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Flexcell® Flex Jr.™ Tension System

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1. 2 Choose the appropriate file name under File by clicking on the downward arrow E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION and selecting an entry from the drop down list 3 Type a regimen name in the box labeled Regimen Name 4 Enter the time interval in milliseconds between two elongation values in the box under Time 5 Enter the number of times for the regimen to repeat 0 65 535 in the box under Cycles 6 When the regimen step is complete click on Add Step at the bottom Every time a new edited step is saved the overall duration of the regimen will be calculated and displayed in the box labeled Duration next to the Step number box If the total duration exceeds the maximum allowable duration this value will be MAXIMUM and the regimen cannot be saved Adjust the time and or cycle number to decrease the total duration time 7 Click on Save Regimen 8 When finished with regimen editing click on Close 3 7 ASSIGNING REGIMENS In the Controllers menu select the appropriate FlexLink n where n is the FlexLink number to which the regimen will be downloaded In the Regimen menu select Assign then choose the Platform User and Regimen from each drop down menu Fig 11 A message box will appear to confirm regimen assignment Click Yes NOTE Be sure to choose the platform that properly corresponds to the setup being used 12 otherwise the elongation values will be incorrect E FL
2. 3 Attach the free end of the blue 1 4 6 4 mm tubing to the FLEX IN port on the back of the FlexLink Fig 2 The VENT port should be left open Fig 2 4 Connect a Water Traps inline with the clear tubing and the blue 7 tubing See the Addendum p 17 B for further details concerning the placement of the Water Traps NOTE When connecting the tubing to the back of the FlexLink slip the brass nut with the nylon ferrule over the tubing then push the tubing onto the fitting as far as possible and thread the nut onto the fitting Tighten each nut by hand until the tubing is crimped to minimize vacuum leakage Connect the power cables 115 VAC or 230 VAC to the rear power inlet FLEXLINK POWER of the FlexLink Fig 2 If the available power supply is 115 VAC or 230 V AC be sure the voltage selection switch on the computer Fig 3 is set to 115 V or 230 V respectively When the instruments are completely set up the power cords should be connected to a surge protected power strip and then to a 115 VAC or 230 VAC 60 Hz power outlet Use the tubing adapter as shown in Figure 4 to connect the Flex Jr to the microscope device Connect the 4 6 4 mm blue tubing provided with the device to the front hose barb on the device Then connect the open end to the tubing adapter Next connect the 9 5 mm and the 4 6 4 mm quick disconnected tubing already attached to the adapter to the respective F
3. Solution 3 The software has a limit on the number of cycles that can be entered into any given step 65 535 If a regimen is programmed with a step that requires more than 65 535 cycles the software will give an invalid entry error To run the regimen for the time required additional steps will need to be programmed This will not create any breaks in the regimen Simply divide the total time in half or as many times as is necessary and make additional steps with the same parameters See section 3 5 of the manual for instructions on programming additional steps Problem 4 An invalid argument was encountered error is shown when attempting to assign a regimen Solution 4 This problem is caused when a user name is entered into the software without any regimens listed under his her name If the assign function sees that a user has nothing to assign an error is displayed Simply delete the user s without a regimen or make and save a regimen under the user s name s Problem 5 Water is accumulating quickly in the Water Traps Solution 5 This problem is likely due to a poor gasket seal on the BioFlex baseplate See the solution to Problem 1 to correct this Be sure to empty the Water Traps frequently if this problem occurs Water accumulation in the FlexLink can damage the valves E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION Problem 6 Cells are not attaching properly to the growth surface or are detachin
4. excell Flex Ir Tension System C s FLEXCELL AL EXCYENS 12 15 14 Rev 10 1 Culturing Cells in a Mechanically Active Environment Flexcell International Corporation e 2730 Tucker Street Suite 200 e Burlington NC 27215 800 728 3714 919 732 1591 e FAX 919 732 5196 www flexcellint com COPYRIGHT 2009 FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION TABLE OF CONTENTS One Year Limited Parts Warranty acies caucece testo Ub VEU pod EVER XH eR FOL o Up EE REM COME XV E Pub IRE iii Dell Computer Warranty Information u enti er Reti rrt rere a bL VD kek k S iv Federal Communications Commission Radio Frequency Interference Statement V Flex Jr Quick Start Instructions eerte tette tette tenet r kek ke vi 1 Flexcell Flex Jr Tension System Components se 1 2 Setup of the Flexcell Flex Jr Tension System 1 2 1 Packi List si T niyar karayan n P ae a benen K E e dne Nk sei k Aa k n da r aiaa k N 1 2 2 Location of the Flex Jr Tension System 1 2 3 Setup of the Computer and the Flex Jr Tension FlexLink 2 2 4 Connecting the System Vacuum LineS E eee eee keke ek keke k ke ke ke 3 2 5 FlexSoft Flex Jr Software and System Power up ee 4 2 6 LCD Display on the Flex Jr Tension FlexLink sssssses 5 2 7 Using Additional Flex Jr Tension F
5. Down command activated by the Start button Failure to follow the above directions can cause software and hardware malfunctions The computer has Windows 7 installed on the hard drive All backup software is provided with the system Check all connections and connect the surge protector into an appropriate power outlet 115 VAC or 230 VAC Turn ON the surge protector strip and check that the indicator light on the strip is lit If the power light does not come on the surge protector has failed Replace the surge protector and attempt to determine what caused the surge protector to fail Turn ON the power switches at the computer monitor and Flex Jr Tension FlexLink The system should then boot and load Windows Select and double click on the Flex Jr icon NOTE Flexcell recommends that the power saving or screen saver features in the Windows software are disabled Allowing the hard drive to power down while an experiment is running may create the need to reboot the computer before data can be viewed or before a regimen can be downloaded again It is Bg FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION recommended that the monitor be put in sleep mode when not in use and that the computer be allowed to run at full power during an experiment 2 6 LCD DISPLAY ON THE FLEX JR TENSION FLEXLINK The front of the Flex Jr Tension FlexLink box has an LCD graphic display When the Flex Jr Tension FlexLink is turned ON t
6. FlexLink number can be found on the LCD screen on the front of the FlexLink controller box Flex Jr Controllers Configure Regimen Data Analysis Window Help Welcome to Flex Jr Tutorial Configure Users Create Regimen Start Regimen Figure 8 Main display window All of the remaining information and command button states in the main display window reflect the current state of the system for the currently selected Flex Jr Tension FlexLink It is possible to simultaneously assign and run a different regimen for each of the attached FlexLinks In the upper left hand corner of the window is a section labeled Plot Units This function allows users to change the units of the y axis elongation kPa strain E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION millistrain mstrain or microstrain ustrain To select a particular unit click on the appropriate button beside the unit label The next block to the right is a section labeled Smoothing One expects data patterns to represent normal distributions of a function describing a straight line sinusoidal curve etc Therefore the plotted points of a mathematical function should be a predictable data set that is smooth i e a curve comprised of points whose coordinates are predicted by the function For a straight line the equation would be y mx b for a power function the equation may be y x or some derivative thereof In
