Flatbed Platelet Agitator

Operation Manual

i.Series™
Countertop - PF15i, PF48i, PF96i Version A
Floor - PF396i Version A

Horizon Series™
Countertop - PF15h, PF48h, PF96h Version A

Model
S/N

HELMER, INC. 14395 BERGEN BLVD., NOBLESVILLE, IN 46060 USA

PHONE (317) 773-9073 FAX (317) 773-9082
USA and CANADA (800) 743-5637
www.helmerinc.com

ISO 13485:2003 CERTIFIED

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 Contents i

Contents
1 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Labels 1
1.2 Avoiding injury. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2 Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.1 Front 2
2.2 Left side. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.3 Right side. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.4 Rear 5
2.5 Bottom 6

3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.1 Location requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.2 Technical specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

4 General Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.1 i.Series agitators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.2 Loading agitator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.3 Starting and stopping agitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.4 Preventative maintenance schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Note: AGITATOR Model PF396i is not CE compliant.

Copyright and trademark information

Copyright © 2010 Helmer, Inc.
AgiTrak™, Horizon Series™, i.Help™, and Rel.i™ are trademarks of Helmer, Inc.
i.Center™ and i.Series™ are registered trademarks of Helmer, Inc. in the United States of America.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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 Components 1

1 Safety
1.1 Labels

Fuse Rating
0.5 Amp - 115V~
Type ‘T’
See bottom of unit CAUTION: Do not open more than
for more information
one drawer at a time.

Caution, Protective earth Fuse Rating CAUTION: Do not open more than one drawer at
risk of danger ground terminal a time

1.2 Avoiding injury

► Use the equipment for its intended purpose. Do not use if any components are damaged.
► Review safety instructions before installing, using, or maintaining the equipment
► Before performing procedures, review any specific safety instructions.
► Perform maintenance described in this manual. Maintenance not specified herein is to be performed by
technical service representatives authorized by Helmer.
► Never physically restrict any moving component. Do not move or bump the unit during operation.
► Lift safely. If too heavy or awkward, get assistance.

CAUTION ► When lifting the agitator, hold it on the ends of the base and lift. If the base is not
! accessible, hold the ends of the storage frame and lift. Do not hold the middle of the
storage frame and lift, which may cause the frame to bow and affect operation. If the
agitator is too heavy or awkward to move alone, get assistance as needed.
► Countertop models: When moving the agitator, do not use the water evaporation tray
on the back as a handle. Avoid contact with the tray as it may be hot.
► Floor models: Before moving the agitator, ensure all casters are unlocked. When
moving the agitator, push from the sides, not from front or back, to avoid tipping.

► When attaching or using external devices, follow manufacturers’ safety rules.

► Inspect all electrical equipment and address problems prior to installation.
► Avoid removing electrical service panels and access panels unless so instructed.
► Use supplied power cords only.
► Avoid using multi-plug power strips. Connect directly to properly grounded wall outlets.
► Use appropriate protective equipment when cleaning or servicing the equipment
► Notify appropriate safety personnel when handling or disposing of materials that are infectious, toxic,
pathological, radioactive, or otherwise biologically or environmentally harmful.
► See Service manual for more detail on maintenance, parts, and troubleshooting.

CAUTION Decontaminate parts prior to sending for service or repair. Items not decontaminated
! appropriately will not be accepted. Documentation stating contents are not contaminated
and are safe to handle must accompany returns. Contact Helmer or your distributor for
decontamination instructions and a Return Authorization Number.

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2 Flatbed Platelet Agitator Operation Manual

2 Components
2.1 Front

A C

B B

D E
F G

Left top: PF15i model. Middle top: PF48i model. Right top: PF396i model. Left bottom: Agitation
switch. Left middle: Alarm lamp and motion alarm switch (i.Series models). Right bottom: Alarm
buzzer (PF396i model).

Label Description
A Storage frame
B Base
C Drawer (PF48, PF96, and PF396i)
D Agitation switch
E Alarm lamp (i.Series)
F Motion alarm switch (i.Series)
G Alarm buzzer (PF396i)

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 Components 3

2.2 Left side

B C F

Top: PF15i model. Left bottom: Power connector with fuse compartment open. Right bottom:
Detail of I/O port, alarm volume control, and alarm delay control (i.Series models).

Label Description
A Power connector (PF15)
B Fuse (PF15)
C I/O (input/output) port (PF15i)
D Fan (PF15)
E Alarm volume control (PF15i)
F Alarm delay control (PF15i)

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4 Flatbed Platelet Agitator Operation Manual

2.3 Right side

E
C
A

Left top: PF15i models. Right top: Detail of I/O port, alarm volume control, and alarm delay control
(i.Series models). Bottom: PF48i and PF96i models.

Label Description
A Alarm buzzer (PF15i, PF48i, and PF96i)
B Access hole (PF15, PF48, and PF96)
C I/O (input/output) port (PF48i and PF96i)
D Alarm volume control (PF48i and PF96i)
E Alarm delay control (sPF48i and PF96i)

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 Components 5

2.4 Rear

B
C

E G

Left top: PF96i 230 V model. Right top: Power connector with fuse compartment open. Left
bottom: PF396i model. Right bottom: Detail of I/O port, alarm volume control, and alarm delay
control (i.Series models).

