Medical Design Technology articles from October 2004

Medical Design Technology archives from October 2004

A message to our readers.(Welcome)
October 1, 2004... Welcome to the newly redesigned and improved Medical Design Technology. As you can see, October marks the start of an exciting era for this magazine. Not only is it a convenient new size, but it also has an information-rich format with enhanced...

Injection molding simulation software.(Innovations)
October 1, 2004... Moldex3D plastic injection molding simulation software offers faster solve-times, higher accuracy, ease-of-use. and lower prices compared to similar software. In addition to the common solvers of fill, pack. cool. and warp, the software also...

Video microscope.(Innovations)
October 1, 2004... The Hi-Eye Versatile Video Microscope is ideal for visual inspection and detailed quality control, manufacturing, or assembly work. Hi-Eye is a new generation of video microscope that cost-effectively provides more capabilities than simple...

Transceiver.(Innovations)
October 1, 2004... The 9Xtend wireless transceiver provides OEMs the highest encryption standard available (256-bit AES encryption), the highest power output allowed by the FCC (1 mW - 1 W, software selectable), the longest low-cost transmission range (up to 3000...

Lead screws.(Innovations)
October 1, 2004... Comprised of small diameter, precision rolled, lead screw assemblies, the Mini Series provides reliable precision motion control at up to 1/10th of the cost of miniature ball screws. Built to last hundreds of millions of inches of travel...

Silicone bonding.(Innovations)
October 1, 2004... Surgical and dental instrument safety, design, and function can be improved when silicone grips and sleeves are custom molded to the instruments. A proprietary silicone bonding process creates a hermetic seal between the silicone and the over...

Dispensing system.(Innovations)
October 1, 2004... This dispensing system makes it easy for workers to apply precise amounts of thick assembly fluids like RTV silicones and epoxies through dispensing needles as small as 0.004 in. in diameter. The system offers a productive, ergonomic...

Guidant leapfrogs Cordis with approval for first carotid stent.(Regulatory Report)
October 1, 2004... According to The Gray Sheet, Guidant credits the thoroughness of its pivotal trial and proposed physician training program with yielding the first PMA for a carotid stent system using embolic protection. The company earned marketing...

NVCA: drug/device combination product guidance must expand.(Regulatory Report)
October 1, 2004... The National Venture Capital Association is urging FDA to provide better guidance for emerging drag/device combination product categories, according to The Gray Sheet. "We strongly encourage... FDA to proactively produce guidance for most...

GAO: FDA data is insufficient to predict FY 2005 review goals.(Regulatory Report)
October 1, 2004... The Government Accountability Office says the high volume of fiscal 2003 and 2004 submissions still pending at FDA precludes a thorough assessment of whether the agency will be able to meet FY 2005 device review performance goals under MDUFMA,...

FDA unfazed by recall surge.(Noted ...)
October 1, 2004... According to The Silver Sheet, a recent spike in Class I recalls of in vitro diagnostic products is being interpreted by FDA IVD chief Steve Gutman as a sign that companies' quality systems are working well to detect and correct problems. Class...

Study pits devices against drugs.(Noted ...)
October 1, 2004... The Gray Sheet reports that Medtronic and Urologix are among firms standing to benefit from a study comparing minimally invasive surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) using transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) and...

Pediatric committee to convene.(Noted ...)
October 1, 2004... A newly created advisory panel in the FDA commissioner's office will make recommendations on pediatric therapeutics and research, as well as other pediatric matters for which FDA has regulatory responsibility, according to The Silver Sheet. The...

Bariatric surgery in spotlight.(Noted ...)
October 1, 2004... The Gray Sheet says evidence of the benefits, risks, and cost of bariatric surgery will be weighed by the Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee in Baltimore on November 4. Inamed, which offers the Lap-Band gastric banding system, plans to attend...

An interview with George W. Blank, President, the MedTech Group Inc.: each month 'View From The Top' presents a conversation with an executive in the medical device manufacturing marketplace. These question-and-answer articles share the inside story with readers on a variety of product technologies and trends influencing medical device manufacturing today.(View From The Top)
October 1, 2004... George Blank has been involved with the engineering and manufacturing of disposable products for the healthcare industry for 41 years. In that time, one approach has dominated his thinking--value is at the heart of all success. "When you give...

