Convulsion Meter: Convuls-1

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The Convuls-1 is designed to objectively quantify convulsive activity in small laboratory animals. An unrestrained animal is placed within a chamber that resides upon a sensing platform. The platform is connected to a load sensor that converts the vertical component of motion into an electrical signal. An observer notes the onset of convulsive activity and depresses a button that initiates recording of the episode by the Convuls-1.

The instrument accumulates impulse counts and time. An impulse count is accrued for each gram-second (980 dynes) of impulse applied to the sensing platform. The observer manually terminates monitoring at the conclusion of the episode. The Convuls-1 responds only to changes in the force exerted on the platform. The static force exerted by the weight of the platform and animal is not recorded. The combined weight of the animal, platform and any additional caging does, however, limit the maximum observable force.

The Convuls-1 has a maximum force sensing range of 2 Kgs. The addition of the forces exerted by the static elements, subtracted from the four pound maximum, yields the usable sensing range of the complete system. The Convuls-1 is equipped with two sensing ranges: gram-seconds and 100 milligram-seconds.

Two front panel counters display force in gram seconds and the duration of the convulsive session. An overload indicator illuminates if the force exceeds the capacity of the system. Connections on the rear of the instrument supply signals that duplicate the indicated values and may be used to automate data collection by using any of Columbus Instruments general purpose Computer Counter Interface products. The Convuls-1 is equipped with a remote start/stop switch for ease of use while observing animal behavior.

Features / Specifications

Records Convulsive Impulse force in gram-seconds
Records duration of Convulsive Episode

Maximum Recorded Force: 4 lbs. (1.8Kgs.)
Maximum Total Impulse: 999,999 gram-seconds or 99,999.9 gram-seconds
Accuracy of Impulse Display: +/- 1% of displayed value

Ordering Information

1310M Convuls-1 for single Mouse w/Sensing Platform
1310R Convuls-1 for single Rat w/Sensing Platform
1330 Convuls-1 Interface for pc/AT
1335-1A Convuls-1 Replacement Sensing Platform (5 lb for Rats)
1335-5A Convuls-1 Replacement Sensing Platform (1 lb for Mice)