Bio-Rad S3™ Cell Sorter - Manual (Page 106)

96 | S3 and S3e Cell Sorters
Maintenance
Fig. 113. Quality Control Process.
10.4.2 Nozzle Tip Wizard with the AutoGimbal System
The AutoGimbal system uses the software to enable hands-free alignment and optimization
of the stream to optics. This provides increased repeatability and eliminates the need to make
delicate adjustments by hand. The AutoGimbal system uses five axis picomotors to align the
stream to the pinhole and to the lasers. Small micrometer movements are controlled by the
software. Software algorithms, calculated from processed images, are used to determine the
best position for stream and optical alignment.
The nozzle tip must still be removed, cleaned, and reseated manually prior to AutoGimbal
alignment. For the AutoGimbal process to work successfully, the stream must not hit the back
wall of the sort chamber, the sort tray, or the deflection plates.
To swap the nozzle tip:
1. On the Setup and Maintenance tab select Swap Tip. The Swap Tip wizard will open
(Figure 114A). Follow the instructions indicated by the wizard.
2. Open the nozzle chamber door.
3. Press on the left side of the black metal laser shutter plate and lift out of the way.
4. Lift the nozzle stage using the small handle to expose the nozzle (Figure 114B).
5. Place a lint-free cloth in the nozzle chamber under the nozzle tip to prevent dropping the
nozzle into the instrument.
6. Rotate the black collar holding in the nozzle until it comes loose.
Note: There is a small O-ring that will be removed as well — be careful to keep track of the O-ring.
7. Pull out the small white nozzle tip.