Selecting materials for in vivo medical devices: polymeric biomaterials offer great variation or behavior. Here's a look at how implantable-grade PEEK scores high for its strength, biocompatibility, and imaging properties.(Material & Component Review)
October 1, 2004... Today's biomaterials are expected to perform flawlessly in the extremely aggressive environment of the human body. In fact, there is high demand for materials that mimic living tissue from a mechanical, chemical, biological, and functional...

Cyclo olefin polymer.(Other polymer offerings ...)
October 1, 2004... Known for outstanding purity and transparency, as well as low chemical interaction with medicines due to its hydrophobic property, Zeonex protects the contents of vials and helps extend the shelf-life of medicine. * Sterilization safe ...

Polyurethane foam.(Other polymer offerings ...)
October 1, 2004... Polytech Viscoelastic Foam is a flexible, medium density open celled polyurethane foam. Its ability to dampen and isolate vibration, absorb impact energy, recover slowly from deflection, and soften on contact with warm objects makes it an...

Multipolymer compound.(Other polymer offerings ...)
October 1, 2004... Ideal for injection molding thin-walled and difficult-to-mold multicavity parts, Cyrolite Med 2 acrylic-based multipolymer compound offers medical device manufacturers a material for a variety of applications, including filter housings, luers,...

Elastomer.(Other polymer offering ...)
October 1, 2004... Ecdel elastomer is a clear, tough copolymer that imparts strength and durability. It combines the chemical resistance, toughness, autoclavability, and inertness of polyesters with flexibility over a broad temperature range. * Flexural...

New cleanroom incorporates Parylene deposition system.(Industry Watch)
October 1, 2004... Specialty Coating Systems has added a 1,700 square-foot cleanroom at its headquarters in Indianapolis, IN. It features ISO Class 7 and Class 6 areas as well as a Class 5 area for component fixturing and examination. Featuring a new Parylene...

Certification awarded.(Industry Watch)
October 1, 2004... Stevens Urethane, a supplier of thermoplastic polyurethane film, sheet, and tubing, has been certified to ISO 9001:2000 standards for the design and manufacture of extruded polyurethane products at its Easthampton, MA, facility. Preparation for...

NuSil expanding.(Industry Watch)
October 1, 2004... Technology Inc., a leading formulator and manufacturer of silicone compounds for healthcare, is expanding its headquarters in Carpinteria, CA, with a 70,000-square-foot addition to its 185,000-square-foot research and manufacturing complex....

FDA validation.(Industry Watch)
October 1, 2004... RJG Inc., Traverse City, MI, has completed the requirements for achieving FDA validation for its Insight System and eDART System software. The company has been working for the past year on software validation to help customers meet FDA...

At Tinius Olsen.(People News)
October 1, 2004... Tinius Olsen Testing Machine Co. in Horsham, PA, has appointed a new president on the eve of its 125th year. C. Robert Tait III, who serves on the board of directors, has become president and represents the fifth generation of the founder's...

At B. Braun.(People News)
October 1, 2004... Tom Black is marking his 20th year with B. Braun Medical's OEM/Industrial Division, Bethlehem, PA. He is the vice president of OEM sales and marketing, assisting customers with medical device projects. Information: 866-822-7286.

Calendar of events.(Calendar)
October 1, 2004... Click on the "Calendar" icon at www.mdtmag.com for information about any of the following events. * October 13-14: Machine Vision for Pharmaceutical & Medical Applications workshop, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Princeton, NJ. * October 14-15:...

Building automation into outsourcing: not only can automation save valuable time and money, but it can also keep product manufacturing inside the U.S. This exclusive report explores how automation is keeping medical devices closer to home.(Emphasis On Contract Manufacturing)
October 1, 2004... AT A GLANCE * Reasons to outsource * Problems in Third World * Selection guidelines * Automation and the initial design cycle Companies today turn to outsourcing to be competitive for many reasons. Although the exact...

Artificial spinal disc incorporates new technological approach.(Case In Point)
October 1, 2004... * The Project: To figure out the design and manufacture of microelectronics circuits used inside a complex new artificial spinal disc, * The Solution: Create a miniaturized packaging solution that fits the electronics into a volume of less...

Inside implantable devices: MICS-enabled implantable medical devices are just starting to appear in the marketplace. This exclusive report provides a summary of the FCC rules governing MICS devices, an overview of a new low-power 402-405 MHz RF transceiver, and implications for the future.(Cover Story)
October 1, 2004... AT A GLANCE * MICS defined * Benefits for patients * Importance of fast data rates * Conserving every joule of energy Low-power radio frequency transceivers are at the fore-front of a broad trend to augment wireless...

