Precision and reliability are two significant pillars of scientific research. This is especially true in electrophysiology research, where measuring the electrical activity of living cells, including neurons, muscle cells, and cardiac cells, is categorized as a delicate process. For five decades, Siskiyou, a name synonymous with precision and innovation, has been crafting tailored equipment for life science and photonics that redefines the boundaries of scientific research.

The firm’s success is rooted in its deep understanding of the hurdles encountered by electrophysiology research scientists. The interference caused by electronic noise, a persistent challenge in experiments, is effectively countered by the firm’s choice of DC servo technology, which uses DC motors and control systems to achieve precise and controlled movement. DC servo motors facilitate uninterrupted experiments, allowing scientists to delve deeper into the intricate details of cell communication without the typical electronic interference associated with AC powered devices. DC servo devices play a central role in the firm’s laser-based technologies, providing precision and finesse in manipulating mirror mounts and fiber positioning.

“While stepper motors offer simplicity, they lack the smooth, precise motion characteristic of DC servo motors,” says Robert Hodge, president of Siskiyou.

Besides the firm’s advanced DC servo technology, the experienced team at the firm plays a crucial role in its success. Due to the average employee tenure being 18.5 years, Siskiyou has a collective industry expertise in company operations and application analysis that few can rival. This allows it to provide clients with prompt and reliable solutions that effectively address challenges linked to motion control systems or manual operations.

Siskiyou demonstrates its dedication to serving the scientific community through its extensive and innovative product range. The firm offers closed-loop encoded motor systems for electrophysiology research, which seamlessly integrate with cross-roller linear stages to deliver unrivaled precision. Siskiyou also offers open-loop variants which can be equipped with LabVIEWbased drivers to guarantee streamlined programmability to increase the efficiency of research setups. The emphasis is on compatibility and ease of operation.

The firm caters to a diverse clientele as it tailors projects for esteemed universities and provides large-scale original equipment manufacturer (OEM) solutions.

An instance that highlights Siskiyou’s capabilities is its successful collaboration with IonOptix, a research company. In their endeavor to study individual cardiomyocytes, IonOptix encountered a formidable challenge. They needed micromanipulators capable of delicate tasks like picking up single myocytes, all while minimizing drift, offering user-friendly controls, and being compatible with high-powered optical microscopes.

IonOptix discovered an ideal solution in Siskiyou’s customized OEM version of the MX7630, a three-axis micromanipulator driven by DC servos. These micromanipulators provided the essential range of travel and resolution for precise myocyte manipulation. In addition, using DC actuators provides stable positioning of the micromanipulators even when it is in idle state, which reduces heat and ensures precision during measurements. This feature minimizes thermal drift, which is essential for experiments in electrophysiology research, where electromagnetic interference noise must be avoided due to minute electrical signals being studied and recorded. The device also includes operations with preset speed settings and continuous speed adjustment options, making the process more straightforward and efficient. Numerous laboratories worldwide have published research facilitated by 1 nN force sensitivity.

The MyoStretcher system by IonOptix, equipped with Siskiyou’s micromanipulators, quickly became an essential tool with an unmatched level of precision for the scientific community seeking to comprehend and treat cardiovascular diseases.

While stepper motors offer simplicity, they lack the smooth, precise motion characteristic of dc servo motors

While innovation fuels Siskiyou’s growth, its commitment to excellence is reflected in its operational model. The firm serves as a hub for creativity and precision in today’s global market, with a facility representing a rare example of domestic manufacturing. Proximity plays a pivotal role in the company’s operational efficiency, with its on-site permanent employees located close to the facility to ensure seamless communication and effective coordination within the company.

“Our in-house production cycle encompasses critical processes like laser engraving to ensure the highest quality control and consistency of the motion control devices,” adds Hodge. While the manufacturing of specific components may be outsourced, the core activities remain within its facility in Oregon, highlighting the firm’s dedication to upholding the highest production standards.

Within scientific exploration, where boundaries are constantly pushed, Siskiyou symbolizes precision, dependability, and inventive brilliance. The firm’s solutions, honed over decades of mastery, are more than just equipment. They act as catalysts for groundbreaking discoveries, empowering scientists to explore the uncharted territories of electrophysiology with unparalleled accuracy. Siskiyou’s legacy is not just in its products but in the advancements they facilitate, making the firm an indispensable partner in the relentless pursuit of scientific discoveries.