Medical Design Technology articles from November 2005

Medical Design Technology archives from November 2005

Subminiature connector.(MDT Exclusive)
November 1, 2005... The Series 620 subminiature cylindrical connector is a cost-effective snap-in plastic connector with touch-proof plastic shells. The connectors have an outer diameter of 11.5 mm and are IP 67 in mated condition. They offer a choice of three to...

Microcontroller.(Innovations)
November 1, 2005... A family of 16-bit PIC microcontrollers has been offered to address the growing performance needs of embedded designers. The PIC24 family debuts with 22 general-purpose devices and offers up to 40 MIPS performance, 16 Kbytes of RAM, 256 Kbytes...

Microstepping driver.(Innovations)
November 1, 2005... The upgraded IM481H Plus microstepping driver includes the patented motion control chip that adds active anti-resonance, ultra smooth low speed motion, and precise current control to perform demanding motion control applications. It drives...

Mobile technology cart.(MDT Exclusive)
November 1, 2005... Convoi is a small sturdy cart with excellent mobility on 5 in. directional locking casters. With various widths and heights and adjustable shelf height within the unit, it provides flexibility in creating a can for smaller spaces. This...

Metrology System.(Innovations)
November 1, 2005... Weighing in at just under 62 lbs and able to measure parts 14 in. in diameter and 18.5 in. high, the MMQ 100 is versatile and easy to set up and operate on the shop floor. Mechanical bearings eliminate the need for compressed air. In addition,...

Digital DC converter.(Innovations)
November 1, 2005... The DTX digital DC converter will enable designers to prepare and evaluate products for use with the new digital architecture and open-source PMBus communication protocol as well as the industry-standard I2C bus. The control platform is...

Micro laser welding.(Innovations)
November 1, 2005... Precision micro laser welding of tubing, ribbon, and round wire is offered for use in a broad range of medical devices including defibrillation leads, stents, catheterization subassemblies, and surgical instruments. Providing complete laser...

Leak detector.(MDT Exclusive)
November 1, 2005... The H2000 Plus is a compact and robust instrument that pinpoints extremely small leaks using hydrogen as a trace gas. The auto ranging feature of the unit automatically adjusts the sensitivity to the situation, allowing operators to scan large...

Gottlieb speaks out on CMS collaboration, Crawford resignation, and von Eschenbach.(Regulatory Report)
November 1, 2005... Development of postmarket studies represents the best opportunity for CMS and FDA to collaborate and streamline the regulatory and reimbursement process, according to FDA Deputy Commissioner for Medical & Scientific Affairs Scott Gottlieb, MD....

Tips on medical device reporting.(Noted ...)
November 1, 2005... Consider this scenario: A company receives a complaint that it suspects represents a reportable device malfunction. Two weeks later, the firm obtains the implicated device. A subsequent four-week investigation confirms the malfunction, which...

Report on FDA's MDUFMA goals.(Noted ...)
November 1, 2005... FDA is on track to meet at least some of its fiscal year 2005 and 2006 device review-time goals under MDUFMA, but information is still lacking to assess overall performance, according to the Government Accountability Office. In a recent report,...

Baxter infusion pumps seized by FDA; second seizure of 2005 for industry.(Regulatory Report)
November 1, 2005... Baxter Healthcare became the second device manufacturer this year to have products seized by FDA, and one of the largest device firms ever targeted by the agency for the enforcement measure. At FDA's request, the U.S. District Court for the...

An interview with Michael Callahan, President of Invibio Inc.: how are biomaterials changing? And what do makers of medical devices need to know about their properties? This month's 'View From The Top' offers a look into the innovative materials being engineered for next-generation devices.(View From The Top)(Interview)
November 1, 2005... Medical procedures that limit patient trauma and shorten hospital stays, such as minimally invasive surgery, are having a direct effect on the biomaterial market. In fact, the popularity of these procedures is one of several key trends that are...