7. Jr 2 5 Maximum achievable elongation with the Flex Jr 17 7 UniFlex membrane with Arctangle Loading Stations uniaxial strain Minimum achievable elongation with the Flex Jr 1 5 Maximum achievable elongation with the Flex Jr 7 9 24 E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION FlexFlow equibiaxial strain Minimum achievable elongation with the Flex Jr 0 8 Maximum achievable elongation with the Flex Jr 4 3 FLEX J R TENSION PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS Flex Jr Computer Size W x H x D 3 65 x 12 45 x 13 40 9 3 x 31 6 x 34 0 cm Power Requirements 115 230V 8 8 4 3A or 4 3 2 2A 60 50 Hz Weight unit only 15 0 Ibs 6 8 kg Flex Jr Tension FlexLink Size Wx Hx D 9 4 x 7 0 x 15 6 23 9 x 17 8 x 39 6 cm Power Requirements 115 230V 6 3A 60 50 Hz Weight unit only 17 70 lbs 8 03 kg Monitor 17 LCD Flat Panel Size W x Hx D 14 6 x 15 7 x 7 1 37 1 x 39 7 x 18 0 cm Power Requirements 115V 60 Hz Auto switch to 230 V Weight unit only 11 22 lbs 5 1kg FLEX JR TENSION VACUUM REQUIREMENTS To achieve the maximum system capability the minimum vacuum source requirements are e Maximum Vacuum 100 kPa e Free Airflow Rate 5 7 cfm 161 L min The information in this document is subject to change without notice Flexcell International assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this guide This manual is believed to be
8. elongation at which the membrane is to be held in the Max box Enter 0 in the Min box and 1 0 in the Freq box Min and Freq are irrelevant for static regimens If a duty cycle for the waveform is to be defined enter the desired value in the box under DC The duty cycle is the percent of time that the waveform shape remains on at the high square wave or rising triangle part of the waveform Duty cycle only affects the triangle and square waves Enter the number of times for the regimen to repeat 0 65 535 in the box under Cycles When moving out this box the box underneath dd hh mm ss will 10 8 9 update to the calculated regimen time according to the set parameters Days hours minutes seconds is the format for this entry However if the time is entered first the program will calculate the number of cycles To make a regimen step except for the first step return jump back to a previous regimen step enter the return step number in the box under Back To Then type the number of times to repeat this process in the box under Repeat For instance if the user was entering Step 4 and wanted to return to Step 2 and repeat Steps 2 through 4 three times enter 2 under Back To and 3 under Repeat when inputting Step 4 When the regimen step is complete click on Add Step at the bottom Every time a new edited step is saved the overall duration of the regimen will be calculated and displayed in the box labe
9. general data patterns may be confounded with noise For the case of the pressure plot as a function of voltage from the Flex Jr Tension System pressure transducer the rough data yield a plot with a coefficient of variation of only 0 01 Therefore the signal to noise ratio for the combined Flexcell system of circuits hardware and transducers is high lending confidence in the displayed plot Nevertheless the user can select a data smoothing option that is a simple weighted average of the points The Smoothing section contains the option of either applying no smoothing None to the data points returned from the FlexLink or of applying a three point moving average filter Moving Average to the incoming data Choose the desired affect by clicking on the appropriate button Below the box for Smoothing is a section used to show the current X and Y coordinates for the waveform These are displayed when the left mouse button is clicked and held down in the graph area When this is done a pair of crosshairs appears and the coordinates at the intersection of the crosshairs are shown in the X and Y spaces The crosshairs and values will track the mouse as long as the left mouse button is held down The next block to the right is a section used to display the current User Regimen Platform and Run time Run time has two blocks The one on the left displays the elapsed regimen time and the one on the right displays the remaining
10. regimen step and disassociate the regimen from the FlexLink controller To reset click on Reset in the main display window Click on Yes when the program asks for confirmation The system will now be in state similar to that which exists when the Flex Jr Tension FlexLink is first turned ON 3 15 CONTROLLING THE VACUUM PUMP On the right side of the FlexLink window the box labeled Pump allows the user to control power to the vacuum pump NOTE The vacuum pump must be plugged into the back of the Flex Jr Tension FlexLink in the appropriate 110 220V plug prior to system power up for this option to work and the ON OFF switch on the vacuum pump must be in the ON position For manual control of the pump through the FlexLink use the On and Off options If On is selected the FlexLink will turn the pump ON If Off is selected the FlexLink will turn the pump OFF For automatic control of power to the pump while regimens are running select Auto prior to downloading the regimen Once Auto is selected the FlexLink will turn the pump ON The software will turn the pump OFF when a regimen is complete This option also allows the pump to be turned OFF during a regimen step when a static waveform regimen is selected that has a 0 maximum elongation longer than 60 minutes The pump will power up 10 minutes before the next regimen step begins Users will be prompted to select this option or not when creating a regimen The
11. regimen time using the following format dd hh mm ss days hours minutes seconds The block at the top right contains the current regimen Step Cycle Jump when a regimen step is using the Jump Back to option minimum level Min and maximum level Max The minimum and maximum levels will be listed according to the units specified under the Plot Units section as the minimum and maximum points at which the membrane stretches with each cycle The major portion of the main display window is taken up with a plot designed to show the current state of a simulated or running regimen This plot is generated from the data returned by the FlexLink during regimen activity When using a platform configuration that uses vacuum to generate a downward stretching of the membrane elongation the vertical scale represents increasing elongation vacuum or strain When the selected unit of display is kPa the vertical scale will start at 0 0 and move upwards as an increasing negative pressure level indicating that a vacuum is being applied to the membrane to stretch it downwards The scale on the x and y axes can be changed by clicking on one of the two small double arrow buttons at either end of the axis The button with arrows pointing away from each other increases the axis E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION scale while the button with arrows pointing toward each other decreases the scale Below the plot is a timeline that di
12. status of the pump is indicated by a light box to the right side of the E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION On Off Auto options A green light indicates that the pump is ON and a red light indicates that the pump is OFF 3 16 DATA ANALYSIS The Flex Jr software has the capability of storing data a set of waveform points from a regimen run to a file on the hard drive The filename consists of the FlexLink number a V or C code letter V for vacuum or C for compression the regimen name and a sequence number If a tension regimen is run three times on FlexLink 1 then there will be three data files on the hard drive with numbers 000 001 and 002 respectively i e 1_V_regimenname_001 dat 1_V_regimenname_002 dat etc The file size depends on the regimen duration The current settings take pressure data every 2 milliseconds i e 500 points sec or 1 800 000 points hour Therefore a one hour regimen will have approximately a 4 0 Mb data file To turn this feature OFF please contact Flexcell To see the stored data in the Data Analysis menu select Data Viewer Open the appropriate dat file from the C FlexSyst directory Two new windows will appear Fig 12 In the window labeled filename 1 the data presented defaults to the raw data In the window labeled filename 2 the data presented defaults to a moving average of the raw data with data averaged every 10 seconds The y A
