Medical Equipment Designer articles from May 1999

Medical Equipment Designer archives from May 1999

Flights of Fancy Grounded in Worldly Concerns.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... Next month marks the 20th anniversary of manned flight across the English Channel. Not by a motorized aircraft, mind you, of the traditional sort -- it was twenty years ago that Brian Allen pedal-propelled the Gossamer Albatross for nearly...

Simply Amazing.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... These words are quite an observation on life. For design engineers, they're also quite an observation on work. You're lucky. Your "world of reality" allows you to bring your imaginations, insights, educations, and life experiences to work...

Miniature Commercial Gearmotor.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... Useful output power and solid reliability for MIS devices, miniature pumps and more At 1.9mm (0.075 in.) in diameter, Micro Mo Electronics, Clearwater, FL, reports its BL 1900 Series brushless motor and planetary gearhead is the world's...

Ultra-Fine Wire Plays Key Role in Cochlear Implant Design.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... New hope for the profoundly deaf Modern science continues to develop hearing aids of reduced size and increased complexity to provide clear amplified sound for the hearing impaired. But what options are available to profoundly deaf...

The X-ray revolution.
May 1, 1999... Advances in technology and unique, breakthrough developments continue to define today's everchanging imaging and diagnostics market. 3-D viewing software offers doctors and surgeons a realistic layer-by-layer view of the human form, in vitro...

Streamlined 3D Model Preps Surgeon, Shortens Operating Time.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... Earlier this year, Dr. John Teichgraeber, pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Houston, TX, used the services of Medical Modeling Corporation, Golden, CO, to prepare for and refer to while performing a fronto-orbital advancement with...

Benefits of Low Profile Conveyors in Medical Device Manufacturing.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... In today's technology-rich medical environment, the age-old hands-on approach to medical device manufacturing no longer applies. Manufacturers of medical instruments and supplies utilize an entirely different strategy when it comes to material...

Incandescent LEDs.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... These sunlight-visible LEDs are direct replacements for incandescent lamps in industrial controls, indicators and other applications. At 20mA, emission and color temperature are similar to a daylight-color fluorescent lamp and its...

Panel light.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... These LEDs produce uniform illumination regardless of color and are available in 5 to 120VAC. Combined with a tinted or clear Fresnel lens to provide secondary optics, the series produces high-intensity light evenly distributed over a 160...

Lamp driver.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The CS-1108 single lamp driver provides full control and power for type 194 bulbs. It provides 350mA of current and fault reporting. In addition, the CS-1108's fault detection capabilities include supply voltage, overcurrent and overtemperature...

Fiberoptic lightsource.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The CF-1000 provides an internal color filter wheel and features both DC regulation and proprietary light-lick internal light teed back compensation for precision in ten sits and co or stability The eight-position filter wheel is computer...

Fiber optic connectors.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The LC line of fiber optic connectors, adapters and patch cords includes single and multi-mode versions, in simplex and duplex types. The LC connector series provides the extremely low insertion loss and return loss for reliable gigabit...

IR components.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The SME/SDM series comes in ceramic packages with glass lenses. The SME2470 is a high-intensity aluminum gallium arsenide infrared diode (IRED) for efficient optical coupling. The IRED can be used with either the SMD2440 phototransistor for...

Self-monitoring emitters.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... IPL 10630 emitters are an advanced range of LED light sources which offer controlled and stabilized output with a high level of consistency. The devices operate from a single- or dual-rail power source, allowing compatibility with logic...

High flow couplings.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... Medical grade polysulfone HFC-39 couplings are a lightweight, cost-effective replacement for stainless steel connectors and fittings in biomedical applications. Automatic shut-off valves prevent drips when disconnected and eliminate the need...

Microporous membrane.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... This PTFE membrane repels low surface tension liquids while venting gases. An effective barrier to microbes and particulate matter with high titer reductions, it is ideal for applications such as transducer protectors, IV stents, suction...

Differential pressure transducer.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The series 646 transducer may be used for variable air volume systems, filter pressure drop and gaseous leak detection, clean room static pressure monitoring, and medical equipment. In addition, it features excellent repeatability, low...

