Medical Design Technology articles from March 2006

Medical Design Technology archives from March 2006

Del Mar Design & Manufacturing Show: April 26-27, 2006 Del Mar Fairgrounds Del Mar, CA.(Show Preview)
March 1, 2006... A high value design and manufacturing show, this event serves the electronics, medical, and biotech industries, The Del Mar show's technical program offers key insights to manufacturers who have serious concerns over advanced electronic...

Vertical machining center.(Innovations)
March 1, 2006... The NVD1500 DCG is a high precision vertical machining center designed specifically for those in the die and mold and precision parts industries. Traditionally, smaller machines have been associated with increased vibration, causing small, high...

Visible Light Cure adhesive.(Innovations)
March 1, 2006... Loctite Visible Light Cure technology is an innovation that relies solely upon the visible light spectrum to deliver a safe, efficient, immediate cure for a broad array of medical device assembly applications. The technology includes a range of...

Modular conveyor system.(Innovations)
March 1, 2006... The VarioFlow workpiece pallet system is designed for linking machine tools and manual workstations, as well as supplying parts to assembly process stations. It can be used for products up to 8 kg in weight and speeds up to 18 meters per...

IV check valve.(Innovations)
March 1, 2006... This specialized check valve provides both antisiphon and anti-free-flow protection. It is designed for use in 1V pump systems where risk of free flow or retrograde flow is a consideration. The valve's omnidirectional design allows for...

Heatstaking system.(Innovations)
March 1, 2006... The MX600 intelligent bench top heatstaking system has advanced closed loop system controls. It is designed for heatstaking and insertion applications that require exceptional process, repeatability, and precision. Features include a touch...

Thermal seal inspection.(Innovations)
March 1, 2006... The versatile R530 rollstock system integrated with an Ircon Maxline 2 thermal seal inspection system offers manufacturers package quality and seal integrity. The system combines rollstock packaging technology with thermal imaging and...

FDA budget request proposes new user fee for facility reinspections.(Regulatory Report)
March 1, 2006... FDA is proposing a new mandatory user fee that would require device and drug manufacturers to pay for reinspections of manufacturing facilities cited for violations. Under the system, proposed in the Administration's fiscal year 2007...

Industry proposes retiring the term "recall," but FDA cites concerns.(Regulatory Report)
March 1, 2006... Industry stakeholders say the term "recall" should not be used in reference to medical device field actions because it can lead doctors and patients to assume their products need to be returned or replaced. According to Susan Alpert,...

CMS targets charite artificial disc with national non-coverage proposal.(Regulatory Report)
March 1, 2006... CMS is proposing to issue a national non-coverage determination for Johnson & Johnson/DePuy's Charite artificial lumbar disc, the agency announced Feb. 15. Unlike nearly all of CMS' national coverage determinations (NCD), the decision...

Boston Scientific nabs French coverage.(Noted ...)
March 1, 2006... The French government will pay for Taxus Liberte after the drug-eluting stent received reimbursement approval on Feb. 15. The firm notes that the paclitaxel-eluting stent will now be available to patients at both private and public hospitals in...

Rep. DeLauro on conflicts.(Noted ...)
March 1, 2006... FDA should consult the National Institutes of Health on how to find "fully qualified professional advisors who give the agency the best unbiased advice possible... free of conflict or any appearance thereof; Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)...

Device classifications.(Noted ...)
March 1, 2006... FDA issued a Class II special controls guidance document Feb. 15 for implantable intra-aneurysm pressure measurement systems after considering CardioMems' Aug. 9, 2005 reclassification petition for EndoSure. The diagnostic, cleared under a de...

BD completes GeneOhm buy.(Noted ...)
March 1, 2006... BD will launch a global initiative to reduce healthcare-associated infections after completing its acquisition of molecular diagnostic firm GeneOhm Sciences. BD announced Jan. 10 that it would pay $230 million, plus up to $25 million in...

Miniaturization driving medical device innovation.(Emphasis On Miniaturization)
March 1, 2006... Cutting edge electronics are affording tremendous strides in the effectiveness of today's advanced medical devices. The ability to reduce the size of these sophisticated components is a significant factor behind this success. This article...