13. EX IN and FLEX OUT Assign the Drying regimen under the Shutdown user using the SF Loading Station 25mm platform If the Drying regimen is not in the system or is erased create a regimen with the following specifications sine wave 0 28 0 5 Hz 1000 cycles all other parameters are standard The shutdown program will run for about 30 minutes Dry room air will help to reduce moisture entrained into the lines and valves from the atmosphere Once the beads in the Drying Filter become pink the filter is saturated and needs to be replaced 16 Figure 13 System Drying Filter E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION 3 18 EXITING THE FLEX JR To exit the Flex Jr software in the PROGRAM Controllers menu select Exit 17 E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION 4 ADDENDUMS TO THE FLEX J R TENSION SYSTEM FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE OF THE TENSION UNIT A Place the FlexLink higher than the microscope device This will reduce the amount of moisture reaching the valves in the system B It is necessary to place the included Water Traps inline between the FlexLink and the microscope device Be sure to place the Water Traps below the Flex Jr Tension FlexLink Humid air from the incubator tends to condense within the tubing lines This moisture may in turn lead to problems with long term regimens This fluid collection can be prevented from entering the FlexLink by the insertion of the Wat
14. EXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION For example If using the StageFlexer with a 25 mm diameter Loading Station click on SF Loading Station 25mm for the choice of platforms If using the StageFlexer Jr with a 18 5 mm diameter Loading Station click on SF Jr Loading Station 18 5mm for the choice of platforms Tie Sec Figure 11 Assigning regimens for downloading to the Flex Jr Tension FlexLink If the download progresses no further messages will appear and the Start and Simulate buttons will be enabled If an error occurred in downloading the regimen to the FlexLink a message will appear alerting the user of a problem and the regimen will not be able to run In which case click Reset in the FlexLink window and then assign the desired regimen again 3 8 STARTING REGIMENS To run an assigned regimen click on Start in the main display window Fig 8 after the regimen has finished downloading Be sure that the vacuum pump is ON and all other connections are made The membranes should begin flexing and the assigned regimen will be in progress The progress of the regimen for the currently selected FlexLink will be monitored 13 continuously The displays for Run Time Step Cycle Jump and Min and Max will update as will the actual waveform data returned by the FlexLink Additionally a progress bar below the graph will display the percentage of the re
15. Flex Jr Tension System COMM E Flexcell Intemafional Corp Dimmocks ME Road NC 27278 Inus ca 1 800 728 3714 Infemalionck 41 919 732 1891 www flexcellint com PUMP CONTROL Figure2 Flex Jr Tension FlexLink rear view Voltage Selector Switch Power Connector Ethernet Port 6 USB Ports i 4 Available 1x Keyboard 1 x Mouse Monitor Connection Ethernet Port Figure3 Dell OptiPlex rear view 2 5 SETUP OF THE COMPUTER AND THE FLEX JR TENSION FLEXLINK Setup the Dell OptiPlex desktop computer and peripherals according to the manufacturer s instructions Refer to Figures 1 5 for proper setup of the Flex Jr system instruments Place the Flex Jr Tension FlexLink next to the computer and connect the FlexLink to the computer via the Ethernet cable provided If additional FlexLinks have been purchased they are to be placed side by side For multiple FlexLinks to be controlled by one computer connect the Ethernet cable from each FlexLink to an Ethernet hub Then connect the hub to the Ethernet port on the back of the computer E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION Connect the system tubing as follows 1 Connect the 9 5 mm O D blue tubing from the vacuum source to the SYSTEM port on the back of the FlexLink Fig 1 amp 2 2 Attach the free end of the clear 9 5 mm tubing to the FLEX OUT port on the back of the FlexLink Fig 2
16. LEX IN and FLEX OUT tubing from the rear of the Flex Jr HE l i JEE dT To Flex Jr i D EB LU kO To microscope device Figure 4 Microscope device to Flex Jr tubing adapter 2 4 CONNECTING THE SYSTEM VACUUM LINES Connect the blue 9 5 mm vacuum inlet tubing to a vacuum source A vacuum pump capable of producing a maximum vacuum of 100 kPa and a flow rate of at least 5 7 ft min 161 L min is necessary for optimal performance Keep the tubing length between the vacuum source and FlexLink as short as possible Also keep in mind that some vacuum systems will vary in flow rate and or pressure level To eliminate or reduce this effect use of a pressure reservoir between the vacuum source and the Flex Jr Tension FlexLink is recommended Flexcell International Corp recommends the Leybold Trivac D8B Pump vacuum pump includes the D8B pump system power cable gas ballast valve and AR 4 8 E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION return filter as a vacuum source as well as using a pressure reservoir The vacuum pump and pressure reservoir can be purchased directly from Flexcell International Corp NOTE Even with an optimal vacuum source there will still be some system limitations due to airflow Combinations of high frequencies and elongations may not be achievable due to the high vacuum level in the sho
17. and supplemental applicable laws appear in the English language In the event of any inconsistency in the meaning of the words and terminology and any foreign language translation the English language shall prevail 2 GOVERNING LAW The performance of the duties and liabilities of the parties under the terms and conditions of this Limited Warranty shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of North Carolina the United States of America APPLICATION OF STATE LAWS Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages nor do some states allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts so the above limitations may not apply to you This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state 3 INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS The full text of the foregoing limited warranty and all disclaimers is applicable to international customers purchasers except when the purchase was made from an international distributor or reseller the warranty will be covered through your distributor or reseller If technical advisory support service is not available through your distributor or reseller for service contact warranty headquarters by phone or fax Within the United States only 1 800 728 3714 toll free Fax 1 919 732 5196 International Customer s telephone 01 919 732 1591 Fax 01 919 732 5196 Email info flexcellint com FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION 2730 Tu
18. cker Street Suite 200 Burlington NC 27215 1 800 728 3714 within the U S only 1 919 732 1591 fax 1 919 732 5196 http www flexcellint com Customers should contact Dell Inc for all warranty questions or concerns with regards to the Dell OptiPlex computer and monitor iii Bg FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION Dell COMPUTER WARRANTY INFORMATION Dear Customer Congratulations on your purchase of the Flexcell Flex Jr system This system comes with a one 1 year warranty The Dell computer that is included with this equipment will be transferred into the Principal Investigator and University s name at the time of purchase This computer comes with an excellent warranty through Dell If you have any problems with this computer you will contact Dell directly The details of the warranty are listed below You will need to have the service tag number and Express Service Code number which are located on the side of the computer e Dell Hardware Limited Warranty Plus Onsite Service Extended Year e Dell Hardware Limited Warranty Plus Onsite Service Initial Year e Thank you choosing Dell ProSupport For tech support visit http support dell com ProSupport or call 1 866 516 3115 e ProSupport for IT Next Business Day Parts and Labor Onsite Response 2 Year Extended e ProSupport for IT Next Business Day Parts and Labor Onsite Response Initial Year e ProSupport for IT 7x24 Technical Support for certified IT Staff 2 Yea
