The Classic Ussing design presented here varies little from the original equipment created by Dr. Hans Ussing. The system's low initial cost, coupled with the modest cost of add-on components, makes it an ideal option for classroom instruction and in-the-field research.
- Classic system as designed by DR. H. H. Ussing
- Supports membranes from 2.5 to 15.5 mm wide
- Supports Snapwell, Transwell, and Multiwell culture cups
- Insert version available
- Compatible with UssingChart hardware and software
The investigation of ionic transport across epithelial cells was greatly facilitated by the development of a chamber system designed by Dr. H. H. Ussing more than 40 years ago. Today this equipment bears his name.
The U9500 ‘Classic’ design presented here varies little from Dr. Ussing’s original equipment which remains in wide use for the study of electrophysiological properties of epithelial tissues. A newer design, the U9520 ‘Classic with Inserts’ allows for insertion of cell culture or tissue supports and greatly increases the functionality of the classic Ussing chamber. The low initial cost of the classic design, coupled with the modest cost of add-ons, makes this system an ideal option for classroom instruction and in-the-field research.
The Classic Ussing Systems
The U9500 and U9520 are complete Ussing systems consisting of an Ussing chamber, chamber support stand, circulation reservoir, utility clamp, air/gas fitting kit, and electrode set. The U9500 chamber uses a non-insert design, while the the U9520 uses an insert design. Both systems are otherwise identical with the difference embodied in the chamber.
These systems are fully compatible with the UssingChart data acquisition package which consists of an EC-825A amplifier, LIH 8+8 digitizer, UssingChart software, and connecting cables.
U9500 Classic Chambers
The U9500 chambers are machined from solid acrylic into two halves, each with vertical and horizontal ports for connection to the circulation system and for making electrical connections.
One chamber half-face is imbedded with sharp stainless-steel pins that mate with corresponding holes in the other chamber half-face. This allows for puncturing and positioning the epithelium membrane within the chamber. Chambers are available in a variety of aperture sizes and pin configurations.
In the U9500 design, a separate chamber must be purchased for each desired aperture size. This is a good choice if you intend to study a single tissue type as assembly is both direct and simple.
U9520 'Classic with Inserts' Chambers
The U9520 chambers are functionally similar to the U9500 series except that it makes use of low-cost adapters (ie, inserts) to position tissues or cultured cells within the chamber body. Inserts are interchangeable and permit the researcher to investigate a variety of tissues without having to purchase a separate chamber for each different tissue. The U9520 chamber is mounted in the standard support stand and procedures for experimentation are the same as with the classic system.
Chamber and Insert Aperture Configurations
U9500 chambers are available with pinned openings in diameters from 3.8 to 13.5 mm and in slotted widths from 1.6 to 3.5 mm to accommodate a variety of tissue dimensions. The choice of pin configuration depends on the epithelia under study.
The specified diameter designates the main opening to which the buffer makes contact with the membrane. Select an aperture opening at least 2 mm smaller (1 mm all the way around) to permit the pins to impale the tissue without tearing.
U9520 chamber inserts are available with openings in diameters from 3.8 to 13.5 mm. Inserts are also available for culture cups from Falcon, Millicell, Snapwell, and Transwell.
Both U9500 and U9520 chambers are available with and without drains.
Circulation Reservoir
Available 10 ml capacity, the circulation reservoir is a two sided, hand-blown apparatus made from borosilicate glass. Each side has two outlets at the base for connection to the perfusion fittings on the associated Ussing chamber half-cell. Each side also has a separate air/gas inlet to drive the circulation system. Gas, commonly a 95% O2/5% CO2 mixture, is forced under low pressure into these inlets and allowed to come into contact with the buffer solution. The rising bubbles both drive circulation and oxygenate the buffer. This method is commonly referred to as a 'gas-lift' perfusion system.
Each horizontal reservoir arm has either an inlet or outlet port for access to the water jacket. Water at the desired temperature is pumped through the jacket and allows thermoregulation of the perfusion solutions. Glass condensers are provided to minimize evaporative solution losses from the top.
Electrode Sets and Agar Bridge Fittings
Each System is supplied with a U9975A Electrode Set comprised of 4 electrodes, 2 Ag-AgCl pellet electrodes (for voltage) and 2 Ag wire electrodes (for current). Electrodes include 1 meter (3 feet) of wire and a connector to plug into the amplifier headstage. The EC-825A or EC-800 amplifier can be added to the Ussing chamber to perform electrophysiology studies.
Also supplied are Luer taper fittings that screw onto the electrodes to provide an agar salt bridge connection into the chamber. Fittings can be filled with agar either before or after assembly onto the electrodes.
Data Acquisition
The U9500 and U9520 Classic Ussing systems are compatible with electrophysiological epithelial transport measurements and use UssingChart data acquisition. This package includes an amplifier, a digitizer, software, and cables. You can view details on the UssingChart Data Acquisition webpage.
Classic Ussing System Expandability
The Classic Ussing system can easily be scaled to two channels by adding another Classic or Classic with Insert chamber system.
