No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, microfilming, recording, or
otherwise, without written permission from Sutter Instrument Company.
The pipette puller Model P-30 is designed for the specific use of creating micropipettes and
no other use is recommended.
This instrument creates items that should only be used in a laboratory environment for use
on animal tissues. It is not intended for use, nor should be used, in human experimentation,
or applied to humans in any way. This is not a medical device.
Do not open or attempt to repair the instrument without expressed and explicit instructions
from Sutter Instrument Company. Extreme heat and high voltages are present and could
cause injury.
Do not allow unauthorized and or untrained operatives to use this device.
Any misuse will be the sole responsibility of the user/owner and Sutter Instruments assumes
no implied or inferred liability for direct or consequential damages from this instrument if it
is operated or used in any way other than for which it is designed.
SAF E TY W ARNI N G
SAF E TY W ARNI N G
SAF E TY W ARNI N GSAF E TY W ARNI N G
Replace fuse only with the same type and rating as indicated in the following table.
Replace fuse only with the same type and rating as indicated in the following table.
Replace fuse only with the same type and rating as indicated in the following table. Replace fuse only with the same type and rating as indicated in the following table.
Fuse
Fuse
FuseFuse
(Type: T
Setting
Setting
SettingSetting
Rating
Rating Manufacturer Examples
RatingRating
“110”
(100 – 120
VAC)
“220”
(200 – 240
VAC)
A spare fuse is provided, which is located in the power input module. Please refer to the
A spare fuse is provided, which is located in the power input module. Please refer to the
A spare fuse is provided, which is located in the power input module. Please refer to the A spare fuse is provided, which is located in the power input module. Please refer to the
Fuse Replacement appendix located in the end portion of this manual.
Fuse Replacement appendix located in the end portion of this manual.
Fuse Replacement appendix located in the end portion of this manual.Fuse Replacement appendix located in the end portion of this manual.
To prevent fire or sho
To prevent fire or shock hazard do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
To prevent fire or shoTo prevent fire or sho
To avoid electrical shock:
To avoid electrical shock:
To avoid electrical shock:To avoid electrical shock:
•
Do not disassemble the unit. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
Do not disassemble the unit. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
Do not disassemble the unit. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.Do not disassemble the unit. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
•
Always use the grounded power supply cord set provided to connect the unit to a
Always use the grounded power supply cord set provided to connect the unit to a
Always use the grounded power supply cord set provided to connect the unit to a Always use the grounded power supply cord set provided to connect the unit to a
grounded outlet (3
grounded outlet (3----prong)
grounded outlet (3grounded outlet (3
that an electrical hazard develops.
that an electrical hazard develops.
that an electrical hazard develops.that an electrical hazard develops.
2A, 250V
(Time Delay)
T1.25A,
250V
ck hazard do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
ck hazard do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.ck hazard do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
prong). This is required to protect you from injury in the event
prong)prong)
(Type: Time Delay, 5mm x 20mm, glass tube)
(Type: T(Type: T
. This is required to protect you from injury in the event
. This is required to protect you from injury in the event . This is required to protect you from injury in the event
ime Delay, 5mm x 20mm, glass tube)
ime Delay, 5mm x 20mm, glass tube)ime Delay, 5mm x 20mm, glass tube)
Manufacturer Examples
Manufacturer ExamplesManufacturer Examples
Bussmann: GMC-2A, GMC-2-R (RoHS), GDC-2A, or
S506-2A (RoHS)
Littelfuse: 239 002 or 239.002.P (RoHS)
Bussmann: GDC-1.25A or S506-1.25R (RoHS)
Littelfuse: 218 1.25 or 218 1.25P (RoHS)
To avoid burns do not touch the heating filament, the brass clamps holding the filament
To avoid burns do not touch the heating filament, the brass clamps holding the filament
To avoid burns do not touch the heating filament, the brass clamps holding the filament To avoid burns do not touch the heating filament, the brass clamps holding the filament
or the heated ends of glass pipettes that have been pulled.
or the heated ends of glass pipettes that have been pulled.
or the heated ends of glass pipettes that have been pulled.or the heated ends of glass pipettes that have been pulled.
Failure to comply with any of the following precautions may damage this device.
Failure to comply with any of the following precautions may damage this device.