19. complete and accurate at the time of publication In no event shall Flexcell International Corporation be liable for incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the use of the manual Opening the case of the Flex Jr Tension FlexLink voids the warranty Customers must contact Flexcell International Corporation or an authorized distributor before opening the case on the Flex Jr Tension FlexLink 25
20. connect to the rear of the computer Fig 3 The length of the clear and blue tubing from the FlexLink to the microscope device should be 10 3 m long to assure proper system 1 FLEXCELL BioFlex FlexLink and FlexSoft are trademarks of Flexcell International Corporation MS Windows and MS Office are trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation Adobe Acrobat is a trademark of Adobe Systems Inc Dell OptiPlex is a trademark of Dell General Notice Other product names mentioned in this manual are for identification purposes only and maybe trademarks of their respective owners Flexcell International disclaims any and all rights in those marks E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION performance This length can vary if needed but no more than 5 1 5 m longer or shorter Cut the tubing after the system is fully set up to ensure of the proper length The Flex Jr Tension system will require a space 26 75 64 95 cm wide by 22 44 57 00 cm deep if the computer Flex Jr Tension FlexLink and monitor are placed side by side with the keyboard and mouse in front The total weight of the system is 48 37 Ibs 21 96 kg Power Source Surge Protector Pressure Reservoir Vacuum Line To SYSTEM Port Blue Tubing Computer Flex Jr FLEX OUT FLEX IN Clear Tubing 4 Blue Tubing StageFlexer StageFlexer Jr FlexFlow Figure 1 Flexcell
21. e regimen position to be set to the beginning of the first regimen step 3 11 RESUMING REGIMENS To resume a paused regimen click on Resume in the main display window This function is available only when a simulated or running regimen has been paused The regimen will restart its prior activity simulation or actual run from its last point 3 12 STOPPING REGIMENS To stop a simulated or running regimen click on Stop in the main display window Click on Yes when the program asks for confirmation Stopping causes the current activity to cease immediately and sets the regimen position back to the beginning of the first regimen step Stopping is different from pausing in that pausing leaves the regimen at its current position so that it can be resumed from where it paused 3 13 DETERMINE THE PROGRESS OF THE REGIMEN The progress of the regimen for the currently selected FlexLink will be monitored continuously The displays for Run Time Step number Cycle number Jump to number and Min and Max elongations will be updated in the upper right hand corner of the main display window The actual waveform data returned by the controller will also be continuously updated on the graph A timeline progress bar below the plot illustrates the percent of the regimen that has been completed 3 14 RESETTING THE FLEXLINK 14 Resetting a simulated or running regimen causes the current activity to stop at the next cycle of the current
22. er Traps The Water Traps need to be placed so that they are maintained in a vertical position They should be checked frequently twice a day initially while a regimen is running and should be emptied when the Water Traps become half full On the first trial monitor the Water Traps every 15 minutes for the first two hours to be sure that a significant amount of water is not accumulating If so there may be a leak in the platform and or gasket BioFlex 18 plate assembly See System Troubleshooting Problem 1 pg 18 to correct this problem The valves and transducers may be damaged if moisture is allowed to accumulate Use the system Drying Filter and the shutdown program whenever the unit has been operating continually for more than one day and will not be operated again for more than one day See section 3 17 for instructions Make sure that the brass fittings on the back of the unit are tight and that the tubing is secure Achieving the highest possible combinations of elongation and frequency a Shorten the FLEX IN FLEX OUT and SYSTEM tubing to their minimum possible lengths See section 2 2 for minimum lengths b Use a more powerful vacuum source if recommended specs are not being reached with the current vacuum source see section 2 4 E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION 5 SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING NOTE If the Flex Jr system is not functioning properly and the solution is no
23. ex 25mm Loading Station Static Performance high side transducers Maximum allowable waveform variance from static line 0 25 elongation Maximum elongation error actual vs programmed 0 5 elongation Maximum allowable transducer inaccuracy 2 0 kPa BioFlex 25mm Loading Station Dynamic Performance high side transducers Maximum elongation error actual vs programmed 0 75 elongation at the following frequencies lt 15 elongation 0 5 and 1 0 Hz gt 17 5 elongation 0 5Hz Maximum allowable transducer inaccuracy 2 0 kPa LOADING STATIONS SPECIFICATIONS StageFlexer 25mm Diameter Loading Stations equibiaxial strain Minimum achievable elongation with the Flex Jr 1 696 Maximum achievable elongation with the Flex Jr 14 896 StageFlexer 28mm Diameter Loading Stations equibiaxial strain Minimum achievable elongation with the Flex Jr 1 9 Maximum achievable elongation with the Flex Jr 13 4 StageFlexer 31mm Diameter Loading Stations equibiaxial strain Minimum achievable elongation with the Flex Jr 2 196 Maximum achievable elongation with the Flex Jr 8 6 BioFlex membrane with 18 5mm Diameter Loading Stations equibiaxial strain Minimum achievable elongation with the Flex Jr 1 8 Maximum achievable elongation with the Flex Jr 13 8 Tissue Train membrane with Arctangle Loading Stations uniaxial strain Minimum achievable elongation with the Flex
24. f any warranty claim in writing by telephone fax transmission or email identifying each defective part or specifically describe the exact problem no later than the last day the warranty is in effect c FLEXCELL AGREES to correct any defect in workmanship or material and supply new or rebuilt parts in exchange for defective parts upon completion and submission by purchaser customer of a printed Parts Return Authorization form furnished by Flexcell Parts must be properly packed in original container and shipped to our factory service center or distributor with all shipping costs prepaid if the unit is out of warranty coverage If the original shipping box is not available Flexcell will send the required protective shipping container Flexcell will recommend the insurance value for parts or equipment to be shipped Return carrier shipping costs will be paid by Flexcell from the service center The purchaser customer is solely responsible for payment of custom fees taxes holding fees or value added taxes d THIS LIMITED WARRANTY only covers failures due to defects in materials or workmanship which occur during normal use It does not cover damage which occurs in shipment or failures of original equipment due to products identified as add ons not manufactured by Flexcell International Corporation or its distributors nor does this limited warranty cover damages or failures which result from accident or disaster such as fire explosion flood wind ligh