X-ray tubes.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... These high performance X-ray tubes for computed tomography (CT) medical imaging scanners use less energy and are easier to dispose of or recycle than earlier tubes. Based on the new concept of integral housing, three major tube components are...

Photocurable adhesive.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... PERMABOND 4L35 for medical device assembly cures within a fraction of a second when used to bond various plastics in the manufacture of medical devices. This adhesive can be cured with a variety of lamp systems and is recommended for bonding...

Extruded positioning stage.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... These stages are available in standard travel lengths up to 114 in. with a payload capacity of 300 lbs. Longer stroke versions to 230 in. can be custom ordered. Velocities to 200 in. per second are possible with an acceleration of up to 10 Gs,...

Thread sealant.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... LOX-8 was specifically developed for use in medical equipment such as breathing apparatus and oxygen, chlorine and nitrous oxide systems. It is oxygen safe, can withstand pressures up to and above 10,000 psi, and remains stable in temperatures...

Specialty tapes and films.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The Bioflex series includes pressure-sensitive foam tapes designed for the manufacture of medical devices such as electrodes and grounding pads, breathable self-wound medical-grade adhesive tapes, and a latex-free adhesive tape for applications...

PhotoMOS relays.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... NAiS Brand RF C x R 20 type relays feature a low 2.0 pF output capacitance between output terminals, and low ON resistance of 9.8 ohms. The super miniature design 4-pin type measures 4.3mm x 4.4mm x 2.1mm. It offers high speed switching and...

Heat shrinkable tubing.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... This fluoroplastic medical grade tubing is chemically inert, nontoxic, biocompatible, impervious to moisture and needs no adhesive when applied to metals, glass, stainless steel and other substrates. It is available in a wide variety of...

Power supplies.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The UltraFlex series of 400W and 600W power supplies powers various medical applications, including: ultrasound, blood analyzer, CAT scan, X-ray and MRI equipment, or any equipment requiring multiple voltages supplied to various isolated loads....

Nut assemblies.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... Plastic anti-backlash assemblies offer a low cost solution to traditional ball screw assembly. The XC series uses a rigid stainless steel cam that automatically rotates and produces higher axial rigidity without sacrificing life, torque or...

Micro-pipettors.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... This full line of air displacement micro-pipettor Mini-Pets are now available in fixed volume sizes ranging from 5 to 200 [micro]l. The 3 3/4-in. Mini-Pets deliver a high degree of precision and accuracy, and are available in ten basic colors...

Digital linear actuator.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... This bidirectional digital linear actuator (DLA) provides high linear resolution as fine as 0.001 in. per pulse. The Series 92200 DLA is a modified rotary stepper motor, with a rotor that includes an internally molded thread that mates to an...

Medical alloy information.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... Guidelines for selecting stainless steel and titanium for medical instrument applications are provided in a free publication. It covers materials selection, relative corrosion resistance, and physical and mechanical properties of alloys used in...

Brush-commutated motors.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The Series 9000 permanent magnet DC motor recently was customized for use in two medical product designs for breathing applications. Customization included non-standard shaft, ball bearings and endbells. The motors provide 8.35 to 77.0 oz-in....

Motion Control with Magneto-Rheological Fluid.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... Two motion control concepts incorporating Rheonetic Fluid Technology were introduced in March by Lord Corporation, Cary, NC, at the 1999 National Design and Engineering Show and Conference in Chicago. By placing the company's Rheonetic braking...

Displaytech, Inc.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The engineers at Displaytech, Inc., Longmont. CO, are producing what they say will be the next generation in data display devices. The new heir, following the history of CRTs. LCDs and plasma displays. could be the LightCaster Ferroelectric...

Nanomotion Ltd.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The need for ultra-high vacuum motors is growing in devices such as SEM, TEM and E-Beam writers, but conventional motors pose vacuum compatibility problems due to winding surface area, bearings, brushes and heat dissipation. The use of...

Hydraulic fittings.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... These O-ring lace-seal fittings eliminate leaks in hydraulic systems, while permitting operating pressures as high as 6,000 psi. Developed for hydraulic systems on both industrial and commercial equipment. the product line is available in 23...

