Designfax articles from May 2004

Designfax archives from May 2004

W.W.P.&P.D.?(Up Front)
May 1, 2004... A major engineering feat typically brings a flurry of related press releases, and this year's DARPA-sponsored race was no exception. Teams from various engineering and R&D firms, universities and independent spirits were competing to create a...

Limit and safety switches: interchangeable components make choices nearly ... unlimited.(Five Star Product Of The Month)
May 1, 2004... As the history books tell, the two primary pillars of the industrial Revolution of the 19th century were the availability of a powerful motive source--James Watt's steam engine--and the introduction of interchangeable parts. The latter...

Bone imaging without x-rays.(Technology Spotlight)
May 1, 2004... Rice University professor of bioengineering Michael Liebschner, Ph.D., hopes the unique bone fracture diagnostic device he has conceived will revolutionize the medical industry. Dubbed the Osteosonic, the portable, handheld and battery-operated...

Man & machine, interfaced.(Technology Spotlight)
May 1, 2004... News of autonomous robots somewhat overshadowed this item--last November, UC Berkeley's Human Engineering and Robotics Laboratory successfully demonstrated a mechanical exoskeleton in which a wearer could carry a heavy load, while subjectively...

Flying glass.(Technology Spotlight)
May 1, 2004... "We have patented a family of new glasses and have established processes for making and using them in practical applications," says Dr. Richard (Rick) Weber, director of the Glass Products Division of Containerless Research Inc, the small...

Remote computer.(News From The Green File)
May 1, 2004... Typical of many developing countries, remote areas of Laos are without electricity, telephones or good roads. A group of people in one village, Phon Kham, explained to the Jhai Foundation (www.jhai.org) that they and four neighboring villages...

Silver foam.(News From The Green File)
May 1, 2004... Electro-chemical industry manufacturers are constantly seeking improved performance from high amperage electrical circuits and electrolyzers. One way of bettering electrical throughput is by minimizing energy losses in connections. Every year,...

[H.sub.2] infrastructure simulation.(News From The Green File)
May 1, 2004... QUEST, a discrete event simulation tool created by Delmia Corp, Auburn Hills, MI, is being used on a research project entitled "Holonic Design and Operations Environment for the Hydrogen Infrastructure." Conducted by the National Research...

Coating-free diffuser films.(Top Product)
May 1, 2004... * no additional coatings * high strength Lexan Illuminex diffuser films feature optical properties that are built into the film formulation and/or molded into the film surface, eliminating the need for additional coatings. The films'...

Liquid crystal polymers.(Materials)
May 1, 2004... This liquid crystal polymer material makes hermeticity packages. The degree and direction of the coefficient of thermal expansion can be adapted to special heat sink materials as well as a variety of semiconductor material technologies. The...

Caps and grips.(Materials)
May 1, 2004... These caps and grips are made using a double-dip process in which the mold is dipped twice, first in the base formula and then in the outer formula. The two formulas cure together, creating a durable and attractive part. Caps are available in...

Melt-processible rubber.(Materials)
May 1, 2004... The injection-moldable Alcryn MPR 2300 is available in black with colorable versions expected by mid-2004. Suitable for medium-duty applications, this material bonds well to PVC and provides good tensile and tear strength. It is available in...

Corrosion protection.(Materials)
May 1, 2004... FisherCote[III] is a trivalent chromate-based coating that provides protection against a 20 percent continuous salt spray with no degradation after hours. The ASTM standard is for a minimum of 96 hours of protection in a 5 percent continuous...

Oven insulation.(Materials)
May 1, 2004... Range-Glas XG insulation is suitable for household and commercial oven use. This lightweight, formaldehyde-free insulation is designed to provide high thermal efficiency in ovens operating at hot-face temperatures up to 1000[degrees]F. Composed...

Nucleating agents.(Materials)
May 1, 2004... Clearlite NU 004 is a micronized, sodium-benzoate-based product that increases the overall crystallization rate of semi-crystalline polymers like polypropylene and polyamide. It also provides improved mechanical and physical properties....

Nickel alloy.(Materials)
May 1, 2004... Colmonoy 80 PTA alloy is a nickel-based composite powder for high-impact and abrasion resistance in plasma transfer arc applications. It contains a high volume percent of abrasion-resistant tungsten carbide particles in a soft impact-resistant...

Piezoelectric material.(Materials)
May 1, 2004... The PZT-508-HD piezoelectric material is designed to achieve low porosity and a uniform microstructure, making it suitable for use in industrial automation and robotics applications. Its increased dielectric permittivity and improved...

