Medical Equipment Designer articles from July 2001

Medical Equipment Designer archives from July 2001

A Merit Badge for Advanced Engineering.
July 1, 2001... Cub Scouts apply design software Few things reside in America that stir a more Norman Rockwell-hued feeling than scouting. Cub Scouts, Brownies, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts--all suggest an earlier time shared with tail-finned cars, hi-fl...

Cha, Cha, Cha Changes.
July 1, 2001... Last month Designfax focused on the design and manufacture of fiber optic equipment in combination with our scheduled semiconductor equipment coverage. In order to meet the needs--ever-changing needs--of our readers, we switched gears as...

Hollow-shaft Encoder.
July 1, 2001... Economy and size are the pressures that forged the design of the TSE mechanical encoder from CUI Stack Inc., Beaverton, OR. The TSE's design addresses the push towards miniaturization in most segments of the electronic device market. This...

Machining "Perfectly Smooth".
July 1, 2001... Software helps company prosper in spinal implants business Surgical implants are used in spinal surgery to correct scoliosis, a lateral curvature of the spine. One leading manufacturer of such surgical implants is OMC Precision Products,...

Digital X-rays come of age.
July 1, 2001... A round the A same time internal combustion engines became the accepted motive force for horse-less carriages, was the discovery of X-rays and their ability to view the internal structure of solid objects. And for the last century-plus, while...

Dem Bones.
July 1, 2001... PEEK polymer replaces titanium in spinal fusion cages Titanium is the traditional material for cervical and lumbar fusion cages, used to help fuse vertebrae under conditions of disk damage, disease or age-related wear. These spinal cages...

Self-lubricating alloy.
July 1, 2001... Cam followers with self-lubricating Graphalloy bushings outperform grease lubricated cam followers in high temperatures to 750[degree]F, hostile environments and submerged applications. Under high temperatures or under load, this material will...

Metal injection molding.
July 1, 2001... Metal Injection Molding (MIM), technology is used to. custom-fabricate medical instruments from various metals, including 17-4PH, 304L and 216L steels. The MIM process produces components that require virtually no additional machining, allowing...

Thermoplastic elastomers.
July 1, 2001... This new company has recently achieved USP Class VI certification for medical products applications on its NexPrene fully vulcanized EPDM/PP thermoplastic elastomers. NexPrene TPV grades provide low-cost processing with highperformance for...

Miniature solenoid.
July 1, 2001... Adding to a family of self-priming, micro-dispensing, solenoid-actuated micro-pumps, this larger model is capable of dispensing up to 25Oul per stroke. The pumps feature a non-metallic, inert fluid path for dispensing high-purity or aggressive...

LCD module.
July 1, 2001... The DMF-50316 LCD module has a 240 x 64 screen with a CCFL backlight that has a lifespan of 50,000 hours. The contrast ratio of 50:1 provides readability in various lighting conditions. Surface luminance is 130 candelas, with uniform brightness...

Barbed luers.
July 1, 2001... Medical-grade polyetheretherketone (PEEK) barbed male and female luers accommodate tube ID sizes 1.5mm to 6.25mm, and are manufactured with the 500-series single barb design. PEEK material has high temperature performance, chemical resistance...

Enhancing process.
July 1, 2001... This company's process technology produces a lower stress Ultem slab product. Made by GE Plastics, Ultem is an unfilled polyetherimide that is chemically, thermally and mechanically resistant. Processing improves the physical properties and...

Porous plastics.
July 1, 2001... Vyon Sheet is available at any length, in widths up to 1m and in thicknesses ranging from 0.75mm up to 10mm. Pore sizes range between 5 and 200 microns. Vyon is available in high density polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene...

Power entry modules.
July 1, 2001... Since patient-connected medical equipment can be subjected to low-leakage current requirements, the use of a low-leakage filter in the 5 [micro]A range at 250 VAC is desireable. Also, double fusing of both line and neutral connectors may be...

X-ray components.
July 1, 2001... Constructed from a variety of metal components sealed to high purity alumina (A1203) ceramic, this line of connectors can be customized to suit specific applications. The ceramic-to-metal design allows consistent repeatable manufacturing with...

