5-RLD-E1 Liquid Reward System- Liquid Dispenser, Rack Mount Control

The original Crist Instrument Liquid Delivery System consists of a control panel (5-RLD-E1B), a dispenser unit (5-RLD-E1C), one mouthpiece (sipper tube) (5-RLD-00A) and a 25 foot midi-cable connecting the Control Module to the Dispenser Module. The rack mounted control panel provides a variety of features designed to dispense various quantities of reward. This system has two audible, reward dispensing signals each individually controlled from the Control Module. One audible signal is on the control unit, the other is on the dispenser unit. A reward can be administered by pressing the reward button, located on the control panel, via your computer, or by the optional remote. The control panel also supports a connection for the optional operator controlled Remote Dispenser Switch (5-RRC-E0D). The dispenser unit is designed to hang or sit near the subject in the experimental setup. This is a gravity fed system using a low voltage, quick acting solenoid. The mouthpiece (sipper tube) attaches conveniently to your Crist Instrument primate chair. For additional information see the individual components listed below.

5-RLD-E1B Control Panel Component for Rack Mount Liquid Reward

The rack mounted Control Panel is designed for your computer rack and can be purchased separately. This is the same unit, which is provided with the RLD-E1, Liquid Reward System, described above. It was originally designed to dispense liquid rewards from a gravity fed dispenser module. (See 5-RLD-E1C) The rack mounted control panel provides a variety of features designed to dispense various reward quantities. The features include from left to right: 1) A Sonalert, 2) Toggle switches to control both the sonalert on the panel and the Sonalert on the dispenser system. 3) Computer inputs, one BNC connector and a double banana jack which also can be used to plug the Touch Panel Sensor directly to the Reward System. 4) The DIN connector for the dispenser module. 5) A rotary time selection/computer override switch labeled “TIME (MS)”. This controls the millisecond volume of liquids dispensed per reward dispensing larger or smaller drops of liquid. 6) The manual red push button reward switch. 7) A remote control double banana jack input. 8) A front mounted fuse for easy access. 9) An indicator light that signals when the Power is on. 10) The on-off Power toggle switch. See control panel in Fig 5.1.

NOTE: Due to the lack of availability of some electronic components, this system may be discontinued. See newer models below.

5-RLD-E1C Gravity Fed Liquid Dispenser Unit

This Dispenser Unit works with the Rack Mount Liquid Control Module (5-RLD-E1), the Free Standing Control Module (5-RLD-E2), the Digital Rack Mount Reward Control Module (5-RLD-D1) and the Free Standing Digital Control Module (5-RLD-D2). The dispenser comes with its own bottle for liquids, a sonalert activated from the control panel, and the quick acting solenoid. The normal/drain selection switch is located on the front of the dispenser unit. The drain switch setting flushes the system for cleaning. All components are mounted on a chemical resin board to facilitate easy cleaning and sanitizing. This unit is designed to either hang on the wall or to sit on a shelf. When hanging, unscrew the shelf support from underneath and use the hanger bracket on the back for mounting on the wall. Included with your order is approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm) of 1/8” (3.3mm) Tygon R tubing and ten feet (3 meters) of 1/16” (1.5mm) Tygon R tubing to connect to the Mouthpiece.

5-RLD-00A Mouthpiece (Sipper Tube)

This Mouthpiece (sipper tube) can be used with both our Liquid Reward Systems ( 5-RLD-E1, 5-RLD-D1 and 5-RLD-D2). The sipper tube is made from stainless steel tubing with a specially molded, non-toxic mouthpiece. It is designed to prevent the system from draining through any sucking action on the part of the primate. When the liquid is dispensed, the droplet will hang just at the end of the sipper tube briefly to permit the subject time to retrieve its reward. The sipper tube comes with the mounting block and clamp for attaching to the test chamber. We recommend that a different sipper tube be used with each subject. The delivery tip is 1.5 x 0.5 inches (3.81cm x 1.27cm).

5-RRC-E01-25 Reward System Remote Control

The Remote Controller provides the operator more freedom of movement throughout the experimental setup. The push button remote control comes with a double banana plug that attaches to the front of the control module. The remote control function allows the operator to administer the reward from a more remote location, using a 20-foot (6m) cord.

5-RLD-E3 Increased Volume Control System (Complete System)

The Increased Volume Control System works well with either the liquid or slurry reward systems. When setting the center dial on the control panel to midrange, 50ms, the increased volume control system increases the liquid/slurry reward for the primates to approximately 20ml for every 100 times the reward button is pressed. The following table gives the approximate volume measurements of both the liquid and slurry reward systems when utilizing the increased volume control system.

Switch Position Dispense Time Volume

20ms 260ms 8ml

25ms 320ms 10ml

30ms 380ms 11.5ml

40ms 500ms 16ml

50ms 640ms 19.5ml

60ms 750ms 23ml

75ms 950ms 28ml

95ms 1180ms 36ml

These volumes were measured while using the standard 10-foot (3m) length of 1/16-inch (1.5mm) hose. The mouthpiece was 36 inches (91.4cm) below the reservoir solenoid valve, and the excess hose was coiled up at the same height as the valve. This model is made to order only.