Interview with Brad Cleveland, President and CEO of The Protomold Co. Inc.: in order to alleviate time-to-market concerns while still receiving a high quality product, manufacturers are examining an alternative to rapid prototyping and standard injection molding for their device components. This month's 'View From The Top' features a discussion regarding this innovative process.(View From The Top)(Interview)
March 1, 2006... There isn't one area of the medical device manufacturing marketplace that doesn't recognize the need to get products to market in a rapid and efficient manner. In fact, that's true of most manufacturing industries. However, with strict FDA...

Visual Inspection System.(Notables: Testing/Inspection Equipment)
March 1, 2006... The Super Scope delivers high-resolution, real-time color images, crisp and clear, without the eye fatigue and back pain associated with long hours of microscope use. In addition to a high-quality image, this system also gives the user the...

Portable thermal printer.(Notables: Testing/Inspection Equipment)
March 1, 2006... This compact portable direct thermal printer offers a solution for test and measurement applications. The DPU-V445 features high reliability, affordability, and a range of interfaces for maximum printing flexibility. It can deliver in a variety...

Leak test system.(Notables: Testing/Inspection Equipment)
March 1, 2006... The Falcon leak test system simultaneously determines leak location and total leak rate, providing real-time process control, It delivers excellent performance, communication, and control benefits that significantly enhance leak detection...

Functional Tester.(Notables: Testing/Inspection Equipment)
March 1, 2006... The Uson Vector Functional Tester offers an application-specific solution that is powerful yet simple to use. Based on the company's Vector leak tester, it is an extremely fast tester with state-of-the-art hardware and software, custom test...

Large lighted magnifier.(Notables: Testing/Inspection Equipment)
March 1, 2006... This lightweight, 1.75X magnification magnifier has a working The aspheric lens provides a clear image across the entire magnified field, with no distortion at the edges. The flexible head swivels 90 degrees for both the vertical and radial...

Measuring controller.(Notables: Testing/Inspection Equipment)
March 1, 2006... The QC-300 geometric digital readout controller has been integrated into the See-Brez and See-Mic line of video based dimensional measuring systems. Quality and manufacturing professionals will find the full-color touch screen controls to be...

Innovations series presents: manufacturing in orthopedics: the demands of the medical device marketplace require companies to deliver products to market faster while reducing expenses. This article discusses cellular manufacturing, one technique that helps orthopedic device manufacturers ensure high quality and increased profits while reducing waste and manufacturing time.(Cover story)
March 1, 2006... Orthopedic device manufacturers are under intense pressures to reduce costs while accelerating time to market. Additionally, the nature of the orthopedic business requires a large number of smaller volume components, as devices must be matched...

510(k) clearance received.(Industry Watch)
March 1, 2006... Electromed has introduced its next-generation SmartVest Trimline Model airway clearance system. The company has also recently received FDA 510(k) clearance to market the Trimline model. The new system and the therapy it provides must be...

ISO 13485 certification.(Industry Watch)
March 1, 2006... The Medical Imaging Systems division at visualization specialist Barco has received ISO 13485:2003 certification for its quality management system. The certification applies to the Barco facilities of Kortrijk, Belgium; Beaverton, OR; and...

Technology Leadership Award.(Industry Watch)
March 1, 2006... Cyro Industries has received the 2005 Technology Leadership Award in the field of plastics for medical devices from growth consulting firm Frost & Sullivan. This award is bestowed upon a company that makes a significant contribution to the...

Micromachining facility.(Industry Watch)
March 1, 2006... Norman Noble, Inc. has opened a new facility dedicated to Swiss Automatics--an advanced process for ultra-precision micromachining. This facility will offer complete engineering, machining, and finishing services for the complex manufacturing...

Calendar of events.(Calendar)
March 1, 2006... Click on the "Calendar" icon at www.mdtmag.com for information about any of the following events. * March 20-23: National Manufacturing Week 2006, conference and exhibition, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL. * March...

Semiconductor manufacturer provides solution for diabetes treatment alternative.(Case In Point)
March 1, 2006... * The Project: Create an insulin pump alternative that is discrete and easy-to-use. * The Solution: Use RF technology and an MCU in the manufacture of a small, wireless diabetes treatment device. Until recently, the only insulin...

