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The VC-77SP is a unique
system which enables the user to rapidly select
between several perfusion reservoirs, saving
time and effort. The system is comprised of the
VC-66MCS Valve Control System and the SF-77B
Perfusion Fast Step.
The main use of the SF-77B
is the rapid change of solutions bathing a
single cell or membrane patch attached to a
patch electrode. This is typically achieved
using a three square barrel piping system,
although up to five barrels can be easily
accommodated as well as two barrel Theta glass
tubing.
Solution
changes can be made in as little as 20-50 ms (or
as little as ~1 ms using a two-barrel Theta
tubing), and once changed the new solution with
its specific concentration of pharmacological
agent will remain stable until changed again.
An important capability of this device is
that a large number of solutions can be used
during the course of a single experiment,
regardless of the compact size of the device.
This creates the ability to use 15-30 different
solutions in a single experiment. This feat is
accomplished by having as many as six solutions
feeding through a unique manifold into each of
the three "pipes" in front of which
the cell may be placed. This allows any of the
three pipes to have any one of six solutions
flowing through it at any time. It is even
possible, during the course of an experiment, to
change the six solutions flowing into any one of
the manifolds, allowing a virtually limitless
number of solutions to be used.
The VC-6M Valve Control
System lies at the heart of a multi-valve
perfusion system designed to automate and
control the delivery of small quantities of
fluids to Warner Instruments imaging and
recording chambers. However, its flexible design
allows the system to be used in many
applications not using Warner equipment. The
miniature solenoid valve assembly is standard
with the system. They are lightweight and made
from rugged materials for long life.
Valves are dual acting with both normally
open and normally closed sides. The normally
open side is plugged with removable stoppers and
when these are removed solution can flow to
waste while the valve is in the off position.
The
controller can independently regulate the
function of up to six valves. Individual valves
can be controlled via a manual switch or an
external digital (TTL) signal. Valve transitions
(opened or closed) occur at full power to insure
rapid response times and are then held in place
at less than half power to prevent heat transfer
to solutions. An event-marker pulse, generated
each time a valve is switched on, is provided at
the rear of the controller for recording into
your acquisition system.
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