Past Projects
Electronics and Computer Module
Microscope stage temperature controller for the Lecia 2 Photon microscope
Designed for the Hitchcock laboratory to maintain controlled constant temperature for microscope subjects.
Optokinetic drum motion controller
Designed for the Kahana laboratory for zebrafish research. Adult zebrafish display a stereotyped pattern of eye movement, known as an optokinetic reflex (OKR), in response to moving visual stimuli. This response is evoked by placing zebrafish on a stationary pedestal within the rotating optokinetic drum that is marked on the inner wall by alternating black and white stripes. Watch the video of an adult zebrafish in the rotating optokinetic drum.
Electroporation pulse generator
A custom power supply built for electroporation provides 20 to 120 volt DC pulse with 1 to 99 ms period and adjustable duty cycle. This unit was built at a significantly lower cost than commercially available units.
High voltage power supply retrofit
Several years ago, the Demb laboratory acquired a specialized microscope monitor to stimulate retina fragments with various patterns. When the HV focus in the power supply was damaged, we discovered that parts were no longer available and the unit was no longer produced. We obtained a schematic diagram and reverse-engineered a high voltage power supply for the focus control, making the unit usable again.
Low temperature freezer emergency switch boxes
The emergency power outlets (generators) in the Kellogg Tower are not sufficient to provide power for all of the -80 low temperature freezers. Relocation of some freezers to the Brehm Tower has alleviated much of the problem. To power the remaining freezers, we created emergency switch boxes that allow multiple freezers to be daisy-chained onto one power outlet, so each freezer has some time on power. Up to five freezers can be connected to the box, which allocates power sequentially to each unit. The box is controlled by an Allen Bradley PLC.
