Medical Design Technology articles from January 2007

Medical Design Technology archives from January 2007

Swivel head VMC.(Innovations)
January 1, 2007... Aimed at medical parts manufacturers, the FZ12KS Tilt vertical machining center incorporates a swivel head spindle for single setup machining of complex parts. It has a swiveling range of -10[degrees] to 115[degrees], and it only takes 0.5...

Display.(Innovations)
January 1, 2007... This 5.7 in. diagonal 640 x RGB x 480 (VGA) TFr-LCD with white LED backlight is suited to applications that require a high quality TFT display. The OSD057VGA will support up to 18-bit (262 k) color. It allows simple image rotation via digital...

Linear servomotor.(Innovations)
January 1, 2007... The QCI-L6 is a linear motor with full servo control, ideal for high acceleration moves--up to 8.4 G. The technology required to servo a rotary step motor is not that much different than that required to servo a linear step motor. Servoing a...

RFID tag.(Innovations)
January 1, 2007... Gamma Tag is a read/write RFID tag that's safely sterilizable by gamma radiation. It provides reliable electronic identification and data storage of single-use/disposable components used in critical process industries. The tags provide a...

Pressure transducer.(Innovations)
January 1, 2007... The M5100 pressure transducer is designed for use in applications that require long-term stability despite harsh environmental conditions. It is a high accuracy device priced competitively for OEM applications. The M5100 features proprietary...

Microscope.(Innovations)
January 1, 2007... The System 273 binocular and 373 trinocular microscopes offer 25% greater magnification, 15% greater field of view, and 20% greater working distance than traditional models. They also provide a total optical magnification of 270X. The System...

Injection molded plastic prototypes.(Innovations)
January 1, 2007... This company can turn 3D CAD models into real plastic parts in as few as three days. This company can turn 3D CAD models into real plastic parts in as few as three days. Injection molded in a choice of engineering-grade resins, these plastic...

Panel deems drug-eluting stents safe for on-label use, but wants more data.(Regulatory Report)
January 1, 2007... FDA advisory panel members decided Dec. 7 that the benefit of drug-eluting stent use in FDA-approved indications outweighs the risks. But the panel expressed some skepticism about the strength of data measuring the long-term incidence of blood...

Compliance with post-approval commitments goes public on CDRH website.(Regulatory Report)
January 1, 2007... A website that will publicly display the status of FDA-required post-approval medical device studies will be operational within weeks, according to Steven Chasin, deputy director of the postmarket surveillance division at CDRH's Office of...

CMS advisory committee supports humanitarian-device trial coverage.(Regulatory Report)
January 1, 2007... A Medicare advisory panel voted overwhelmingly Dec. 13 to allow coverage of all humanitarian-use devices in studies that fall under the agency's revised clinical research policy. At present, CMS has no national policy for coverage of...

Boston Scientific catheter recall.(Noted ...)
January 1, 2007... Firm voluntarily recalls 51 units of its Mach 1 guide catheters due to excess strands of resin near the hub that may detach and cause vascular embolization. Discovered through an internal inspection and announced Dec. 15, the defect resulted in...

Abiomed intra-aortic balloon.(Noted ...)
January 1, 2007... Firm announces 510(k) clearance of its easy-to-insert, minimally invasive intra-aortic balloon designed to enhance blood flow to the heart and other organs for patients with diminished heart function. Abiomed also has submitted a PMA for its...

Cranial orthosis denied.(Noted ...)
January 1, 2007... FDA says that it is denying a petition to exempt devices designed to apply pressure to certain regions of an infant's cranium to improve symmetry or shape from 510(k) requirements. The agency received the petition on cranial orthosis from the...

An interview with Tim Mlnarik, business development manager of MACtac.(View From The Top)(Interview)
January 1, 2007... Pressure sensitive adhesives are helping device manufacturers create products that are more easily concealed and comfortable, while enhancing their overall effectiveness. In this month's 'View From The Top,' a leading provider of this...

Finding the right fit for tubing: there is more to finding the right barb style connector for tubing than engineers might currently consider. Taking the extra time to conduct the proper tests will go a long way in ensuring a reliable system. This article reviews the steps one should follow to confirm they are using the correct fitting.(Emphasis On Fittings)
January 1, 2007... As medical disposables become more prevalent, it is crucial that all elements of the disposable be properly designed. Barbed fittings for connectors such as luers and tube-to-tube fittings are often selected through a trial and error process....

