Foreword
This Service Manual contains the information necessary to service, maintain and
troubleshoot the Instrumentation Laboratory ACL 9000 system.
This Service Manual is strictly intended for IL field engineers, or service engineers
from organisations duly recognised and authorised by Instrumentation Laboratory,
who have been previously trained on how to use, maintain and troubleshoot the IL
ACL 9000 model.
The Service Engineer should be kept handy this Manual for reference when perform a
service action in field.
For detailed information on Operators interface and other user related topics,
reference to specific ACL 9000 Operators Manual.
The ACL 9000 system is compatible with the diverse requirements for supply voltage
and frequency encountered throughout the world.
The ACL 9000 system is conforms to the directives and standards of the Community
European 89/336/EEC + 92/31EEC + 93/68EEC and certified by CE marking. This
system is approved to CE standards EN55011:1991 (CISPR 11), Group 1, Class A;
EN50082-1:1997 and EN61010-1993 + A2:1995 (IEC 1010-1).
The ACL 9000 system is also conforms to the directives and standards of the CSA and
certified by CSA marking. This system is approved to CSA standards with licence
number LR24215 and produced under CSA certification number 161648/1121145.
All instruments bear the CE and CSA monograms.
The reproduction or copying of this manual without the explicit written authorisation
of Instrumentation Laboratory is prohibited.
Instrumentation Laboratory
ACL 9000 Service Manual
Table of Contents
Foreword
Table of Contents
Instrumentation Laboratory I
Table of Contents
II Instrumentation Laboratory
ACL 9000 Service Manual
6 Troubleshooting 6.1
IV Instrumentation Laboratory
ACL 9000 Service Manual
10 Drawings 10.1
12 Appendix 12.1
Instrumentation Laboratory V
ACL 9000 Service Manual
1 General Information
This section of the Manual contains general information about the ACL 9000 system,
including its use, measured parameters, presentation of results, hardware description
and operation, additional features and procedural limitations.
Description and use of the ACL 9000 Operators Interface is addressed at separate
section of this Manual. Following are the specific sections.
Coagulometric Tests
Absorbance Tests
Antithrombin
Heparin Xa
Protein C
Plasmin Inhibitor (alpha-2-antiplasmin)
Plasminogen
Fibrinogen-C (Clauss method)
Immunological Tests
D-Dimer
von Willebrand Factor (*)
Special Tests
Note: An (*) indicates that the test is not currently available for the ACL 9000.
An (**) indicates that the test is not available in the United States.
Profiles
The user may program Profiles on patient samples to be performed on a random access
basis. Refer to the Operators Manual for additional information on this subject.
Tests Groups
Some tests can be run together as a group, thus saving time when the number of
samples to be analysed is relatively small. Following are some examples:
PT-FIB/APTT
PT-FIB/APTT/TT
Double Tests
The ACL 9000 offers the user the capability to set up double tests. Refer to the
Operators Manual for additional information on this subject.
s (seconds)
R (Ratio)
NR (Normalised Ratio)
INR (International Normalised Ratio)
% (Percent activity)
U/mL (units/mL)
mg/dL (for example for Fibrinogen)
g/L (for example for Fibrinogen)
ng/mL (for example for D-Dimer)
microg/L (for example for D-Dimer)
micromol/L
IU/mL (International Unit)
User configurable unit
The ACL 9000 system incorporates a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) unit that displays
the status of the instrument, permits the user to select desired procedures and, through
the use of menus and options, guides the operator through these procedures.
Information and instructions are entered into the system either via a Touch Screen
device or through a standard PC keyboard or through a mouse.
When sample testing is initiated, the samples and reagents are sequentially pipetted into
a 20-cuvette polystyrene rotor (loading process). Sample and reagents are then mixed
by centrifugation process. The mixing is carried out by a combination of rapid
acceleration and braking actions that are effective in thoroughly mixing the liquids.
Reaction measurements (data acquisition) via the photometer are made while the rotor
is spinning.
The ACL 9000 analyser includes several hardware components and modules, which
interact with each other to carry out the analytical process.
This section contains descriptions of those components and their functions as well as
the operations that take place during the analytical process.
The figure below highlights some of the main components of the ACL 9000, as viewed
from the front of the system.
More information about the other system present on the instrument is given in the
section 3 General Description.
Following are the specific sub-section with the item descriptions.
The ACL Autosampler system includes a rotating sample tray that contains:
40 x 14.2 mm diameter positions for cups and primary tubes and
10 x 23 mm diameter positions to hold accessory materials such as calibrators,
diluents, reagents vials, etc.).
Optical sensors located around the tray verify that the tray is correctly positioned, and
also detect the presence of cups, tubes and vials.
Three different sample trays can be used with the ACL system each one appropriate for
different size of primary tubes: 3 mL, 5 mL and S11.5; all of them can be used for 0.5,
2 or 4 mL cups.
Note: The dimensions and volumes mentioned above are all nominal values.
The ten internal positions of the sample tray - A1 to A10 - are used for placing
materials such as calibrators, QC materials, diluents or reagents in a
choice of containers such as 23 mm vials (10 mL filling volume), 18 mm vials (4 mL
filling volume) or cups. Adapters are needed for the 4 mL vials and cups as seen in the
picture below.
All eight reagent positions can hold 28 mm vials (16 mL filling volume). Smaller
diameter vials require the use of colour coded adapters.
The rinse / waste system of the ACL consists of a removable Rinse / Waste Reservoir
positioned between reagent positions R4 and R5. A plastic tube is connected to the
reservoir that drains the waste from the reservoir to a waste container outside the
analyser (left hand side) where the waste is collected.
The Rinse / Waste Reservoir which is always filled with Wash-R emulsion, is used as a
washing basin for the dispensing needles in-between cycles; the liquid waste is then
drained and collected in the waste container on the outside of the analyser for proper
disposal.
The area of the analyser where the reaction cuvettes are loaded and the analysis takes
place is located under the rotor holder cover in the center of the instrument, on the
right side of the reagent area. This area includes:
The reaction cuvettes (rotors) storage system and mechanisms involved in the
transport of these rotors.
The plate where the rotor is placed during loading and analysis (Rotor Holder).
The hardware components responsible for ensuring proper mixing of reagents
samples in the cuvettes.
The optical system used to make the analytical measurements.
The Rotor Stack, the Rotor Transport and the Rotor Arm compose this assembly.
Rotor stack
Before their use, rotors are stored in the rotor stack that holds up to 12 rotors (240
cuvettes). The rotor stack compartment, which may be accessed from the top of the
analyser on the right side, can be filled at any time (continuous rotor loading) either
manually (one rotor at a time) or using a special rotor refill tool (up to 10 rotors at a
time).
The rotor stack area is thermostatically controlled in order to keep the rotors in a
temperature range between 36 and 39 oC; the rotor stack is insulated to help thermal-
regulation.
Rotor Transport
Below the rotor stack, a rotor transport mechanism moves the bottom rotor out to
make it available to the rotor arm mechanism.
Rotor Arm
The robotic arm takes the rotor and inserts it into the rotor holder. This is the area
where the rotor will remain during the loading and analysis process. Once analysis is
completed, if the rotor is fully utilised (or if requested by the user), the rotor arm takes
the rotor and discards it into the rotor waste container.
The Rotor Holder is an aluminium disk that holds the rotor in place during loading and
analysis. The rotor holder is thermostatically controlled to a temperature of 38.5 0.5
o
C to insure 37 oC inside the cuvette.
The loading of samples and reagents into the reaction cuvettes involves the action of
the sampling / dispensing arm and needles. When starting with a new rotor, cuvette 20
is generally filled with a normal pool of calibration plasma. Cuvette 19 is usually filled
with the Wash-Reference Emulsion aspirated from the one-litre bottle housed against
the back wall of the analyser. The remaining 18 rotor cuvettes (1-18) are filled with
samples and reagents as required by the programmed request.
The used rotors are dropped inside the Rotor Waste Container. This container is
accessed from a door in the right front area of the analyser for removal and disposal of
the used rotors, as seen in the figure below.
This module consists of a Liquid Crystal Display, 12-inch active matrix (LCD), which
is fitted with a Touch Screen function, allowing all operations to be carried out using
the LCD.
The LCD guides the operator during the analytical process and displays calibrator data
and patient results. It is also used to display calibration curves, and to perform several
utility programs that are easily accessible through this input device.
The LCD screen system reproduces 256 colours, and shows numeric and alphanumeric
characters. The interaction with the operator is also made user friendly by the
availability of graphics and icons. The screen is divided in three areas:
1.4.7 Keyboard
The ACL 9000 has a standard computer keyboard with mechanical keys that allow the
user to access the various operating modes of the instrument.
Although the instrument is equipped with and supports the English keyboard layout,
the ACL software itself also supports the layout for the following languages: German,
French, Spanish, Italian and Unite States.
The ACL 9000 includes an interface for an external barcode scanner that allows
additional reading. The external barcode scanner is an optional feature of the system.
The ACL 9000 contains an RS-232C interface (DTE Standard) for the output of data
to a central computer (Host) or a personal computer. Communication to a host
computer is via ASTM protocol.
The ACL 9000 has an output for an optional external printer. Two emulation protocols
are available for printers: ESC/P2 (Epson like printers) and HP-PCL (for HP like Laser
Printers).
The cooling of the system is insured by the presence of fans mounted on the internals
right and left sides of the analyser. An air filter prevents dust from entering the system.
A two-level alarm warns the user when the internal temperature of the instrument rises
above damaging levels. The first level alerts the operator of the temperature rise and
displays a warning. The second level switches off the instrument.
The on-board barcode reader, a standard feature of the ACL 9000, is located in the
sampling area as indicated in the figure below. A small window indicates its position.
Following are the numerical and alphanumerical readable codes.
Codabar
Code 39
Code 128
Interleave 2 of 5
When using barcoded sample tubes, it is important to position them in the sample tray
such that the labels are facing towards the outside of the sample tray. This will allow a
correct reading of the labels by the on-board barcode reader.
The external barcode scanner is an optional feature of the ACL 9000. This barcode
scanner is able to read numerical and alphanumerical labels. The maximum barcode
label length readable is 6 cm with a resolution of 0.2 mm.
Code 39
Code 128
Code 93
Codabar
Interleave 2 of 5
MSI/PLESSEY
The scanner is provided with an On/Off trigger. The scanner has a timeout of 10
seconds. If no reading is done in this period the scanner is switched off.
A floppy disk drive is mounted in the upper right part of the ACL 9000. This device is
used for some of the utility programs.
The floppy disk is accessible from the little cover pushing both sides of it to open.
After that the Floppy Disk Drive is available insert the diskette when needed.
If the ACL 9000 is left ON for a period longer than 30 minutes without any operator
action, the system moves into the Standby status. The LCD screen displays Standby
Status. Pressing the Touch Screen reactivates the display and allows the system to
resume normal operation.
When the system enters the Standby status, all motors are deactivated to reduce power
consumption and the LED source is switched off. While the instrument is in the
Standby status, an automatic priming cycle is performed every 30 minutes.
At the end of each analytical cycle, a beep signal notifies the operator that the cycle has
been completed.
The ACL contains a Hard Disk Drive to store the database in the event of a power
interruption. The instrument performs an automatic save of the database to retain the
data every entry in standby or when exiting from the main program for the power off.
The instrument has an internal clock that keeps track of the date and time.
The instrument incorporates several utility programs that allow certain functions to be
changed or set according to the users needs. These programs also help in
troubleshooting.
For additional information, refer to section 2 Operator Interface description of this
Manual.
The system automatically monitors faults to ensure accuracy of sample data and proper
system performance. Fault monitoring includes display of alarms and warnings.
For additional information, refer to the section 6 Troubleshooting of this Manual.
This section is designed to familiarise the service engineer with the Operator Interface
(OI) items used during the process of requesting and performing analytical and service
operations, such as the data input devices, elements within menus, buttons and icons.
Following are the specific sections.
Note: On the screen, any disabled object (menu, check-box, and button) is displayed
dimmed and it cannot be selected.
This is the upper part of the screen that contains the following items.
IL Logo
Indication of current instrument status (see section 2.3)
Date and Time
Windows like Menu bar (see section 2.5)
This is the central area of the screen, which display windows containing data,
commands or messages.
Within the ACL 9000 screens these item are grouped or contained in three different
types of defined windows that are following.
Standard window
In the analysis menu usually this is a larger area that contains sets of related data,
which can be edited by the user by means of command buttons.
In the service menu or in any common menu usually this is an area that contains
configuration and setting options with command buttons.
Dialogue box
This is a small area used to prompt the user to choose one of several options (OK,
Abort, Retry, Ignore, Cancel, Yes, No)
Message box
Command buttons allow the user to select options, cause actions and get from one part
of the software to another.
The buttons are positioned in different areas depending on the screen.
Some are identified with text that is self-explanatory of the action.
Some are shown with an icon inside that illustrates an action as defined in the
following table.
Confirm
Cancel
(Dimmed if Edit action not allowed)
Host
Delete
Add
Add an item to the list.
Remove
Remove an item from the list.
Transfer
Transfer an item from one list to another.
Details
Information
Provide information in different languages.
New Sample
Note
Patient Name
Patient Details
Save
Save information to floppy disk.
Inside the standard windows may be present Check boxes which allow the user to
mark an item. If a check box or button is in mutual exclusion with another check box
or button, there is a frame wrapping the two, along with graphic information.
In the dialogue and in the message boxes are present any icons.
Following is the table with all possible icons and their corresponding meanings.
Icon Meaning
ERROR
To call attention to high priority failures and fault messages.
WARNING !
To deliver different kinds of messages. For example to warn
the user of a not allowed/wrong operation, or of
problems/errors detected by the instrument during or after
an operation.
QUESTION
To request confirmation by the user before starting an
operation or before cancelling an action
INFORMATION
To offer general information. In some boxes, but not always,
the message is followed by a request for confirmation.
This is the bottom part of the screen, which contains a series of command buttons for
immediate and easy access to particular functions.
The status of the buttons (Active or Dimmed) is dependent on the instrument status,
but independent from the type of information displayed in the working area.
The buttons are shown with an icon inside that illustrates an action as defined in the
following table.
Instrument Status
Informs the operator about the status of the operation in
progress.
Close/Open Cover
This operation is disabled if there is a possible interference with
the instrument operation.
STOP
Confirmation is required.
Resume
Starts the operations paused due to a STAT request.
Host Status
This icon appears only during communication with the Host to
inform the operator about the status of this action.
Printer Status
This icon appears only during printing to inform the operator
about the status of this action.
Warning !
This icon appears when there is at least one warning. Press to
open Warning List.
Exit
Allows the operator to exit the Service menu.
Log Out
Allows the operator to exit the Analysis menu.
Confirmation is required.
The main information input device for the user is the touch screen.
To start an enter command or edit value action the operator touches the area to be
edited, which results in the immediate display of the numerical keypad (if enabled).
If the information to be entered is strictly numerical, the editing is done directly on the
keypad.
If the information requires alphanumeric characters, the input is done through the
external keyboard.
The editing action may be closed by pressing the "Confirm" or the "Cancel" buttons or
by touching a different area of the screen (implicit confirmation).
Once the confirmation is done, the system performs an automatic check on the entered
value. If an error situation is detected the user is notified by means of dialogue boxes
and the editing action is reactivated.
The touch screen supports auto-repeat functions in order to make lists easier to scroll.
The main function of the PC keyboard is to enter and edit data in the alphanumeric
fields.
To start the editing action selects the field to be edited. Moving the cursor from the
current object (it may be the default object if the window was just opened) does this to
the chosen object by pressing [TAB] or [Shift] [TAB].
To close the editing action press [Enter] or select another active object or move the
cursor by pressing the [TAB] or [Shift] [TAB] keys. In all cases, closing the editing
action causes the system to activate checks on the entered data and the user is notified
of any error conditions by means of a dialogue box. If the editing action has been
implicitly closed (touching a different area of the screen) the fault condition of the
entered value will be changed to the pre-existing one.
Pressing the [ESC] key without activating any control may also close the editing
action; in this case the value returns to the pre-existing one.
Main and secondary menus may be selected using the keyboard. Pressing [ALT]
+Character opens the menus; selections within the secondary menus are done using
the Character key.
The keyboard may also be used to activate the Toolbar functions ( [F 1] to [F 11] ).
Pressing [ALT]-[TAB] allows shifting from an activated window to another visible
window.
2.2.3 Mouse
The mouse is an optional device that may be used as a selecting device in place of
touching the screen. If at the instrument turn on the mouse is connected to the proper
ports of the Interface Board then the Mouse arrow pointer is displayed.
The external barcode reader is an optional device used to read the information
encoded in sample barcode labels. The characters read are handled exactly as the
manual editing from the keyboard and are valid for every editable field.
This indicates that the instrument after the turn on is performing start-up operations
(Initialising).
LOG-IN
This indicates that the instrument is inoperative and is waiting for the inputting of the
User Identification and the Password of the operator (see section 2.4).
READY
This indicates that there have been no blocking errors detected, there are no analytical
operations in progress and the instrument is ready to start.
OPERATING
HOLD
This identifies a system "pause" reached during an analytical session (STAT request,
no rotors, etc.). In order to continue the current session select Resume (green flag
icon in the Toolbar).
FAILURE
This indicates that the system has detected a blocking malfunction for a software
problem or into internal mechanisms (devices, temperature control, etc.).
STAND-BY
This is the status into which the instrument moves automatically after 30 minutes of
inactivity. The LCD lamp in the video module is turned off and its status led becomes
green. Both coagulimetric LED and Halogen Lamp are off and the system performs a
Database check then becomes inoperative.
To exit from the stand by status enter any command (Touch the screen, press any key
etc.).
SERVICE
This is the status assumed when the instrument is in the Service program or in its
menus.
To gain access at the Service program is necessary to insert the proper identification
password at the LOG-IN (User: Service, Password: ACL fix) and then select on the
windows like menu bar Diagnostic and then Service.
In the Service program are contained all the software tools and utilities to allows at the
Service Engineer a complete check out and adjustment of the whole Instrument.
In the Service program the coagulimetric LED and Halogen Lamp are turned on for
default.
To exit from the Service program selects the Exit button on the Toolbar.
Note: Every time that on the Tool Bar the Exit button is touched, the system
performs an initialisation of the Instrument.
During this initialisation puts all the motors in the home position and try to recover all
the error presents before access to the Analysis program.
2.4 Passwords
This section contains the available passwords implemented in the instrument software
together with the description of the gained functions.
Note: In the User as in the Password fields pay attention to type correctly the capital
letters and the spaces. Otherwise the system shows an Error message box.
Note: The password is required only if in the Test Counter Menu the
Reset button is touched.
This sub-section is designed to provides information about the location of the menu in
the Analysis program.
A menu may be opened by selecting the appropriate area of the screen (touch or click
with the mouse) or using the keyboard: [ALT] + Character.
The selection of menus to be opened may be done in all directions: up and down or
right and left.
The displayed items, which have a secondary menu, are identified with a marker ( ).
Selecting a menu item, touching an external area, or pressing [ESC] from the standard
keyboard closes a menu.
The Analysis Windows Like Menu Expanded Diagrams is available in the figure
2.5.1 Drawing 1 of the section 10 Drawings.
This sub-section is designed to provides information about the location of the menu in
the Service program.
A menu may be opened by selecting the appropriate area of the screen (touch or click
with the mouse) or using the keyboard: [ALT] + Character.
The selection of menus to be opened may be done in all directions: up and down or
right and left.
The displayed items, which have a secondary menu, are identified with a marker ( ).
Selecting a menu item, touching an external area, or pressing [ESC] from the standard
keyboard closes a menu.
The Service Windows Like Menu Expanded Diagrams is available in the figure
2.5.2 Drawing 1 of the section 10 Drawings.
This sub-section is designed to provide information on the menu that are common and
present in both the Analysis and the Service program. More information about these 3
menus is provided in the Operators Manual.
Following are the specific sub-section for these 3 menus.
2.5.3.a Diagnostic
2.5.3.b Setup
2.5.5.c Utility
2.5.3.a Diagnostic
Following is the table with the description of the functionality of each option in the
Diagnostic menu.
Option Description
2.5.3.b Setup
Following is the table with the description of the functionality of each option in the
Setup menu.
Option Description
Tests This is a second level menu with any options that allow to
the operator to whole configure the analytical tests.
Profiles This is a second level menu with any options that allow to
the operator to whole configure the analytical profile tests.
Liquids This is an option that allows to the operator to whole
configure the liquids used by the instrument.
Interfaces This is a second level menu with any options that allow to
the operator to whole configure the interface with the
internal / external device.
System Configuration This is an option that allows to the operator to whole
configure the system.
Date / Time This is an option that allows to the operator to set the date
and the internal clock time.
Units This is an option that allows at the operator to select the
measuring units for the data.
2.5.3.c Utility
Following is the table with the description of the functionality of each option in the
Utility menu.
Option Description
Upgrade IL Library This option allows to the operator to upgrade the IL library
present in the system with new liquids, tests and profiles.
Backup / Restore This option allows to the operator to backup or restore the
current system configuration (for Hardware, QC, AR, and
Patients).
Archive This option allows to the operator to store the data (QC,
AR, Patients database and Calibration) on floppy disks using
the .TXT format. If required these floppy disks are then
readable from a PC.
Software This option allows to the operator to check the release,
upload and upgrade the instrument software.
Save Last Rotor Map This option allows to the operator to save on floppy disk the
row data of all the rotors analysed in the last session using
the .TXT or .DAT formats. If required these row data
are then analysable in a PC.
Save Trace This option allows to the operator to save on floppy disk the
file where the instrument store any operation performed and
any command received. If required this file may be delivered
to the IL R&D department for troubleshooting purposes.
Decapper This option is dimmed (the Decapper unit is a feature not
available at the moment).
Debug This option is always dimmed (only for R&D purposes).
Testing This option is always dimmed (only for R&D purposes).
3 General Description
This section of the Manual contains general description about the ACL 9000 system,
including them use and functionality. Following are the specific sections.
The fluidic functions are sampling, dispensing and flushing the system.
The ACL 9000 fluidic system includes the components described in the following
sub-sections.
The Dilutor Chamber is an acrylic block with two cylinders each of them has inside a
stainless steel piston and an O ring.
A stepping motor through a lead screw on which the fork actuator for the piston is
mounted drives each piston.
Volumes up to 140 l can be aspirated or dispensed. Since the pistons do not touch
the walls of the chambers in which they move, the volume of the liquid dispensed
depends entirely upon the accuracy of the piston and the travel.
The travel is determinate by the stepping motor and driving lead screw.
Note: Due to the critical adjustment and burn-in procedure required after the O ring
replacement, no any service action must be attempted at sub assy level in the field.
In order to keep different liquids separately in the same fluidic line (ex: The in line
Wash-Reference Emulsion and the samples or the reagents) the instrument loads
between the two liquids a little air bubble.
The 2 Electro-Valves are mounted above the Dilutors Chamber, each one connected
to one of the pistons. Two Electro-Valves are electronically controlled and connect
the pistons to the Wash-Reference Emulsion bottle as well as to the two needles of the
Needles Block mounted on the Sample Arm.
The Instrument Fluidic System Diagram is provided in the figure 3.1.2 Drawing 1
of the section 10 Drawings.
Two stainless steel needles (External for Sample, Auxiliary Material and Reagent and
the Internal for Reagent only) are mounted on the end of the Sample Arm that is
moved by the Sample Arm Movement Assy.
The Sample Arm allows to the Needles Block to move in the proper positions and to
perform with the dilutors the following operations.
Two specific capacitive sensors connected to the Needle Block are used to detect the
level of the liquid around the sample (External) and reagent (Internal) needle.
These liquid sensors are integrated into the ACL analytical cycles in such a way that
their operation does not affect the throughput of the system.
For all analytical cycles the verification by the sensors is done in-line during the
loading phase. The sampling arm stops when the needle is just below the liquid
surface to allow proper aspiration of the programmed amount of liquid.
Following is the sequence of the sensor operations during a cycle.
- self-check
- liquid test
- washing
- final sensor self-check
Operators are warned of sensor failures, results for a sample for which the system
detected insufficient volume will appear with a warning. In the case that all sample
containers in the sample tray are empty the cycle will be aborted after the final self-
check. No other warnings appear on the video or on the printer.
The ACL uses two different optic principles to measure the hemostasis parameters:
Emerging Chromogenic
Light Channel
Scattered
Light
Rotor Sample
Cuvette Coagulimetric
Channel
Incident
Light
The rotor cuvette loading and analysis area also houses two optical systems for
analysis: Coagulimetric (nephelometric method) and Chromogenic (absorbance
method). Following are the specific sub-section.
The coagulimetric channel uses a high efficiency light emitter diode (LED) as light
source (wavelength is 660 nm approx.).
The light radiation coming from the LED is transferred to the Rotor Holder using an
optic fibre system.
Due to the narrow bending radius required connecting the LED output to the rotor
mounting assy, the use of a very flexible optic fibre is required.
For this reason a multiple fibres system, composed by a large number of single fibres
(about 1000), is used.
The optic fibre is locked to both the emitter side and the rotor side, using 2 set screws.
Note: When the optic fibre is locked on the diode side, the applied torque cannot
exceed 90 degrees CW or CCW at the rotor holder side.
A specific circuit, powered by the Switching Mode Power Supply Board with the +12
Vdc, provides a constant current to the diode.
The light emitter is also equipped with a LED OFF line, coming from the Motor
Board (Board #5), which de-activates the LED when the instrument enters the Stand-
by status.
The light generated by the light emitter diode and transmitted through the optic fibre
is scattered by the reaction mixture present in the rotor cuvette. This scattered light is
read by using a solid state optical detector, which is installed below the Rotor Holder
and is directly connected to the Acquisition & Sensors Board (Board #3) through a
coaxial cable.