Software-based color selection.(Materials)
May 1, 2004... The OnColor virtual color system shortens the product design and color-matching processes by allowing color chip data to be stored electronically. In the system's 2D mode, users can perform quality control and search functions with the results...

ABS-simulating prototype material.(Application Xtra)
May 1, 2004... * durable, accurate prototyping * fast processing time Stereolithography (SL) has proven itself to be a timesaving prototype solution for jobs requiring fast turnaround. When Welch Allyn developed an optical system that provides early...

Taking control on food: fast food marts reduce food spoilage, increase profits with electronics.(Cover Story)
May 1, 2004... Today's appliances do almost everything imaginable. Washing machines have specific cycles for clothes type and dryers have moisture sensors to know when your clothes are dry. Refrigerators use multiple environmental sensors to keep food cold...

Which rules must we follow? Sorting out compliance laws, rulings and regulations.
May 1, 2004... For managers and engineers who are new to the medical device industry, regulated device engineering will seem like a strange new world. One no longer simply design, release and sell products; a pre-market submission and acceptance are required...

Biomedical polymers, Booth 1343.(Medical Products)
May 1, 2004... This company is building a biomedical polymer compounding facility that will produce nanocomposites, water-soluble polymers and other specialty formulations for catheters and other devices. The facility will include manufacturing software and...

Linear guides/slides, Booth 1683.(Medical Products)
May 1, 2004... The Mini-Rail LS self-lubricating miniature linear guides provide a low-cost linear or multi-axis motion control solution. There are six sizes to handle a range of loads and two drive mechanism variations to optimize speed and positioning. It...

Intravenous filter, Booth 1919.(Medical Products)
May 1, 2004... Designed for use in adult IV applications the MediPnre IV Filter is available in 0.2, 0.2 positively charged, 1.2 micron, and a high-flow version. The compact housing holds a considerable 12 [cm.sup.2] of effective filtration area, providing...

Compressor/pump, Booth 1346.(Medical Products)
May 1, 2004... Measuring 1.4-x 3-in., the P5H7 scroll air compressor/pump delivers up to 10 psi with a no load flow of 0.14 CFM. Quiet and inherently vibration-free, the pump provides compressed air for small medical equipment such as portable nebulizers and...

Pump, Booth 1849.(Medical Products)
May 1, 2004... The 400FD/A pump will be on display, offering an alternative to syringe pumps for dispensing and collecting samples and regents. These pumps offer continuous flow capability and simple, valveless plumbing. At a fraction of the size of syringe...

Luer valves, Booth 2036.(Medical Products)
May 1, 2004... Developed as needleless injection ports for IV applications, swabable luer valves feature a straight-thru maximum flow design and a secure engagement design for locking with both luer lock and slip luer syringes and connectors. All materials...

Stent coating, Booth 1566.(Medical Products)
May 1, 2004... VascuLAST is a surface treatment used to prevent the re-narrowing of vessels after medical intervention and can reduce restenosis after stent implantation. VascuLAST can be applied to virtually any stent design. The coating is uniform and does...

Cable assemblies, Booth 2104.(Medical Products)
May 1, 2004... The SIL-KORE cable assembly's fluoropolymer silicone composite construction offers a silky smooth surface feel and 30-50% weight savings over traditional silicone. The flexible, autoclavable cable assembly is suited for powered surgical...

Needle bonding adhesive, Booth 2137.(Medical Products)
May 1, 2004... Designed for bonding needles, syringes and other stainless steel cannula. MD 1193-M-VLV light curing medical device acrylic adhesive is low viscosity for quick, air-free dispensing into needle hub cavities, bonding stainless steel cannula to...

Custom silicone components, Booth 2142.(Medical Products)
May 1, 2004... This company's Quick Response process tooling enables the company to extrude, mold and fabricate silicone prototypes in low volumes at a minimal cost. The end product meets the GMP and material trace-ability standards required for volume...

Acrylics, Booth 2319.(Medical Products)
May 1, 2004... This provider of acrylic-based molding and extrusion compounds is featuring Cyrolite Med 2 acrylic-based multipolymer compound with an increased level of alcohol and lipid resistance. It exhibits good impact resistance and ductility, improved...

Electrical safety testing, Booth 2182.(Medical Products)
May 1, 2004... This company introduces two electrical safety testers for medical electronic devices and appliance. Both models offer the same test capabilities. Model 277 with built-in printer is portable, whereas the benchtop Model 299 is suited for a...

Connectors, Booth 2373.(Medical Products)
May 1, 2004... This company's docking station connectors offer high mating cycles (up to 100,000), immunity to shock and vibration, high current carrying capacity (up to 4A/contact for 0.6 mm contacts), low insertion and extraction forces (0.3 to 2 oz) and...

