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Summary of Contents for SciGene Little Dipper Processor
- Page 1 Little Dipper Processor ® USER MANUAL FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY 3350 Scott Blvd. Bldg. 39‐02, Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA • Tel 408‐733‐7337 • techserv@scigene.com ...
- Page 2 Little Dipper® Processor — USER MANUAL Warranty SciGene warrants that the electrical instrument described in this manual shall be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 12 months from date of delivery. This warranty does not cover removable baths or accessories. In the event of a defect during the warranty period, SciGene’s limit of liability will be to provide replacement parts at no charge or, at its sole discretion, replace the product. The foregoing warranty is void in the event the unit was abused or modified or used in a manner inconsistent with its intended purpose. SciGene makes no other warranty, expressed or implied including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall SciGene be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages or for any damages resulting from loss arising out of or in connection with the sale, use or performance of the product. Copyright Copyright ©2005‐2023 SciGene Corporation. All rights reserved. SciGene and Little Dipper are trademarks of SciGene Corporation, Sunnyvale, CA. All other trademarks used in this manual are the property of their respective owners. Version 2.5, August 2023 1 (408) 733‐7337, techserv@scigene.com ...
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
9 B. Cleaning Before Every Use ...................... 1 9 C. Cleaning After Every Use ......................... 1 9 D. Periodic Cleaning and Calibration .................... 1 9 VII. TROUBLESHOOTING ..................... 2 0 VIII. SPECIFICATIONS ...................... 2 0 ORDERING INFORMATION ................... 2 0 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY .................. 2 1 Version 2.5, August 2023 2 (408) 733‐7337, techserv@scigene.com ... -
Page 4: Safety Notices
C. Symbols and Conventions The following list is an illustrated glossary of the electrical symbols that are used on the Little Dipper Processor. Whenever such symbols appear on instruments, please observe appropriate safety measures. Le tableau suivant est un glossaire illustré des symboles électriques qui sont utilisées sur le système. Chaque fois que ces symboles apparaissent sur les instruments, veuillez observer les mesures de sécurité appropriées. 1. Electrical Symbols This symbol indicates that this is a protected ground terminal that must be connected to earth ground before any other electrical connections are made to the instrument. Ce symbole indique qu'il s'agit d'un terminal de terrain protégé qui doit être connecté à la terre avant que toutes les autres connexions électriques sont apportées à l'instrument. CAUTION: This symbol alerts you to an electrical hazard. Please consult this User Manual for further information and proceed with caution. ATTENTION: Ce symbole vous avertit à consulter ce guide de l'utilisateur pour plus d'informations et de procéder avec prudence. This symbol indicates the OFF position of the main POWER switch. Ce symbole indique la position OFF de l'interrupteur principal. This symbol indicates the ON position of the main POWER switch. Ce symbole indique la position ON de l'interrupteur principal. Version 2.5, August 2023 3 (408) 733‐7337, techserv@scigene.com ... -
Page 5: Warnings
Biological hazards can be associated with the materials used on this instrument. Potentially infectious waste and other hazardous waste must be treated in accordance with good laboratory practice guidelines. Les dangers biologiques peuvent être associés à des matériaux utilisés dans cet instrument. Potentiellement déchets infectieux et d'autres déchets dangereux doivent être traités conformément aux lignes directrices de bonnes pratiques de laboratoire. This symbol indicates the presence of a fire or explosion hazard. Consult this Operator’s Manual for further information. Ce symbole indique la présence d' un risque d'incendie ou d'explosion. Consultez le manuel de l'utilisateur pour plus d'informations. D. Warnings Failure to comply with the following warnings that are affixed to the product can lead to