Refer to the chart below for the needed components:
| Expansion |
Needed items |
Order No. |
Quantity to order |
| Increase to 2 channels |
Classic Ussing chamber base assembly
does not include chamber and/or insert (for Classic with Insert) - order these separately |
64-0500R10 |
1 |
The Classic Ussing design presented here varies little from the original equipment created by Dr. Hans Ussing. The system's low initial cost, coupled with the modest cost of add-on components, makes it an ideal option for classroom instruction and in-the-field research.
- Classic system as designed by DR. H. H. Ussing
- Supports membranes from 2.5 to 15.5 mm wide
- Supports Snapwell, Transwell, and Multiwell culture cups
- Insert version available
- Compatible with UssingChart hardware and software
For all chambers not using culture cups:
Increase the tissue dimensions by a minimum of 3.0 mm in each direction
to allow the o-ring or pins to capture the tissue without tearing.
For example, a chamber with a 5 mm round aperture will require a tissue with a minimum diameter of 8 mm,
and a chamber with a 2 x 10 mm oblong aperture will require a tissue with minimum dimension of 5 x 13 mm.
Suggested application(s) by aperture
| Aperture |
Applications |
Aperture area |
| 3.8 mm round with pins |
biopsy
general use |
0.11 cm2 |
| 6 mm round with pins |
general use |
0.28 cm2 |
| 9 mm round with pins |
general use |
0.64 cm2 |
| 12 mm round with pins |
general use |
1.13 cm2 |
| 13.5 mm round with pins |
general use |
1.43 cm2 |
| 1.5 x 7 mm oblong with pins |
mouse trachea
rat trachea |
0.11 cm2 |
| 2.5 x 7 mm oblong with pins |
mouse intestine
rabbit trachea |
0.18 cm2 |
| 3.5 x 7 mm oblong with pins |
mouse intestine
rat intestine
rabbit intestine |
0.25 cm2 |
| 9 mm round with o-rings |
general use |
0.64 cm2 |
| 12 mm round with o-rings |
general use
skin
cornea |
1.13 cm2 |
| 13.5 mm round with o-rings |
general use
skin
cornea |
1.43 cm2 |
| Snapwell, 12.7 mm |
cell culture |
1.12 cm2 |
| Millicell, 12 mm |
cell culture |
1.13 cm2 |
| Transwell, 6.5 mm |
cell culture |
0.33 cm2 |
| Transwell 12 mm |
cell culture |
1.13 cm2 |
| Transwell, 24 mm |
cell culture |
4.52 cm2 |
 |
Order No. (Model No.) |
|
Product Description |
|
USA Price |
|
Order |
|
How to order:
Select Base Assembly
Systems include support stand with rods circulation reservoir; utility clamp; U9303 Air/Gas Fitting Kit; U9975A Electrode Set and U9965EP Electrode Bridge Fitting Kit Select chamber
Choices are 'Classic' or 'Classic with Insert'. Both available with or without drains Select insert
If using 'Classic with Insert' Select Data Acquisition package for Ussing (UssingChart)
If making electrophysiological measurements Select thermocirculator and Tubing Kit
If temperature regulation is needed
Base Assembly |
|
|
64-0500R10 (U950010R) |
|
Classic Ussing chamber base assembly, includes 10 ml/side circulation reservoir |
|
Log In |
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‘Classic without Insert’ Chamber System
‘Classic’ Without drains |
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64-0505 (U9506) |
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Ussing Chamber, 6.0 mm aperture, 0.28 cm2 area |
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Log In |
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64-0506 (U9509) |
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Ussing Chamber, 9.0 mm aperture, 0.64 cm2 area |
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Log In |
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64-0507 (U9512) |
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Ussing Chamber, 12.0 mm aperture, 1.13 cm2 area |
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Log In |
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64-0508 (U9513) |
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Ussing Chamber, 13.5 mm aperture, 1.43 cm2 area |
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Log In |
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64-0509 (U9504SP-1) |
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Slotted chamber, 1.5 x 7.0 mm aperture, 0.11 cm2 area |
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Log In |
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64-0510 (U9504SP-2) |
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Slotted chamber, 2.5 x 7.0 mm aperture, 0.18 cm2 area |
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Log In |
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64-0511 (U9504SP-3) |
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Slotted chamber 3.5 x 7.0 mm aperture, 0.25 cm2 area |
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Log In |
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'Classic’ With drains |
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64-0512 (U9504DR) |
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Ussing Chamber, 3.8 mm diameter aperture, 0.11 cm2 area |
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Log In |
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64-0513 (U9506DR) |
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Ussing Chamber, 6.0 mm diameter aperture, 0.28 cm2 area |
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Log In |
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64-0514 (U9509DR) |
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Ussing Chamber, 9.0 mm diameter aperture, 0.64 cm2 area |
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Log In |
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64-0515 (U9512DR) |
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Ussing Chamber, 12.0 mm diameter aperture, 1.13 cm2 area |
|
Log In |
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64-0516 (U9513DR) |
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Ussing Chamber, 13.5 mm diameter aperture, 1.43 cm2 area |
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Log In |
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64-0517 (U9504SP-1DR) |
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Slotted chamber, 1.5 x 7.0 mm aperture, 0.11 cm2 area |
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Log In |
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64-0518 (U9504SP-2DR) |
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Slotted chamber, 2.5 x 7.0 mm aperture, 0.18 cm2 area |
|
Log In |
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64-0519 (U9504SP-3DR) |
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Slotted chamber, 3.5 x 7.0 mm aperture, 0.25 cm2 area |
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Log In |
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‘Classic with Insert’ Chamber System
Chambers |
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64-0532 (U9521) |
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Cell culture Ussing chamber |
|
Log In |
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64-0533 (U9521DR) |
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Cell culture Ussing chamber, with drains |
|
Log In |
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Inserts with pins |
