Medical Equipment Designer articles from November 2001

Medical Equipment Designer archives from November 2001

Going 3D-to-1 against cancer: upgrading from 2D to 3D speeds design process for cancer treatment system.
November 1, 2001... For years, delivering radiation exclusively to cancerous tumors has been challenging. Traditional treatment techniques rely on computed tomography (CT) images taken before treatment, and tattoos drawn on the patient's skin to align radiation...

Refitting the 'bionic lugie': diagnostic imaging device improves with outsourcing to gear specialists. (Application Ideas).
November 1, 2001... Providing remarkable clarity in their field of interest, extremely small ultrasound probes are becoming key tools for diagnostic imaging. The technology is being leveraged in transesophageal devices for both cardiology and thoracic surgical...

New front panel sealed switch option. (Advertisement).
November 1, 2001... SoLiCo/mcc is pleased to introducc the new Aquamcc option for the Multimec 3F series switch. which offers IP-67 front panel scaling. The option includes a sealing boot in either black or transparent (for illuminated and non-illuminated...

Sealed pushbutton switches. (Advertisement).
November 1, 2001... The Multimec 3E series modular switches are now available with various height actuators. This is particularly useful when pc mounting the switches under an overlay where a specific component height is required. The switch modules arc scaled to...

X-ray detector. (Medical Products).
November 1, 2001... Designed for non-destructive testing, the RID 1620 flat-panel X-ray detector has a spacial resolution of 2048 x 2048 pixels at a resolution of 200 mm each, providing images with better dynamic range than film at 1.7 images per second. The...

Thermal gap filler pads. (Medical Products).
November 1, 2001... SARCON XR-e and XR-j thermal gap filler pads feature high thermal conductivity and thermal resistance, as well as good consistency and elasticity. Thermal conductivity ratings are 11-and 14- W/m-K, respectively. The silicone gel sheets are...

Gear pumps. (Medical Products).
November 1, 2001... Offering maximum flow rates of 0.95 gpm, the 3000 series gear pump supports a maximum pressure of 38 psi and maximum fluid temperature of 199[degrees]F. The variable-speed brushless motor uses 24 VDC. The magnetically-driven, self-priming,...

Fiber-optic light modules. (Medical Products).
November 1, 2001... For use in endoscopic medical applications and microscopy, the Solarc LM24 24W fiber-optic light modules emit white light three times brighter than halogen equivalents. The module consists of a lamp with an integrated cooling mounting block, a...

Eyes--now ears. (Layer One).
November 1, 2001... With 3D imaging enhancements for computer technology and virtual visual worlds, other senses appear to have been left in the background. The practical benefits of 3D for CAD-CAM are readily apparent, but what about 3D sound? NASA researchers...

The morlocks and the eloi, reconsidered. (Up Front).
November 1, 2001... Some several months back I ran across a news story about changes affecting the Parsee culture in India. It seems that traditional Parsee practice for dealing with the deceased in their group was to have a designated handler remove the body to...

Digital servo controller. (Advertisement).
November 1, 2001... Maxon's new MIP-50 is a 4-quadrant PWM digital servo amplifier designed to control position, velocity, or torque. Compatible with brush or brushless motors up to 250 watts, the MIP-50 can supply 5 A continuously, 11 A for 5 see, and 13 A for...

22 mm reduced cost moving coil motor. (Advertisement).
November 1, 2001... Maxon's new A-max 22 mm (0.87) diameter motors deliver the performance and lifetime of a moving coil motor, but improved automated manufacturing processes reduce cost. The patented rhombic moving coil design provides for long life, low...

High speed brushless motors. (Advertisement).
November 1, 2001... Maxon's new "EC" series of brushless motors are electronically commutated enabling extremely long motor life. This also minimizes electrical noise. Hall effect sensors are built in to the motor in order to provide feedback to the control...

Hydraulic rotary actuators: alternative to linear cylinders. (Five Star).
November 1, 2001... Even in the brute force world of construction and maintenance equipment, does one find subtleties of design. An aerial basket doesn't simply move the worker up and down to his task--an operator must also be able to shift from side to side to...

CBN. (Technology Spotlight).
November 1, 2001... Diamonds may be the hardest substance on earth, but not necessarily the most durable. When it comes to grinding applications, this super-hard form of carbon tends to dissolve in iron at high temperatures. In comes thermally-stable boron...