Inert valves.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... These valves are suitable for a broad range of light industrial applications, both new and retrofit. Designed to control a wide range of industrial fluids, including corrosive or high purity liquids, they all feature bubble-tight shut-off, with...

Piston valves.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... This line of brass bronze and 316 stainless steel valves is designed for corrosive fluids, steam and vacuum. The valves are engineered for the majority of fluid control applications. Operating at a temperature range of -22[degrees] to...

Sealing solutions.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... PolyPaks are precision-molded, multi-purpose sealing devices combining an O-ring type O-spring with a conventional lip seal. This produces a product which seals in high or low pressure vacuum. PolyPak provides an excellent seal from hard vacuum...

Solenoid valve.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... Type 124 solenoid valves Utilize a short travel, pivoted armature that moves laterlly to alter flow paths instead of vertically like those found in conventional valves. The advantage of the lateral armature is a life expectancy twice that of...

Teflon components.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... These seals, seats, diaphragms, and other components are manufactured from Teflon (PTFE) for flow control applications requiring high corrosion and temperature resistance. The products are impervious to moisture, chemicals, and corrosives, and...

Spray valve.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The 782R-24 is a radial spray valve that evenly coats the interiors of cylinders from 1- to 12in. in diameter. Applications include spraying DC motor cans with activator, lubricating engine cylinders and applying silicones to medical devices....

Flow switches.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The FS series of miniaturized copper bodied flow switches are designed for direct connection to existing 15mm and 1/2-in. pipe and measure only 152.4mm (6-in.) in length. They provide no-flow protection for pumps and similar equipment in...

Hydraulic coupling.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The FE series of quick connect couplings allow fast coupling and uncoupling with a minimum of oil leakage or danger of hydraulic system contamination. The design climinates safety worries caused by leaking hydraulic oil and complies with ISO...

Flow sensors.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The series 106 flow sensors can measure very low flow rates from 15ml/min to 10L/min with [plus or minus]1% accuracy. The response time is less than one second. Suitable for a wide variety of industrial, commercial, and laboratory flow...

Mini relief valves.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... These valves are pre-set to spring pressures as low as 3 in. [H.sub.2]O through 10 psi. The color-coded filter cap shows the user the spring rating used. End fitting combinations include 10-32 female, 1032, 1/4-28 and 1/8-in. male threads, as...

Conductivity switch.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The M3784 conductivity switch can be used in liquids with conductive properties and characteristics that would cause a float to stick or not operate at all. This switch uses one to three electrodes that extend into the liquid to be measured....

Ball valves.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... This 2-in. full port compact polypropylene ball valve offers compact size and a four-bolt design for easy handling. The chemical-resistant valve is molded from glass-filled polypropylene, with Teflon seats and Viton O-rings. The valves are...

CAD/CAM Software Helps in Race to Build Olympic 2000 Train.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... If you think you have a Y2K deadline to meet, consider the challenge for Clyde Engineering, Ltd., Granville, NSW. The company is endeavoring to engineer the next generation people mover that, if finished in time, will carry athletes and...

Thermoplastic couplings.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The Spectrum series of thermoplastic couplings combine compact size, high flow capability and light weight design to meet a broad range of coupling applications. The series is available in three material options. Acetal, PVDF and PVDF+. The...

Elastomeric spiders.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... Specially designed "spiders" featured in the company's Jaw In-Shear coupling series fully separate the driving and driven hubs, giving the traditional compression-type jaw coupling a new in-shear torque transmission alternative and allowing the...

Locking hinges.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... Infiloc is a rotary sprag positioning device that offers a compact design package without the need to triangulate, as in conventional linear sprag locking devices. Produced in glass reinforced nylon, this hinge is both strong and lightweight....

Rigid couplings.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The Nomar line of rigid shaft couplings is available in a 3-piece design, allowing for more convenient exchange or adjusting of coupled shafts, particularly where the shaft cannot be axially detached. They are available with straight or stepped...

