Medical Design Technology articles from January 2008

Medical Design Technology archives from January 2008

Electric slides.(Innovations)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Electric Ultran High Load slides are the company's first standard electric models. The slides offer higher positioning accuracy, smoother operation, and facility for positioning control. With a footprint similar to...

Tantalum capacitors.(Innovations)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A broad range of tantalum capacitors are ideal for embedded control systems. Used in a wide variety of ECU (electronic control units), embedded systems operate in applications where long operation time and stability...

Encoder.(Innovations)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The R35i is provided with an industry standard 1.812" mounting pattern in addition to the existing 1.28" mounting. This feature allows for compatibility with larger encoders such as the company's R50i, and also...

Test connectors.(Innovations)
January 1, 2008... Capable of sealing down to 0.015" OD, the ME001 connector is designed for leak testing infusion set and drug delivery devices. Its compact 0.84" OD easily mounts in limited space locations, and its pneumatic actuation is ideal for soft touch...

PTFE-coated nitinol tube.(Innovations)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This PTFE-coated nitinol tube features a highly lubricious coating while maintaining the kink-resistant characteristics of the nitinol tube and can be processed in sizes from 0.002" O.D. up and lengths to 10 ft....

Liquid silicone micro molding.(Innovations)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The company's liquid silicone micro molding system offers the precision of an electric injection molding unit combined with a 12 mm, specially-designed LSR screw and check disc assembly and the flexibility of a...

Diode laser platform.(Innovations)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This fiber-coupled diode laser solution-the next-generation L4 platform--leverages an innovative chip design to generate 10 W of output power. Its packaging takes up less space compared to previous designs, enabling...

Device firms go direct to consumers amid physician skepticism.(Regulatory Report)
January 1, 2008... Device firms are increasing investments in television advertising for their implantable products, but some physicians are skeptical that safety information about complex devices can be adequately conveyed in direct-to-consumer ads. A...

Supreme Court majority appears to support PMA pre-emption defense.(Regulatory Report)
January 1, 2008... A majority of Supreme Court justices appeared to support some measure of federal PMA pre-emption over state liability claims during Dec. 4 oral arguments in the case of Riegel v. Medtronic, according to court watchers. But they say the ruling...

FDA scientific capacity inadequate; new device technology at risk.(Regulatory Report)
January 1, 2008... CDRH is not equipped to understand the science behind many cutting-edge device technologies, says a Nov. 29 report from the Subcommittee on Science and Technology, an ad hoc panel of the FDA Science Board. The center needs more resources...

The tubing solution behind minimally invasive surgery.(Emphasis On Tubing)
January 1, 2008... Minimally invasive surgery has been a growing trend in healthcare for some time. As such, manufacturers who provide devices to the medical community for these procedures need to stay abreast of the technologies available to enhance their...

EMI/RFI filters.(Notables: Filters & Filtration Material)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This standard range of EMC filters is specially designed and optimized for inverter applications, such as servos and motor drives. The R105 series filters are compact, lightweight, and offer significant attenuation...

Flame-retardant filter media.(Notables: Filters & Filtration Material)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This increased airflow media meets the stringent UL 94 HF-1 flame safety rating and is also flexible enough for a wide range Of medical applications. The media is a disposable, less expensive alternative media with...

Fine MicroEtched Screens.(Notables: Filters & Filtration Material)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fine MicroEtch screens for filtering are manufactured using photoetching technology. Unlike stamping, photoetching yields a burr-free product, resulting in cleaner, more efficient screens with greater material...

IV filters.(Notables: Filters & Filtration Material)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This complete line of IV filters is offered with the highest throughput membrane available. The IV Express sterilizing grade 96-hour IV filter features a 0.22 Jam PES membrane and the Nutrivex filter for TNA...

Pumping new technology into a circulatory assist device.(Device Sector Spotlight)
January 1, 2008... For many patients, a partial support cardiac assist device offers several benefits over a traditional LVAD, including enhanced quality of life and a less invasive surgical procedure during implantation. Due to its size and design features, a...

Spotlight on materials.(Device Sector Spotlight)
January 1, 2008... The Materials for Medical Devices Database is a collaboration between Granta and ASM International, the world's largest professional society for materials engineers. The information is compiled by expert authors and is subject to extensive peer...

Joint IC development.(Industry Watch)
January 1, 2008... Tyco Electronics' Elo TouchSystems and AMI Semiconductor (AMIS) have entered into a joint development agreement to create an integrated circuit (IC). The chip will enable Elo TouchSystems to port acoustic pulse recognition (APR) touch...