25. g during stretching Solution 6 This problem can be caused by plating too many cells Try plating with a lower cell density if the cells are not confluent they will form a matrix with the collagen or other matrix coating attaching more securely to the growth surface Also check with Flexcell to be sure that the best matrix coating for attachment of the particular cell type is being used 20 Problem 7 One or more of the FX5K Tension FlexLinks connected to the system are not being recognized by the software This is usually represented by the error message Cannot Connect to Controller when attempting to connect a FlexLink to assign a regimen Solution 7 This problem is usually due to a lack of communication between the computer and one or more FX5K Tension FlexLinks Check the FX5K Tension FlexLink Ethernet port connection on the computer and the communications connection on the back of the FlexLink to be sure that these are secure Check the FlexLink to see if the power is ON the FlexLink screen should power on If both of these conditions are true close and restart the software Try downloading the regimen again If the problem is not resolved call Flexcell for further instructions g FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION 6 APPLICATION NOTES WAVEFORM SHAPE DEFINITIONS 15 Sine Wave Sine Wave This waveform provides a smooth physiological This waveform provides a smooth phy
26. gimen that has been completed 3 9 SIMULATING REGIMENS The Simulate button is used to simulate a regimen graphically without actually running it Simulating a regimen will give the user an idea of the waveform output before actually running the regimen To start a simulation click on Simulate in the main display window A waveform will begin moving across the graphic display This waveform corresponds to the ideal waveform as generated by the Flex Jr software and is the actual waveform pattern sent to the FlexLink during the download process For certain waveforms e g square waves the idealized pattern may appear to have some unusual elements e g rounded corners The purpose of these unusual elements is to accommodate for the lag time during sudden changes in pressure e g rising falling edge of a square wave Without these unusual elements the valve controllers may oscillate for a period of time e g dampened sine wave during beginning of plateau in a square waveform 3 10 PAUSING REGIMENS To pause a simulated or running regimen click on Pause in the main display window Click on Yes when the program asks for confirmation Pausing will cause the current simulation or actual running of the regimen to stop at the next cycle of the current regimen step Pausing is different from stopping in that pausing leaves the regimen at its current position whereas stopping E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION causes th
27. he LCD will display the FlexLink number i e 1 2 3 or 4 and the regimen status i e Idle Ready or Left the time remaining in minutes of a running regimen When a regimen has been downloaded and or is running the LCD will also display the user name platform and regimen name See Table 1 below for the display messages with various FlexLink statuses Table 1 Messages displayed on the Flex Jr Tension FlexLink LCD FlexLink Status LCD message Power ON 1 Regimen Idle Flexcell International Corp www flexcellint com Regimen 1 Regimen Ready downloaded User name Platform Regimen Name Flexcell International Corp www flexcellint com Regimen is 1 Regimen Left 5 min running User name or being simulated Platform Regimen Name Flexcell International Corp www flexcellint com Regimen has 1 Regimen Idle stopped User name Platform Regimen Name Flexcell International Corp www flexcellint com 2 7 USING ADDITIONAL FLEX JR TENSION FLEXLINKS Using additional Flex Jr Tension FlexLinks will allow two or more platforms with different regimens to run simultaneously All tubing connections made to the first FlexLink should be made exactly the same with any additional FlexLinks Each FlexLink will have its own separate FLEX IN and FLEX OUT tubing for each platform However the SYSTEM tubing can be shared between FlexLinks with T fittings as long as the vacuum so
28. ith a list of the existing users and their regimens Fig 10 In the Existing Users box click on the user name under which the regimen is to be created A list of current regimens created under this user will appear in the Regimens for Selected User box unless no regimens have been saved under this user in which case this box will be empty To create a new regimen click on Run Wizard in the bottom left hand corner This option will bring up a step by step process of creating a new regimen Alternatively follow the sequence of steps below 1 Type a regimen name in the box labeled Regimen Name E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION Regimens for Selected User Test DC Cydes soo so Step 1 Duration 0 01 01 00 dd hh mm ss Back To Repeat 0 00 00 30 o fo DC Cydes Duration BackTo Repeat Pump TES r 0 00 00 30 0 0 0 01 00 00 0 0 50 0 30 S00 30 50 0 3600 Run Weard Add Step Remove step Save Regimen Delete Regimen Help 2 3 4 3 6 7 Figure 10 Flex Jr regimen editor Choose the desired waveform shape under Shape by clicking on the downward arrow and selecting an entry from the drop down list Enter the desired minimum and maximum elongation for the plate membranes 0 30 in the boxes under Min and Max Enter the frequency for the waveform 0 01 5 Hz in the box under Freq If a static regimen is required enter the desired
29. ith the FLEX IN and FLEX OUT tubing a Make cuts in the tubing for the Water Traps to be positioned as near as possible to the baseplate outside of the incubator so that the water will be trapped away from the FlexLink b Place the Water Traps at a position below the FlexLink unit Connect the tubing to the microscope device see Fig 4 p 3 a Connectthe short blue tubing provided with the device to the front hose barb on the device b Connect the quick disconnects at the end of the adapter to the quick disconnect at the end of the FLEX IN and FLEX OUT tubing Turn the FlexLink and computer system ON The Windows desktop should appear on the monitor Double click on the Flex Jr icon on the left hand side of the screen to start the software In the Configure menu select User Editor and register as a user In the Regimen menu select Create new and create a regimen by entering values into the appropriate spaces or click on the Run Wizard button in the bottom left hand corner for a step by step procedure When completed click on Save Regimen Exit the regimen editor vi 12 13 14 15 16 17 E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION In Controllers menu select the appropriate FlexLink number to which the regimen will be downloaded In the Regimen menu select Assign Choose the proper platform user and regimen see section 3 7 for assignment instructions from the drop down menus Confirm with a Ye
30. led Duration next to the Step number box If the total duration exceeds the maximum allowable duration this value wil be MAXIMUM and the regimen cannot be saved Adjust the time and or cycle number to decrease the total duration time 10 To add other steps to a regimen click in the box labeled Step and type in the next step number For example the first step will automatically be Step 1 To add another step delete the 1 and replace it with a 2 After this is completed change the parameters as needed for the new step according to steps 2 to 9 above E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION 11 To delete a step that has already been added click on the step in the window labeled Regimen Steps which contains the list of steps This will cause the step to be highlighted Then click on Remove Step at the bottom of the window Confirm the deletion by clicking on Yes when prompted 12 After all steps and parameters have been entered click on Save Regimen 13 To delete a regimen simply double click on the desired regimen name in the Regimens for Selected User box and then click on Delete Regimen Confirm the deletion by clicking on Yes NOTE If the regimen to be deleted is currently assigned the regimen must be removed from assignment before deleting 14 When finished with regimen editing click on Close 3 6 CREATING A REGIMEN WITH A CUSTOM WAVEFORM SHAPE In the top row of an Excel spreadsheet enter the el
