Section 1 – Primate Chairs

Primate chairs from Crist Instrument Co., Inc. are designed to enable researchers to restrain primates effectively in a wide variety of research scenarios. Our chairs may be used in protocols ranging from standard vision studies to complex behavioral experiments. The numerous available styles and options, in combination with custom design options, allow our chairs to fit the protocols set forth by the researcher, rather than force researchers to design their protocols according to standard features of the chair. Our standard models come equipped with a variety of features. Most of our chairs are made from polycarbonate, a plastic that is stronger than acrylic yet transparent to permit easy viewing of the subject in the chair. Corners are reinforced with aluminum for extra strength. The main body of the chair, which holds the subject, is ventilated and permits movement of arms and legs, reducing muscle atrophy and discomfort. The two-part neck plate restrictors adjust to allow the chair to fit different primates. Trolley and base wheels have a locking swivel castor design for increased stability. All models include the following features:
  • All edges are rounded or de-burred; there are no sharp edges on any part of the chair.
  • A removable waste tray and drip lip are included. The drip lip is located above the waste tray to direct any waste towards the waste tray. With this waste containment system, AAALAC has been known to waive some of the requirements for research room sanitation.
  • A safety restraint chain is included.
  • A perch for the primate is adjustable (up and down) for the comfort of the subject. On most models, this is made from stainless steel and aluminum.
  • All chairs of any size that are ordered with a tall base will have the eye height set to 47-48 inches unless specified otherwise.
Upon special request, all of our chair designs can be modified to meet your specific protocol. The prices of our most popular chair styles appear in the beginning of the catalog. If these chairs do not meet your requirements, see the chair option sections for additional available chair options. If you require specifications that are not listed, please call your Crist Instrument Company sales representative, and they will be happy to assist you.

Primate chairs, Transport trolleys and Positioners

Product information

The basic descriptions below should get you started with your chair selection. While some of the features are automatically included (e.g. perch bars), you can select other options you to customize your chair(s) to fit your research program. Our chairs are available in the sizes listed below.

1-CC Standard Primate Chair Models

The standard size is the chair size most frequently ordered. It accommodates primates that weigh up to 9 kilograms. The primate compartment measures 10” x 10” x 23” (25.40cm x 25.40cm x 58.42cm). Catalog numbers beginning with 1-CCP indicate that the chair front panels are either plain or include a touch bar handle. Catalog numbers beginning with 1-CCC indicate that the chairs have small removable front panels. These panels can be modified to hold touch bars, joysticks, or other tasking devices.

1-CM Mini Primate Chair Models

This model accommodates small primates, the size of squirrel monkeys. The compartment size is 6” x 6.5” x 8.5” (15.24cm x 16.51cm x 21.59cm). 8.5” (21.59cm) is the maximum height to the shoulder. The rear door includes a small cutaway area to accommodate a stiff tail.

1-CS Small Primate Chair Models

This model accommodates primates ranging in size from the squirrel monkey to the macaque. The compartment size is 8” x 8” x 21” (20.32cm x 20.32cm x 53.34cm). This is an excellent size for small Macaques.

1-CL Large Primate Chair Models

The large chair was designed for primates weighing up to 18 kilograms. The primate compartment is the same basic design as the standard model, only larger. It measures 12” x 12” x 25” (30.48cm x 30.48cm x 63.50cm).

Specifications:

MATERIAL:

Our standard chairs are constructed with polycarbonate material, which is more impact and heat resistant than acrylic (Plexiglas). Because it can withstand more heat and abuse than acrylic, it has a more extended useful life. The chairs should be hand washed and sanitized with a mild disinfectant and hot water, the temperature of which should not exceed 190 degrees. You may add a few drops of bleach to the wash water, then rise thoroughly with pure water. Do not use alcohol, ketone solvents or other alkaline cleaners. Use of a cage washer is not recommended because rapid heating and cooling in combination with high-pressure water jets is known to increase the likelihood of fatigue cracks.

CONSTRUCTION:

Our chairs come with many predrilled holes. These holes provide bolt on convenience for many of our popular options e.g., handles and coil support wings. Your chair may also have an optional door latch position. The position of the latch is determined by the options you have chosen. For example, if you ordered coil support wings, the latch will be in the lower position so that the metal latch is not inside the coil field. You may move your latch or add a second without affecting your warranty. The brass secondary restraint chain at the top of the hinged side of the chair is an AAIAC safety requirement. All sharp edges that may come into contact with the animal and researcher have been rounded for comfort and safety. All of our chair parts are individually replaceable. If they should become damaged or if you require changes to accommodate your investigations, the part you wish to change can be removed and/or replaced. Individual chair parts, both standard and modified, are available. Please feel free to call or email us for any information on the parts you need. Our chair department manager and sales staff are always ready to help.