Coils & wires, Booth 2505.(Medical Products)
May 1, 2004... This company offers guidewire and catheter coils, drive cables with high torsional stiffness, and pacing and defibrillator coils. Services include clean-cut coil ends, pre-coated wire, joining, assembly, laser welding and soldering. Their...

Medical tubing, Booth 2876.(Medical Products)
May 1, 2004... The Raumedic range of PVC, DEHP-free formulations and PVC alternate materials (e.g. polyurethane, EVA and silicone) can be customized to suit the application. The company offers a variety of medical-grade tubing, including multi-lumen, lay-flat...

Micro-abrasive blasting, Booth 2460.(Medical Products)
May 1, 2004... This company's MicroBlasters clean, cut, deburr and texture various surfaces, using micron-sized particles propelled at high velocity. The process is suited for cleaning unwanted materials or oxidation from vascular stents, remove polymer...

Linear actuator, Booth 2544.(Medical Products)
May 1, 2004... Built for long life (several million cycles) and superior performance, the size 14 linear actuator features engineering thermoplastics in the rotor drive nut and a stainless steel Acme lead screw. This captive hybrid linear actuator is...

Portable testers, Booth 2968.(Medical Products)
May 1, 2004... On display at the show will be the In-Spec 2200 portable tester, Designed to perform on-the-spot testing, these instruments are suited for various applications, including tension, compression, texture and flexure testing. An integral drive...

Overbraided hose, Booth 2473.(Medical Products)
May 1, 2004... Smooth-core stainless steel overbraided PTFE hose offers two inert cores: white or electrically-conductive black to release or eliminate static charge. The hoses offer long flexural life, low permeability, non-flammability, and the lowest...

Metering & mixing, Booth 2655.(Medical Products)
May 1, 2004... This company produces metering, mixing and dispensing equipment for multi-part fluids. Their new catalog includes piston and gear pumps as well as stepping motor drives for applications requiring precise control. Machines are available for...

Turning center, Booth 3029.(Medical Products)
May 1, 2004... The DECO 13a turning center is a single-spindle, automatic system that accommodates part diameters from 13 mm, making it suitable for small medical and dental implants and bone screws. It has 10 axes with a counter spindle and an...

Coining controls in curves: tight tolerances offer dimensional consistency.(Application Ideas)
May 1, 2004... Achieving fine detailing and tight tolerances for medical equipment is always a challenge for manufacturers. One manufacturer of curved scissor blades sought to produce consistent dimensions throughout the length of the curved blade, assuring...

Filling materials: dental strain measurement identifies suitable materials.(Application Ideas)
May 1, 2004... Both healthy and repaired teeth go through a variety of stresses and strains throughout the day. To understand these events more thoroughly, the Dental Care Clinic needed to provide accurate measurements that could not be distorted by irregular...

Patient care improves with low pressure drainage system: controlled performance connections ease operations, prevent misconnections.
May 1, 2004... In many cases, a patient in need of a chest tube is in a life-threatening situation. Quick set up and ease of handling are essential requirements for medical devices used in chest and gastro-intestinal drainage. Medical professionals in charge...

Smart circuit breaker.(Top Product)
May 1, 2004... * built-in protection * intelligent control The E-1048-800 smart circuit breaker combines solid state switching, electronic circuit protection, analog signal output and diagnostic functions. IT is suited for switching DC loads in...

Radial lead capacitor.(Power Sources)
May 1, 2004... The CH Series capacitor is available with wide-low inductance strap-style leads. It is available in voltages up to 60 kV and capacitance values up to 500 pF. These capacitors are supplied in rated voltages up to 60 kV and use high dielectric...

DC converters.(Power Sources)
May 1, 2004... The ATH series point-of-load (POL) DC converters includes devices rated from 6 to 30A. They feature AutoTrack sequencing technology that enables the non-isolated power modules to track each other or any external control voltage, allowing...

Power management.(Power Sources)
May 1, 2004... The AS3603 IC features an efficient DC-DC down-converter and ultra-programmable 1W audio amplifier, which is suitable for hands-free mobile phone applications, all on a single chip. The on-chip programmable battery charger, which supports all...

Switching mode power supplies.(Power Sources)
May 1, 2004... HVPS switching mode power supplies are integrated high-voltage devices that use solid state switching to provide 1 to 200 kV adjustable output, with adjustable output current limits to maximum power. Eliminating the need to connect small power...

Switching power supplies.(Power Sources)
May 1, 2004... These UL-listed and CSA-approved switching power supplies range from 5-48 VDC and 1.6-10A. Comprised of four families--45W, 75W, 120W and 240W, the line features 12 DIN rail-mounted models measuring 2.19- to 3.94-in. along the rail. All models...

