Medical Design Technology articles from October 2006

Medical Design Technology archives from October 2006

Connectors.(Innovations)
October 1, 2006... The PowerMod HP "B" series connector family features touch-safe female housings, cable strain relief, and integral positive latches. These safety features, combined with the ease of connector assembly, establish a new standard for cost...

Airborne particle counter.(Innovations)
October 1, 2006... The APC M3 is a portable airborne particle counter that samples at a rate of 100 LPM (liters per minute). Measuring one cubic meter of air in only 10 minutes, the unit is an extremely fast particle counter. Its higher flow rate reduces the time...

UV polymer optical bonding.(Innovations)
October 1, 2006... A patent-pending, advanced UV polymer optical bonding solution that improves contrast, enables brighter graphics, enhances ruggedness, and offers a more robust overall visual experience for a virtually limitless variety of LCD solutions is...

MRI compatible material.(Innovations)
October 1, 2006... The Endolign composite is for use in load bearing medical device applications requiring blood, bone, or tissue contact of more than 30 days. The mechanical properties of processed Endolign composite products may be comparable to those of...

Plasma Processing System.(Innovations)
October 1, 2006... The Flextrak Plasma Processing System improves the reliability and quality of medical devices through surface modification and ultra-cleaning. The plasma processes improve the bond uniformity and adhesion between dissimilar materials, enhancing...

Motion control couplings.(Innovations)
October 1, 2006... Behind the scenes, the equipment that makes possible thousands of tests results for clinical trials, dispenses tens of thousands of exact liquid doses in individual containers, and moves the machines that test and review our bodies requires...

Particle removal system.(Innovations)
October 1, 2006... This particle removal system is offered to mold houses, contract manufacturers, or any company that needs to clean components either before delivery or before assembly of finished product. The Particulator is a self contained, filtered particle...

Medtronic prestige cervical disc "not inferior" to fusion--FDA panel.(Regulatory Report)
October 1, 2006... Medtronic Sofamor Danek's Prestige ST artificial cervical disc should be approved, contingent upon postmarket submission of seven-year follow up data to help ensure long-term durability, FDA's Orthopedic & Rehabilitation Devices Panel...

Promotion before PMA? Device firms fish for answers in murky water.(Regulatory Report)
October 1, 2006... FDA has not provided clear guidance to device companies on the agency's policy governing product promotion during the window of time between submitting a PMA and obtaining approval, a staffer acknowledges. The agency historically has held...

FDA plans infusion pump workshops.(Noted ...)
October 1, 2006... CDRH Office of Compliance will encourage infusion pump manufacturers to attend FDA educational workshops designed to curb chronic product problems, said Office of Science & Engineering Laboratories Director Larry Kessler during a risk...

Third-party inspector program goes international.(Noted ...)
October 1, 2006... FDA and Canadian counterpart Health Canada are developing a pilot program to allow third-party auditors to conduct inspections that simultaneously assess device company compliance with FDA and Canadian manufacturing regulations. "The idea is...

FDA guidance clarifies human tissue terms.(Noted ...)
October 1, 2006... Human tissue guidance issued Sept. 21 by the Office of Combination Products and the Center for Biologics, Evaluation & Research defines the terms "minimally manipulated," "original," and "relevant" when used to classify human cells, tissues,...

Films that dissolve diagnostics manufacturers' needs.(Emphasis On Dissolvable Films)
October 1, 2006... Dissolvable films are currently used in a variety of applications such as consumer breath freshener products and as vehicles for over-the-counter drug delivery. Manufacturers are also exploring the technology's unique characteristics for use...

Fabricating components ... rapidly: medical device manufacturers require device components to be produced quickly to ensure their products are available to the marketplace as soon as possible. However, quality cannot be sacrificed in this effort. Rapid prototype tooling is a unique option that satisfies both of these two criteria.(Emphasis On Component Fabrication)
October 1, 2006... Rapid prototype tooling (RPT) is more than part design--it's the process, materials, manufacturability, costs, and tool designs. From start to finish, rapid prototyping not only overcomes time restraints, but eliminates the questions and...