Failure to comply with any of the following precautions may damage this device. Failure to comply with any of the following precautions may damage this device.
Failure to comply with any of the following precautions may damage this device.
Failure to comply with any of the following precautions may damage this device.
Failure to comply with any of the following precautions may damage this device. Failure to comply with any of the following precautions may damage this device.
Operate the P
Operate the P----30 using 110V a.c. and 60Hz, or 220V
Operate the POperate the P
The P
The P----30 is designed for operation in a laboratory environment (pollution degree I).
The PThe P
The P
The P----30 is designed for connection to a standard laboratory power outlet (overvoltage category
The PThe P
II).
II).
II).II).
This unit was not designed for operation
This unit was not designed for operation at altitudes above 2000 meters nor was it tested for
This unit was not designed for operationThis unit was not designed for operation
safety above 2000 meters.
Only use Sutter Instrument Company replacement heating filaments.
Only use Sutter Instrument Company replacement heating filaments.
Only use Sutter Instrument Company replacement heating filaments.Only use Sutter Instrument Company replacement heating filaments.
On Handling Micropipettes
On Handling Micropipettes
On Handling MicropipettesOn Handling Micropipettes
Failure to comply with any of the following precautions
Failure to comply with any of the following precautions may result in injury to the users of
Failure to comply with any of the following precautionsFailure to comply with any of the following precautions
this device as well as those working in the general area near the device.
this device as well as those working in the general area near the device.
this device as well as those working in the general area near the device.this device as well as those working in the general area near the device.
30 is designed for operation in a laboratory environment (pollution degree I).
30 is designed for operation in a laboratory environment (pollution degree I).30 is designed for operation in a laboratory environment (pollution degree I).
30 is designed for connection to a standard laboratory power outlet (overvoltage category
30 is designed for connection to a standard laboratory power outlet (overvoltage category 30 is designed for connection to a standard laboratory power outlet (overvoltage category
30 using 110V a.c. and 60Hz, or 220V a.c. and 50Hz line voltage.
30 using 110V a.c. and 60Hz, or 220V30 using 110V a.c. and 60Hz, or 220V
at altitudes above 2000 meters nor was it tested for
at altitudes above 2000 meters nor was it tested for at altitudes above 2000 meters nor was it tested for
a.c. and 50Hz line voltage.
a.c. and 50Hz line voltage. a.c. and 50Hz line voltage.
may result in injury to the users of
may result in injury to the users of may result in injury to the users of
The micropipettes created using this instrument are very sharp and relatively fragile. Contact
The micropipettes created using this instrument are very sharp and relatively fragile. Contact
The micropipettes created using this instrument are very sharp and relatively fragile. Contact The micropipettes created using this instrument are very sharp and relatively fragile. Contact
with the pulled micropipette tips, therefore, sh
with the pulled micropipette tips, therefore, should be avoided to prevent accidentally impaling
with the pulled micropipette tips, therefore, shwith the pulled micropipette tips, therefore, sh
yourself.
yourself.
yourself. yourself.
Always dispose of micropipettes by placing them into a well
Always dispose of micropipettes by placing them into a well----marked, spill
Always dispose of micropipettes by placing them into a wellAlways dispose of micropipettes by placing them into a well
container.
container.
container.container.
Use only with glassware recommended by Sutter Instrument Company in the following section of
Use only with glassware recommended by Sutter Instrument Company in the following section of
Use only with glassware recommended by Sutter Instrument Company in the following section of Use only with glassware recommended by Sutter Instrument Company in the following section of
th
this manual.
is manual.
thth
is manual.is manual.
ould be avoided to prevent accidentally impaling
ould be avoided to prevent accidentally impaling ould be avoided to prevent accidentally impaling
On Operation..........................................................................................................................................iv
On Handling Micropipettes ..................................................................................................................iv
2.2 Front Panel........................................................................................................................................3
2.2.1 Lower Panel Display and Controls...........................................................................................3
2.2.2 Upper Panel Display and Controls...........................................................................................3
The P-30 Micropipette Puller is a derivative of a vertical puller design initially developed at
the National Institutes of Health in the late 1950’s. The P-30 is designed to be a basic,
economical and simple to operate puller for those investigations where tip diameters down to
0.3 micron and moderate taper lengths are satisfactory. Despite its low cost, the P-30 has
been designed with a number of quality and convenience features. The power supplies for
the filament and pull solenoid are constant current and are thermally protected. Dual heat
settings are provided for multi-step pipette fabrications such as are used in patch clamp
investigations. The front cover completely encloses the pulling mechanism to prevent erratic
results caused by drafts; and the front panel is sloped to prevent broken capillaries from
entering the solenoid area. In addition, CMOS logic is used throughout for its high noise
immunity and low power consumption.
