The Thomas RECORDING stereotaxic instrument for non-human primates called PPS (Precision Positioning System) was originally designed 35 years ago in the research lab of Prof. Dr. Dr. Heribert Reitboeck and Prof. Dr. Reinhard Eckhorn at the Neurophysics Department, University of Marburg, Germany.

The PPS consists of a rigid table, a primate chair with trolley, a stable frame made of strong aluminum profiles with a curved guided rail, holding the instruments like a xyz manipulator for a Thomas Microdrive system and a reward unit. Furthermore the PPS is equipped with a unique three point head holding system. All components of the system are described below. The PPS is modular and although all components are designed to work together and we recommend using the complete system, you can also use individual components, such as our 3 point head holder, independently of our PPS. We are happy to help you integrate our NHP stereotaxic components into your setup.  

Product Description

Key Features

• Complete Monkey stereotaxic instrument

• High precision & quality “Made in GERMANY” by Thomas RECORDING

• Available for all Thomas RECORDING microdrives (Micro-, Mini– and Eckhorn Matrix Systems)

• Available with Thomas RECORDING low cost manual electrode drives

• Unique and very stable three point Thomas head holder

• Custom-made adaptations for a wide range of applications on request

• Modular accessories allow for expansion of instrument capabilities

Table

With the Precision Positioning System (PPS) Thomas RECORDING offers a special table and support system to fit any performance in primate training and recording experiments. Our extensive capabilities to manufacture custom tables and frame systems provides exceptional stability for our precision positioning system platform. The main part of the Precision Positioning System (PPS) is a heavy metal table. The PPS table is equipped with an u-shaped opening for the primate chair. The table has four height adjustable legs.

Article number: AN000113

Frame

The PPS frame is made of rigid aluminum profiles. The frame is delivered with base plates to be mounted on Thomas RECORDING precision positioning system table. With the Precision Positioning System (PPS) Thomas RECORDING offers a special table and support system to fit any performance in primate training and recording experiments. Our extensive capabilities to manufacture custom tables and frame systems provides exceptional stability for our precision positioning system platform. The main part of the Precision Positioning System (PPS) is a heavy metal table and a frame of strong aluminum profiles. The frame is delivered with 4 stopper (50mm) riding on the frame rails.

Article number: AN000112

The Thomas RECORDING non-human primate stereoaxic system PPS features a durable, aluminum round arch, an integral component of the PPS. This arch allows for seamless attachment of an XYZ-manipulator, which can move in a smooth, semicircular path above the animal's head. The arch’s 180° rotational capability enables precise positioning of instruments at any angle, ensuring optimal access to all areas of the animal's head for accurate and controlled procedures. This system is designed for flexibility, precision, and ease of use in research settings.

Article number: AN000114

Arch

The PPS primate chairs from Thomas RECORDING are designed to enable researchers to restrain primates effectively in a wide variety of research scenarios. Thomas primate chairs may be used in different protocols ranging from standard vision studies to complex behavioral experiments. Our standard models come equipped with a variety of features. Our chairs are made from polycarbonate, a plastic that is stronger than acrylic yet transparent to permit easy viewing of the subject in the chair. The main body of the chair, which holds the subject, is ventilated and permits movement of arms and legs, reducing muscle atrophy and discomfort.

Article number: AN000116

Primate Chair

Trolley

For the PPS primate chair we offer a special made trolley that allows to move the primate chair. 

The trolley has a rail mount into which the monkey chair can be slid. The monkey chair can be slid directly into the mounting bay of the PPS table using the rollable trolley and locked in place to prevent it from rolling away.  

Article number: AN000211

Head Holder

Unlike the widely used single-head post head restraints for NHPs, the Thomas 3-point head holder uses three implanted titanium pins. When the monkey is in the cage, you cannot see that it has a head restraint implant. The three pins are almost invisible in the animal's fur. In addition, the entire top of the head is free. A removable ring (inner ring, see figure C) is screwed onto the three implanted pins (two lateral pins in image A and one occipital pin in image B). This inner ring is then screwed into an outer ring (image D) that is connected to the PPS frame. This completely immobilizes the animal's head. At the same time, this type of head fixation takes animal welfare into account, as the monkey does not require large implants and is not restricted in its natural movement in the cage.

Article number: AN000115

Xyz-Manipulator

The PPS xyz-manipulator is a devices that precisely moves microdrives or other instuments in three orthogonal axis. Additional rotational movements around these axis are achieved using add-on rotary devices. There are six degrees of freedom (XYZ and 3 rotations) for these motions. Thomas RECORDING XYZ manipulators benefit from a kinematic motion design, providing smooth and reliable motion. The XYZ manipulator incorporates a high precision drive and guidance system. The xyz-manipulator housing is made of a very rigid and also relatively lightweight aluminum construction.

Article number: AN000120

Reward Unit

The Thomas NHP reward system was developed for awake behaving monkey experiments. Monkeys usually are trained to perform special tasks to receive a liquid reward (water or juice) if the task was done correct. The Thomas RECORDING NHP reward system for non-human primates consists of a measuring beaker (liquid reservoir), plastic tube system; electronic controlled solenoid valve; valve connection cable; long mounting block; metal arm; metal mouthpiece (sipper tube); mains powered control unit.

Article number: AN000117

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