AST acquired.(Industry Watch)
January 1, 2008... Tonka Bay Equity Partners ("Tonka Bay") has acquired the AST Bearings division of Axsys Technologies Inc. Based in Montville, NJ, AST is a leading supplier of high precision bearings and related products. The company represents some of the...

ON Semiconductor to purchase AMIS.(Industry Watch)
January 1, 2008... ON Semiconductor Corp. and AMIS Holdings Inc., parent company of AMI Semiconductor, have signed a definitive merger agreement providing for the acquisition of AMIS by ON Semiconductor in an all-stock transaction with an equity value of...

ISO certification.(Industry Watch)
January 1, 2008... Endevco Corp., a leader in sensing solutions for demanding vibration, shock, and pressure applications, has successfully passed the latest ISO 9001:2000 maintenance for 2007 with a score of 960 out of 1,000. In addition, the company has...

Calendar of events.(Industry Watch)(Conference news)(Calendar)
January 1, 2008... Click on the "Calendar" icon at www.mdtmag.com for information about any of the following events. January 28-31 Medical Design & Manufacturing West, Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA. January 30-February 1 Current Good Laboratory...

Materials report 2008: with device designers constantly seeking the next unique material that will help make their latest device a reality, it is important to stay abreast of what the material suppliers are developing. This article reviews a number of material technologies that are generating interest and will soon be making waves in medical device design.(Cover story)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Today, material innovation comes from both new materials and also unique material combinations. This is truly a time where materials are seeing changes coming from all directions. Reinventing the Basics ...

Medical Device Puerto Rico show: February 14-15 Puerto Rico Convention Center.(Show Preview)(Conference news)
January 1, 2008... February 14-15 Puerto Rico Convention Center Once again. MEDICAL DEVICE Puerto Rico will highlight the top products and technologies offered to medical device manufacturers that maintain facilities on the island. Co-located with Supply...

Outsourcing vs. automation: with the news regarding China and questions surrounding the safety of its manufacturing facilities, in addition to the constant concerns over intellectual property protection, some medical device manufacturers are looking for alternatives. This month, MDT asked several industry experts for their thoughts on using automation systems as one solution.(PERSPECTIVES)
January 1, 2008... Q: Are automation systems a strategic alternative to outsourcing overseas and which (automation or outsourcing) do you think is a better option overall for medical device manufacturers? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Craig Tomita ...

Five steps to leak-proof testing success.(Emphasis On Leak Testing)
January 1, 2008... The testing of any medical device is critical to the overall design and development cycle in order to ensure its safety and effective performance. As such, companies need to be certain that the methods they use to perform these tests are as...

Medical Design & Manufacturing West.(Show Preview)
January 1, 2008... January 28-31 Anaheim Convention Center * Anaheim, CA The Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) West show serves as host to a number of medical device manufacturing professionals at the end of the month. In addition, Advantage Business...

Semiconductor technologies drive medical device advances: medical device manufacturers are coming to realize the potential advantages of three technologies traditionally used in the semiconductor industry. Micro photolithography, thin-film processing, and electroforming are all processes that can offer unique solutions for medical devices. This article reviews the technologies and provides an array of potential application possibilities.(Emphasis On Electroforming)
January 1, 2008... [FIGURE 1 OMITTED] [FIGURE 2 OMITTED] As medical device designers create new devices and continue the search for ways to improve their existing products, they seek technologies that enable drastic reduction in overall device sizes in...

Benchtop PCB depaneling router.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... The FKN R100 tabletop depaneling router is designed for manually separating PCB panels and producing uniform edges with quality comparable to in-line programmable router systems. Featuring a positioning collet with two fully adjustable guide...

Incremental encoder.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... The Type E33 high life incremental encoder's rotational life has been re-qualified to over 1 million rotations. The E33 boasts rugged construction features including an all metal body, metal threaded bushing, and standard metal shaft. It can...

Magnetic encoders.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The RoHS compliant KX magnetic encoders provide high performance in harsh or difficult environments where traditional encoders don't work or don't last. Available in standard and custom configurations, these rotary...

Automatic package wrappers.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Bergami's series of automatic package wrappers are offered as part of a complete packaging line. The wrappers are available in a number of models that offer choices in wrapping speed, machine footprint, and package size to meet a variety of...

