TM
Vacu-Cell
Incubation Chamber System*
C&L introduces the Vacu-Cell line of cell incubation chambers. This unique
chamber design holds a coverslip against the chamber body by one side only,
providing major advantages over other types of cell chambers. Several
models are available to fit your specific application.
Advantages of the Vacu-Cell:
- Complete access to the bottom of the chamber, all the
way to the edges. Designed for cell and surface
microscopy, these chambers are perfect for oil immersion
objectives and TIRF experiments when access across the
entire coverslip is desired.
- A chamber is formed very simply and quickly, with no snaps,
screws or fixtures. Coverslips do not break!
- There are no parts to lose or break.
- Many configurations and styles are available, including
open top and laminar flow configurations.
- The chamber is formed directly from the coverslip, Petri
dish or microtitre plate by suction.
*Patent Pending
C&L Instruments, Inc.
www.fluorescence.com
717-564-9491
Anatomy of a Vacu-Cell
TM
- Round Series
The unique feature of all Vacu-Cell incubation chambers is the use of a vacuum generated
force to hold the optical surface tightly against to the body of the chamber. Dual o-rings are
used to separate the evacuated space from the remainder of the chamber. Several types of
chamber configurations are available, including chambers for circular and rectangular
coverslips. Chambers are formed quickly and easily without the need for screws, nuts or
retaining rings. This specification sheet describes the Round Series of chambers. Visit our
website for decriptions of other series.
Inlet and outlet tubes can be either 1/16
(standard) or 1/8 in. OD. Tubes are available in
steel or plastic, and in a variety of ID's.
The vacuum
port connects
to 1/16 in. ID tubing
Several flow patterns are
available. The flow
through this laminar
perfusion chamber is
shown by arrows.
Connectors are standard 1/4-28 in.
fittings, that can accept either 1/16 or
1/8 in. OD tubing. Tubing is held securely
with a ferrule. Hose barb connections for
1/16 in. ID tubing are available as an option.
Most chamber bodies are
available in several materials, including
aluminum, stainless steel, black delrin and
clear acrylic.
Most models are available
with an integrated heating
element for precise
temperature
control.
Body diameter is 1.12 inches.
A port for 1/16
inch temperature
probe is provided.
Dual o-rings attach to the
coverslip or other flat surface.
Patent Pending
C&L Instruments, Inc.
www.fluorescence.com
717-564-9491
Vacu-Cell
TM
System
Laminar Flow Round
The laminar flow incubation perfusion chamber forms a small laminar
flow rectangular flow chamber using a coverslip as one surface. The
chamber body has a diameter of 1.12 inches and is 0.65 inches tall.
The coverslip is held tightly against the chamber body by a vacuum,
forming a chamber 250 microns in depth. Other depths are available
on request. You can use the Model VCS-1 vacuum pump system
provided by C&L Instruments or an ordinary laboratory vacuum.
The Vacu-Cell forms a chamber with virtually any flat surface. You
can even use the Vacu-Cell directly with a 6-well microtitre plate or
Petri dish without the need for a coverslip.
The laminar flow design is available for 18 and 25 mm diameter
coverslips. Both styles use the same microscope chamber holder.
The Stainless Steel and Aluminum versions are also available with an
integrated heating element and temperature probe port.
Model VC-LFR-25
Model Numbers
VC-LFR-25-SS
VC-LFR-25-BD
VC-LFR-25-CA
VC-LFR-25-BA
VC-LFR-25-SS-H
VC-LFR-25-BA-H
VC-LFR-18-CA
VC-LFR-18-BA
VC-LFR-18-BA-H
VC-25RCS-1
VC-25RCS-2
VC-18RCS-1
VC-18RCS-2
VC-25-ORINGS
VC-18-ORINGS
Stainless Steel, 25 mm
Black Delrin, 25 mm
Clear Acrylic, 25 mm
Black Anodized Aluminum, 25 mm
Stainless Steel, 25 mm, with Heater
Black Anodized Aluminum, 25 mm, Heater
Clear Acrylic, 18 mm
Black Anodized Aluminum, 18 mm
Black Anodized Aluminum, 18 mm, Heater
25 mm No. 1 Round Coverslips, Box of 160
25 mm No. 2 Round Coverslips, Box of 110
18 mm No. 1 Round Coverslips, Box of 310
18 mm No. 2 Round Coverslips, Box of 300
O-rings for 25 mm series, 10 Sets
O-rings for 18 mm series, 10 Sets
Model VC-LFR-18
VC-LFR-25 in a
6 well plate
Model VC-LFR-18-H
C&L Instruments, Inc.
