JAY M WEISS, PH.DO
Social Work at Briarcliff Rd, Atlanta, GA

5865766, Feb 2, 1999

Jan 10, 1997

8/781690

Robert Wingfield Bonsall - Stone Mountain GA
Milburn Spencer Emery - Marietta GA
Jay Michael Weiss - Atlanta GA

Emory University - Atlanta GA

A61B 500

600578

A multichannel, multipurpose sample collection and drug delivery system for laboratory animals includes several sampling and/or infusion devices mounted on a powered turntable above the cage but out of the animal's sight. Probes are constructed using a unique four-channel design: this permits (a) the periodic infusion of drugs without the possibility of artifacts due to pressure shocks and (b) the addition of preservatives to the sample at the site of its collection. A simplified sample collection device stores samples in a coil of PTFE tubing, and a constant-pressure perfusion system serves microdialysis probes. Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention include (a) systems to measure feeding, drinking and motor activity; (b) automated and unattended systems for blood withdrawal and drug delivery; (c) a data link with a personal computer to provide for data acquisition and more sophisticated control; (d) an improved method for sampling extracellular concentrations of neuropeptides, which are difficult to measure with conventional microdialysis; (e) the capability to perform electrophysiology simultaneously with microdialysis (or other sampling methods); and (f) the adaptation of the system for use with animals larger or smaller than the rat.

5832878, Nov 10, 1998

Jan 10, 1997

8/781695

Robert Wingfield Bonsall - Stone Mountain GA
Milburn Spencer Emery - Marietta GA
Jay Michael Weiss - Atlanta GA

Emory University - Atlanta GA

A01K 2700, A01K 2900

119769

A multichannel, multipurpose sample collection and drug delivery system for freely-moving laboratory animals includes several sampling and/or infusion devices mounted on a powered turntable above the cage but out of the animal's sight. Rotation of the tether as the animal moves is detected by magnetic switches, which cause the turntable to turn in the direction taken by the animal. Fluid or electrical swivels are entirely eliminated; the animal experiences almost zero torque on the tether. As the swivel normally limits the number of fluid or electrical connections in traditional systems, eliminating the swivel removes this constraint. Multiple probes can now be placed in alert, freely moving animals to sample several brain regions simultaneously. Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention include (a) systems to measure feeding, drinking and motor activity; (b) automated and unattended systems for blood withdrawal and drug delivery; (c) a data link with a personal computer to provide for data acquisition and more sophisticated control; (d) an improved method for sampling extracellular concentrations of neuropeptides, which are difficult to measure with conventional microdialysis; (e) the capability to perform electrophysiology simultaneously with microdialysis (or other sampling methods); and (f) the adaptation of the system for use with animals larger or smaller than the rat.