Saving lives one heart beat at a time.(Device Sector Spotlight)
January 1, 2007... Designers of today's sophisticated medical devices need to use whatever tools they can to help ensure their project results in a successful product that meets all expectations. This article examines the pairing of a hardware solution with a...

String pots enable CPR mannequins to 'talk back'.(Case in Point)
January 1, 2007... * The Project: Identify a method with which to determine whether or not chest compressions are being performed properly on a CPR mannequin. * The Solution: Attach cable extension transducers (i.e., string pots) to the chest area to measure...

Medical device Puerto Rico show.(Show Preview)
January 1, 2007... February 1-2 Puerto Rico Convention Center Continuing with the December issue's preview of the MEDICAL DEVICE Puerto Rico show, this month's section will focus on several companies who are new to exhibiting at the event. For those...

EMC filters.(Notables: Filters & Filtration Materials)
January 1, 2007... These EMC filters are offered with modern plastic housings. Because of their design, the low-leakage, three-phase EMC filters are compact, lightweight, and offer a high level of functionality. Their design is also user-friendly and reduces...

Photo etched filters.(Notables: Filters & Filtration Materials)
January 1, 2007... Company specializes in the manufacture of small, light-gauge metal parts through photo chemical etching, a process that produces intricate components with close tolerances. It is setting industry standards fabricating a variety of components,...

Air filters.(Notables: Filters & Filtration Materials)
January 1, 2007... When a design calls for more positive grounding, Spring Clip filters offer more effective EMI shielding. At the same time, they simultaneously help reduce vibration and chatter, and can meet special installation requirements. EMI shields are...

Self priming filters.(Notables: Filters & Filtration Materials)
January 1, 2007... HiFlo self priming 0.2 micron filters have tube ports with 0.12 in. OD. They are also available with 0.15 inch ID socket ports. These filters allow for a flow rate of 25 ml per minute at 36 in. [H.sub.2]O head height. Each HiFlo filter has a...

Antimicrobial PVDF/PES membranes.(Notables: Filters & Filtration Materials)
January 1, 2007... Antimicrobial PVDF and PES membranes are provided to fulfill a variety of filtration needs. The company's membranes undergo a special coating process which gives them antimicrobial properties while still retaining the same filtration quality....

Medical membranes.(Notables: Filters & Filtration Materials)
January 1, 2007... Offered as die-cut parts and roll-goods, medical membranes are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet development, validation, and high-volume manufacturing needs. The membranes offer an excellent combination of liquid resistance...

Fabricating innovation with advanced material options: custom fabrics are becoming available to medical device manufacturers for applications where they traditionally were not an option. New capabilities and technologies provide designers with choices that offer unique advantages. This article explores the impact of this emerging materials revolution.(Cover story)
January 1, 2007... One of the most exciting areas in medicine today is the use of implantable fabrics in medical devices that form the cornerstone for the latest minimally invasive procedures. The array of design choices now available to medical device...

CMS recognizes joint commission accreditation.(Industry Watch)
January 1, 2007... The Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) granted the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations deeming authority to accredit durable medical equipment, prosthetics,...

FDA Deputy Commissioner leaves.(Industry Watch)
January 1, 2007... In December, the FDA announced that Scott Gottlieb, MD, Deputy Commissioner for Medical and Scientific Affairs was expected to leave the agency effective January 16, 2007, to return to the American Enterprise Institute, a Washington-based think...

IQS awarded multi-year contract by FDA.(Industry Watch)
January 1, 2007... IQS, a leading provider of enterprise quality and compliance management software, has been awarded a multi-year contract by the FDA to expand the application of quality management principles across two major laboratory centers. Current use of...

CE Mark received.(Industry Watch)
January 1, 2007... Paradigm Spine, LLC, a developer of posterior non-fusion spinal implant solutions, has received a European Union CE Mark for its Dynamic Cervical Implant (DCI). The CE Mark will allow Paradigm Spine to begin marketing the DCI in Europe and many...

Modular rechargeable lithium-ion implantable battery.(Industry Watch)
January 1, 2007... EaglePicher Medical Power has released a modular rechargeable lithium-ion implantable battery product line. Called the Contego Series, the modular product line promises to spare developers in neurostimulation and other implantable markets the...