Label Description
A Product Specification label (PF48, PF96, and PF396i)
B Power connector (PF48, PF96, and PF396i)
C Fuse (PF48, PF96, and PF396i)
D Vent (PF396i)
E I/O (input/output) port (PF396i)
F Alarm volume control (PF396i)
G Alarm delay control (PF396i)

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6 Flatbed Platelet Agitator Operation Manual

2.5 Bottom

Top: PF15i 115 V model. Bottom: PF96 model.

Label Description
A Product Specification label (PF15)
B Fan (PF48 and PF96)

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 Instation 7

3 Installation
Remove all packaging materials, including shipping inserts (if any) between storage frame and base.

3.1 Location requirements

To optimize operation, location must meet the following requirements:
► A sturdy, level surface to provide support and proper movement
► Is clear of extreme temperature sources
► Has a minimum of 0.5 in (13 mm) in front of the agitator and 0.5 in (13 mm) behind
► Has a minimum of 1 in (25 mm) on the left and right sides
► Has access to grounded outlet meeting electrical requirements (below)
► Meets the limits specified for ambient temperature and relative humidity
NOTE: A power cord is supplied to set up the agitator for standalone use.

3.2 Technical specifications

3.2.1 Operating voltage

Operating voltage requirements vary. For a specific agitator, check its Product Specification label. Voltage
tolerance is ±10% of the nominal voltage.
Options: 115 V 60 Hz, 230 V 50 Hz, and 230 V 60 Hz.

Power consumption
Power consumption is measured in full-load Amperes (FLA).
Model Operating voltage Power consumption
PF15h, PF15i, PF48h, PF48i, 115 V 0.4 FLA
PF96h, and PF96i 230 V 0.25 FLA
115 V 3 FLA
PF396i
230 V 2 FLA

Fuses
Fuses are 5 mm x 20 mm, Time Lag (Type T). One fuse is required for 115 V models, and two fuses are
required for 230 V models.
Model Operating voltage Current rating for fuse
PF15h, PF15i, PF48h, PF48i, 115 V 0.5 A
PF96h, and PF96i 230 V 0.3 A
115 V 6.3 A
PF396i
230 V 5.0 A

Batteries
(PF15i, PF48i, PF96i, and PF396i models)
One 9 V rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery (or equivalent) is required for backup power
to the alarm system.

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8 Flatbed Platelet Agitator Operation Manual
3.2.2 Weight
Model Weight
PF15h and PF15i 26.5 lb (12 kg)
PF48h and PF48i 51 lb (23 kg)
PF96h and PF96i 82 lb (37 kg)
PF396i 250 lb (114 kg)

3.2.3 Size
All dimensions are for the overall exterior and include items that protrude from the main unit, unless
specified otherwise.
(PF15i, PF48i, and PF96i models) The alarm buzzer protrudes from the right side of the base, adding 0.5 in
(25 mm) to the width stated below.
(PF15, PF48, and PF96 models) While agitating, the storage frame travels beyond the base, adding
1.5 in (38 mm) to the width stated below.
Model Width Height Depth
(Base)
PF15h and PF15i 13.00 in (330 mm) 12.50 in (318 mm) 9.25 in (235 mm)
PF48h and PF48i 17.50 in (445 mm) 15.25 in (387 mm) 14.50 in (368 mm)
PF96h and PF96i 33.00 in (838 mm) 15.25 in (387 mm) 14.50 in (368 mm)
PF396i 37.00 in (940 mm) 62.00 in (1575 mm) 27.00 in (686 mm)

3.2.4 Operating conditions

This agitator is designed for indoor use only.
Ambient temperature range: 5 °C to 35 °C
Relative humidity (maximum for ambient temperature): 80%

3.2.5 Agitation speed

The agitation speed varies by model and operating voltage. The speed tolerance is ±10% of the nominal
speed.
Model Operating voltage Agitation speed
(cycles per minute)
115 V 60 Hz 72
PF15h, PF15i, PF48h, PF48i,
230 V 50 Hz 60
PF96h, and PF96i
230 V 60 Hz 72
115 V 60 Hz 60
PF396i 230 V 50 Hz 60
230 V 60 Hz 72

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 Operation 9

4 General Operation
4.1 i.Series agitators
Motion Alarm
When lack of motion is detected, the motion alarm is activated, communicating in 5 ways:
► Visually through the red alarm lamp on the agitator
► Audibly through the alarm buzzer on the agitator
► Through a dry (no voltage) connection to an external monitoring device
► Through a 9 V connection to an external monitoring device
► Through the I/O cable to the i.Series incubator countertop models
Maximum delay period for communication is 8 minutes after motion has stopped.

