8530 Shatterbox
Page 8 of 28 SPEX SamplePrep LLC January 2010
4.3 Safety Interlock (Cont’d)
zero, the motor shuts off, the timer displays RUN COMPLETE, and the lid stays latched for 5
seconds to allow the grinding mechanism to slow down. After 5 seconds the lid unlatches with
an audible click, and the timer re-sets. Always wait until the lid is unlatched before opening it.
If the safety interlock cannot engage, the mill will not start, and ERROR: LATCH FAILURE
appears in the timer display. When the problem has been corrected and the Interlock can
engage, the ERROR display will continue until the stop button is pushed. Only when the time
setting (example: 3:00 REMAINING) reappears in the display can the Shatterbox be started.
The only exposed part of the Safety Interlock is a U-shaped metal latch which protrudes from
the inside lip of the lid and can be seen when the lid is lifted. Please do not damage this latch by
trying to open the lid before the latch disengages. If this part of the interlock is damaged and
cannot latch properly, the Shatterbox will not start.
4.4 Cam-Action Clamp
The cam-action of the clamp makes it possible to hold any SPEX Shatterbox grinding container
firmly in place without applying excessive pressure to the lever. The clamp can also be adjusted
easily for containers of different heights, or to compensate for wear. It is absolutely necessary
to adjust the clamp properly before using it, as overtightening the clamp can damage it. Such
damage is not covered by the warranty. The different parts of the clamp are illustrated in
Diagram A.
To use the clamp, first swing the clamp arm to the left side of the cabinet and the clamp lever
to the right. Then place a grinding container squarely in the recess of the capsule retainer. (If
the container is not firmly seated, it can work itself loose during grinding.) The use of a 31688
Friction Disc in the capsule retainer recess, under the grinding container, is recommended at all
times; it lessens noise, aids the gripping action of the clamp, and prevents rapid wear of the
capsule retainer.
When the grinding container is in place, swing the clamp arm to the right, so the guide fits over
the boss (raised protuberance) in the center of the container lid. Then bring up the clamp lever
so that the open gate at its base fits over the end clamp arm; the roller in the clamp lever
assembly should rest in the curved recess of the clamp arm. Swing the clamp lever over to the
left. If the lever meets strong resistance, STOP! The clamp is not properly adjusted and must
be loosened. Overtightening the clamp can break the cam mechanism.
The best way to adjust the clamp is to screw the guide back into the clamp bar until contact
with the grinding container is loose. Then extend (unscrew) the guide until the clamp becomes
snug. Ideal tightness for the clamp is just past the point where the grinding container can be
rotated with the clamp lever down. When the clamp is perfectly adjusted, the lever will meet
moderate resistance as it is pushed through the top of its arc, then close easily.
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