The Milli-Pulse Pressure Injector, Model MPPI-3, is a self-contained device for producing gas pressure pulses to an injection pipette. The unit offers linear control of both pressure and pulse duration.

The MPPI-3 provides three different means of initiating pressure pulses:

1. a front panel push button
2. an external 5 VDC TTL signal input
3. an optional foot switch.

In addition to delivering a pulsed output, the MPPI-3 can also deliver continuous output or an output that is gated by an external TTL signal input.

The continuous output is useful for adjusting the rate of flow from the pipette tip prior to injecting and for clearing a clogged pipette. The gated output is useful for precisely controlling both pulse duration and repetition rate from an external source such as a stimulator or computer.

The MPPI-3 has an internal in-line air filter to exclude contaminants and guarantee the life of the solenoid valve. The filter protrudes from the rear panel for access to its moisture drain. The unit accepts a pressure source of up to 300 psi (2000 kPa) and has an output pressure range from 0 up to 100 psi (0 to 690 kPa).

An optional back pressure module is available in instances where precise control of leakage from the pipette tip is required. This option compensates for any reverse flow in a pipette caused by capillary action by providing an adjustable (0-to-15 psi or 0-to-100 kPa) back pressure. If the back pressure input is not utilized, this port will act as an exhaust vent to spill the pressure between pulses. Optionally this port can be plugged to maintain some pressure between pulses.

This dial, in reference with the pressure gauge, sets the output pressure. The range of adjustment is 0 to 100 psi, dependent upon the available input pressure.

This 10-turn dial precisely sets of the duration of the pressure pulse. A locking lever on the dial can be activated to prevent the setting from being disturbed.

This push button initiates the pressure pulse when the unit is in the Pulse mode of operation.

This switch sets the mode of operation to either Pulsed or Continuous. In Pulsed mode, the unit delivers a precise pressure pulse in response to depressing the PULSE pushbutton, depressing the foot switch, or upon receipt of an external TTL input pulse. In Continuous mode, pressure will be continuously delivered.

This switch sets the modes of operation for the external TTL input signal. When in the TRIG position, a pressure pulse will occur each time the TTL signal makes a transition from approximately 0 volts to approximately +5 volts. The duration of the pulse is set by the front panel’s Pulse Duration dial. When the switch is in the GATE position, the pressure pulse will follow the external TTL input signal. That is, when the TTL signal is low (0 volts) no pressure will be delivered. When the TTL input is high (+5 volts), pressure will be delivered. This mode allows an external source such as a stimulator or signal generator to control both the repetition rate and the duration of pressure pulses.

Allows monitoring of the valve control (0 VDC = closed, +5 VDC = open) and the daisy-chaining of multiple controllers, as well as synchronizing the injection pulse with micromanipulators and piezo cell penetrators.

For external control, connect a TTL level signal to this BNC connector. The signal should switch between approximately 0 volts and approximately +5 volts. See TRIG/GATE switch above for the modes of control available via this input.

Connect the optional foot switch to this jack for hands free operation of the MPPI-3. A pressure pulse will be delivered for each depression of the foot switch.

This switch turns the MPPI-3 on and off. A pilot lamp indicates when it is on.

Please refer to the drawing on page 4 for the air line connections.

Connect your injection pipette to this hose fitting.

Connect the optional Back Pressure Unit (BPU) to this hose fitting. The optional BPU allows precise control of leakage from the pipette tip to compensate for any reverse flow in a pipette due to capillary action.

Alternatively, leave this connection open or plug it. Leaving the port open allows the pressure between pulses to be vented to the ambient room pressure. Plugging the port allows some pressure to remain between pulses in instances where the preparation being injected has high hydrostatic pressure.  

The pulse duration time delay setting for the MPPI-3 controller can be set with two internal jumpers. Following is the procedure for making these adjustments:

Disconnect the power from the controller and move to an ESD safe work area.

Remove the six Phillips screws from the sides of the blue top cover.

Gently remove cover and set aside.

Locate jumper J5 on the back right corner of the circuit board.

Install or remove jumpers to pin combinations 1&2 and 3&4 using the following table to select the appropriate timing setting:

Note: ms = milliseconds

Replace blue cover and replace the six Phillips screws.

The MPPI-3 Milli Pulse Pressure Injector, has been designed and tested to provide years of reliable service.

The design of the MPPI-3 requires little maintenance on the part of the user. In fact, there are only two areas that the user needs to be aware. The first is to periodically check for moisture and other contaminants in the pressure source. The internal in-line filter that protrudes from the back of the unit has a small needle valve located on the bottom. This valve should be depressed periodically to check for moisture from the pressure source. If excessive moisture is noted, the pressure source should be changed. In the event that the filter becomes degraded or plugged, contact ASI for a replacement.

The second area of maintenance that the user should be aware is the replacement of the fuse. In the event that the MPPI-3 fails to turn on, the line fuse located inside the MPPI should be checked. If the fuse is blown, an exact replacement needs to be used. The MPPI-3 uses a 250mA fast-blow fuse. If the fuse blows again after replacement, please contact ASI for instructions on returning the unit for repair.

Pipette holder. Can be mounted in a micromanipulator. Accepts standard 1 mm to 2 mm O.D. glass pipettes.

Foot switch with 8-foot cord. Use for hands-free activation of pulses.

Back Pressure Unit (BPU). This small unit connects to the air line between the in-line filter and the MPPI-2, and attaches to the B.P. input port. It has an adjustable pressure regulator and pressure gauge. Use for precise adjustment of leakage from the pipette tip.

Replacement Gas Filter is available from ASI.

Applied Scientific Instrumentation, Inc., hereafter referred to as ASI, guarantees this equipment against all defects in materials and workmanship to the original purchaser for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment. ASI's responsibility to this warranty shall not arise until the buyer returns the defective product, freight prepaid, to ASI's facility. After the product is returned, ASI at its option, will replace or repair free of charge any defective component or device that it has manufactured. The warranty set forth above does not extend to damaged equipment resulting from alteration, misuse, negligence, abuse or as outlined below:

1. Equipment not manufactured by ASI that are offered as part of complete imaging systems carry the original equipment manufacturer's warranty.

THE WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES. APPLIED SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTATION, INC. EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND AGAINST INFRINGEMENT.

In no event will ASI be liable for incidental or consequential damages, even if ASI has been advised of the possibility of such damages howsoever, arising out of the sale or use of the products described herein.