Hydraulic micromanipulators allow virtually vibration free movements to sub-micron levels in up to four axes. The hydraulic control is located outside the Faraday cage to allow manipulation with the cage doors shut. Initial coarse positioning of the pipette is carried out using a separate mechanical manipulator to which the hydraulic manipulator is mounted. The range of movement on the coarse manipulator is 30mm in each axis to give sufficient movement for coarse adjustments. The range of movement in the hydraulic axis is 2mm, 10mm or 0.4mm dependent upon model (see below).
The stability of water hydraulic systems is less sensitive to fluctuations in temperature than oil hydraulic systems and consequently water hydraulics are recommended for patch clamp. The MHW-3 is normally recommended for patch clamp because of the further improvement in stability gained by the 1:5 cartridge ratio.The range of hydraulic movement is 2mm in each axis with movements of 50 microns in response to one rotation of the control knob. The MHW-3 includes a manual coarse manipulator for initial positioning of the pipette/electrode but requires an appropriate mounting adapter for stage or illumination support mounting to the microscope.
Whilst the use of water (compared with oil) limits drift, this manipulator uses a 1:1 cartridge system providing a fine movement of 10mm in each axis. A separate coarse manipulator (e.g MMN-1) should be purchased separately with a suitable mounting adaptor.
This new manipulator from Narishige combines the leverage principle with a 1:5 hydraulic cartridge to produce even finer control than the MHW-3 (400um fine range, full rotation of knob 10um, minimum graduation 0.04um). Coarse range is 30mm in all axes. The H-12 electrode holder is attached by means of the UST-1 Solid Universal Joint, providing a firm installation and excellent stability over long periods.
Tel 01763 262680 Fax 01763 262676
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