Foot switch.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Executive foot switches are designed with a stylish zinc cast cover built for ease of use and long life. These rocker style switches have a mechanical interlock that prevents both circuits from being operated....

Metal pushbutton switch.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The MSM LA is rated 30 VDC and 250 VAC with a maximum switching current of 12 Amps. It features two isolated contacts for 1- or 2- pole switching functions. The switch provides mechanical indication in the ON and OFF...

CNC micro-milling machines.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CNC micro-milling machines provide cutting edge solutions for any manufacturer machining small, high precision parts. Available with a 36 pocket automatic tool changer, the machines have a revolutionary design, small...

In-line manifolds.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This line of aluminum in-line manifolds comes uniquely designed with a bottom T-slot that allows for fast and secure installation. Available in 4-, 6-, 8-, or 10-station, these manifolds provide easy access for...

High purity PTFE.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Texolon brand high purity PTFE is a product line particularly important in applications where material cleanliness is essential. The high purity PTFE material is molded, packaged, and labeled in a strictly controlled environment, ensuring the...

Stepper drives.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... ST10-Si stepper drives deliver 24-80 VDC with an output current of up to 10.0 A peak, and are engineered to protect against over-voltage, under-voltage, over-temp, and external output shorts. They provide eight digital inputs and four digital...

Bonding solutions with resin.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A broad range of the company's tape products have been tested with the SABIC Innovative Plastics Noryl resin family, including both rubber and acrylic adhesive chemistries, and have demonstrated numerous options for...

ADM-free TPEs.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds enable manufacturers of medical and other regulated products to comply with regulations aimed at preventing the transmission of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)....

Glass encapsulated thermistor.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 55000 Series GEM (glass-encapsulated-material) thermistor combines proven thermistor technology with state-of-the-art automated assembly to produce characteristics common in higher-end glass thermistors at a...

Cable tie-mounts and hooks.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Self-clinching cable tie-mounts and hooks provide secure attachment points for mounting wires and cables to electronic chassis or enclosures. All TY-D hardware can install quickly and permanently without screws or adhesives. Their locations and...

Pocket Reference Oscillator.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... The Pocket Reference Oscillator (PRO Series) is the industry's first frequency control product to integrate a complete HCMOS crystal clock oscillator in a rugged SMA housing. Connecting the PRO Series' female SMA side to +3.3 VDC produces a...

SEI to USB adapter.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The SEI-USB is an interface module that connects the company's SEI compatible devices to a standard USB 1.1/2.0 port. The SEI (Serial Encoder Interface) bus is a simple, quick, and convenient network that connects up...

AC/DC power supply.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This custom 660-watt AC/DC power supply was designed for a major medical equipment manufacturer. The three-output supply features innovative isolation techniques to achieve leakage current of less than 5 microamps,...

Ball bushing bearings.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Thomson Super Ball Bushing bearings are now available in metric sizes 16, 20, 25, 30, 40, and 50 mm. These precision bearings have a coefficient of friction as low as 0.001 that allows users to employ smaller and...

Digital fluid dispenser.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The SL101 is a self-teach, RoHS compliant, CE mark, bench top dispenser with a bright LCD and 10 memory locations to automatically cycle 10 self-taught programs. Auto-cycling is one of three operation modes...

Transparent white OLED.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... Under laboratory conditions, the transparent white OLED prototype has achieved a luminous efficiency of more than 20 1m/W at a brightness of 1,000 cd/[m.sup.2]. The large-scale prototype of the transparent white OLED tile with color coordinates...

Metering pump.(New Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Featuring a high torque, three-phase drive, and a three-digit LED display control module, the IVSP (industrial variable speed pump) is ideal for handling a broad range of fluid viscosities. The complete system...

Design notes.
January 1, 2008... * 'Design Notes' offers information on resources that readers can use to simplify the selection of components and materials. Free offers and literature are in the spotlight this month. * While combination products are experiencing dramatic...

Partnering up to fight cancer.(Design Notes)
January 1, 2008... NVIDIA Corp., a leader of programmable graphics processor technologies, and Planar Systems, makers of specialty displays, are cooperating closely to produce display systems that will enable doctors to more effectively screen for breast cancer....

Achieving the perfect touch.(Design Notes)
January 1, 2008... Biolase Technology Inc., a manufacturer of laser-based dental systems, found that partnering with a highly experienced touch screen manufacturer can help OEMs avoid design pitfalls and even accelerate new product speed to market. "The...