Section 4 – Touch Panels and Interactive Devices

Touch Pannel

Touch Panel Module (4-TPS-E1)

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4-TPS-E1 Touch Panel Sensor Module The 4-TPS-E(x) touch panels are contact sensitive devices designed to activate when a grounded primate touches it. Attaching one side of the device’s electronics component to the primate chair’s metal perch, then attaching the other side of the device to a rod (that is easily reached by the primate) achieves the grounding of the primate. When contact is made, the “normal” output will give a “positive logic” TTL signal. The “invert” output will give a “negative logic” TTL signal. The signal can then drive another device – like Crist Instruments “5-RLD-E(x) or D(x)” Reward Systems, or it can be sent to the I/O Module in your computer. If your computer is running an interactive program, e.g. LabVIEW or TestPoint, etc. It will sense the TTL pulse. From there, one can process the signal, or drive a device like the reward system. For this configuration the outputs will produce a pulse with the duration is equal to the time the subject is touching the metallic rod or pushing the button.

4-TPS-E2 Touch Panel, Short Duration Module

This Touch Panel is identical to the 4-TPS-E1 except that it is designed to send a short duration pulse. This pulse sends either a positive (normal) or negative (invert) TTL signal to the computer when the animal touches the sensor bar or a push button. Like the TPS-E1, the unit’s sensitivity is adjustable. In this configuration the outputs will produce a fixed pulse of a factory preset duration. This time is preset to 1/3 second; but, can be changed by request at the time of purchase.

 

Biela Commutators

Biela commutators work well when recording EEG or neural signals in studies where subjects are awake and active. Wires connect between the commutator and the electrodes on the subject. The commutator swivels freely with the animals movements preventing wires from tangling. When mounted in the ceiling of the testing chamber it permits continuous full rotation in any horizontal direction.

Commutator

Rotation is achieved with the use of extremely free running bearings. Torque is approximately .05 inch ounces per channel. Current is rated at 1 amp per ring. Noise levels for most of our slip rings show changes in contact resistance of approximately .005 ohms. When a “run-in” period is used, this level of resistance is usually reduced. Some “run-in” is generated prior to shipment. To achieve the best results “run-in” should be completed in the actual environment where it will be used. Dual contacts on gold slip rings allow for minimal noise in the transmission of data.

When it is desired to dispense fluid to the subject a cannula may be fed through the rings of the commutator. At the time of ordering, please let us know what size tube you need to have installed. Biela commutators are available in sizes ranging from 9 channels to 80 channels. The output connections on this commutator are sub D receptacles. Connectors are available in 9 pins, 15 pins, 25 pins, and 44 pins.

4-TBC-9S Biela Commutator, 1 to 9 Channels

The 9-channel version of the Biela Commutator is the smallest unit with the least amount of torque. It has an extremely free moving rotation suitable for small animals. Two female 9-pin Sub D Receptacles are provided on the 4-TBC-9S. Cabling and connectors to your data collection equipment are not provided, but are available upon special request. When ordering cable and connectors, please specify the length of cable and the type of connector required to attach to your equipment. See Figure 4-2, left side.

4-TBC-9-LT Biela Commutator - with Cannula for Liquid Tube

This product operates in the same manner as the 4-TBC-9S. However, this unit is made from the larger 4-TBC-25 commutator to accommodate the addition of the cannula through the center of the unit. This commutator also includes the same 9-pin connectors as the above unit.

4-TBC-25 Biela Commutator, 18 to 25 Channels

This product operates in the same manner as the 4-TBC-9S. This is a larger unit than the 4-TBC-9S. The torque ratio is not quite as free as in the 9-pin due to the increased number of rings and brush blocks, but, all 25 pins can be used for data transmission. Two 25-pin receptacles are provided on the 4-TBC-25.

4-TBC-25-LT Biela Commutator - with Cannula for Liquid Tube

This product is the same as the 4-TBC-25, except with the addition of the cannula.

4-TBC-36 Biela Commutator, 26 to 36 Channels

This product is that same as the 4-TBC-25, except a different connector (44-pin) is used to accommodate more channels.

4-TBC-36-LT Biela Commutator - With Cannula for Liquid Tube

This product is the same as the 4-TBC-36, except with the addition of the cannula.

SLICE CHAMBERS

Slice Chambers

4-BSC-4 Tower Biela Slice Chamber

The Biela-style slice chamber is used to maintain and promote slices of tissue in a warm, moist, oxygenated atmosphere. There are four separate slice chambers with a central oxygen distribution tower. Each tissue chamber is provided with a fluid supply and siphon to prevent overflow. Additionally, the chamber has a grounding loop in the bottom. The slice itself is supported on a special mesh that allows circulation of a nutrient rich fluid. The temperature of the entire chamber is controlled by a submerged heating element and a thermister that senses the temperature. Slice chambers with different numbers of towers can be provided upon request. At the present time we do not provide the electronics controls or pumps.

AUDIO STIMULATORS

4-TAS-FAR Fixed Angle Rotary Audio Stimulator

This device is designed to provide audio signals that originate equidistant from the center of the subject’s head via a curvilinear arm. This arm supports the speakers and is suspended from above rotating a full 360 degrees around the animal. The angular vertical positioning is fixed at angles dependent on the speaker size and number. The speakers are activated from a preset controller that allows each speaker to be independently selected, thereby providing a known position. It can be built to fit either in an anechoic chamber or other laboratory space. A minimum of six feet of vertical height is required. This product is built to order, allowing for customization.

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4-TAS-VAR Variable Angle Rotary Audio Stimulator

Similar to the 4-TAS-FAR, this device is designed to provide audio signals that originate equidistant from the center of the subject’s head. The arm supports a single movable speaker, which is moved up and down permitting infinite and accurate positioning. The movement of the speaker is computer controlled; therefore, a single or multiple set(s) of positions can be preprogrammed and consistently repeated. Other than the movable vertical control of the speaker, this device performs exactly as the 4-TAS-FAR. This product is built to order, allowing for customization.

CUSTOM INTERACTIVE EQUIPMENT

Vestibular Platforms

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4-VP03 BODY ROTATIONAL VESTIBULAR PLATFORM

This unit is designed to rotate the body while holding the head stationary. The rotational axis of the chair passes through the rotational axis of the neck allowing 40 degrees rotation to the left and the right without harming the neck of the subject. If the animal resists a sensor shuts down the experiment and the subject will receive no reward. Rewards will be given when the computer is satisfied that a complete cycle has been accomplished. Computer parameters are set by the investigator. We suggest the use of National Instruments Lab View as the operative platform. In addition, this chair can be modified to hold the chair in place while rotating the head or it can also be used in standard vestibular experiments where the head and the animal are swung back and forth or rotated 180 degrees. Call us for further details or customization to your exacting needs.

4-VP02 VESTIBULAR SWING APPARATUS

The Vestibular Swing Apparatus swings the subject from side to side approximately 30 degrees in each direction. It can be used with varying acceleration/deceleration patterns and variety of distances from the center of arc. The apparatus is designed to support a Crist Primate Chair to hold the subject. Call for further details or customization to your exacting needs.

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