This manual, though brief, describes all that you need to know to operate the P-30. The
following pages provide descriptions of the mechanical assembly, controls and displays along
with basic information on using the puller. The P-30 provides a consistent, reproducible
environment for the manufacture of micropipettes. Its successful use will depend on
providing the minimal maintenance detailed on the following pages, information on desirable
pulling conditions obtained from colleagues and the literature; and finally, from your own
experience and experimentation.
Throughout this manual reference will be made to the size of the glass tubing used to pull
micropipettes. The convention used here for describing the outside diameter (O.D.) and
inside diameter (I.D.) is as follows: O.D. x I.D. These dimensions will always be given in
millimeters (mm).
1.1
1.1 Technical Support
Technical Support
1.11.1
Technical SupportTechnical Support
Unlimited technical support is provided by Sutter Instrument Company at no charge to our
customers. Our technical support staff is available between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00
PM (Pacific Standard Time) at (415) 883
The P-30 micropipette puller is designed for use with borosilicate, aluminosilicate or other
lower melting-point glass tubing or rod ranging from 1.0mm to 2.0mm in diameter. This
instrument does not pull fused silica or quartz glassware. The full selection of glassware
available from Sutter Instrument Co. is listed in the catalogue included with this instrument
or can be found on the Sutter Instrument Company’s World Wide Web site www.sutter.com
This instrument is designed to accommodate either a Nichrome wire filament or the Sutter
Trough-type platinum filaments that are shown in the Sutter Catalogue. The selection of
replacement filaments for the P-30 can also be viewed on Sutter Instrument Company’s
World Wide Web site at wwwwww.sutter.com
REPLACEMENT HEATING FILAMENTS IN THIS INSTRUMENT! Instructions for
replacing the Heating Filament can be found in the Maintenance section of this manual.
The Model P-30 is shipped to you in a prefabricated foam mold. Please take note of this
method of packaging. Should it ever be necessary to ship the puller to another location, the
same method of packaging should be employed. Additional packing material may be
purchased from Sutter Instrument Company.
registration
registrationregistration
IMPORTANT: Improper packaging is a form of abuse and, as such, can be responsible for
IMPORTANT: Improper packaging is a form of abuse and, as such, can be responsible for
IMPORTANT: Improper packaging is a form of abuse and, as such, can be responsible for IMPORTANT: Improper packaging is a form of abuse and, as such, can be responsible for
voiding the warranty where shipping damage is sustained because of such packing.
voiding the warranty where shipping damage is sustained because of such packing.
voiding the warranty where shipping damage is sustained because of such packing.voiding the warranty where shipping damage is sustained because of such packing.
2.2
2.2 Front Panel
Front Panel
2.22.2
Front PanelFront Panel
The front panel controls are used to apply power to the instrument, set heat and pull
strength values and to start and stop pulling sequences. Controls on the lower portion of the
front panel will be described first.
2.2.1
2.2.1 Lower Panel Display and
Lower Panel Display and Controls
2.2.12.2.1
Lower Panel Display and Lower Panel Display and
On/Off Switch
On/Off Switch On applies power to the instrument. Red lamp is illuminated when
On/Off SwitchOn/Off Switch
power is on.
Reset Switch
Reset Switch
Reset SwitchReset Switch
Pull Switch
Pull Switch
Pull SwitchPull Switch
2.2.2
2.2.2 Upper Panel Display and Controls.
Upper Panel Display and Controls.
2.2.22.2.2
Upper Panel Display and Controls.Upper Panel Display and Controls.
Used to reset circuitry to an initialized condition. It is typical use is
to turn off the heat during multi-step fabrications (patch type
pipettes).
Initiates the pulling process.