Plasma system.(Surface Treatment Products)
October 1, 2004... The V300-4GR Microwave Plasma System was designed for cleaning and surface activation of polymer flex circuit materials. It features automated un-wind, plasma treatment, and re-wind of reels up to 267 mm dia. x 48 mm wide. Depending on the...

Workstation.(Surface Treatment Products)
October 1, 2004... The ProCenter combines a comfortable workstation and a powerful dust collector in one compact unit to deliver double the benefits in micro-abrasive blasting technology. Designed for ergonomic comfort, it works with any Comco micro-abrasive...

Fiber abrasive brushes.(Surface Treatment Products)
October 1, 2004... Fiber abrasive brushes are being used to deburr molded plastic pieces for the medical products industry. The Bradex fiber abrasive brushes are utilized by a company that manufactures plastic trays for surgical and medical kits. These trays...

Mass finishing.(Surface Treatment Products)
October 1, 2004... The Walther Trowal DD (Direct Drive) Series of Vibratory Finishers is ideal for many mass finishing applications from vigorous deburring to gentle polishing and can process a wide range of parts sizes. The flat-bottom work bowl and unique...

Corona treatment.(Surface Treatment Products)
October 1, 2004... FlexiDyne is capable of treating most non-metallic items--smaller than 150 mm wide by 50 mm high--to provide powerful adhesion for printing, painting, bonding, coating, and wetting applications for the medical industry. It can also be...

Coating.(Surface Treatment Products)
October 1, 2004... HaloShield is an innovative coating technology that prolongs and strengthens chlorine's proven ability to kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA and other viruses. Acting like Velcro for chlorine molecules, the coating grabs chlorine...

Surface preparation brushes.(Surface Treatment Products)
October 1, 2004... FybRglass Surface Preparation Brushes are excellent tools for soldering, painting, and epoxying applications. The roughening of the surface enhances adhesion of paint, solder, and epoxy. Other uses include cleaning electrical contacts, removing...

Surface treatment technology.(Surface Treatment Products)
October 1, 2004... The company's Plasma3 is ideal for specialty applications requiring stringent surface specifications, improved hydrophilicity, and precise surface coating performance. Enercon's wide range of systems also includes the company's ThermaGlide,...

Collaboration shortens orthopedic instrument's design cycle.(Case In Point)
October 1, 2004... * The Project: To develop a torque-limiting wrench for a new cervical spine system under time and money constraints. * The Solution: Use 3D CAD software and the Internet to communicate design concepts by e mail and then turn the 3D model...

Data acquisition systems.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The release of the DAS-1254 and DAS-1294 data acquisition systems offers two hardware modules that attach to Palm PDAs, three additional members of the Datastick Connection suite of software applications that run on Palm handhelds, and a fast,...

Foot pedal.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The unique design of this foot pedal places Hall sensors and electronics behind a solid plastic diaphragm that separates the lop and bottom halves of the foot pedal, sealing the electronics in an IP68 rated enclosure. The pedal's pivot point...

Vacuum cups.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Mini bellows vacuum cups are available in a variety of sizes to fit virtually any type of vacuum equipment used for small part handling. They easily adhere to convex, concave, and uneven surfaces and are ideal for pick-and-place operations. ...

Humidity transmitters.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Model HT-737 (digital) and model HT-761 (analog) are multi-functional humidity transmitters. They measure relative humidity, temperature, dew point, and absolute humidity. * 737: RS-232 or RS-485 output capability * 737: programmable...

Mini temperature probes.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The PM series mini temperature probe is suitable for applications requiring a small sensor with fast thermal response in a demanding environment. The tight tolerance of the housing OD ([+ or -] 0.005 in.) provides tot designs with small...

Mobile workcenters.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Starsys mobile workcenter is a modular laboratory furniture system that facilitates fast lab configuration. In a matter of minutes, an entire lab setting can be reconfigured to support a new research protocol, changing technology requirements,...

OEM panel controllers.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The K1 series is a unique temperature controller designed to be customized for the seamless integration into OEM equipment. It offers temperature control that incorporates electronic assemblies thai mount behind a panel and are accessed via a...

Sharpness testing.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Sharpness testing systems are designed to offer the fastest peak capture rates available for a number of ISO standard tests. In fast cutting tests, such as those testing needle sharpness through a membrane for medical devices, the system...