www.fluorescence.com
717-564-9491
Vacu-Cell
TM
System
Center Perfusion Round
The Center Perfusion incubation perfusion chamber forms a small
round flow chamber using a coverslip or other flat surface. The
chamber body has a diameter of 1.12 inches and is 0.65 inches
tall. The coverslip is held tightly against the chamber body by a
vacuum. You can use the Model VCS-1 vacuum pump system
provided by C&L Instruments with this chamber, or an ordinary
laboratory vacuum.
This perfusion chamber is designed for small volumes. With the
center tube placed 0.5 mm above the coverslip, a 40 µl chamber
is formed. It is ideal for TIRF microscopy or protocols where small
volumes are preferred and access to the entire bottom surface of
the coverslip is desired.
This chamber design is available for 18 and 25 mm diameter
coverslips. Both styles can use the same microscope chamber
holder. Aluminum versions are coated with Parylene for a
biologically-compatible surface and are also available with an
integrated heating element and temperature probe port.
Model VC-CPR-25
Model Numbers
VC-CPR-25-CA
VC-CPR-25-BA
VC-CPR-25-BA-H
VC-CPR-18-CA
VC-CPR-18-BA
VC-CPR-18-BA-H
VC-25RCS-1
VC-25RCS-2
VC-18RCS-1
VC-18RCS-2
VC-25-ORINGS
VC-18-ORINGS
Vacuum
Port
Clear Acrylic, 25 mm
Black Anodized Aluminum, 25 mm
Black Anodized Aluminum, 25 mm, heater
Clear Acrylic, 18 mm
Black Anodized Aluminum, 18 mm
Black Anodized Aluminum, 18 mm, Heater
25 mm No.1 Round Coverslips, Box of 160
25 mm No. 2 Round Coverslips, Box of 110
18 mm No. 1 Round Coverslips, Box of 310
18 mm No. 2 Round Coverslips, Box of 300
O-rings for 25 mm series, 10 Sets
O-rings for 18 mm series, 10 Sets
Inlet/Outlet Ports
Coverslip
Model VC-CPR-25
(mid-section view)
C&L Instruments, Inc.
www.fluorescence.com
717-564-9491
Vacu-Cell
TM
System
Open Top Round
The Open Top incubation chamber forms a small
round chamber using a coverslip or other flat surface.
The chamber body has a outer diameter of 1.12 inches.
A 25 mm diameter coverslip, or other flat surface, is
held tightly against the chamber body by a vacuum.
You can use a vacuum pump system provided by C&L
Instruments or an ordinary laboratory vacuum.
Dual o-rings isolate the vacuum from the area of the
coverslip under study and securely hold the coverslip
in place. Chambers are formed quicky and easily,
without the need for screws, nuts or retaining rings.
The Open Top configuration allows direct access to
the top of the coverslip. The observation window
measures 17.5 mm diameter. The thickness of the body
measures 3 mm. The Open Top Round chamber is
available in black anodized aluminum that is coated
with parylene for biological compatibility.
Model Numbers
Model VC-OTR-25
(top view)
Model VC-OTR-25
(bottom view)
VC-OTR-25-BA
VC-25RCS-1
VC-25RCS-2
VC-25M-ORINGS
Patent Pending
Black Anodized Aluminum for 25 mm coverslip
25 mm Round Coverslips, No. 1, Box of 160
25 mm Round Coverslips, No. 2, Box of 110
Replacement O-rings for OTR-25 chamber, 10 Sets
C&L Instruments, Inc.
www.fluorescence.com
717-564-9491
Vacu-Cell
TM
System
Rectangular Perfusion Chamber, Large Window
Model RPC-LW
The Model RPC-LW perfusion chamber uses two rectangular coverslips to form a perfusion chamber.
