T-lock but for bigger things?

mts

Does something like this exist?

I have a piece of lab equipment that I am trying to control access for. It is a cryostat

Looks something like this


I'm trying to prevent someone from turning the crank on the side. There is a safety lock when you need to slide a lever as you turn it or else it won't move. Blocking the lever from sliding would do it.

If I could find a larger version of a kensington t-lock it could be perfect. Push down and turn to prevent it from being moved.
The slot is just under 1/2" by 1" slightly arcing since it's a circle.

Alternatively any other ideas? I picked up some coated wire rope and I thought I could make almost a lasso that just fit the lever and was locked in place but that seems complicated

dispatch.o

What environment is this?

Hospital pathology department? University lab?

Edit: never mind on the power idea... those things take hours to get back to temperature, kind of inconvenient.

mts

University lab.
You don't need power to use the handle. Power only affects the temperature control.

I am really only concerned with the arm since I can remove and lock any part of the cryostat to prevent usage that way though if I could prevent the hatch from opening that works too.

Basically I went to my lab Friday morning and someone had fucked with my cryostat.

The arm on the side controls basically a piston inside the chamber. One rotation of the arm causes that piston to move microns forward to draw a sample across a blade to cut sections for histology. Along with someone messing up the angle of the blade holder and changing settings on the touchpad, someone put over 10000 cranks on the arm. The stroke readout was at 15K and the piston was extended almost completely out which I tell my people never to do.

That's a lot of wear and tear and this is something that requires dialing in so any change takes time for readjustment.

I don't think anyone was using it, I think (hopefully) they were playing around with the handle rather than doing something malicious.

There is really only 3 people approved to use this right now including me and I know it wasn't any of them

Burtletoy

Yeah, it definitely exists. What you want to search for is a "lock out tag out" device.

Not exactly this, but you know....

Close

mts

@Burtletoy
oh man you are the man.

this was off the first hit


that is basically what I had in mind when i bought the cabling today.

Still like the idea of the keyed slot blocker but that would work

dispatch.o

I was thinking of suggesting a lockout tag but I can't see how it would stay mounted to that handle. All the ones at my hospital are specifically fit for pipes or other devices and need to wrap behind the handle to hold it in place. You gonna drill the handle or something?

Burtletoy

mts wrote: »

@Burtletoy
oh man you are the man.

this was off the first hit


that is basically what I had in mind when i bought the cabling today.

Still like the idea of the keyed slot blocker but that would work

If you contracted the manufacturer, they might even have suggestions for specific types!

Lock out tag out is very important in biotech manufacturing and stuff. Taken less seriously in most academic settings, but that's just my personal bais

mts

yea, its isn't ideal, and still looking. might just have to go to grainger, there is one right by my house.

the thing that pisses me off is that this is in a swipe controlled room. While it is a group lab situation, the only people in there are people who should be inside. so either someone was lax about door shutting, or it is a student from another PI.

I am actually going to be meeting with a dean about it hopefully tomorrow.

mts

honestly something like this where the one part goes into the slot where the other legs hook around the oppositte slide of the wheel


just not the size of a car tire

Burtletoy

Lock out tag out clamshell seems close

mts

actually, i think one of the breaker lockouts could work

https://www.grainger.com/product/BRADY-Single-Pole-Breaker-Lockout-3T986
or
https://www.masterlock.com/business-use/product/S2393

or
https://www.masterlock.com/business-use/product/S2394

if it was thin enough

Mugsley

Can you unscrew/unbolt the handle, or can the wheel still spin?

Also I feel like this is something the OEM would have thought of in their design; especially with such a precise instrument having a direct linkage to a handle outside the unit. Have you tried reaching out?

Also I'd just be an asshole about it and set up a security cam to watch over the machine. If it's a swipe room, you already have a smaller list of potential suspects to begin with.

mts

you would still be able to turn it. the handle on the outside is just there to make it easier.

funny you bring up the camera. A month or so ago, we got a weird cryptic email that someone had found a camera top of one of the pieces of equipment, and they were bringing it up with IT and campus police.

though I am tempted to bring it up as an option with the dean.

MichaelLC

There is probably a lock out/tag out shape they will work. Check with the mfg - they may have a recommendation.

For cameras, I will still reluctantly recommend a Blink XT if you want a simple camera. It's AA powered and can be set to record any time there's motion and/or you can check on it occasionally. It is not meant for 24/7 live streaming. Reluctantly because of the terrible behavior by Amazon/Ring and LEOs. Blink is also Amazon.

WiseManTobes

mts wrote: »

I'm trying to prevent someone from turning the crank on the side. There is a safety lock when you need to slide a lever as you turn it or else it won't move. Blocking the lever from sliding would do it.

Is it possible the lever could be removed when not in use? If so, that could negate the need for an additional lock.

Inquisitor77

Can you provide a better photo?

Also, maybe someone is bringing their kid into work or something and the kid just goes wild on the thing.