possible personal injury or death. Défaut de respecter les avertissements suivants qui sont apposées sur le produit peut conduire à possibles lésions corporelles ou la mort. This symbol indicates the presence of hazardous voltage. Always disconnect the power cord before attempting any repairs. Ce symbole indique la tension dangereux de présence. Toujours débrancher le cordon d'alimentation avant de tenter toute réparation. Warning‐ Do not use in the vicinity of flammable or combustible materials. Fire or explosion may result. Avertissement‐ Ne pas utiliser à proximité de matières inflammables ou combustibles. Incendie ou une explosion peuvent en résulter. Version 2.5, August 2023 4 (408) 733‐7337, techserv@scigene.com ... -
Page 6: Cautions
Biological hazards can be associated with the materials used on this instrument. Potentially infectious waste and other hazardous waste must be treated in accordance with good laboratory practice guidelines. Les dangers biologiques peuvent être associés à des matériaux utilisés dans cet instrument. Potentiellement déchets infectieux et d'autres déchets dangereux doivent être traités conformément aux lignes directrices de bonnes pratiques de laboratoire. This symbol on the rear of the instrument indicates the presence of the fuse box. Warning: For Continued Protection Against Fire, Replace Only with Same Type Rating of Fuse. Always disconnect the power cord before attempting to replace the fuse. Ce symbole sur l'arrière de l'instrument indique la présence de la boîte de fusibles. Avertissement: Pour le maintien de la Protection contre l'incendie, remplacer uniquement avec la même cote de Type de fusible. Toujours débrancher le cordon d'alimentation avant d'essayer de remplacer le fusible. Always insert a bath liner and fill with buffer before turning on power to each bath. Toujours insérer une doublure de bain et remplir avec un tampon avant de l'allumer à chaque bain The instrument weighs approximately 59 lbs (26.5 kg). Use caution when lifting the unit to avoid personal injury. L'instrument pèse environ 26,5 kg. Soyez prudent lorsque vous soulevez l'unité pour éviter toute blessure. Do not under any circumstances lift the unit by the cylindrical tower or its extended gripper arm! This will damage the instrument! Ne pas en aucun cas soulever l'unité par la tour cylindrique ou son bras de préhension prolongée! Cela pourrait endommager l'appareil! Version 2.5, August 2023 5 (408) 733‐7337, techserv@scigene.com ... -
Page 7: Spills And Reagent Disposal
Respecter toutes les réglementations nationales, régionales et locales pour l'élimination des déchets et management. Biological and other hazards can be associated with the materials used on this instrument. Potentially infectious and other hazardous waste materials must be treated in accordance with good laboratory practices. Dangers biologiques et matériaux potentiellement infectieux et d'autres déchets dangereux peuvent être utilisées sur cet instrument et doivent être traités conformément aux bonnes pratiques de laboratoire. This symbol indicates the potential presence of a hot surface. Use care when cleaning a spill in this area to avoid being burned. Ce symbole indique la présence potentielle d'une surface chaude. Faites attention lors du nettoyage d'un déversement pour éviter d'être brûlé. 1. Cleaning Spills a. Turn off the instrument. b. Wipe the spill using an absorbent material. Always pull the liquid to the front of the instrument, away from the control panel and around the bath positions. c. Wipe the deck dry with a dust‐free towel and 70% ethanol (or similar). d. Dispose of the material in accordance with good laboratory practices. 2. Disposing of Reagents Chemicals used on this instrument may be hazardous. Adhere to good laboratory practices when disposing of any hazardous chemicals. Version 2.5, August 2023 6 (408) 733‐7337, techserv@scigene.com ... -
Page 8: Compliance