Custom manifolds.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... A solution for applications where custom sizing is required at lower cost, these independent circuit or distribution type manifolds are configurable m multiple sizes to meet the broadest range of applications, including medical. *...

Syringe dispense system.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The Loctite Analog Syringe Dispenser is a pressure-time-vacuum system that will dispense 10, 30, 55, and 300 ml syringe packages. It can be operated in manual or automatic timed dispense mode to dispense dots or heads, or to fill syringes. ...

Pressure sensor.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... This range of all fluid pressure sensors is for deployment in industries that require the advantage of robust design in harsh operating environments. Designed as the Herion 18S all-fluid series, the analogue pressure sensor features excellent...

Chassis.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The 9U Type 12 chassis features backplane options in single or dual star topologies for high speed switched fabric performance. It features EMC shielding to meet CE and FCC needs. The cooling configuration is front to rear with 2 x 70 CFM fans....

UV laser.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The Paladin 355-8000 is a quasi-CW laser that delivers 8 W at output at 355 nm. The increased power enables tipster throughput and higher resolution for commercial applications. * Long lifetime * Wide temperature/humidity operating...

Interlock switch.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The CM series compact coded magnetic safety interlock switch and control unit offers a tamper resistant, non-contact switch, and a control unit that features a NEMA 6 encapsulated design. The CM-S4 control unit provides external device...

Photodiodes.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... These U.S. manufactured photodiodes are specifically designed to provide high-quality, high-reliability performance at prices previously only available with lower end offshore product. High volume quantities are available from stock shipped...

Triplets.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Manufactured with premier grades of calcium fluoride and fused silica, these infinite-conjugate triplets are perfect for imaging applications utilizing a wide spectrum of wavelengths. Typical uses include fluorescence research in which the...

Power cord.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The angled NEMA 5-15 power cords are for equipment rated up to 15 A with service at 125 VAC. They are configured with one of eight different angles (45 degree increment) of the NEMS 5-15 plug and terminated with bare conductor wires. * UL...

Actuator.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The high-speed Type SKR actuator is available in two smaller sizes of 20 mm and 26 mm. With the Type SKR, customers can experience the benefits of both Caged Technology Ball Screw and Caged Ball I,M Guide Technology in one high-speed actuator....

Magnifier.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The Omnivue fully rotational magnification light offers an optional pin mount that is compatible with assembly bench "pin mount" receptacles. It also attaches to workstations by a standard clamp, wall bracket, portable stand, or portable table...

Wire stripper/twister.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Using a single carbide rotary blade, the C100S Rotary Wire Stripper and Twister processes solid and stranded wire, Teflon, PTFE, PVC, nylon, and KEL-F between 0.031 in. to 0.228 in. OD. Both blade depth and strip length can be swiftly and...

Temperature controllers.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Electromechanical Thermoswitch temperature controllers provide accurate, reliable operation in demanding applications. They require no external power source, respond quickly to temperature changes even in extreme conditions, and cost 50% of an...

Baseplates & guards.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Vertical belt drive baseplates and guards facilitate easy pump and motor installation for vertical belt drives in applications with limited space, while providing rugged protection. Each baseplate/guard comes as a complete, ready-to-assemble...

Servo controller.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The Soloist is a single axis servo controller that combines a power supply, amplifier, and position controller in a single package. It can control up to four tasks simultaneously, as well as handle variables and manage I/O, for demanding...

Gear motor.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The GF-bldc gear motor offers extended life, high efficiency, and brushless technology. The heavy-duty gearbox has been combined with a 2.25 in. double ball bearing brushless motor that features ultra quiet operation and provides all the...

Power supply.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The PCM120 is a small, 120 W, high efficiency, AC/DC external power supply for medical applications. It features a safety ground leakage current of less than 300 [micro]A at 240 VAC. * 3.74 in. x 7.08 in. x 1.85 in./1.88 lbs. * 4000...

Brushless DC kit motor.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The 000-0326 high performance brushless DC kit motor is designed for low voltage applications where an efficient. high torque motor is required. * Operating voltage: 12 volts * 1 HP of continuous power * 5.38 in diameter x 2.4 in....

Extension systems.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... This expanded range of VME64 extension systems and products provide enhanced power and performance. They are ideal for a variety of applications, including medical imaging systems. * High pin count * Improved signal shielding *...

