Homeothermic Blanket Systems with Flexible Probe
Feedback loop warming system that allows for the animal's temperature to be maintained. Each system is supplied complete with control unit, flexible temperature probe, blanket, and plastic cover for the blanket.
- Animal body temperature control at its simplest — feedback loop maintains animal’s temperature
- Versatile, offered in two sizes — for mice, rats, cats, or similar sized animals
- New lightweight package
- Improved electronic circuitry
- Suitable with high gain recording equipment
- Displays actual body temperature on Control Unit from 20° to 50°C (68° to 122°F)
Additional blankets and spare plastic covers can be purchased separately.
This homeothermic blanket system is a feedback loop warming system that enables the researcher to maintain an animal’s temperature within the preset range of 20° to 50°C (68° to 122°F).
Each system is supplied complete with a control unit, a flexible temperature probe, blanket, and plastic cover for the blanket. The flexible probe is a precision thermistor encapsulated in a bead of epoxy resin at the top of a flexible hollow plastic tube. The 1.7 mm diameter probe is 100 mm (4 in) long and has a 2 m (6 ft) long cable with plug for attachment to the control unit. It is suitable for a wide range of laboratory animals from mice to cats.
Simple and Easy
Wrap the animal tightly in the heating blanket, using tape if necessary. Insert the temperature-sensing probe rectally, and set the required temperature by means of the control on the front panel.
Should the animal’s core temperature fall, power is automatically increased to the blanket; conversely, power will automatically reduce if the animal’s temperature rises. During this process the animal’s temperature is continuously displayed on a front panel LCD display.
How It Works
The output of the temperature sensing probe is used by the control unit to proportionally control the regulated, low-voltage DC supply to the blanket. This method of control alleviates the interference problems associated with that of non-proportional control, such as switching contacts, thus enabling the system to be used in conjunction with high-gain recording systems.
The control temperature is preset at 37°C (98.6°F) at the factory, but can be adjusted within the range of 20° to 50°C (68° to 122°F) by means of a control on the front panel. An LCD display on the control unit continuously displays the probe temperature. A horizontal LED bar graph indicates the level of power being delivered to the blanket. When core temperature is substantially below the desired temperature the bar graph will indicate maximum power being delivered.
About the Blanket
The blanket consists of a highly flexible insulated heating element, which can be folded without risking internal damage. It is electrically floating, with respect to ground however, one end of the heating element can be grounded by a switch on the front panel of the control unit. The system operates satisfactorily whether or not the blanket is grounded. Special circuitry eliminates electrical noise thus permitting sensitive recordings.
Blankets are available in two sizes:
- Small Blanket: Measures 15 x 20 cm (6 x 8 in) and is suitable for rodents
- Medium Blanket: Measures 45 x 70 cm (18 x 27 in) and is suitable for rabbits and cats
The blanket is supplied with a 2 m (6 ft) cable attached to a plug for connection to the control unit. Replacement parts are available.
| Specifications | 50-7221F | 50-7220F | 50-7223F | 50-7222F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blanket Size, L x W | 6 x 8 in (15 x 20 cm) | 6 x 8 in (15 x 20 cm) | 6 x 8 in (15 x 20 cm) | 6 x 8 in (15 x 20 cm) |
| Cable Length | 6 in (15 cm) | 6 in (15 cm) | 6 in (15 cm) | 6 in (15 cm) |
| Power | 230 VAC, 50 Hz | 230 VAC, 50 Hz | 230 VAC, 50 Hz | 230 VAC, 50 Hz |
| Probe Configuration | Flexible | Flexible | Flexible | Flexible |
| Probe Diameter | 1.7 mm | 1.7 mm | 1.7 mm | 1.7 mm |
| Probe Length | 4 in (10 cm) | 4 in (10 cm) | 4 in (10 cm) | 4 in (10 cm) |
| Probe Material | Precision thermistor encapsulated in a bead of epoxy resin at the top of a flexible hollow plastic tube | Precision thermistor encapsulated in a bead of epoxy resin at the top of a flexible hollow plastic tube | Precision thermistor encapsulated in a bead of epoxy resin at the top of a flexible hollow plastic tube | Precision thermistor encapsulated in a bead of epoxy resin at the top of a flexible hollow plastic tube |
| Size | Small | Small | Small | Small |
| Temperature Range | 68 to 122 °F (20 to 50 °C) | 68 to 122 °F (20 to 50 °C) | 68 to 122 °F (20 to 50 °C) | 68 to 122 °F (20 to 50 °C) |