Little Dipper® Processor — USER MANUAL G. Compliance 1. Electromagnetic Compatibility (CE) All instruments shipped to the European Union (EU; formerly known as the European Community) have the “CE” label on the back of the instrument, signifying that these instruments comply with the Electromagnetic Compatibility and Low Voltage Directives. 2. Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) The RoHS directive was adopted in February 2003 by the European Union. It restricts (with exceptions) the use of six hazardous materials (including lead and mercury) in the manufacture of various types of electronic equipment. All SciGene instruments carrying the CE mark are also RoHS compliant. 3. Electrical and Electronic Equipment Waste (WEEE) WEEE is a European Community directive that became European Law in February 2003. The crossed out wheelie bin symbol on a product or its packaging indicates that it must NOT be disposed of with standard waste at the end of its lifetime. Instead, it is your responsibility to return it to a designated collection point for electronic equipment recycling. Contact your local SciGene distributor for information on drop off locations. 4. Laboratory Equipment Standards This symbol indicates the instrument meets Laboratory Equipment standards UL 61010‐1:2004 R7.05 and CAN/CSA‐C22.2 61010‐1:2004 as certified by TÜV Rheinland of North America, Inc. 5. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) ... -
Page 9: Unpacking And Set Up
A. Unpacking the Instrument The Little Dipper Processor weighs about 59 lbs (26.5 kg) and is generally shipped in one carton containing the instrument along with an interior box for accessories. Caution is needed when lifting the unit to protect yourself and others from personal injury. Two people are required to lift the unit, one on each side, keeping it balanced and sharing the load. 1. Open the large carton and remove the protective foam. 2. With the assistance of another person, place fingers under the bottom of the instrument and carefully lift out and place on the bench. 3. Cut the tie wrap securing the gripper arm. NEVER lift the unit by the robot arm. Always grip from the bottom when lifting!! If the instrument is damaged upon arrival, please retain all shipping materials and contact SciGene or your local distributor for assistance. B. Parts Provided The following items may be included with the instrument or in separate carton, depending on configuration: Touchscreen with cable Baths Power cord Slide racks ... -
Page 10: Installing Baths
(petite). To install a centrifuge bucket assembly: 1. Unlock and open the centrifuge door. 2. Gently squeeze the side tabs of the bucket and slide it onto the pegs of the rotator arms marked “BALANCE RACK”. green 3. Gently squeeze the side tabs of the bucket and slide it onto the pegs of the rotator arm marked “SAMPLE RACK”. 4. Place an absorbent pad in each bucket then a black frame spacer on top. 5. Place a slide rack into the balance bucket with an equal number of slides as those to be processed. 6. Close and lock the centrifuge. 24‐Slide Rack Assembly 12‐Slide Rack Assembly 24‐Slide Rack 12‐Slide Rack Spacer (large) Spacer (small) Absorbent pad (large) Absorbent pad (small) Centrifuge Bucket (small) Centrifuge Bucket (large) Version 2.5, August 2023 9 (408) 733‐7337, techserv@scigene.com ... -
Page 11: Using Your Little Dipper Processor
Transmits bath temperature to controller. Standard bath (5) Removable insert, compatible with most liquids/solvents Low volume bath (6) Removable stainless steel insert Gripper arm (7) Rotates and moves slide racks up and down in baths Gripper (8) Opens, closes and secures the slide rack assembly Fan (9) Draws air through the instrument cabinet for cooling Emergency switch (10) Cuts power for safety Slide rack (11a,b) Holds slides during processing. Centrifuge panel / trap door (12) Automatically opens for the gripper to insert a slide rack Centrifuge latch (13) Keeps lid closed Centrifuge lock (14) Internal lock for safety Touchscreen cable connection (15) Receptacle for attaching control cable Touchscreen (16) Used to create, store and run protocols and for calibration Pause button (17) Toggle switch that stops and restarts a running protocol Temperature calibration jack (19) Receptacle for cable to thermometer Power cord connection (20) Receptacle for power cord Stir bar speed control (21) Rotating switch to adjust stir bar speed Stir bar (22) Creates a gentle vortex in the bath Bath cover (23a) Lids help achieve and maintain temperatures above 70°C *Optional accessories Version 2.5, August 2023 10 (408) 733‐7337, techserv@scigene.com ... -
Page 12: Touch Screen And Power Connections