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64-0539 (U9524B-04) |
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Tissue adapter insert with pins, 3.8 mm diameter aperture, 0.11 cm2 area |
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Log In |
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64-0540 (U9524B-06) |
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Tissue adapter insert with pins, 6.0 mm diameter aperture, 0.28 cm2 area |
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Log In |
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64-0541 (U9524B-09) |
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Tissue adapter insert with pins, 9.0 mm diameter aperture, 0.64 cm2 area |
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Log In |
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64-0542 (U9524B-12) |
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Tissue adapter insert with pins, 12.0 mm diameter aperture, 1.13 cm2 area |
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Log In |
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64-0543 (U9524B-13) |
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Tissue adapter insert with pins, 13.5 mm diameter aperture, 1.43 cm2 area |
|
Log In |
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Inserts with o-rings |
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64-0536 (U9524A-09) |
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Tissue adapter insert with o-ring, 9.0 mm diameter aperture, 0.64 cm2 area |
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Log In |
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64-0537 (U9524A-12) |
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Tissue adapter insert with o-ring, 12.0 mm diameter aperture, 1.13 cm2 area |
|
Log In |
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64-0538 (U9524A-13) |
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Tissue adapter insert with o-ring, 13.5 mm diameter aperture, 1.43 cm2 area |
|
Log In |
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Inserts for culture cups |
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64-0549 (U9524S) |
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Snapwell culture cup adapter, 12.7 mm, 1.12 cm2 area |
|
Log In |
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64-0547 (U9524M-12) |
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Millicell culture cup adapter, 12.0 mm, 1.13 cm2 area |
|
Log In |
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64-0550 (U9524T-06) |
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Transwell culture cup adapter, 6.50 mm, 0.33 cm2 area |
|
Log In |
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64-0551 (U9524T-12) |
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Transwell culture cup adapter, 12.0 mm, 1.13 cm2 area |
|
Log In |
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64-0552 (U9524T-24) |
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Transwell culture cup adapter, 24.0 mm, 4.52 cm2 area |
|
Log In |
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Data Acquisition
2 Channel Data Acquisition package (UssingChart)
- order 1 of each |
|
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64-1605 (EC-825A) |
|
Dual channel epithelial voltage clamp, ±50V compliance, 110-250 VAC |
|
Log In |
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64-3009 |
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EC-825A cable, dual - fits 2 amplifiers (4 acquisition channels) |
|
Log In |
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89-5035 (LIH 8+8) |
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LIH 8+8 computer interface, 90-250 VAC, 50/60 Hz, CE |
|
Log In |
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89-5285 |
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UssingChart software |
|
Log In |
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Thermocirculator
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72-4924 (TC-120) |
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Thermocirculator, 5 Liter Plastic Bath with Lid, 120 V, 60 Hz |
|
Log In |
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72-4921 (TC-120) |
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Thermocirculator, 5 Liter Plastic Bath with Lid, 220 V, 50 Hz |
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Log In |
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64-2244 (WB-KIT) |
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TC-120 Thermocirculator Tubing Kit |
|
Log In |
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Accessories and replacement parts
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64-0554 (U9975A) |
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Electrode set, includes 2 Ag/AgCl pellets and 2 Ag wires |
|
Log In |
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64-0554P |
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Voltage electrodes, Ag/AgCl pellet, 2 mm pin, 4 pack |
|
Log In |
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64-0554W |
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Current electrodes, Ag wires, 2 mm pin, 4 pack |
|
Log In |
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64-0553 (U9565EP) |
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Electrode bridge fitting kit, 12 pack with 6 adapters |
|
Log In |
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64-0555 (U9985) |
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Bridge fitting adapters, 6 pack |
|
Log In |
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64-0560-4ml |
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Condenser set for 4 ml circulation reservoir, set of 2 |
|
Log In |
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64-0560-10ml |
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Condenser set for 10 ml circulation reservoir, set of 2 |
|
Log In |
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64-0560-20ml |
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Condenser set for 20 ml circulation reservoir, set of 2 |
|
Log In |
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64-0561 (U9303) |
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Air/gas connection kit |
|
Log In |
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64-0562 (U9403) |
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Support stand |
|
Log In |
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64-0563 (U9403R) |
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Support stand rod |
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Log In |
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64-0564 (U9404) |
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Utility Clamp |
|
Log In |
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64-0565 (U9406) |
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Tubing kit (hose and Luer fittings) |
|
Log In |
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64-0165 (SL-6) |
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Luer stopcock, 6 pack |
|
Log In |
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