Open air resistors.(Power Sources)
May 1, 2004... The OARS series resistors feature a resistive element with an open-air flow-through design that keeps their hot spot off the PC board and allows air to circulate around it. Welded copper terminals also provide a low-resistance terminal to...

Quad-output power supply.(Power Sources)
May 1, 2004... The PSF-149 enclosed power supply delivers up to 150W and features four DC outputs of 5, -5, -12 and +12V. AC input voltage ratings are 100 to 240 VAC with a voltage range from 90 to 246VAC. Output loads range from 0.2A with -5V up to 15A with...

Bus converter.(Power Sources)
May 1, 2004... The CBE1448G1 eighth brick isolated C-BUS converter operates at 94 percent efficiencies to deliver 197W per cubic inch and 14A in a 12V output configuration. This narrow input (42 to 53 VDC) quasi-regulated converter has an output voltage range...

Inverter kit.(Power Sources)
May 1, 2004... This company is offering its low-profile 8m Class inverter in kit form. They will supply the circuit design, critical magnetic components and complete layout validation. The 8m Class inverter supplied in the kit measures 8mm with up to 5W of...

High-rate discharge batteries.(Power Sources)
May 1, 2004... The DataSafe HX line of valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries uses a polypropylene compound that improves high-temperature performance and increases vibration resistance. The compound provides a lower deflection rate, preventing the...

Vibration monitor.(Top Product)
May 1, 2004... * predictive maintenance * detects rolling element bearing failures The Octavis predictive maintenance vibration monitor detects rolling element bearing failures and shaft unbalance conditions on critical equipment, such as pumps,...

Lubrication flow indicator.(Bearings & Lubricants)
May 1, 2004... The Sight-Rite flow indicator can be used on any lubrication or process equipment line, and is compatible with the company's PurgeX air and motor operated pumps for liquid delivery. Each injector pump can deliver precisely an output range from...

Custom rolling-element bearings.(Bearings & Lubricants)
May 1, 2004... Custom large-dia. bearings are offered in sizes ranging from 2-in. ID to 216-in. OD. Ball bearings include angular, deep-groove, 4-pt contact, reciprocating, self-aligning, split inner race and thrust. Radial rollers include cylindrical,...

Submersible plastic bearings.(Bearings & Lubricants)
May 1, 2004... The iglide H370 plastic plain bearings are designed for wet environments and high temperatures. Moisture absorption rating is 0.0%, enabling it to perform underwater. In continuous motion, the bearing operates within a temperature range of...

Oiler.(Bearings & Lubricants)
May 1, 2004... The Opto-Matic Closed System oiler is designed for where a constant level in an oil sump must be maintained. The closed system design prevents contamination and spillage. The adjustable collar allows the oil level to be externally selected. A...

Lubricants.(Bearings & Lubricants)
May 1, 2004... Nearly 50% of bearing damage is related to inadequate or improper lubrication. A new line of industrial lubricants features high-temperature, anti-wear and water-resistant additives that offer excellent protection in challenging environments....

Custom bearings.(Bearings & Lubricants)
May 1, 2004... This 3/8-in. high, 25-in. dia. bearing, used to support a 30-in. dia. ultra-low satellite TV antenna for passenger vehicles, had its bearing and giant thrust race molded from plastic parts. The pitch circle of the raceway is designed as large...

Dry-film lubricant.(Bearings & Lubricants)
May 1, 2004... Designed for external and internal threaded parts, NYPLATE anti-seize dry-film lubricant coating prevents galling, and reduces torque scatter and cold welding during assembly. Disassembly is facilitated even in aggressive industrial...

Perfluoropolyether lubricant.(Bearings & Lubricants)
May 1, 2004... Fomblin perfluoropolyether lubricant is NSF-registered for incidental food contact (H1) and non-contact with food (H2). These oils and greases may be applied directly onto machine parts and equipment or applied to the surface of polymer films...

Bearing catalog.(Bearings & Lubricants)
May 1, 2004... This catalog describes the company's thin section bearing offerings. Engineering data, tolerance tables and various custom features are included. Radial, angular, 4-point contact, sealed radial (Conrad) contact and sealed 4-point contact...

"Martian" bearings.(Application Xtra)
May 1, 2004... * self-lubricating * withstand temperature extremes Missions to Mars require meticulous attention to critical specifications. The same might be said for missions to pseudo-Mars by young explorers commanding a station at the Franklin...