The Chromogenic Channel uses a Halogen lamp with an effective life of 1000 hours.
The main characteristics of the lamp are the following:
Voltage: 6 V
Wattage: 10 W
The lamp is installed on to an appropriate socket that allows an easy installation into
the Source lamp assy. The Halogen Lamp Socket can be replaced by accessing the
area through a removable cover inside the rotor waste area, in the center of the
instrument. In case of replacement of the halogen lamp, attention must be paid to
avoid that fingerprints are left on the lamp bulb.
temperature presents nearby the lamp. The filter is mounted in the Halogen Lamp
Assy. The beam passes through a quartz optic fibre, and then is fed to the rotor
through a focusing system, composed by an optic condenser (the two lenses).
The assembly composed by the focusing system plus the optic fibre is called Optical
Collimator Assy.
One end of the optic fibre is secured to the source lamp assy by means of a setscrew,
while the other end, is secured below the rotor mounting assy.
The quantity of radiation unabsorbed by the cuvette contents, passes through a 405
nm interferential filter and than is detected by an optical sensor (solid state
photodiode).
Both the optical detector and the filter are mounted in the Rotor Holder Cover.
The photodetector is directly connected to the Acquisition & Sensor Board #3 through
a coaxial cable.
Note: The optical path width for the Chromogenic Channel is 0,5 cm (cuvette height).
The absorbance values provided by the analyser are normalised to 1 cm. These values
are generally double the ones obtained on other ACL models, for which the
absorbance values are strictly the ones obtained for the 0,5 cm cuvette path.
The purpose of this drawing is to clarify the starting point and the route of each signal
present in whole the Instrument.
The major modules are logically grouped. An exception is made for the big Module
Interconnection Board that is split for better identifies each single module driven.
The Mother Board and Interconnections General Block Diagrams is available in the
figure 3.3.1 Drawing 1 of the section 10 Drawings.
This sub-section is designed to describe the circuits on the main boards and the main
modules and parts driven. Following is the board function table.
The CPU Master Board and the PC104 Board, located between the system Card
Housing and the Dilutor Assy, are powered through the Switching Power Supply,
which provides a +5Vdc (DGT) and +12Vdc (DGT).
The CPU Master Board (Board #1) has a Personal Computer architecture design.
The CPU Master Board General Block Diagram is available in figure 3.3.4 Drawing
1, while the PC104 Board General Block Diagram is available in figure 3.3.4
Drawing 2 of the section 10 Drawings.
The main functions reported in the brief below are further expanded and presented on
specific paragraphs.
Software runtime.
Internal devices control.
External devices control.
Communication with PC104 Board.
3.3.4.a CPU Master Board General Block Diagram (See figure 3.3.4 Drawing 1)
Software runtime.
At the instrument power on the CPU Master downloads from the Hard Disk Drive
both the Operating System and the Application software. A local MEMORY BANK
is used during the software runtime. After downloading, the Board #1 starts system
initialisation testing the instrument hardware through the Slave Board (Board # 2).
The control of the MEMORY BANK is achieved through the SYSTEM & DRAM
CONTROLLER and the MEMORY CONTROLLER. The Hard Disk Drive control is
performed through the SYSTEM & DRAM CONTROLLER and the PERIPHERALS
STANDARD CONTROLLER.
In addition to the Operating System and Application software the Hard Disk Drive
also allows Patient and Analytical Database storage.
The CPU Master Board reads the internal device configuration, through the SYSTEM
& DRAM CONTROLLER from the BIOS MEMORY.
The active matrix LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) controlled by the VGA
CONTROLLER and the VIDEO MEMORY (through the LCD ACTIVE
MATRIX CONNECTOR CN6). The VGA CONTROLLER can also support
standard PC monitor (through PC MONITOR CONNECTOR P1), and/or
passive matrix LCD (through the LCD PASSIVE MATRIX CONNECTOR
CN2 CN3).
The Floppy Disk Drive controlled by the PERIPHERAL STANDARD
CONTROLLER (through the FLOPPY DISK DRIVE CONNECTOR CN16).
The Hard Disk Drive (located under the CPU Master Board) controlled by the
PERIPHERAL STANDARD CONTROLLER (through the HARD DISK
DRIVE CONNECTOR CN17).
The SPEAKER (located on the rear of the system Card Housing) controlled by the
SYSTEM & DRAM CONTROLLER (through the UTILITY CONNECTOR
CN7).
The standard PC Keyboard controlled from the SYSTEM & DRAM CONTROLLER
(through the UTILITY CONNECTOR CN7).
An external Ethernet interface controlled from the ETHERNET CONTROLLER
(through the ETHERNET CONNECTOR CN11).
An external Parallel Printer controlled from the PERIPHERAL STANDARD
CONTROLLER (through the PARALLEL PORT CONNECTOR CN18).
3.3.4.b PC104 Board General Block Diagram (See figure 3.3.4 Drawing 2)
The Slave board (Board #2) is located on the system card housing and powered
through the Switching Power Supply, which provides a +5Vdc (DGT).
The Slave Board is equipped with a microprocessor (MCU U1), a resident memory
bank and a circuitry handling various interrupt signals that are sent to the board.
Multiple data and address busses are employed: (D0 - D15 and A0 - A23) are used to
connect the MCU U1 to the internal bus (DB0 - DB15 and AB0 - AB23). The internal
busses are then buffered to external data and address bus (SLD0 - SLD15 and SLA0 -
SLA23) through which the Slave board communicates with the Boards # 3, # 5 and
# 6.
The Slave Board General Block Diagram is available in figure 3.3.5 Drawing 1 of
the section 10 Drawings.
The main functions reported in the brief below are further expanded and presented on
specific paragraphs.
Receives commands forwarded from the CPU Master Board (Board # 1).
Controls the REM Board (Board #4) and the internal Bar Code Reader.
Interfaces the Slave board with the external data and address bus
Interrupt controller
3.3.5.a Slave Board General Block Diagram (See figure 3.3.5 Drawing 1)
The LED LD1 is aimed only when the signal RESET is present.
Receives commands forwarded from the CPU Master Board (Board # 1).
The Slave board communicates with the CPU Master Board by means of an Arcnet
connection, using a dedicated cable and connector P6 (P7 could also be used as it
replicates P6 pinout, being parallel connected). The data transmission is handled by
the ARCNET CONTROLLER CIRCUIT U27.
Controls the REM Board (Board #4) and the internal Bar Code Reader.
A serial communication is achieved by the SERIAL CONTROLLER CIRCUIT U31
U32. The serial controller is electrically de-coupled by means of the INSULATING
CIRCUIT ISO3 ISO10. A DC/DC CONVERTER REG2, connected to the LED
LD3, provides a dedicated power supply to the DRIVER CIRCUIT U33 U34 U35.
The serial communication line TX0 RX0 coming from MCU U1, is also linked to
the DRIVER CIRCUIT U33 U34 U35, which handles the serial communication
line TXD4 RXD4 to the REM board (board # 4).
Signals TRIGBARC, TX1 RX1 are respectively utilised for both enabling
(TRIGBARC) and communicate (TX1 - RX1) with the internal Bar Code reader.
The serial ports P8 - P9 - P10 are not used during the normal operations. Use of these
ports is limited to the manufacturing process when the board is connected to external
devices, which program the resident logic.
The SERIAL EEPROM U2 is directly linked to a serial port of the MCU U1.
The RAM STATIC MEMORY BANK U22-25 linked to MCU U1 through the data
bus DB0 - DB15 and the address bus AB0 - AB19.
The FLASH EPROM MEMORY U14 - U21 linked to MCU U1 through the data bus
DB0 - DB15 and the address bus AB0 - AB19.
The MCU U1 is also connected to the BOOT LOADER EPROM U26 from, which
downloads the boot program by sending the command CSBOOT while initialising.
Interfaces the Slave board with the external data and address bus.
The MCU U1 is connected through the data bus D0 - D15 to the INTERNAL DATA
BUS TRANSCEIVER U4, which outputs DB0 - DB15 as local data bus connecting to
other devices resident on the Slave board.
The local data bus BD0 - DB15, is then linked to the EXTERNAL DATA BUS
TRANSCEIVER U7 U36. These devices output SLD0 - SLD15 slave data bus,
which allows MCU U1 to communicate with the Board # 3, # 5 and # 6, located on
the system card housing.
The address bus A0 - A23 links MCU U1 to the INTERNAL ADDRESS BUS
BUFFER U5 U6 which outputs AB0 - AB23 as local address bus connecting to
other devices resident on the Slave board.
The local address bus AD0 - AD23, is then linked to the EXTERNAL ADDRESS
BUS BUFFER U8 U9. These devices output SLA0 - SLA23 slave address bus,
which allows MCU U1 to communicate with the Board # 3, # 5 and # 6, located on
the system card housing.
The control signal R/W is fed to the INTERNAL ADDRESS BUS BUFFER U5 U6
which outputs a signal BR/W connected to the MAIN LOGIC EPLD U12. The EPLD
generates the individual control signals RD and WR which are routed to the
INTERNAL ADDRESS BUS BUFFER U5 U6 where they get converted into BRD
and BWR. The EXTERNAL INTERRUPT BUS BUFFER U10 U11 buffer the
commands and output the commands SLRD and SLWR which become control signals
of the external data and address bus.
The MAIN LOGIC EPLD U12 also handles the chip select signals for the local
devices as well as the board select commands. The board select commands (BS0 -
BS3) are fed to the EXTERNAL INTERRUPT BUS BUFFER U10 U11 which
provide outputs SLBS0 - SLBS3 to the Board # 3, # 5 e # 6 located on the system
Card Housing.
Interrupt controller.
Possible interrupts generated outside the Slave board are input via the EXTERNAL
INTERRUPT BUS BUFFER U10 U11 and then routed to the INTERRUPT
CONTROLLER EPLD U13. The EPDL U13 handles the interrupts following a
scheme of priority and sends signals IRQ1 - IRQ7 to the MCU U1.
The interrupts, which can be, generate and logged into the slave board are as follows:
- POWERFAIL
This signal is raises from the Switching Power Supply, which can detect a lack of
supply voltage, and may lead to a decrease of the dc voltages thus impairing proper
functioning of the logic.
- STS
This can be raise by the Acquisition & Sensor Board (Board # 3) when the A/D
conversion has been accomplished and the data is available on the bus.
- ELETFAIL
This can be raise by the Rotor Exchange Module Board (Board # 4) in case of
malfunction of an electromagnet thus impairing proper rotor displacement.
- ROTFAIL
This can be raised by the Photometric & Temperature Control Board (Board # 6) in
case of a malfunction of the Rotor Motor.
The Acquisition & Sensor Board, is located in the system Card Housing, and powered
through the Switching Power Supply, which provides the +5Vdc (DGT), +15Vdc
(ANA), -15Vdc (ANA) and +12Vdc (PW).
The Acquisition & Sensors Board communicates with the Slave Board (Board # 2)
through the signals SLD0 - SLD15 slave data bus, and the signals SLA0 - SLA7
slave address bus. This communication is supported by the control signals SLRD,
SLWR, RESET as well as the Board enabling signal SLBS0.
The Acquisition & Sensors Board General Block Diagram is available in figure
3.3.6 Drawing 1 of the section 10 Drawings.
The main functions reported in the brief below are further expanded and presented on
specific paragraphs.
Acquisition & Sensors Board General Block Diagram (see paragraph 3.3.6.a)
Sample Tray Detectors Emitter & Receiver Sections (see paragraph 3.3.6.d)
3.3.6.a Acquisition & Sensors Board General Block Diagram (See figure 3.3.6
Drawing 1)
The Board # 3 uses the multiplexer MPLX CIRCUIT U1 to select that signal will
convert the A/D CONVERTER CIRCUIT U11. This selection is driven by the
PARALLEL I/O U5 that sends the control signals MUX0 - MUX3 to the multiplexer.
The EPLD U6 controls with the start signal ADRC and the end signal ADSTAT the
conversion process of the A/D CONVERTER CIRCUIT U11. The EPLD U6 controls
the timer programmable TIMER PROG. U9 that allows the EPLD of work with the
Rotor Motor s speed during acquisition at 600 or 1200 Rpm, and introduces a delay
in the acquisition time pre-selected in the Curve Adjustment Service menu (see
section 7.2 for Coag. and section 7.3 for Chrom.). The EPLD U6 receives from the
PARALLEL I/O U5 the control signals AACQ to select the static or the dynamic
acquisition and the signals SCALF to select the delay for Coag. Ch. or Chrom. Ch.
The EPLD U6 receives the signals ROTCUV ROTCUVZ from the Motors Board
(Board # 5) and they are very important signals to synchronise the data acquisition.
Sends the interrupt signal STS to the Slave Board (Board # 2).
When the new data is ready the EPLD U6 receives the signal ADSTAT from the A/D
CONVERTER CIRCUIT U11, then enables the BUFFER 3-STATE U12 U13 with
the signal RDADC and sends the interrupt signal STS to the Slave Board (Board # 2).
Two optical sensors are located in the Autosampler housing with the purpose of
detecting the presence of the containers in the Sample Tray. The internal sensor is
placed in the internal wall while the external sensor is placed in the external wall of
the Autosampler housing. Both the sensors detect the presence of the containers using
the refraction principle.
The power section for the infra red light emitter of the sensors is controlled by the
PARALLEL I/O U5 that sends the enabling signals ESCUV ESCUVINT
ESCUVEXT to the EPLD U6.
The Sample cup/tubes can be placed in the Sample Tray on two different rings. As the
sample cup/tubes can be placed on both the outermost and the middle ring, two
different levels of current are needed to drive the external sensor which shall detect
the presence of sample container located either close (outermost ring) or far (middle
ring).
To select the most appropriate current level, the EPLD U6 sends the AUTOC signal
to the SWITCH CIRCUIT U26 which through the signals SCUVL1 SCUVL2 set
the current level output at the CURRENT GENERATOR U43A U46A.
The trimmer RV6 allow the adjustment of the current in the emitter during the
instrument testing (see sub-section 7.5.3). The outputs of the power circuit for the
external sensor are ANLED1 KD1.
The auxiliary materials containers are placed in the innermost ring of the Sample Tray
and are detected by the internal sensor. The trimmer RV7 allows the adjustment of the
current in the emitter during the instrument testing (see sub-section 7.5.3).
The outputs of the power circuit for the internal sensor are ANLED2 KD2.
The external sensor receives the refracted light and sends to the receiver circuit the
signal ET1 witch is filtered and amplifier to produce the signal SCUVEXT. This
signal is then converted in the Multiplexer & Acquisition Section.
To select the right works level, the EPLD U6 sends the controls signal AUTOC to
the SWITCH CIRCUIT U26 that can linking the trimmer RV10 to control the gain of
the AMPLIFIER CIRCUIT U27A.
The trimmer RV10 allows, for the outermost ring, the adjustment of the amplifier gain
for the receiver signal during the instrument testing (see sub-section 7.5.3).
Another controls signal is BLIVSCUV which is sent to the COMPARATOR
CIRCUIT U48A to select the right work level and produce the logical signal
PCUVEXT, then this signal is read from the PARALLEL I/O U5. The DRIVER
CIRCUIT U28 controls the LED DL1 that is lighted when the sample containers are
detected during the Autosampler / BCR Test (see sub-section 7.5.3).
The internal sensor receive the refracted light and sends to the receiver circuit the
signal ET2 witch is filtered and amplifier to produce the signal SCUVINT, one of the
most important signals converted in the Multiplexer & Acquisition Section.
The circuit produces also the logical signal PCUVINT witch is read from the
PARALLEL I/O U5. The DRIVER CIRCUIT U28 controls the LED DL2 that is
lighted when the auxiliary materials containers are detected during the Autosampler
Test (see sub-section 7.5.3).
The trimmer RV11 and RV12 allow the adjustments of the amplifier gain for the
output SLIQ during the instrument testing (see cap. 6.3.1). The signal SLIQ is also
compared with one of the three threshold signals SG1 SG2 SG3, this selection is
controlled by EPLD U36 to produce the logical signal PSAGO, then this signal is read
from the PARALLEL I/O U5. The DRIVER CIRCUIT U28 controls the LED DL4
that is lighted when the liquids are detected during the Needles Sensor Test (see sub-
section 7.4.1). The PARALLEL I/O U5 sends to the EPLD U36 the signal EAGHITIP
aimed at enabling the entire liquid detectors circuit and the signal LGT2 to enables the
timer programmable TIMER PROG. U9.
3.3.6.g Analysis Compartment Cover Sensor Section (See figure 3.3.6 Drawing 8)
The Rotor Exchange Module Board, is located in the system Card Housing, and
powered through the Switching Power Supply, which provides the +5Vdc (DGT),
+15Vdc (ANA), -15Vdc (ANA) and +12Vdc (PW).
The R.E.M. Board is equipped with a microprocessor (CPU U1) and a resident
memory bank. The R.E.M. Board communicates with the Slave Board (Board # 2)
through the serial communications line TXD4 RXD4.
The Rotor Exchange Module Board General Block Diagram is available in figure
3.3.7 Drawing 1 of the section 10 Drawing.
The main functions reported in the brief below are further expanded and presented on
specific paragraphs.
Resident Memory Bank and communication with the Slave Board (Board # 2).
3.3.7.a Rotor Exchange Module General Block Diagram (See figure 3.3.7
Drawing 1)
Resident Memory Bank and communication with the Slave Board (Board # 2).
The CPU U1 controls through the data bus D0 D7, the address bus A8 A15, and
the BUFFER 3-STATE CIRCUIT U3, the RAM MEMORY U4 and the ROM
FLASH MEMORY U5, used for the program s run-time and data storage.
The CPU U1 through the EPLD U2 sends the enables signals to the memories.
The serial communication line of the CPU U1 is linked with the SERIAL I/O
CIRCUIT U8, which handles the serial communication line TXD4 RXD4 to the
Slave Board (Board # 2).
The upper sensor located inside the Rotors Feed Stack allows the system to detect for
presence of new rotors in the store of the Rotor Stack (over the mechanical
movements).
This sensor is powered by the POWER CIRCUIT Q7, which provides the signals
AFCS and CFC.
The sensor receives the refracted light and sends to the receiver circuit the signals
FCS, which is handled by the circuit to produce the signal FC_STR. This signal is
reads by the CPU U1 through the multiplexer MPLX CIRCUIT U7. This circuit is
composed also by the trimmer PT1 used to adjust the signal during the instrument
testing (see sub-section 7.5.1).
The lower sensor located inside the Rotors Feed Stack allows the system to detect for
presence of a new rotor on the Rotor Transport plate.
This sensor is powered by the POWER CIRCUIT Q7, which provides the signals
AFCC and CFC.
The sensor receives the refracted light and sends to the receiver circuit the signals
FCC, which is handled by the circuit to produce the signal FC_CAS. This signal is
reads by the CPU U1 through the multiplexer MPLX CIRCUIT U7. This circuit is
composed also by the trimmer PT2 used to adjust the signal during the instrument
testing (see sub-section 7.5.1).
The sensor located above the Rotors Waste container allows the system to detect the
conditions of Waste container full.
This sensor is powered by the POWER CIRCUIT Q7, which provides the signals
AFCW and CFC.
The sensor receives the refracted light and sends to the receiver circuit the signals
FCW, which is handled by the circuit to produce the signal FC_WST. This signal is
reads by the CPU U1 through the multiplexer MPLX CIRCUIT U7. This circuit is
composed also by the trimmers PT3 used to adjust the reading of the signal during the
instrument testing (see sub-section 7.5.2).
The CPU U1 through the EPLD U2 sends the signal CK_LED, which is used to
enable the circuit.
Sends the interrupt signal ELETFAIL to the Slave Board (Board # 2).
The RESISTIVE CIRCUIT controls the signals for the electromagnets and sends the
warning TEM_CLM for the Caliper, TEM_ST1 for the upper movement, TEM_ST2
for the lower movement, and the signal 24V_MOT for the LOCAL GENERATOR
+24VPW. These signals are reads by the CPU U1 through the multiplexer MPLX
CIRCUIT U7. If a warning signal is active the CPU U1 commands the EPLD U2 to
disable the electromagnet with the failure and sends the interrupt signal ELETFAIL to
the Slave Board (Board # 2).
The Motors Board, is located in the system Card Housing, and powered through the
Switching Power Supply, which provides the +5Vdc (DGT), and +12Vdc (PW).
The Motors Board communicates with the Slave Board (Board # 2) through the
signals SLD0 - SLD7 slave data bus, and the signals SLA0 - SLA7 slave address
bus. This communication is supported by the control signals SLRD, SLWR, RESET
as well as the Board enabling signal SLBS2.
The Motors Board General Block Diagram is available in figure 3.3.8 Drawing 1 of
the section 10 Drawings.
The main functions reported in the brief below are further expanded and presented on
specific paragraphs.
Reading of the signals originated by the Dual Channel Optical Switch mounted on
the Autosampler Motor, the Sample Arm Motors, the Dilutors Motors, the Rotor
Motor and the Analisis Compartment Cover Motor.
Sends the interrupt signals ROTCUV ROTCUVZ to the Slave Board (Board #
2) and to the Acquisition & Sensor Board (Board #3).
Dilutor Electro Valves control.
Coagulimetric Channel LED status control.
Autosampler Motor Section (see paragraph 3.3.8.b).
Sample Arm Motors Section (see paragraph 3.3.8.c).
Dilutors Motors Section (see paragraph 3.3.8.d).
Magnetic Stirrer Motors Section (see paragraph 3.3.8.e).
3.3.8.a Motors Board General Block Diagram (See figure 3.3.8 Drawing 1)
Reading of the signals originated by the Dual Channel Optical Switch mounted on
the Autosampler Motor, the Sample Arm Motors, the Dilutors Motors, the Rotor
Motor and the Analisis Compartment Cover Motor.
The positions of the motors are coded by Encoders disk or flag located on the
movement assy. The Dual Channel Optical Switch sends to the Board # 5 the signals
reading on the Encoders associated. These signals are:
SMALOW SMAHIGH for the Autosampler Motor
SMOLOW SMOHIGH for the Sample Arm Horizontal Motor
SMVLOW SMVHIGH for the Sample Arm Vertical Motor
SMDREAG for the Reagent Dilutor Motor (use a Single Channel Optical Switch)
SMDSAMP for the Sample Dilutor Motor (use a Single Channel Optical Switch)
SMRTLOW SMRTHIG for the Analisis Compartment Cover Motor
SMRLOW SMRHIGH for the Rotor Motor.
These signals enter in the BUFFER CIRCUIT U7 U8 then in the PARALLEL I/O
U1, which is controlled through the slave data and address bus from the Slave
Board (board # 2).
The motor rotation, sensed by the Dual Channel Optical Switch, allows the Slave
Board to detect possible motor failures.
Sends the interrupt signals ROTCUV ROTCUVZ to the Slave Board (Board #
2) and to the Acquisition & Sensor Board (Board #3).
The Dual Channel Optical Switch mounted on the Rotor Motor is very important to
achieve a proper reading during the Analysis Acquisition. Its signals SMRLOW
SMRHIGH through the BUFFER CIRCUIT U7 U8 enter the EPLD U41, which
sends the signals ROTCUV ROTCUVZ to the Acquisition & Sensor Board (Board
# 3) and to the Slave Board (Board # 2).
The Slave Board controls through the slave data and address bus the PARALLEL
I/O U1, which output enables the power circuit Q1 to send the signal LEDOFF to the
Coagulimetric Channel LED.
The Photometric & Temperatures Control Board, is located in the system Card
Housing, and powered through the Switching Power Supply, which provides the
+5Vdc (DGT), +15Vdc (ANA), -15Vdc (ANA), +9Vdc (PW), +12Vdc (PW) and
+70Vdc (PW).
The Motors Board communicates with the Slave Board (Board # 2) through the
signals SLD0 - SLD7 slave data bus, and the signals SLA0 - SLA7 slave address
bus. This communication is supported by the control signals SLRD, SLWR, RESET
as well as the Board enabling signal SLBS3.
Sends the interrupt signal ROTFAIL to the Slave Board (Board # 2).
The circuits ROTOR MOTOR DRIVER U7 U8 U10 U14 send the signals
VSENSE1 VSENSE2 to the COMPARATOR CIRCUIT U12, which is aimed to
detect possible motor fail. If the fail is present this circuit outputs the signal IRFAIL,
which enters the BUFFER CIRCUIT U2. The buffer sends the interrupt signal
ROTFAIL to the Slave Board (Board # 2).
The Slave Board disables the interrupt ROTFAIL through the PARALLEL I/O U4,
which sends the signal ROTCLR to the EPLD U5. The EPLD U5 controls with the
signal NROTCLR the SWITCH CIRCUIT U18, which sends the signal CLFAIL to
reset the COMPARATOR CIRCUIT U12.
If there is a warning for high current, the driver circuits output the signals AACHOP
BBCHOP, which are used to disable the EPLD U5
3.3.9.b Analysis Compartment Cover Motor Section (See figure 3.3.9 Drawing 3)
3.3.9.e Transport & Rotors Feed Stack Section (See figure 3.3.9 Drawing 6)
The Switching Power Supply Board, located under the dilutor assembly, provides to
the whole the instrument +5VDGT, +12VDGT, +15VANA, -15VANA, +9VPW,
+12VPW, +70VPW and +6VLAMP.
The Power Entry provides the signal LINE-IN that allows the operation of the
Switching Power Supply. This signal must be in the range from 100-120Vac to 220-
240Vac (50-60 Hz).
The Switching Power Supply Board General Block Diagram is available in figure
3.3.10 Drawing 1 of the section 10 Drawings. The main functions reported in the
brief below are further expanded and presented on specific paragraphs.
Switching Power Supply Board General Block Diagram (see paragraph 3.3.10.a)
Line filter.
Automatic identification of the line voltage.
