Medical Design Technology articles from December 2004

Medical Design Technology archives from December 2004

Power supply.(MDT Exclusive)
December 1, 2004... The MW136 external power series features a 100-250 VAC universal input and is available in both desktop and wall-mount styles. All models are single output ranging from 23 watts to 60 watts of power. There are eight models in the family ranging...

High temperature caps.(Innovations)
December 1, 2004... This series of caps has vented sides to ensure they won't pop off during extreme heat processes. The VVC series also has a pull-tab for easy removal. Manufactured in special high temperature vinyl material, the caps were specifically developed...

Caster.(MDT Exclusive)
December 1, 2004... This caster is ideal for the institutional/medical market as it offers easy maneuverability and low maintenance in an attractive package. The twin wheel designed swivel caster has a precision ball bearing in the swivel head and a plain bearing...

RFID tagging.(Innovations)
December 1, 2004... The RFID integrated Model 400 System enables packagers to quickly and easily meet supplier demand for RFID tagged cases and cartons. The system reliably encodes, verifies, and applies RFID tags at speeds up to 30 cases/cartons per minute. The...

Wireless footswitch.(MDT Exclusive)
December 1, 2004... This IR wireless footswitch eliminates the nuisance of wires under foot while invisible infrared light waves fill the room with 360 degrees of signal. Also, because it uses light radio waves, it resists interference. The twin channel foot...

Sealers.(Innovations)
December 1, 2004... The 630CH and 630CH "Mini" validatable constant heat sealers are ideal for high production environments. The 630CH features seal platen lengths of 8 in., 15 in., and 20 in.: an LCD control panel providing full digital temperature control...

Safety light curtain.(Innovations)
December 1, 2004... Features added to the EZ-SCREEN non-contact, point-of-operation machine guarding safety light screen system include fixed blanking to accommodate materials and tooling inflow with no reduction of operator safety, a cascading option for...

Paperless manufacturing system.(MDT Exclusive)
December 1, 2004... The InSite Rapid eDHR is an integrated paperless manufacturing system that helps manufacturers improve operations performance, shorten manufacturing cycle times, and reduce the cost of compliance. It automatically constructs electronic device...

Cook Group cuts against the grain in advocating public access to trial data.(Regulatory Report)
December 1, 2004... Cook Group Chairman Stephen Ferguson says the medical technology industry would be better served in the long term by allowing FDA to share manufacturer clinical trial data publicly, reports The Gray Sheet. "FDA should be a source of...

Combo product reg advances.(Noted ...)
December 1, 2004... According to The Silver Sheet, an FDA intercenter task force is working to finalize a new regulation governing "primary mode of action" for combination products. FDA issued the proposed regulation, which defines PMOA and explains how the agency...

Medtronic buys CellPlant.(Noted ...)
December 1, 2004... According to The Gray Sheet, Medtronic Ophthalmics says a polymer stent for glaucoma treatment will be evaluated in clinical trials pending FDA study go-ahead. Medtronic acquired the technology from Wound Healing of Oklahoma Inc. last month....

X-Stop launch on track.(Noted ...)
December 1, 2004... FDA-requested information to support approval for St. Francis's X-Stop non-fusion lumbar device is "reasonable" and "readily available," says President & CEO Kevin Sidow. According to The Gray Sheet, Sidow says St. Francis will submit the...

Masoudi has antitrust experience.(Noted ...)
December 1, 2004... According to The Gray Sheet, FDA Deputy Chief Counsel Gerald Masoudi can be expected to reinforce the agency's aggressive stance toward product liability suits that encroach on its authority. Masoudi, who joined the Office of the Chief Counsel...

An interview with Ron Earle, B. Braun OEM/Industrial Division: pharmaceutical companies are turning to medical device manufacturers for new ways to deliver their therapeutic drugs. This month's 'View From The Top' interview delves into this exciting trend and examines the issues surrounding it.(View From The Top)
December 1, 2004... Huge changes are taking place in the healthcare field as pharmaceutical companies look for new ways to deliver therapeutic drugs to consumers. Providing the answers are medical device manufacturers, whose drug-delivery solutions are...

Rapid prototyping system transforms hearing aid development.(Case In Point)
December 1, 2004... * The Project: To design, optimize, and produce better fitting hearing aids in less time. * The Solution: Use CAD/CAM and 3D computer imaging to create custom devices in audiologist offices. Advances in CAD/CAM technology and 3D...