Note: the dispensed volumes, above, may be changed slightly by adjusting the height of the reservoir above the mouthpiece.

5-RLD-E3-B Controller Only

The Increased Volume Control System Control Module can also be purchased separately. It functions exactly the same as the control unit in the 5-RLD-E3 .

THESE MODELS ARE AVAILABLE NOW

5-RLD-D1 DIGITAL RACKMOUNT REWARD SYSTEM

Our NEW digital rack mount universal reward control which is slated to replace the current Reward System 5-RLD-E1 opens new horizons in reward distribution systems. You will find a major improvement in its application in your neurophysiological and behavioral experiments. While generally developed for primate behavioral and neurophysiological experiments its basic purpose is to deliver liquid or slurry rewards to experimental subjects performing some kind of operant task; you may discover new data collection abilities as well. The 5-RLD-D1 comes as the basic unit or with a variety of options.

Download the user manual here

Unlike the old systems, these new controllers are now being designed with microcontrollers for achieving better computer control. Experience better records for each of your research subjects on their liquid intake and for monitoring and recording the reward history.

These programmable reward systems with improved reliability can enable investigators to perform and manage their experimental data in an easy and efficient way.

Flexible, programmed and precise reward delivery enables new opportunities for conducting neurophysiological investigations into reward-related systems in the brain and for other behavioral applications involving precise control over the volume, timing, and type of primary reinforcement.

A few of the salient features of this controller are:

• Sophisticated controller to maximize the flexibility and ease of operation of the entire new reward system.
• Suitable for experiments that require control of all three features of reward being delivered: quantity (volume), timing, and preference.

• This new controller acts as a universal controller for all 3 kinds of dispenser units: liquid, slurry and pressure dispensers.

• Greater precision and control of rewards and capability to produce patterns of rewards compared to older versions.

• Crystal controlled AVR microcontroller is employed for improved timings.

• EMI filtering & Easier Voltage selection is done using the AC Entry Module.

• This unit has an optional user-friendly GUI interface (programmed in C-builder), which can monitor, control, record, develop patterns and save the data collected from the reward controller via serial RS232 COM port or USB/RS232 converter.

• The optional remote control is now cordless. The wireless RF reward option enables the user to activate the reward delivery from a distance within a range of 50m using a key fob.

• This system is designed to deliver reward of volumes as small as 0.05ml and up to 12.75ml.

• Use your Controller to drive a customized dispenser for pellets or other devices.

NOTE: When different (thicker or lighter) liquids are used, different viscosity liquids tend to be delivered at very different rates. The amount of reward dispensed when a water reward is given for 20 milli-secs will not be same as the amount dispensed for applesauce for that particular time. In order to have greater control over the volume of rewards dispensed, calibration tables have been introduced into our controller.

Certain classes of experiments require greater and more careful control of volume and timing. For such experiments, Optional Volume GUI software is available for an additional price. It has the capability to store calibration tables and allows the user to deliver rewards of small and precise volumes. This GUI establishes a sophisticated user interface.

The complete system includes the Control Module, the Dispenser Unit and a Sipper Tube. As with the 5-RLD-E1, Control Modules, Dispenser Units and Mouth Pieces (Sipper Tubes) may be purchased separately.

5-RPD-M1 Pressure Reward System

The Pressure Reward System (5-RPD-M1) is a complete reward-system compatible for both liquid and slurry type of rewards. It has been custom made for the research going on in NIH Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience.

This system is far more accurate than the gravity fed Reward Systems, as the reward dispensed is pressure controlled and has all the control parameters set by a computer, which is interfaced to this system. The 5-RPD Dispenser is designed to deliver small, precise volumes of liquid/slurry foods to the research subject (animal). This system overcomes many of the limitations of earlier dispensers, like susceptibility to suction created by the research subject.

The Dispenser has three components:

5-RPD-M1A02 CONTROL UNIT

User interface, power supply, & connections to computer

RESERVOIR UNIT

Refill bottle, air pressure control

SOLENOID

Mounts near animal and provides the fluid output

Features

Delivers different fluid volumes under computer control Direct selection of reward volume using stored tables for each fluid Pressure driven fluid chamber and remote valve operation for precise volume control LCD and web user interfaces for easy programming and operation Can be programmed to deliver a reward every N seconds. Counts rewards > 350 ml reservoir capacity Handles thick fluids (e.g., apple sauce). Microprocessor controller can be easily reprogrammed for new features It uses a regulated pressure of air for dispensing the slurry/liquid reward. The controller of this system is equipped with a programmed RCM microprocessor that interfaces to a computer. Hence, it enables you to select different features from the controller.

This system can be customized for your research requirements. The Control-Unit has Ethernet, Serial, and Digital Input connections. The Ethernet connection is used for the Web interface. It also provides the feature of ‘Free Rewards’, which enables the user to deliver one reward every “N” seconds. Unlike other dispensers, the solenoid is mounted near the animal ensuring accurate amounts of reward delivery. Amount of reward dispensed is controlled by the solenoid. Along with the Dispenser Unit, the complete Pressurized Reward System also includes the 5-RPD Controller and a mouthpiece (sipper tube).

5-Spare Parts