Mounting clamps onto an orbital shaker The hole patterns of the groundplates for the deepwell clamps CR1700 and the universal clamps CR1800 are identical (see figure at the right). The colored dots on the drawing below indicate the holes to be used for the various trademarks of orbital shakers. If you have a shaker from a different trademark, there is a reasonable chance that it has a screw hole pattern identical to the pattern of one of the major shaker producers given below. Many platforms can fit four clamps in a row (see photo below). Be sure to leave sufficient space between the rows to allow sliding in the deepwell MTPs + covers (not necessary for the universal clamps). The maximum total weight (partially determined by the number of clamps) that can be loaded onto an orbital shaking without causing excessive wear to the shaker (or movement/trembling of the whole shaking cabinet) is dependent on the shaking frequency, shaking amplitude and the quality (flatness, stability) of the floor. The clamps are supplied with ten 8 mm long screws (+ ten plastic blue rings) for attachment on Kuhner and Infors shakers. Put the blue rings between the groundplate and the shaker platform to thermally insulate the groundplate from the shaker to some extent (the shaker platform may be slightly warmer than the air in the shaker cabinet). Note: For attachment on New Brunswick shakers (now: Eppendorf) use the 12 mm long screws.

Use of clamps for deepwell MTPs + covers only (CR1700, CR1702) 1. Slide the sandwich cover + MTP into the clamp (attached onto an orbital shaking platform), and turn the handle from the "OPEN" position to the "CLOSED" position. 2. Shake under appropriate conditions (depending on filling volume and desired OTRs, see hydrodynamics and oxygen-transfer rates).

Use of universal clamps (CR1600, CR1800, CR1801, CR1802, CR1803) 1. Place one deepwell MTP + sandwich cover, or a pile of maximally 3-4 MTPs + sandwich covers into the clamp (which has been screwed onto the shaking platform of an appropriate orbital shaker) 2. Screw down the (pile of) MTPs + sandwich covers down using the clamp system with the cross-nut (see photo and drawing). Stop turning the cross-nut when friction is felt (the clamp systems with a cross-nut, as supplied from March 2013 onwards, has a protection system against overtightening). The force exerted is then approx 400 N, which is a suitable force for sandwich covers with a solid silicone layer inside. For sandwich covers with spongy silicone (less force required), turn back (release) the cross-nut a half or full turn (180-360 degrees). 3. Shake under appropriate conditions (depending on filling volume and desired OTRs).