Controls
ControlsControls
Heat 1/Heat 2 switch
Heat 1/Heat 2 switch This switch determines which of the two heat values is active.
Heat 1/Heat 2 switchHeat 1/Heat 2 switch
HEAT 1 control
HEAT 1 control HEAT 1 is a three-digit pushbutton control used to set the level of
HEAT 1 controlHEAT 1 control
electrical current supplied to the filament. The HEAT required to
This section presents a basic mechanical description of the P-30, with particular emphasis on
terminology. Knowing the names of the various parts greatly facilitates communication
between the investigators and the manufacturer when discussing adjustments or service
problems.
2.3.1
2.3.1 Slide Assembly
Slide Assembly
2.3.12.3.1
Slide AssemblySlide Assembly
The Slide Assembly
Slide Assembly consists of all the mechanical parts that make up the glass pulling
Slide AssemblySlide Assembly
mechanism. Its elements are described below.
Upper (Stationary) Glass Clamp As
Upper (Stationary) Glass Clamp Assembly
Upper (Stationary) Glass Clamp AsUpper (Stationary) Glass Clamp As
sembly ((((Figure 2-1A):
sembly sembly
A): This assembly clamps one end of
A):A):
the capillary glass above the filament. This clamp is loosened for repositioning the glass
when doing multi-step pulling.
Filament Assembly
Filament Assembly (
Filament AssemblyFilament Assembly
(Figure 2-1B):
( (
B): Your P-30 was assembled with one of two heat filament
B):B):
configurations; platinum/iridium foil or nichrome coil. The platinum/iridium assembly
consists of two brass clamping blocks and two black nylon thumb screws which secure the
filament between spring loaded clamps. The nichrome assembly consists of a series of brass
bus bars and posts for conducting current to the filament. Brass thumb screws secure the
filament to the conducting posts.
of the glass capillary, and is attached to the upper end of the slide bar.
Slide Bar
Slide Bar (
Slide BarSlide Bar
(Figure 2-1D):
( (
D): The slide bar is a hardened steel tube that guides the descent of the
D):D):
lower glass clamp during pipette pulling. The weight of this bar and its attachments are
resposible for the pulling force during the initial(gravity) phase of pulling.
Bushing Blocks and Guide Bushings
Bushing Blocks and Guide Bushings ((((Figure 2-1E):
Bushing Blocks and Guide Bushings Bushing Blocks and Guide Bushings
E): The bushing blocks contain the precision
E):E):
linear guide bearings that form the descent path for the slide bar.
Trip Flag Holder
Trip Flag Holder (
Trip Flag HolderTrip Flag Holder
(Figure 2-1F):
( (
F): The trip flag holder is located on the slide bar. It is held in
F):F):
place by a thumb screw, its position being dependent on the type of pipette being pulled. The
trip flag extends to the left of the slide mechanism so that it may interrupt the light path of
the optical switch, which is located on the end of the trip point micrometer. The flag
interrupts or “trips” the optical switch as it passes through the swith on its descent. The trip
point is adjusted by turning the trip point micrometer. Turning the micrometer clockwise
increases the length of the weak pull, indicated by a decrease in the reading on the
micrometer.
Guide Flag Holder
Guide Flag Holder (
Guide Flag HolderGuide Flag Holder
(Figure 2-1G):
( (
G): The guide flag holder is attached to the lower end of the
G):G):
slide bar. The attached flag extends back into a slot in the cabinet and serves to prevent
rotation of the slide bar and associated parts during pipette pulling. The guide flag holder is
also the point of attachement for the pull solenoid. The patch block provides two adjustable
spacers used in forming patch pipettes.
2.3.2
2.3.2 Pull Solenoid
Pull Solenoid
2.3.22.3.2
Pull SolenoidPull Solenoid
The pull solenoid (located just below the slide assembly in the angled portion of the cabinet)
is responsible for accelerating the slide bar during the second (solenoid) phase of pipette
formation. It is energized when the trip flag interrupts the optical switch as described above.
2.3.3
2.3.3 Patch Block (
Patch Block (Figure
2.3.32.3.3
Patch Block (Patch Block (
Figure 4444----1111))))
Figure Figure
The patch block is a metal block with screws on the top and bottom sides. The patch block
provides two adjustable spacers used in forming patch pipettes.