Skip to content

PelletMaker

Kravitz Lab edited this page Sep 23, 2026 · 1 revision

Pellet Press Machine — Standard Operating Procedure

⚠️ SAFETY WARNING

This machine has a large motor and rotating flywheel that can cause serious entanglement and crushing injuries.

Before operating:

  • Remove rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces, and other loose jewelry
  • Tie back long hair
  • Secure loose clothing and sleeves
  • Wear closed-toe shoes and safety glasses
  • Keep hands, clothing, and hair away from all moving parts

Operation

  1. Inspect the machine and make sure the work area is clear.
  2. Confirm all guards are in place.
  3. Start the machine according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  4. Add material as instructed.
  5. Keep hands away from the flywheel, motor, feed mechanism, and other moving parts while operating.
  6. Monitor the machine for unusual noise, vibration, or other problems.

If the Machine Jams

Do not reach into the machine while it is running.

  1. Turn the machine OFF.
  2. Disconnect/isolate power.
  3. Wait until the flywheel has completely stopped.
  4. Clear the jam using an appropriate tool.
  5. Replace any guards before restarting.

WHEN IN DOUBT: STOP THE MACHINE.


1. Getting Started and Lab Administration

Onboarding and Lab Policies

Computing, Printing, and Travel

Ordering and External Services

EHS, DCM, and Shipping


2. Animal Care and Colony Management

Animal Policies and Procedures

Weighing

Diet Nutritional Information


3. Surgical and Injection Procedures

Intracranial Surgery

Other Surgical Procedures

Intracranial and Systemic Injections

Viral Vectors


4. Physiological and Behavioral Procedures

Blood Collection

Metabolic Testing

Sensory and Pain Testing

Pharmacology and Self-Administration

Behavior Chambers


5. Molecular Biology and Histology

Molecular Biology

Histology and Immunostaining

Single-Cell Data Analysis


6. Neural Recording and Imaging

Fiber Photometry

Acquisition

Analysis

In Vivo Electrophysiology

Hardware and Preparation

Analysis

Ex Vivo Electrophysiology

Microscopy

Miniscopes

1P Imaging with Mightex OASIS


7. Behavioral Tracking and Bonsai

Bonsai Setup and Workflows

Video Tools


8. Lab-Built Devices

Arduino

FED3

Sippers

Tumble Feeder

Social Door

BEAM


9. Statistics


10. Fabrication, Maintenance, and Miscellaneous Tools

Stereotaxic Equipment

Electronics and Timing

3D Printing

Pellet Maker Machine

Clone this wiki locally