Centrifuge latch (13) Keeps lid closed Centrifuge swinging buckets (18a,b) Green (sample) and red (balance) rack buckets Slide rack spacer (24a,b) Raises rack above absorbent pad Absorbent pad (25a,b) Captures liquid beneath slide rack during centrifuge spin B. Touch Screen and Power Connections 1. Connect the braided cable to the touchscreen and to the receptacle labeled “ ” on the right side TOUCHSCREEN of the instrument, using the circular connectors. 2. Connect the power cord to the receptacle labeled “ ” on the POWER right side of the instrument and to a power source that delivers 20 Amps or more for 115V units or 10 Amps or more for 230V units. Avoid connecting to a circuit with any other equipment that draws significant power. 3. Turn on the main power switch on the right side of the instrument. The touchscreen will illuminate and motors will activate. Version 2.5, August 2023 11 (408) 733‐7337, techserv@scigene.com ... -
Page 13: Using The Temperature Controller
D. Calibrating the Temperature Controller The EZ‐Zone controllers are calibrated at the factory to provide accurate bath temperatures from ambient 35 to 95°C. Re‐calibration is recommended only if the display varies by more than one degree (1°C) to the temperature shown on an externally connected NIST certified digital thermometer (Cat. #1051‐52‐0). To adjust a controller to achieve accurate temperatures: 1. Turn ON the instrument and set the controller to 65°C. Allow 30 minutes for temperature to stabilize. 2. Using the cable provided with the digital thermometer, plug one end into the blue receptacle found above the controller. 3. Turn on the thermometer. Allow 1 minute for thermometer to stabilize. The actual temperature of the bath will be displayed. 4. Calculate the difference between the temperature shown on the controller and on the digital thermometer. For example, if the controller displays 65.0°C and the thermometer displays 66.5°C, the difference (offset) is 1.5°C. 5. On the controller, press the up and down arrows simultaneously for 3 seconds. The left display shows “A1” and the right display shows “open”. 6. Press the Advance Button (green circle) 3 times until the right display shows “i.CA”. The left display shows the offset value between the controller and thermometer when the unit was last calibrated. 7. Use the up or down arrow to adjust the offset value to the temperature difference calculated in Step 4. For example, if the controller shows a temperature 1.5°C lower than the thermometer, adjust the offset by adding 1.5 to the value shown on the display. 8. Press the Infinity Key (∞) twice to exit calibra on and return to the opera on display. Verify that the temperature on the thermometer matches the display. The controller is now calibrated to provide accurate temperatures from 35 to 95°C. Version 2.5, August 2023 12 (408) 733‐7337, techserv@scigene.com ... -
Page 14: System Operation
A. Using the Touchscreen Use the handheld touchscreen to navigate between screens, select and run protocols, create new protocols and control instrument movement. B. Using the Pause Button Instrument movement can be stopped and resumed during a protocol using the red “P ” button at top right on the AUSE ESUME touchscreen. When pressed, the instrument will stop and the button light will flash. To resume the protocol, press pause again. C. Using the Emergency Stop (EMO) To immediately stop movement of the gripper arm and stir bars, press the red Emergency Stop (EMO) button on the right side of the instrument. Bath heaters will continue to receive power but automated movement will cease and touch screen will turn off. Restore power to the gripper arm and stir bars by rotating the EMO button a quarter turn clockwise. If the Emergency off switch is used to stop the instrument, please allow 30 seconds for the touchscreen to properly shut down before turning it on. Si l'interrupteur d'arrêt d'urgence est utilisé pour arrêter l'instrument, veuillez patienter 30 secondes pour que l'écran tactile s'éteigne correctement avant de désactiver. Press to stop a protocol. Twist clockwise to resume. The protocol will NOT resume upon releasing the EMO switch and must be restarted. Relâchez le commutateur de EMO pour démarrer le protocole. Version 2.5, August 2023 13 (408) 733‐7337, techserv@scigene.com ... -
Page 15: Using A Bath Cover For Pre-Heating