Vacuum pump.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The P3010 is a multi stage ejector vacuum pump that features the company's patented COAX technology. COAX integrates the internal components of a multi-stage vacuum pump into a vacuum cartridge. * Compressed air-driven pump * Push-in...

Modular Syringe Pump Components.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The Modular Syringe Pump Components (MPC) are pumping modules that allow OEM manufacturers or research do it yourselfers to incorporate the highest quality pumping modules into their product. The MPCs are fully supported with software,...

Photo etched components.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Company otters precision photo etched components to a vast array of markets. A wide variety of materials includes: nitinol, kapton, stainless steel, lead. titanium, copper, molybdenum, and nickel. * Other in-house capabilities * ISO...

Orientation sensor.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The 3DM-GX1 combines the outputs from three angular rate gyros with three orthogonal DC accelerometers and three orthogonal magnetometers. The embedded microprocessor contains a unique programmable, complimentary filtering algorithm that blends...

ID readers.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The Dataman 6400 and 6500 hand held readers combine high-speed processing with optimized lighting, optics, and software for fast, accurate decoding of the most challenging 1D and 2D codes. The Dataman 6400 is designed for reading codes produced...

Mini-drives.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... With an outer diameter of only 8 mm, this family of mini-drives provides excellent power. It is an impressive solution with a wide variety of combination possibilities using DC-Micrometers, with precision gearheads and micro-encoders. *...

CAD conversion software.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... CAD conversion software gives the user the ability to quickly and easily read Autocad, DWG, and DWX files--all the way up to Autocad version 2005--and generate macro processes and programs to perform direct write functions with the laser beam...

PLM software.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... Solid Edge Version 16 is a value-based 3D computer-aided design system for the PLM (product lifecycle management) market. The software provides a focus on helping customers ease the design of complex products, such as wheelchairs, with...

AC solenoids.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... The "High-Force" Model 16 family of laminate AC solenoids combines high force and high efficiency in a small package. This solenoid delivers 25% to 50% more pulling power than a conventional AC solenoid in a smaller, lighter package, all at the...

Self-clinching nuts.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... PEM self-clinching nuts provide permanent load bearing threads in metal sheets too thin to be tapped and offer a practical alternative to extruded/tapped or stamped threads. All-metal nuts install quickly in sheets na thin as 0.025 in., where...

Brushes.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... "Micro/mini" brushes are manufactured to exacting tolerances from 0.018 in. diameter for applications including microbiology and cytology sampling, cleaning endoscopes and other medical instruments, and custom design applications for precision...

Electronic connectors.(New Products)
October 1, 2004... This line of molded on cable and ribbon assemblies are designed for electronic products that are subjected to harsh environments found in medical markets. The molded-on process eliminates separate cable and connector assembly processes and...

Diaphragm pump.(MD&M Minneapolis Preview)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Booth 1710 With an impressive noise level as low as 35dB(A), this quiet, UL approved dual diaphragm pump was built to exceed the strictest noise requirements including those of the medical industry. Capable of achieving 190 mmHg, 50 LPM, and...

Couplings.(MD&M Minneapolis Preview)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Booth 1133 SMC twist-to-connect couplings offer a reliable and secure alternative to luer-type connections. They allow tubing to rotate freely when connected, reducing kinked tubing and accidental disconnections. The SMC is an economical,...

Carpenter Technology Corp.(Informative Databases)
October 1, 2004... Carpenter Technology Corp., Wyomissing, PA, has enhanced its online technical information database for design engineers and material specifiers. Readers can access the database any time at no charge. The database allows engineers to compare...

Prospector Pro.(Informative Databases)
October 1, 2004... Prospector Pro is a new plastics search engine powered by IDES, Laramie, WY. Described as Google for plastics, it's designed to make finding the optimal resin easier as well as resin alternatives that cost less. The base package provides...

Misumi of the Americas Inc.(New Design Manuals)
October 1, 2004... There is now an "inch version" of the popular catalog "Mechanical Components for Assembly Automation" from Misumi of the Americas Inc., Schaumburg, IL. Previously available only with metric sizing, the catalog contains 450 plus pages on...

Value Plastics.(New Design Manuals)
October 1, 2004... An 80-page catalog from Value Plastics, Fort Collins, CO, features information on 100 new precision fluid management components. Readers can request a free copy of catalog v.021 at www.valueplastics.com.