Precision particle reduction enables new drug delivery methods: with the ability to reduce drugs to sub-micron particles of uniform size, exciting drug therapies and delivery methods are emerging. In fact, precision particle reduction processes are becoming as essential to 21st century medicine as the mortar and pestle were for the 19th century pharmacy.(Emphasis On Innovation)
November 1, 2005... When it comes to the latest drug delivery methods, size does matter. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are utilizing processes that reduce medications to sub-micron particle sizes in order to better control the timing and location of a...

Guidelines for ensuring quality when extruding medical devices: productivity and profitability are two important goals when working with extrusions. This exclusive report offers advice for producing extrusions that meet dimensional specifications and maintain specified minimum tolerances so that end products can be economically produced.(Emphasis On Tooling)
November 1, 2005... In the extrusion of medical products, the cost of materials can be higher than the cost of labor. Any extruder that produces excess scrap is inefficient and expensive to run. Waste material of as little as 10 to 20 percent accounts for 50 to 95...

Operating room robotics: robots are starting to move into the OR. This article presents an overview of how the pioneers in this evolving field are bringing innovative techniques to surgeons.(Cover Story)
November 1, 2005... Star Trek's holographic doctor is not yet performing surgery, but robots are finding a place in operating rooms. Some are acting as extensions of the surgeon's hands and eyes, while others handle the surgeon's scalpels, hemostats, and clamps on...

Processing considerations for surface modification technologies: performance, manufacturability, safely, and overall cost are crucial when selecting coating technologies, while ease of application, use of hazardous solvents, cycle time, and scrap rates are key when evaluating a coating's manufacturing process.(Emphasis On Coatings)
November 1, 2005... In recent years, several surface modification technology platforms have been developed in an attempt to improve the function of medical device surfaces by adding or enhancing surface characteristics. Such enhancements can include lubricity,...

Automatic degassing valve.(Notables: Pumps & Valves)
November 1, 2005... This all-thermoplastic, automatic continuous degassing Series DGV valve was developed specifically for corrosive applications subject to outgassing. The normally-open valve has an internal float that pivots an arm and seal assembly as it rises...

Tee valve.(Notables: Pumps & Valves)
November 1, 2005... The tee valve is a fully assembled package that includes a type 546 ball valve connected to a tee by a specially designed high-strength reducer bushing and a plug assembled to the valve. The reducer bushing allows the valve to fit tightly...

Miniature liquid pump.(Notables: Pumps & Valves)
November 1, 2005... At 1.6 inches long, the NF5 allows for locating it closer to the pumping function. Featuring a flow rate of 50 ml/min, it develops a suction height of 13 ft water with a discharge pressure of 15 psig. The pump is maintenance-free and uses...

Peristaltic pump.(Notables: Pumps & Valves)
November 1, 2005... The 620 Series peristaltic pump combines power and control in a compact and robust package. The next generation of medium to large size peristaltic pumps, the 620 Series introduces flow rates at pumphead speeds that don't compromise tube life....

Solenoid pivot valve.(Notables: Pumps & Valves)
November 1, 2005... The 039H Series miniature manifold-mounted solenoid pivot valve joins the pivot valve product line as an even more compact version of a readily available, customizable, problem-solving micro-fluidic handling component system. It has the same...

Piston pump.(Notables: Pumps & Valves)
November 1, 2005... The Series PF valveless piston pump is specifically designed to ensure accuracy and reproducibility. The valveless design virtually eliminates clogging and allows for highly consistent metering and dosing of even soft-solid containing fluids....

How to work successfully with a package testing lab: many medical device packaging manufacturers struggle to understand what they need to do to test and certify their packages. Here are 10 tips to help you work efficiently and effectively with a third-party package testing lab in order to satisfy your package testing expectations and regulatory requirements.(Emphasis On Testing)
November 1, 2005... BEFORE TESTING Tip #1: Define objectives What do you want to achieve from your medical device package testing? Do you want to recreate damage or do you want to simulate the actual transportation and storage environment for compliance...