Little Dipper® Processor — USER MANUAL D. Using a Bath Cover for Pre‐Heating A bath cover (SciGene cat. #1080‐12‐0) may be used to speed pre‐heating (up to 95°C) and reduce buffer evaporation, prior to slide processing. Slide a cover over the bath to achieve high temperatures and reduce evaporation. Bath covers must be removed before starting any protocol unless the protocol includes a User Controlled Pause in the step prior to the bath with the protocol. Couvercles de bain doivent être enlevés avant de commencer tout protocole et ne peuvent pas être utilisés pendant le fonctionnement. Version 2.5, August 2023 14 (408) 733‐7337, techserv@scigene.com ... -
Page 16: Loading A Slide Rack
red 2. Place an empty slide rack in the balance bucket in the centrifuge. 3. Verify all temperature sensors are rotated down and power to all baths are turned off. 4. Turn on main power located on the right side of the instrument. 5. Using the touchscreen, press Run Protocol from the home screen and select QUIK TST. 6. Hold an empty slide rack in your left hand centered in Bath #1 and aligned with the black lines on the instrument as shown below. 7. Press Run Protocol on the touchscreen. The arm will lower into Bath #1 with the gripper open. When the gripper arm reaches the end of its downward travel, align the holes in the handle with the two bumps in the gripper paddle as it slowly closes. Hold slide rack in Bath #1 to load. Place and hold rack on gripper bumps. Release rack as gripper closes. Use thumbpad to manually open gripper. If the slide rack does NOT load properly, press the pause button and use the thumbpads on the gripper to manually open and load the rack. Press pause again to continue. Si la grille coulissante ne se chargent pas correctement, appuyez sur le bouton de pause et d'utiliser les thumbpads sur la pince à ouvrir manuellement et charger le rack. Appuyez sur Pause pour continuer. 8. The instrument will agitate the rack in each bath and then transfer it to the centrifuge. When the protocol is complete, unlock and open the centrifuge lid to remove the rack. Version 2.5, August 2023 15 (408) 733‐7337, techserv@scigene.com ... -
Page 17: Running A Programmed Protocol
Little Dipper® Processor — USER MANUAL F. Running a Programmed Protocol The instrument comes configured with validated protocols installed. Refer to the Little Dipper Processor Method corresponding to your protocol for details on how to set up the instrument. Method sheets can be found online at www.scigene.com. Bath covers must be removed before starting any protocol unless the protocol includes a User Controlled Pause in the step prior to the bath with the protocol. Couvercles de bain doivent être enlevés avant de commencer tout protocole et ne peuvent pas être utilisés pendant le fonctionnement. To achieve temperatures above 70˚C, use a bath cover while the machine is NOT in motion. Pour atteindre des températures supérieures à 70° C, utiliser un couvercle de bain pendant que la machine est en mouvement ou pas un couvercle fendu pendant le fonctionnement. Baths at high temperatures may need buffer(s) added to offset evaporation. Bains à des températures élevées peuvent avoir besoin de tampon(s) ajouté pour compenser l'évaporation. The following are general guidelines on how to set up and run a pre‐installed protocol. 1. Ensure baths, racks and stir bars are clean and free of buffer residue and dust. 2. Insert baths and stir bars as specified for the protocol. 3. Rotate all temperature sensors down. ... -
Page 18: Using Custom Protocols
V. USING CUSTOM PROTOCOLS A. Creating or Editing a Protocol Custom protocols can be created using the touchscreen. All protocols start from Bath #1. 1. From the touchscreen Home page, press Create/Edit Protocol. On the Create/Edit Protocol screen, touch <NEW> on the screen. If editing a protocol, select it directly from the Protocols list. 2. Begin by highlighting Step 1 of the protocol. On Step 1, press the green button under each parameter to input the value for the step. Descriptions of the available parameters are below. 3. Press Save Step after finishing the inputs for each individual step. If you move to another step without saving, that line will be lost. 4. Following the input of all the steps, press Save/Save As. This will pull up a keyboard to enter the protocol name. 5. Press Exit to return to the Home page. Highlight <NEW> on the Create/Edit Protocols page to Highlight line 1 to begin input of the parameters and begin creating a new protocol. use the pull down menus to enter the Step No., Bath No., Agitate Speed, Agitate Stroke, and Pullout Speed. Use the touchpad to enter the number of seconds for Press Save/Save As and use the keyboard to name the the Agitate, Pause, and Drip functions. protocol. Press Enter to Save or Esc to go back and continue editing. Version 2.5, August 2023 17 (408) 733‐7337, techserv@scigene.com ... -