Varian to acquire Accel Instruments.(Industry Watch)
January 1, 2007... Varian Medical Systems Inc. has signed an agreement to acquire Accel Instruments GmbH, a privately-held supplier of proton therapy systems for cancer treatment and scientific research instruments. The acquisition will enable Varian to offer...

Oracle acquires Tolas Healthcare Packaging.(Industry Watch)
January 1, 2007... Furthering its ongoing commitment to continued growth within the healthcare packaging sector, Oracle Packaging has acquired Tolas Healthcare Packaging. Tolas converts medical grade DuPont Tyvek, reinforced and surgical kraft papers, laminated...

UL selected as RoHS compliance partner.(Industry Watch)
January 1, 2007... Huntsman Corp. has selected Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) as its RoHS compliance partner. Through this relationship, Huntsman will begin the process of applying for the UL RoHS Mark. UL created its restricted substances compliance program...

Plastics manufacturer acquired.(Industry Watch)
January 1, 2007... Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics has signed an agreement to acquire the assets of Consolidated Polymer Technologies (CPT), a privately owned manufacturer of thermoplastic elastomer tubing, resin, molded products, and equipment. From its single...

Calendar of events.(Industry Watch)(Calendar)
January 1, 2007... Click on the "Calendar" icon at www.mdtmag.com for information about any of the following events. January 27-31 LabAutomation 2007, Palm Springs Convention Center, Palm Springs, CA. February 1-2 MEDICAL DEVICE Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico...

Mechatronics moving into medical devices.(Emphasis On Mechatronics)
January 1, 2007... While traditional positioning systems offer an adequate motion control solution for devices such as OR tables and hospital, beds, they create other concerns related to their effect on the surrounding environment. Mechatronics provides an...

Medical Design & Manufacturing West.(Show Preview)
January 1, 2007... February 13-15, 2007 Anaheim Convention Center * Anaheim, CA Once more, the Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) West show serves as host to a number of medical device manufacturing professionals in February 2007. It runs concurrently with...

Monitoring of RF effects on cells aided by simulation software.(Case in Point)
January 1, 2007... * The Project: Establish a system that ensures a maximum and consistent electromagnetic field exposure and SAR for the cells within the waveguide. * The Solution: Utilize electromagnetic simulation software to optimize the overall...

PTFE/FEP/PFA tubing.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... PTFE, FEP, and PFA tubing is available in a choice of styles--straight, thin wall, coiled, corrugated, convoluted, or overbraided--to address various demands. Often referred to as Teflon tubing, PTFE, FEP, and PFA fluoropolymer tubing is best...

Lifting columns.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... Telemag TFG lifting columns offer compact, fast, and powerful solutions to deliver push or pull force for loads up to 2,500 N. Ideally suited for a wide range of medical applications, their rigid aluminum profiles and precision glide pads...

Fluid delivery instrumentation.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... The PCS (Pipette Calibration System) and MVS (Multichannel Verification System) are tools that rapidly verify the accuracy and precision of liquid delivery devices. Able to measure small volumes at the bench-top level, the instruments provide...

Analog-to-digital converter.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... The low-power, 18-bit, Delta-Sigma MCP3421 ADC (analog-to-digital converter) features an integrated voltage reference and programmable gain amplifier (PGA) on-chip, which reduces the need for external components and enables a smaller overall...

Load cell.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... The LCB500 is designed for possible use as a rod end load cell with mounting plates. This tension/compression load cell is typically used in inline actuators and hydraulic jacks with male/female threads. Although small and compact in size, it...

Bench Cat dispenser.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... The Bench Cat dispenser is an affordable solution to automate fluid dispensing, spraying, and filling applications. The unique centered and balanced drive provides accuracy and stability within the entire 14 in. wide travel. Each axis features...

Wire stripper.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... The Model L1 Bench Wire Stripper removes film insulations including enamel, Formvar, ML, armored poly-thermaleze, epoxy, and more from round wires 29 to 13 AWG. A high-speed rotating insert strips insulation from the surface of the wire....

RoHS compliant sensors.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... Company offers RoHS compliant pressure sensors, transducers, and transmitters when specified. The RoHS Regulations implement the provisions of the European Parliament and Council Directive on the Restrictions of the Use of Certain Hazardous...