Surface mount resistors.(Notables: Electronic Components)
October 1, 2006... Providing design engineers with a thermally efficient high current resistor in a surface mount package, this non-inductive power resistor is rated up to 20 W. Designated the SMHP Series, the resistor is housed in a small, thin TO-263 package...

Power switchers.(Notables: Electronic Components)
October 1, 2006... A line of compact, triple-output 50 W switching power supplies are suitable for medical electronics. The LPT50-M Series meet specifications from UL, CSA, VDE, and EN appropriate for medical applications while accepting universal input voltage...

Ultrasonic sensor.(Notables: Electronic Components)
October 1, 2006... The Virtu 30 is an ultrasonic sensor available in a 30-mm barrel body style that breaks new ground for the cost-conscious customer. These compact sensors solve a greater number of applications with an increased sensing distance of 39 in. with...

DC/DC converters.(Notables: Electronic Components)
October 1, 2006... The LNB Series is a product family of high density, ultra low noise, fully isolated De/De converters. The series offers output ripple of 10 mVp-p and operate over input voltage ranges of 4.5 to 7 VDC, 8 to 16 VDC, and 18 to 36 VDC, making them...

RoHS-Compliant headers.(Notables: Electronic Components)
October 1, 2006... These 0.079 in. and 0.1 in. board-to-board connectors are 100% RollS-compliant. Male and female headers are offered in single, double, and quad row configurations, and in both plated through-hole (PTH) and surface mount (SMT) versions. The...

Measuring up lean: the journey towards operational excellence: lean manufacturing is commonly associated with automotive manufacturers but medical device makers are rapidly discovering the advantages of using it in their marketplace. This article discusses the benefits that can be realized with the implementation of lean systems in a highly regulated manufacturing environment.(Cover story)(Company overview)
October 1, 2006... "It's a challenging industry. One defective product gets to a customer, the results could be life ending. Quality is the number one concern. Without a quality reputation, there won't be a business. And you want us to focus our efforts on lean?"...

Assembling the perfect design team: since most manufacturers do not staff experts in every area of technology they may need to create a finished medical device, collaborating with professionals who are specialists in their given area can be the ideal formula for success. This article examines Total System Design Collaboration, a method that promotes this approach when designing a new product.(Emphasis On Design Collaboration)
October 1, 2006... In today's healthcare environment, there has never been a more important time to invent and launch new technologies. As the baby boomers head into retirement, there will be an unprecedented need for the most effective therapies being delivered...

Totally implanted artificial heart approved.(Industry Watch)
October 1, 2006... The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first totally implanted artificial heart for patients with advanced heart failure involving both pumping chambers of the heart under the Humanitarian Use Device (HUD) provisions of the...

Medegen sells medical products division.(Industry Watch)
October 1, 2006... Medegen LLC, a leading provider of medical devices and components to the healthcare industry, has entered into an agreement to sell its medical products division to Medical Action Industries Inc., a supplier of medical and surgical disposable...

Solectron-ATEK alliance.(Industry Watch)
October 1, 2006... ATEK Medical Manufacturing, a manufacturing outsourcing partner serving the medical device and biotechnology markets, and Solectron Corp., a leading provider of electronics manufacturing and integrated supply chain services, have formed a...

ISO 9001:2000 Certification.(Industry Watch)
October 1, 2006... Thomas Engineering Company's Quality Management System has been certified as compliant with ISO 9001:2000. Bureau Veritas Certification (NA) has been chosen as the company's partner in this process. Bureau Veritas Certification has certified...