Page 19: Deleting A Protocol
Agitation Speed: Choose 0‐600 from the pull‐down menu. Agitation Secs: Input the number of seconds from the touchpad for the step. Agitation Stroke: From the pull‐down menu, choose Normal or Long. A Normal stroke agitates below the surface of the liquid. A Long stroke brings the slides above the surface of the liquid each stroke. Pause Secs: Input the time in seconds for the rack to remain in the bath following agitation before moving to the next step. Drip Secs: Enter a time to hold the rack above the bath before the next step. Pullout Speed: Choose between a Normal and Slow withdraw from the bath. A slow withdraw is recommended for the final step if the protocol doesn’t utilize the centrifuge. B. Deleting a Protocol 1. To delete a protocol, press Control Panel from the home screen then Advanced Settings. 2. Press the Delete Protocol button to open the screen. 3. Choose a protocol to delete then press “Delete Protocol?” Choose OK to confirm. 4. Press the BACK button on each of the previous screens to return to the home screen. Version 2.5, August 2023 18 (408) 733‐7337, techserv@scigene.com ... -
Page 20: Maintaining The Little Dipper Processor
6. Clean temperature sensors with DI water and a lint‐free towel. C. Cleaning After Every Use 1. Wash baths, stir bars and racks with running tap water then rinse in DI water and ethanol and dry with a lint‐free towel. Store in clean plastic bags to protect from dust. 2. Clean temperature sensors with DI water and lint‐free towel. 3. Wipe exterior of instrument cabinet with a damp paper towel. D. Periodic Cleaning and Calibration 1. Calibrate bath temperatures using a NIST‐certified thermometer. See section VI. A. Temperature Controller Calibration. 2. Remove and wash the centrifuge buckets and spacers using warm water and lint‐free towels. 3. Replace the absorbent pad in each centrifuge bucket. 4. Clean all exterior surfaces of the cabinet, gripper paddles and gripper arm housing with damp, lint‐free towels. 5. Remove the centrifuge buckets. Clean the inside surfaces of the centrifuge and rotor with damp, lint‐free towels. 6. Inspect the centrifuge buckets for signs of wear or deformation where they hang from the rotor. Replace if worn or bent. Version 2.5, August 2023 19 (408) 733‐7337, techserv@scigene.com ... -
Page 21: Troubleshooting
Instrument does not turn on. Blown fuse(s) Replace fuse(s) near main power switch. Touch screen does not illuminate Not connected or Check connections and rotate EMO when main power is on. EMO is engaged. switch to release the emergency stop. / Touchscreen did Cycle the power on then off . Leave off not fully for 30 seconds then restart. shutdown. Touch screen does not respond Pause button is Press to release Pause button or contact when buttons are pressed. engaged or touch SciGene or your local distributor for screen is faulty. assistance. VIII. SPECIFICATIONS Electrical Voltage 115V AC; 50/60 Hz; 20A or 230V AC; 50/60 Hz; 10A Dimensions Size (HxWxD) 20 x 28 x 22 inches (51x 71 x 56 cm) Weight 59 lbs (26.5 kg) net Performance and Controls Temperature Range Ambient +5°C to 95°C ... -
Page 22: Declaration Of Conformity
Little Dipper® Processor — USER MANUAL X. DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY Little Dipper® Processor SciGene 3350 Scott Blvd., Bldg. 39‐02 Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA Declares that the above referenced product(s) meets the essential requirements of the following European Union Directives by using the relevant standards shown below to indicate compliance. EMC Directive 2004/108/EC Standards: EN 61326‐1 2006 Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use to include: EN 61000‐4‐2 1995 1998 +A2: 2001 EN 61000‐4‐3 2006 EN 61000‐4‐4 2004 EN 61000‐4‐6 2007 ...
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