Hinged shaft collars.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... These collars are designed for installation into existing machinery or equipment, especially in tight spaces behind components or assemblies. They have the same load carrying capabilities as standard two-piece collars, and are available in 24...

Servo couplings.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The X series of couplings is an effective balance between couplings that are too stiff radially and those not stiff enough torsionally for servotype applications. The coupling features high torsional stiffness, low radial loads, 1-piece...

Shrink discs.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The Peter line of clamping shrink discs are keyless locking devices that "squeeze" shafts to gears, or shafts to shafts, for applications requiring high-torque power transmission. The line transmits torque up to 1,430,750 ft-lbs for shaft...

Four Case Studies of Innovative Marine Technology.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... Marine applications literally bring a whole new world of challenges to design engineers. Unique environmental conditions pressures temperatures, power sources, materials suited to water and more are the types of considerations. OEM designers...

Noise Suppression Inlet Filter.
May 1, 1999... Designed primarily for applications involving fast-switching semiconductors, the FN 9246 is an ideal high performance EMI suppression solution for use whenever space is at an absolute premium. Eight current ratings span from 1 to 20A. The I 6A...

Compact Limit Switch.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The Thinswitch limit switch verifies component position before sequential operation can occur, protecting operators from injury and preventing damage to equipment. Applications include injection molds, trash compactors, paper balers, packaging...

Extreme Environment Enclosure.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... Featuring a solid cast stainless CF-8M housing with stainless steel trim and shaft bearing, the Watchman-II VPT includes an indicator environmentally sealed against fogging and entry of contaminants. The compact, NEMA 4X enclosure is designed...

Miniature Keyboard.
May 1, 1999... Measuring just 8- x 5-in., with a depth less than 1 in., this miniature keyboard is plug-and-play ready for OEM applications. Dual function keys provide 104-key functionality from the 68-key QWERTY layout. and NEMA 4-rated silicon keeps the...

Hall-effect Speed sensor.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... Hall-effect speed sensor. The HE615300 Geartooth Speed Sensor offers zero speed-sensing capabilities via a single sensor coupled to self-calibrating peak-to-peak circuitry. Optimal performance is achieved with targets of high magnetic...

Signal conditioner.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The AM400 single-chip current and voltage interface circuit provides simultaneous and independent current (4-20mA) and voltage (5-10V) outputs. They are surface mount or DIP devices specially designed to process the differential output signal...

Screen encoder.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... This low-power, single IC interfaces any four- or eight-wire resistive touch screen to PS/2-equipped computers and chip sets. Ideal for portable systems and interactive kiosks, the IC offers an advanced algorithm for enhanced motion control....

Integrated passive device.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The PAC 560 GTL is designed for socket 370-based processors in desktop systems, such as Intel Celeron and Mendocino processors. The 560 GTL provides resistor termination that minimizes inductance, exhibits low cross talk and has high frequency...

Audio DAC.
May 1, 1999... The AD 1853 is a 24-bit stereo audio D/A converter that meets the 192 kHz audio sample rate standard for DVD players. The IC combines proprietary data conversion technology with a sigma-delta converter core to deliver audio performance at every...

ISP solution.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The ZPSD813F MCU support IC adds external flash memory and programmable logic to 5-volt, 8-bit CISC designs without appreciably increasing the power drain. For example, a second 32 Kb flash memory to enable concurrent ISP and a CPLD to a 5-volt...

Microcontroller.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... This Arithmetic Controller Engine (ACE) is a microcontroller optimized for low power packaged in an 8-bit TSSOP. The ACE 1101 microcontroller features re-programmable EEPROM, a 16-bit multifunction timer, an internal oscillator, and internal...

Resistor networks.
May 1, 1999... This manufacturer offers a wide variety of custom resistor networks, resistor/capacitor networks and resistor/diode networks. This product is a custom resistor/diode network. It allows the engineer to minimize space arid to obtain accurate...

Crystal oscillator.
May 1, 1999... The MTXL25 is a temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) that is available with frequency stabilities of [plus or minus]l.5ppm over -20[degrees] to 70[degrees]C. [plus or minus]2.5ppm over -30[degrees] to 75[degrees]C. and [plus or...

Pulse generators.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The PCL240 line of programmabale single-chip high-speed pulse generators are CMOS LSIs. Each LSI oscillates high-frequency pulse to drive the stepping motor and pulse train input servo motor according to the command written through the CPU bus...

The Advent of Low-Profile Entertainment.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... Flat screen television finally arrives for home use It's what the futurists and fantasy writers have alluded to for decades. Versions of it were part of the cover art of Hugo Gernshach pulps, and Ming the Merciless, on more than several...

Embeddable proximity sensor.
May 1, 1999... The Bi50-CP80 sensor features an extremely long sensing range, with a rated operating distance of 50mm m to mild steel. This range can he achieved even with the sensor totally embedded in steel utilizing a rugged aluminum shield, which protects...

Through-hole crystals.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... German precision quartz crystals are being offered in the US for applications in wired and wireless telecom, video, audio, computers and peripherals, electronic games and toys. Supplied in an H49/U package in both low profile and SMD, the...

Gold clad wire.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... Metallurgically bonded gold clad wire typically is thinner than filled types, and thicker than plated wire. This w ire is offered in 10 to 24K sold over copper and copper alloy, nickel based alloys, or other cores such as titanium and niobium....

Wire marker kit.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... This self-contained permanent wire marker kit features a portable heat gun, a wide selection of heat shrinkable white tubing and an indelible marking pen. Tubing sizes in the kit are 3/16, 1/4, 3/8- and 1/2-in diameter, with a 2:1 shrink ratio,...

Metallized polyester film capacitors.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... Cylindrically-shaped Series MKT 68.5 capacitors incorporate axial leads with tinned, copperweld or copper wire. They can handle 2,000 VDC/600 VAC up to 15,000 VDC/l,200 VAC, in capacitances to 0.022[micro]F. Insulation resistance is up to...

DC power cables.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... Molded power plugs and cords are offered with an array of options, starting with right angle or straight molded plugs. Outer diameter of the connectors include 3.4, 4.0, 5.5 and 6mm, for use with 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.3, 1.7, 2.0 and 2.5mm pin...

Weather resistant rocker switches.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The universal DC Series 58328 Rocker Switch contains a rugged internal gasket seal to protect against adverse weather conditions and contaminants, such as salt, dirt and grease. Silver contacts provide superior conduction over standard brass...

Potting and encapsulating.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The Conathane EN-2500 series of two-component thermosetting polyurethane potting and encapsulating systems has been formulated without TDI or MBOCA, to ensure minimal health and handling hazards. Usable in applications such as modules,...

Full wave bridge.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... These 0.3-in. square, low profile IA bridges feature flexible 0.008 in. wire leads, making the units easy to mount inside equipment. Ratings on the A 10481 series is 1000V+. They are manufactured from four glass passivated silicon rectifier...

Potentiometers for harsh environments.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... An aerospace-grade housing, stainless steel shaft and environmental sealing give the Series 157 potentiometers excellent temperature and resistance stability and exceptional robustness. A bronze sleeve bearing provides durability to withstand...

Airflow switch.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The Series 300 Airflow Switches provide continuous airflow monitoring and fast response in critical environments such as cleanrooms, semiconductor fabs and electronics enclosures. Calibration points in the solid-state units can range from 50 to...

Reduced space DIP switches.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... The Series 97 half-pitch DIP switch requires less than half the board space of traditional DIP switches. owing to a design that incorporates 0.05-in, terminal centers on the side of the package. A gold contact system ensures reliability, and...

RF/microwave capacitors.(Brief Article)
May 1, 1999... A line of porcelain and ceramic dielectric multilayer capacitors designed for RF and microwave applications is offered in a range of 1 MHz to 2.0 GHz. The AQ Series includes two X7R formulation chips with capacitance values up to 100,000 pF....

Friction-Free Diaphragm Keeps the Pressure On.
May 1, 1999... Clippard Instrument Laboratory, Inc., Cincinnati, OH, a manufacturer of high quality miniature pneumatic products, was asked for assistance in developing a diaphragm to meet the demanding needs of a medical respirator application requiring...