Control & Protection stage for all the generators.
Sends the ready signal to the system.
Control the turn off of the power voltages.
Chromogenic Lamp drives circuit.
Communicate warning status to the system.
3.3.10.a Switching Power Supply Board General Block Diagram (See figure
3.3.10 Drawing 1)
Line filter.
The Switching Power Supply Board has a LINE FILTER integrated on board.
The signal POWERFAIL is sent to the Slave Board (Board # 2) if the output voltages
are lower than the 80% of the normal value, or in any case before that the Switching
Power Supply is turned off.
The signal THERFAIL is sent to the Acquisition & Sensors Board (Board # 3) if the
environment temperature is over 60 C. If this temperature rises up to readies 75 C,
the Board sets to Protection Mode and turning off the whole the instrument.
The signal MISSLAMP is sent to the Acquisition & Sensors Board (Board # 3) if a
Short Circuit or a no load is detected on the GENERATOR +6VLAMP.
This sub-section provides information about the Instrument Ground System, in order
to help the service engineer in the assembling of the circuit placed in whole the
Instrument.
The diagram of the Instrument Ground Circuit is available in figure 3.3.11 Drawing
1 of the section 10 Drawings.
The figure below highlights some of the main hardware components of the ACL 9000
as viewed from the front of the instrument, while the main electronic boards and
system interconnection ports are located on the rear of the system.
At the turn on the instrument shows the CPU Master Board (Board #1) BIOS boot
screen with the CPU Master initialization.
Then the system loading the operative system and the application program from the
Hard Disk Drive and perform the initialisation of both the electronic boards and the
modules.
In the Hard Disk Drive is stored all the software of the instrument, both the
application program (Analytical and Service programs) and backup files of the
software working on the Slave Board (Board #2) and R.E.M. Board (Board #4).
These two specific softwares are stored in the memories located onboard the Slave
Board and the R.E.M. Board where are located two slave microprocessors.
The two microproprocessors loading the software directly from the memories (Flash
Eprom) at the instrument turn on.
In order to load a new software revison in the instrument or download the software
from the Hard Disk Drive to the boards memories, the software upgrade procedure
have to be performed as described in the sub-section 7.16.2.
The Rotor Holder Assy is provided with a Heating Coil and a high precision
thermistor, that are powered and driven by a specific electronic circuit.
Through this system the instrument insure the 38.5 C (the accepted range is 38.0 C
to 39.0 C) on the Rotor Holder iron and so the 37.0 C (the accepted range is 36.0 C
to 38.0 C) on the liquids inside the cuvettes of the plastic rotor.
Peltier Assy
The Peltier Assy is provided with 3 Peltier effect cells and a high precision
thermistor, that are powered and driven by a specific electronic circuit.
Through this system the instrument insure that the reagent vials temperature on the
assembly is maintained in the accepted range from 10.0 C to 16.0 C.
The Rotor Transport Assy is provided with 2 Heating Pad resistance and a high
precision thermistor, that is powered and driven by a specific electronic circuit.
Through this system the instrument insure that the plastic rotor temperature on the
assembly is maintained in the accepted range from 34.0 C to 40.0 C.
The Rotor Stack Assy is provided with 2 Heating Pad resistance and a high precision
thermistor, that is powered and driven by a specific electronic circuit.
Through this system the instrument insure that the plastic rotors temperature in the
assembly is maintained in the accepted range from 34.0 C to 40.0 C.
4 Parts Replacement
This section of the Manual contains general description about the operation required in
order to replace the main assemblies as well as the electronic boards and the covers
present on the ACL 9000 system.
Following are the specific sections.
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
The Autosampler Movement Assy P/N 181108-30 includes the following spare parts:
- 1 Dual Channel Optical Switch flat (fixed with 2 screw) P/N 182356-80
- 1 Autosampler Internal Ring Sensor (fixed with 1 strap) P/N 84869-38
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Follow in the opposite direction the Procedure for Remove the Autosampler
Assy paying attention to the position of the Internal Ring Sensor cable respect
to the encoder disk.
2 Perform the Motor Adjustment test for the Autosampler Motor as described in
the sub-section 7.6.5.
3 Follow the procedure for the Autosampler Assy module centring as described
in the sub-section 7.7.1.
4 Perform the check out & adjustment for the Internal/External Rings Sensors as
described in the sub-section 7.5.3.
5 Perform the verification/adjustment of the Needles Sensors as described in the
sub-section 7.4.1.
The Peltier Assembly is located under the Fluidic Plate and its connected to the
system through the Module Interconnection Board.
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Remove the connectors P121, P122, P123, P124, P126 and the 2 ground
cables (see Instrument Ground Circuit figure 3.3.11 Drawing 1 of the section
10 Drawings).
2 Remove the 3 screws that fix the Peltier Assembly.
3 Remove the Peltier Assembly.
The Peltier 1 Assy P/N 181108-34 includes the following spare parts:
- 1 Peltier Temperature Sensor (fixed with 2 screws and 1 strap) P/N 181021-28
- 4 Stirrer Motor (removable after removed the black dissipater, which is fixed
with 3 screws located under the black dissipater) P/N 181108-35
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Follow in the opposite direction the Procedure for Remove the Peltier 1 Assy
paying attention during the fixing at the cables on the rear of the assembly.
2 Verify with a Magnetic Stirrer Bar the functionality of the 4 Stirrer Motors.
3 Verify that the Peltier 1 thermoregulation system works correctly as described
in the sub-section 7.14.
The Sample Arm Assembly is composed by an upper support called Sample Arm and
by a lower assembly, located under the Fluidic Plate, called Sample Arm Movement
Assy. The whole assembly is connected to the system through the Module
Interconnection Board.
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Loose the knob, located on the rear of the Sample Arm, which fixes the
Needles Block.
2 Remove the Needles Assy and then remove its connector for the liquid sensor.
3 Remove the upper cover of the Sample Arm fixed with a screw.
4 Remove the Liquid Level Detection Cable from the Needles & Wash-R
Interconnection Board.
5 Loose the 3 setscrew located at 120 on the aluminium support.
6 Remove the Sample Arm.
The Sample Arm P/N 181108-42 includes the following spare parts:
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Remove the connectors P91, P92, P93, P94 and the 2 ground cables (see
Instrument Ground Circuit figure 3.3.11 Drawing 1 of the section 10
Drawings).
2 Remove the 3 black columns that fix the Sample Arm Movement Assy.
3 Remove the Sample Arm Movement Assy.
The Sample Arm Movement Assy P/N 181108-41 includes the following spare parts:
- 2 Dual Channel Optical Switch flat (fixed with 2 screws) P/N 182356-80
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Follow in the opposite direction the Procedure for Remove the Sample Arm
Movement Assy.
2 Perform the Motor Adjustment tests for the Sample Arm Horizontal and
Vertical Motor as described in the sub-section 7.6.3 and 7.6.4.
3 Centre shaft of the assembly in the hole of the Fluidic Plate using the Sample
Arm Centring Tool P/N 190513-00.
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Follow in the opposite direction the Procedure for Remove the Sample Arm.
2 Follow the procedure for the module centring of this assembly as described in
the sub-section 7.7.1. and also the procedure to fine adjust the Needles Block
Assy position as described in the sub-section 7.7.4.
3 Perform the Liquid Level Sensor test as described in the sub-section 7.4.1.
The Rotor Holder Movement Assy is located under the Fluidic Plate. The Rotor
Holder Movement Assy is connected at the system through the Photometer Interface
Board.
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
The Rotor Holder Movement Assy P/N 181108-50 includes the following spare parts:
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Follow in the opposite direction the Procedure for Remove the Rotor Holder
Movement Assy.
2 Perform the Motor Adjustment test for the Rotor Motor as described in the
sub-section 7.6.1.
3 Follow the procedure for the module centring of the Rotor Holder as described
in the sub-section 7.7.3.
4 Verify that the thermoregulation system for the Rotor Holder works correctly
as described in the sub-section 7.14.
5 Perform the tests for both the Coagulimetric and the Chromogenic Channels as
described in the sections 7.2 and 7.3.
The Rotor Exchange Module Assembly is composed by more than one mechanical
assembly assembled on a common support, located under the Fluidic Plate, called
Rotor Exchange Module Assy (Basic).
The R.E.M. Assembly is located on the right side of the Rotor Holder Cover and is
covered by the R.E.M. Cover. This includes the Rotor Stack mobile cover that allows
the insertion of new rotors in the Rotor Stack.
On the Rotor Exchange Module Assy (Basic) are located: the Rotor Arm, the Rotor
Transport and the Rotor Stack. Under the Rotor Exchange Module Assy (Basic) is
located the Rotor Arm Movement Assy. The Rotor Transport mechanical movement
isnt removable because incorporated in the Rotor Exchange Module Assy (Basic).
The whole R.E.M. is connected to the system through the Upper and the Lower
R.E.M. Interconnection Boards. Following are the specific paragraph for the R.E.M.
sub-modules replacement.
The Rotor Arm Assembly is composed by an upper support called Rotor Arm and by a
lower assembly, located under the R.E.M. Common support under the Fluidic Plate,
called Rotor Arm Movement Assy. The whole assembly is connected to the system
through the R.E.M. Upper and Lower Interconnection Board.
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
The Rotor Arm P/N 181108-55 includes the following spare parts:
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Remove the connectors P104, P105, P107, P108 and the ground cable (see
Instrument Ground Circuit figure 3.3.11 Drawing 1 of the section 10
Drawings).
2 Remove the Rotor Exchange Module Assy (Basic) as described in this sub-
section at the paragraph 4.1.5.d.
3 Remove the 3 nuts that fix the Rotor Arm Movement Assy.
4 Remove the Rotor Arm Movement Assy.
The Rotor Arm Movement Assy P/N 181108-54 includes the following spare parts:
- 2 Dual Channel Optical Switch flat (fixed with 2 screws) P/N 182356-80
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Follow in the opposite direction the Procedure for remove the Rotor Arm
Movement Assy.
2 Perform the Motor Adjustment tests for the Rotor Arm Horizontal and Vertical
Motor as described in the sub-sections 7.6.8 and 7.6.9.
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Follow in the opposite direction the Procedure for Remove the Rotor Arm.
2 Follow the module centring procedure to align the Rotor Arm at the Rotor
Transport as described in the sub-section 7.7.6.
3 Follow the module centring procedure to align the R.E.M. at the Rotor Holder
as described in the sub-section 7.7.7.
The Rotor Transport Assembly is composed by a black upper support (like a Rotor
Holder) called Rotor Transport and by a mechanical movement (moved by the
Transport Motor) incorporated in the R.E.M. Assy (Basic) located under the Fluidic
Plate. The whole assembly is connected to the system through the R.E.M. Lower
Interconnection Board.
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Follow in the opposite direction the Procedure for Remove the Rotor
Transport.
2 Verify that the thermoregulation system for the Rotor Transport works
correctly as described in the section 7.14.
The Rotor Stack Assy is located on the right side of the R.E.M. The whole assembly is
connected to the system through the R.E.M. Upper Interconnection Board.
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Remove the connectors P113, P114, P116, P117, P118, P119 and the ground
cable (see Instrument Ground Circuit figure 3.3.11 Drawing 1 of the section
10 Drawings).
2 Remove the 3 screws, located under the common support, which fix the Rotor
Stack Assembly (see Rotor Exchange Module Replacement figure 4.1.5
Drawing 1 of the section 10 Drawings).
3 Remove the Rotor Stack Assy.
The Rotor Stack Assy P/N 181108-59 includes the following spare parts:
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Follow in the opposite direction the Procedure for Remove the Rotor Stack
Assy.
2 Verify that the thermoregulation system for the Rotor Stack works correctly as
described in the section 7.14.
3 Follow the module centring procedure to align the Rotor Stack and the Rotor
Transport as described in the sub-section 7.7.5.
4 Perform the Optic Sensor test for the Rotor Stack as described in the sub-
section 7.5.1.
5 Verify that the Rotor Stack Cover Sensor works correctly as described in the
sub-section 7.9.2.
6 Perform the RA SL RH test as described in the sub-section 7.7.9 to verify
the proper rotors movements inside the Rotor Stack.
The Rotor Exchange Module Assy (Basic) is an assembly that incorporates the black
R.E.M. Common Support plate, the Rotor Transport mechanical movement and the
Transport Motor.
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
8 Remove the 5 fixing screws, located on the Fluidic Plate, which fix the whole
assembly (See the REM Common Support Position 3 in the drawing R.E.M.
Replacement available in the figure 4.1.5 drawing 1 of the section 10
Drawings).
9 Hold with one hand the right side, then slowly push down the left side of the
REM Common Support (See the REM Common Support Position 2 in the
drawing R.E.M. Replacement available in the figure 4.1.5 drawing 1 of the
section 10 Drawings).
10 Remove the whole REM Common Support following the arrows (See the
REM Common Support Position 1 in the drawing R.E.M. Replacement
available in the figure 4.1.5 drawing 1 of the section 10 Drawings).
11 Remove the Rotor Arm Movement Assy fixed with 3 nuts.
12 The assembly that includes the black R.E.M. Common support plate, the Rotor
Transport mechanical movement and the Transport Motor is called Rotor
Exchange Module Assy (Basic).
The Rotor Exchange Module Assy (Basic) P/N 181108-53 includes the following
spare parts:
- 1 Dual Channel Optical Switch flat (fixed with 2 screws) P/N 182356-80
- 1 Rotor Transport Motor (fixed with 4 screws) P/N 82433-00
- 1 Optical Sensor Rotor Waste Full (fixed with 4 screws) P/N 84869-47
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Fixes with the 3 nuts the Rotor Arm Movement Assy in place.
2 Put the whole REM Common Support under the tilted Instrument (See the
REM Common Support Position 1 in the drawing R.E.M. Replacement
available in the figure 4.1.5 drawing 1 of the section 10 Drawings).
3 Following the arrows lift the right side of the REM Common Support, paying
attention to center the 3 Rotor Stack fixing points holes in the Fluidic Plate
(See the REM Common Support Position 2 in the drawing R.E.M.
Replacement available in the figure 4.1.5 drawing 1 of the section 10
Drawings).
4 Hold with one hand the right side, then slowly lift the left side of the REM
Common Support (See the REM Common Support Position 3 in the drawing
R.E.M. Replacement available in the figure 4.1.5 drawing 1 of the section
10 Drawings).
5 Fix the 5 screws, located on the Fluidic Plate, which fix the whole assembly
(See the 5 REM fixing points).
6 Now follow in the opposite direction from the point 7 to the point 1 the
procedure for remove the R.E.M. Assy (Basic).
7 Perform the Motor Adjustment tests for the Transport Motor as described in
the sub-section 7.6.7.
Note: Its requited to perform also the relevant check out for all the other assembly
that was been removed.
The Rotor Cover Assembly is composed by an upper cover called Rotor Cover, by a
mechanical support called Arm with Pulley and by an assembly, located under the
Fluidic Plate, called Rotor Cover Movement Assy. The whole assembly is connected to
the system through the Photometer Interface Board.
Rotor Cover
Movement Assy
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Remove the 3 screws, located on the lower black side, which fix the upper
white support.
2 Remove the 2 screws, located on the metallic mechanical arm, which fix the
black lower support.
3 Remove the Chromogenic Coaxial Cable.
The Rotor Cover P/N 181108-46 include the following spare parts:
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Follow in the opposite direction the Procedure for Remove the Rotor Cover
paying attention at the cleaning of the optic parts.
2 Perform the tests for the Chromogenic Channel as described in the sub section
7.3.
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Follow in the opposite direction the Procedure for Removes the Arm with
Pulley, paying attention to secure the Chromogenic Coaxial Cable in a proper
position to save it during the Arm with Pulley movement.
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
7 Loose the tension of the Rotor Cover Belt lifting the Cover Movement Assy
and free the belt from the pulley holding the motor encoder at the top.
8 Remove the 3 loosed screws and the Cover Movement Assy.
The Rotor Cover Movement Assy P/N 181108-47 includes the following spare part:
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Assemble the Rotor Cover Movement Assy (without tight the 3 screws).
2 Lift the Rotor Cover Movement Assy and, with the Encoder at the top, insert
the Rotor Cover Belt on the Rotor Cover Motor pulley.
3 Using the Rotor Cover Centring Tool in the niche between the support and the
assembly, push down the Rotor Cover Movement Assy until the Rotor Cover
Belt reach the proper tension (take as example the tension of the other belts on
the assemblies in the instrument). In this condition tight the 3 screws paying
attention at the horizontally of the assembly.
4 Loose the 2 setscrews that fix the Encoder to the motor shaft, rotate the
Encoder until is in the middle of the Dual Channel Optical Switch sensor.
5 Leaves fall the Encoder until its upper side is horizontal and about 1 mm above
the upper side of the Dual Channel Optical Switch sensor then fix the 2
setscrews.
Dual Channel
Optical Switch
Note: If available use the Rotor Cover Encoder Centring Tool P/N 190575-00.
6 Assemble and fix with 2 knobs the bulkhead located inside the rear of the Card
Housing.
7 Insert and connect the 5 Board in the Card Housing.
8 Assemble the Rotor Holder Movement Assy as described in the sub-section
4.1.4.
9 Connect P143, P144 and the ground (see Instrument Ground Circuit figure
3.3.11 Drawing 1 of the section 10 Drawings).
10 Assemble the Halogen Lamp Assy as described in the sub-section 4.1.7.
11 Perform the Motor Adjustment test for the Rotor Cover Motor as described in
the sub-section 7.6.2.
The Halogen Lamp Assy is located under the Fluidic Plate. The Halogen Lamp Socket
is powered directly through the Switching Power Supply Board.
Its possible without remove the Front Cover change the Halogen Lamp Socket Assy
through the Rotor Waste compartment.
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
4 Remove the 2 screws, located on the Fluidic Plate that fixes the Halogen Lamp
Assy.
5 Remove the Halogen Lamp Assy paying attention at dont damage the Optical
Collimator Assy.
6 Remove the Optical Collimator Assy loosing the setscrew.
- 1 Halogen Lamp Socket (fixed with 1 knob and 1 screw) P/N 181021-81
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Follow in the opposite direction the Procedure for Removes the Halogen
Lamp Assy paying attention at dont damage the Optical Collimator Assy
when tight the setscrew.
2 Perform the Chromogenic Channel check out & adjustment test as described
in the sub-section 7.3.1.
The Dilutor Assy is located under the rectangular Transparent Cover behind the
Sample Tray. The Dilutor Assy is connected to the system through the Module
Interconnection Board.
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Remove the connectors P81, P82, P83, P84, P85, P86 and the ground cable
(see Instrument Ground Circuit figure 3.3.11 Drawing 1 of the section 10
Drawings).
2 Remove the fluidic tube that connects the Wash-R Emulsion Bottle to the T
Connector.
3 Remove the 2 fluidic tubes that connect the 2 Dilutor Electro-Valves to the
Needles Block.
4 Remove the 3 screws that fix the Dilutor Assy.
5 Remove the Dilutor Assy.
The Dilutor Assy P/N 181108-36 includes the following spare part:
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Follow in the opposite direction the Procedure for Remove the Dilutor Assy.
2 Perform the Motor Adjustment tests for the Sample/Reagent Motors as
described in the sub-section 7.6.6.
3 Perform the Volume Check and the Dilutor Test as described in Dilutor
Module test in the section 7.8.
The Display Assembly is located on a flag support over the right side of the
Instrument. The Display Assembly is connected to the CPU Master Board and to the
PC104 Board through the Display Cable.
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
The Display Assembly P/N 181105-70 includes the following spare parts:
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Follow in the opposite direction the Procedure for Remove the Display
Assembly.
2 Perform the Touch Screen Calibration the as described in the section 7.12.
The Hard Disk Drive is located under the CPU Master Board #1 and PC104 Board
support in the middle of the rear side of the Instrument. The Hard Disk Drive is
connected to the CPU Master Board through the HDD data flat cable.
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Remove all the cables connected to the CPU Master Board #1 and PC104
Board.
2 Remove the Needles & Wash-R Sensor Interconnection Board support that is
fixed with 2 screws.
3 Remove the HDD with the CPU Master Board and the PC104 Board removing
the 2 external screw and loosing the internal 1 screw.
4 Remove the HDD power and data cables connectors.
5 Remove the HDD that is fixed with 4 screw.
The Hard Disk Drive P/N 065033-00 doesnt includes spare parts.
Precaution
Make sure that the Instrument has been switched OFF prior going through the
following procedure.
1 Follow in the opposite direction the Procedure for Remove the Hard Disk
Drive.
2 Perform the procedures described in the section 7.16 Software Checking and
Loading.
Note: In order to completely restore the system status on the new Hard Disk Drive as
before the replacement of the damaged one, is needed perform the following
operations.
The table is according with the drawing Instrument Covers reported in the figure 4.2
Drawing 1 of the section 10 Drawings.
5.1 Installation
5.2 Maintenance
5.3 Shut down & Shipment precautions
WARNING !
BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS EXIST. Avoid touching, with bare hands, any parts
of the system which may have come in contact with potentially infectious fluids.
ALWAYS wear gloves when performing any type of Maintenance/Service action
on this area.
As a reminder for the technical personnel, the above warning is also directly shown in
those sub-sections describing the maintenance / cleaning actions on the fluidic lines of
the Instrument.
5.1 Installation
This section contains all the information necessary for install, set-up and put in
working conditions the ACL 9000 system.
Before attempting the installation of the ACL 9000 system in the laboratory, inspect
the site with laboratory personnel to identify the desired location for the system and to
insure that the environment meets all the requirements for its successful installation.
In addition ensure that the Coagulimetric Optic Test Kit P/N 97580-50 and the
Chromogenic Optic Test Kit P/N 97579-50 together with the Temperature Probe P/N
70954-00 are available.
Following are the specific sub-sections.
Note: The ACL 9000 system must only be installed either by IL personnel or IL
authorised personnel.
Following are the specific paragraph with the required condition to install the ACL
9000 system.
Following are the external dimensions and the weight of the ACL 9000 analyser.
The heat generated by the instrument during normal operation is exhausted from the
bottom, in the front-right and left side of the unit.
Sufficient space must be allowed around the instrument to permit circulation of air for
cooling.
The instrument must be positioned so that a waste tube can be easily connected on its
left side.
If the operator wishes to work from a sitting position in front of the system, leg-space
should be provided under the front of the instrument.
Voltage
The instrument has been designed to operate correctly with variations of 10% on the
nominal line voltage and with line frequencies between 50-60 Hz.
The instrument has a power supply that can operate from 100 to 240 V and it
automatically switches to the line voltage required.
Warning:
Check that the nominal line voltage in the laboratory is compatible with the label on the
rear of the instrument as shown in the table below.
Power Consumption
Note: The average power consumption is about 350 VA, but peak loads or current
surges may exceed this value when turning the instrument on and during the
temperature warm-up.
Line Frequency
Fuse
The fuses are enclosed in the compartment to the right of the Power Entry socket.
Fuse has to meet the specification 6.3 A 250 V.
Following are reported in the figure the Power Entry and Fuse box removal.
Interface ports
The instrument is provided with 7 connectors, located on the rear, which are
associated with 7 relevant devices.
Following are the connectors and the relevant devices.
Before unpacking the boxes containing the ACL 9000 and accessories, visually inspect
them to verify that there has been no damage done during shipping and handling.
In case of damage notify the carrier and your IL Representative immediately.
Remove the box containing the rotors and the Start-up kit. Using the Start-up kit list
included in the box, confirm that all the components are present.
Remove the instrument and place it on the working surface.
Remove the adhesive tape used for transport from the various parts.
Note: Two people should lift the instrument using the space below the unit at the front
and at the back as shown on the figure below.
This sub-section provides information about the parts that have to be mounted on the
Instrument before switch it on.
Waste tube
Connect the waste tube to the fitting on the bottom left hand side of the Instrument.
Cut the tube to suitable length to fit into the waste container which must be situated
below the instrument waste outlet port, as shown in the figures below.
Note: The horizontal section of the tube should be kept as short as possible and the
free end should not be immersed in the liquid waste container.
CAUTION !
In the figure below are reported the Waste tube connection and waste container proper
position.
Verify that the Needles Waste-Rinse reservoir is placed in its appropriate position.
Fit the appropriate Sample Tray on its corresponding support.
Fit the reagent adapters in their appropriate positions, as shown in the figure below.
Following are the 3 colour coded reagent adapters available for the reagent positions
R1 to R8.
Place 4 magnetic stirrers inside the reagent vials in reagent positions R1 to R4.
Different vial adapters are used for the additional positions on the Sample Tray.
In the figure below are reported the Reagent Adapters for the Sample Tray A1-A10
positions.
Place the 1 litre bottle of Wash-Reference Emulsion in the appropriate position at the
back of the dilutors. Make sure that the bottle cap is closed.
Make sure that the connectors of the Reference Emulsion Sensor and of the Liquid
Level Detection Cable are properly plugged on the Needles & Wash-R Sensor
Interconnection Board.
Verify that the two fluidic tubes from the Electro-Valve in the Dilutor Assy to the
Needles Block are tightly connected.
Note: The tube from the left hand Electro-Valve fits into the lower position on the
Needles Block (internal Needle, Reagent). The tube from the right hand Electro-Valve
fits into the upper position on the Needles Block (external needle, Sample).
Display Assembly
Positioning as wished the Display Assembly using the appropriate lever on the right
hand side of the Instrument, as shown in the figure below.
Positioning of the Display Assembly
Connect the External Bar-Code Reader to its port (Bar Code port) in the rear panel.
Connect the External Printer to its port (Parallel Printer port) in the rear panel.
Before turning the Instrument on, check that the line voltage setting of the laboratory
is in accordance with the Instrument label.
Switch the Instrument on using the Power Switch on the Power Entry.
