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Negative-Stiffness Vibration Isolation Supports Advanced Genomic Sequencing


By Jim McMahon I


n its continuing efforts to revolu- tionize discovery-based research into understanding the most com-


plex biological systems, Pacific Bio- sciences has released its next genera- tion of automated, long-read genomic sequencer with Single-Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT®) sequencing tech- nology — the Sequel™ system. “The sequel system is very mul-


tifaceted in operation,” says Kevin Lin, mechanical engineer at Pacific Biosciences. “It encompasses robot- ics, chemical and biological process- ing and photonics.” Since the system was to be used in diverse R&D set- tings, excessive ambient vibrations


could influence the data. “We needed to implement a vibration isolation component that would not only iso- late the sensitive components from vibrations, but also that would be sufficiently small, compact and inte- grative,” he says. Vibration can be caused by a


multitude of factors, both internal and external to the building in which the system resides, including vibra- tions from heating and ventilation systems, fans, pumps, elevators, ad- jacent road traffic, nearby construc- tion, overhead aircraft, and even wind and weather conditions. These influences cause vibrations as low as


2 Hz and can create strong distur- bances in sensitive equipment. Pacific Biosciences needed a vi-


bration isolator that would be com- pact enough to fit into its Sequel sys- tem, which is much smaller than its prior sequencer — about 60 percent smaller.


Negative-Stiffness Vibration Isolation


During the design of the Sequel


system, we did considerable research into various vibration isolation op- tions, including active isolation sys- tems and smaller, modified air ta- bles,” says Lin. “The option we decid- ed on was the performance that neg- ative-stiffness isolation provides.” Developed by Minus K Technol-


ogy, negative-stiffness isolators em- ploy a unique and completely me- chanical concept in low-frequency vi- bration isolation. They do not require electricity or compressed air. There are no motors, pumps or chambers and no maintenance, because there is nothing to wear out. They operate purely in a passive mechanical mode. Because of their high vibration


isolation efficiencies, particularly at low frequencies, negative-stiffness vibration isolation systems enable vi- bration-sensitive instruments, such as the Sequel system, to operate in severe low-vibration environments that would not be practical with top- performance air tables and other vi- bration-mitigation technologies. “In negative-stiffness vibration


wire stripper MIRA 340 The programmable Mira 340 is designed for


universal use while maintaining maximum precision. It is perfect for processing wires and insulation material with demanding requirements. The Mira 340 is fitted with a rotary head with 4X-blades and offers unique functions designed to reduce production time and increase quality. Thanks to sequential processing, multi-conductor cables and multi-layer insulation material can be processed quickly, thereby saving time and increasing productivity.


isolation, vertical-motion isolation is provided by a stiff spring that sup- ports a weight load, combined with a negative-stiffness mechanism,” ex- plains Dr. David Platus, president and founder of Minus K and inventor of negative-stiffness isolators. “The net vertical stiffness is made very low without affecting the static load- supporting capability of the spring. Beam-columns connected in series with the vertical-motion isolator pro- vide horizontal-motion isolation. A beam-column behaves as a spring combined with a negative-stiffness mechanism. The result is a compact passive isolator capable of very low vertical and horizontal natural fre- quencies and very high internal structural frequencies.” Prior to founding Minus K, Pla-


komaxgroup.com


tus worked in the nuclear, aerospace and defense industries conducting and directing analysis and design projects in structural-mechanical systems. He holds more than 20 patents related to shock and vibra- tion isolation. A key factor for selection of neg-


ative-stiffness was the elimination of hysteresis of the isolator, a critical function in the operation of the sys- tem. The isolator is mounted to the main frame of the Sequel instrument


Vibration can be caused


by a multitude of factors, including heating and


ventilation systems inside a building, adjacent road traffic, construction, and


overhead aircraft outside. These influences cause vibrations as low as


2 Hz and can disturb sensitive equipment.


and physically interacts with the in- ternal robot, causing some initial movement of the isolator after each interaction. The speed and repeatability at


which the vibration isolator can re- turn back and cancel out this move- ment is critical to the operation of the system. In this regard, the negative- stiffness isolator outperforms the pneumatic isolators. Pacific Biosciences of California


develops sequencing systems to help scientists resolve genetically complex problems. With a strong history of collaboration and a focus on creating high-value and high-quality technol- ogy, PacBio has revolutionized meth- ods used by scientists to resolve com- plex genetic challenges. Based on its SMRT technology, the company’s se- quencing systems, including consum- ables and software, provide a simple, fast, end-to-end workflow for SMRT sequencing. “We were attracted to negative-


stiffness because of the high vibra- tion cancellation performance of the isolator and its favorable hysteresis,” says Lin. “We were also attracted to its simplicity of operation.” Nothing is needed to supply and control air and there is no need for electrical connections. It is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to fit into the smaller footprint of the Se- quel system. “We wanted to reduce the size and cost of the Sequel Sys- tem to make it more affordable and attractive to a wider audience,” con- cludes Lin. “The negative-stiffness vibration isolator supports this ini-


tiative.” Contact: Minus K Technology,


Inc., 460 S. Hindry Avenue, Unit C, Inglewood, CA 90301 % 310-348-9656 E-mail: sales@minusk.com Web: www.minusk.com r


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