KRR acquires Accellent Inc.(Industry Watch)
November 1, 2005... One of the medical device manufacturing industry's largest providers of design and contract manufacturing services was acquired by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR). Accellent Inc., headquartered in Wilmington, MA, has signed a definitive...

Collaborative effort.(Industry Watch)
November 1, 2005... ATEK Medical Manufacturing of Minneapolis, MN recently worked with Medtronic Navigation, out of Boulder County, CO, to produce tracking devices for three surgical categories including cranial, spinal, and orthopedic. In addition to...

Automated stamping.(Industry Watch)
November 1, 2005... Kramski--a tool designer, builder, and stamper of in-die riveting, in-die welding, in-die assembly, molding, and reel-to-reel insert molding--has developed a completely automated 15,000 sq-ft plant in Largo, FL. A 12-employee workforce controls...

ISO/Medical Device certifications.(Industry Watch)
November 1, 2005... Following a review by TUV America, Zevex Intl. of Salt Lake City, UT has met the requirements for certification to ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 13485:2003. Further, the company demonstrated during this review that its products conform to the EU's...

Relocation and facility expansion.(Industry Watch)
November 1, 2005... NAMSA, a leader in the preclinical testing of medical devices, has relocated its Georgia offices to Atlanta. In addition, the company is finalizing plans to grow its Northwood, OH campus with the expansion of the toxicology laboratory....

Calendar of events.(Industry Watch)(Calendar)
November 1, 2005... Click on the "Calendar" icon at www.mdtmag.com for information about any of the following events. November 14-16: ASM Materials & Processes for Medical Devices, conference and exposition, Park Plaza Hotel, Boston. November 16-19: 37th...

European plant opening.(Industry Watch)
November 1, 2005... Opening a new plant in Letterkenny, Ireland will enable Zeus Inc. to more efficiently meet the growing demands in Europe for the company's precision fluoropolymer extrusions. The Orangeburg, SC company will become neighbors with 16 of the...

Patents filed.(Industry Watch)
November 1, 2005... A developer of next-generation biomedical technology, Biophan Technologies Inc. has filed twelve new patents, expanding the company's intellectual property portfolio to more than 200 patents, applications, or licenses. These twelve patents...

At Z Corp.(PEOPLE NEWS)
November 1, 2005... G. Thomas Clay has become CEO of Z Corp., a producer of 3D printers, following the company's merger with Contex Scanning Technology of Denmark.

At West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.(PEOPLE NEWS)
November 1, 2005... Don McMillan has been appointed to the position of president for the North America Pharmaceutical Systems Division. The company is a provider of closure systems and syringe components for use with injectable drugs.

At Integrated BioSciences Inc.(PEOPLE NEWS)
November 1, 2005... Hugh Goldberg has been named the VP of operations for the company's Lewisberry, PA. facility. Previously, Goldberg was plant manager at Terumo Cardiovascular Systems' Mexico location.

Power entry module.(New Products)
November 1, 2005... The filtered C20 inlet power entry module is intended for medical equipment applications where the combination of filtering and AC power entry for detachable C19 cordsets in one component is advantageous. The module is configured with an IEC...

Caliper.(New Products)
November 1, 2005... Combining several advanced technologies, the IP67-rated coolant proof SuperSolar digital caliper offers ease of use, convenience, and shop hardness. Powered by a solar battery charging a super capacitor, the caliper is capable of operation...

Anti-backlash nuts.(New Products)
November 1, 2005... A series of anti-backlash nuts are designed for applications that require precise positioning as they eliminate the minimal backlash between the lead screw and nut interface on external linear actuators. The nuts are manufactured from a...

Absolute wire draw encoders.(New Products)
November 1, 2005... BTF absolute wire draw encoders provide resolution up to 0.025 mm and are designed for measuring lengths up to 50 m. The combination of the wire draw mechanism and absolute encoder enables made-to-measure solutions for almost any application...

Large format lenses.(New Products)
November 1, 2005... These high-performance imaging lenses are compatible with leading-edge 12k pixel cameras and produce up to 100 1p/mm image space resolution. Able to accommodate five micron pixel sizes and sensors up to 90 mm, these low distortion lenses are...

