Date: Tue, 6 Oct 2026 16:31:34 +0000
Hi Ken et al.
I was encountering this problem with our SampleCasePlus(60)s frequently some
time ago, but we mostly have it solved.
*
The instruments with these are still on TS3.6.5 (haven’t upgraded to
Alma yet), and though the latest firmware may have helped with brief bumps,
that solution didn’t help the lack of springiness that leaves the
lever arm where it can trigger the optics.
*
“Be careful!” signage was moderately effective, but of course
wasn’t as effective with inattentive late-night users, and the night
queue would be halted.
*
I found that cleaning the pivot point surfaces of the lever arm with a kimwipe
and isopropanol helped. I was a little wary of removing the lever arm for
thorough cleaning, considering the spring would still be attached and I didn’t
want to lose or damage if I mismanaged or dropped the lever arm. But working
the folded edge of a Kimwipe into those surfaces resulted in much high probability
that the level arm would spring back to normal position.
*
I asked Bruker for a couple extra springs and, though there were some great
conversations on the subject, I didn’t get extra springs.
*
I then went down a McMasterCarr rabbit hole trying to identify suitable springs
and got bewildered.
*
The BEST solution that we have is our rubber band assembly - see photo. Basically,
we just increased the spring constant of the system by looping a long rubber
band around the end of the lever arm, and looping the other end around an
adhesive cable guide attached to the SampleCasePlus cover.
*
I’ve found that a “Size 177B” (7” x 1/8”)
rubber band made of “soft rubber” provides just enough spring
that casual bumping no longer trigger the optics and the lever arm goes back
to its resting position easily, AND doesn’t appear to be so stiff
that it would break a long tube. I confess I have not challenged it with a
J-Young tube yet, but it subjectively doesn’t feel the rubber-band-equipped
lever arm would break it.
*
For less springiness, this same arrangement would work with a longer rubber
band tied with a knot to shorten it to provide desired tension.
All three of our SampleCasePluses are outfitted with rubber bands, and life
is a lot easier because of it.
One drawback of the rubber band solution is that they do get degraded by the
organic solvent vapors of the samples. If we get inattentive, they break
and hang on the cable guide, but thy could potentially get tangled in the
system. To prevent that, we just swap out the rubber bands every week or two.
I hope this helps! I also hope this helps encourage Bruker to use springs that
are just a little bit springier in the future. Perhaps we could make replacements
in the field.
Thanks. - Josh
> From: main_at_ammrl.groups.io on behalf of Kenneth Sharp-Knott via groups.io
> Date: Monday, October 5, 2026 at 11:26 AM
> To: main_at_ammrl.groups.io <main_at_ammrl.groups.io>
> Subject: Re: [AMMRL] Bruker SampleCase 60 – Over-sensitive safety bar / height sensor workarounds?
Just to clarify—this is not related to the aforementioned firmware
issue. (I'm a frequent and early adopter of anything with "update" in the name.)
The 60-sample autosampler has a design flaw where the arm lacks elasticity, so
if it's bumped, it does not return to its position; instead, it stays over the tube.
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(image/jpeg attachment: 2026-1006_UChicago_SampleCase60_RubberBand.jpeg)
(image/jpeg attachment: 2026-1006_UChicago_RubberBand.jpeg)