Calendar of events.(Industry Watch)(Calendar)
October 1, 2006... October 19-22 The Offshore Group's 12th Annual Manufacturing in Mexico Summit, Hotel Plaza San Carlos, San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico. October 21-25 PDMA 2006 International "Compete to Win" Conference, Renaissance Waverly, Atlanta, GA. ...

Designing devices for patients on the run.(Emphasis On Consumer Design)
October 1, 2006... Medical monitoring devices are moving out of the hospital and into the hands of consumers, driving a shift to a platform approach for designing medical electronics. This article looks at areas manufacturers need to be conscious of when...

Medical design & manufacturing west.(Show Preview)
October 1, 2006... October 24-26, 2006 Minneapolis Convention Center Co-located with the MidPak show, MD&M Minneapolis is host to an array of suppliers and service providers from across the country. The event offers an opportunity for designers and engineers...

Flexible couplings.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... A range of miniature couplings are offered as small as 1/4 in. diameter to suit shaft sizes down to 3/32 in. The one-piece unit has zero backlash and can transmit rotational torque in angular, parallel, and/or skewed modes. Available in...

Blow-Type Ionizer.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... Koganei Blow-Type Ionizers are designed to remove static electricity with pinpoint accuracy in a broad range of applications. The Blow-Type Ionizer is available in one-head, two-head, and compact models, with a range of optional solid and...

Pushbutton switch.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... The OTTO P5-V switch offers the functionality of the P5 alternate action switch with the added benefit of an aluminum security level case and button or a stainless steel vandal proof case and button. Push and the P5-V series switch holds "on";...

Liquid Injection Molding.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... Limfast Liquid Injection Molding is a service offered for molding custom medical liquid silicone rubber components and bonded Silicone to metal or plastic components, delivered in prototype quantities within 10 working days. Ideal for medical...

Jumper cordset.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... The Sheet E/C5 Jumper cordsets are for equipment rated 2.5 amps with service up to 250 VAC. The cordsets have North American and European approval. They are available with an IEC 60320 Sheet E plug connector, 3 x 0.75 [mm.sup.2]/18 AWG...

Linear actuator.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... The TY Series Linear Actuator is designed to reach super high speeds of up to 5 m/see, and accelerations up to 5 Gs. Integrated with the Type SHS LM guide, as well as the QZ lubricator, the TY Series operates long-term and maintenance-free. It...

Analog sensor.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... This R-Series analog sensor provides enhanced sensing performance along with extended functionality and programmability. It includes fully programmable dual channel outputs for simultaneous position and velocity, or dual magnet position, all...

Miniature metering valve.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... A miniature metering valve is offered with stops and locking mechanism. It is based upon the "MIL-MV-XX" metering valves. The addition of mechanical stops allows users to positively position the sleeve in either the full on or full off...

Microminiature connectors.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... Specific part numbers of the company's connector line are available at a lead time of two to three weeks. This program extends upon the recently announced ability to offer approximately 1,500 part numbers at a standard four- to six-week...

Surface mount LEDs.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... This comprehensive range of discrete RGB LEDs provides design engineers with a family of illumination devices designed to create colors along the entire visible spectrum. Available in a variety of sizes and viewing angles, the full color...

Cleanroom injection molding.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... Full service contract manufacturer offers certified class 100,000 clean room, custom and high precision medical injection molding. A variety of Class VI medical grade materials, sterilization, thermal performance, and strength/durability...

Linear positioning tables.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... Designed to reduce overall machine cost and allow manufacturers to speed their time to market, the 402XE and 403XE are available in a complete package with motor and limit sensors included, or for simple customization, the 402/403XE can be...

Sleeving-Packing System.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... The A+F SetLine Sleeving-Packing System combines sleeving and case packing technology into one space saving, cost effective operation. The SetLine forms multipack sets in groups, directly at the filler outfeed, and places these groups of...

Adjustable speed drive.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... These washdown adjustable speed drives are rated NEMA 4X and are available from one through ten horsepower. They are available in open-loop, encoderless, and closed-loop vector and servo configurations. An easy-to-use keypad has been integrated...