The system initialises the Instrument with a series of electronics and mechanics self-
checks. During this initialisation check that the Sample Arm, the Rotor Arm and the
Rotor Cover may be free to move without obstruction.
Following are some of messages showed during the System Init phase.
The Init System phase continue with a progress bar in a window where is wrote
When the progress bar is full and all the sequence of self-checks is ended, then the
Login window appears.
Touch Utility on the Main Menu Bar then the Software and the Software
Identification option. Checks that in the SW Identification screen all the software
have been the last revision. The last software revision is also present in the Instrument
Start Up Kit.
Note: Any temperature and liquid level sensors warning may be present. In this case
the yellow Warning button on the Tool Bar is active.
Touch Setup on the Main Menu Bar then the Date/Time option. Choose the date
format and set the current date and time. Press V to accept.
Mounting (if needed) the Needles Block and then perform/verify the Needle Position
procedure as described in the sub-section 7.7.4.
Select Diagnostic from the Main Menu Bar and click the Priming option.
The following Priming screen is displayed during the priming cycle:
During the Priming cycle check that the number of air bubbles in the dilutor chambers
is reduced to a minimum. If necessary, pinch the chamber outlet tubes while the piston
is descending and releases them before the piston reaches bottom dead point. Repeat
the Priming cycle if necessary.
If in the end of the Priming the message SENSOR FAIL in the Warning area is
displayed, the priming cycle must be repeated.
Check that there are no blockages or leaks in the fluid path and that the liquid is
flowing smoothly from the bottle to the dilutors and from the dilutors to the needles.
Check that the discharge of liquid from the Wash/Rinse Reservoir to the Instrument
outlet and then to the liquid waste container is not impaired.
Check the Air Cooling System. Verify that the 2 Instrument Fans in the right hand side
of the instrument are operating properly as the 2 Secondary Fans on the left hand side.
Locate the ventilation filter slider on the right side of the instrument and verify also
that the filter is clean.
Before check the Temperatures wait until all the start up temperature warnings have
disappeared, then enter Diagnostic on the Main Menu Bar and select the
Temperature Control option, which will open the Temperature Control screen.
Rotor Holder 38 to 39 C
Peltier 10 to 16 C
Rotor Transport 34 to 40 C
Rotor Stack 34 to 40 C
The purpose of this sub-section is to verify that all the main Setup option has been
already set or otherwise to help the customer to make his owner setup.
Select Setup from the Main Menu Bar then set the following options.
System Configuration
Patient Database listing
QC Database listing
Reflex Status
Current language
Sample Tray type
Sensor Enable
HW enable
Date / Time
Unit
The following test, which we recommend be carried out at the installation, check the
precision and the linearity of the two Optic Channel as well as the precision and the
accuracy of the dilutors.
Perform a Priming cycle then check the Optic Channel precision and accuracy as
described in the sub-sections 7.2.2 (for Coagulimetric) and 7.3.2 (for Chromogenic).
Perform a Priming cycle then check the Dilutors precision as described in the sub-
section 7.8.1 (for Coagulimetric and Chromogenic Channel).
Perform a Priming cycle then carry out the PT-FIB calibration cycle as described in the
Operators Manual.
Following is the ACL 9000 Functionality Check List that is not strictly related to the
instrument installation phase. This may be useful in any situation where a general check
out of the instrument is required.
5.2 Maintenance
In order to keep the ACL 9000 analyser in optimal operating condition its recommend
that the following procedures be carried out by a trained operator at the frequency
specified.
The Maintenance subsection of the Diagnostic menu allows the user to access and
record dates and notes related to the performance of specific maintenance operations.
If any maintenance action is not performed within the recommended period then the
relevant line will appear in red.
WARNING !
BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS EXIST. Avoid touching, with bare hands, any parts
of the system which may have come in contact with potentially infectious fluids.
ALWAYS wear gloves when performing any type of Maintenance/Service action
on this area.
At the beginning and at the end of each working day perform a Priming cycle to ensure
the complete removal of all sample or reagent residual along the fluidic paths.
While the priming cycle is in progress, the operator should visually inspect three items:
That number of bubbles in the Dilutor Chamber reduces to minimum. If bubbles are
still present, pinch the chamber outlet tubes while the piston is descending and
releases them before the piston reaches the bottom dead center. Repeat the priming
cycle as needed until all bubbles are gone.
That there are no blockages or leaks in the liquid flow path and the liquid is
flowing smoothly from reservoir to dilutors and from dilutors to needles.
That there is free flow of the liquid waste from the washing chamber to the
instrument outlet tube and then to the waste container (check the liquid level in the
waste container).
The weekly preventive maintenance for the ACL consists in cleaning all the key
instrument areas which normally come in contact with sample and reagents and
therefore accumulate residues that will, if allowed to build up, impair the instrument
functionality and affect the tests results. The parts / areas to be cleaned are:
WARNING !
BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS EXIST. Avoid touching, with bare hands, any parts
of the system which may have come in contact with potentially infectious fluids.
ALWAYS wear gloves when performing any type of Maintenance/Service action
on this area.
Wipe down all exposed surfaces of the analyser body, the inside of the Autosampler
compartment and the Rotor compartment (excluding the rotor holder) using a cloth
soaked in a 0.1 N Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) solution (IL Cleaning Solution P/N 98317-
00). Rinse using a cloth soaked in distilled water. Wipe dry.
Place 2 glass vials with 4 mL of 0.1 N HCl solution in reagent positions R6 and R7
Click the Diagnostic button on the Main menu bar and select the Cleaning option of
the Diagnostic submenu to display the Cleaning screen.
In this screen the operator defines the configuration of the cleaning operation,
according to the needs of the instrument.
Clicking the Start button starts the cleaning cycle and opens a window displaying a bar
that moves to show the elapsed time of the procedure.
Remove the Rinse / Waste reservoir, wash it thoroughly with 0.1N HCl solution (IL
Cleaning Solution P/N 98317-00) and rinse it with distilled water.
The rotor holder and the optical path components located in the analysis area must be
cleaned every two weeks under normal instrument use.
WARNING !
BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS EXIST. Avoid touching, with bare hands, any parts
of the system which may have come in contact with potentially infectious fluids.
ALWAYS wear gloves when performing any type of Maintenance/Service action
on this area.
Press the Open/Close Cover icon to open the Rotor Holder Cover.
Using a cotton tip applicator moistened with distilled water, clean all 20 holes in the
Rotor Holder and the surfaces of the Channels sensors and fibres. Use a clean, dry
cotton tip applicator to remove all moisture from these areas.
In order to check and clean the analyser air filter, it must first be removed from its
location on the right side of the instrument. The filter slides out when pulled after
inserting a finger in the holder slot (see figure below).
Check the filter: if it is dirty or blocked, clean it with compressed air or by washing it
in water and blowing it dry. Do not place a wet filter into its position.
If the filter appears damaged, it should be replaced. Insert the clean or new Air Filter
back in its holder.
The yearly preventive maintenance for the ACL consists in replacing the wear
expandable parts.
WARNING !
BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS EXIST. Avoid touching, with bare hands, any parts
of the system which may have come in contact with potentially infectious fluids.
ALWAYS wear gloves when performing any type of Maintenance/Service action
on this area.
WARNING !
BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS EXIST. Avoid touching, with bare hands, any parts
of the system which may have come in contact with potentially infectious fluids.
ALWAYS wear gloves when performing any type of Maintenance/Service action
on this area.
1 Remove the needle from the plastic syringe (if necessary), and fit the PVC tube
on the end on the syringe (the tubes dimensions must be such that it will fit
onto the syringe on one end and into the waste line at the other end).
2 Fill the syringe with distilled water.
3 Remove the Rinse / Waste Reservoir and clean it if necessary (refer to Section
5.2.2).
4 Insert the free end of the PVC tube into the waste line, carefully inject the
distilled water into the waste line and check that the liquid flows out from the
external waste line of the instrument to the waste container.
5 Repeat the procedure several times to ensure removal of any potential blockage
then replace the Rinse / Waste reservoir.
In case of sample / reagent spillage wipe using a clean cloth or cotton tip applicator
soaked in a 0.1N HCl solution (IL Cleaning Solution P/N 98317-00). Follow with
distilled water and dry with a clean cloth or cotton tip applicator.
In case of sample / reagent spillage in the Autosampler or in the Rotor Holder
compartment, it may be required to clean also the 2 sensors in the Autosampler and the
two optical paths in the analysis area (see sub-section 5.2.3).
Follow the Needles Block Assy positioning procedure as described in the sub-section
7.7.4.
This sub-section describes the procedure to decontaminate the ACL Needles Block.
Its recommended after using the system to test a highly infectious sample and as a
general precaution to prevent and eliminate potential bacterial contamination.
The use of the ACL system for the analysis of known or suspected highly infectious
samples, should be followed by careful disinfecting of the instrument surfaces and parts
which have been in contact with the samples. The disinfecting agent used to perform
the procedure indicated below is a 1:8 dilution of IL Cleaning Agent P/N 98327-00,
which is a solution of sodium hypochlorite with a concentration of less than 0.625% of
available chlorine. The 1:8 diluted solution is prepared by mixing 1 part Cleaning
Agent with 7 parts of distilled water.
WARNING !
Use only IL Cleaning Agent (P/N 98327-00) diluted 1:8 with distilled water.
The use of undiluted IL Cleaning Agent may cause corrosion of metal parts.
CAUTION !
Daily At the beginning and at the end of each working day or once per shift,
carry out a priming cycle.
Empty the liquid waste container when needed.
Empty the rotors waste container when needed.
Fill the Rotor Stack with new rotors when needed.
Load a new bottle of Wash Reference Emulsion when needed.
Weekly Clean the exposed instrument surfaces, inside the Autosampler and the
analysis compartments (with the exception of the Rotor Holder).
Clean the Needles Block carrying out the dedicated cleaning cycle
Clean the Rinse / Waste Reservoir
Bi-Weekly Clean the analysis compartment optical parts with a cotton tip
applicator moistened with distilled water:
Clean the LED sensor surface
Clean the LED optic fibre surface
Clean the Halogen Lamp sensor filter surface
Clean the Halogen Lamp optic fibre glass surface
Clean the 20 holes of the Rotor Holder
Monthly Check the Air Filter
Yearly Replace the Air Filter
Replace the sample and reagent tubes
Replace the Needles Block
Replace the waste tube
Replace the Rinse/Waste Reservoir
As needed Clean the Waste line
Clean the sample spillage
Replace the Needles Block
Decontaminate the Needles Block
For long period of inactivity, more than one week, the following actions should be
carried out.
5.3.2 Shipment
6 Troubleshooting
This section is designed to provide at Service Engineer information about the error
messages displayed by the instrument as well as suggestions and tools to fix the
problem during the Instrument Troubleshooting.
Following are provided information about problems related to the PC like system
present inside the instrument.
RAM During the Boot Replace the CPU Master Board (Board #1).
Memory phase the CPU
Failure Master Boards
Bios detect a
problem on the
RAM Memory.
Keyboard During the Boot Replace the Keyboard.
Failure phase the CPU Replace the Interface Board.
Master Boards Replace the CPU Master Board (Board #1).
Bios detect a Replace the Mother Board.
problem on the
Keyboard.
Warning:
Error parsing
loading
parameters
Warning: Invalid parameters Following the procedure in the sub-section
Invalid are detects, during 7.16.2, make the Upload and then the Upgrade of
parameters the sending from the Master and of the Slave Software.
the CPU Master Replace the CPU Master Board (Board #1).
to the Slave. Replace the Slave Board (Board #2).
Warning: Zip
/ Unzip Error
Warning: The Main Following the procedure in the sub-section
REM program detects a 7.16.2, make the Upload and then the Upgrade of
download problem during the REM Software.
Error the Download of Replace the R.E.M. Board (Board #4).
the R.E.M Replace the Slave Board (Board #2).
Software.
Alarm: Slave The CPU Master Following the procedure in the sub-section
Absent doesnt find the 7.16.2, make the Upload and then the Upgrade of
Slave. the Slave Software.
Replace the Slave Board (Board #2).
Alarm: Slave The CPU Master Following the procedure in the sub-section
program not doesnt find the 7.16.2, make the Upload and then the Upgrade of
loaded software on board the Slave Software.
of the Slave. Replace the Slave Board (Board #2).
Alarm: Flash The CPU Master Following the procedure in the sub-section
Memory detects a problem 7.16.2, make the Upload and then the Upgrade of
Error on the Flash the Slave Software.
Memory on the Replace the Slave Board (Board #2).
Slave Board.
Alarm: The Main Verify the Arcnet interconnection cable.
Arcnet program detects a Try also to use the connector CN4 (on the
Connection problem in the PC104 Board) and P7 (on the Slave Board).
Error communications Replace the Slave Board (Board #2).
with the Slave Replace the PC104 Board.
through Arcnet.
Alarm: A/D
Converter
Error
Alarm: OI
Error
Incubation Turn On more Verify, with a DVM that on the connector P148
temperature then 30 minutes is present the resistance of the thermistor (If its a
out of range and the Rotor Short Circuit or an Open Circuit verify the
Holder Brushes assy If the Brushes Assy is correct then
temperature is out read the thermistors resistance directly on the 2
of range 38-39 rings. If the thermistor is defective replace the
C. whole Rotor Holder movement Assy).
Verify on the connector P148 that the Heater
Coil isnt interrupted or the capacitor unsoldered.
Verify the Photometric and temperature control
Board (Board #6) functionality as described in
the sub-section 3.3.9.
Verify the Photometer Interface Board.
Warning: The Instrument is Wait the Peltier 1 cooling.
Peltier 1 Turn On less then If after 30 minutes the Peltier 1 hasnt achieves
temperature 30 minutes and the right temperature (10-16 C) the error
out of range the Peltier 1 is message becomes: Warning: Peltier 1
in startup cooling. temperature out of range.
Warning: The Instrument is Verify the Peltier 1 assy:
Peltier 1 Turn On more Verify, with a DVM, which on the connector
temperature then 30 minutes P126 is present the resistance of the thermistor
out of range and the Peltier 1 (If its a Short Circuit or an Open Circuit replaces
temperature is out the thermistor).
of range 10-16 Verify, with a DVM, which on the connector
C. P126 is present also the resistance of the Peltier
Cell (If its a Short Circuit or an Open Circuit
replaces the whole Peltier 1 Assy).
Verify the Photometric and temperature control
Board (Board #6) functionality as described in
the sub-section 3.3.9.
Verify the Modules Interconnection Board.
Warning: The Instrument is Wait the Peltier 2 cooling.
Peltier 2 Turn On less then If after 30 minutes the Peltier 2 hasnt achieves
temperature 30 minutes and the right temperature (10-16 C) the error
out of range the Peltier 2 is message becomes: Warning: Peltier 2
in startup cooling. temperature out of range.
R3).
Warning: The Instrument Replace the Magnetic Stirrer Motor 4.
Stirrer R4 detects a problem Replace the Motors Board (Board #5).
Error on the Magnetic Replace the Modules Interconnection Board.
Stirrer Motor 4
(Reagent Position
R4).
Warning: The Instrument Check for the plug in of the connectors P83 (for
Sample line detects a problem the motor) and P81 (for SCOS).
Dilutor Motor during the Sample Check for the functionality of the Motor and of
Error Dilutor Motors the SCOS as described in the sub-section 7.6.6.
movement. Replace the Motors Board (Board #5).
Replace the Modules Interconnection Board.
Warning: The Instrument Check for the plug in of the connectors P84 (for
Reagent line detects a problem the motor) and P82 (for SCOS).
Dilutor Motor during the Check for the functionality of the Motor and of
Error Reagent Dilutor the SCOS as described in the sub-section 7.6.6.
Motors Replace the Motors Board (Board #5).
movement. Replace the Modules Interconnection Board.
Warning: The Instrument Check for mechanical obstruction during the
Sample Arm detects a problem movement.
Horizontal during the Sample Check for the plug in of the connectors P93 (for
Motor Error Arm Horizontal the motor) and P92 (for DCOS).
Motors Check for the functionality of the Motor and of
movement. the DCOS as described in the sub-section 7.6.3.
Replace the Motors Board (Board #5).
Replace the Modules Interconnection Board.
Warning: The Instrument Check for mechanical obstruction during the
Sample Arm detects a problem movement.
Vertical during the Sample Check for the plug in of the connectors P94 (for
Motor Error Arm Vertical the motor) and P91 (for DCOS).
Motors Check for the functionality of the Motor and of
movement. the DCOS as described in the sub-section 7.6.4.
Replace the Motors Board (Board #5).
Replace the Modules Interconnection Board.
Warning: The Instrument Check for mechanical obstruction during the
Rotor Holder detects a problem movement.
Motor Error during the Rotor Check for the plug in of the connectors P147
Holder Motors (for the motor) and P142 (for DCOS).
movement. Check for the functionality of the Motor and of
the DCOS as described in the sub-section 7.6.1.
Replace the Photometric and Temperatures
Control Board (Board #6).
Replace the Motors Board (Board #5).
Replace the Photometer Interface Board.
Alarm: REM The REMs CPU Following the procedure in the sub-section
electric Error detects a Short 7.16.2, make the Upload and then the Upgrade of
Circuit on one, or the REM Software.
more then one, Replace the R.E.M. Board (Board #4).
driver circuit on Check in the File Error History for the presence
Board. of other alarm message associated.
So, for protection Replace the R.E.M. Upper or Lower
purposes, the Interconnection Board.
REMs CPU
Turns Off the
+12VPW, which
power the Board.
Alarm: REM The REMs CPU Check the presence of the +12VPWR on the TP2
voltage out of detects a problem of the Switching Power Supply Board.
range on the +24VPW Replace the R.E.M. Board (Board #4).
generated on the
REM Board.
Warning: Analysis aborted Check for the plug in of the connectors P147
Home for an unexpected (for the motor) and P142 (for DCOS).
Position not fail, during the Check for the functionality of the Motor and of
found during acquisition, of the the DCOS as described in the sub-section 7.6.1.
acquisition DCOS associated Replace the Motors Board (Board #5).
to the Rotor Replace the Photometric and Temperatures
Holder. Control Board (Board #6).
Replace the Photometer Interface Board.
Replace the Slave Board (Board #2).
Replace the Acquisition & Sensors Board (Board
#3).
Warning: Analysis aborted Check for the plug in of the connectors P147
Unexpected for an unexpected (for the motor) and P142 (for DCOS).
cuvette fail, during the Check for the functionality of the Motor and of
interruption acquisition, of the the DCOS as described in the sub-section 7.6.1.
DCOS associated Replace the Motors Board (Board #5).
to the Rotor Replace the Photometric and Temperatures
Holder. Control Board (Board #6).
Replace the Photometer Interface Board.
Replace the Slave Board (Board #2).
Replace the Acquisition & Sensors Board (Board
#3).
Warning: Analysis aborted Replace the Acquisition & Sensors Board (Board
Unexpected for an unexpected #3).
ADC A/D Converter Replace the Slave Board (Board #2).
interrupt Interrupt, during
the acquisition.
Warning:
Null optical
reference
ADC error in
acquisition
Warning:
Null reference
ADC error in
acquisition
Warning: Analysis aborted Replace the Acquisition & Sensors Board (Board
Data for an unexpected #3).
transmission error of the data Replace the Slave Board (Board #2).
error during transmission,
acquisition during the
acquisition.
Warning: Analysis aborted Check for the plug in of the connectors P147
Rotor Holder for an unexpected (for the motor) and P142 (for DCOS).
Motor error fail of the Rotor Check for the functionality of the Motor and of
during Holder Motor the DCOS as described in the sub-section 7.6.1.
acquisition during the Replace the Photometric and Temperatures
acquisition. Control Board (Board #6).
Replace the Motors Board (Board #5).
Replace the Photometer Interface Board.
Warning:
Acquisition
stopped
Warning: Analysis aborted Check for the functionality of the Rotor Cover
Rotor Cover for an unexpected Sensor as described in the sub-section 7.9.1; pays
opened opening of the attention to the correct positioning of the sensor.
during Rotor Cover Replace the Rotor Cover Sensor.
acquisition during the Replace the Acquisition & Sensors Board (Board
acquisition. #3).
Replace the Photometric Interface Board.
Liquid Id loading, a Low Perform any Priming cycles and then check for
Low Level in Level on the air bubbles along the fluidic path.
Position xxx Mandatory Liquid Following the procedure in the sub-section 7.6.5,
for test yyy Id located in the checks for the functionality of the Needles
position xxx and Sensor; pays attention to the correct positioning
used for the test of the Needles Block.
yyy. Replace the Needles Block.
Replace the LLD Board.
Replace the LLD Cable.
Warning: The Instrument Check the presence and the level of the Wash-R
Wash-R detects a Low Emulsion (at least over 100 mL).
Emulsion Level on the Check also the horizontally of the Wash-R
Low Level Wash-R Emulsions bottle and for the correct insertion of
Emulsion. the cap sensor.
Following the procedure in the sub-section 7.4.2,
checks for the functionality of the Wash-R
Emulsion Sensor.
Warning: The Instrument Check the presence and the level of the Wash-R
Wash-R detects, during a Emulsion (at least over 100 mL).
Emulsion not analytical Following the procedure in the sub-section 7.4.2,
absent cycle, that the checks for the functionality of the Wash-R
Wash-R Emulsion Emulsion Sensor.
is absent. Replace the Reference Emulsion Sensor.
Replace the Needles & Wash-R Sensor
Interconnection Board.
Replace the Acquisition & Sensors Board (board
#3).
Replace the Mother Board
Warning: The Instrument Following the procedure in the sub-section 7.4.1,
Sample detects a problem checks for the functionality of the Needles
sensor Error on the Sample Sensor.
lines Liquid Replace the Needles Block.
Sensor. Replace the LLD Board.
Replace the LLD Cable.
Replace the Needles & Wash-R Sensor
Interconnection Board.
Replace the Acquisition & Sensors Board (board
#3).
Replace the Mother Board
Alarm:
Database
Error
This sub-section of the Service Manual is only a reminder. For reference on the
analytical errors consult the proper section of the Operators Manual.
Any error that occurs during the data reduction process will be reported as a code
number. Possible sources for the errors, identified by letter codes, are shown as flags
according to the following list:
All the error code numbers and their meanings are listed in the following tables.
Error code 1
Error code 2
Error code 3
Meaning No flush
Cause Absorbance channel Reference Emulsion out of range (above
3.5 V or below 0.0 V)
Flags Cycle aborted
Results No results in the database
Remedial Action Replace Reference Emulsion bottle and clean optics
Error code 4
Error code 5
Error code 6
Meaning No coag
Cause First threshold not passed
Flags R
Results Error 6 instead of the result
Remedial Action Sample does not clot within the acquisition time. Repeat the test
in extended acquisition time.
Error code 7
Error code 8
Error code 9
Error code 10
Error code 11
Error code 12
Error code 13
Error code 14
Error code 15
Error code 16
Meaning Invalid curve - Insufficient data (curve with more than one
segment)
Cause Less than 2 calibration standards gave valid results
Flags on samples Q Invalid curve
Cal Results Error 16 instead of the result
Remedial Action Invalid result. Review the reaction curve. Repeat the calibration
with freshly prepared materials.
Error code 17
Error code 18
Error code 19
Error code 20
Error code 21
Error code 22
Error code 23
Error code 24
Error code 25
Error code 26
Error code 27
Error code 28
Error code 29
Error code 30
Error code 31
Error code 32
Error code 33
Error code 34
Error code 35
Error code 36
Error code 37
Error code 38
Error code 39
QC Error Codes
Error code 40
Error code 41
Error code 42
Error code 43
Error code 44
Error code 45
Error code 46
Error code 47
Error code 48
Error code 49
Meaning Ratio calculation error (i.e. Ratio for PT, APTT, TT, etc.)
Cause One of the results needed for the calculation is not valid
Flags on samples Q - Ratio calculation error. Flag on samples
Results Error 49. Ratio is not displayed
Remedial Action Review the reaction curves. Repeat the test with freshly
prepared materials.
Error code 50
Error code 51
Error code 52
DMS Errors
Following is the table with the main information about the Service Tools.
Purpose:
This Tool allows the checking of the truthful temperature within a cuvette of the
analysis rotor.
Description:
It consists of a precise thermistor fit into a cuvette of an analysis rotor.
The leads of the thermistor are brought to the upper tool surface in order to allow the
measuring of the thermistor resistance (with a DVM) through the two dispensing holes
on the Rotor Cover. The read resistance value allows through a mathematical
calculation written on the label stuck on the tool upper surface, to know the
temperature in C presents inside the analysis rotor. The value must be between 36 38
C.
TEMPERATURE PROBE
P/N70954-00
The procedure to use this tool is very easy but its important pay attention to follow all
the steps.
Purpose:
This kit allows the checking of the performance of the Coagulimetric Channel (see sub-
section 7.2.2).
Description:
The kit contain four different concentration levels of Wash-Reference Emulsion for a
total of 50 ampoules distributed as follows:
13 ampoules of 2
19 ampoules of 1
12 ampoules of 0.5
6 ampoules of 0.25
Purpose:
This kit allows the checking of the performance of the Chromogenic Channel (see sub-
section 7.3.2).
Description:
The kit contain four different concentration levels of a yellow solution
(ParaNitroAniline, PNA) for a total of 50 ampoules distributed as follows:
13 ampoules of 160
19 ampoules of 80
12 ampoules of 40
6 ampoules of 20
Purpose:
This tool allows the checking of the Sample and Reagent Dilutor lines aspiration and
dispensation (see sub-section 7.8.2).
Description:
The kit contains 3 capillaries.
GRADUATED CAPILLARY
Purpose:
These tools can be plugged together on serial lines ports (Modem, Mouse and Host
communication ports) present on the rear Instrument Interface Board in order to allow
the checking of them through the relevant Service program (see section 7.13).
