Model BV-10
K.T Brown Type
Micropipette Beveler
This is an elegant and simple to use system for precision beveling of pipette tips between 0.1 and 50um. The unique design of the abrasive plate drive system provides vibration free beveling. Beveling can be accomplished very rapidly to produce consistent tip diameters using the techniques as described by Brown and Flaming, Science, August 1974, Vol. 185.Intracellular recording electrodes can benefit from beveling because of 1) a reduction in the tip diameter by the creation of a sharp point on the electrode and 2) a lowered electrical resistance at the electrode tip due to the larger cross-sectional area of the lumen. This facilitates penetrating and holding very small or differcult cells.
Microinjection needles also benefit from beveling by minimising damage to the cell on entry, and at the same time enhancing the flow of material through the needle.
System components
The basic BV-10 system consists of a stationary pedestal with an optically flat surface mounted on a heavy baseplate. This serves as a bearing for an abrasive coated, optical quality, flat glass plate. The abrasive plate is coupled to a low vibration, low speed motor by means of magnetic fields, to provide a wobble-free flat grinding surface. The abrasive plates are fabricated with a proprietary process which insures a consistent abrasive coating.
A two stage micromanipulator holds the pipette to be beveled and permits a controlled advance onto the abrasive surface. The bevel angle, and sensitivity of advance, are ajustable.
A goose-neck mounted halogen lamp enhances the beveling operation by providing concentrated illumination of the abrasive plate and pipette.
The basic system is completed with two abrasive plates of your choice, a wick with holder (for wet beveling), pedestal oil, degreasing fluid, a replacement drive belt, and an operation manual.
Options
Two options are available for monitoring the beveling process; a 80x stereo microscope and an electrode impedance meter. Depending on your research application, one or both of these options may be desirable. For all micropipettes, the swing mounted microscope allows viewing of the beveling operation , and enhances your control of pipette advance onto the abrasive plate. For microelectrodes, the impedance meter is used to monitor the tip resistance during the beveling operation. The meter is an analog design, offering three resistance ranges (0-10, 0-100, 0-500 Mohm). Measurements are made at 12Hz to minimise capacitive contributions to the impedance measured, and provide a near true DC resistance value. A rapid roll-off is used to reduce 50/60 Hz interferance, allowing operation in a laboratory enviroment without screening.
Specifications and Ordering Information
Beveling Range: 0.1 through 50um finished electrodes.
Grinding Surface Variation : Less than 1 micron
Grinding Speed: 60 rpm
Beveling angle range: 5-90 degrees, adjustable.
Micromanipulator: Coarse drive 0.075"/ dial revolution. Fine drive 0.0004" / dial revolution.
Abrasive plates
Two abrasive plates of your choice are supplied with the instrument. Please consult the BV-10 price list for the available plates. If no plates are specified with your order, 0.05um and 0.3um grit plates will be shipped.Power Requirements 120 volts, 50/60 Hz AC, 12 watts.For operation at other voltages, please specify voltage and frequency required. Model BV-10-B: Basic system includes Micromanipulator, halogen lamp, wick and holder, pedestal oil, degreaser, manual and 2 abraisive plates. Model BV-10-C :includes Electrode Impedance meter with basic system. Model BV-10-D : includes 80x stereo microscope with basic system. Model BV-10E: includes both meter and microscope with basic system.
Warranty
Three year limited warranty, parts and labour. Repairs or modifications without factory authorisation, misuse or abuse will void warranty. Abrasive plates, drive belts and other accesories are excluded.
Weight:Approx. 45 lbs.
Intracel
Tel 01763 262680 Fax 01763 262676
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