Dual o-rings on the top of the chamber body and dual o-rings on the bottom securely hold two 48 x 65
mm coverslips in place. Each coverslip is held in place using a separate vacuum port, so they can be
used independently.
When the Model RPC-LW is used with two coverslips, a rectangular chamber is formed with the two
coverslips spaced by approximately 0.24 inches (6.1 mm). The total volume in the observation window is
7.54 ml. The observation window measures 1.2 x 1.6 inches (30.5 x 40.6 mm). Inlet and outlet perfusion
ports direct fluid along the bottom edge. The perfusion ports can be configured for use with 1/16 inch
OD tubing (shown), with 1/8 inch OD tubing, or with hose barb connectors. This chamber is available
in black anodized aluminum that is coated with parylene for biological compatibility. A port for a
temperature sensor is provided. Temperature is controlled using a heated microscope stage adapter.
Top and bottom
vacuum ports
Model VC-RPC-LW
Model Numbers
48 x 65 mm coverslip
Model VC-RPC-LW
(bottom view, without
bottom coverslip)
(top view)
Model VC-RPC-LW
(sectioned view)
VC-RPC-LW-BA
VC-48x65CS-1
VC-RPC-LW-ORINGS
Patent Pending
Large Window RPC, Black Anodized Aluminum
Rectangular 48 x 65 mm No. 1 Coverslips, 1 Box
Replacement O-rings for RPC-LW, 5 Sets
C&L Instruments, Inc.
www.fluorescence.com
717-564-9491
Vacu-Cell
TM
System
Rectangular Perfusion Chamber, Thin Window
Model RPC-TW
This Perfusion Chamber uses two rectangular coverslips to form a thin perfusion chamber. Two sets of
dual o-rings on the bottom of the chamber body securely hold a 24 x 40 mm (upper) and a 48 x 65 mm
(lower) coverslip in place. Each coverslip is held in place using a separate vacuum port, so they can be
used independently. The observation window measures 0.44 x 1.04 inches (11.2 x 26.4 mm).
When the Model RPC-TW is used with two coverslips, a rectangular laminar flow chamber is formed with
the two coverslips separated 100 microns, creating a thin laminar flow chamber. Inlet and outlet
perfusion ports direct fluid flow from one end to the other between the two coverslips in a laminar
fashion. Either the upper or lower coverslip can be used without the other to fashion an open chamber
configuration. This chamber is available in black anodized aluminum that is coated with parylene for
biological compatibility. A port for a temperature sensor is provided. Temperature is controlled using
a heated microscope adapter.
Top and bottom
vacuum ports
The observation
window measures
0.44 x 1.04 inches
Model VC-RPC-TW
(top view)
Model Numbers
VC-RPC-TW-BA
VC-48x65CS-1
VC-24x40CS-1
VC-RPC-TW-ORINGS
Patent Pending
Model VC-RPC-TW
(bottom view, without
coverslips attached)
Model VC-RPC-TW
(sectioned view)
Thin Window RPC, Black Anodized Aluminum
Rectangular 48 x 65 mm No. 1Coverslips, 1 Box
Rectangular 24 x 40 mm No. 1Coverslips, 1 Box
O-rings for RPC-TW, 5 Sets
C&L Instruments, Inc.
www.fluorescence.com
717-564-9491
Vacu-Cell
TM
System
Mini Perfusion Chamber, Open Top
Model MPC-OT
The Mini Series Open Top Chamber uses a single 25 mm round coverslip. Dual o-rings on the bottom
of the chamber securely hold the coverslip in place using a vacuum seal. The observation window
measures 17.5 mm diameter.
The total volume in the observation window is approximately 240 µl when the depth of the perfusion
fluid is 1 mm. The perfusion ports are configured for use with 1/16 inch OD tubing. This chamber is
available in black anodized aluminum that is coated with parylene for biological compatibility.
Temperature is controlled using a heated microscope stage adapter.
