UGO BASILE 37240 User manual
SAFETY
CONSIDERATIONS
Although this instrument has
been designed with international
safety standards, it contains
information, cautions and warnings
which must be followed to ensure
safe operation and to retain the
instrument in safe conditions.
Service and adjustments should
be carried out by qualied
personnel, authorized by Ugo Basile
organization.
Any adjustment, maintenance and
repair of the powered instrument
should be avoided as much as
possible and, when inevitable,
should be carried out by a skilled
person who is aware of the hazard
involved.
Capacitors inside the instrument
may still be charged even if the
instrument has been disconnected
from its source of supply.
Table of Contents
1. Product features and general information 5
2. What’s in the box 6
3. General 9
3.1. Principle of operation ............................................................................ 9
4. Intrument description 10
4.1. The Electronic Unit 37240-001............................................................ 10
4.2. The water cell........................................................................................ 10
5. Installation 11
5.1. Unpacking & preliminary check ......................................................... 11
5.2. Notes on the User Guide..................................................................... 11
5.3. Before Applying Power........................................................................ 11
5.4. Intended Use ........................................................................................ 12
5.5. Additional Safety Consideration......................................................... 12
5.6. Connections .......................................................................................... 12
6. Operation 14
6.1. Setting-Up the Plethysmometer......................................................... 14
6.1.1. Preparing the dipping solution .................................................................... 14
6.1.2. Main Menu........................................................................................................ 15
6.1.3. Utilities Menu ................................................................................................... 16
6.1.4. Device setup menu ......................................................................................... 18
6.2. Calibration............................................................................................. 20
6.2.1. How to calibrate............................................................................................... 20
6.3. Measurement ....................................................................................... 21
6.3.1. Manual measurement .................................................................................... 22
6.3.2. Automatic measurement............................................................................... 22
6.4. Restoring Liquid Level ......................................................................... 23
6.5. Results ................................................................................................... 24
6.5.1. Results and Experiment menus ................................................................... 24
6.5.2. USB results export........................................................................................... 25
6.5.3. Ethernet (LAN) data load and retrieve ........................................................ 25
6.6. TTL Connections ................................................................................... 28
7. Maintenance 29
7.1. Electrical ................................................................................................ 29
7.2. Cell.......................................................................................................... 29
7.3. Transducer ............................................................................................ 29
7.4. Long Inactivity ...................................................................................... 30
7.5. Customer Support................................................................................ 30
8. Specification 31
9. Bibliografy 32
10. Related products 33
Product features and general information 5
This original device by Ugo Basile was designed to measure paw volume changes
(swelling) in rodents.
With almost 4,000 peer-reviewed citations, Ugo Basile Plethysmometer is the gold
standard for paw swelling tests.
Main features include:
Touch screen display, friendly interface, USB data retrieval and experiment data
loading capabilities, LAN connection, auto-measure function and Ugo Basile
family feeling design.
Displays the exact paw volume on the touch screen display, read-out with
resolution of 0.01ml. Small differences are detected by an high precision
self-made level transducer.
Foot pedal that allows hands-free operation, to save measured value and to
enable auto-measure function.
Easy zeroing before making new measurements.
Measuring paw tubes available in different sizes for different animals paws.
Web-based LAN connection for data retrieving and experiment data loading
(password protected).
USB pen drive for data retrieving and experiment data loading.
