Thomas Motorized Electrode Manipulator (MEM)™

Description

The Thomas Motorized Electrode Manipulator (MEM)™ is a small and lightweight low-cost microdrive system for extracellular recordings. This microdrive can be used with different conventional extracellular recording electrodes and preamplifier systems presently available on the market. The microdrive consists of a precision drive motor, a guide tube unit and a holder for mounting the microdrive to different stereotaxic setups like shown in figure 3 and 4.

Figure 1: Thomas Motorized Electrode Manipulator MEM™ loaded with a multicontact electrode

A networkable microprocessor motor control unit for controlling up to 8 single MEMs, a motor control software (graphical user interface) and accessories are part of the delivery.

The MEM can be used together with microelectrodes and preamplifiers of other manufacturers (see figure 2).    

Figure 2: Thomas Motorized Electrode Manipulator MEM™ loaded with a multicontact electrode

Figure 3 shows the MEM mounted to a primate recording chamber. The chamber should be equipped with a grid for high reproducibility of the recording position in x- and y-direction. The special designed chamber holder is extremely lightweight and stable and allows reaching different recording positions within the recording chamber.

Figure 4 demonstrates a possible use of the MEM in small animal recording applications. TheMEM can be mounted to small animal stereotaxic instruments just by using a customized adapter. 

Figure 3: MEM mounted on a primate recording chamber

Figure 4: MEM mounted to a small animal stereotaxic instrument

A networkable microprocessor motor control unit is available for the MEM. This motor control unit communicates with the personal computer via local area network connection and TCP/IP protocol. A motor control software is available.

Figure 5: 8 channel microprocessor motor control unit

Please do not hesitate to contact us for customization for of this drive so that it fits to your current recording application. Beside an adaptation of our MEM to your existing lab equipment we also offer complete solutions.

Customer Evaluation

„Our lab uses Plexon U-probes to record across the depth of surface cortex in alert, head-fixed animals. We had Thomas build a custom computer-control micro-drive and holder for the U-probe. Specifically, we wanted the holder to be small, have a single motorized driver, and attach to a Thomas micro-manipulator. Thomas customized a ‘MEM’ that could be controlled by the same motor-control box that controls movement of a Thomas Pencil Drive. The MEM works wonderfully to advance the U-probe and secures the probe in place very nicely. It is easy to load and convenient to attach to the rig on a daily basis. We store the probe inside the MEM so that loading only occurs occasionally. Cleaning and storage of the probe is easy with the aid of the base stand. Overall, we are extremely satisfied with the MEM for use with the U-probe.”

(Prof. Dr. Farran Briggs, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth)

Technical Data

Features

Low-cost precision microdrive system

High precision & quality “Made in GERMANY” by Thomas RECORDING

Axial resolution better than 1µm, x-y-Positioning with a grid.

Flexible electrode travel range by chassis extension

Short microdrive length for cortical recording applications

Variable speed range from 0...250µm/s, higher velocity on request

Custom-made solutions for each recording application

Modular number of drives mountable to the chamber holder

Networkable motor control unit (LAN communication via TCP/IP)

Special designed electrode holder prevents bending of electrodes at the top

Ordering information