Model VC-MPC-OT
(sectioned view)
Perfusion port
Vacuum port
The observation
window measures
17.5 mm diameter
Model VC-MPC-OT
(top view)
Model Numbers
VC-MPC-OT-BA
VC-25RCS-1
VC-25RCS-2
VC-MPC-OT-ORINGS
Patent Pending
Large Window MPC, Black Anodized Aluminum
25 mm No. 1 Round Coverslips, Box of 160
25 mm No. 2 Round Coverslips, Box of 110
O-rings for MPC-OT, 5 Sets
C&L Instruments, Inc.
www.fluorescence.com
717-564-9491
Vacu-Cell
TM
System
Mini Perfusion Chamber, Large Window
Model MPC-LW
The Mini series Large Window Perfusion Chamber uses two round 25 mm coverslips to form perfusion
chamber. Dual o-rings on the bottom and top of the chamber body securely hold the coverslips in
place. Each coverslip is held using a separate vacuum port, so they can be used independently. The
observation window measures 17.5 mm diameter.
When the Model MPC-LW is used with two coverslips, a circular chamber is formed with the two
coverslips spaced by 3.7 mm. The total volume in the observation window is approximately 890 µl. The
perfusion ports are configured for use with 1/16 OD tubing. The perfusion ports direct fluid flow from
one end to the other between the two coverslips.
The lower coverslip can be used without the upper coverslip to fashion an open chamber
configuration, allowing access to the coverslip surface. The top coverslip can be added at any time to
close the chamber for perfusion. Temperature is controlled using a heated microscope adapter. This
perfusion chamber works well using either an inverted or standard microscope. This chamber is
available in black anodized aluminum and is coated with parylene for biological compatibility.
Model VC-MPC-LW
(sectioned view)
Model Numbers
VC-MPC-TW-BA
VC-25RCS-1
VC-25RCS-2
VC-MPC-LW-ORINGS
Top and bottom
vacuum ports
Large Window MPC, Black Anodized
Aluminum
25 mm No. 1 Round Coverslips
Box of 160
25 mm No. 2 Round Coverslips
Box of 110
O-rings for MPC-LW, 5 Sets
The observation
window measures
17.5 mm diameter
Model VC-MPC-LW
(top view)
C&L Instruments, Inc.
Patent Pending
www.fluorescence.com
717-564-9491
Vacu-Cell
TM
System
Mini Perfusion Chamber, Thin Window
Model MPC-TW
The Mini series Thin Window Perfusion Chamber uses two round coverslips to form a thin perfusion
chamber. Two sets of dual o-rings on the bottom of the chamber body securely hold one 15 mm
circular (upper) and one 25 mm circular (lower) coverslip in place. Each coverslip is held in place
using a separate vacuum port, so they can be used independently. The observation window
measures 8.0 mm in diameter. The chamber can be used with an inverted microscope, or the
chamber can be inverted for use with a standard microscope.
When the Model RPC-TW is used with two coverslips, a thin laminar flow chamber is formed between
the two coverslips separated by 100 microns. Inlet and outlet perfusion ports direct fluid flow from
one side to the other between the two coverslips in a laminar fashion. Either the upper or lower
coverslip can be used without the other to fashion an open chamber configuration. The chamber is
available in black anodized aluminum that is coated with parylene for biological compatibility. The
chamber is heated by attachment to a heated microscope stage adapter.
Top and bottom
vacuum ports
Model VC-MPC-TW
(top view)
Model Numbers
VC-MPC-TW-BA
VC-25RCS-1
VC-25RCS-2
VC-15RCS-1
VC-MPC-TW-ORINGS
The observation
window measures
8.0 mm diameter
Perfusion port
Thin Window MPC, Black Anodized Aluminum
25 mm No. 1 Round Coverslips, Box of 160
25 mm No. 2 Round Coverslips, Box of 110
15 mm No. 1 Round Coverslips, Box of 378
O-rings for MPC-TW, 5 Sets
C&L Instruments, Inc.
