. This measuring data provides a
relative measure of the duration and intensity of the activity. This allows general statements about the
activity of the animal to be made.
Activity measurements via running wheels can measure the spontaneous activity of the animal,
e.g., in a home cage. The animal itself sets the running wheel in motion (voluntary running wheel).
3.1. System Description
The system is arranged modularly, i.e. depending on the system configuration, the required devices
are present only. The devices, their installation and functions are described in the corresponding
sections.
References Hardware Module
Measurements
Reference
Activity behavior via sensor frames
Calorimetry
Hardware Operating Instructions - Calorimetry
Drinking/Feeding/Urine/Feces/Body Weight
Activity behavior via running wheel
Activity behavior via infrared sensors
Hardware Operating Instructions - InfraMot
Fig. 5 Reference Hardware module
In the following sections, information about carrying out a measurement, maintenance, cleaning and
decontamination of the system is given.
Software is described in the Software Operating Instructions.
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