UTI Corp. becomes Accellent and unveils new logo design.(Industry Watch)
December 1, 2004... UTI Corp. has changed its name to Accellent. The new name and company logo, unveiled at the end of November, was chosen to reflect the company's increased market presence and strategic direction. After UTI Corp., Collegeville, PA, acquired...

Elpac in China.(Industry Watch)
December 1, 2004... Elpac Electronics Inc., Irvine, CA, has almost doubled the size of its operations in Shenzhen. The facility near Hong Kong totals 56,000 square feet. The ISO 9001:2000 certified manufacturer, which produces power supplies for medical...

Nu Visions in Mexico.(Industry Watch)
December 1, 2004... Nu Visions Manufacturing LLC has opened a manufacturing plant for PC board and electro-mechanical assembly in Tijuana. Located on a 670-acre site, the new facility operates to IPC-610A Class 2 and 3 workmanship standards, is equipped with...

GM Nameplate award.(Industry Watch)
December 1, 2004... GM Nameplate, Seattle, has received Varian Oncology Systems' supplier award for excellence in vendor performance. The award is given to suppliers performing in the top 10 percent overall as measured by device quality and on-time delivery. ...

New ATEK website.(Industry Watch)
December 1, 2004... The ATEK Companies, one of the largest women-owned contract manufacturing companies in the world, has launched a new website at www.atekmanufacturing.com.

At Rogers.(People News)
December 1, 2004... At Rogers * Kurt Frisch Jr. has been appointed as engineering manager of Rogers Corp.'s new sales and service center for elastomer components in Rogers, CT.

At SurModics Inc.(People News)
December 1, 2004... At SurModics * David S. Wood has joined SurModics Inc., Eden Prairie, MN, as vice president and general manager of its drug delivery business unit. Wood was director of product development for the cardiac rhythm management division of Guidant.

Calendar of events.(Industry Watch)(Calendar)
December 1, 2004... Click on the "Calendar" icon at www.mdtmag.com for information about any of the following events. January 10-12: MD&M West, WestPak, Pacific Design & Manufacturing Show, Plastec West, and Electronics West, conferences and expos, Anaheim...

Methods to reduce sterilization process time: changes in ethylene oxide sterilization are providing manufacturers with improved speed to market. This report examines several developments that are influencing processing times.(Emphasis On Ethylene Oxide)
December 1, 2004... AT A GLANCE * Challenges defined * Beneficial initiatives * Dynamic condition * Real-world case studies ********** Over the past 8 to 10 years, the growth of single-use medical devices has been followed by the...

New medical robots place higher demands on cables: today's small, ultra-flexible robots require cabling designed specifically for each application. Here are guidelines to keep in mind when selecting wires and cables for medical applications.(Material & Component Review)
December 1, 2004... AT A GLANCE * Medical robot trends * Beginning with conductors * Key design factors * Jacketing materials ********** Modern medical robots are increasing in complexity while decreasing in size. Such changes are...

Wire EDM robot.(Other offerings ...)
December 1, 2004... This Fanuc robotic EDM cell dramatically increases production capacity through automated loading and unloading. The cell features a high-speed Fanuc 6-axis robot and can be configured to serve either a single or multiple Fanuc iC Series wire...

Motor cable.(Other offerings ...)
December 1, 2004... Combining an Add-A-Motor serial configuration cable with a SmartMotor, users get an entire "off the shelf" servo system solution, including the cables, that is ready to plug and play. The fully molded cable connects SmartMotor to SmartMotor in...

Cable carrier.(Other Offerings ...)
December 1, 2004... SnapChain is available as part of the System E2 Energy Chain line of cable carriers. Unlike traditional Energy Chains that are made of side links and crossbars, the SnapChain is constructed of a side link and adjustable loop. It is available in...

Wire/tubing cutter.(Other Offerings ...)
December 1, 2004... The WC601 Series automatic wire and tubing cutters cut flexible tubing up to 1-1/8 in. OD into lengths from 0.1 in. up to 99,999.99 in. or millimeters to very tight specifications such as those required for medical applications. Each unit has a...

PTFE conduit.(Other Offerings ...)
December 1, 2004... Extruded PTFE tubing is an ideal conduit for protecting wiring in harsh environments. Featuring plain, corrugated, and convoluted styles, this UL listed conduit is available extruded from TFE, FEP, and PFA to achieve varying degrees of...