Diaphragm valve.
July 1, 2001... Combining an industry-standard diaphragm valve body made from high-purity materials with a flexible programmable "top-down" control, the TOP Control Type 2031 valve system is suited for pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications. Diaphragm...

Medical cables.
July 1, 2001... This company introduces its series of reusable and disposable microminiature medical cables. Reusable cables are designed to endure repeated flexing and extended cycles of sterilization. Shielded versions are available to reduce EMI and supress...

Biocompatible casting compound.
July 1, 2001... Designed for use in the medical device industry, TRA-CAST 3103 is an opaque black biomedical casting compound that has been tested for cytotoxicity using the MEM elution method with negative results. The two-part, low-viscosity epoxy system...

Low-friction urethanes.
July 1, 2001... This company's special urethane compounds provide substantialty reduced friction properties approaching the lubricity of PTFE, yet maintain the unique flexibility properties inherent in urethanes. They also have better mold flow and release...

Medical power supply.
July 1, 2001... Smaller than a credit card, the GSM15 miniature medical power supply provides a 15w single-output with convection cooling or 18w with forced air. Designed for use in small devices such as medical monitors or pumps, this power supply meets...

Biopolymer coatings.
July 1, 2001... For manufacturers of catheters, guide-wires, and other interventional devices, this company's coatings offer the biocompatibility of hyaluronan, a unique hydrophilic biopolymer found in all tissues of humans and other animals. Devices coated...

Adhesives.
July 1, 2001... This company has expanded its line of solvent-free, light-curing adhesives and cyanoacrylates for a variety of disposable medical device bonding applications, including intravenous tube sets, oxygenators and reservoirs, medical electronics,...

2-way inert solenoid.
July 1, 2001... Designed for handling corrosive fluids by isolating all metal components from the operating media, the SV25 series are 2-way, normally-closed direct acting diaphragm solenoid valves. Only 1.78-in high and weighing 3.2 oz, with a pressure rating...

Surgical cements.
July 1, 2001... Four versions of acrylic cement allow surgeons to attach prosthetic joint implants to living bone with less release of heat and monomer during polymerization. The cements are available in high viscosity formulation for hand application or low...

Isolation transformers.
July 1, 2001... Designed especially for medical applications, quiet-operating AM series toroidal isolation transformers are UL recognized for medical equipment. Power ratings range from 100 to 3000 VA at 50/60 Hz. Custom options include full encapsulation, PC...

Cable assembly.
July 1, 2001... Fully configured cable interconnect solutions for ultrasound OEMs is available in ModulUS3. The program includes, pre-engineered coax, cable and termination options. Two true coax configurations completely shield signal lines to provide better...

Surge protection.
July 1, 2001... This company's line of industrial- and hospital-grade surge protective receptacles now feature back and side wiring options for more flexible, speedy operation. The Decora-styled receptacles provide hardwired, point-of-use surge protection for...

Feat of (Virtual) Clay.
July 1, 2001... Updating a design tradition Few people outside the milieu of engineering appreciate the importance using of good modeling clay in design work. Kids get Play-Doh, and art students use it in sculptural courses (the stuff potters use is a...

Micro-Rotary Combustion Lab.
July 1, 2001... University researchers at Berkeley are working on creating an internal combustion micro-engine running on liquid hydrocarbon fuel (butane, propane, etc.) to continuously produce watt-level power. The design of the proposed 1mm square...

Pizza Hut.
July 1, 2001... The pizza delivery may have taken a little more than 30 minutes, but it was far from free...Jumping on the decades-old "space-race" bandwagon, Pizza Hut has succeeded in creating and delivering the first space-consumable fast-food pizza to...

Software Driving Hardware Changes.
July 1, 2001... ATV manufacturer transitions to 3D with added benefits Ontario Drive and Gear (ODG) Ltd., New Hamburg, Ontario, designs, manufactures and sells amphibious, all-terrain vehicles. ARGOs are all-season machines that offer seating for up to six...

PCI Mezzanine card.
July 1, 2001... The PMC245 is a derivative of this company's 3U CP245 Compact PCI module. Capable of providing optimal data thru-put in industrial automation applications, the card is equipped with the Infineon DSCC4 intelligent DMA-based serial controller...