Model VC-MPC-TW
(bottom view, without
coverslips attached)
Model VC-MPC-TW
(sectioned view)
Patent Pending
www.fluorescence.com
717-564-9491
Vacu-Cell
TM
System
Rectangular Perfusion Chamber
Model RPC-1x3
The Model RPC-1x3 chamber is design to form a
laminar flow perfusion chamber using a standard
1 x 3 inch microscope slide. The chamber is formed
using the slide as one surface and the chamber body
as the other. The slide is held tightly against the chamber
body by a vacuum. You can use the Model VCS-1 vacuum
pump system provided by C&L Instruments or an ordinary laboratory
vacuum.
The dimensions of the laminar flow chamber are 12 mm (width) x 55 mm(length)
by 250 micron (depth). The total fluid volume in the laminar flow area is 165 µl. Other sizes are
available by special order. Perfusion port connectors are standard 1/4-28 inch fittings that can
accept either 1/16 or 1/8 inch OD tubing. This chamber is available in black anodized aluminum
that is coated with parylene for biological compatibility.
This chamber offers complete access to the bottom of the slide, all the way to the edges without
interference by any component of the chamber. This is perfect for oil immersion objectives and
TIRF experiments, when access across the entire slide is preferred. Holders are availabe to fit most
popular inverted microscope stages.
This flow chamber can be used with either standard or pre-coated microscope slides. C&L offers
several types of precoated slides that permit easy attachment of proteins, oligos or DNA to the slide
surface.
Model VC-RPC-1x3
bottom view without
attached slide
Part Numbers
VC-RPC-1x3-CA
VC-RPC-1x3-BA
VC-RPC-1x3-ORINGS
Model VC-RPC-1x3
sectioned view with
attached slide
Clear Acrylic
Black Anodized Aluminum
Replacement O-rings, 5 Sets
C&L Instruments, Inc.
www.fluorescence.com
717-564-9491
Vacu-Cell
TM
System
Pre-Coated Rectangular Slides
C&L Instruments now offers precoated slides for use with
our Vacu-CellTM perfusion chambers. These slides
measure 25 x 76 mm and are precision ground flat to
within 5 nanometers over the entire length of the slide.
These precision slides are manufactured in a class 100
clean room and have a uniform coating density of 5 x
1012 reactive groups per mm2. These slides can serve
many purposes, but the coated surface is intended to
facilitate the coupling of proteins, oligos or DNA to the
glass surface. Example coupling protocols are
available on our website.
These slides can be used with several Vacu-CellTM
chamber models, but the Model VC-RPC-1x3 is
specifically designed for these slides. This model
chamber forms a flow cell that can be used to flow
sample mixtures over the slide surface in a laminar flow
pattern.
Model VC-1x3-AMI-RG
(Amine Coated)
Model VC-1x3-ALD-RG
(Aldehyde Coated)
Model Numbers
VC-1x3-AMI-RG
VC-1x3-ALD-RG
VC-1x3-EPO-RG
Model VC-RPC-1x3
sectioned view with
attached slide
Amine Coated 1x3 slides, 25/box
Aldehyde Coated 1x3 slides, 25/box
Epoxy Coated 1x3 slides, 25/box
Model VC-1x3-EPO-RG
(Epoxy Coated)
C&L Instruments, Inc.
www.fluorescence.com
717-564-9491
Vacu-Cell
TM
System
Microscope Stage Holders for
Vacu-Cell Bodies
Stage holders are available for the Vacu-Cell LFR, CPR
and OTR models. These holders secure the Vacu-Cell in
the center of your microscope stage. Stage holders
are available for Olympus, Nikon and Zeiss microscopes.
The Vacu-Cell is held in place using a spring clip and
one thumb screw. Holders for other microscopes are
available upon request.
These stage holders are manufactured from acrylic to
minimize the loss of heat from the Vacu-Cell to the
microscope stage. Stage holders made from other
materials are available upon request. Heated stage
holders made of aluminum are available for the
Rectangular and Mini Vacu-Cell series chambers.