Adhesive cartridge system.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... These 200 through 600 ml adhesive cartridges offer an economical choice. The robust uni-body design has a rugged connection between the cylinders and offers a generous lead-in for ease of piston insertion. This family of one-piece, closed-end...

Light detector/amplifier.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... MDE-37 series modular light detectors with integrated amplifier are designed as an OEM part configured to end-user specifications for UV, visible, or near infrared optical radiation monitoring applications. Including a cosine diffuser input...

Stainless standoffs.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... PEM Keyhole self-clinching stainless standoff fasteners allow users to slip printed circuit boards or panels quickly into place in an assembly and then remove them when needed simply by sliding the board sideways and lifting it off. No tools...

Dual-forcer linear motor.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... Dual Forcer ServoTube linear motors can double the throughput of pick-and-place applications. The two independent load-positioning Forcers--each controlled by its own Xenus Micro controller--can position two items in the time ordinarily...

Hollow shaft encoders.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... The RHI58 Series Incremental Rotary Encoders offer pulse outputs up to 100,000 ppr. They provide a maximum frequency of 300 kHz with six outputs, and a cable connection. Additional features include a 10- or 12-mm diameter shaft bore, alarm...

Custom laser components.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... Extensive glass fabrication capabilities and engineering assistance is offered to companies who need laser components produced to their specifications. Using an assortment of mandrels, the company designs and shrinks precision bore tubing in...

Motion control system.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... The MDrivePlus line is built on a patented advanced motion/machine control chip for expanded functions and capabilities, and enhanced performance. Its advanced integrated motion technology is delivered by the patented M3000 motion control...

Cold mirrors.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... This breakthrough in cold mirror coating technology withstands light levels above 200 W per square centimeter and extreme temperatures above 400[degrees]C. The HeatBuster cold mirrors feature reflectivity values of up to 98% across the visible...

Dental irrigation pump.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... The 313D aseptic dental irrigation pump-head is ideal for dental applications requiring frequent tube changes, and flow rates from 0.25 to 3,000 ml/min. The fluid being pumped is contained completely in the USP Class VI approved tubing, so...

PTFE Bellows Solenoid Valve.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... This all-purpose PTFE Bellows Solenoid Valve eliminates leaking of fugitive emissions to the atmosphere. A significant break-through in environmental safety, these thermoplastic valves can also be used with virtually all types of fluids,...

Cable plugs.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... Tiger Eye contacts are used in Micro Mate discrete wire cable plugs (SFSD Series) to provide cable-to-board solutions for the popular TFM/SFM Series board-to-board interconnect system. These polarized plugs are available with 28 or 30 AWG wire...

UV portable magnifier.(New Products)
October 1, 2006... This UV portable magnifier is an illuminated handheld magnifier specially designed for the inspection of conformal coatings. It features a 13 W UV-A black bulb which causes such coating to glow brilliantly. A 5-diopter optical-quality, white...

On its website, Universal Flow Monitors Inc. provides a chart that enables site visitors to select the appropriate flowmeter technology for the type of fluid they are using.(Online Tools)
October 1, 2006... On its website, Universal Flow Monitors Inc. provides a chart that enables site visitors to select the appropriate flowmeter technology for the type of fluid they are using. The flowmeter technology selection chart shows the technology that...

Bosch Rexroth Corp. has developed a "Tools and Downloads "website with downloadable CAD files, calculators, configurators, literature, software, and more to help engineers save time in their design work.(Online Tools)
October 1, 2006... Bosch Rexroth Corp. has developed a "Tools and Downloads "website with downloadable CAD files, calculators, configurators, literature, software, and more to help engineers save time in their design work. It includes resources covering electric...