Embedded Pentium III module.
July 1, 2001... Available at 500 MHz, the SVME/DMV193 single board computer withstands extended temperature, shock and extreme vibration conditions, for airborne, land-mobile and naval C&C applications.

Multimedia engine.
July 1, 2001... Powered by an 850 MHz Pentium III processor with up to I GB of SDRAM, the SBC-Multi can provide video/audio playback, capture and archiving. It's suited to training and user authentication systems.

Insulation displacement connector.
July 1, 2001... For termination of discrete wires or multi-conductor ribbon cables of up to 40 lines, the EECOM-IDC connector has contacts on 0.050-in. centers. Contact rating is 1A at 250 VAC.

I/O terminal blocks.
July 1, 2001... This family of terminal blocks is suited for digital and serial I/O applications. The TBO2 block combines male and female DB37 connectors with screw terminals, while the similar TBO4 has a single female DB25.

Mini phone jack.
July 1, 2001... The 6-position CTP-J-2506W-C is a surface-mount 2.5mm phone jack that offers high resistance to damage when the plug is sharply pulled at right angles to the jack. The tip and ring have switched contacts.

Miniature PCB terminal block.
July 1, 2001... The FK-MPT O.5/...3.5 is designed for solid wire applications, using spring cage connections and accepting two conductors per circuit for daisy-chaining. Compact design saves PCB real estate. Suitable for telecom and building automation, the...

Waterproof connectors.
July 1, 2001... These multi-pin devices feature a reverse taper seal design which isolates each contact and creates a watertight seal, permitting mated connectors to be submerged in up to 3 ft of water. When properly mated, the connectors are vibration...

Snap-in battery contact.
July 1, 2001... This leaf connector permits the mounting of 9V batteries directly to PC boards. Part 590 offers a wiping action on contact, made of nickel-plated steel. Spring tension provides low contact resistance.

Button battery connector.
July 1, 2001... Sized for the Seiko Instruments model MS614F lithium battery, the Series PB connector permits battery replacement in applications such as calculators and cell phones. Battery mounting force is 29.4N.

Embedded CE platform.
July 1, 2001... This plug-and-play HMI device packs virtually any function that can be performed in Windows CE, from I/O protocols, intelligence and memory to operator displays and communication.

PCB connectors.
July 1, 2001... The SUFK series of circuit board connectors incorporates a male contact in the plug half, mating with standard female plugs or the board-mount 8213/BL series. Available in 2 to 24 poles with 5.08mm spacings.

RF coaxial connectors.
July 1, 2001... Designed for high-power military applications and high-temp environments such as aircraft engines, these connectors are offered in HN, N, SC, SMA and TNC styles. Fluoroloy H dielectric material allows operation at up to 5 kW and temperatures up...

Single-board PC.
July 1, 2001... The EUROCOM 328 is a Celeron/Pentium III-based CPU with a CompactPCI interface. The standardized double Eurocard format permits setup of microprocessor systems in standard 19-in, racks. American ELTEC Inc, Las Vegas, NV.

Wire-board interconnect.
July 1, 2001... CST-l00 II are crimp-snap contacts on a 0.100 in., 2.54mm centerline, They have applications in computers, household and commercial appliances, with contacts rated at 4A at 250V.

Embedded control computer.
July 1, 2001... The BL2000 features 28 digital I/O and 4 RS232/485 serial ports. In 4 con figurations with 9 or 11 channels of AID, two models have Ethernet and two have D/A capability.

Compact PCI back-planes.
July 1, 2001... Available in various slot sizes, the cPCI and H.110 Telecom backplanes combine standard architecture and high-frequency design. The cPCI has a 64-bit CompactPCI bus that is fully compliant with PICMG 2.0-R2.1, while the H.110 combines a...

Fly-Wheeling in the Night.
July 1, 2001... Flywheel Energy Storage Modules (FESM) will soon replace batteries on Earth-orbit satellites, while saving millions of dollars in launch-weight premiums and creating millions more in revenues. An alternate energy management and power...

