(PMP-102) Programmable Pipette Puller

The PMP-102 is a state of the art, microprocessor-controlled pipette puller. The instrument is designed to pull pipettes horizontally and will produce two identical micropipettes. Various pipette styles can be repeatedly pulled via preset, programmed sequences. These include patch clamp and intracellular electrodes, microinjection micropipettes, and micro-needles. Many advanced technologies are built into the PMP-102 to achieve this versatility while preserving a high degree of reproducibility.

Exclusive Optical-Digital Taper Measurement

Instead of using a mechanical tip length setting as is used in some other pipette pullers, The PMP-102 uses an exclusive optical-digital ruler to perform precise taper length measurements under real-time control. With this feature, a user can perform taper pulling very precisely and easily. Equipped with a powerful computerized tip sensing function, the puller can automatically pull a finished tip. This gives the user a quick reference to pull an ideal tip.

Computerized Real-Time Feedback Control

The PMP-102 features an advanced microcontroller to provide real-time heater monitoring and control. Once a heating level is selected and preset, the microcontroller measures the actual heating power during power on. The measurement is then displayed and fed back to the control unit to match the set point dynamically. As a result, the puller dynamically provides precise heating power regardless of the number of pull cycles or changes to the programming. If the heat level is set to AUTO, the heater will automatically search for the melting point of different pipette glasses.

Programmable, Savable Pulling Sequences

The PMP-102 can store up to 25 manufacturer and user programmed pulling sequences, with up to 18 steps in each sequence. Users can easily program for different pipette tip size, length, and shape, in a different sequence for each application. Time and length count, heat level, and action parameters can be individually set within each step. Once a sequence has been selected, two identical micropipettes will be automatically produced merely by pressing the START button.

Pneumatic Pulling Force

In spite of the instrument's compact size, the PMP-102 can precisely and automatically perform multistep pulls without a manual interrupt. Compared to pipette pullers using gravity or magnetic fields as the pulling force, the PMP-102 uses precisly controlled pneumatic pressure as the pulling force. This yeilds an even, more controled, and consistent dragging characteristic.

When performing a double horizontal pull, the PMP-102 can simultaneously pull two identical microinjection or microelectrode tips. Precision micro-linear ball bearing rail and advanced pneumatic components are used to provide fault-free pulling movements. A simple 4x4 keypad and full information display LCD lets users easily read and control all pulling parameters directly, which include sequences, steps, time, timing, heater level, heater control, tip length, and actions. The heater power control and acting time count-up or count-down are real-time displayed. With the versatility of the PMP-102, pulling an ideal micropipette is no longer an uncertainty of hand skill, but a reproducible, automatic process.

Manufacture's Preset Programs for Common Pipette Pulls

The PMP-102 is pre-installed with a number of common pipette pulling programs. The user can easily select the desired progran from sample pictures or from a characteristic list in the User's Manual. Input the corresponding sequence key and press START to initiate the automatic pull sequence. Preset programs are convenient and useful, not only because they can pull a variety of pipettes, but also because they can be used as templets to produce new programs. With the copy function and just a few modifications, a new customized sequence program can be configured to fit a special requirement. Up to 22 different sequences have been developed and are pre-set into the PMP-102 saving user's time and glass.

Optional Microforge Control

Since a microforge needs a precisely controlled heater and air jet, the PMP-102 has features to meet these requirements. The PMP-102 rear panel has an optional output connector which can supply computerized heater power allowing a user to easily set the heating level for a microforge heater as well as for the puller. The connector also supplies power for a microforge illumination light.

There are optional pressure output and foot switch connectors on the front panel which can be used to set the adjustable air pressure level for pipette tip polishing, shaping, or for heater cooling. Both microforge heater and air jet can be controlled by foot switches as well as by the key pad on the PMP-102 front panel. With the precise heater power supply, light power supply, and adjustable air pressure supply, a combination microforge can be built with less cost and more features.