Micro pump.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... This 4 [micro]l micro pump accurately and efficiently dispenses low pressure micro-flows of high purity or aggressive liquids. The miniature, faster-cycling, micro-dispensing Model 030 pump achieves greater output by cycling at up to 4 Hz to...

Spring.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... A unique line of low pressure, high index Lite Pressure Stock Springs are designed to provide 1 to 5 psi in large diameters. Common applications for these soft springs can include syringes, relief valves, check valves, dispensers, and pistons....

Teflon forming mandrels.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... PTFE Natural Non-Flake Forming Mandrels can withstand 550[degrees]F continuous temperatures, with excursions to 700[degrees]E for manufacturing small diameter extruded tubing, formed rubber bladders, and similar products. Providing a 0.05...

Motion control software.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... PiCPro software is capable of supporting up to 64 axes of high performance motion control. Designed to simplify the integration of the most demanding machine and motion control applications, PiCPro is used to program the newly released MMC-D64...

Laser modules.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... These laser diode modules are well-suited for integration by OEMs because they produce high-quality beams at low cost. The modules can be used in medical, industrial, and R&D environments. They offer stabilized optical output power in good...

Motion control coating.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... Superior performance lead screw, linear rail, spline shaft, and ScrewRail actuator assemblies are all offered with Kerkote TFE coating. Kerkote reduces friction and extends the life of the cost-effective, maintenance-free assemblies, which are...

Adapters.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... An RoHS-compliant version of the company's 20-pin PLCC IC to 16-pin DIP Correct-A-Chip [TM] adapter is available. The new adapter is a cost effective way of converting a PLCC-packaged type clock chip to a DIP footprint without changing the PCB...

Customized machined springs.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... Customized machined springs are available in a variety of configurations and materials to accommodate those with precise spring requirements. The springs are curved beams machined from a single piece of material into the special configuration...

Powered equipment cart.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... The NB400 powered equipment cart was developed to provide true mobility within a facility. With a computer on board, it is designed to ensure access to the latest information and to provide the means to operate equipment anywhere in a facility...

Memory card socket.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... The SV1 Series is a memory card socket designed for the reduced size multimedia card. This card form factor has been standardized by the Multimedia Card Association for various small portable devices. The SV1 is also compatible with standard...

Wall-mount switchers.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... The KSAF Series of 5~55 Watt wall-mount switchers draw minimal input power under no load conditions to comply with new appliance energy efficiency standards. The series offers continuous output power ranges of 5, 7.5, 10, 25, and 55 Watts with...

Milling/turning center.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... Model MC 726 MT is a unique five-axis, CNC milling/turning center designed for continuous production from bar stock of multiple and different parts, including high-precision medical devices. Owing to its fast changeover, 60-position tool...

Adapters.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... To maximize usability, turnable metal threaded rings have been added to both ends of the 765/768 series M8 to M12 adapters. This change allows easier mating of connecting cables. The 765 series adapters are available in 3 and 4 pole versions...

Headrests/seat cushions.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... LiquiCell comfort technology is provided in this company's line of thoracic lateral supports, headrests, and seat cushions. When incorporated with these products, LiquiCell will help prevent pressure sores without interfering with patient...

Wire EDM.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... In response to the rising costs of raw materials, the Robofil 240SLP/440SLP wire EDM has been designed to decrease wire consumption, reduce filtration costs, and increase the life of wear parts. To maximize machine performance, DCP (Direct Cut...

Miniature adapter fittings.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... Markets for most "high tech" products have become global. To better serve this global marketplace, many OEMs are attempting to specify metric fluid power components in their new product designs. OEMs typically try to switch completely to metric...

Laser sensors.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... A family of five laser sensors has been designed to recognize a target regardless of its distance from the sensor or any uncontrolled wobbling, movement, or elevation changes. Ideal for use in both static and dynamic applications, the OBDM 12...

Mill turn centers.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... The NT Series of integrated mill-turn centers fully combines a lathe with a machining center. In designing the series, the company completely rethought the design and construction of multitasking machines to harness the turning ability of a...

Incremental encoders.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... Using a simple USB connection and programming software, the 60 mm diameter DRS61 CoreTech incremental encoders empower customers to freely program the number of lines from 1 to 8,192, as well as the width of the zero pulse. This flexible...