Motion alarm switch (circled)

Enable/disable
► To enable: switch motion alarm ON ( │ ).
► To disable: switch motion alarm OFF (  ).
If agitation were to stop while the motion alarm is disabled, all communication of the alarm (visual,
audible, and signals to external devices) would be suppressed.
For agitators in standalone mode or placed in Horizon Series incubators:
► Enable the motion alarm when using the agitator.
► Disable the motion alarm when not using the agitator. Lack of motion triggers the alarm.
For agitators placed in i.Series incubators:
► Disable the motion alarm. Motion information is transmitted through the I/O cable to the incubator,
regardless of whether the motion alarm is enabled or disabled. The AgiTrak system in the incubator
interprets the motion information and generates its own motion alarm, based on its own motion alarm
delay period. If the motion alarm is not disabled on the agitator, two different alarms activating may
cause confusion.

Delay period
The period between when the agitator stops and when the alarm sounds is the delay period, set through the
alarm delay control.

Alarm delay control (circled)

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10 Flatbed Platelet Agitator Operation Manual
Measure delay period
Default delay period is set at the halfway point (approximately 4 to 5 minutes). Obtain a small, flat-head
screwdriver and a timer that can measure between 0 and 8 minutes.
NOTE: Avoid leaving the delay period set to 0 minutes, as alarm will activate immediately when enabled.

1 Confirm agitator is connected to AC power.

2 Enable alarms: switch motion alarm On ( │ ).
3 Switch agitator On ( │ ).
4 Switch agitator Off (  ). Measure time lapse before alarm activation. This is the delay period.

Change delay period

1 Enable alarm.
2 Using screwdriver, turn alarm delay control counter-clockwise until it stops. This decreases the delay
period to 0 minutes. The alarm should activate immediately.
3 Using the screwdriver, increase delay period by turning the alarm delay control clockwise. Maximum
delay period is approximately 8 minutes.

Control/change alarm volume

Alarm volume control (circled)

The agitator has three volume settings. Default volume is the middle setting.
► Slide the alarm volume control to the appropriate position for the desired volume level.

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 Operation 11

4.2 Loading agitator

PF48i agitator with platelet bags (shown in a Helmer PC900i incubator)

Agitator models Capacity

Random bags Apheresis bags
PF15i and PF15h 15 5 - 10
PF48i and PF48h 48 16
PF96i and PF96h 96 32
PF396i 396 132

To load platelet bags

CAUTION When opening drawer, grasp handle (not label holder). Open one drawer at a
! time to prevent tipping.

1 Open the drawer to be loaded and lay the platelet bags flat.
► Avoid stacking bags.
► Maintain enough space around each bag for air circulation. For thicker bags, remove drawers.
► Place the tubing neatly under or around the bag.

Identifying drawer contents

Use label holders and installation hardware supplied. Each drawer has 2 or 3 sets of slots for label location;
left, right, and middle.

Left: Agitator drawers with label holders installed. Right: Set of slots on drawer (circled)

1 Insert holder tabs into set of slots on the drawer.

2 Pivot holder around the drawer handle and align the holes.
3 From the front of the drawer, insert screw though the aligned holes.
4 Using tool (provided), secure nut on screw.

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12 Flatbed Platelet Agitator Operation Manual

4.3 Starting and stopping agitation

The agitation ON/OFF switch on the front controls motion.
The door switch on Helmer incubators controls AC power to the installed agitator(s). When incubator
door(s) are opened, AC power to the agitators is stopped, pausing agitation. Closing the door(s) resumes
agitation. See the Incubator Operation and Service manuals.
NOTE: On older models of Helmer incubators, opening the incubator door(s) does not pause agitation, and
closing them does not resume agitation.

Agitation switch

To start agitation
1 Confirm the agitator is connected to AC power.
2 Load items in the agitator. For more information and instructions, see Section 4.2, “Loading and
identifying items in the agitator.”
3 (i.Series models) Enable alarms by switching the motion alarm ON( │ ).
4 Switch agitation On ( │ ). The storage frame starts agitating and the fan starts. If agitator is installed in
a Helmer incubator, agitation will not start until the door(s) are closed.

To stop agitation
1 (Models installed in Helmer incubators) Pause agitation by opening the incubator door or doors.
2 (i.Series models) Disable alarms: switch motion alarm Off (  ).
3 Switch agitator Off (  ).

4.4 Preventative maintenance schedule

Maintenance tasks must be completed according to the schedule below. See Service manual for more
information on maintenance, parts, and cleaning.

CAUTION These are minimum requirements. Regulations or physical conditions at your

organization may require maintenance items to be performed more frequently, or
by designated service personnel. Follow the guidelines for your organization.

Task Frequency
Quarterly Annually As needed
(i.Series) Test the motion alarm. 
(Countertop models) Clean the fan. 
(i.Series) Check the backup battery for the alarm system 
and replace it if necessary.
Check moving parts for cleanliness and wear. Lubricate 
moving parts. Replace parts if necessary.
Clean the exterior. 
END OF MANUAL

360092-1/L
HELMER, INC. 14395 BERGEN BLVD., NOBLESVILLE, IN 46060 USA
PHONE (317) 773-9073 FAX (317) 773-9082
USA and CANADA (800) 743-5637
www.helmerinc.com