(PMP-107) Programmable Pipette Puller

The PMP-107 is the upgrade model of the PMP-100 multipipette puller. Many new features have been added to provide a greatly improved instrument. For example, the rotation (twist) speed has been made adjustable, and rotation and pulling motions can now be performed simultaneously. In addition, pulling distance is adjustable, which allows the user to twist multipipettes with ariable spirality. Finally, pull sequences are now easier to copy and modify.

When equipped with a microcomputer, pneumatic pulling arm, pneumatic rotator, optical-digital ruler and the newly designed clamp, the PMP-107 can automatically heat, twist and pull a multibarrel pipette. There is no need for any manual rotation or any inconsistent timing interrupt control.

Instead of using a mechanical tip length setting as is used in some other pipette pullers, the PMP-107 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.

The PMP-107 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.

The PMP-107 can store up to 25 manufacturer and user programmed pulling sequences, with up to 18 steps in each sequence. Users can easily program pipette tip size, length, and shape, in a different sequence for each application, on 1- to 7-barrel pipettes. Time and length count, heat level, and action parameters can all be individually set within each step. Once a sequence has been selected, the micropipette will be automatically produced by pressing the START button.

Compared to pipette pullers using either gravity or a magnetic field as the pulling force, the PMP-107 applies precisly controlled pneumatic pressure as the pulling force. This yeilds a more controlled and consistent dragging characteristic.

The PMP-107 can precisely and automatically perform both twisting and multi-parameter multi-pulling without the need of an inconsistent manual interrupt. Precision micro-linear ball bearing rails and advanced pneumatic components are used to provide a no fault pulling movement. A simple 4x4 keypad and full information display LCD allows users to easily read and directly control all pulling parameters. This includes sequences, steps, time, timing, heater level, heater control, tip length, and actions.

The PMP-107 is pre-installed with a number of common pipette pulling programs for 1-, 4-, and 7-barrel multipipettes. The user can easily select the desired program 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-107, saving the user's time and glass.

Common pre-programmed tips for single-barrel glass

Since a microforge needs a precisely controlled heater and air jet, the PMP-107 has features to meet these requirements. The PMP-107 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-107 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.