The Optomechanical Instrument Register is an information database for Optmechanical Instruments (scientific, medical, technical, and others) with text descriptions and functional illustrations, as well as industrial products.(Online Tools)
October 1, 2006... The Optomechanical Instrument Register is an information database for Optmechanical Instruments (scientific, medical, technical, and others) with text descriptions and functional illustrations, as well as industrial products. The text...

Makino offers free, easy-to-view online seminars that focus on cutting edge machining techniques and processes such as machining Compacted Graphite Iron, titanium, large molds and lean cellular automation.(Online Tools)
October 1, 2006... Makino offers free, easy-to-view online seminars that focus on cutting edge machining techniques and processes such as machining Compacted Graphite Iron, titanium, large molds and lean cellular automation. The online seminar series employs the...

The Misumi website features enhanced product search capability.(Online Tools)
October 1, 2006... The Misumi website features enhanced product search capability. Parts can be searched by part number prefix(type), part categories as presented in the 2006 Metric Custom Mechanical Components catalog, and by part families. RoHS compliance...

"Off-road" rehab wheelchairs now a stable ride.(Online Tools)
October 1, 2006... Technology might finally be keeping pace with rehab patients whose spirits and energy require a sturdier wheelchair to explore the world and enjoy the outdoors, beyond the confines of a smooth hospital hallway. Thanks to Lovejoy-Rosta rubber...

Metal helps give patients sweet dreams.(Online Tools)
October 1, 2006... When Airway Management Inc. wanted to improve its flagship product, the Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP)--a device for people who suffer from sleep apnea and snoring--it turned to Smith Metal Products for Metal Injection Molding (MIM) and...

Right machines eliminate patients' pain and suffering.(MACHINING Feature)(Company overview)
October 1, 2006... In the hands of a skilled doctor, Pro-Dex instruments can relieve pain and suffering and add to a patient's health. These unique medical instruments used by dentists and surgeons can have micro-motors running at speeds from 5,000 to 200,000 RPM...

Automation gives medical job shop flexibility.(Feature: CONTROLS)
October 1, 2006... Never rest, never stand still. It's an attitude one job shop in the "orthopedic capital of the world" has applied since its inception in 1988. Micropulse Inc. of Columbia City is located near Warsaw, Indiana, home to many major suppliers of...

Swiss-type multi-axis machine.(NEW Products)
October 1, 2006... The ECO 8sp single-spindle Swiss-type multi-axis, multi-function machine accommodates moderately complex parts up to 8mm. It was initially developed for new markets in the electronics sector, particularly for mini disk parts for mobile IT...

Air nozzle hoses.(NEW Products)
October 1, 2006... Flexible Stay Set Hoses are ideal for applications where frequent repositioning of air nozzles is required. At the end of each production run, users can quickly and easily move their air nozzles to a new position that closely matches the...

Workholding & fixturing components.(NEW Products)
October 1, 2006... Fixtureworks supplies over 14,000 work-holding and fixturing technologies for fixturing, positioning, clamping and various gripping applications. The products are all designed to assist users in developing custom workholding solutions that...

Roller-top conveyor.(NEW Products)
October 1, 2006... Dorner's roller-top conveyor uses rollers as the conveyor belt to continually move while holding products in position. Designed with the company's Engineered Special Program (ESP), the conveyor and related accessories are typically ready for...

Turning machine.(NEW Products)
October 1, 2006... The M33 lathe is ideal for mixed volume, short run operations as well as dedicated high-volume applications. With a swing of 33.46" and a distance between center of 80", the machine combines high performance turning capacity within a compact...

Dispensing valve.(NEW Products)
October 1, 2006... The VD510 is a diaphragm valve designed for precise flow control of low to medium viscosity material. Valve is small in size, weighing only 2.7 oz. and height of 3.1", making it ideal for stand-alone bench dispensing use or machine integration....

Robotic deburring tools.(NEW Products)
October 1, 2006... Flexfinish is an axially-compliant finishing tool for robotic and non-robotic finishing applications on aluminum, plastic, steel and other materials. This low-speed, high-torque tool has a "floating" motor and spindle arrangement that provides...

