The TPI de Fonbrune-type Micromanipulator has been employed in a wide variety of applications. Some of the traditional uses in specific phases of the biological sciences include:

Grafting and substituting the nucleus of an amoeba

Microinjections and operations on protozoa

Investigations of ova and fertilization problems

Operations on blastomeres

Injections into blastocoeles

pH studies of living cell solutions

Isolation and transfer of single cells

Investigation of carcinomatous tissue

Cellular manipulation

Since the early days it has found extensive use in other phases of biological research, colloidal chemistry, the oil industry and in the study of fibers and yeast cells. More recent applications have been found in the areas of embryo transplants and microelectronics.

The de Fondrune principle is pneumatic drive in which movement of the joystick control is transferred to the microtool being used in the experimental field under microscopic observation. Pneumatic control gives you smooth positive movement, virtually zero drift and no backlash, not possible with mechanical or hydraulic units.

The TPI Micromanipulator system consists of the manipulator and the receiver. The manipulator contains the control lever, hand rest and three brass piston pumps operating in glass cylinders. The receiver unit contains the microtool holder, three sterling silver diaphragms, main shaft and linkage (all of the delicate components protected by a clear plastic cover). It is mounted on a base fitted with a rack and pinion assembly for vertical adjustment and slide assembly for horizontal adjustment (x axis and y axis). The manipulator and receiver are connected by flexible tubing.

The pumps, which operate against air pressure, are activated by the slightest movement of the control lever. The control lever movement is transmitted pneumatically through the tubing, diaphragm and linkage to the microtool which is mounted on the main shaft.

A single joystick controls movement in all three axes, x,y,and z, leaving the operator's other hand free.

Separate joystick and receiver units are independent of the microscope. Connected by pneumatic tubing, they may be set up for either right or left-handed use. Through the microscope, the microtool appears to move exactly the same way as the hand.

Ball swiveljoint and telescoping mount provide unlimited positioning capability, enhancing height and angle options for the receiver unit.

Mechanical controls on the receiver unit provide fast coarse adjustments. The pneumatic joystick control can be used for fine focus, positioning and the actual experimental operation. The microinstrument operates in a range of 1.5mm from the center position (3mm total).

A moveable collar on the joystick provides simple ratio adjustment control that can be varied from 1:50 to 1:2500. Thus the movement of the microtool can be adjusted to correspond to the magnification of the optical system or to increase or decrease the control sensitivity.

Sterling silver diaphragms and precision manufactured cylinder assemblies offer long, trouble free life.

Receiver unit contains binding posts which permit the use of microelectrodes. It also contains both moveable and fixed instrument holders in addition to the main tool holder.

Receiver unit contains a built-in level and leveling screws on a heavy cast base to provide maximum stability.

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