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The PatchStar is an incredibly versatile and stable manipulator. It offers outstanding
stability of less than 1 micron of drift over two hours, is electrically silent and very
easy to use.
This is a quick demonstration and overview of some of the brackets and features of this
motorised micromanipulator.
Lets start by taking a look at the intuitive locking mechanism and its easily adaptable
range of brackets.
One of the key features of the PatchStar is the ability to easily rotate it horizontally
and vertically. This makes access to the headstage and pipette exchange simple and quick.
A novel slotted insert can be located anywhere
within the 360 degree rotating base which means that an end stop can be added where
you need your manipulator to stop. As well as being able to hold the manipulator in place
completely if required.
The
Shallow approach bracket is normally necessary when using our SlicePlatform, or the movable
top plates.
The Steep Bracket allows additional height reach for the headstage or probe. It also
has the advantage of simple steep angle approach which is sometimes an advantage when using
an inverted microscope.
A PatchStar combined with the Steep Bracket and the Motorised movable base plate can be
perfectly coupled for In-Vivo studies, giving it the additional height and vertical approach
required.
The vertical flip bracket has been designed when space is at a premium around your setup
(for example when 4 PatchStars are around your sample), this allows a vertical flip
of your probe for even easier pipette exchange.
The height of the PatchStar can be reduced by using the low profile bracket. The Z axis
stage can be bought forward and dropped down which is perfect when there are height restrictions
on your set up and when a low approach is important.
There are two options for mounting your probe when using a PatchStar Micromanipulator:
The Sliding Probe Carriage comes as standard with the PatchStar. It holds Molecular Devices
(Axon) and other headstages that feature a male dovetail that simply slides into the
carriage. It has a magnetic attachment at the top end of travel which allows you to
hold it in place when changing your pipette or probe. It also features a manual screw
to lock it in place for maximum stability while conducting experiments. Adaptors can
also be provided for many other headstages.
The Universal Rod Holder is used to mount stimulator bars or headstages with mounting
bars onto the PatchStar.
So as you can see the PatchStar is a highly adaptable electrophysiology manipulator allowing the user to easily adapt the PatchStar to the changing needs of their research