1. Product features and general information
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What’s in the box
6
2. What’s in the box
Plethysmometer standard kit -SKU: 37240
SKU Q.ty Description
37240-001 1 Plethysmometer electronic unit
37240-210 1 Plethysmometer cell stand
37252 1 Standard water cell with Mouse paw tube (diam.13
mm) and Rat paw tube (diam. 18 mm) with water level
transducer
3740-154 1 Water tank
7155 1 Set of 6 calibration probes (0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 ml)
7160 1 Wetting Compound, 100 ml bottle
M-TF 050-F 1 2 mt. of Polyurethane tube for connection: cell to water
tank & cell to drain
E-AU 101 1 USB Pen Drive including instruction manual (with CE certi-
cation) and X-Pad software
37215-303 1 Pedal Switch
Plethysmometer kit with 25mm Rat paw tube cell -SKU: 37240-25
SKU Q.ty Description
37240-001 1 Plethysmometer electronic unit
37240-210 1 Plethysmometer cell stand
37257 1 Special water cell with Rat paw tube (diam. 25 mm) with
water level transducer
3740-154 1 Water tank
7155 1 Set of 6 calibration probes (0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 ml)
7160 1 Wetting Compound, 100 ml bottle
M-TF 050-F 1 2 mt. of Polyurethane tube for connection: cell to water
tank & cell to drain
E-AU 101 1 USB Pen Drive including instruction manual (with CE certi-
cation) and X-Pad software
37215-303 1 Pedal Switch
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What’s in the box 7
Plethysmometer kit with 35mm Rat paw tube cell -SKU: 37240-35
SKU Q.ty Description
37240-001 1 Plethysmometer electronic unit
37240-210 1 Plethysmometer cell stand
37259 1 Special water cell with Rat paw tube (diam. 35 mm) with
water level transducer
3740-154 1 Water tank
7155 1 Set of 6 calibration probes (0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 ml)
7160 1 Wetting Compound, 100 ml bottle
M-TF 050-F 1 2 mt. of Polyurethane tube for connection: cell to water
tank & cell to drain
E-AU 101 1 USB Pen Drive including instruction manual (with CE certi-
cation) and X-Pad software
37215-303 1 Pedal Switch
Optional items ordering information
SKU Description
37252 Standard water cell with Mouse paw tube (diam. 13 mm) and Rat
paw tube (diam. 18 mm) with water level transducer
37252-S Standard water cell with Mouse paw tube (diam. 13 mm) and Rat
paw tube (diam. 18 mm) without water level transducer
37257 Special water cell with Rat paw tube (diam. 25 mm) with water
level transducer
37257-S Special water cell with Rat paw tube (diam. 25 mm) without
water level transducer
37259 Special water cell with Rat paw tube (diam. 35 mm) with water
level transducer
37259-S Special water cell with Rat paw tube (diam. 35 mm) without
water level transducer
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What’s in the box
8
Available spare parts
SKU Description
7182 18 mm tube for the rat paw
7186 13 mm tube for the rat paw
7187 25 mm tube for the rat paw
7189 35 mm tube for the rat paw
7153-L Water level transducer
E-BT 008 Battery type CR2032
E-FT010-1 2 X fuse T1.25A - 6X32 mm
Consumables
SKU Description
7160 Wetting Compound, 100 ml bottle
LAN connection default password is:
UgoBasile (CASE SENSITIVE)
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General 9
3. General
In research on rheumatoid arthritis, central development of oedema and
its modifications by pharmacological processes, the measurement of the
inflammatory processes in the paws of mice and rats has proven to be of great
value.
The Ugo Basile Plethysmometer is a volume meter, designed for accurate
measurements of the rodent paw swelling.
It consists of a liquid-filled cell into which the rodent paw is dipped. A transducer
of original design, which measures small differences in liquid level caused by
volume displacement, is connected to an electronic unit used to show, save and
recall the values.
3.1. Principle of operation
The measuring cell consists of two vertical interconnected Perspex tubes, the
larger of which is used to measure displacement. The water level in the smaller
tube, which contains the transducer, follows that of the large one and is therefore
proportional to the volume dipped in the large tube.
We have developed an original transducer which measures the conductance
between two vertical wire electrodes.
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Intrument description
10
4. Intrument description
4.1. The Electronic Unit 37240-001
The Plethysmometer Electronic Unit is a microprocessor-controlled unit with
touch screen and user-friendly graphical interface which has the capability to
store a great number of measurements; load and recall experiments and can
communicate to a PC through a LAN connection via web browser or via the
provided USB stick. (FAT formatted)
The experimental data are shown on the multifunction graphic display, in four
digits, with 0.01 ml resolution.