Power connectors.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... The AirMax VS backplane connector system has been expanded with the addition of two new power connector variants developed to address customer requirements. The 2x3 AirMax VS power connector set is designed for customers who require additional...

Resistors/capacitors/passive networks.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... Providing design engineers with the industry's widest range of wire-bondable resistive devices, this company has developed a comprehensive range of surface mount wire bondable devices. Designated the WBC Series, the family consists of...

Universal positioning system.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... This universal positioning system lets users position and lock items in any plane and can be equipped with ball-end mounts or V-block clamps for securely holding video cameras, sensors, and other devices. It provides unlimited degrees of...

Digital AC servo drive.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... Utilizing a DSP based architecture, the ACS300 series of low voltage, all digital, brushless AC servo amplifiers provides software selectable torque, velocity, or position mode operation. Sine wave commutation provides smooth torque at low...

Cleanroom tables.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... Series 64 perforated stainless steel cleanroom tables allow uniform airflow through the work surface, and eliminate eddies and stagnant air pockets that are on or above the work surface of solid-top tables. They feature a stainless steel...

Security labels.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... These tamper-evident labels and seals for the medical industry are ideal for securing laboratory specimens, surgical assets, and forensic kits. Providing full traceability and legal integrity, the labels ensure that specimens cannot be altered...

Optical resins.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... The use of a custom formulation of the thermoset monomer ADC (allyl diglycol carbonate) is rapidly growing as a replacement for glass in a number of instrument display window and data capture system applications. The combination of high optical...

Formtester.(New Products)
January 1, 2007... The MarForm MMQ 400 formtester is a ground up design that is robust, less sensitive to environmental influences, fast, flexible, and accurate. In addition to an entirely new look, the MMQ 400 offers an impressive array of features, including...

Engineers and scientists from all areas and disciplines can get a quick overview of the power and benefits of modeling, simulation, and virtual prototyping thanks to a series of free multiphysics tutorial CDs from Comsol.(Design Notes)
January 1, 2007... Engineers and scientists from all areas and disciplines can get a quick overview of the power and benefits of modeling, simulation, and virtual prototyping thanks to a series of free multiphysics tutorial CDs from Comsol. The CDs are beneficial...

Analog Devices Inc. offers the third edition of its popular applications guide, "A Designer's Guide to Instrumentation Amplifiers.".(Design Notes)
January 1, 2007... Analog Devices Inc. offers the third edition of its popular applications guide, "A Designer's Guide to Instrumentation Amplifiers." Used to amplify weak signals in the presence of strong interference and noise, instrumentation amplifiers...

The Linear Motion and Assembly Technologies group from the Bosch Rexroth Corp. is offering a free Packaging Machinery OEM Productivity Kit available upon request.(Design Notes)
January 1, 2007... The Linear Motion and Assembly Technologies group from the Bosch Rexroth Corp. is offering a free Packaging Machinery OEM Productivity Kit available upon request. The tri-fold brochure and resource CD presents a multitude of solutions to help...

Sick Stegmann Inc. has created a comprehensive and interactive online catalog of 2D and 3D configurable product models using SolidWorks 3D PartStream.NET.(Design Notes)
January 1, 2007... Sick Stegmann Inc. has created a comprehensive and interactive online catalog of 2D and 3D configurable product models using SolidWorks 3D PartStream.NET. This new functionality allows customers, regardless of their design format, to configure,...

A website has been launched that brings together university students and industry that have common interests in R&D.(Design Notes)
January 1, 2007... A website has been launched that brings together university students and industry that have common interests in R&D. The site allows industry to post projects for which they are looking for university students to work on for their senior design...

Resin selected for laryngoscope.(Design Notes)
January 1, 2007... Lexan HPX resin--a tough, high-tech transparent polycarbonate widely used in critical healthcare applications-has been selected by Pentax to mold a specialized Intlock ITL-S disposable blade for the company's Airway Scope AWS-S100 video...

Downloading custom parts.(Design Notes)
January 1, 2007... Luminex is a worldwide leader in the development of analyzers used for multiplexing nucleic acids and proteins in the life sciences market. Its open-architecture xMAP technology enables large numbers of biological tests (bioassays) to be...