Refrigerated air dryer.(New Products)
November 1, 2005... The Series IDFB*E refrigerated air dryers provide dry and clean compressed air to extend the life of machinery and reduce downtime and maintenance cost. They are built with high efficiency stainless steel heat exchangers which provide long life...

Thermopiles.(New Products)
November 1, 2005... Thermopiles are noncontact, temperature measurement sensors that are used extensively in noninvasive electronic thermometers. All objects emit some level of infrared radiation (IR) based on their surface temperature. The thermopile receives...

Diaphragm gauges.(New Products)
November 1, 2005... Highly sensitive diaphragm-type gauges are designed to detect small changes in differential pressure at high line pressures while eliminating fluid migration between high and low pressure areas. Series 1516 gauges employ convoluted diaphragms...

RoHS-compliant cable.(New Products)
November 1, 2005... Madison Cable lead-free and heavy-metal-free cables are designed with several national and international environmental initiatives in mind. They provide highly efficient interconnections for many applications while complying with most new and...

Magnetostrictive sensors.(New Products)
November 1, 2005... The E-Series of Temposonics magnetostrictive position sensors has been enhanced with the addition of a gradient upload capability to the digital pulse output model EP2. Because it allows for automatic upload of the sensor-scaling factor and...

Tubular components.(New Products)
November 1, 2005... Stainless steel tubing and tubular components are specifically developed and fabricated to meet the requirements of medical instrument and device manufacturers. Components are available with tubular outside diameters of 0.05 to 1.25 in. and a...

Digital image processor.(New Products)
November 1, 2005... The XRI-1200 is a PC-based digital image processing board specifically designed for x-ray imaging applications where images often contain motion artifacts and exhibit low contrast, high-noise images significantly improving image quality. It...

Portable heater.(New Products)
November 1, 2005... The HL2 high intensity infrared heater is a lightweight, hand-held heater that provides portable heat for a variety of applications including plastics curing and forming and laboratory testing. Two clear high intensity 500 W tubular quartz heat...

Particle counter.(New Products)
November 1, 2005... The Lasair II 350L counts particles as small as 0.3 microns while sampling at 50 LPM. The higher flow rate samples one cubic meter in only 20 minutes. The software walks the user through the full certification process and then automatically...

Adjustable torque. screwdriver.(New Products)
November 1, 2005... Felo brand adjustable torque limiting screwdrivers enable the torque to be set at the top of the handle and will release once the torque level has been reached. Three models cover a torque range from 5.3 to 47.8 in. pounds. Handle only limits...

Connectors.(New Products)
November 1, 2005... Mezzanine connectors have been added to the AirMax VS product offering to complement the shieldless high-speed backplane connector family. Available in stack heights ranging from 12.5 to 30 mm in a variety of circuit counts, the connectors can...

AC dynamometer.(New Products)
November 1, 2005... The DynoLAB LT low-cost complete turnkey system for electric motor testing offers the test control and data acquisition capabilities required for basic electric motor testing. In addition, it provides the benefits of an AC motoring dynamometer...

Microscope light source.(New Products)
November 1, 2005... A 1,000-hour EKE bulb is available for the fiberoptic FL3000 series 150 W halogen light boxes and light guides. The #FL-400 bulb lasts four times as long as comparable EKE bulbs and operates at 3,200 degrees Kelvin. Micro-Lite 413-289-1313...

Beam delivery system.(New Products)
November 1, 2005... The Microtech MBD2 beam delivery system is designed for UV excimer lasers. It is an industrial-grade, large format system that is for 24/7 production in an industrial environment. It accommodates large-format beam delivery system modules. It is...

Patient simulator.(New Products)
November 1, 2005... The Biomedical PS-2000 multi-parameter patient simulator series offers an easy-to-use hand-held simulator that is intuitive as there are no codes to enter. It has simple scroll control of options. BC Group Intl. Inc. 314-638-3800 ...