4.2. The water cell
The standard kit SKU: 37240 includes a standard water cell for Rat, diam. 18 mm,
provided with an extra paw tube diam. 13 mm for measuring the mouse paw
volume.
The Plethysmometer can be ordered with a different water cell configurations:
• SKU: 37240-25, including a 25mm diam. Water Cell
• SKU: 37240-35, including a 35mm diam. Water Cell
37240-25 & 37240-35 kit, includes all the Plethysmometer standard accessories
and only differs from the standard kit for the water cell capacity.
Other water cells are available as a separate part, see ugobasile.com web site for
more informations.
Water Cell with transducer, Frontal and lateral view
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Installation 11
5. Installation
5.1. Unpacking & preliminary check
Check the contents of the shipment for completeness, checl list to hand, and
visually inspect the instrument as soon you take it out the packaging.
If the instrument is damaged, immediately inform the shipping agent or carrier
Inspect the instrument for damages such as scratches, broken or loose parts. If
after having tested it, the instrument fails to meet rated performances, contact
5.2. Notes on the User Guide
This User Guide can be found on the provided USB Key.
We recommend thoroughly to read this manual, as it contains essential
informations for the correct installation and operation of the instrument.
Please save the manual in a safe place, ready to be consulted by qualified
personnel who use the instrument. Print it only if necessary.
Our User Guide are available as free download on our web site. For any
additional information and/or assistance, you are welcome to contact our
instrument.
5.3. Before Applying Power
The Power Module (see figure below) is positioned on the left of the back panel
and incorporates, from left to right, the fuse holder, the ON/OFF switch, the power
inlet connection.
Power Module
The fuse compartment holds two protection fuses.
Use (T1.25A) timed fuses for operation at both 115 or 230V, for fuse replacement.
The power cord inlet fits a standard C13 socket, Cat. # E-WP008.
Make sure your power outlet is provided with a reliable ground connection.
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Installation
12
This device is provided by an universal input power system which accept 85-264
VAC, 50-60Hz and absorb a maximum of 15 Watt.
5.4. Intended Use
The Plethysmometer is intended for
Investigation use on laboratory animal only.
DO NOT USE ON HUMANS.
5.5. Additional Safety Consideration
1. Use original accessories and spare parts only.
2. Immediately disconnect and replace damaged main cord.
3. Do not obstruct access to the power module.
4. Do not operate in hazardous environment or outside prescribed environmental
limitation.
5. Do not spray any liquid on the connectors, display, or on the electronic unit.
Ugo Basile cannot in any way and form be held responsible for damage
caused to things and people and warranty will be void, due to:
• Incorrect electrical supply.
• Incorrect installation procedure.
• Incorrect or improper use or, in any case, not in accordance with the purpose
for which the instrument has been designed and the warnings stated in the
instruction manual supplied with the instrument.
• Replacement of original component, accessories or parts with others not made
by Ugo Basile.
• Servicing carried out by unauthorized personnel.
5.6. Connections
Connect the transducer cable connector to the electronic unit at the sensor
connector, connect the pedal foot switch at the pedal connector.
Connect the mains cord between the power socket of the Plethysmometer and
the power outlet with a reliable earth connection, then turn ON the device.
Rear view of the Plethysmometer control unit
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Installation 13
The connection module on the front panel (Figure “Connection Panel”)
encompasses the following connectors, from left to right:
• Upper and lower USB ports: enable data export to a PC (via a USB pen drive),
and allow for firmware upgrades. Moreover, experiment data created with the
X-Pad software (see specific manual for details) can be uploaded into the device
by using a USB pen. (see paragraph 4.2). DO NOT PLUG 2 DEVICES AT THE
SAME TIME. The lower USB port is not available, please DO NOT REMOVE THE
CAP.
