JRD-Y

Leveraging the Sutter manipulators allows the JRD-Y to execute rapid, robotic, moves between a user-set “HOME” position and either of two user-set “WORK” positions. This facilitates exceptionally rapid serial processing of micropipettes or tools. Two objectives (4x and 20x) on a simple rotating nosepiece, coupled to a diffuse white-light LED, allow for visualization of the target pipette. Microtool fabrication is imaged via an 8-megapixel large sensor camera. The camera runs on a bespoke, embedded, machine vision system designed and maintained by Sutter engineers. No additional computer is required for operation. The user interface, operated via a 13-inch HD touch screen, provides access to various measurement, visualization, and automation functions. For each objective, digital magnification of up to 8 times allows for more precise visualization and measurement. The geometry of the forge along with the height and angle adjustable touchscreen greatly improves the ergonomics of the JRD-Y relative to legacy microforges.

Measurements of linear or angular dimensions are made using built-in reticles which can be called or hidden as needed. Calibrations of the linear reticle are stored on-board and displayed as a function of the objective and digital magnification. The measurement pitch of the linear reticles provides for facile measurements down to the resolution limit of the selected objective (~700 nm for the 20x objective). An additional “measuring mode” facilitates exceptionally accurate measurements of linear dimensions up to 25 mm with single micron precision using motion of the motorized positioning axes. Forging is carried out via a 150-micron platinum/iridium filament which can be positioned in X, Y, and Z using a nearly backlash-free manual micropositioner. The filament power is set by a rotary potentiometer on the front of the instrument and is persistently displayed in an easily read GUI element to tenths of a percent precision. The filament can be activated by either the included footswitch or from the GUI using a timed heat function for maximum reproducibility.

The degree of control and programmability provided by our machine vision system gives us the opportunity to construct tools for automating many forging operations. We have built an object recognition system that is able to detect and focus pipettes and recognize the heating filament. From here, we plan to build object recognition and automation tools that can be installed into existing units at no charge. Because the machine vision software is built and maintained in-house, we also have the capability to be responsive to specific needs in software development.