Description:
Following is the RS 232 C Interface Check Connector drawing in order to make it if
its not available.
13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14
The RS 232 C Interface Check Connector Adapter is a standard PC adapter 25/9 Pin
Female/Female.
Following is the drawing of a serial customised 9 Pin Check Connector Male (for the
Bar Code Port) or Female (for Host, Mouse and Modem Port) in order to make it if
the RS 232 C Interface Check Connector and its Adapter are not available.
TX RX
5 4 3 2 1
9 8 7 6
DTR DSR
CTSRTS
Purpose:
This tool has to be used to carry out the alignment of the Needles Block in respect to
the analysis rotor position (see sub-section 7.7.4).
Description:
The tool is a plastic block that has to be properly snapped on the Rotor Holder with
the A face up. The side A of the tool has two Reference Points in order to allow
the proper alignment of the Needles Block tips.
Re fe re n c e Dots
4.3 mm
NEEDLES PO SITIO N TO O L
P/N 181039-41
Purpose:
This tool has to be used to center the Sample Arm Movement Assy in respect to the
Fluidic Plate (see sub-section 7.7.1).
Description:
The tool has a simple cylindrical shape that fits between the Sample Arm Movement
Assy shaft and its Fluidic Plate hole.
13,6 m m 19,6 m m
66 mm
Purpose:
This tool has to be used to center the Rotor Arm in respect to the Rotor Transport (see
sub-section 7.7.6).
Description:
The tool has a simple cylindrical shape that fits between the Rotor Arm central finger
and the Rotor Transport central hole.
9 mm 12 mm
Purpose:
This tool has to be used to center the Needles Block (and the Sample Arm) in respect
to the Needles Waste/Rinse position on the Fluidic Plate (see sub-section 7.7.1).
Description:
The tool has a shape very similar at the normal Waste Adapter with the addition of 2
tubes that fits in the 2 holes for the Needles.
9 mm 12 mm
Purpose:
This tool has to be used to center the Peltier Assy in respect to its holes in the Fluidic
Plate (see sub-section 4.1.2).
Description:
The tools have a simple cylindrical shape that fits into the reagents adapter holes of the
Peltier.
28,3 mm 29,8 mm
32 mm
PELTIER C ENTRING TO O L
P/N 190507-00
Purpose:
This tool has to be used during the Touch Screen Calibration test (see section 7.12).
Description:
The tools have a simple pencil shape with a rounded tip.
TO UC H SC REEN CALIBRATION TO O L
P/N 190574-00
Purpose:
This tool has to be used when is needed to put in tension the Belt of the Rotor Cover
Movement Assy before the final fixing with the 3 screws (see sub-section 7.6.2).
Description:
The tool has a simple flat shape that fits into the niche between the Rotor Cover
Movement Assy and the support. This tool assures the horizontally of the Rotor Cover
Movement Assy.
Purpose:
This tool has to be used for centre the Encoder Disk position when the Rotor Cover
Movement Assy is replaced (see sub-section 7.6.2).
Description:
The tool has a simple pencil shape with a thread (M3) at the tip that fits into the
setscrew hole.
M3
Purpose:
This tool has to be used for centre the Rotor Stack in respect to the Rotor Transport
(see sub-section 7.7.5).
Description:
The tools have a simple shape that fits into the Rotor Stack and at the bottom fits into
the Rotor Transport central hole.
Purpose:
This tool has to be used to adjust the Sample Tray position in respect to the Needles
Block on the Sample Arm (see sub-section 7.7.2).
Description:
The tool has a simple cylindrical shape with a central hole that fits on Sample Tray.
* Note: A special flexible version of these two screw driver are both available in
the kit 2.5/3 mm Flex Allen Screw Driver P/N 99208-10
This section is designed to allow at the Service Engineer to perform a thorough check
out of the whole Instrument.
The Service software incorporates proper utilities for the entire checkout and
adjustment needed.
Following are the specific sections with the check out procedures.
Precaution
Make sure that the instrument has been switched ON for at least 20 minutes (warm-up
of light source and thermoregulation) prior going through the following procedure.
3 On the windows like menu enter Service then A/D Converter Test. The instrument
displays the screen below.
4 Rotate the Rotor Holder in the analysis compartment to lock the LED light optic
pathway. Lower the analysis compartment cover then locate the trimmer RV1 (on
Board # 3) see figure below.
6 On the windows like menu enter Service then Optical Module Test and Curve
Adjustment. The instrument shows the screen below:
These two tests are designed to verify the overall performance of the Coagulimetric
Channel:
The Coagulimetric Optic Test Kit P/N 97580-50 is necessary to perform both tests.
The kit consists of 50 vials (2 mL each):
13 vials 2
19 vials 1
12 vials 0.5
6 vials 0.25
Warning: If one of the tests fail then is required to perform all the other check out test
of this 7.2 section.
1 On the windows like menu enter Service then Optical Module Test and Channel
Optic Test.
2 Select in sequence Channel type: Coagulimetric; Test Type: Precision Loading
Type: Reagent. The instrument shows the screen below:
3 Put the content of two vials (4ml) labelled 1 (taken from the kit P/N 97580-50)
into a clean, empty 4 mL reagent vial with its Dark Blue adapter.
Note: For this test is possible use the Wash-Reference Emulsion in substitution of the
Silicon Emulsion labelled 1.
4 Position the 4 mL reagent vial with the adapter onto the reagent position R1.
5 Load 200l of Wash-Reference Emulsion in cuvette number 20 of a new rotor
before place the rotor onto the Rotor Holder in the analysis compartment.
6 Touch Start in Manual Rotor Loading. The instrument will load the rotor
cuvettes picking the Silicon Emulsion from the reagent vial using the reagent
probe.
7 Wait for the acquisition cycle then verify the following parameters :
Note: Acquisition cycle only can be repeated selecting Skip Loading from the Loading
Type window.
1 On the windows like menu enter Service then Optical Module Test and Channel
Optic Test.
3 Put the content of two vials (4ml), of each level (1, 0.5 and 0.25 from the kit P/N
97580-50) into three clean, empty 4 mL reagent vials with their Dark Blue
adapters.
4 Position the 4 mL reagent vials with the adapters on the reagent tray as follows:
Note: Acquisition cycle only can be repeated selecting Skip Loading from the
Loading Type window.
These two tests are designed to verify the overall performance of the Coagulimetric
Channel LED with fibre:
1 On the windows like menu enter Service then Optical Module and Acquisition
Adjustment. The instrument shows the screen below.
5 Touch Start and then turn RV2 fully clockwise until to read as low as possible on
the Coagulimetric Channel line.
6 Check that in the above conditions the value displayed on the screen is higher than
250 mV. If test fails replace the Coagulimetric Channel LED with fibre assy (see
next sub-section). If test passes then adjust RV2 to read 2.7 V on the screen.
7 Touch Stop and V to exit.
If the LED is replaced follow the procedure here below to adjust the amplifier circuit
and the optic fibre.
1 On the windows like menu enter Service then Optical Module and Acquisition
Adjustment. The instrument shows the screen below.
Optic fibre
Loose this
set screw
Sleeve
7 Move the optic fibre upward to obtain the maximum voltage reading on the
Coagulimetric Channel line then tighten the setscrew.
8 Adjust by means of RV2 the reading to 2.7 V.
9 Touch Stop then V to exit.
1 On the windows like menu enter Service then Optical Module and Fibre
Adjustment.
2 Wait for the initialisation of the motors then empty the analysis compartment from
any rotor.
3 Touch Start and verify that (without any rotor in place) no cuvette reads a value
higher than 80 mV. See screen below:
Loose the setscrew that holds the Optic Fibre in place on the Rotor Holder side.
Rotate the Optic Fibre CW or CCW (max. 90) until a reading lower than 80 mV is
obtained.
Tighten the setscrew to lock the Optic Fibre back in place (the Optic Fibre must be
placed in the bottom).
The tests that achieve verification of the Chromogenic Optical Channel are:
Precaution
Make sure that the instrument has been switched on for at least 20 minutes (warm-up
of light source and thermoregulation) prior going through the following procedure:
3 On the windows like menu enter Service then A/D Converter Test. The instrument
displays the screen below.
4 Rotate the Rotor Holder on the analysis compartment to lock the Halogen Lamp
light optic pathway. Lower the analysis compartment cover, then locate the
trimmer RV4 (on Board # 3), see figure below:
8 Select Chromogenic Channels, set rotational speed at 1200 rpm and touch Start.
The instrument performs an acquisition cycle. Upon completion of the acquisition
cycle scroll the table of values and delays still you find the delay corresponding to
the value of 1000 (see example below).
9 Check that the delay does not to far than 100 sec. from the current delay
displayed on the window Select Delay.
10 Change now the rotational speed from 1200 to 600 rpm and touch Start. The
instrument performs an acquisition cycle. Upon completion of the acquisition cycle
scroll the table of values and delays still you find the delay corresponding to the
value of 1000.
11 Check that the delay is not too far than 100 sec. from the current delay
displayed on the window Select Delay
12 On the windows like menu enter Service then Optical Module Test and Acquisition
Adjustment. Touch Start, then adjust RV3 (on board # 3, see figure on previous
page) until to read 8.0 Vdc on the Chromogenic Channel line (accept any value
from 7.9 to 8.1Vdc). Once adjusted touch Stop.
13 Load a new rotor with 200 l of Wash-Reference Emulsion on cuvette # 6. Place
the loaded rotor in the analysis compartment.
14 Touch Start and verify that the reading on Chromogenic Channel line does not
exceed 3.5 Vdc. Otherwise replace the 405 nm Optical Filter and repeat the test.
15 Touch V to exit
These three tests allows to verify the overall performance of the Chromogenic
Channel:
The Chromogenic Optic Test Kit (P/N 97579-50) is necessary to perform both tests.
The kit incorporates 50 vials (2 mL each), having the following concentration of PNA
(ParaNitroAnyline):
1 On the windows like menu enter Service then Optical Module Test and Channel
Optic Test.
2 Select in sequence Channel type: Chromogenic; Test Type: Precision Loading
Type: Reagent. The instrument shows the screen below:
Note: Acquisition cycle only can be repeated selecting Skip Loading from the Loading
Type window.
1 On the windows like menu enter Service then Optical Module Test and Channel
Optic Test.
2 Select in sequence Channel type: Chromogenic, Test Type: Linearity and Loading
Type: Reagent. The instrument shows the screen below:
3 Put the content of two PNA vials (4mL), of each level (80, 40 and 20 from the kit
P/N 97579-50) into a clean, empty 4 mL reagent vial with their Dark Blue
adapters, or other suitable container.
4 Position the reagent vials on the reagent tray as follows:
Note: Acquisition cycle only can be repeated selecting Skip Loading from the Loading
Type window.
1 On the windows like menu enter Service then Optical Module Test and Channel
Optic Test.
2 Select in sequence Channel type: Chromogenic, Test Type: Linearity and Loading
Type: Reagent. The instrument shows the screen below:
3 Put the content of two PNA vials (4 mL), of each level (160, 80 and 40 from the
kit P/N 97579-50) into a clean, empty 4 mL reagent vial with theirs adapters or
other suitable container.
4 Position the reagent vials onto reagent tray according to the following scheme:
7 Wait for the acquisition cycle, then verify that the following results are obtained:
Note: Acquisition cycle only can be repeated selecting Skip Loading from the Loading
Type window.
1 On the windows like menu enter Service then Optical Module and Acquisition
Adjustment. Wait for motors initialisation then the instrument shows the screen
below.
4 Touch Start then locate RV3 on the Acquisition board (board # 3), see figure
below.
This procedure allows the adjustment of the reference solution sensor circuit that shall
determine the volume of the solution left in the bottle.
5 Adjust if necessary RV9 located on the Acquisition & Sensor Board (Board # 3).
See figure below.
6 Press V to exit.
This test allows functional verification of the circuitry that fulfils the task of liquid
detection through both the sample and reagent probes.
Warning:
Prior starting procedures execute one or more priming cycles following the route
Diagnostic then Priming. Perform these operations until are confident that the fluidic
path is completely filled and without air bubbles.
Verify also that the fluidic lines are smooth and without bad corners.
1 On the windows like menu enter Service then Sensors Test and Needle Sensor
Test.
2 Press Start. The Sample Arm moves across the default test positions (1, 2 and A1
on the Sample Tray positions then R1, R5 and R7 on the Reagent Tray) and stops
on the waste position. The system displays the screen below:
3 Verify on the current screen that the value presented on the window Reference
value is in the range 4.000 6.000 V.
Note: If its out of range then perform the procedure Wash-Reference Emulsion
Volume Test to adjust the Flush Volume value at 500 mL. If the problem persist then
replace the Acquisition & Sensors Board (Board #3).
4 Prepare and position the suitable containers with distilled water or Wash-R
Solution as for the table below then press Start. The Sample Arm will scan the
positions and system will refresh screen with updated values.
5 Verify that the windows SENSOR RESULT display LIQUID. In addition check
that the windows LSLIQ display values according to table below. Adjust if
necessary and repeat the test many time as needed.
6 Locate trimmer position on Acquisition & Sensors Board (Board # 3) as per figure
below.
7 Repeat the test with the containers positioned and filled as indicated in the table
below then check the results. Its possible perform this test using the two already
loaded containers, repeating two or more time the test.
Note: If the LSLIQ value is correct but the Sensor Result is Air the meaning is
that the liquid level in this position is low. This should be for bad assembly of the
Sample Arm and/or of the Needles Block.
This happen when the Needle have touch the liquid (LSLIQ value in range) but the
mechanical stop have blocked the Sample Arm before that the Needle enters for 2mm
into the liquid for confidence (Sensor Result Air).
To solve the problem corrects the Sample Arm assembly then repeats this procedure.
This condition of liquid low level may be present also during the analysis. In this case
perform this test (using the specific test quantity of liquid) to clarify if the liquid is
really insufficient and if the sensors is working properly.
8 Repeat the test with the containers empty and positioned as indicated in the table
below then press Start and check the results.
Note: If the Offset is too high (over 700 mV) we have Sensor Fail. To solve Offset
problem its advisable check for liquid on the Needles, dirt and/or insulating lost in the
Needles Block.
11 Press X to exit.
The Rotor Stack is actually equipped with two optical sensors that have the purpose of
detect the presence of:
5 Manually load one new rotor and leave it seated at the lower position of the Rotor
Stack lined up to the Optical Sensor Rotor Stack Upper.
6 Check that the voltage being displayed with the rotor in place is 5.00 V (higher
than 5 Vdc on the DVM). In the meanwhile a flag on the screen shall indicate for
the presence of the rotor. Should above reading be less than 5.00 V adjust,
proceeding as follows.
7 Locate in the system Card Housing the R.E.M. Board (Board #4).
8 Connect a DVM between TP0 (GND) and TP1 (signal) as shown in the figure
below.
6 Check that the voltage being displayed, with the rotor in place is 5.00 V (higher
than 5 Vdc on the DVM). In the meanwhile a flag on the screen shall indicate for
the presence of the rotor. Should above reading be less than 5.00 V adjust,
proceeding as follows.
7 Locate in the system Card Housing the R.E.M. Board (Board #4).
8 Connect a DVM between TP0 (GND) and TP2 (signal) as shown in figure below.
11 Manually move the rotor in and out a few times and assess for proper rotor
detection. Check also that the flag toggles on the screen as rotor is being moved in
and out.
The Rotor Waste container can accommodate up to twelve used rotors (240 tests).
Following are the two conditions detected by the Optical Sensor Rotor Waste Full:
- Rotor Waste container available (until eleven rotors pile-up in the Rotor Waste
container).
- Rotor Waste container full (when twelve rotors pile-up in the Rotor Waste
container).
The system provides appropriate warning messages to the User any time that the full
condition is met.
1 Access the Service environment, then follow the route: Service, Sensor Test and
Optic Sensor Test. The instrument will initialise the motors then the screen shown
below is presented.
2 Gain access to the Rotor Waste compartment by lowering the door in bottom front
of the instrument (this test needs to be performed with the Front Cover and the
Lower Support Plate assembled).
3 Remove the Rotor Waste Container from its housing.
4 Fill the waste rotor bag with eleven rotors.
5 Accommodate the Rotor Waste Container back into its compartment.
6 Check that, in this condition, the voltage being displayed is 4.000V (accept any
value in the range 3.500 to 4.500). Should above reading be out of the specified
range then adjust, proceeding as follows.
7 Locate in the system Card Housing the R.E.M. Board (Board #4).
8 Connect a DVM between TP0 (GND) and TP3 (signal), as shown in figure below.
The Autosampler Housing is equipped with two optical sensors used to detect for
presence on the Sample Tray of primary tubes, cups, reagents or calibrators vials. Its
also equipped with the internal Barcode Assy, used to read the Patient ID labels
present on the primary tubes. Perform the two following procedure is required to
completely Check out & Adjustment the Autosampler Housing.
This procedure is designed to verify and adjust the sensitivity of the optical sensors
located on the Sample Tray compartment, which detect for presence of cups / primary
tubes or other containers.
The positions on Sample Tray covered by each sensor are as follows.
Note: Prior starting verifies that the Autosampler Movement Assy with its grey Flange
Adjustable is properly aligned (see sub-section 7.6.5 and 7.7.1).
1 Take a Sample Tray with all the positions free and place:
Note: Make sure that the cups are really new and free from any scratches.
2 Access the Service environment, place the prepared Sample Tray in its
compartment then enter Service, Sensor Test and Optical Sensor test. The system
display the screen below:
Note: Before test the 2nd ring because the adjustment made on the trimmer RV6 takes
effect also on the reading on the 1st ring. The Acquisition & Sensors Board set through
RV6 the maximum quantity of current in the Outer Sensor, that is used for both the
rings and with RV10 set the gain of the reading circuit for the 1st ring.
4 Manually rotate C.W. the Sample Tray positioning the cup (placed in the ring you
want to test) in front of the sensor.
5 Fine tune position, acting manually on the Sample Tray, to obtain the maximum
reading on the screen. In this condition system shall read according to table below.
Note: If necessary use to adjust the sensor the most critical container found locally.
6 If not adjust using the specified trimmers located on the Acquisition & Sensors
Board (see figure below), to obtain the specified value. Make sure that the Sample
Tray does not lose its position (at maximum reading) while adjusting.
7 Manually rotate the Sample Tray so that no cups are presented in front of the
Optical Sensors.
8 Verify that the screen display values as the table below.
To thoroughly assess the proper functioning of sensors through all available positions
of the Sample Tray, it is advisable to perform the Autosampler / BCR test. This is
the next test described in this sub-section.
The Autosampler / BCR (Bar Code Reader) test is designed to verify the proper reads
of Autosampler Optical Sensors and BCR under dynamic conditions.
These conditions replicate the real use during the analysis cycles. Specific Offset can be
entered to triggers an early/late reading on the optical sensors. This will compensate
for some mechanical play that may produce a small shift of the Sample Tray during
rotation.
1 On the windows like menu enter Service then Autosampler / BCR test. The system
shows the screen below and positions at home the Sample Tray.
2 Prepare a Sample Tray with all the even positions (2nd, middle ring) loaded with
new empty 2 mL cups. Make sure that the cups are really new, free from any
scratches. Place the prepared Sample Tray onboard.
3 Touch key START WITHOUT BCR. The system will perform a complete turn of
the Autosampler reporting on the screen cups presence (1 present; 0 not present)
and position.
Note: There are also other 3 columns in the result area of the screen.
The first is the Offset column.
In this SW release the algorithm used to calculate the Offset column is WRONG. At
the moment DONT use this column and sets the offset value using only the ADC
Value and the Presence columns.
The second is the ADC Value column, read on each position during the test (using
the current offset).
The last is the Bar Code Values column where is reported the value read by the BCR
on the Patient ID Barcode Label. This column is compiled only when the test starting
by touching the button START WITH BCR.
4 Assess that all the even positions on the screen report 1 for presence.
5 If any position fail then checks that the relevant cup is in good conditions, replace
the cup and repeats test. Checks also in the ADC Value column that the highest
value read for this position is close to the set point of the sensor (see the test
Autosampler Sensors Check out & Adjustment described above in this sub-
section).
6 If the problem persist then enter on the window CENTRAL RING OFFSET a
new value close to zero (the value suggested are 5 to +5) and repeat the test few
time until confident that the proper value is find.
Once achieved, unload cups from mid ring, place them on outer ring and perform this
test for the outer ring. In the end install as well bottles without label on Auxiliary Ring
(inner ring) and performs the test again.
Test functionality of the internal Bar Code Reader performing the following procedure.
1 On the windows like menu enter Service then Autosampler / BCR test. The system
shows the screen below and positions at home the Sample Tray.
2 Prepare a Sample Tray with all the even positions (2nd, middle ring) loaded with
primary tubes equipped with Bar Code Label. Make sure that the labels are valid,
in good conditions (see also Appendix B Bar Code Label specification) and
positioned toward the Bar Code Reader.
3 Place the prepared Sample Tray onboard.
4 Touch key START WITH BCR. The system will perform a complete turn of the
Autosampler reporting on the Bar Code Values column the value read by the
BCR on the Patient ID Barcode Label.
5 Assess that all the even positions on the screen report 1 for presence.
6 If any position fail then checks that the relevant primary tube label is in good
conditions, replace the primary tube and repeats test.
7 If the problem persist then enter on the window BCR OFFSET a new value and
repeat the test (move the Offset value + or 1 at any repetition). Perform any
attempts until is confident that the BCR reads correctly all primary tubes labels.
Once achieved, unload primary tubes from mid ring, place them on outer ring and
perform this test again.
Never perform the test on the two rings together or may be that a wrong offset induces
the system to assign the value of the label in position #1 to the position #2 or #40.
Note: The value reported in the Offset column is WRONG and relative to the
presence Optic Sensors and NOT to the BCR reading (see note and explanation
above).
Operator interface for each motor adjustment screens is very similar. Some exceptions
exist for the Rotor Holder Cover Motor. The functionality of the commands available
and of the most common dynamic labels is described in the following sub- section.
PRESENT PHASE
COVER SENSOR
HOME SENSOR
POSITION SENSOR
STEP DONE
Home position
Brings the stepper motor to the Encoder Home Position.
Motor Off
De-energises the motor. The motor status reported on the relevant window MOTOR
STATUS change from Energised to De-energised.
Cautions !
Operating within the Service environment no verifications are made concerning
illegal operations (e.g. conflicts with other modules), safe movements have to be
verified prior activating any key.
Listed are descriptions of the dynamic labels that are available inside each of the
Motors Adjustment screens.
This procedure is designed to verify and adjust (if required) the central phase of the
Home Position of the motor. This is to match the motor phases with the optical sensor
reading on the encoder disk. Its also possible use it to verify the functionality of the
stepper motor and of the optical sensor.
1 Turn the Instrument On. Then access the Service program main menu.
2 On the windows like menu enter Service then Motor Adjust and Rotor Motor. The
system displays the screen below.
3 On the tool bar touch the small icon of the analysis compartment cover to raise the
cover (the icon acts as a toggle switch to raise/lower the Rotor Cover).
4 Home the Rotor Motor by touching the Home Position button on the screen. The
system moves to the Home Position the Rotor Motor. The Rotor Holder cuvette
#20 is in front of the Coagulimetric Channel Optic Fibre.
5 Verify that the dynamic labels HOME SENSOR and POSITION SENSOR are
both ON.
6 With the Step Increment set to 1, repeatedly press cw arrow (or ccw arrow) button
on the screen. The status bars of both the home and position sensors show the
actual condition of optical switch (+: light; -: dark).
7 Continue to press cw (or ccw) arrow until both the status changes from light to
dark then reverse motion by touching the opposite key until the status of optical
sensors becomes dark again after the light window.
8 It is now possible to determine the width of the optical window (notch on the
encoder disk).
9 Pressing on the cw (or ccw) arrow keys move to the middle of the window
(- - - - + + + + + - - - -).
10 Check that the present phase matches the stored phase on the dynamic labels. If
phases are equal then the Rotor Motor is centred on the encoder and the test is
over. Press V to exit.
11 Else, press STORE PHASE if active. Unavailability of the STORE PHASE key
indicates an illegal condition of the Rotor Motor phase exist. Touch the cw (or
ccw) arrow key to restore a legal motor phase condition.
12 Visually inspect the Rotor Holder and confirm that the middle of the cuvette
position #20 is in front of the coagulation optic fibre.
13 If yes and if the present and stored phase are still in disagreement, touch STORE
PHASE.
14 Press V to return to the Service main menu.
This procedure is designed to verify and adjust (if required) the central phase of the
Home Position of the motor. This is to match the motor phases with the optical sensor
reading on the encoder disk. Its also possible use it to verify the functionality of the
stepper motor and of the optical sensor.
1 Turn the Instrument On. Then access the Service program main menu.
2 If the Rotor Cover Movement Assy was replaced or in any case removed and then
assembled, verify that when the Cover is closed the Encoder is the position
reported in the following drawing. If the Encoder isnt in the right position then
adjust it by loosing the two setscrews that fix the Encoders support.
Note: The upper side of the encoder have to be about 1 mm above the upper side of
the Dual Channel Optical Switch Sensor. If available use the Rotor Cover Encoder
Centring Tool P/N 190575-00.
Dual Channel
Optical Switch
3 On the windows like menu enter Service then Motor Adjust and Rotor Holder
Cover. The system displays the LCD screen below.
4 The Rotor Holder Cover sets to its intermediate position (automatic loading
position).
5 Touch the HOME POSITION key, and the Cover Motor Open the Cover until
the 36 Step.
6 Touch the STEP UP key more time until the Home and the Position Sensor are
ON (+ on the relevant status bar).
7 Continue to touch the STEP UP key and verify that the Home and the Position
Sensor going to OFF (- on the relevant status bar) at least for 2 to a maximum of 5
steps before the mechanical stop.