• TTL I/O: 15pins D-SUB connector, provides TTL input and output for start/stop
command.
• COM: for maintenance and service purpose.
• Ethernet connector can be used for loading experiment data coming from a
X-PAD software file, or to retrieve experiment result data from the device to a
PC via web browser.
Connection Panel
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Operation
14
6. Operation
6.1. Setting-Up the Plethysmometer
Place the Electronic Unit and the Stand on a stable and reasonably flat bench/
table (stand, clamp and reservoir may differ from what
featured in the picture).
Fasten the water cell to the laboratory stand by means of the
enclosed clamp.
Insert the water tank on the same stand, and fix it by the
black plastic screw.
The cell is fitted with two valves, one for cell loading and
one for cell unloading. Use the 8mm polyurethane tube to
connect the water tank to the loading tap and another piece
of polyurethane tube from the unloading tap to a sink.
Keep both valves wings
vertical (SHUT) and
fill the reservoir with
a solution prepared
in a separate vessel,
(see paragraph “6.1.1.
Preparing the Dipping
Solution”).
Combine a gentle
push and rotation of the transducer head to make sure it is properly fitted to the
smaller tube.
Fill the cell by opening the loading valve by turning its wing horizontally. Keep the
unloading tap closed while filling.
Close the loading valve to stop the flow and open the unloading valve to drain; fill
and drain a couple of times to practice and to purge the system from air bubbles.
Adjust the liquid level in the marked range, close to the lower red line.
6.1.1. Preparing the dipping solution
While the Plethysmometer can work with a simple tap water solution, to ensure
correct measurement we strongly recommend to prepare and use 1 litre of a
dipping solution as follow:
Add to a 1 litre of distilled water the following components:
• 3 ml of wetting compound (provided with standard package) which minimizes
drop and meniscus build-up, leading to more accurate measures.
• 0.8-0.9 g of NaCl (salt). Conductivity attained by this concentration provides
optimum transducer performances.
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Operation 15
Mix the solution.
The solution must always be fresh.
6.1.2. Main Menu
Getting familiar with the Plethysmometer home screen is very easy (see figure
“Main Menu”).
Main Menu
From the home page, press the “Ugo Basile logo” button on the top bar for
software and memory information. Press the back button to roll back into “Main
Menu” page.
Software and Memory information Screen
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Operation
16
6.1.3. Utilities Menu
The Utilities menu is accessible from the Main Menu, giving access to:
• Update, for the internal software (firmware) updates;
• Calibration, for instrument output characteristic calculation (See paragraph
“6.2. Calibration”).
• Erase DB, to delete the internal database (all data will be lost).
• Date-time, to control the internal clock.
• Factory Reset, to restore the device as it was at the factory. WARNING: all data
will be lost.
Utilities Menu
The Update Menu requires to insert the USB pen drive and is necessary to
updated the device firmware.
Ugo Basile is continuously improving the devices with new features and bug
corrections, so an update for your instrument may be available
To evaluate if an update is available send us an email message to
number of your device asking for an update.
In order check out your actual device firmware revision press the Ugo Basile logo
icon at the home page windows and note the revision number at the right top of
the screen (e.g. REL 1.0.0.3)
If an update is available we will send you the update file answering your email
request; download the email attached update file to be copied into the provided
USB stick.
If the provided USB stick is lost you can use another general purpose USB stick with a
minimum capacity of 4 or 8 gb which needs to be FAT32 formatted.
Copy the update file we sent you into the USB stick you choose then remove it
from your PC and plug it into the USB port of the device (one of the two port is
the same, but never use booth port at the same time.)
Press the Update button in the Utilities menu and follow the indication on screen.
NEVER SWITCH THE DEVICE OFF DURING UPDATE PROCEDURE
When the update procedure ends the device will automatically reboot.
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Operation 17
Updating Screen
The Date-Time Menu allows you to adjust the date and time of the device, as
shown in the below picture.
Date and time setting are essential for experiment result data correct population,
please set the correct date and time of Your location.