Model VC-LFR-18-H Vacu-Cell
shown in a Model VC-RSH-NIK
Nikon microscope stage holder
Model VC-CPR-25 Vacu-Cell
shown in a Model VC-RSH-NIK
Nikon microscope stage holder
Model Numbers
VC-RSH-OLY
VC-RSH-NIK
VC-RSH-ZEI
Stage holder for Olympus microscope
Stage holder for Nikon microscope
Stage holder for Zeiss microscope
(Specify Model Number when ordering)
Patent Pending
Model VC-OTR-25 Vacu-Cell
shown in a Model VC-RSH-NIK
Nikon microscope stage holder
C&L Instruments, Inc.
www.fluorescence.com
717-564-9491
Vacu-Cell
TM
System
24 Well Microtitre Vacu-CellTM Chamber
Model VC-MT24
The Model MT24 microtitre chamber uses one 48 x 60 mm coverslip to form 24 individual incubation
chambers. Multiple o-rings on the bottom of the chamber body securely hold the coverslip in place
using a vacuum. The size of the individual chambers is 2.6 mm in diameter and the cylindrical
portion of each chamber holds approximately 25 µl. The chambers are spaced on a 9 x 9 mm grid.
This chamber system is designed for microscopy and commonly used with treated or coated slides. It
can be used for ELISA techniques or other procedures in which a treated surface is used. It is also
ideal for TIRF experiments when proteins, oligos or cDNA are attached to the slide surface. This chamber
is available in black anodized aluminum that is coated with parylene for biological compatibility. The
chamber is heated using a heated microscope stage adapter.
Vacuum port
Model VC-MT24
(top view)
24 incubation wells
are formed on a
9 x 9 mm grid
Model VC-MT24
(bottom view, with
coverslip attached)
Model Numbers
VC-MT24-BA
VC-48x65CS-1
VC-MT24-ORINGS
Patent Pending
Model VC-MT24
(sectioned view)
24 Well Microtitre Chamber, Black Anodized Aluminum
Rectangular 48 x 65 mm No. 1 Coverslips, 1 Box
Replacement O-rings, 1 Set
C&L Instruments, Inc.
www.fluorescence.com
717-564-9491
Vacu-Cell
TM
System
Vacuum Pump System
Model VCS-1
The Model VCS-1 vacuum pump provides a handly vacuum source for use with the Vacu-Cell line
of incubation chambers. The pump delivers approximately -20 inches of mercury vacuum. The
vacuum port is conveniently located on the front panel and uses a standard female Luer lock fitting.
A valve on the front panel can be used to apply and release the vacuum from the attached
Vacu-Cell. A vacuum gauge measures the vacuum available on the output port.
Model Numbers
VCS-1
Vacuum Pump System
110-120 or 220-240 VAC
(specify on order)
C&L Instruments, Inc.
www.fluorescence.com
717-564-9491
Vacu-Cell
TM
System
Temperature Controller
Model TC-30
The Model TC-30 temperature controller is designed to precisely control the temperature of a
Vacu-Cell incubation chamber or a Vacu-Cell microscope stage holder. The heater provides a
heavily filtered DC output at a maximum power of 30 Watts for noise-free temperature control. A
highly visible digital temperature readout indicates either the set-point temperature of the
controller or the measured temperature of the sensor probe.
The TC-30 is equipped with an adjustable gain control. The gain control is used to adjust the
feedback system and the dynamic temperature response of the Vacu-Cell. Although the controller
is essentially noise-free, a TTL-controlled inhibit input is also provided. This input control can be used
temporarily block power output to the heater element to permit high-sensitivity measurements. A
visual "stair case" display is also provided to indicate output power.
Included with the Model TC-30 is one cable, to connect the controller to the Vacu-Cell, and one
temperature sensor probe (not shown).
Part Numbers
TC-30
Temperature Controller
110-120 or 220-240 VAC
(specify on order)
C&L Instruments, Inc.
www.fluorescence.com
P OWE R
ON (1)
OF F (0)
MO NIT OR
AC T UAL
S ET
35
30 4 0
25 45
20 50
C
Model TC-30 Temperature Controller
37.0
OU TP UT
S YS T EM G AI N P OWE R
NO RM AL
C
LO W HIG H
AN AL OG
MON ITO R
10mV / C
R UN
S TA NDB Y
INH IB IT
(TT L HIG H IN )
C&L Instruments, Inc.
www.fluorescence.com
717-564-9491
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