31. lexLinks uue eee 5 3 Op Tation MAS LICH On 144444441 5 140554454 551 i 3y4410a ki t sa 14k ka v k ptas qu Y dek etis 7 3 1 Starting the Flex Jr Program tette tetti 7 3 2 Using the Flex Jr Tutorial tette tentent ttn tni 7 3 3 Main Display WINdOW RR T m ieai 7 3 4 Configuring SerS EL eee eke keke kek kek ke kek ke k re kek eee 9 3 5 Creating RebpInietiS easier ics Ere E Rep b ne ka k K ku nekan n benek E ben ba l h eker a eui 9 3 6 Creating a Regimen with a Custom Waveform Shape eee 11 3 7 Assipnins REGIMES ac busakece ax tUe RSS PRONUM NO Fd RU ENIM UR QE ue rM VH REP ER NE 12 3 9 Startins R gil CNN TTE E OO TT 12 3 9 Simulating RegimenS A E FREQ FRA AUR RM RU E NER PIA CU ek kek kek Ke ke ke KK KA KA KAK Ke 13 3 TU Patsing Reg Tn i kilin end up Esci pis UMS Ete ba kep E Meh Ra n DEREVE DI ak E HERDER HENA RA 13 3 11 Resuming Regimens E eee kek ee kere kek ke keke kek Ke keke kr Ka kk KA kK Ke 13 3 12 Stoppifig Regimens eodein ed qua Fine r kan a la orat re RAW a a Mid E SR ADS 13 3 13 Determine the Progress of th Regimen eke eke bodies 13 3 14 Resetting the FlexLink eee eeelekeey e ekekekek akr kk 14 E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION 3 15 Controlling the Vacuum Pump oer eke n ex ke xe kek nu nope r k 14 3 16 Dat A a N TEN 14 3 17 Shu
32. n Applies a defined controlled static or cyclic deformation to cells in vitro Housed valving mechanism automatically regulates and maintains pressure to provide the specified strain regimen Capable of driving up to 4 independent FlexLink remote strain and or compression controllers Capable of delivering frequency ranges from 0 0135 Hz Works with StageFlexer StageFlexer Jr and FlexFlow devices Ability to program multiple frequency amplitude and wave changes in one regimen Waveforms available Static wave Sinusoidal wave Heart wave Electronic and Pressure Triangular wave Square wave and custom waveforms Provides equibiaxial strain to the StageFlexer membrane and equibiaxial or uniaxial strain to membranes cut out of BioFlex UniFlex or Tissue Train culture plates Optional StageFlexer and StageFlexer Jr devices allow strain application to cells while viewing in real time under an upright microscope FLEX JR TENSION COMPONENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS Dell OptiPlex Desktop Computer USB Keyboard USB Mouse 17 Flat panel Monitor FlexSoft Flexcell Flex Jr Software and Microsoft Windows 7 Flex Jr Tension FlexLink controller Accessory Pack nuts ferrules Water Trap x2 System Drying Filter Silicone lubricant 25 ft Blue tubing 4 6 4 mm O D for FLEX IN connection 25 ft Clear tubing 9 5 mm O D for FLEX OUT connection 25 ft Blue tubing 9 5 mm O D for vacuum source con
33. nection Flexcell Flex Jr Tension System User s manual Vacuum Source Connection Manual Water Trap and Drying Filter Tech Report and other ancillary manuals for computer and monitor Surge protected power outlet strip FLEX JR TENSION COMPUTER SPECIFICATIONS OptiPlex Small Form Factor Intel Core i5 processor 3 2 GHz 250 GB SATA 6 0 Gb s hard drive DVD RW Drive 2 GB of DDR3 RAM Integrated video Intel HD2500 Operating System Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 23 E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION FLEX JR TENSION FLEXLINK COMPONENT SPECIFICATIONS e Custom design vacuum controller board o Microprocessor sampling rate for display data transducer 200 Hz o Microprocessor sampling rate for feedback error valve adjustment transducer 1 KHz e 2 proportional solenoid valves e Ethernet port RJ45 FLEX J R TENSION FLEXLINK CALIBRATION SPECIFICATIONS Unconstrained Static Performance low side transducers Maximum allowable waveform variance from static line 0 25 elongation Maximum elongation error actual vs programmed 0 6 elongation Maximum allowable transducer inaccuracy 1 0 kPa Unconstrained Dynamic Performance low side transducers Maximum elongation error actual vs programmed 0 5 elongation at the following frequencies lt 5 elongation 0 5 and 1 0 Hz 10 elongation 0 5 and 0 75Hz gt 10 elongation 0 5 Hz Maximum allowable transducer inaccuracy 1 0 kPa BioFl
34. o that the data viewed in the plot begin at the specified time entered here Use the timeline at the top of the graph to navigate through the regimen Users can move the slider function within the timeline to E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION manually progress through the regimen plot If the user clicks on the arrows at either end of the timeline the plot will progress to the next time period as set by the x axis scale For instance if the scale is set to show 20 seconds of data and the user clicks on the right arrow button the plot will progress to the next 20 seconds of data 3 17 SHUTTING DOWN THE SYSTEM A system Drying Filter Fig 13 has been supplied with the Flex Jr This device must be used whenever the system has been operated for more than one day and will not be operated again for more than one day If the system will be operated again immediately after a one day run or if the regimen runs for a longer period of time the Drying Filter can be used at the conclusion of the usage period The device and shutdown program will help to remove any moisture entrained into the valves during normal operation This will greatly prolong the life of the valves and reduce expensive repairs To use the Drying Filter first remove the orange plug in the bottom of the filter Attach the fittings of the Drying Filter to the proper ports on the rear of the FlexLink by replacing the lines running to the microscope device FL
35. ongation values for the desired waveform shape for one cycle Enter one value per cell Values should be chosen along a curve at even time intervals i e every 100 msec milliseconds Save this spreadsheet as a csv file comma delimited file format in the C FlexSyst directory HERE Excel ES Ramp waveform shape L5 2 5 3 5 4 4 5 5 5 5 0 Example CSV file viewed in Notepad Ramp waveform shape 1 1 5 2 2 5 3 3 5 4 4 5 5 5 5 0 11 Elongation 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 Time msec Example Custom waveform shape Ramp waveform shape In the Regimen menu of the Flex Jr software select Create new A new window will appear entitled Regimens with a list of the existing users and their regimens In the Existing Users box click on the user name under which the regimen is to be created A list of current regimens created under this user will appear in the Regimens for Selected User box unless no regimens have been saved under this user in which case this box will be empty To create a new regimen click on Run Wizard in the bottom left hand corner This option will bring up a wizard to create a new regimen Alternatively follow the sequence of steps below 1 Choose Custom from the list of waveform shapes under Shape by clicking on the downward arrow and selecting this entry from the drop down list
36. other ancillary manuals for computer and monitor 13 Surge protected outlet strip 14 Water Trap x2 15 Vacuum source optional 2 SETUP OF THE FLEXCELL FLEX J R TENSION SYSTEM Do not power up the Flexcell Flex Jr Tension system until all connections among components have been properly made and checked Never power up the computer or the Flex Jr Tension FlexLink with the cover removed an electrical shock hazard exists Operation of the computer without the cover is in violation of FCC regulations and will void the warranty 2 1 PACKING LIST Remove the packing list and check off the instrument components as they are removed from the shipping containers If any parts are missing contact Flexcell International Corp immediately Copyright 2009 Flexcell International 2 2 LOCATION OF THE FLEX JR TENSION SYSTEM Choose a location for the Flex Jr Tension system Fig 1 that is adjacent and as close as possible to the microscope and vacuum source A shorter distance in vacuum lines decreases the air flow resistance for elongation and release of the flexible bottomed culture plates allowing for a greater range of flexing at higher frequencies The length of the vacuum line should be a minimum of 4 1 2 m All tubing and the Ethernet communications cable connect to the rear of the Flex Jr Tension FlexLink Fig 2 All cables mouse monitor keyboard and Ethernet communications cables will
