Automated
data collection and monitoring protects animal health
Edstrom’s completely integrated Watchdog system is designed to
protect research by safeguarding animals from unhealthy changes
to their environment. Watchdog monitors temperature, humidity,
and differential pressure and controls lights and access into
the vivarium. A panel located outside of each room displays the
current reading. The information gathered by the sensors is fed
back to a central server that interprets the data. Watchdog can
notify staff of developing problems via pager and e-mail.
Through a web interface, authorized users can acknowledge alarms,
view room status, and run real-time reports directly from their
desktop computers or any web-enabled device.
Contact: Edstrom Industries Inc. 800-558-5913; www.edstrom.com.
Washer-disinfectors
maximize cleanliness, cost efficiency
Getinge washer-disinfectors are designed to combine maximum cleaning
strength with low consumption of water, energy, and cleaning agents.
The range includes two cabinet washer-disinfectors, each supplied
as either a single- or a double-door pass-through unit, Model
450 accommodates one trolley of animal cages; model 490 accommodates
two trolleys. Getinge also provides smaller units of chamber capacities
between 140 and 310L to effectively wash items such as drinking
bottles, teats, containers, cage accessories, and lab glassware.
Programmable controls offer customized cleaning for varied items.
Electrical or steam heated models are available. Units can be
cabinet-mounted, recessed between walls, recessed in an in-wall
cabinet, installed directly on a floor, or pit-mounted.
Contact: Getinge USA. 800-475-9040; www.getingeusa.com.
Cage changing enclosure
suits animal research labs
The LabGard 602 cage changing station, from Nuaire, is designed for operations that require protection of personnel and animals. It is a Class II, type A2 biological safety cabinet that meets the personnel and product protection requirements of NSF standard No. 49. The large, 12-in. opening provides convenient access; the worksurface can be adjusted in an
8-in. height range. The unit, which is patterned after Nuaire’s LabGard 407 BSC, fits easily through standard-height doors in the collapsed position without any disassembly, and rolls
on heavy-duty casters. The manufacturer offers a variety of other animal handling products for specific needs, including a bedding-disposal station.
Safety cabinet allows
user to program systems
for automatic activation
Labconco Corp.’s new Purifier Digital Delta safety cabinets are intended to provide personnel, product, and environmental protection and are suitable for work with agents that require BSL-1,
-2, or -3 containment. The Smart-Start system allows users to program startup and shut-down procedures such as the activation or deactivation of the blower, light, electrical receptacles, and fluorescent or UV lights. The operation automatically starts when the sash is opened and stops when the sash is closed. An LCD on the interior sidewall displays inflow and downflow velocities, diagnostics, alarm messages, and programming prompts. Available as 3, 4, 5, and 6-ft benchtop models.
Wireless sensors add versatility
to monitoring systems
Rees Scientific now offers wireless sensor technology designed to work in concert with the vendor’s existing Centron and SeeR envionnmental monitoring systems. The wireless receiver connects to the Centron or SeeR node. Each unit to be monitored is equipped with a transmitter/sensor unit that communicates with the receiver. Typical temperature-monitoring applications, such as refrigerators and freezers, are monitored with a standard thermistor probe installed into the unit through the existing port, with the transmitter attached to the back of the unit. Transmitters are battery-powered; powered wireless transmitters, attached to a simple wall transformer, can be selected for sensors that require more power.
Hydrogen generators simplify laboratory operations
The Chrysalis II “HPNM” (high performance no maintenance) hydrogen generator, from Matheson Tri-Gas, incorporates an advanced dual-column drying system to remove residual moisture from the hydrogen gas produced. The system automatically regenerates the column materials to eliminate the need for maintenance. This advanced technology does not require the use of chemical solutions to aid the electrolytic dissociation process and completely eliminates the need for a desiccant cartridge as a final purification step. The output of hydrogen is based upon instrument demand. A user-friendly digital display provides system operating status and diagnostic capabilities.
The Chrysalis II “HPNM” hydrogen generator produces a reliable continuous output of >99.999% pure hydrogen using only deionized water. It is suitable for producing hydrogen as a carrier gas for gas chromatography or a fuel gas for flame ionization detectors.