Cell Management System.(NEW Products)
October 1, 2006... Hirschmann's real-time Cell Management System (CMS) is designed for preparing, organizing and executing work in an automated CNC machine environment for toolmaking, moldmaking and job shop machining. CMS supports all types of machining...

Thread mills.(NEW Products)
October 1, 2006... Threadmaster mills in sizes as small as 10-32 UN help improve thread quality, productivity and lower the cost per hole when compared to conventional tapping, according to the manufacturer. These 2xD thread mills machine at 100% depth and...

Safety Interlock Switches.(NEW Products)
October 1, 2006... MA16 Series Safety Interlock Switches are magnetically actuated and available in a large selection of contact configuration, plus feature a NEMA 6 enclosure to provide a minimum of one million actuations--with a guard door misalignment of up to...

Bar Turning Center.(NEW Products)
October 1, 2006... The HiTURN 65 10X CNC Bar Turning Center features a 10-axis capability for 2-5/8" bar work. Tooling configurations include a 12-station 3-axis turret, a 4-station 2-axis turret and a separate cutoff slide for operations on the main spindle and...

Indexable drills.(NEW Products)
October 1, 2006... ValDRILL products are now offered in metric units and incorporate a wide range of design and construction features that deliver performance enhancements such as high productivity, output quality, long tool life and cost savings. The two series...

Anti-seize lubricant.(NEW Products)
October 1, 2006... NYPLATE anti-seize dry film lubricant for external and internal threaded parts eliminates galling and cold welding and provides easy disassembly. The safe non-toxic coating forms a dry and tack-free film lubricant with sealing properties, seals...

Compact blasting cabinet.(NEW Products)
October 1, 2006... Model SBP-40 blast system can be equipped for use with a wide variety of media for work such as deburring, deflashing, descaling, cosmetic finishing or technical surface preparation, and is designed for seated operations. Measuring 19" high at...

Wire Tie Mounting Bracket.(NEW Products)
October 1, 2006... Wire Tie Mounting Brackets are offered in 4 sizes to accommodate ties up to 0.190" wide and 0.060" thick. This series covers mounting screw sizes #4 through #10. The compact design is ideal for limited space requirements, with parts injection...

Off-line roll profiling system.(NEW Products)
October 1, 2006... The Epac 3000 now features a wireless upgrade that gives instant feedback about roll diameter, profile and temperature. According to the manufacturer, the product is the only roll micrometer which allows users to perform machine diagnostics,...

Modular tool crib cabinets.(NEW Products)
October 1, 2006... Lista's tool crib cabinets are designed for storing drills, taps, reamers, fasteners, hand tools, and cutting tools. Ideally suited for machining centers and metalworking shops of all sizes, the cabinets are available in two heights. TCC 900...

Micromachining with ethanol.(NEW Products)
October 1, 2006... Ethanol is a form of alcohol that results naturally through the sugar fermentation process and is environmentally friendly. It is an ideal coolant for high speed, micro-machining because a thinner-than-water viscosity allows the ethanol to...

Vision Measuring System.(NEW Products)
October 1, 2006... The Galileo EZ is an affordable, compact manual vision system featuring live camera feed and automatic edge detection via the Metronics QC300 Digital Readout, high quality optics and more. It is well suited for general purpose QA inspection,...

Probing software.(NEW Products)
October 1, 2006... On Machine Verification (OMV) software is for machine tool inspection of prototypes, complex and large parts, multi-operation parts, and die & mold parts employing original CAD data. It enables off-line programming and graphical simulation of...

Clamp handles and levers.(NEW Products)
October 1, 2006... Kipp mechanical accessory components include adjustable handles, knobs, handles and hand wheels. Providing a 360-degree free-rotation handle repositioning capability, the adjustable handles and levers are ideal for use in fixtures and jigs...