Cryogenic Freezing Tool features touchscreen user interface.
Press Release Summary:
Vitrobot Mark IV cryo sample preparation tool physically fixates biological structures within ultrathin vitrified ice layers so samples can withstand high voltages such as those used in 3-dimensional transmission electron microscopy. Features include Linux operated touchscreen interface and robotics, and automated vitrification medium to liquid nitrogen atmosphere transfer.
Original Press Release:
FEI Introduces Vitrobot Mark IV
HILLSBORO, Ore., July 12 - FEI (NASDAQ:FEIC) has introduced the next generation of its popular Vitrobot(TM) cryo sample preparation tool, the Vitrobot Mark IV. The Mark IV is an easy-to-use system that features a newly-designed touchscreen user interface operated under a Linux operating system and robotics that ensures high-quality, reproducible freezing of samples. Automated transfer from the vitrification medium into the liquid nitrogen atmosphere offers more consistent and higher yield sample throughput.
Three-dimensional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) visualization of macromolecular structures and molecular machines in their native hydrated state has become a critical tool for structural biologists focusing on interactive biological and biochemical processes at the macromolecular level. The Vitrobot is a high-throughput tool designed to enable the physical fixation of biological structures within ultra-thin vitrified ice layers so samples can withstand the high voltages used in TEMs long enough to acquire the necessary image.
Beyond biological applications, the Vitrobot Mark IV can also be used for pharmaceutical, food and a variety of general industrial applications where colloidal structures need to be characterized and analyzed.
FEI will feature the Vitrobot Mark IV at the 26th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Virology, July 15-17, 2007 at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Ore. and at the Microscopy and Microanalysis meeting August 6-9, 2007 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Booth 414). More about the Vitrobot can be discovered at http://www.fei.com/vitrobot.
About FEI
FEI (NASDAQ:FEIC) is a global leader in providing innovative instruments for nanoscale imaging, analysis and prototyping. FEI focuses on delivering solutions that provide groundbreaking results and accelerate research, development and manufacturing cycles for its customers in Semiconductor and Data Storage, Academic and Industrial R&D, and Life Sciences markets. With R&D centers in North America and Europe, and sales and service operations in more than 50 countries around the world, FEI's Tools for Nanotech(TM) are bringing the nanoscale within the grasp of leading researchers and manufacturers. More information can be found online at http://www.fei.com/.
This news release contains forward-looking statements about a new cryo sample preparation product and its capabilities. Factors that could affect these forward-looking statements include but are not limited to delays in the roll-out of the product, manufacturing or delivery delays, failure of suppliers to deliver products on time and to specification, and failure of the product to perform as expected due to technical or other reasons. Please also refer to our Form 10-K, Forms 10-Q, Forms 8-K and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for additional information on these factors and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. FEI assumes no duty to update forward-looking statements.
Source: FEI CONTACT: Dan Zenka, APR, Global Public Relations of the FEI Company
+1-503-726-2695, dan.zenka@fei.com