Note: If the steps in the OFF condition are less then 2 probably the movement of the
Rotor Cover Motor fail during the Home Position operation. That because the
Software cant recognise the end of the Home Position Windows on the Encoder.
If the steps in the OFF condition are more then 5, the Rotor Covers Home Position
is too low and is possible that during the Needles Position test the Sample Arm hits
the Rotor Cover opened. In both this two wrong conditions is needed to repeat the
procedure since the point 2.
8 Touch the HOME POSITION key and then the NEXT CW POSITION key.
9 By means of the cw arrow key, lower the cover (set Step Increments to 10 might
be appropriate initially), until it is fully closed (reduce step increments to 1 when
getting closer to the lowest position).
10 Once closed verify that the position sensor is ON (+ on the relevant status bar). It
is not necessary to set in the middle of the optical window.
11 Touch the STORE STEP key, the system will update the value.
12 Touch once the NEXT CCW POSITION to raise the cover back to the
intermediate position.
13 Once the intermediate position is reached verify that the dynamic label STEP
DONE sets to value of 0. The dynamic labels of cover, home and position sensor
should be set as specified (see table below).
Cover Position Cover Sensor Home Sensor Position Sensor Step Done
Status Status Status
Fully Open OFF ON ON -36
Intermediate OFF ON OFF 0
Closed ON OFF ON Steps Stored
14 Touch any time the NEXT CCW POSITION and the NEXT CW POSITION
until confidant that the adjustment is acceptable.
15 Touch V to return at the Service main menu screen.
This procedure is designed to verify and adjust (if required) the central phase of the
Home Position of the motor. This is to match the motor phases with the optical sensor
reading on the encoder disk. Its also possible use it to verify the functionality of the
stepper motor and of the optical sensor.
1 Turn the Instrument On. Then access the Service program main menu.
2 On the windows like menu enter Service then Motor Adjust then Sample Arm
Motors and Horiz. Sample Arm Motor. The system displays the screen below.
6 With the step increment set to 1, repeatedly press cw arrow (or ccw arrow) button
on the screen. The status bars of both the home and position sensors show the
condition of optical switch (+: light; -: dark).
7 Continue to press cw (or ccw) arrow until status changes from light to dark, then
reverse motion by touching the opposite key until the status of optical sensors
becomes dark again after the light window.
8 It is now possible to determine the width of the optical window (notch on the
encoder disk).
9 Press the arrow keys cw (or ccw) to set the position in the middle of the window
(- - - - + + + + + - - - -).
10 Check that the present phase matches the stored phase on the dynamic labels. If
phases are equal then the Sample Arm Horizontal Motor is centred on the encoder
and the test is over. Press V to exit.
11 If not press STORE PHASE if active. Unavailability of the STORE PHASE
key indicates an illegal condition of the current motor phase exist. Touch cw (or
ccw) arrow key to restore legal motor phase condition, then touch STORE
PHASE.
12 Press V to return to the Service main menu.
This procedure is designed to verify and adjust (if required) the central phase of the
Home Position of the motor. This is to match the motor phases with the optical sensor
reading on the encoder disk. Its also possible use it to verify the functionality of the
stepper motor and of the optical sensor.
1 Turn the Instrument On. Then access the Service program main menu.
2 On the windows like menu enter Service then Motor Adjust then Sample Arm
Motors and Vert. Sample Arm Motor. The system displays the screen below.
4 Touch the Home Position button on the screen. The system moves the Sample Arm
Vertical Motor until the rotation position.
5 Verify that the dynamic labels HOME SENSOR and POSITION SENSOR are
both in ON condition.
6 Touch the NEXT DOWN POSITION to lower the Sample Arm to the Reagent
picking / (Sample/Reagent) delivery position.
7 Verify that the dynamic labels HOME SENSOR and POSITION SENSOR are
respectively in OFF and ON conditions.
8 Touch once the NEXT DOWN POSITION to lower the Sample Arm to the
Sample picking position.
9 Verify that the dynamic labels HOME SENSOR and POSITION SENSOR are
respectively in ON and OFF condition.
10 Press V to return to the Service main menu.
Note: The Sample Arm Vertical Motor doesnt require phases to be stored.
This procedure is designed to verify and adjust (if required) the central phase of the
Home Position of the motor. This is to match the motor phases with the optical sensor
reading on the encoder disk. Its also possible use it to verify the functionality of the
stepper motor and of the optical sensor.
1 Turn the Instrument On. Then access the Service program main menu.
2 On the windows like menu enter Service then Motor Adjust then Autosampler
Motor. The system displays the screen below.
3 Touch the Home Position button on the screen. The system moves the
Autosampler motor until the Home Position is achieved.
4 Verify that the dynamic labels HOME SENSOR and POSITION SENSOR are
both in ON condition.
5 With the step increment set to 1, repeatedly press cw (or ccw) arrow button on the
screen. The status bars of both the home and position sensors show the actual
condition of optical switch (+: light; -: dark).
6 Continue to press cw (or ccw) until status changes from light to dark, then reverse
motion by touching the opposite key until the status of the optical sensors becomes
dark again after the light window.
7 It is now possible to determine the width of the optical window (notch on the
encoder disk).
8 Press the arrow keys cw (or ccw) to set the middle of the optical window
(- - - - + + + + + - - - -).
9 Check that the present phase matches the stored phase on the dynamic labels. If
phases are equal then the Autosampler Motor is centred on the encoder and the
test is over. Press V to exit.
10 If not press STORE PHASE if active. Unavailability of the STORE PHASE
key indicates an illegal condition of the current motor phase exist. Touch once cw
(or ccw) arrow key to restore legal motor phase condition and then touch STORE
PHASE.
11 Press V to return to the Service main menu.
This procedure is designed to verify and adjust (if required) the central phase of the
Home Position of the motor. This is to match the motor phases with the optical sensor
reading on the encoder disk. Its also possible use it to verify the functionality of the
stepper motor and of the optical sensor.
1 Turn the Instriment On. Then access the Service program main menu.
2 On the windows like menu enter Service then Motor Adjust then Dilutor Motors
and Sample / Reagent Dilutor Motor. The system displays the screen below.
3 Touch the Home Position button on the screen. The system moves the
Sample/Reagent Dilutor Motor fully upward.
4 Verify that the dynamic labels that the HOME SENSOR is in ON condition.
5 Touch the NEXT DOWN POSITION to lower the Sample/Reagent Dilutor
Motor to the full down position.
6 Verify that the dynamic labels that the HOME SENSOR is in OFF condition.
7 Press V to return to the Service main menu.
This procedure is designed to verify and adjust (if required) the central phase of the
Home Position of the motor. This is to match the motor phases with the optical sensor
reading on the encoder disk. Its also possible use it to verify the functionality of the
stepper motor and of the optical sensor.
1 Turn the Instrument On. Then access the Service program main menu.
2 On the windows like menu enter Service then Motor Adjust and Slider Motor. The
system displays the screen below.
3 Touch the Home Position button on the screen. The system moves the Rotor
Transport under the Rotor Stack.
4 Verify that the dynamic labels HOME SENSOR and POSITION SENSOR are
both in the ON condition.
5 Touch the NEXT CCW POSITION to move the Rotor Transport to the left
(rotor picking position).
6 Verify that the dynamic labels HOME SENSOR and POSITION SENSOR are
respectively in ON and OFF condition.
7 Press V to return to the Service main menu.
This procedure is designed to verify and adjust (if required) the central phase of the
Home Position of the motor. This is to match the motor phases with the optical sensor
reading on the encoder disk. Its also possible use it to verify the functionality of the
stepper motor and of the optical sensor.
1 Turn the Instrument On. Then access the Service program main menu.
2 On the windows like menu enter Service then Motor Adjust then Rotor Arm
Motors and Horiz. Rotor Arm Motor. The system displays the screen below.
This procedure is designed to verify and adjust (if required) the central phase of the
Home Position of the motor. This is to match the motor phases with the optical sensor
reading on the encoder disk. Its also possible use it to verify the functionality of the
stepper motor and of the optical sensor.
1 Turn the Instument On. Then access the Service program main menu.
2 On the windows like menu enter Service then Motor Adjust then Rotor Arm
Motors and Vert. Rotor Arm Motor. The system displays the screen below.
3 Touch the Home Position button on the screen. The system raises the Rotor Arm
to the rotation height.
4 Verify that the dynamic labels HOME SENSOR and POSITION SENSOR are
respectively in ON and OFF condition.
5 Touch the NEXT DOWN POSITION to lower the rotor arm to the bottom
position.
6 Verify that the dynamic labels HOME SENSOR and POSITION SENSOR are
both in ON condition.
7 Press V to return to the Service main menu.
Note: The Rotor Arm Vertical Motor doesnt require phases to be stored.
Autosampler assy.
Sample Arm assy.
Rotor Holder assy.
Rotor Arm assy.
Rotor Transport assy.
The Module Positioning Tests options are available under the service programs main
menu. On the windows like menu, the sequence Service - Module Positioning Test
gives access to the following operational tests:
ST SA RH Test
RA SL Test
RA RH Test
RA SL RH Test
All above modules have to properly match to each other to guarantee proper picking
and delivery of samples and reagents as well as rotors for the analysis. Should any
module loose its pre-set position (e.g. due to the fact it was dismantled and re-fitted
for service purposes) it has then to be re-adjusted to best fit. The following table
provides a summary of test to be done based upon module that was
misplaced/replaced, to restore the proper working conditions.
The Sample Arm must be aligned with respect to the needles Wash/Waste Pot and
represents the mechanical reference to the other major assemblies. It is recommended
to verify the proper positioning of the Sample Arm prior starting any position
adjustment on other modules.
In case the Sample Arm module was misplaced/replaced the following procedure needs
to be completely carried out, in other case follow it only for verification.
Materials / tools necessary for the test: - Needles Waste Centring Tool
P/N 190515-00
- Sample Arm centring tool
P/N 190513-00
- Needles Position Tool
P/N 181039-41
1 Position the Sample Arm module in place from the bottom of the system and
secure it by using the 3 black columns but without tightens.
2 Re-connect cables as required.
3 Insert the Sample Arm Centring Tool P/N 190513-00 on the shaft of the Sample
Arm Movement assy, between the shaft and the Fluidic Plate hole.
4 Tighten the 3 black columns making sure that the Sample Arm Movement shaft is
in the middle of the Fluidic Plate hole.
5 Remove the Sample Arm Centring Tool P/N 190513-00.
6 Carefully tilts up the Instrument by holding the keyboard drawer guides fold back
the two stands off then put it on the bench.
7 Replace the needles Wash/Waste Pot adapter with the Needles Waste Centring
Tool P/N 190515-00.
8 Turn On the Instrument then access at the Service program main menu.
9 On the windows like menu enter Service then Module positioning test and (ST
SA RH Test). Upon entry the system performs motors initialisation and displays
the screen below.
10 Put the Sample Arm on the Sample Arm Movement shaft (at the bottom) paying
attention to dont lose the current shaft position.
11 Manually move the Sample Arm (with the needle block assembled) over the
needles Waste/Rinse Reservoir.
12 Fine tunes in vertical position the Needles Block.
13 Adjust the Sample Arm to match the 2 needles with the 2 reference points on the
Waste Centring tool.
Note: Use the 2 screws located on the top of the aluminium support to set the depth of
the Needles Block assy (if required).
14 Sweetly tighten the 3 setscrews located at 120 on the aluminium support those
hold the Sample Arm in place.
15 Place the Needles Position Centring Tool P/N 181039-41 on the Rotor Holder.
16 Touch the key NEXT POSITION, the Sample Arm moves over the Rotor
Holder and lower to dispensing position.
17 Adjust the Needles Block height by setting the needles tip on the 2 white points of
the Needles Centring tool surface.
Note: Loose and secure the Needles Block by using the white knob located on the rear
of the Sample Arm. If during this check out is necessary moves the Rotor Holder
module position then perform the R.E.M. module positioning as described in the
section 7.7.7.
18 Remove the Wash Centring tool from the Wash/Waste Pot and refit the
Waste/Rinse Reservoir.
19 Touch the key NEXT POSITION, the Sample Arm raises, moves over the
Autosampler and lowers on the position #1 of the Sample Tray.
20 Remove the Needles Position Tool P/N 181039-41 from the Rotor Holder.
21 Touching the key NEXT POSITION the Sample Arm raises, moves over the
Rinse Waste Pot and lowers on the Rinse Waste Reservoir.
22 Visually inspect that needless are centred with respect to the Rinse Waste
Reservoir.
23 Touch the icon STOP and then Ok to return at the Service main menu.
Note: Before resume normal operation it is advisable to perform a Needle Sensor Test
as detailed in section 7.4.1.
The Autosampler must be aligned with respect to the Sample Arm. It is recommended
to verify the proper positioning of the Sample Arm prior starting any position
adjustment on other modules.
If the Autosampler module was misplaced/replaced the following procedure needs to
be completely carried out, in other case follow it only for verification.
Materials / tools necessary for the test: - 0.5 mL disposable sample cups or
primary tubes
- Sample Tray Centring Tool
P/N 190520-00
1 Position the Autosampler assy in place from the bottom of the system. Secure it by
using the 4 black column but without tightens.
2 Re-connect cables as required.
3 Tighten the 4 black columns making sure that the Autosampler shaft is in the
middle of the fluidic plate hole.
4 Install the inner ring optical sensor and lock it in place.
5 Carefully tilts up the Instrument by holding the keyboard drawer guides fold back
the two stands off then put it on the bench.
6 Put the grey Flange Adjustable in place on the top of the Autosampler movement.
Secure it by the 2 screws but without tighten (it shall still be possible to turn it by
hand).
7 Turn On the Instrument then access at the Service program main menu.
8 On the windows like menu enter Service then Module positioning test and (ST
SA RH Test). Upon entry the system performs modules initialisation and displays
the screen below.
9 Touch the key NEXT POSITION, the Sample Arm moves over to the Rotor
Holder and lower to dispensing position.
10 Load the Sample Tray with the Sample Tray Centring Tool P/N 190520-00 in the
position #1 (if not available use a 0.5 mL cup). Put it on the Flange Adjustable.
11 Touch the key NEXT POSITION again, the Sample Arm raise, move over to the
Autosampler housing and lower on the position #1 of the Sample Tray.
12 Visually inspect that Sample Needle is centred in the cup. If off-center gently turn
the Sample Tray to achieve best fit.
Note: May be that the Sample Needle is not in the middle of the cup but is close to the
cup surface (on the left/right side).
In this case is required to adjust the Autosampler Movement position by loosing the 4
black columns, move the Autosampler to achieve best fit and then tighten the 4 black
columns again.
Visually inspect that (with the Sample Tray inside) the distance between the Sample
Tray and the external wall of the Autosampler housing never change along the
circumference (about 2mm).
Its also advisable to test the middle and inner rings positions (#2 and A1) by using
together the Motor Adjust options for the Autosampler and for the Sample Arm
Horizontal Motor. During this test on #1, #2 and A1 is not possible align the entire 3
positions perfectly, so is enough find a proper position that fits correctly.
13 Touch the toggle key TO RAISE / LOWER ARM, the Sample Arm moves up
and down. Repeat the operation to verify proper centring.
14 With the Sample Arm fully raised and paying attention that you are not moving the
Flange Adjustable from current position, remove the Sample Tray and tighten the
two fixing screws.
15 Refit the Sample Tray with the cup in position #1 and assess that Sample Needle is
centred (if uncensored repeat last few operations).
16 Once proper matching is achieved touch the icon STOP and then Ok to return
at the Service main menu.
The Rotor Holder must be aligned with respect to the Sample Arm. It is recommended
to verify the proper positioning of the Sample Arm prior starting any position
adjustment on other modules.
If the Rotor Holder module was misplaced/replaced the following procedure needs to
be completely carried out, in other case follow it only for verification.
Materials / tools necessary for the test: - Needles Position Tool P/N 181039-41
- Disposable rotor
1 Put the Rotor Holder assy in place from the bottom of the system. Secure it by
using the 3 black columns but without tighten.
2 Re-connect cables and optic fibres as required.
3 Carefully tilts up the Instrument by holding the keyboard drawer guides fold back
the two stands off then put it on the bench.
4 Turn On the Instrument then access at the Service program main menu.
5 On the windows like menu enter Service then Module positioning test and (ST
SA RH Test). Upon entry the system performs the modules initialisation and
displays the screen below.
6 Place the Needles Position Tool P/N 181039-41 on the Rotor Holder.
7 Touch the key NEXT POSITION, the Sample Arm raise, moves over the Rotor
Holder and lower to dispensing position.
8 Adjust the Rotor Holder position to achieve best fits between the needles tip and
the 2 white points on the Needles Centring tool surface then tighten the 3 black
columns.
9 Touch the toggle key TO RAISE / LOWER ARM, the Sample Arm will move up
and down. Repeat this operation to insure proper centring.
10 Once proper matching is achieved Touch the icon STOP and then Ok to
return at the Service main menu.
Note: Once Rotor Holder has been centred with respect to the Sample Arm then
perform verification against the R.E.M. (see sub-section 7.7.7. for the details).
Before resume normal operation it is advisable to perform a Needle Sensor Test as
detailed in the sub-section 7.4.1 and a Needles Block Assy positioning test available in
the Diagnostic menu using a plastic rotor (see sub-section 7.7.4).
This test has the purpose of Adjust/Verify the Needles Block Position every time that
is needed (Replacement, Maintenance, accidental hit or for service action).
WARNING !
BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS EXIST. Avoid touching, with bare hands, any parts
of the system which may have come in contact with potentially infectious fluids.
ALWAYS wear gloves when performing any type of Maintenance/Service action
on this area.
1 Turn the Instrument On. Then access the Analytical Main Program.
2 On the tool bar touch the small icon of the Analysis Compartment Cover to
raise the cover (the icon acts as a toggle switch to raise/lower the Rotor
Cover).
3 On the windows like menu enter Diagnostic then Needles Position. The system
initialises the Sample Arm, the Rotor Holder and displays the screen below.
4 Pushing the Rotor Holder Snap Button, properly insert the Needles Centring
Tool with the side A facing up.
Re fe re n c e Dots
A
5 Press Raise/Lower Arm. The Sample Arm is lowered over the Rotor Holder.
6 Using the knob located on the rear of the Sample Arm adjust the height of the
Needles Block so that the needles tip come in touch with the upper surface of
the Needles Position Tool. During this operation pay attention to put them in
vertically position.
7 Secures the Needles Block by tightening the relevant knob without lose the
current position.
8 Make sure that the needles tip match with the 2 reference dots of the tool. If
the needles tip dont match then verify the Sample Arm and the Rotor Holder
positioning as described in the section 7.7.
9 Once the Needles Block adjustment with the tool is achieved, press the
Raise/Lower Arm button. The arm is raised and so its possible remove the
Needles Centring Tool.
10 Pushing the Rotor Holder Snap Button, properly insert a brand new plastic
rotor.
11 Press Raise/Lower Arm. The Sample Arm is lowered over the plastic rotor on
the Rotor Holder.
12 Visually inspect for the proper position of the needles in the centre of the 2
holes of the cuvette.
13 Press Raise/Lower Arm. The Sample Arm is raised so that by touching the
Rotate button (now active) the plastic rotor on the Rotor Holder is rotated (90
for each touch).
14 Its advisable repeat the 3 last steps to be sure that in the 4 main test position
(cuvette 1,6,11 and 16) the Needles Block adjustment is acceptable.
Note: The needles alignment may not be identical in the 4 rotor cuvettes. If while
carrying out the previously steps the needles not enter a port of the rotor or if Sample
Needle was found to the right of the centre in any one cuvette (see example C in figure
below), it must be readjusted.
A B C
Sample probe centred
or biased Left
15 When confident in a good needles adjustment press the red Stop icon on the
tool bar and confirm the operation with OK to end the test.
The Rotor Stack must be aligned with the Rotor Transport. Both the Rotors Stack and
the Rotor Transport are sub-assemblies of the R.E.M. (Rotor Exchange Module). The
R.E.M. itself is aligned with the Rotor Holder assy.
This procedure is designed to center the Rotor Stack to the Rotor Transport.
Materials / tools necessary for the test: - Rotor Stack Centring Tool
P/N 190501-01
- Disposable rotor
1. Turn On the Instrument then access the Service program main menu.
2. Fill the Rotor Stack with new rotors.
3. On the windows like menu enter Service then Module Positioning Test.
4. During the test visually inspect for the proper fitting of the following rotors from
the Rotor Stack on the Rotor Transport.
5. If the Rotor Transport results not aligned then loosen the 3 locking screws that
secure the Rotor Stack (located below the R.E.M. support Plate).
6. Gently move the Rotor Stack assembly to obtain best alignment using the Rotor
Stack Centring Tool P/N 190501-01 (if available).
7. Secure the Rotors Stacks in place by tighten the 3 locking screws again.
8. Verify the proper position of the Rotor Stack repeating the test until confidant that
adjustment is acceptable.
Note: The Rotor Stack Cover Sensor needs to feel the presence of the magnet in the
cover to perform the test correctly (use an external magnet).
The Rotor Arm assy must be aligned with respect to the Rotor Transport assy. Both
the Rotor Arm assy and the Rotor Transport are sub-assemblies of the R.E.M. (Rotor
Exchange Module). The R.E.M. must be aligned to the Rotor Holder assy.
If the Rotor Arm was misplaced/replaced the following procedure needs to be
completely carried out, in other case follow it only for verification.
Materials / tools necessary for the test: - Rotor Arm Centring Tool
P/N 190503-00
- Disposable rotor
1 Turn On the Instrument and access at the Service program main menu.
2 On the windows like menu enter Service then Motor Adjust and Slider Motor.
Touch in sequence Home Position then Next CCW Position. Touch V to
return at Service main menu and touch NO on the dialog box De-energise
motor?
3 Put the Rotor Arm alignment bushing on Rotor Transport.
4 On the windows like menu perform the sequence Service Motor Adjust Rotor
Arm Motors Rotor Arm Horiz. Motor. Touch in sequence Home Position,
then touch V to return to service main menu and NO on the dialog box De-
energise motor?.
5 On the windows like menu enter Service then Motor Adjust then Rotor Arm
Motors and Rotor Arm Vert. Motor. The system displays the screen below.
6 Touch the key Home Position .Now both the Rotor Arm and the Transport
motors are initialised.
7 Install now the Rotor Arm on its shaft (do not tight the 3 setscrews). Raise the
analysis compartment cover by touching the relevant icon on the screen tool bar.
8 Touch on the current value of the window Chose Step Increment. The value
goes in reverse video.
9 Press Canc on the main keyboard to delete the value. Key in 50 as new value.
10 Press the cw arrow in the left bottom side of the screen. The Rotor Arm will lower
by 50 steps.
11 Repeat last operation as many times as necessary to lower the Rotor Arm to the
Rotor Arm alignment bushing (in the meantime visually inspect for best fit, if
necessary manually guide the Rotor Arm paying attention to dont move the shaft
from the previously set position).
12 Once the Rotor Arm is lowered and matching achieved tight the 2 screws on the
Rotor Arm aluminium support.
13 Gently tight the 3 setscrew paying attention to dont move the shaft from the
previously set position.
Note: Its important that the 3 setscrews arent tighten too much (use only 2 fingers
tips) or is possible that any problem comes out the next time that is needed remove the
Rotor Arm.
Its also advisable tight only 1 or 2 setscrews at the moment enough to fix the Rotor
Arm position.
14 The adjustment is now complete, press V to return to service main menu. Touch
YES on the dialog box De-energise motor?
15 Remove the alignment bushing and place a new rotor on the Rotor Transport.
16 On the windows like menu enter Service then Module Positioning Test and RA
SL Test.
17 The instrument exercises the Rotor Arm and Rotor Transport in sequence. Let the
system operate for a suitable number of cycles and verify for proper matching,
touch Abort once confident that adjustment is acceptable.
The Rotor Exchange Module is a major assembly that incorporates Rotor Stack, Rotor
Transport and Rotor Arm assy. The R.E.M. must be aligned with respect to the Rotor
Holder.
1 Turn On the Instrument then access at the Service program main menu.
2 On the windows like menu enter Service then Motor Adjust then Rotor Arm
Motors and Rotor Arm Vert. Motor. Touch Home Position, and then touch V
to return to service main menu. Touch NO on the dialog box De-energise
motor?
3 Raise the Rotor Cover by touching the relevant icon on the screen tool bar.
4 On the windows like menu enter Service then Motor Adjust then Rotor Motor.
Touch Home Position, and then touch V to return to service main menu.
Touch NO on the dialog box De-energise motor?
5 On the windows like menu enter Service then Motor Adjust then Rotor Arm
Motors and Rotor Arm Horiz. Motor. Touch in sequence Home Position, Next
CCW Position. Touch V to return to service main menu. Touch NO on the
dialog box De-energise motor?
6 On the windows like menu enter Service then Motor Adjust then Rotor Arm
Motors and Rotor Arm Vert. Motor. The system displays the screen below.
7 Touch Home Position and then on the current value of the window Chose Step
Increment. The value goes in reverse video.
8 Press Canc. on the main keyboard to delete the value. Key in 50 as new value.
9 Press the cw arrow in the left bottom side of the screen. The Rotor Arm will lower
by 50 steps.
10 Repeat last operation as many times as necessary to lower the Rotor Arm down
until it actuates the Rotor Holder Snap mechanism located in the center of the
Rotor Holder. Visually inspect for best matching.
11 If off center loosen the 5 R.E.M. locking screws located over the Fluidic Plate,
gently move the whole R.E.M. assembly to obtain the best matching then secure
the R.E.M. in place again.
12 The adjustment is now complete, press V to return to service main menu. Touch
YES on the dialog box De-energise motor?.