Heat sinks.(New Products)
March 1, 2006... MaxiFlow heat sinks are designed for cooling BGAs and other hot components in the restricted air flow conditions typical of today's condensed electronic packages. The heat sinks feature a low profile, spread fin array that maximizes surface...

Workholding system.(New Products)
March 1, 2006... The VB DockLock zero-point workholding system is designed to facilitate workholding setup changes in seconds. It integrates with workholding devices such as vises, providing a fast, accurate, and repeatable method for making setup changes on...

Oscillator.(New Products)
March 1, 2006... The RV-8564-C2 real time clock module combines a 32.768 Hz timing crystal with a CMOS oscillator circuit in an ultra-small SON 10-pin ceramic package. The unit measures just 5.0 x 3.2 x 1.2 mm. Offering high stability and very low current...

Conveyors.(New Products)
March 1, 2006... ESP (Engineer Specials Program) is a program that gives extra attention to building conveyors with unique dimensions and characteristics above and beyond the dimensions of the company's regular conveyor platforms. So instead of trying to build...

Gas metering valve.(New Products)
March 1, 2006... The gas metering valve is a direct-acting proportional Servoid valve. The Servoid valve driver provides linear proportional control of the metering orifice which yields linear proportional flow. This valve features a suspended-armature design...

Machined springs.(New Products)
March 1, 2006... These compression/extension "machined" springs incorporate multiple features into a single component. The opportunity to incorporate attachments that best benefit the application is one of the major benefits of a machined spring, (i.e., the...

Board-to-board connectors.(New Products)
March 1, 2006... Ganged RF cable pings are offered for terminating two, four, six, or eight wires simultaneously with a choice of a standard 26 AWG coax cable or a high performance 26 AWG coax cable with 1.4 dielectric constant. The ganged assemblies are...

Lead screw nuts.(New Products)
March 1, 2006... Commercial quality anti-backlash lead screw nuts have a minimum preload of 0.19 lbs. to a maximum preload of 11.1 lbs., with internal threads of 3/16-20 to 5/8-10, and are manufactured in Turcite X engineered thermoplastic material. Precision...

PWM amplifier.(New Products)
March 1, 2006... A 5 A, 60 V monolithic pulse width modulation (PWM) amplifier IC has been developed. The SA56 delivers increased power to drive a wider range of DC and stepper motors of up to 1/3 HP, while the use of PWM technology provides efficient power...

Circular connectors.(New Products)
March 1, 2006... Designed to save space and weight while increasing interconnect reliability with Mil Spec material, these microminiature circular connectors are used in medical applications. They are ready for over-molding and insertion into handheld probes...

Power entry module.(New Products)
March 1, 2006... The DF series circuit breaker and AC inlet combination offers a recessed switch to prevent accidental actuation. The combination saves space and is pre-wired for quick installation. The DFI 2 offers both standard and medical type filters. The...

Laser system.(New Products)
March 1, 2006... The Aria 532-30 delivers over 30 watts of green (532 nm) output. This q-switched, diode pumped laser is designed to meet the needs of high-throughput materials processing as well as demanding scientific applications. It features excellent beam...

Threaded standoffs.(New Products)
March 1, 2006... Patented PEM "Type DSOS" self-clinching threaded standoffs can be installed close to edges in thin metal sheets and offer a reliable method to stack or space components in an assembly. They can serve ideally where space for fastening hardware...

Fan filters.(New Products)
March 1, 2006... Meet thermal management and air filtration requirements for blowers and fans--axial flow, cross flow, intelligent fan packs, pancake styles--with low-profile, low-air resistance filters. They can be installed only millimeters away from the fan...

Measuring unit.(New Products)
March 1, 2006... With an industry leading ultra-low measuring force of 0.01 N (1 gf), Litematic high resolution precision digital contact instruments are ideally suited for high precision measurement of fragile, easily deformable workpieces. The instruments...

Video camera.(New Products)
March 1, 2006... The IK-1000 is an extreme low-light, color video camera. The imaging system features proprietary electron-multiplying CCD technology, making it ideal for all ultra low-light applications. The incoming signal is multiplied by a factor of one...

