Automated switching of perfusion solutions
Description
The timely control of a sequence of several different perfusion solutions to a preparation can be a very difficult task. Manually handling stopcocks can cause unwanted electrical artifacts and vibrations. The *ValveLink and *ValveBank programmable system allows unattended solution switching. Stopcocks are replaced by solenoid valves to avoid vibrations during solution changes and the use of low noise circuitry prevents interference in the recordings.
Valve switching is accurate to 0.01 second with programs up to 99 hours long under microprocessor control. Consistent liquid delivery means better data. Choose between speed, cost, and ease of cleaning. Several options are available for fittings and reservoirs. Flexible design, easy cleaning and calibration. Slave mode valve operation controlled by your computer, using available programs.
Perfusion systems include controller, valves, 140 ml syringe reservoirs and drippers (or 35 ml syringes and 2-way stopcocks in Luer-lock systems), reservoir bracket, disposable flow regulator, ringstand, 1/16” i.d. tubing and four- or eight-into-one micro-manifold.
Computer Interfacing:
Perfusion systems accept real-time TTL inputs to control valves so they can be controlled by a computer using most data acquisition hardware and software which you may already have. An optional program called EasyCode® is available for the Macintosh and PC/Windows to program ValveBanks (not ValveLinks). This software is used before an experiment – valve sequences are downloaded into the memory of the ValveBank where they are run.
Features
- Unattended solution switching
- Increased reproducibility
- Pinch & Teflon™ Valves
- Manual and external valve control
Steps to choose the right perfusion system
Determines the number of liquids that can be controlled. 4-channel ValveLink systems actually come with a ValveLink8 controller (we don’t make a ValveLink4), so they can easily be expanded later by adding more valves. 16-channel ValveBank systems actually come with two ValveBank8 controllers connected electronically to act as one unit.
• Pinch Valves for Reduced Maintenance
Easiest valves to clean and switch tubing. Liquids never touch the valves. Switches in 30-50ms. 1/32” i.d. silicone tube passes through, and is pinched closed by solenoid activation.
• Teflon Valves for Fast Switching
Required for fast kinetics applications. Excellent chemical and corrosion resistance. Non-stick surface resists particles and chemical deposits. Switches in less than 10ms, with 20µl of dead volume from port to port. Threaded female inlet and outlet ports accept Hose Barb, Luer Lock and Nut & Ferrule fittings (side). All valves include an individual indicator LED.
• Fittings for your Teflon Valves
Hose Barbs are standard and available for 1/8” & 1/16” i.d. soft tubing. Luer Lock fittings attach directly to syringe reservoirs for minimal dead volume. Nut & Ferrule fittings are ideal for drug discovery applications that require hard Teflon tubing.
ValveLink® Controllers
• Run experiments automatically – even unattended
By running experiments automatically, you are free to accomplish other tasks – saving you both time and money.
• Microprocessor-based for accuracy and flexibility
Even our low-cost ValveLink® controller has powerful perfusion commands and capabilities not offered by competing valve drivers.
• Low noise & low voltage valve control
Designed for electrophysiology. CE marked for Europe.
• Manual, TTL, and RS-232 inputs
Control manually (by push button) or by computer – simultaneously. These valve controllers are still the only ones with serial ports thanks to their microprocessor design.
• Low cost & low profile, simple design
Optional BNC cables and 19” rack-mounting brackets.
ValveLink controllers switch 12V DC solenoid valves with an accuracy of 0.01 seconds. Valves are opened or closed rapidly using full power, then held-in at 1/2 power to prevent thermal transfer to your solutions. Low noise circuitry minimizes recording artifacts in electrophysiology. ValveLinks are designed for use with popular data capture/control software and include dual RS-232 serial ports for daisy-chaining with other telegraphed instruments. All products include a one-year limited warranty covering both parts and labor.
ValveLink8 & 16 Controllers
ValveLinks® are less expensive than ValveBanks and include manual push buttons, digital/TTL and serial inputs to control valves. They are designed for easy control by your data acquisition software. The ValveLink16 is the controller of choice for dose response work at pharmaceutical companies and the NIH.
ValveBank Controllers
• Run experiments automatically – even unattended
By running experiments automatically, you are free to accomplish other tasks – saving you both time and money.
• Microprocessor-based for accuracy and flexibility
The ValveBank™ controller has powerful perfusion commands and capabilities not offered by competing valve drivers.
• Low noise & low voltage valve control
Designed for electrophysiology. CE marked for Europe.
• Manual, TTL, and RS-232 inputs
Control manually (by push button) or by computer – simultaneously. These valve controllers are still the only ones with serial ports thanks to their microprocessor design.
• Low cost & low profile, simple design
Optional BNC cables and 19” rack-mounting brackets.
ValveBank controllers switch 12V DC solenoid valves with an accuracy of 0.01 seconds. Valves are opened or closed rapidly using full power, then held-in at 1/2 power to prevent thermal transfer to your solutions. Low noise circuitry minimizes recording artifacts in electrophysiology. ValveBanks are designed for use with popular data capture/control software and include dual RS-232 serial ports for daisy-chaining with other telegraphed instruments. All products include a one-year limited warranty covering both parts and labor.
ValveBank4 & 8 Controllers
Many years after its introduction, the ValveBank™ remains the only programmable valve controller for physiology that does not require a computer. ValveBanks include all of the features of ValveLinks®, plus they can be programmed through their keypad and LCD screen or EasyCode® software from a Macintosh or PC. ValveBanks run user valve sequences without a computer and include eight programmable digital outputs for control of external devices such as stimulators, pumps and recording devices. Entire ValveBank programs can even be triggered by a single TTL pulse.
Specifications – ValveBank4 & 8
• Digital inputs activate valves by computer or external devices including level sensors, flow meters, and UV/VIS detectors.
• 1.5 Amp, 12V AC power supply included
• User-selectable for normally open or closed valves
• Dimensions: 10″ x 7.5″ x 2″ Weight: 5 lbs. (2.27kg.)
• Link multiple ValveBanks with a cable to operate up to 80 channels simultaneously.
ValveLinks are less expensive and include manual push buttons, digital/TTL and serial inputs to control valves. ValveBanks include all of the above, plus they can be programmed through their keypad and LCD screen or EasyCode™ software from a Macintosh or PC-Windows. ValveBanks run user valve sequence ‘programs’ without a computer, and include eight programmable digital outputs for control of external devices. Entire ValveBank programs can also be triggered by a single TTL pulse. All controllers include dual serial ports for communicating with multiple devices on a daisy-chain bus.
Program your valve and TTL on-off sequences with a Macintosh or PC-Windows compatible computer using graphic ‘click-and-drag’ timebars. Save and load unlimited programs to disk, print out program listings, then download your programs into the ValveBank’s memory in one simple step.
*ValveLink and *ValveBank are registered tradenames belonging to AutoMate Scientific Inc.