PTFE coated hypotubes.(Notable products: tubing)
December 1, 2004... This PTFE coating service precisely applies PTFE onto the O.D. of stainless steel or nitinol hypotubes with 0.0001 in. to 0.0004 in. tolerance. Featuring a smooth, highly lubricious coating that assures easy arterial transfer, the coating does...

Silicone tubing.(Notable products: tubing)
December 1, 2004... PumpSil is a platinum-cured silicone tubing with a unique LaserTraceability feature. Designed with an ultra-smooth bore to control protein binding, PumpSil provides optimal pump performance. With a high level of purity and clarity, it is ideal...

Pre-assembled tubing sets.(Notable products: tubing)
December 1, 2004... Tubing sets made with PTFE robing in 1/16 in. and 1/8 in. O.D. sizes are cut in the appropriate desired lengths and assembled with the distinctive, permanently attached, color-coded Ferrulok fitting system on one or both ends. Combinations of...

Tubing/extension sets.(Notable products: tubing)
December 1, 2004... Extension set capabilities range from micro bore, small, standard to large bore sizes with co-extruded tubing available. Utilizing cutting edge technology, a broad range of materials and thermoplastic resins are available for device design...

TPR tubing.(Notable products: tubing)
December 1, 2004... Suprene tubing is produced under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) using first-quality polypropylene-based TPR. It offers excellent low-temperature flexibility, is lighter in weight than comparable sizes of rubber tubing, and provides good...

Silicone hose.(Notable products: tubing)
December 1, 2004... Color braid silicone hose offers a unique advantage for line identification. Incorporated into flexible, braid-reinforced silicone hose, the colored braid material provides an easy-to-see tracer line and offers a quick way to differentiate...

Bringing sterilization inside: Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics, a global provider of trauma and joint replacement systems for knees, hips, and shoulders, has begun to sterilize devices in-house. This exclusive report examines how the company approached the selection of a sterilization method, the cycle development, and the validation process.(Cover Story)
December 1, 2004... AT A GLANCE * Defining 4 main processes * Guidance from FDA * Pareto analysis results * Validation in 3 steps ********** In a recent move to dramatically reduce manufacturing turnaround time and increase...

Looking at intellectual property from an engineer's perspective: medical device engineers work in a world characterized by innovation and invention, but it is also a land run by legal truths and consequences. This article provides an overview of patent and trademark law to help engineers traverse the legal terrain.(Emphasis On Patents & Trademarks)
December 1, 2004... AT A GLANCE * Terms and definitions * Basic rules of thumb * Common pitfalls to avoid * Strategic suggestions ********** To maximize profitability and perfect your company's rights in your designs, your innovations...

Anti-static packaging.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... PELASPAN-PAC Anti-Static provides optimal cushioning for a wide range of electronic parts and components, protecting them from static discharge during shipment. The pink, s-shaped polystyrene material is free-flowing, which cuts packaging time....

Cartridge system.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... This closed end cartridge system offers good quality at a significant cost savings. The complete system provides a lower cost, based on the reduced number of components to buy, and the elimination of labor to assemble them. The robust uni-body...

Blow molding system.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... These turnkey co-injection blow molding systems are designed specifically to produce multi-layer bottles and packaging for medical/pharmaceutical applications. The systems are based on Uniloy's global-design UMIB injection blow molding...

Dispensing system.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... The Ultra 1400 Dispensing System is a cost-effective way to apply uniform amounts of threadlockers and other adhesives in a benchtop assembly process. Its fast, consistent application increases productivity, reduces rework and rejects, and...

Thin film coated fabrics.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... Thin film-coated flexible materials are produced for medical product applications by this company. Coated and metallized woven and nonwoven fabrics, scrim, membranes, foam, and polymeric film substrates offer medical application opportunities...

Ball bearings.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... SKF Explorer deep groove ball bearings benefit from advanced design, material, and manufacturing-process innovations to achieve smooth and quiet operation, high running accuracy, increased speed capability, lower friction and operating...

Silicon windows.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... These lightweight windows are for use at infrared wavelengths from 1.2 [micro]m to 7.0 [micro]m. The silicone windows are antireflection coated to increase transmission between 3.0 [micro]m and 5.0 [micro]m to more than 90%. The windows are...

Geared motors.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... The three-phase BG Series helical geared motors are engineered to drive machines and equipment of all types. The BG Series come as a standard two-stage design and offers simple installation with a wide range of mounting options. These motors...