Rodless band cylinder.(New Products)
March 1, 2006... The Ultran Band rodless band cylinder addresses the unique sealing challenge of a mechanical piston/yoke connection and can be used in a variety of applications. It is available in a large variety of bore sizes, in both inch and metric versions...

Linear stages.(New Products)
March 1, 2006... These 1.0 micron high resolution, low cost linear stages feature exceptionally long life without the need of adjustment, lubrication, or maintenance. The integration of a splined linear guide and leadscrew results in a torsionally stiff stage...

Air pillow machine.(New Products)
March 1, 2006... AirPlus Mini produces air pillows at a rate of 20 feet per minute, yet occupies less than two square feet of desktop space. This lightweight, portable, compact unit is easy to install--just plug it in to any standard wall outlet. It weighs just...

Heat shrink tubing dispenser.(New Products)
March 1, 2006... This benchtop or wall-mount see-thru dispenser holds five popular sizes of PVC heat shrink tubing for design, assembly, service, and repair applications. The Pull-Pak dispenser holds five mini-spools of highly flame retardant, low shrink...

Banner Engineering has introduced its iKnow Machine Safety online tutorial.(Online Tools)
March 1, 2006... Banner Engineering has introduced its iKnow Machine Safety online tutorial. This addition to the informative iKnow Online Training site allows learners to understand the mechanics and applications behind machine safety systems through short,...

BioFit Engineered Products introduces the seating industry's first online Build Your Own Chair configurator for designing ergonomic chairs to meet customer specifications for hospitals and other healthcare applications.(Online Tools)
March 1, 2006... BioFit Engineered Products introduces the seating industry's first online Build Your Own Chair configurator for designing ergonomic chairs to meet customer specifications for hospitals and other healthcare applications. Visitors can see how...

Groschopp Inc. has introduced a web-based conversion tool that quickly calculates speed, torque, and power of rotational devices.(Online Tools)
March 1, 2006... Groschopp Inc. has introduced a web-based conversion tool that quickly calculates speed, torque, and power of rotational devices. The STP conversion tool is available for download at the company's website and free to all users. Users can...

Rogers Corp. has created a new "Green Leader" website, which contains information on the company's environmentally friendly specialty materials and related subjects.(Online Tools)
March 1, 2006... Rogers Corp. has created a new "Green Leader" website, which contains information on the company's environmentally friendly specialty materials and related subjects. The environmentally friendly product lines include: high frequency laminates;...

For qualified manufacturers interested in how pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes can improve medical device, wound care, or transdermal delivery applications, MACtac has introduced its Medical PSA Kit.(Free Offers)
March 1, 2006... For qualified manufacturers interested in how pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes can improve medical device, wound care, or transdermal delivery applications, MACtac has introduced its Medical PSA Kit. Designed to provide an in-depth look...

Cyon Research Corp., a leading provider of analysis and consulting for engineering technology markets, offers a white paper that evaluates the sharing of design data throughout a product's lifecycle using the JT data format (JT), developed by PLM software supplier UGS Corp.(Free Offers)
March 1, 2006... Cyon Research Corp., a leading provider of analysis and consulting for engineering technology markets, offers a white paper that evaluates the sharing of design data throughout a product's lifecycle using the JT data format (JT), developed by...

Lantronix has updated its popular networking tutorials.(Free Offers)
March 1, 2006... Lantronix has updated its popular networking tutorials. As an important information asset for IT managers and engineers, the tutorials provide a solid foundation and understanding of basic networking protocols and techniques. In addition to...

Gaming towards success.(Design Notes)
March 1, 2006... FlowSim is a new team-based board simulator that can help manufacturing and fabrication teams work through process challenges. It was designed by the consultants of KDC & Associates to enable a company's management team to analyze and improve...

Portable "vein finder" enables faster, accurate injections.(Design Notes)
March 1, 2006... A team of Georgia Institute of Technology researchers is developing an inexpensive, handheld device that uses Doppler ultrasound technology to find veins quickly to alleviate problems associated with the technique. "Depth and angle are the...