Narishige HIR Rotatable Adjustable Clamp

Overview

The Narishige HIR Rotatable Adjustable Clamp is a precision-engineered mechanical accessory designed for high-accuracy microinjection and cell manipulation workflows in electrophysiology, embryology, and single-cell isolation applications. Engineered to interface seamlessly with Narishige’s HI-7 and HI-9 hydraulic micromanipulators, the HIR clamp provides controlled rotational and axial positioning of Ø4 mm diameter injection support rods—enabling fine-tuned alignment of bent-tip glass capillaries relative to biological specimens under optical microscopy. Its operation relies on friction-based rotational locking and low-profile clamping geometry, eliminating backlash or slippage during delicate positional adjustments. Unlike motorized or multi-axis stages, the HIR functions as a passive, manually actuated coupling device optimized for stability, minimal thermal drift, and compatibility with vibration-isolated optical tables and inverted microscope platforms.

Key Features

• Ultra-compact form factor (7 × 7 × 18 mm) and lightweight construction (2 g) minimize inertial load and spatial interference in confined microscope stage environments.
• High-tolerance machined aluminum body with anodized surface finish ensures long-term dimensional stability and resistance to laboratory solvents and cleaning agents.
• Integrated dual-screw adjustment mechanism allows independent control of both rotational orientation and axial translation along the Ø4 mm support rod.
• Designed specifically for use with bent-tip micropipettes mounted on HI-7/HI-9 manipulators—enabling reproducible angulation for targeted cytoplasmic or nuclear injection in oocytes, zygotes, or adherent mammalian cells.
• No electrical components or calibration requirements; fully compatible with cleanroom and CO₂ incubator-adjacent setups where electromagnetic interference or sterilization protocols must be maintained.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HIR clamp is intended for use in regulated life science research settings requiring traceable instrument configuration and procedural consistency. While the clamp itself is not a measurement device, its mechanical repeatability supports GLP-compliant documentation of micropipette positioning parameters across experimental replicates. It complies with ISO 13485-aligned manufacturing practices as implemented by Narishige Corporation (Japan), and its material composition meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU restrictions on hazardous substances. The clamp does not require CE marking as it falls outside the scope of EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR 2017/745) or In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR 2017/746), being classified as an ancillary lab tool rather than an active diagnostic or therapeutic component.

Software & Data Management

As a purely mechanical positioning aid, the HIR clamp operates independently of software control systems. It does not generate, transmit, or store digital data and therefore imposes no cybersecurity, firmware update, or audit trail requirements. This absence of embedded electronics ensures full compatibility with FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic lab notebook (ELN) environments, where manual recording of clamp orientation angles and translational offsets can be directly linked to experimental metadata without risk of unvalidated data acquisition pathways. Users may document angular settings using calibrated protractors or integrated stage encoders on compatible HI-series manipulators, supporting traceable SOP execution in GMP-aligned cell therapy development labs.

Applications

• Single-cell microinjection in developmental biology (e.g., pronuclear injection in mouse zygotes).
• Precise delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes into suspension or adherent human iPSCs.
• Cytoplasmic transfer experiments requiring consistent pipette approach vectors relative to mitochondrial distribution patterns.
• Microfluidic interfacing where bent-tip capillaries must be angled to match channel inlet geometry without obstructing optical access.
• Long-duration time-lapse imaging setups where thermal expansion-induced drift is mitigated by rigid, non-powered mechanical fixation.

FAQ

Is the HIR clamp compatible with non-Narishige micromanipulators?
Yes—provided the support rod diameter is precisely Ø4 mm and exhibits a smooth, cylindrical surface finish compatible with the clamp’s internal gripping geometry. Performance validation is recommended for third-party systems.
Can the HIR clamp be autoclaved?
No. The anodized aluminum housing and threaded stainless steel fasteners are not rated for repeated steam sterilization. Wipe disinfection with 70% ethanol or isopropanol is recommended.
Does the HIR affect the resolution or stability of HI-7/HI-9 manipulator movements?
No. Independent testing confirms sub-micron positional fidelity is preserved when the clamp is properly torqued to manufacturer-specified values (0.15–0.2 N·m). Excessive tightening may deform the Ø4 mm rod and degrade manipulator linearity.
What is the maximum torque the HIR clamp can withstand during rotational adjustment?
The clamp maintains secure grip up to 0.3 N·m applied torque without slippage; however, operational use is restricted to ≤0.2 N·m to ensure longevity of the friction interface and prevent galling of aluminum surfaces.
Is technical documentation available in English for installation and maintenance?
Yes. Narishige provides bilingual (English/Japanese) operation manuals and dimensional drawings upon request through authorized distributors, including compliance-relevant material certifications and RoHS declarations.