37. r Extended e ProSupport for IT 7x24 Technical Support for certified IT Staff Initial year E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT This computing equipment has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device in accordance with the specifications for Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful radio and TV interference in a residential installation There is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation The following instructions and precautions must be observed by the user when installing and operating this device 1 The equipment must be operated in strict accordance with the manufacturer s instructions 2 The unit s must be plugged into a properly grounded power outlet and used with the power cord supplied with the unit s unmodified The unit must be operated with the factory installed cover in place 4 No modifications of the equipment can be made which may result in the equipment failing to meet the limits of the FCC Rules The equipment must be maintained in a satisfactory state of repair 6 Shielded cables must be used with this equipment to ensure compliance with the FCC Rules If the unit interferes with radio or television reception which can be tested by turning the unit off and on the user is encouraged to try
38. rt period of time requested The exact output is dependent on many system variables See the Addendum on page 17 for suggestions on maximizing system performance To use the auto control pump feature plug the vacuum pump power cable into the PUMP CONTROL CONNECTION outlet on the rear of the Flex Jr Tension FlexLink Fig 2 and 5 NOTE When using the auto pump control feature the power cable from the Flex Jr Tension FlexLink must be connected directly into the mains power Failure to do so will cause damage to the Flex Jr Tension FlexLink Surge Protector Vacuum Pump Pressure Reservoir Vacuum Line To SYSTEM Port Blue Tubing Computer Flex Jr FLEX OUT FLEX IN Clear Tubing 4 Blue Tubing StageFlexer StageFlexer Jr FlexFlow Figure 5 Flexcell Flex Jr Tension System power set up with auto control pump feature See page 14 for additional comments on setting up the vacuum power to use the auto control feature 2 5 FLEXSOFT FLEX JR SOFTWARE AND SYSTEM POWER UP The FlexSoft Flex Jr software Flexcell Copyright Protected Software Property of Flexcell International Corporation 2730 Tucker Street Suite 200 Burlington NC 27215 has been pre installed on the hard drive Keep the CD package included with your system and store it in a safe place Be sure to shutdown Windows properly by using the Shut
39. s to download the regimen Once the program is downloaded click on Simulate in the main display window Once satisfied that the regimen is correct click on Stop Turn ON the vacuum system Click on Start to run the regimen The membrane should begin flexing Make a visual check to verify membrane movement To pause or stop the regimen click on Pause or Stop at any time Otherwise the program will stop when the regimen is completed Check the Water Traps prior to each experiment to see if water is accumulating Empty the Water Traps before they are more than half full vii E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION 1 FLEXCELL FLEX JR TENSION SYSTEM COMPONENTS 1 Dell OptiPlex desktop computer Do not delete any software or change any settings on this computer It has been pre configured to operate the FlexSoft Flex Jr software Preinstalled software FlexSoft Flex Jr Microsoft Windows 7 Microsoft Office 2010 Adobe Acrobat Flex Jr Tension FlexLink USB keyboard USB 2 button entry mouse 17 Flat panel monitor SA cod ql 6 Accessory pack of nuts and ferrules 7 Silicone lubricant 8 System Drying Filter device 9 25 ft small blue tubing 4 6 4 mm O D for FLEX IN connection 10 25 ft clear tubing 9 5 mm O D for FLEX OUT connection 11 25 ft large blue tubing 9 5 mm O D for vacuum source connection 12 Flexcell Flex Jr Tension System users manual and
40. siological variation in pressure at the max with a quick variation in pressure from min to max transition at the min g n Fr E Le m em Isa wa i lll SANAT j 2 VASA L i BEHHHEHHN Th Triangle Wave Square Wave This waveform provides a linear ramped rise to the This waveform provides the fastest possible rise to max and a linear ramped fall back to the min max followed by the fastest possible fall to min i lll Ja a RARE f POTE 1i th BEHHEEHEEHEEEEEERN BEBHEEEEEEEHEEEEERERN ww Lud 20 g FLEXCELL9 INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION Heart E Wave Heart P Wave This waveform applies a pressure pattern that mimics This waveform applies a pressure pattern that mimics the shape as seen on an electrocardiogram the actual pressure wave generated by a heart beat r E sar T esz Eren tem um Lm ttt EMIT uu Jh SINON j T is BEHHEESEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Lud Static Wave This waveform applies a constant state of pressure titel t SENT i th 21 E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION FLEXCELL FLEX R TENSION SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION FLEX JR TENSION SYSTEM FEATURES Uses vacuum to deform a flexible membrane yielding up to 17 substrate elongation Minimum strain resolution capability is 0 1 elongatio
41. splays the percentage of the regimen that has been completed To the right of the plot is a set of command buttons which allow the user to 1 Start a regimen 2 Stop a regimen 3 Pause a regimen 4 Resume a paused regimen 5 Simulate a regimen 6 Reset the controller 7 Control the vacuum pump 8 Access Help 9 Cancel the program 3 4 CONFIGURING USERS Prior to creating and downloading a regimen a user needs to be registered Once this task is completed regimens can be personalized under the registered user name In the Configure menu select User Editor A new window will appear entitled Users Fig 9 To add a user type in a user name must be at least 4 characters in the provided space and click on Add User The new name should appear in the Existing Users box Existing Users Flexcell Shutdown User Name Flexcell Delete User Figure 9 Flex Jr user editor To delete a user click on the appropriate user name in the Existing Users box so that it is highlighted in blue and then click on Delete User The program will ask for a confirmation and issue a warning click Yes to confirm deletion The user and any of the user s defined regimens will be deleted To exit the Users window click on Close 3 5 CREATING REGIMENS Before beginning a regimen must be created for downloading In the Regimen menu select Create new A new window will appear entitled Regimens w
42. t clearly outlined or defined below please contact Flexcell before attempting any repairs Problem 1 Regimen wave is flatlining Solution 1 Remove the SYSTEM vacuum line at the back of the FlexLink and check to be sure that there is vacuum coming through the line Check the VENT port at the back of the FlexLink when the system is running to see if air is moving in or out If not it is possible that the valves are locked due to residue buildup Try applying positive pressure to the VENT port to free the valves If the regimen wave is flatlining but the plates are still cycling air pressure try the following Disconnect the blue 1 4 6 4mm FLEX IN tubing from the back of the unit and place a finger over the end of the tubing while a regimen is running If air is cycling at the end of the tubing then the problem is with the Flex Jr Tension FlexLink Contact Flexcell International for further instructions Problem 2 Regimen wave is fluttering or not smooth Solution 2 This problem could be due to water in the valves or miscalibration Run the drying regimen with the Drying Filter as described in the manual to dry the system and valves If this does not resolve the problem try running the drying regimen once more If the problem continues contact Flexcell for further instructions 19 Problem 3 Programming a long regimen 1 day or more but the software will not allow the regimen to be saved