Spore strips.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... Standard spore strips are 38 mm x 6.0 mm, making them difficult to use in lumens or other small areas. At 2.0 mm x 10 mm, micro-Strips can be used in areas where other BIs are too large. The micro-Strips are available inoculated with Bacillus...

Tube and rod components.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... Custom rod and tube components are available in diameters from 0.032 in. to 1.25 in. and made from stainless steel, titanium, inconel, and other exotic metals. Available in prototype and volume production quantities, countless configurations...

Driver/controller.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... The R101 is a bipolar driver/controller capable of output current ranging from 0.2 to 2.5 amps/phase with step resolutions from full, 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8. This product can be configured and controlled via a simple RS485 communications bus or step...

Psychrometer.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... Designed for medical design applications, the SuperHeat Psychrometer features a large display that allows for the simultaneous display of three parameters: relative humidity with ambient air temperature, plus dew point, wet bulb or external...

Rocker switch.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... The SRJ panel-mount rocker switch is suited for applications with current ratings up to 20 amps at 125 VAC. The compact SRJ series uses heavy-duty silver alloy contacts to perform high-current switching in a 0.855 in. H x 0.906 in. diameter...

Diaphragm pump.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... Suitable for continuous duty use, the SMF 2 pump provides long life, quiet operation, and low power consumption. EPDM valve and diaphragm materials are standard, with others available to meet special application needs. The pumps are...

Data logger.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... Using the Windows compatible software supplied, the EL-USB-1 can be configured to measure temperatures from -25 to 80[degrees]C. User selectable logging intervals from 10 seconds to 12 hours and a memory capacity of more than 16,000 readings...

Vibration motor.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... The 4.0 mm mid-mount reflow motor is part of the fourth generation SMT micro vibration motors. The mid-mount motor design, because it can be mounted through the PC board, further reduces the profile by an additional 2.0 mm. At a height similar...

Photodetector.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... The UDT-4X4D line of superblue enhanced photodetectors is designed to provide virtually complete isolation between all of the 16 elements with an extremely low crosstalk level (less than 0.05% at 633 nm). The active area diameter 1 mm x 1 mm...

Leak detection.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... The H2000 uses a safe, non-hazardous 5% hydrogen in 95% nitrogen mixture to detect leaks. The hydrogen method allows for non destructive testing with short cycle times and reliable results, regardless of the temperature variations or the test...

Thermal testing.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... ATS tests to all 11 current JEDEC 51 standards, which cover various environmental and test board conditions for common package types such as wire bond chips, leaded surface mount components, and perimeter and area array through-hole leaded...

Fasteners.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... Concealed-head self-clinching studs and standoffs can be mounted permanently in steel or aluminum sheets as thin as 0.062 in. These stud and standoff fasteners promote flush assemblies due to their concealed-head capability, which enables the...

DC drive.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... The 2232, a part of the SR Series, is a powerful drive with integrated encoder. The motor, featuring a diameter of 22 mm, a length of 32 mm, and Jill NdFeB magnet, boasts an exceptionally high constant torque of 10 mNm. With an output power of...

Dispense needles.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... This prepackaged selection of 115 dispense tips are offered in a variety of styles, lengths, and gauge sizes for all syringe and automated valve-type adhesive dispensing. All dispense tips feature threaded hubs for improved locking. An...

Controller/drive system.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... The CDS-3310 single-axis controller and drive system is designed to provide high performance and precise control of a single brush or brushless servo motor. It combines a programmable motion controller and 500-Watt drive in a single, compact...

Lead screw assemblies.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... The NTB Series anti-backlash lead screw assemblies are designed for high load applications. The assembly's simple, compact design offers a variety of benefits including that it can be easily modified for custom applications. Using the company's...

Pressure relief valves.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... C46 Series valves prevent excess system pressure by bypassing total system fluid flow. They can be serviced in place without removing fittings or plumbing. The valves are available with stainless steel or brass bodies to suit various...

Micro tools.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... Both the composites/fiberglass router and engraving tool lines are designed to increase production efficiency in manufacturing environments. The routers include a 0.25-inch carbide straight-flute router bit, operated by a hand-held air tool and...

Delta Robot.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... The XR31 high speed, Delta Robot is practically maintenance flee and boasts an even more compact design than its predecessor. With the additional special features of cameras inside the workspace, the robot also attains higher levels of accuracy...

