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Section 2: Use of the Cell Strain Instrument
Preparation of the Cell Strain Instrument
Before using the Cell Strain Instrument, sterilize the unit — especially the chamber mounting area
— using ethanol-immersed swabs.
System Operation
The STREX Cell Strain System needs to be water cooled when in operation. Without
cooling, the maximum run time for the continuous operation of the motor is only 10
minutes.
For longer operation, water cooling is essential. Also, please note that, when operating
the unit in an incubator, the temperature inside the unit will be elevated so it is particularly important
to ensure the cooling system is employed in this environment.
Set up the Strain and Control Unit
1.
Set up the cooling system by using the Connector Cable. The Connector Cable supplies
electricity and cold water from the Control Unit to the Stretch Unit. One end of the Cable has 3
plugs of which 2 are identical metal plugs. This end of the Cable attaches to the front of the
Stretch Unit. The 2 identical metal plugs are plugged into the System Coolant Inlet and Outlet
Valves (see Section 1). To release the metal plugs from the Stretch Unit, push backward on
the outer metal rings around the valves. The single, larger black plug supplies electricity to the
Stretch Unit – this plug has to be in the correct orientation to fit properly.
The other end of the Connector Cable has 2 exposed latex tubes which fit onto the System
Coolant Inlet and Outlet Valves on the back panel of the Control Unit. The Cable’s square
shaped plug fits the motor outlet just above the coolant valves.
To circulate cool water throughout the system, use latex tubing to attach a large reservoir of
cold water to the Reservoir Coolant Inlet and Outlet Valves on the back panel of the Control
Unit. The water in the reservoir can be kept cool by placing the reservoir on ice.
2. Use the Power Cable to connect the Control Unit to
a 110 volt power source.
3. Turn on the Main Power Switch and Water Pump Switch on the Control Unit. The Switches
will light up.
4. Press the START button to ensure that the strain chamber bracket moves correctly. The Start
Button light will flash when the instrument is stretching.
5. Press the STOP button to ensure that the strain chamber bracket stops moving. The Stop
Button will light up.
