Panther Pipettor Arm Removal and Replacement

Note— BLDC Pipettors can ONLY be installed with System Software v7.1 or higher.

Parts and Materials Required

• PPE
• Panther Tool Kit including pipettor teach tools and teach caps
• PIPETTOR, REAGENT ASSY (LEFT)
• PIPETTOR, SAMPLE ASSY (RIGHT) or (FUSION)
• Pipettor Z-Motor Mesh Shim Tool, [TLS-06480]
• Panther Fusion Reconstitution Buffer [PRD-04333] (Content 1 box = 2 packs)

Time Required

• 1 hour including Teaching
  As per DHM-07074, PQs are NO longer required after Pipettor Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Put on proper PPE.
2. Power down the Panther System.
3. Open the front cover flaps.
4. Remove gantry shield.
5. Place an absorbent pad under the Pipettor arm to be replaced.
6. Orient the Pipettor arm to an easily accessible position. Be sure the DiTi cone is away from other modules and parts of the system.

   Note—Note the cable routing through the strain relief prior to removing.

7. Remove the two screws that secure the flex cable strain relief (the black plastic piece in the following photo)..

   Note—The Left Pipettor arm has one black strain relief. The Right Pipettor arm has two black strain reliefs.

   

8. Remove flex cable by carefully unlocking the flex cable connector clamp. (See arrows in image below.)This will release the flex cable from the Pipettor Y-breakout PCB. Remove the flex cable.

   

9. While securely holding onto the Pipettor arm, remove the restraining brackets to free the arm. Carefully remove the restraining brackets while keeping track of the “L-shaped” pipettor slide bearings. Set the brackets and bearings aside.

   

10. Remove the arm.

    Note—If the module will be returned, clean the module.

Left Arm Replacement

1. Verify DIP switch settings.
2. Mount the arm by easing the teeth onto the gear.
3. Secure the L-shaped bearing onto the Y-carriage.

   

4. Secure the flex cable strain relief via the cable retention bracket.

   Note—Note the cable routing through the strain relief prior to removing.

5. Route the flex cable through the large opening of the strain relief.
6. Attach the flex cable to the Y-sledge PCB, making sure the flex cable contacts are facing away from the PCB.
   Ensure that the cable is fully seated into the ZIP socket and secure the clamp by carefully pushing both tabs in at the same time.
   Routing of the left Pipettor arm flex cable should match the following photo.

   

7. Manually slide the Pipettor arm up and down and verify the flex cable does not kink. If necessary, adjust the flex cable to eliminate the kink. Tighten the strain relief screws.
8. Check to be sure all hardware is properly installed and secure the arm in place. The arm should be held firmly in place without over-tightening hardware, and should not creep down when released.

   

9. Perform a Pipettor / Z-Motor Meshing Adjustment procedure.
10. Install Panther System firmware to the module.
11. Teach the Pipettor arm to modules.

    Note—If a Fusion is installed the Reagent Pipettor teaching to the Elution Track MUST be completed.

Right Arm Replacement

1. Verify the DIP switch settings.
2. Mount the arm by easing the teeth onto the gear.
3. Secure the L-shaped bearing onto the Y-carriage..

   

4. Secure the flex cable strain relief via the cable retention bracket.

   Note—Note the cable routing through the strain relief prior to removing.

5. Attach the flex cable to the Y-sledge PCB, making sure the flex cable contacts are facing away from the PCB. Ensure that the cable is fully seated into the ZIP socket and secure the clamp by carefully pushing both tabs in at the same time.
6. Sandwich the flex cable between the two strain relief pieces, as shown in the following photo.

   Note—Do not route the right arm flex cable through the strain relief opening.

   

7. Manually slide the Pipettor arm up and down and verify the flex cable does not kink. If necessary, adjust the flex cable to eliminate the kink. Tighten the strain relief screws.
8. Check to be sure all hardware is properly installed and secure the arm in place. The arm should be held firmly in place without over-tightening hardware, and should not creep down when released.

   

9. Perform a Pipettor / Z-Motor Meshing Adjustment procedure.
10. Install Panther System firmware to the module.
11. Teach the Pipettor arm to modules.

    Note—If a Fusion is installed the Reagent Pipettor teaching to the Elution Track MUST be completed.

Verification