13 Manually load a new rotor on the Rotor Holder.
14 On the windows like menu enter Service then Module Positioning Test and RA
RH Test.
15 The instrument exercises the Rotor Arm performing repeated picking/loading of
rotor from/to the Rotor Holder. Let the system operate for a suitable number of
cycles and verify for proper operation, touch Abort once confident that
adjustment is acceptable.
Note: While performing RA-RH test check that rotor is carried freely to/from the
Rotor Holder. Should the rotor touch the fluidic plate during the motion then follow
the Rotor Arm Tilt Adjustment procedure as detailed in section 7.7.8.
If during the Rotor Arm movement the rotor carried touch the Fluidic Plate, is needed
to repeat the Rotor Arm Centring procedure as described in the sub-section 7.7.6 with
an additional operation at the point 13. Before tighten the 3 setscrews put the
aluminium support at the top of the shaft housing (about 2 mm over) to lift up the
Rotor Arm.
If the problem persists it can be solved also with the tilt up of the Rotor Arm through
the setscrew located below the electromagnet pin.
To tilt up the Rotor Arm proceed as follows:
Se tscrew
located under
electromagnet shaft
3 Loosen a little the 2 cap screws that hold the Rotor Arm in place.
4 Turn cw the setscrew to raise the Rotor Arm and obtain best condition (inserting a
rotor in the Rotor Arm and then, with the vertical motor raised, inspecting the
distance from the bottom of the rotor and the Fluidic Plate).
5 Tighten the 2 cap screws that hold the Rotor Arm on the aluminium support.
6 Replace the Rotor Arm Electromagnet paying attention to the distance of the
magnet and the run of the pin (too close dont open enought; too far jam and dont
close).
7 Perform the R.E.M. self test as detailed in section 7.7.9. to insure proper fit.
The Rotor Exchange Module is a major assembly that incorporates the Rotor Stack,
Rotor Transport and Rotor Arm. The R.E.M. must be aligned to the Rotor Holder.
The procedure is detailed in section 7.7.7.
This test is designed to verify the proper alignment of the major sub-assembles of the
Rotor Exchange Module and the Rotor Holder.
1 Turn On the Instrument then access at the Service program main menu.
2 Load a stack of 10 new rotors in the Rotor Stack.
3 Empty the Rotor Waste container and place it back onto its housing.
4 On the windows like menu enter Service then Module positioning test and RA
SL RH test.
5 The instrument initialises the motors of the R.E.M., the Rotor Holder and the
Rotor Cover.
6 Once initialisation is completed the system starts loading / unloading rotors until
the stack of rotors is exhausted.
Note: If the R.E.M. cover is open or is out of place then the Rotor Stack Cover Sensor
detects this conditions and the system, for safety purposes, dont allows opening at the
Rotor Stack Upper Electro-Magnet. To obviate at this situation and achieve a good
visual inspection without the R.E.M. Cover, put a little magnet on the magnetic sensor
(try both the 2 sides of the magnet to find the proper polarisation).
7 Visually inspect for proper movement of rotors. If any problem is present then
perform the relevant check out and adjustment procedure.
This test is designed to verify the overall system precision. The test is automatically
performed by the instrument by performs three series of six replicates each solution at
three different concentrations (undiluted, diluted 1/2 and diluted 1/4).
CV % are then calculated for each series, and reported on the screen. The test can be
configured for one Channel (Coagulimetric / Chromogenic) and one dilutor (sample /
reagent) at a time. Any imprecision of the system could be generated either by the
fluidics system (Fluidic parts obstruction, Electro-Valves, air bubbles and/or dilutors
compensation value) or by the optical system (light sources and/or detectors).
Note: Should this test fail, it would be advisable to perform the Optical channel
check out and adjustment procedure to verify the system optics. If the system optics
pass the tests then troubleshoot the fluidic system.
Following are described the procedures to test the Reagent Dilutor with both the
Coagulimetric and Chromogenic Channels.
Note: To test the Sample Dilutor with both Channels, sets the Loading Type with
Sample Dilutor. The only additional operation required is to exchanges temporary
(only for the duration of the test with the Sample Dilutor) the two fluidic tubes that are
connected to the Needles Block.
Precaution
Make sure that the instrument has been turned On for at least 20 minutes (warm-up of
light source and thermoregulation) prior going through the following procedure:
4 Select on the screen Coagulimetric on the left window and Reagent Dilutor on
the right window.
5 Load 4 ml of Wash-Reference Emulsion into a clean, empty 4 mL reagent vial and
places it with its adapter in the reagent position R1.
6 Load 4 ml of distilled water into a clean, empty 4 mL reagent vial and places it with
its adapter in the reagent position R4.
7 Place a brand new rotor into the analysis compartment.
8 Press Start in Manual Rotor Loading. The instrument will load the rotor cuvettes
picking the Wash-Reference Emulsion and the distilled water from the reagent vials
by using the reagent needle and the Reagent Dilutor.
9 Wait for the completion of rotor loading and acquisition cycle then verify that the
following results are obtained.
Precaution
Make sure that the instrument has been turned On for at least 20 minutes (warm-up of
light source and thermoregulation) prior going through the following procedure:
4 Select on the screen Chromogenic on the left window and Reagent Dilutor on
the right window.
5 Take the content of two vials (4 mL) with PNA concentration 160 mol/L (taken
from the kit P/N 97579-50) into a clean, empty 4 mL reagent vial with their Dark
Blue adapters and place it in reagent position R1.
6 Load 4 ml of distilled water into a clean, empty 4 mL reagent vial and places it with
its adapter in reagent position R4.
7 Place a new rotor into the analysis compartment.
8 Press Start in Auto Rotor Loading. The instrument will load the rotor cuvettes
picking the PNA and the distilled water from the reagent vials, by using the reagent
needle and Reagent Dilutor.
9 Wait for the completion of rotor loading and acquisition cycle, then verify that the
following results are obtained:
This test is designed to verify and/or adjust the overall accuracy of the dispensation of
the dilution system. The accuracy of the dispensation is verified by means of a special
tool called Graduated Capillary. It allows a visual verification of the volumes being
delivered.
The test can be performed using distilled water, however as the results are based on
visual inspection of liquid being actually drawn into the capillary, a dye based aqueous
material works better. If an inaccuracy is found a correction can be made through the
system software introducing either a positive or a negative offset.
Materials / tools necessary for the test: - Graduated Capillary Kit P/N 82589-00
- Small beaker (10 ml) or other suitable
container.
- Distilled water (or dye based aqueous
solution).
1 Prepare a small beaker with a few ml of either distilled water or a dye based
aqueous solution (if available).
2 Gain access to the service program menu.
3 On the windows like menu enter Diagnostic then Priming. The system performs a
fluidic priming cycle.
4 Once the priming is over go through the sequence Service then Dilutors Test then
Volume Check and Sample Dilutor/Reagent Dilutor. The system presents the
screen below.
5 Disconnect the Sample/Reagent needle tubing (the tubes on the Needles Block)
and connect it to a Graduated Capillary (connect the capillary to the upper tubing
to test the Sample Dilutor line or to the lower tubing to test the Reagent Dilutor
line).
6 While holding the capillary above a small beaker out of the liquid press Start.
The system will perform a short prime cycle (to fill the capillary) followed by a re-
aspiration. At this time an air bubble is withdrawn in the Graduated Capillary and a
dialogue box is presented on the screen
7 Deeps the Graduated Capillary into the distilled water then presses OK.
8 The system aspirates about 10 L of water or a dye based aqueous solution (if
available) into the capillary. Verify that the head of the liquid sets between the two
upper marks of the Graduated Capillary.
9 After 10 seconds the instrument will automatically deliver most of the content out
of the Graduated Capillary.
10 Check that liquid remains sets between the two lower marks of the Graduated
Capillary (more closed to the middle as possible). In this condition (dispensed
volume within range) no adjustments are needed, but if the liquid sets above or
below the two lines then a correction is required. The correction can be entered in
the window Select Correction Value.
11 Increase value if too much water stays in the Graduated Capillary at the end of step
9 (dispensed volume insufficient), while decrease value if the water is too close or
below the lowest mark on the Graduated Capillary (dispensed volume too high).
12 Repeat test to assure that entered value achieves proper volume dispensing.
13 If value has changed with respect to the original setting, record the new value on
the paper label located on the right side of the instrument.
14 Press V to exit, remove the Graduated Capillary and refit tubing to the
Sample/Reagent needle.
Up p e r Re fe re n c e lin e s
Lo w e r Re fe re n c e lin e s
A sp ira tio n Le v e l
This procedure is designed to verify the functionality of the Rotor Holder Cover
Sensor.
Note: To work properly, this sensor needs correct assemblies and the presence of its
permanent magnet. This is placed inside the Rotor Cover Assembly and must be
correctly polarised.
This procedure is designed to verify the functionality of the Rotor Stack Cover Sensor.
Note: To work properly, this sensor needs the presence of a permanent magnet. Its
placed inside the Rotor Stack Cover and must be correctly polarised.
This sensor doesnt need adjustments because works with a digital output signal (On
or Off).
3 Open the Rotor Waste compartment door and verify the presence of the Rotor
Waste Container (if absent put it in place) then close the door.
4 Check that on the Rotor Waste Presence Switch line there is displayed a V.
5 Open the Rotor Waste compartment door and remove the Rotor Waste Container
then close the door.
6 Check that on the Rotor Waste Presence Switch line is disappeared the V.
7 Press V to exit.
Note: This sensor doesnt need electronic adjustments because works with a digital
output signal (On or Off).
In the first software revision this option is not available and the check is made directly
on the WASTE status displayed in the Material Map screen during the analysis.
WASTE Open meaning that the Rotor Waste Container is not present, WASTE
Full or not Full meaning that the Container is present and its status full/available).
Note: Prior starting procedures its advisable remove the Metallic Drain located
between the Dilutors Module and the Switching Power Supply.
Note: The trimmers are located on the Switching Power Supply in the zone under the
CPU Master Board. To gain access to them is required the Instrument Turn Off and
the removal of the entire CPU Master package (CPU Master, PC104 and HDD).
6 If there are voltages Out of Range, try to check the S.P.S. Board without loads. If
without loads the problem persists then replace the S.P.S. Board.
Note: The S.P.S. Board has many protection circuits on board (see sub-section
3.3.10). When one of them is activated the S.P.S. enter in Protection Mode (Turn
Off all the voltages and put the LED DL1 On).
Materials / tools necessary for the test: - Touch Screen Calibration Tool
P/N190574-00
Note: If the Touch Screen Calibration Tool is not available then its advisable use an
object with the tip rounded. Dont use any object that can damage the Touch Screen
surface.
Note: During the calibration procedure any error may occur or the time out to touch
the proper red rectangle on the screen has expired (15 seconds). In this case a windows
appears with inside the information that the touch screen calibration is aborted. In this
condition the Touch Screen is out of order and is needed to use the TAB key (or the
mouse if available) to select the Retry button and then press the Enter key. Repeat the
entire procedure until the Touch Screen is successfully calibrated.
This test is designed to verify the functionality of the Modem interface serial port.
Materials / tools necessary for the test: - RS 232 C Interface Check Connector
P/N 99211-01
- RS 232 C Interface Check Connector
Adapter P/N 71467-70
Note: If the RS 232 C Interface Check Connector and its Adapter are not available
then its advisable use the customised 9 Pin Check Connector (Female) as reported in
the section 6.2 Service Tools.
3 Touch the little arrow on the side of test name then select the RS 232
Modem HW loop option.
4 Press Continue.
5 A window appears with inside the instruction Please install RS 232 Check
Connector on Modem serial port.
6 Properly install the RS 232 C Check Connector with the RS 232 C Check
Connector Adapter on the Modem serial port.
7 Press Start.
8 The next window with the results may be Test Passed or Test Failed. In
case that the test is failed then is needed to troubleshoot the Modem serial
line.
9 Press OK to exit.
Note: In case of the result Test Failed then investigates on the Interface Board, the
Flat Cable and on the CPU Master & PC104 Boards.
This test is designed to verify the functionality of the Mouse interface serial port.
Materials / tools necessary for the test: - RS 232 C Interface Check Connector
P/N 99211-01
- RS 232 C Interface Check Connector
Adapter P/N 71467-70
Note: If the RS 232 C Interface Check Connector and its Adapter are not available
then its advisable use the customised 9 Pin Check Connector (Female) as reported in
the section 6.2 Service Tools.
3 Touch the little arrow on the side of test name then select the RS 232 Mouse HW
loop option.
4 Press Continue.
5 A window appears with inside the instruction Please install RS 232 Check
Connector on Mouse serial port.
6 Properly install the RS 232 C Check Connector with the RS 232 C Check
Connector Adapter on the Mouse serial port.
7 Press Start.
8 The next window with the results may be Test Passed or Test Failed. In case
that the test is failed then is needed to troubleshoot the Mouse serial line.
9 Press OK to exit.
Note: In case of the result Test Failed then investigates on the Interface Board, the
Flat Cable and on the CPU Master & PC104 Boards.
This test is designed to verify the functionality of the Host interface serial port.
Materials / tools necessary for the test: - RS 232 C Interface Check Connector
P/N 99211-01
- RS 232 C Interface Check Connector
Adapter P/N 71467-70
Note: If the RS 232 C Interface Check Connector and its Adapter are not available
then its advisable use the customised 9 Pin Check Connector (Female) as reported in
the section 6.2 Service Tools.
3 Touch the little arrow on the side of test name then select the RS 232 Host HW
loop option.
4 Press Continue.
5 A window appears with inside the instruction Please install RS 232 Check
Connector on Host serial port.
6 Properly install the RS 232 C Check Connector with the RS 232 C Check
Connector Adapter on the Host serial port.
7 Press Start.
8 The next window with the results may be Test Passed or Test Failed. In case
that the test is failed then is needed to troubleshoot the Host serial line.
9 Press OK to exit.
Note: In case of the result Test Failed then investigates on the Interface Board, the
Flat Cable and on the CPU Master & PC104 Boards.
This test is designed to verify the functionality of the Bar Code interface serial port.
Materials / tools necessary for the test: - Tested External Bar Code Reader
Connect the External Bar Code reader to the relevant port on the rear of the
instrument then use it to compile a new Loadlist.
If a Tested External Bar Code Reader is not available then its advisable use the
customised 9 Pin Check Connector (Male) reported in the section 6.2 Service Tools
and follow the procedure below.
2 On the windows like menu enter Service then Interfaces Test. The instrument
shows the screen below.
3 Touch the little arrow on the side of test name then select the RS 232 Bar Code
HW loop option.
4 Press Continue.
5 A window appears with inside the instruction Please install RS 232 Check
Connector on Bar Code serial port.
6 Properly install the customised RS 232 C Check Connector.
7 Press Start.
8 The next window with the results may be Test Passed or Test Failed. In case
that the test is failed then is needed to troubleshoot the Bar Code serial line.
9 Press OK to exit.
Note: In case of the result Test Failed then investigates on the Interface Board, the
Flat Cable and on the CPU Master & PC104 Boards.
This test is designed to verify the functionality of the Parallel Printer interface parallel
port.
Materials / tools necessary for the test: - External Printer Cable P/N 84864-50
- PC Standard Parallel Printer
(ESCP2 / PCL5 Protocols compatible)
Before turn on the Instrument connect through the External Printer Cable the PC
Standard Parallel Printer.
1 Turn on the Instrument then gain access to the Service program menu.
2 On the windows like menu enter Service then Interfaces Test. The instrument
shows the screen below.
3 Touch the little arrow on the side of test name then select the Parallel Printer
option.
4 Press Continue.
5 A window appears with inside the instruction Please connect an external printer
on the parallel printer port.
6 Turn on the printer and verify the presence of the paper inside then put the printer
On Line.
7 Press Continue.
8 The next window with the results may be Printer Test Passed or Printer Test
Failed. In case that the test is failed then is needed to troubleshoot the Parallel
Printer line.
9 Visually inspect the print out of the External Printer in order to detect data
transmission problem.
10 Press OK to exit.
Note: In case of the result Test Failed or Wrong print out then investigates on the
Interface Board, the Flat Cable and on the CPU Master & PC104 Boards.
Materials / tools necessary for the test: - Temperature Probe P/N 70954-00
Note: Before perform this check procedure make sure that the Instrument is turn on at
least for 30 minutes.
3 Verify that all the devices are in the proper range of Temperature.
Note: If the System detects a temperature out of range, after few seconds raise a
warning and the temperature is displayed in red colour. If the Instrument is Turn on
only from few minutes or there is a problem on a specific device then the temperature
may be far in respect to its range.
In this case the temperature is displayed with when is too low or with * * *
when is too high in respect to its working range.
Important: May be that analytical problem, relevant with the Rotor Holder
temperature occurring. In this case using the Temperature Probe P/N 70954-00 is
possible to check the truthful temperature inside the analysis plastic rotor. The relevant
test is described with the tool in the section 6.2 Service Tools.
A specific Fan Control Board with onboard a temperature detector is also present. This
board provides power to the Peltier Fan that is always working and turns on the
Auxiliary Fan when the temperature of the air around the board exceed the 36 C (over
36 C turn on the Auxiliary Fan, under the 34 C turn off the Auxiliary Fan).
The functionality of this board may be tested using a hair-drier.
The maintenance of the Air Filter is very important for the maximum efficiency of the
internal air cooling system.
Note: The inefficiency of the internal air cooling system may be critical for the
Switching Power Supply Board. That is provided of a temperature control circuit
which raise before a temperature warning (over 60 C) and then shut down the
Instrument if the temperature exceed the 75 C.
Materials / tools necessary for the test: - 1,44 MB Floppy Disk formatted
Note: If a 1,44 MB Floppy Disk formatted is not available its possible format a new
one with a Personal Computer with standard operative system (DOS / Windows).
2 On the windows like menu enter Service then Floppy Disk Drive Test. The
instrument shows the screen below.
3 At the beginning of the floppy presence test verify that there arent floppy disk
in the Floppy Disk Drive (or remove if needed).
4 Press Continue.
5 A window appears with inside the message Operation in progress. Please
wait.
6 In case of test failure, a window appears with inside the message Disk present
in drive. Extract floppy before proceed.
7 At the beginning of the floppy write protected test insert a write protect floppy
disk in the Floppy Disk Drive.
8 Press Continue.
9 A window appears with inside the message Operation in progress. Please
wait.
10 In case of test failure, a window appears with inside the message The inserted
Floppy disk is not write protected.
11 At the beginning of the floppy usability test insert a formatted empty floppy
disk in the Floppy Disk Drive.
12 Press Continue.
13 A window appears with inside the message Operation in progress. Please
wait then another window with the test progress bar is displayed. In the end
another window appears with inside the message Floppy disk drive test
successfully completed.
14 In case of test failure, a window appears with inside the message Usability
floppy disk test failed (on creating file)!.
15 Press OK and then Cancel to exit.
Note: In any case of tests failure result then investigates on the Floppy Disk Drive, the
Flat Cable and on the CPU Master Board.
3 Verify that all the Software releases are in the last versions available.
4 Press V to exit.
Note: The Master and the IL Library software release displayed are the current stored
in the HDD, while the Slave and the REM software release displayed are relevant to
the software stored in the boards memories (Boards #2 and #4).
If for troubleshooting purposes the current Slave Board #2 or REM Board #4 are
replaced its required to perform the Upgrade procedure. Thats in order to program
the new board memories with the last software revision that is Uploaded in the Hard
Disk Drive. Only after the Upgrade procedure then the last software revision will
working in the boards.
If a new software revision is available then follow the Upload and the Upgrade
procedure in order to replace (before in the HDD with the Upload and then on the
Board with the Upgrade) the old software present in the instrument with the brand new
one in the Upgrade Kits. Thats for the 3 main software (Master, Slave and REM)
while to upgrade the IL Library software follows the upgrade procedure described in
the sub-section 7.16.5.
This sub-section clarifies the sequence of operation required to perform the Upload
and Upgrade for the Master, Slave and REM software.
The system is provided with a Hard Disk Drive where during the Upload is stored the
software loaded from the floppy disks.
Then during the Upgrade procedure the loaded software replaces the old one and
become operative at the next turn on.
Note: Its very important that each procedure is individually performed. Perform all the
3 Uploads and then select all the 3 Upgrades may generate confusion in the sequence
with the results that any software will not upgraded.
Software Master
Software Slave
Software REM
Software Master
This procedure is designed to install a new Master software release for the Instrument.
Materials / tools necessary for the test: - Software System Disk Kit
P/N 181812-75
8 The Upload procedure is ended and the instrument shows a window with inside
wrote, Upload code completed. To continue the Upgrade software, please
select the Upgrade option.. Press OK to continue.
9 On the windows like menu enter Utility then Software, SW Upgrade, SW
Master and Upgrade.
10 The instrument shows a window with inside wrote, Upgrade Master code
selected. Do you confirm?. Press Yes to continue.
11 The instrument shows a window with inside wrote Upgrade in progress
and an operation in progress bar.
12 When the progress bar is full the instrument shows a window where with inside
wrote, Upgrade code completed. To continue switch the system Off, wait few
seconds and switch it back On.. Now, the software is freeze and the only
possible operation is to switch Off and then On the Instrument.
13 After the turn On, verify the new software release follows the software
identification procedure.
Software Slave
This procedure is designed to install a new Slave software release for the Instrument.
Materials / tools necessary for the test: - Software System Disk Kit
P/N 181812-75
system test the Slave software with the result that it is invalidate. So the system
proceed to replace it with the new one uploaded in three steps.
12 The first step to upgrade the software on the Slave Board #2 is show in the
window Erase Flash Memory in progress Please wait! with the relevant
operation in progress bar.
13 The second step show in the window Upgrade Slave code in progress Please
wait! with the relevant operation in progress bar.
14 The third and last step shows in the window Init Slave code in progress Please
wait!. After that the Init System continue normally without other interruption.
15 After the Log-In verifies the new software release follows the software
identification procedure.
Software REM
This procedure is designed to install a new REM software release for the Instrument.
Materials / tools necessary for the test: - Software System Disk Kit
P/N 181812-75
13 After the Log-In verifies the new software release follows the software
identification procedure.
This sub-section is designed to clarify the action that is possible do in case that is
present an issue on databases as well as to perform Databases checks.
If the Checking Database during the Init System phase (at Turn On) detects a problem
then the system shows the following menu.
Database check reported some errors. Please select one of these options.
If this option is selected then the system proceeds with the restore of the last valid
database saved.
Caution! That means that all the data and modification stored from the last self-backup
(on date and time) to now will be lost!
If this option is selected then the system proceeds showing the message System
halted. You can safely turn off ACL.
If this option is selected then the system proceeds with the Init System.
Caution! Is possible that after the Init System the instrument is halted with a database
failure message. This depends from a big problem in the instrument database and the
access to the Operator Main Program is denied. In this case the only chance is turn off
and then on again the instrument, and chose 1 (Restore last saved database) in the
menu.
Caution! If, after the Init System, is possible gain access to the Service Program then
its advisable try to perform an Archive of all the data not saved yet (QC, AR,
Calibrations and Patient data) and also a Backup of the system configuration (if an
other one is not available) as described in the sub-section 7.16.4.
After this, on the windows like menu enter Service then DataBases Check.
The system shows a window where is possible select one of the four following option.
If also through this menu its impossible recover Data and/or Setup configuration then
Log-Out, switch off and then On the Instrument and in the menu select the option 1
Restore last saved Database.
This sub-section is designed to provide information about the Backup / Restore of the
system configuration.
The following procedure allows to the service engineer to save on a floppy disk the
current configuration of the instrument with the purpose to create a backup copy that
may be restored in the future on the same but also on other instruments.
The databases that will be saved contain information about the setup of:
Liquids
Tests
Profile
QC
AR
Interface configuration
System configuration
Following is the procedure is to restore the backup data file on the instrument.
Touching the button View Backup Date is also possible check the date of the
Backup file on the disk without proceed with the Restore.
For all the tests updated in the databases with a new revision the calibration, AR, QC
and patients data will be lost. In the end of the operation the system provide to the
service engineer / customer the list of all the data erased.
8 System Interfacing
This section provides the main information related to the configuration of the
instrument interface for the communication with external devices.
The devices that are possible connecting to the instrument are following.
8.1 Keyboard
8.2 External Parallel Printer
8.3 Network
8.4 Modem
8.5 Mouse
8.6 Host Computer
8.7 External Bar Code Reader
8.1 Keyboard
On the windows like menu select Setup then Interfaces and Keyboard. The
system displays the screen below.
The window in this screen allows configuring the ACL 9000 PC standard keyboard for
the language and layout used. Also the enabling of the on-screen keypad is
configurable by selecting:
8.3 Network
Not supported in this Software Revision.
8.4 Modem
Not supported in this Software Revision.
8.5 Mouse
The mouse may be used as a selecting device in place of touching the screen.
At the turn on, during the Init. System phases, the instrument checks on the proper
serial port also for the presence of standard serial mouse.
If the mouse is detected then the relevant arrow appears on the display.
If the mouse is connected after the Init. System phases then the instrument will not
detected it until the next turn on.
The window in this screen allows configuring of Host Computer interface selecting:
The following table provides information regarding the wiring of the interconnection
cable between the ACL and Host Computer.
The first step is enable (Checked) the Internal and/or External Barcode Reader.
The four fields visible on the screen correspond to the four families of barcodes that
may be activated on the ACL, along with their corresponding subtypes of barcodes.
Choose for each field one of the options below according to the laboratorys needs.
CODABAR: Disabled
No Checksum
AIM Mod 16
NW7 Mod 11
NW7 Mod 16
INTERLEAVED 2 OF 5: Disabled
No Checksum
USS Mod 10
OPCC Mod 10
Note: The External Bar Code Reader is not supported in this Software Revision.