Machining techniques are adapted for specialized manufacturing technology.
July 1, 2001... Design engineers must continually consider new materials and methods when designing today's high-tech equipment, whether for factory automation, medical devices--or the specialized flywheel technology discussed on page 22. Understanding the new...

Potting compounds and encapsulants.
July 1, 2001... This full range of epoxy and urethane potting compounds and encapsulants are available in low-shrink and non-shrink formulations. They cure quickly at room temperature with minimal air entrapment, and are ideal for protecting electronics,...

Packaging films.
July 1, 2001... This company introduces the first four grades of its Inflex linear low density polyethylene packaging film line, which uses Topas cyclic olefin copolymer from Ticona to improve stiffnesss. clarity, sealing behavior and slip. The four...

Epoxy film adhesive.
July 1, 2001... PF4010 can bond materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion, as it is able to withstand the stresses generated when these materials are subject, to heat. Adhesive allows tough, thermal management.

Crosslinked polyethylene film.
July 1, 2001... This low cost alternative for high temperature applications such as labels, tapes and cable wrap has a softening point of 350[degrees], which allows it to be used for higher temperature applications than conventional polyethylene film.

Water reducible enamel.
July 1, 2001... KEM AQUA 400 is a high quality, air dry water reducible alkyd enamel ideal for the off-road equipment and general metal markets. Its attributes include sharp high gloss, excellent corrosion resistance, adhesion and flexibility, as well as very...

Permanent static dissipative coating.
July 1, 2001... Licron adheres well to metal, plastics, paints and most othcr surfaces. It operates from 0 to 100% humidity. Cured coating is durable and will not chip. The material can be used on any surface needing a translucent coating

Single faced, optically clear film.
July 1, 2001... AR-clear now includes DEV-8796 and DEV-8893 in its line of optically clear adhesives and films for the display screen industry. The former is a 3,0-mil optical grade polyester film coated on one side with an optically clear adhesive; the latter...

Flame-retardant film.
July 1, 2001... This film is for use in fire safely engineering of flexible duct work in HVAC systems. Manufactured by computer controlled blending and extrusion of premium resins and real-time burn testing to meet UL 181 and FMVSS 302 specifications.

Silver-filled silicone coating.
July 1, 2001... For use in a variety of shielding and gasket applications, ElectroCoat combines the low compression of fabric-over-foam with the environmental sealing of conductive clastomer gaskets to provide 90+ dB EMI shielding.

Rooftop Cable Coating.
July 1, 2001... A major Midwestern auto manufacturer estimates that it has saved $850,000 through the use of a silicone sealant to re-coat failing PVC-jacketed electrical cable, preventing the need to replace approximately 15,000 linear feet of the company's...

Custom lighting assembly saves space in hard drive.
July 1, 2001... As electronic devices get smaller and more "look-alike," and as component crowding worsens, the problems of lighting design become tougher to solve. After some floundering on their own, frustrated manufacturers often turn the job over to...

Ball valve.
July 1, 2001... Rated for full vacuum service, this cross port ball valve's 3-way design permits multiple flow patterns because of the crossed flow corridors within the ball. It is available in sizes of 1/2- to 2-in., and is manufactured from PVC, CPVC, PP or...

Cylinder ends.
July 1, 2001... This company has added spherical rod ends to its line of accessories for stainless steel cylinders. They are designed to allow for misalignment in a connection and are treated to resist corrosion.

Mini needle valve.
July 1, 2001... A series of compact polypropylene, in-line needle valves in straight or angle designs are just 1.75-in, in length. NBR packing gives positive shut-off Push-in ends are available in 1/4 in., 3/8 in., 6mm and 10mm sizes.

Stackable valve module.
July 1, 2001... This company's Pneumatic Division introduces the PVLC10 valvetronic valve. It is a system of stackable single- and double-solenoid valve modules with internal electronic interconnections that allow custom valve arrangements.

Latching solenoid valve.
July 1, 2001... This sub-miniature valve is designed for applications that demand ultra-low power, low heat and small size. It is ideal for compact, battery-powered pneumatic instruments such as portable oxygen delivery systems, environmental gas samplers and...

Pinch valve.
July 1, 2001... These stainless steel pinch valves can close 1/4-to 3/4-in. OD softwall tubing with a maximum pressure rating of 50 psi. It incorporates a unique snap-action actuation, and features a 2-in-1 valve design (on/off with built in flow control).

NFPA cylinder.
July 1, 2001... These interchangeable cylinders are designed specifically to offer a clean, smooth profile. The aluminum barrel of the DM2 series eliminates the need for tie-rods. They are highly suited for clean environments such as food, drug and processing...

Control valve.
July 1, 2001... This co-ax control valve for flow, pressure and bypass relief applications allows infinite step-less pressure regulation, with actuation speeds as fast as 30 milliseconds. As a result, it can meet the most demanding pressure flow requirements,...

Double-acting cylinder.
July 1, 2001... The DNA series pneumatic cylinder goes beyond NFPA standards, as pertains to pneumatic cylinder mounting, bore and rod sizes, accessory dimensions and compressed air fitting port sizes. It employs the latest in aluminum profile extrusion...

Poly ball valve.
July 1, 2001... This full-port 4-in, ball valve is designed for industrial, commercial and agricultural applications. Pressure rated at 100 PSI at 70[degrees]F, it uses precision-molded glass-reinforced polypropylene, and features an 8-bolt assembly and a...

Proportional cartridge valve.
July 1, 2001... A family of direct action proportional servo cartridge valves are for use in packaged hydraulic circuits used in mobile equipment and industrial hydraulic applications. The first unit is a 4-way cartridge valve that is close-centered, flow...

On-board electronics (OBE) control valve.
July 1, 2001... The EHR 5-OBE control valve for agricultural engineering integrates electromagnet solenoids into one assembly. Users incorporate the hydraulic valve easily with a simplified wiring harness.

Trumpet valves.
July 1, 2001... Manufactured by Vomed (Germany), this full line includes Standard, large, and high-pressure trumpets. All feature a female luer on one side and an M5 x 0,5,4mm long thread. The high-pressure trumpet withstands up to 250 psi.

Shut-off valve.
July 1, 2001... Ideal for high backpressure and vacuum applications, this 1/2-in. air-operated shut-off valve contains no wetted metals or external fasteners. It is well-suited for high-purity cleanroom or other corrosive environment applications. The...

Relamping the Arch.
July 1, 2001... Shedding new light on outdoor design The town of Hillsboro, Oregon, has the Hi Arch, built and installed to be an example of the town's civic pride. Until recently, hundreds of small incandescent lights located along the arch's 90-foot...

Planetary epicyclic drives.
July 1, 2001... The Type SA drive is the latest generation of Rotomission technology. This compact differential consists of three elements which are mechanically connected by the sun and planet gears. Combining the motion of the three elements solves many...

V-belts.
July 1, 2001... Dynam series V-belts ensure belt tension by providing two clearly-printed marks that can be measured against a pre-specified distance. Risks of slippage are reduced to 1% with 95% power transmission efficiency guaranteed. Correctly tensioned...

Planetary gearboxes.
July 1, 2001... These swissmade gearboxes are available in 22 to 120mm dia., with motor speeds up to 5000 rpm and typical 10,000 hr life. Low and extra-low backlash and heavy-duty torque versions are available. Designed to fit most common motors, mounting...

In-line gear reducers.
July 1, 2001... Available for motorized inputs from 1/4 to 7-1/2 hp, the aluminum-housed Lee-CENTRIC series inline gear reducers are designed with modular mountings to match the footprint of other popular reducer brands.

Helical servo gearhead.
July 1, 2001... Ultra-TRUE continuous duty helical servo gearhead generates less heat than other gearheads. It can run up to 1.5 times faster than standard input speeds with 98.5% mesh efficiency.

Custom gear drives.
July 1, 2001... Right-angle Crown gear drives can be customized to provide directional motion change in all types of power transmission systems. Custom features include many shaft options, case modifications for unique mounting requirements and special...

Gearheads.
July 1, 2001... Available in metric and NEMA sizes, low-backlash high-speed gearheads are inline and right-angle configured, in ratios from 3:1 to 1500:1. All standard gear head products can ship within 72 hours.