43. t the appropriate FlexLink number 1 E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION 3 OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS 3 1 STARTING THE FLEX JR PROGRAM The Flexcell system should now be set up and ready for operation Be sure that the system vacuum supply is adequate to operate the instrument s see section 2 4 Turn ON the power switch on the computer monitor and Flex Jr Tension FlexLink The system should then boot and load Windows Select and double click on the Flex Jr icon Fig 6 on the desktop to start the FlexSoft Flex Jr software A main display window will appear see Fig 8 Figure 6 Flex Jr icon 3 2 USING THE FLEX JR TUTORIAL In the Help menu click on View Tutorial to view the Flex Jr tutorial at any time Fig 7 The tutorial will appear on the left side of the screen The tutorial explains the main steps involved in configuring users creating regimens and starting regimens The tutorial will start automatically as a default setting when the software is opened To turn OFF this feature uncheck the box marked Show Tutorial at Startup 3 3 MAIN DISPLAY WINDOW The main display window Fig 8 for each Flex Jr Tension FlexLink has several features that allow more precise monitoring of the regimen To access this window select the appropriate FlexLink FlexLink n from the Controllers menu where n is the FlexLink number to which the regimen will be downloaded The
44. the following procedure to correct the interference 1 Reorient the antenna of the receiver Relocate the equipment to increase the distance between the unit and the radio TV Connect the unit to an outlet on a different circuit from the receiver Ber o Consult with the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for advice on ways to reduce interference 10 11 E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION Flex J r QUICK START INSTRUCTIONS Place the computer monitor keyboard mouse and Flex Jr Tension FlexLink on a sturdy flat surface Connect the keyboard mouse and monitor to the computer according to the manufacturer s instructions Connect the FlexLink to the Ethernet port on the back of the computer using the Ethernet cable supplied see Figs 2 and 3 p 2 Connect the computer monitor and FlexLink to a power source using a surge protector Connect the system vacuum to the SYSTEM port on the back of the FlexLink and check the system vacuum supply see manual section 2 4 for pump specifications recommendations Cut two lengths of tubing from those supplied cut a 10 3 m length of the 4 6 4 mm and cut a 10 length of the 9 5 mm tubing Connect each length of tubing to the rear connection of the FlexLink in the FLEX IN and FLEX OUT ports accordingly Attach provided quick disconnects to the other end of each piece of tubing Place the Water Traps see Fig 1 p 2 inline w
45. tning or earthquake or misuse abuse neglect mishandling misapplication alteration faulty installation modification or service by anyone other than our factory or distributor Breaking the seal and opening the unit case or violating unit components will void the warranty This warranty is extended only to the original purchaser customer unless a transfer of ownership is approved by Flexcell in writing e LIMITED LIABILITY Flexcell or its distributor s only liability shall be to remedy any defect to comply with its warranty and return the repaired equipment to function as designed Under no circumstances shall Flexcell or its distributors be liable for any special incidental or consequential damages based upon breach of warranty or contract or negligence Such damages include but are not limited to loss of profits revenue loss of data down time customer s material or time f DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES The Limited Warranty expressed in the foregoing language is the only warranty applicable to this product Any other warranty expressed or implied warranty or of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose are hereby disclaimed No oral or written information or advice provided by Flexcell through its agents or employees in the use and functioning of the equipment shall in any way create a warranty or in anyway increase the scope of this limited warranty g DISCLAIMER LANGUAGE This warranty document accompanying instruction manual
46. tting Down the SyStem eke eke ek n EN IER kek kek CUIRE 15 3 18 Exiting the Flex Jr Program ueseascepicasotenirete ern raa pate b vedrai da 16 4 Addendums to the Flex Jr Tension System erer 17 For Optimal Performance of the Tension Unt pet etes ert dicont oder RR 17 5 System Troubleshooting aussen RP ERR ease 18 6 Application NotesSession sintine tere er un quitur error tree ten ER rie KAREN 20 Waveform Shape DefinitlOnS eee kek kek kek SNR CUN E ke kr FRU ERE 20 Flexcell Flex Jr Tension System SpecificatlonS E kere 22 E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION ONE YEAR LIMITED PARTS WARRANTY Flexcell Flex Jr Tension System 1 FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION warrants to the original purchaser customer all hardware components of the Flexcell Flex Jr Tension System serial for a period of one year from the date of delivery to the purchaser customer to be free from manufacturing defects in workmanship or materials with the following exceptions terms and conditions a ITEMS EXCLUDED FROM THE WARRANTY ARE Dell OptiPlex desktop computer and monitor software disks manuals and external peripherals such as printers mouse or track ball units imaging devices vacuum pumps air tanks electric voltage converters compressors surge suppressers and all other accessory equipment b DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD the purchaser customer must notify Flexcell o
47. urce is capable of running two or more FlexLinks with the programmed regimens Regimens with a combination of high frequencies and elongation levels will require a more powerful vacuum source The capability of the vacuum source with more than one FlexLink will need to be tested experimentally with the user s particular setup FlexLinks must be placed side by side during use If the user desires to use the vacuum pump auto control feature with each FlexLink then separate vacuum pumps will need to be used with each FlexLink To connect additional FlexLink s to the computer connect the Ethernet cable from each FlexLink to an Ethernet hub Then connect the hub to the Ethernet port on the back of the computer using the Ethernet communications cable provided The LCD on the front of the FlexLink will display the number 41 4 that the Flex Jr Tension FlexLink has been assigned at the time of production NOTE The numbering of each Flex Jr Tension FlexLink will not depend on what order it appears in the connection chain but according to the configuration of each FlexLink as FlexLink 1 FlexLink 2 etc during production E FLEXCELL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION When powering up the FlexLink s and 2 3 or 4 from the Controllers menu computer turn the FlexLink s ON before Assign download and run regimens just as the computer To use a particular FlexLink would be done when using one FlexLink selec
48. xis control box allows for automatic or manual control of the scale on the y axis If Auto is selected the y axis scale can be changed by clicking on one of the two small double arrow buttons at either end of the axis The button with arrows pointing away from each other increases the axis scale while the button with arrows pointing toward each other decreases the scale The minimum 15 value is 2 kPa and the maximum is 100 kPa If Manual is selected the user can enter the upper and lower limits of the y axis scale in the white boxes to the left side of the axis The small double arrows will not function 1f Manual is selected Figure 12 Flex Jr data display The x axis scale allows for a time interval to be set between 0 1 and 1000 seconds Click on one of the two small double arrow buttons at either end of the axis to change this scale The button with arrows pointing away from each other increases the axis scale while the button with arrows pointing toward each other decreases the scale The Input data box allows the user to switch the data in the graph from raw data to averaged data If the Raw data option is selected the graph will plot the kPa pressure over time in seconds for the selected regimen If the Moving average option is selected the graph will plot the average pressure over the designated time period in seconds range of 0 1 1000 seconds shown in the Time s box The Start time box can be set s

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