Spring contacts.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... Four contacts (#24, #26, #27, and #38), made from Beryllium Nickel Alloy 360, is recommended for "down-hole" and "burn-in" applications. BeNi is suitable for continuous use up to 250[degrees]C, and periodic use up to 370[degrees]C, without...

SCARA robots.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... The TMB200R and TMB300R series of industrial SCARA robots are ideal for applications that require high speed and a large working area, offering greater flexibility for automated manufacturing environments, including conveyors and work cells....

Flowmeter.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... The OPTIMASS Series 7000 is a single straight-tube Coriolis mass flowmeter. This uniquely constructed flow meter offers no-hassle installation and excellent performance in density and mass flow. Offering a patented hygienic design, the meter...

Connector.(New Products)
December 1, 2004... The SBS50 connector's two pole housing allows a finger proof design, serving to greatly benefit those using personal mobility devices, including wheelchairs and scooters Due to the health threatening risk of shock, these connectors minimize...

www.hospira.com.(Web Link)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Hospira is a specialty pharmaceutical and medication delivery company launched from the core global hospital products business of Abbott Laboratories. Bringing proven leadership and a nearly 70-year track record of producing high-quality...

www.lemousa.com.(Web Link)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... LEMO is a global leader in the design and manufacture of precision custom connection solutions. Our high quality push-pull connectors are found in a variety of challenging application environments including medical. We offer more than 55,000...

www.microgroup.com.(Web Link)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Stainless steel, exotic alloy products, and fabrication services are MicroGroup's specialty. MicroGroup's five million plus feet of tubing inventory include the following categories: stainless steel tubing, hypodermic tubing, fractional,...

www.aerotech.com.(Web Link)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Since 1970, Aerotech has designed and manufactured the highest performance motion control and positioning systems for our customers in industry, government, science, and research institutions around the world. Aerotech's precision motion...

www.clippard.com.(Web Link)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Clippard's complete line of Minimatic Control Devices includes over 5,000 standard products. Some of the many products offered include valves, cylinders, fittings, modular components, push buttons, stainless steel cylinders, electronic manifold...

www.sterigenics.com.(Web Link)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Sterigenics International Inc. is the world's largest provider of sterilization and laboratory services to the healthcare, food safety and advanced applications markets. With 38 service centers in nine countries across the globe, Sterigenics...

www.gore.com.(Web Link)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... For more than 27 years, W. L. Gore & Associates, Medical Products Division, has provided surgeons and patients with a wide range of healing solutions, including synthetic blood vessels and patches for soft tissue regeneration, and surgical...

www.hygenic.com.(Web Link)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Since 1930, The Hygenic Corporation has grown into a multinational firm specializing in the development, manufacturing, sales, and marketing of high quality natural and synthetic rubber sheeting and tubing products produced to exceptionally...

www.tseinc.net.(Web Link)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... TSE has been serving customer needs in custom interconnection solutions for over 30 years, with operations in the United States and Asia. We serve the medical device and electronics market in surgical, diagnostic, neurological and similar...

www.eagletube.com.(Web Link)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Eagle Stainless is a leading supplier of ultra high precision, cut-to-length, stainless steel tubing and bar for medical, electronic, semi-conductor, industrial, and aerospace applications. We can cut and deburr any diameter tubing in...

www.apptecls.com.(Web Link)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... AppTec is a unique single source for comprehensive GLP/GMP-compliant testing, contract research and development, and custom cGMP manufacturing services for biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, cellular therapeutics, and tissue-based products....

www.bbraunoem-industrial.com.(Web Link)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Whether you are looking for a disposable medical component, fluid administration set, an entire kit including parenteral solutions or anything in between, the B. Braun OEM/Industrial Division of B. Braun Medical Inc. will provide the...

www.interpower.com.(Web Link)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Interpower Corporation offers a variety of power supply component solutions for medical device manufacturers. Our web site features a full range of product offerings including hospital-grade cords and cordsets, plugs and sockets, power entry...

www.kerkmotion.com.(Web Link)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Kerk was established in 1976 and has grown to be one of the world's largest exclusive manufacturers of non-ball lead screws. Our internationally patented, anti-backlash designs and materials provide high accuracy, unsurpassed repeatability, and...

www.anthro.com.(Web Link)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2004... Anthro wants you to be completely happy with your hospital and medical furniture choices. So we design our furniture to be space conscious, modular, mobile, strong, and best of all, comfortable. And when off-the-shelf doesn't work, we can...