Medical
Research Testing and Instrumentation
PSI engineers have developed a contusion device
designed specifically for medical research using transgenic mice. This
system provides medical researchers specializing in spinal injury with
a unique tool to evaluate the cause and extent of injury to spinal
cord structures. This instrument enables the application of standard-force
injuries to the spinal cords of mice and rats. Force levels are user-selectable
between 30 and 200 kDynes. The probe can also be halted at a specific
force levels to model extended compression injuries. Probe force and
displacement curves as a function of time are displayed using PC software
and recorded to an experiment log file. Data can be recalled at any
time to review an experiment. The system is ready to use out of the
box with a user-supplied Windows 95, 2000, Me, NT or XP computer. Impactor
Specifications
System includes the Spinal Cord Impactor,
consisting of power train, force sensor, signal conditioner, displacement
encoder, on-board microcontroller, PC software, fixation plate,
forceps, all necessary cables and power supplies, 90 day warranty,
12 months of software updates, technical support via telephone
for set-up and operation. Maximum probe velocity is 0.3 m/s. Software for
control of contusion displacement is currently under development. The
full system retails for $19,500 if shipped to a destination in the United States, Canada, the European Community, or Australia (Price as of 1/1/06. Prices subject
to change without notice). The retail price in countries other than those listed above may vary considerably due to import costs. Please consult the PSI team for details. |
|
