Monkey Restrainers Brian Frederick—Team Leader Kelly Toy—Communicator Ross Gerber—BSAC Aman Ghotra—BSAC Kawai Chan—BWIG Miguel Benson—BWIG

Client—B’Ann Gabelt, Associate Scientist Advisor—Willis Tompkins, PhD.

Abstract Our client performs glaucoma research on non- human primates by restraining them and administering eye drops. Our goal was to develop a product that would further restrain the monkey’s head, allowing for easier administration of topical eye drops. Our prototype was not compatible with the current restraint cage. Future work will account for the flaws found in the original prototype.

Problem Definition To develop a method of effectively restraining a monkey’s head in conjunction with an existing monkey restraint device.

Motivation Our client performs glaucoma research on non-human primates Study involves administering eye drops to Rhesus monkeys – Rhesus monkeys are more than 95% genetically similar to humans Restraint systems are necessary for effective administration

Background Monkeys are brought to adjustable restraint device (B) via transport cage (A) Restraint (B) tilts back (C). Monkey is positioned with back to scientist. Head is pulled back for eye drop administration A B

Background cont. Procedural problems: Monkeys are highly active, making procedure difficult Have free use of hands Tuck chins to prevent head being tilted back C C

Design Criteria—Cage Specs

Design Criteria Be compatible with existing restraint cage – 8cm < depth (d) < 20cm – 10cm < width (w) < 25cm – Work for all heights (h) Restrain the head of the monkey Work with various sized monkeys Not harm the monkey/fit constraint protocol Operable by one person

Pros Fit the current restraint cage Size adjustable Easy to make Cheap Prototype—Chin Strap

First Prototype—Chin Strap Cons Assembly is too large to restrain monkey Does not restrain hand movement Chin strap is too large for monkey’s head Does not correlate with cage because cage is: – Bulky – Non-symmetric – Awkwardly built – Variable in size

Future Work/Designs—Backrest

Inclusive to Chin Strap Distances monkey from back of cage Allows easier manipulation of monkey

Future Work/Designs— Arm Restraint Prototype that restrains arms Must account for cage variability Must prevent monkeys from moving it

Future Work

Mechanically restrains monkeys Adjustable height and closure Must account for intricacies of cage Does not need to restrain arms