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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.
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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. Improper orientation will break the outlet.
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. Connect the Control Unit to a 110 Volts power source by the Power Cable.
3. Turn on the Main Power Switch but keep the Water Pump Switch off. The Water Pump
automatically turns on and off based on the temperature of the unit.
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.