Date-Time Menu
ERASE DB function:
The device memory can be fully erased, by tapping onto the Erase DB Icon, this
can be useful for support needs and for freeing the internal device memory.
While internal memory device is not unlimited we advice you to perform this
function after You saved Your experimental data on your PC at the end of a
experiment session.
WARNING: all the Experiment and result data will be lost, with no way to recover
them.
Be sure to export Your experimental data before performing Erase DB function
Factory reset function:
This function is the unique way to reset the LAN connection password.
If the LAN connection password is lost, you can reset the password to the factory
default (which is UgoBasile) with this button.
For data security reason when the password is reset also the experiment data are
deleted. Please make a backup of your data before resetting the LAN connection
password
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Operation
18
Calibration button is explained in the chapter 6.2
6.1.4. Device setup menu
The Setup Icon, accessible from the Main Menu, gives access to:
• Network, for device LAN connection setup.
• Auto-reading, to set-up the automatic measurement saving functions. See par.
6.3.2 for details.
Device Set-Up Menu
Network: The Plethysmometer can be connected to a PC via Ethernet cable
which use IP protocol to communicate, this menu page is for setting up the
network parameter to use a web browser from a PC/mobile device to load
experiment data to the device and retrieve result data from the device.
You may want to connect the Plethysmometer directly to Your PC or to the Lab
LAN. (Local Area Network)
Refer to your IT technician for this set-up.
IP assignment: use auto (DHCP) (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) to let the
device IP address being automatically assigned.
When connecting the device to a facility LAN, make sure with IT department a DHCP
server exist and it is enabled.
When connecting the device directly to the PC through the Ethernet cable, make
sure PC Ethernet (LAN) card is set to use DHCP (Automatic IP assignment).
An Ethernet cross cable may be necessary in case of old hardware PCs.
If you need to manually assign the device IP address, select Manual and use the
following instruction to set an IP address.
IP Address: in DHCP mode shows the assigned IP Address, in Manual mode,
pressing the number makes possible to insert the desired IP address.
This number needs to be defined by your IT department, an arbitrary value can
damage the functionality of other LAN connected devices.
Subnet mask: this number, having the same syntax of the IP address, it will
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Operation 19
be automatically populated when in DHCP mode; in manual mode need to be
manually populate and the range for the group number need to be 0 or 255.
Usual value is 255.255.255.0.
This number needs to be defined by your IT department, an arbitrary value can
damage the functionality of other LAN connected devices.
Gateway: this data is not actually in use since the device does not access the
Internet. Leave it 0.0.0.0
Primary DNS: in DHCP mode this data is automatically populated but it is not
needed since the device does not access the Internet.
Leave it 0.0.0.0
Secondary DNS: in DHCP mode this data is automatically populated but it is not
needed since the device does not access the Internet
Leave it 0.0.0.0
Again we recommend You to refer to Your IT department to set-up this values
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Operation
20
6.2. Calibration
Calibration is essential for precise measurements.
Calibration is necessary in the following cases:
Every time the device is powered on.
• If the instrument has been not used for a long time.
• After having changed the dipping solution.
• After replacing the cell.
• After replacing the transducer.
Each kit is complete with a 7155 calibration volume set, including the following
calibration volumes:
• 0.1 ml (yellow) (for reference only)
• 0.2 ml (orange) (for reference only)
• 0.5 ml (pink)
• 1 ml (grey)
• 2 ml (blue)
• 4 ml (green)
Calibration is a linearisation of the relationship between the transducer measure
and the actual volume displacement around the chosen reference volume.
You MUST calibrate the instrument having in mind the
estimated value of interest (i.e., calibrate with 1ml,
using the gray volume, if the paw volume displacement
will be around 1ml).
6.2.1. How to calibrate
From the main menu press the Utilities Icon. By pressing the Calibration
button, the corresponding menu is shown.
Calibration Menu
The calibration procedure goes through the following steps:
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