Stepper drives.(New Products)
November 1, 2005... The STAC6 stepper drive features current output from 0.5 to 6.0 A with 90-135 VAC input, 50/60 Hz, and provides software selectable resolutions from 200 to 51,200 steps/rev at speeds up to 133 rps. Applied Motion Products 800-525-1609 ...

Industrial vacuum cleaner manufacturer Nilfisk-Advance America has launched a free on-site needs assessment service.(Free Offers)
November 1, 2005... Industrial vacuum cleaner manufacturer Nilfisk-Advance America has launched a free on-site needs assessment service. Enabling companies to avoid expensive purchases that fail to answer their specific needs, the free assessment delivers a...

Providing confidential advisory services worldwide to technology decision-makers, Venture Outsource Group's Circle of Providers program offers assistance to OEMs in their selection of qualified electronics contract manufacturing partners.(Free Offers)
November 1, 2005... Providing confidential advisory services worldwide to technology decision-makers, Venture Outsource Group's Circle of Providers program offers assistance to OEMs in their selection of qualified electronics contract manufacturing partners....

UV curing can be a challenging, complicated endeavor--especially when things aren't going as planned.(Free Offers)
November 1, 2005... UV curing can be a challenging, complicated endeavor--especially when things aren't going as planned. To help users determine what they need to do to get their UV curing process working again after encountering an unexpected problem, as well as...

A sample kit featuring a wide variety of custom designed and engineered IDC terminals, fuse clips, lead frames, and related parts is available from ETCO Inc.(Free Offers)
November 1, 2005... A sample kit featuring a wide variety of custom designed and engineered IDC terminals, fuse clips, lead frames, and related parts is available from ETCO Inc. The kits provide designers with an opportunity to see, touch, and feel actual...

An online forum, sponsored by TexLoc Ltd.(Online Resources)
November 1, 2005... An online forum, sponsored by TexLoc Ltd., has been established to provide users with access to information regarding fluoroplastic and fluoropolymer products, including their properties, applications, and sources of supply. Information:...

Bimba Manufacturing's "Solutions Shop" microsite was designed for customers whose project requirements could not be met by the off-the-shelf products of most manufacturers.(Online Resources)
November 1, 2005... Bimba Manufacturing's "Solutions Shop" microsite was designed for customers whose project requirements could not be met by the off-the-shelf products of most manufacturers. Users can search by industry or type of application, download printable...

Gore has launched an online interactive design guide that provides simple step-by-step instructions for configuring its High Flex Flat Cable or Trackless Cable from standard components, with five-day lead times.(Online Resources)
November 1, 2005... Gore has launched an online interactive design guide that provides simple step-by-step instructions for configuring its High Flex Flat Cable or Trackless Cable from standard components, with five-day lead times. The online tool simplifies the...

Mead Fluid Dynamics Inc. offers the "Pneumatic Application and Reference Handbook," a resource that provides information to maintain, upgrade, and design pneumatic systems.(Online Resources)
November 1, 2005... Mead Fluid Dynamics Inc. offers the "Pneumatic Application and Reference Handbook," a resource that provides information to maintain, upgrade, and design pneumatic systems. This reference book is filled with tips, charts, and conversions...

Processor provides solution for automatic external defibrillator.(Design Notes)
November 1, 2005... CMOS Drake, a medical equipment manufacturer in Brazil, required a processor for its automatic external defibrillator (AED) that provided high performance for ECG analysis while enabling a lower cost and faster time to market. Analog Devices'...

Researcher creates device to examine engineered tissue.(Design Notes)
November 1, 2005... Tremendous strides have been made in tissue engineering and, more specifically, in the development of skin grafts, heart valves, and blood vessels. However, these items are expensive to develop and take time to create. A University of...

Modified collagen offers new treatment opportunities.(Design Notes)
November 1, 2005... Commonly associated with beauty products and lip enhancement, collagen is now being studied for potential health benefits. Materials scientists at Johns Hopkins have mated collagen with a molecular hitchhiker which could pave the way for better...