9 Part List
This section contains information about the service parts as well as the expendable
materials that are available for use with the ACL 9000 System. A large number of the
expendable materials are shipped in the Startup Kit included with the ACL 9000
system. These items may be ordered using their Part Numbers as shown in the tables.
Following are the specific sections.
Sample Trays
Three types of sample trays are available as shown below. The startup kit includes two
of them, chosen by the user according to the desired system configuration.
Sample and Reagent Tubing 1.5 meter piece of tubing to be cut and used as
needed
Insertion Tool for Tubing a tool to be used when replacing sample and
reagent tubing
Adjustment Tool for Needles a tool to be used for adjusting the position of the
needles in the arm
Rotor Insertion Tool a tool used for inserting rotors into the system
Moulded Air Filter One air filter for the analyser body
Power Cord a power cord for the system: the cord included is
consistent with the voltage with which the
system will be used
Software System Disk Kit kit containing the main system software
Test Library Disk Kit kit containing the test library software
Operators Manual the Operators Manual for use of the ACL 9000
system
10 Drawings
This section is designed to groups all the main drawings related to the specific sections
included in this service manual. The drawings are organised by number of section
where are explained and then for number of drawing used in the same section.
Speaker
CPU MASTER
Mouse
BOARD # 1
Parallel Printer
Internal Bus
Ethernet
Interface Board
Keyboard
Bus Slave
Power (MB) Rotors Stack Cover Sensor
12 Appendix A
ACL 9000
1.0 Index
1.0 Index
2.0 Revision History
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Purpose
4.0 General Description
4.1 Product Perspective
5.0 Specific Requirements
5.1 Protocol Specification
5.2 Low Level Interface
5.3 Data Link and Logical Layer
5.4 Sessions
5.4.1 Message Header and Message Terminator Records
5.5 Test Order Downloading
5.5.1 Receive Session from DMS
5.5.1.1 Test Request Message
5.5.1.2 Test Order Message
5.5.1.2.1 Patient Information Record
5.5.1.2.2 Test Order Record
5.5.2 Host Query
5.5.3 Test Request Message
5.5.4 Test Order Message
5.6 Rejected Test Order
5.7 Downloading Session Volumes
6.0 Test Results Uploading
6.1 Test Result Message
6.1.1 Patient Information Record
6.1.2 Test Order Record
6.1.3 Result Record
6.1.4 Comment Record
6.1.5 Error Codes
6.2 Uploading Session Volumes
7.0 Not Supported Records
8.0 Transmission Abort
9.0 Appendix - ACL 9000 Test Codes
10.0 Appendix - ACL 9000 Supported Characters
10.1 Supported Characters for Sample ID
10.2 Supported Characters for Patient name and Department
10.3 Supported Characters for delimiters
11.0 Appendix - ACL 9000 Supported Units
Revision History
Revision History
Revision Modifications
0.1 Test order record: removed the field Laboratory Field NO. 3.
This field does not exist in ASTM specifications.
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Purpose
Specification E-1394 defines the logical layer of ASTM standard; all significant
information for ACL 9000 instruments application can be found in chapters Specific
Requirements and following.
Specification E-1381 refers to low level protocol; significant information for ACL
9000 family instruments application can be found later on in this document.
Communication sessions with host computer can be started on ACL 9000 family
instruments by operator request or automatically at session completion.
If the operator requires starting manually a download session the instrument will open
the communication with the host computer that will provide to transmit all test orders.
If the operator requires to start an upload session, the instrument will transmit a subset
of sample results (identified by the user) stored in the instrument patient database or
QC database or Analytical Reference database.
The second condition will happen, if automatic uploading has been required, at session
completion.
In case the communication session is not generated from the instrument any host
computer message is ignored.
All information received by the host computer must be associated with a Sample ID
that is the primary key of the database. In addition to programmed tests a certain
amount of information can be associated to a Sample ID (patient data) and stored in
ACL 9000 database. This information is optional.
At most 1000 samples can be stored in ACL 9000 database; each sample can have a
maximum of 30 tests associated (double tests are considered as 3 tests).
The system behavior when these limits are exceeded is explained in paragraph Test
Order Downloading.
The test ordering operation, to identify the type of ordered test, by host computer must
refer to a computer code that is instrument specific. Refer to Test Order Downloading
for further details and to the Appendix at the end of this document for the test codes
table.
Parity No parity
Stop Bits 1
For the Data Link and Logical Layer the ASTM specification E-1381-91 has been
maintained as a reference. Protocol limits and constraints are those declared by the
standard.
To mention some of them, the data part of the frames exchanged between the
instrument and the host computer cannot exceed 240 bytes. As a consequence during
transmission sessions specific routines provide the ability to divide large records into
multiple frames and during a reception session they re-build partial frames in a single
record. The application level has no evidence of this mechanism.
According to ASTM standard the following characters cannot be part of data records:
<SOH>, <STX>, <ETX>, <EOT>, <ENQ>, <ACK>, <DLE>, <NAK>, <SYN>,
<ETB>, <LF>, <DC1>, <DC2>, <DC3>, <DC4>.
Timeout and retry logic are those specified by the standard; the Low Level Clinical
Message State Diagram representing the implemented automatic is the reference.
In interrupt request status the instrument accept remote EOT.
5.4 Sessions
There are two types of sessions that the instrument handles with the ASTM interface:
the test orders download and the test results upload. These sessions can be initiated by
the operator or automatically activated by the instrument.
Test results upload (Transmit Command) are initiated by the user or automatically by
the instrument at the same way. The host is not allowed to transmit unsolicited
messages, any type of inquiries or test orders not explicitly required by the instrument.
Following ASTM specification, each type of transaction between the instrument (DTE)
and the host computer (DTE) has two common records that are the Message Header
record and the Message Terminator record. These records open and close data
transmission between ACL 9000 instruments and host computer.
Their fields are described in the following:
Test order downloading is used to request test orders available on the host and to have
them on the instrument. This operation can be obtained in two way: opening manually
a downloading session from the DMS environment or enabling on the instrument the
host query function.
In the first case the host will have to transmit to the instruments all pending test
requests, in the second case the instrument will require automatically specific
information for the samples placed on the sample tray and without any test requests.
Details for both modalities are explained in Receive Session from DMS and Host Query
paragraphs.
The operator initiates manually the test order downloading from the DMS
environment.
The host will provide to the instrument all available test requests. The host can send
zero or more test orders in one or more messages, but all messages will be part of the
same transmission session.
During a transmission session more test orders can be required for the same sample.
The host sends usually all test orders for which it has not yet received results even if
they have been previously transmitted.
ACL 9000 instruments will process each received test order validating fields
supported; some information will be extracted from the received record while other
information will be ignored.
Only test orders related to patient samples are considered, if the required sample ID
does not exist already in the patient database and the required sample ID is not used in
the QC database a new record is created. If the database is full the transmission session
will be aborted.
If the test orders are for a sample already existing in the sample data base the new
orders will be added to the existing tests but all tests already ordered or performed will
remain unchanged.
If a test order with more than the maximum number of programmable tests is sent the
request is rejected. The limit is 30 single tests or 10 double tests.
If the test order is not recognized as one of those supported by ACL 9000 family
instruments it is rejected. The instrument will inform the host computer using a record
containing the list of rejected test orders.
During a downloading session the listed error conditions can be detected, the
associated instrument behavior and actions are listed as well:
All abort conditions imply that ACL 9000 family instruments will send to the host
computer a message with the reason of transmission interruption (see Reject Test
Order) while a message is presented to the user on the instrument. When transmission
abort is not implied, at transmission completion one or more records will follow (see
Reject Test Order) with an indication of rejected test orders.
Information rejected is typically unknown test requests or test requests exceeding the
sample record size in ACL 9000 Data Management System. It must be observed that if
any of this information is rejected, it does not imply that the sample data at all have
been rejected.
On the contrary the set of legal test requests are normally stored while the illegal
requests for the same sample ID will be rejected.
It also must be underscored that ACL 9000 limits the size of handled records
(independently from the record type supported by ASTM) to 1024 byte during
downloading session.
The Test Request Message is used by ACL 9000 to start the test order download
session. It is composed from a Message Header record, a Request Information record
and a Message Terminator record.
The Request Information record requests to the host ALL test orders available for
the specific instrument.
Following the ASTM specification the fields composing the Request Information are
described in the following.
H|\^&|||ACL9000|||||||P|1|19960210103227<CR>
Q|1|ALL||||||||O<CR>
L|1|N<CR>
To answer to the ACL 9000 Test Request Message the host computer sends the Test
Order Message. It contains the records specifying which tests are being requested for
each specified sample. The host computer may answer with one or more message each
one contains one or more test order specifications. The test order specification consists
of a Patient Information record followed by one or more Test Order records.
The host can send for the same sample ID a Patient Information record followed by
many Test Order records or, for each test to be ordered, a pair composed by the
Patient Information record followed the Test Order record.
Comment Record messages during downloading operations are ignored by ACL 9000.
H|\^&||||||||ACL9000||P|1|19982110134700<CR>
P|1||PTNT1||ROSSI^MARIO^^^||19391127|M|||||||||||||||||DEP 1||||||||||<CR>
O|1|SMP01||^^^001|S||||||||||^|DR. VERDI||||||||||O||||||<CR>
O|2|SMP01||^^^005|S||||||||||^|DR. VERDI||||||||||O||||||<CR>
O|3|SMP01||^^^009|S||||||||||^|DR. VERDI||||||||||O||||||<CR>
O|4|SMP01||^^^022|S||||||||||^|DR. VERDI||||||||||O||||||<CR>
O|5|SMP02||^^^001|||||||||||^|||||||||||O||||||<CR>
O|6|SMP03||^^^001|||||||||||^|||||||||||O||||||<CR>
O|7|SMP04||^^^001|||||||||||^|||||||||||O||||||<CR>
O|8|SMP05||^^^001|||||||||||^|||||||||||O||||||<CR>
P|2||PTNT2||GIALLI^GIANLUCA^^^||19551028|F||||||||||||||||||DEP 2||||||||||<CR>
O|1|SMP10||^^^001|||||||||||^|||||||||||O||||||<CR>
O|2|SMP10||^^^005|||||||||||^|||||||||||O||||||<CR>
O|3|SMP10||^^^009|||||||||||^|||||||||||O||||||<CR>
O|4|SMP10||^^^022|||||||||||^|||||||||||O||||||<CR>
P|3||PTNT3||VERDI^P.^^^||19580821|U||||||||||||||||||DEP 3||||||||||<CR>
O|1|SMP11||^^^001|||||||||||^|||||||||||O||||||<CR>
L|1|N<CR>
The host query is automatically activated by the instrument each time the system is
properly configured and starting the pre-analysis phase of a single test or profile or test
group one or more samples have not any type of test requests associated.
The instrument will send, using the requested information record, the sample IDs
requiring test programming and will accept only test orders for those sample Ids. It has
to be underlined that the instrument will accept for the queried samples any test orders
independently by the type of test will be executed in the starting session.
As a consequence the instrument will send a query for the first sample, will wait for the
host information and will send later a new query for the next samples (if any). All the
host query session will be organized in the described way.
Because the instrument is asking information for a specific sample Id it will reject any
type of information associated to different sample IDs.
The host will provide to the instrument all available test requests. The host can send
zero or more test orders in one or more messages, but all messages will be part of the
same transmission session.
During a transmission session more test orders can be required for the same sample.
ACL 9000 will process each received test order validating the fields that ACL 9000
supports; some information will be extracted from the received record while other
information will be ignored.
If the test order is not recognized as one of those supported by ACL 9000 it will be
rejected. The instrument will inform the host computer using a record containing the
list of rejected test orders.
During a downloading session the listed error conditions can be detected, the associate
ACL 9000 action is listed as well:
All abort conditions imply that ACL 9000 family instruments will send to the host
computer a message with the reason of transmission interruption (see Reject Test
Order) while a message is presented to the user on the instrument. When transmission
abort is not implied, at transmission completion one or more records will follow (see
Reject Test Order) with an indication of rejected test orders.
Information rejected is typically unknown test requests or test requests exceeding the
sample record size in ACL 9000 Data Management System. It must be observed that if
any of this information is rejected, it does not imply that the sample data at all have
been rejected.
On the contrary the set of legal test requests are normally stored while the illegal
requests for the same sample ID will be rejected.
It also must be underscored that ACL 9000 limits the size of handled records
(independently from the record type supported by ASTM) to 1024 byte during
downloading session.
The Test Request Message is used by ACL 9000 to require information for each
specific sample that has no test orders into the instrument database. It is composed
from a Message Header, a Request Information and a Message Terminator record.
The Request Information record requests in this case information for a specific ID at
time. The ASTM protocol limits the number of Request Information record to one. As
a consequence the instrument will wait the host answer before sending a second
Request Information record for a second sample.
Following the ASTM specification the fields composing the Request Information are
described in the following.
H|\^&|||ACL9000|||||||P|1|19960210103227<CR>
Q|1|^S001^||||||||O<CR>
L|1|N<CR>
As an answer to the ACL 9000 Test Request Message the host computer sends the
Test Order Message. It contains the records specifying which tests are being requested
for the queried sample Id.
See Test Order Message for details.
The Rejected Test Order Message consists of a Message Header record followed by
one or more Comment records and completed by the Message Terminator Record. A
comment record will be transmitted for each rejected information.
It must be observed that if a no legal information has been received, the download
process is interrupted and the rejected test order message will signal the reason for the
interruption.
If the download process has been normally completed, the possible following rejected
test order message will report no legal test orders.
To summarize the possible values for the rejection reason and identification fields are
reported in the following table:
H|\^&|||ACL9000|||||||P|1|19982110103227<CR>
C|1|1|M_TEST_E|SMP01 ^010|I<CR>
C|2|1|BAD_TEST|SMP01 ^000|I<CR>
L|1|N<CR>
The minimal session would occur if the host has no test orders available for ACL 9000.
In this condition ACL 9000 sends the test request message, the host would respond
with a message containing no test orders (only message header and message terminator
record).
In conditions in which the host has test orders for the instrument, the estimated data
volume is:
Test Request Message = Message Header (41) +17 + Message Terminator Record (6)
= 64
So considering the following situation: the host has 50 sample ID to be download and
each one with 4 tests and considering 10 rejected records the data volume can be
estimated in:
At 9600 baud rate and with no system overhead it would take approximately 17
seconds and considering a system efficiency of 60% it becomes about 27 seconds.
All estimations have been done using for string fields the maximum expected length.
Test Result Uploading allows transmission of results of the tests performed on ACL
9000 to the host computer. Results, related to patient, QC samples and Analytical
Reference materials, are transmitted on explicit user request or automatically at session
completion.
In the first case the user must require the transmission command in the DMS or in the
QC or in the AR environment, select the patient samples or QC samples or AR set of
data to be transmitted (in according with one of the supported selection criteria) and
start operation.
In the second case the transmission will happen automatically at session completion
and the instrument will provide to upload patient and/or QC samples data and/or AR
data.
The type of data to be transferred during an automatic upload session are depending
upon the instrument set-up (the automatic data transmission can be set to patient
samples only or QC and patient samples or QC and AR patient samples).
If upload is manually requested all data are transmitted independently from the
transmission flag.
Otherwise if transmission is performed automatically at session completion the
instrument will upload for patient samples all the data available for the sample IDs just
analyzed and will upload, for QC data, the results just obtained.
From a general point of view the automatic data transmission of the patient samples is
equivalent to the manual data transmission, requested in DMS, of patient samples
belonging to a specific load-list. While the automatic data transmission of the QC data
or AR data is equivalent to the manual data transmission, requested in QC data base or
AR data base, of the data in a specified interval for the QC material present in the load-
list.
Considering that ACL 9000 fills the strings used for Sample ID, department and
patient name with space characters (to align data), the host computer must ignore
space characters on the right of these fields.
The Test Result Message is used by ACL 9000 to transmit any available test results for
a sample. All available test results will be transmitted for patient samples even if data
have been already transmitted partially.
The message is composed by a Message Header record, a Patient Information record,
one or more pair Test Order records followed by one or more Results records
(depending upon the number of available test results and the number of results for each
specific test).
The Result record can be completed with a Comment record containing flags
associated to the executed test.
Tests are uploaded using the same sorting used on board. The complete set of available
test results is globally uploaded to the host computer independently by the set of
results defined as to show in the sample list.
In some conditions, depending by the instrument status (i.e. calibrated, not calibrated,
AR used, etc.) only a subset of the results supported by the test will be transmitted to
the host computer.
The same structure is used also to upload QC and AR data. In the following
paragraphs any differences in the way to treat patient, QC and AR data will be
underlined.
This information is transmitted to the host only if available on the instrument. The
Patient Information structure is:
Specimen Received
Specimen Descriptor Not provided both fields Not provided both fields
The fields characterizing this record are specified in the following table.
A result record is send to the host computer for each available test result. For double
tests all available single values will be transmitted to the host computer (no mean
values). Each result record will contain one of available test results.
Result Record
The Comment record allows integration of the transmitted test results with possible
error messages.
One or more comment records can follow the result records. Fields characterizing this
record are specified in the following.
Comment Record
TEMPERATURE WARNING
MECHANICAL WARNING
LIQUID WARNING
MISCELLANEOUS WARNING
COVER_OPEN_DURING_LOADING_OR_INCUBATION = 86,
TIMEOUT_EXPIRED_DURING_LOADING = 87,
ERRORS ON RESPONSE
SATURATION_ERROR = 205,
FIRST_THRESHOLD_ERROR = 206,
SECOND_THRESHOLD_ERROR = 207,
DELTA_ERROR = 208,
INITIAL_SLOPE_ERROR = 209,
FINAL_SLOPE_ERROR = 210,
FINAL_REACTION CURVE ERROR = 211,
FIRST_DERIVATIVE_ERROR = 212,
SECOND_DERIVATIVE_ERROR = 213,
FIRST_PART_REACTION CURVE ERROR = 214,
AR_INVALID = 229,
AR_OUT_OF_RANGE = 230,
AR_NOT_CHECKED = 233,
QC_INVALID = 240,
QC_OUT_OF_RANGE = 242,
RATIO_CALCULATION_ERROR = 249,
RATIO_CALCULATION_ERROR: S/Sa out of range = 250,
NORMALIZED RATIO ERROR: AR/Ara out of range = 251,
NORMALIZED RATIO: CALCULATION ERROR = 252,
STD_NOT_FOUND = 253,
AR_NOT_FOUND = 254,
ACTIVATE SAMPLE NOT_FOUND = 255,
ARa_NOT_FOUND = 256,
RATIO_NOT_FOUND = 257,
AR_OUT_OF_RANGE = 258,
AR_NULL = 259,
STD_NULL = 260,
SAMPLE_NULL = 262,
REF_NULL = 263,
AR_RATIO_ NULL_ = 264,
ACTIVATED_AR NULL_ = 265,
NULL_DIFFERENCE = 266,
N.B. Out of range indications referring to normal or test ranges are not transmitted to
the host computer.
H|\^&||||||||ACL9000||P|1|19982110134700<CR>
P|1||PTNT1||BLU^^^^||19391127|M|||||||||||||||||DEP 1||||||||||<CR>
O|1|SMP01||^^^001|S||||||||||^|DR. VERDI||||||||||O||||||<CR>
R|1|^^^001|12.8|||||F||||19960119114215|<CR>
C|1|I|31^ Invalid for QC |I<CR>
P|2||PTNT1||Gialli^^^^||19391127|M|||||||||||||||||DEP 1||||||||||<CR>
O|1|SMP10||^^^001|S||||||||||^|DR. VERDI||||||||||O||||||<CR>
R|1|^^^001|14.5|s||||F||||19960119114215|<CR>
C|1|I|31^ Invalid for QC |I<CR>
L|1|N<CR>
Approximate data volumes for uploading sessions is provided as a guide for estimating
the time required completing typical sessions. Obviously, systems latencies (both in
ACL 9000 and host computer) are not considered.
The minimal session would occur if ACL 9000 has no test results to be transmitted; no
data is sent and the data volume is zero.
In conditions in which the ACL 9000 has results to be transmitted, the data volume can
be estimated on the Test Order and Test Result record size base.
Results = number of ordered test (55 + 60*number of test result + 56* number of error
messages))
Consider the following situation: ACL 9000 has 50 sample IDs to be uploaded each
with 4 tests, each test with 3 results and each test with 2 flags, the data volume can be
estimated in:
At 9600 baud rate and with no system overhead it would take approximately 73
seconds and considering a system efficiency of 60% it becomes about 116 seconds.
The Scientific record and the Manufacturer Information record are not supported by
ACL 9000 protocol.
The download or upload transmission session can be interrupted for an explicit user
request detected on the instrument, because the host computer is not responding or
because the host computer required interruption of the transmission process.
Further, as reported above, the download process can be interrupted because an illegal
sample Identifier has been received. Instrument behavior in this particular condition
was defined in and Reject Test Orders.
ACL 9000 family instruments behavior in each of the listed conditions is described in
the following:
Condition Action
ACL 9000s operator ACL 9000 will signal the end of transmission to the host and
requested to stop will discard any following messages. The host must consider
download process the interrupt request.
It must be emphasized that ACL 9000 will signal the
transmission interruption with a message that is a rejected
test order message if any information has been rejected or
with a message header plus a message terminator record if no
information has been rejected.
ACL 9000 s operator ACL 9000 will complete the message in progress with the
requested stop message terminator and will not transmit any further test
upload process results.
Host computer is not During downloading and uploading session transmission
responding operation by ACL 9000 is stopped. If downloading was in
progress, no rejected test messages will be transmitted.
A message will inform the user that the transmission has been
interrupted: Host Computer not responding
Host computer Both during downloading and uploading session operation by
required EOT ACL 9000 are stopped. If downloading was in progress no
rejected test messages will be transmitted.
It must be emphasized that the host computer must request
the transmission interruption with a message composed by a
message header plus a message terminator record.
A message will inform the user that the transmission has been
interrupted: Host Computer required to interrupt
transmission
Incorrect record Transmission/reception is aborted and the user is informed:
format Incorrect format in host messages
Test codes are user definable. IL Library proposes the default test codes reported in
the following:
350 0350 X PT F X PT
352 0352 X HS F X PT HS
360 0360 V PT F V PT
362 0362 V HS F V PT HS
364 0364 V PLUS F V PT PLUS
366 0366 V Rec F V PT Recomb
370 0370 II PT F II PT
372 0372 II HS F II PT HS
374 0374 II PLUS F II PT PLUS
376 0376 II Rec F II PT Recomb
Is the ASCII set of characters considered in the decimal range 32 to 126. Because a
Sample ID can be accepted it has to contain at least a character different by space.
! # $ %
& ( ) *
+ / : ; =
@ [ \ ] ^
_ { | } ~
Unit Abbreviation
Time s
Activity %
Ratio R
International Normalized Ratio INR
NR
Concentration mg/dL
g/L
ng/mL
U/mL
g/L
mol/L
IU/mL
Delta Optical Absorbance Abs
Delta
12 Appendix B
ACL 9000
(REV 0.0)
Index
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Purpose
1.2 Definitions, Acronyms and Abbreviations
1.3 References
2.0 General Description
2.1 Supported Codes and Checksum type
2.2 Bar Code Symbol Specifications
2.3 Barcode Parameters
2.4 Barcode Label Positioning
2.5 Barcode Label Dimensions
1.0 Introduction
In the following sections the characteristics of the bar code labels that can be read with
the Welch Allyn SCANTEAM 3700 scanner installed on ACL 9000 family instruments
are described.
1.1 Purpose
Near Distance is the nearest distance that a scanner can accurately digitize a
given bar code.
Far Distance is the farthtest distance that a scanner can accurately digitize a
given bar code.
Scan Width is the length of the widest bar code that can be successfully
interpreted by the scanner.
Quiet Zone is the blank area located just before and just after the bar space
pattern.
1.3 References
The WA is a fixed mount CCD bar code scanner with integrated decoder for easy
integration into host equipment (ACL 9000 family instruments in our case).
All bar code symbols have to satisfy the appropriate AIM Uniform Symbology
Specification. In particular the following characteristics have to considered:
Background substrate
The barcode symbol should be printed on a material type that is reflective and has a
matte (not glossy) finish. A background diffuse reflectance of at least 70% to 80% is
suggested for optimum contrast.
The ink type has to be compatible with 660 nm LEDs used in the scanner. The barcode
symbols inked bars should not exceed 10% reflectance at 660 nm that is being used for
reading, whether printed with black ink or coloured ink.
The code has to be printed clearly, free of voids, specks, blemishes and lines which
could fool the scanner.
Definition
The bars in the barcode symbols should be well defined. Their edges should not be
rough or fuzzy, so that bar and spaces have the proper widths intended for the used
barcode symbology used. Definition should be sharp and consistent.
Tolerance
The ratio of the widths and spaces in a barcode symbol must conform to the
appropriate AIM barcode specifications and can cause problems if not correct
throughout the barcode. Problems can occur if bar edges are smeared or rough, or
when they exhibit voids.
Density (bar code): refers to the number of cheracters in a linear inch of bar code.
Ratio: refers to the ratio of the nominal wide element width to the nominal narrow
element width.
In order to ensure a good bar code reading (in addition to what indicated in the 2.2
section) the parameters above mentioned should be as follows:
These values are valid for all the above mentioned bar code types.
The relationship between reading distances, scan width and bar code density are
displayed in the following:
In Appendix Decoder Zone Map the attached drawing defines the decoder zone map
for the data above displayed. The displayed graph has been experimentally obtained
from Welch Allyn Laboratories because the WA equipped for the IL requirement has
not a standard optics.
In Appendix Barcode Label Dimension the attached drawing defines the barcode labels
dimensions and identifies constraints in positioning labels on vacutainers. The 13x75
vacutainers have been considered. The proposed barcode labels dimension and
positioning apply to all sample tray models. The following measurements are reported: