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Design Team

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Support Teams / Janelia Experimental Technology
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We work collaboratively with researchers to design and build novel instruments.
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Design Team
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We work collaboratively with researchers to design and build novel instruments.
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Mechanical and Optics Engineering Team 

The Mechanical Engineering Team in jET provides a range of engineering services to creatively solve both simple and complex R&D experimental design problems to meet the goals of each research project.  The team has expertise in:

  • Microscopy
  • Optical Engineering
  • Tool Development
  • Robotics
  • CAD Design and Analysis
  • Motion Control
  • Liquid Handling
  • Method Development 

Software and Electrical Engineering Team

The Software and Electrical Engineering Team in jET provide solutions for a variety of electronic equipment and embedded software systems. The team has expertise in:

  • PCB design and assembly
  • Low-level analog
  • High-speed digital
  • Motion control
  • Microprocessors and firmware
  • FPGA development
  • LabVIEW programming

Types of Design 

  • Complex motion system
  • Laboratory experimentation instruments 
  • Custom microscopes 
  • Electronics and embedded software devices 
  • Fluid handling equipment
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The Life of a Design Project -- The Fly Dispenser Project
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System design of optics, electronics, software, and mechanical elements

The Card Lab engaged jET to create an experimental assay to monitor the behavior of Drosophila in the presence of projected stimulus on a globe surrounding an individual fly.  After understanding the objectives and requirements, the jET team, working interactively with the Card Lab, created an integrated system comprised of commercial optical equipment, custom electronics, software, and mechanical structure.
Electromechanical design

The Card Lab and jET envisioned and designed a novel software controlled, automatic fly dispensing mechanism that allows a single fly into the assay at a time from a holding chamber.  
Mechanical design and fabrication of component parts

Janelia Experimental Technology designed multiple custom components for the assay including the fly dispensing mechanism, LED/sensor mounts, and a reflective mirror (shown left) for projection of the stimulus on a globe surrounding the fly.  The reflective mirror was fabricated in-house with jET equipment and polished to specification working with an external optical vendor.
Electrical and software design

Janelia Experimental Technology designed a custom PCB with circuitry for the control and monitoring of individual fly dispensing actuators, LEDs, and sensors.  The PCB includes a microprocessor and associated firmware to facilitate software control and monitoring of the assay.
Final system assembly

After the design was complete, commercial equipment was ordered, and custom components fabricated, the Fly Dispensing assay was assembled by jET personnel in the Card Lab.
System testing & verification

Once assembled, the Fly Dispensing assay was tested at a component and system level to ensure correct and desired functionality of all features (note, two assays shown in picture).
System validation and ongoing support

Janelia Experimental Technology personnel worked collaboratively with Card Lab researchers during initial and subsequent testing of the Fly Dispenser assay. This allows for alterations and modifications to the system to support continuously evolving research.
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