Micromanipulator ezPatch 200A

The ezPatch 200A micromanipulator is ideal for patch clamping, but its user-friendly control method and high resolution mechanical design make it suitable for many applications such as intracellular recordings and microinjection. The manipulator uses high precision stepper motor, with micro-stepping, the manipulator can reach high resolution. Each manipulator is tested and fine-tuned with interferometer for quality assurance. There is no current going through motor when manipulator does not move; the stage is held in place by high friction of the leadscrew. The manipulator does not add in any electrical noise during recording, and the drift is very low. The angle of the headstage can be adjusted precisely from 15 degree to 45 degree, with a 5 degree step. User can enter the angle into software to construct the 4th axis movement along the direction of the headstage. The movement of the ezPatch 200A manipulator is controlled by iPod Touch. There are many advantages of using software for the control. First, software control is flexible. We can add functions based on users' requests by updating the software, and we plan to improve the functions of the manipulator. Second, users can move manipulator without touching the set up. This is particularly useful when user wants to fine-tune the position of manipulator after making seal or impale a cell. Third, users can use the same iPod Touch to control both of our ezPatch 200A manipulator and the ez-gSEAL pressure controller, and thus they can quickly switch back and forth between the controls of the two devices.