Electric dreams: electric vehicle vies to break world record.(Tech Upgrade)
May 1, 2004... Since 1972, the world electric-land-speed record has shot from 152 mph to the current official record of 248 mph, an increase of 96 mph," says Mark Newby. "In this same period, the record for petrol fuel cars has only risen by 6 mph. There is...

Pressure compensation seals.(Top Product)
May 1, 2004... * water-proof * light-weight These custom Pressure Compensation Seals (PCS) protect the minute holes found in many electronic components installed in water-resistant housings. While the opening is deliberately designed into the...

PVC nitrile seals.(Filters & Seals)
May 1, 2004... This line of extruded PVC nitrile seals is intended for finishing, protecting and sealing applications. Available in many shapes and colors, the seals meet the automotive TS/ISO 16949:2002 standard. All extruded PVC nitrile seals are...

One-piece V-cup seal.(Filters & Seals)
May 1, 2004... This redesigned one-piece V-cup seal is intended to simplify the assembly process and eliminate additional testing. Made from a fuel-resistant fluoroelastomer material, this seal good flex fatigue resistance and good compression set. Because of...

Mini diaphragm seal.(Filters & Seals)
May 1, 2004... The Ashcroft Type 310 mini diaphragm seal is available with male NPT process connections in sizes from 1/8 to 1 NPT. Threaded female NPT connections are also available. Pressure ratings for the Type 310 seal are 2500 psi. Designed for use in...

Air filters.(Filters & Seals)
May 1, 2004... The MagnaFlex air filters feature bend-to-fit flexibility and a magnetic installation and sealing strip that ensures a tight fit in electronics equipment enclosures. They are designed for enclosures that cannot accept a rigid air filter frame...

TFE/P seals.(Filters & Seals)
May 1, 2004... Fluoraz seals combine the steam and caustic resistance of EPDM with the heat resistance of a fluoroelastomer, providing a suitable sealing solution for steam-in-place and clean-in-place applications. Fluoraz 784 and 890 are FDA-compliant,...

Machining fluid filter.(Filters & Seals)
May 1, 2004... The Series FN1 filter features a patented element design and back-flush feature that generates no industrial waste. Its element is constructed of a series of grooved filter plates and wave washers placed one above the other and compressed by a...

PTFE filter.(Filters & Seals)
May 1, 2004... The Omnifit all-PTFE in-line filter with replaceable element is designed to remove particulates from fluids that could otherwise cause damage to laboratory pumps, valves and other mechanical liquid handling devices. The filter housing, which is...

Miniature seals tutorial.(Application Xtra)
May 1, 2004... * Sealing pressure * Tolerance stack-up. In any sealing application, correct O-ring selection depends on a number of design considerations, including dimensions, chemical compatibility and the ability to resist pressure and temperature...

3D publishing software.(Top Product)
May 1, 2004... * interactive documentation * direct import of CAD 3D/2D Designed to streamline the documentation process for engineers, Presenter and Presenter Pro software creates interactive 3D documents directly from 3D and 2D CAD files. A...

Plastics mold tooling.(Engineer's Toolbox)
May 1, 2004... The Solid Edge (v. 15) Mold Tooling application extends the CAD capabilities with functions specifically suited for complex mold shape design. Features expand draft face analysis, automatic parting-line and surface commands with step-by-step...

Adjustable monitor arm.(Engineer's Toolbox)
May 1, 2004... The Neo-Flex adjustable arm for flat panel monitors provides 8-in. of vertical movement to provide ergonomic positioning of the monitor for multiple-user situations. Features include 180-degree right/left and up/ down monitor tilt, 360-degree...

Nano-measurement software.(Engineer's Toolbox)
May 1, 2004... The Nanotech Toolkit set of measurement software tools is designed specifically for a variety of tests common to nanotechnology research. The toolkit and its software routines are available at no charge and are compatible with the company's...

3D laser scanner.(Engineer's Toolbox)
May 1, 2004... Requiring no technical expertise, the LPX-250 desktop laser scanner operates with a single mouse click converting 3D objects into polygon and NURBs surfaces. All digitizing operations are controlled from Dr. PICZA 3 software, which offers...

LCD monitor.(Engineer's Toolbox)
May 1, 2004... Designed to display more information, the MultiSync LCD2060NX 20-inch display offers high brightness of 250 cd/m2, sharp 0.255 mm pixel pitch, 600:1 typical contrast ratio and 1600 x 1200 maximum resolution. Rapid Response technology virtually...

Virtual software identifies truck failure cause.(Application Xtra)
May 1, 2004... * faster failure resolution * improves product lifecycle management When the M1088/M871 A2 truck trailer combination was put into field service at Fort Stuart's parachute drop course, the unusually hilly terrain caused a severe problem...