Millennium Cell. (Technology Spotlight).
November 1, 2001... With the current environmental focus on alternative fuel sources for automobiles, another contender has appeared from the past. In the early years of the Cold War, there was a secret fuel research program concentrating on hazardous...

Precision contact switches. (Switches).
November 1, 2001... * guaranteed to 10 million cycles * offered in IP67 versions A complete family of precision contact switches, matching cable connectors and power amplifiers has been introduced for high-performance, high-actuation motion control...

Reed relays. (Switches).
November 1, 2001... Offered in single- and dual-in-line packages, these molded reed relays provide life expectancies up to [10.sup.9] cycles switching 5 volts @ 10 mA (depending on contact form). Both SIL- and DIP-Series are offered with an internal diode and...

Hall-effect pushbutton. (Switches).
November 1, 2001... Designed as a SPST or 2PST momentary illuminated switch, the SW44158 suits most high-volume front panel applications. Installation requires just 1.7 in. of space behind the display panel. Electro-Mech Components Inc, South El Monte, CA. Free...

Rotary switches. (Switches).
November 1, 2001... This company's Snap-Action rotary switches have continuous ratings ranging from 20 to 200A @ 600V, and are available with up to 4 positions and 12 poles. Features include double-wiping contacts and fully enclosed decks. Electroswitch Corp,...

Pushbutton switch. (Switches).
November 1, 2001... These flush-mount switches in a choice of LED colors and voltages, use a simple two-piece adapter to allow installation in a standard 16mm round panel hole or a 5/8-in. square cutout. Contacts range from 100 [micro]V/10 [micro]A to 42V/l00 mA....

Safety relay. (Switches).
November 1, 2001... The PNOZelog line of relays eliminates active mechanical switching found in other relays, increasing life span while reducing maintenance. Two microprocessors, which are also used in the semiconductor outputs, use different hardware and...

Machine safety switch. (Switches).
November 1, 2001... The Furtif AMX non-contact safety switch serves as a non-contact gate switch for machinery. The ultra-compact unit is designed with two independent, interactive coded electronic systems to ensure fail-safe operation. Norstat Inc, Rockaway, NJ....

Power switch chip. (Switches).
November 1, 2001... The FSDH0165 power switch has a voltage-mode PWM controller and SenseFET (LDMOS) power switching element integrated into a single chip, and packaged in an 8-lead DIPH. Fairchild Semiconductor International, San Jose, CA. Free info--Circle 194....

Tilt switch. (Switches).
November 1, 2001... The AccuSwitch dual axis tilt switch is based on a low-cost angle measurement sensor that combines two accurate clinometers in one package. Programmable switch points for both axes, along with open collector and polarity outputs for each axis,...

Switch magnets. (Switches).
November 1, 2001... A broad stock of magnets allows for better matching with this company's reed switches. Varieties include sintered ferrite, SmCo and NdFeB, bonded NdFeB and Alnico types. Gentech International LTD, Girvan, Ayrshire, UK. Free info--Circle 195....

Surface mount relay. (Switches).
November 1, 2001... Requiring 35% less board space than the similar 9200 series, the smaller 9290 series of relays also has an external magnetic shield to minimize interaction between relays grouped closely together. Coto Technology, Providence, RI. Free...

Washdown switches. (Switches).
November 1, 2001... Previously available in only non-flush-mount models, the efector m washdown product line now includes flush mount, M30 diameter and AC voltage switch units. The switch housing is 316 stainless steel, and the devices are temperature rated for...

Miniature rockers. (Switches).
November 1, 2001... The Model 0815 miniature. single-pole rocker switch is available in lighted and non-lighted versions, and features 1/4 in. quick connect terminals. Bezels are matte or glossy black, with gloss white or matte red or black rockers. McGill,...

Capacitive actuators. (Switches).
November 1, 2001... Suited for use in externally exposed environments such as traffic light systems or public information terminals, these actuators possess no mechanical parts. An adaptive function is incorporated to slow down response to water, dirt or EMC,...

Interlock switch. (Switches).
November 1, 2001... Suited to harsh environments, the T4011 heavy-duty safety switch features an all-metal NEMA 6 enclosure with a variety of stainless steel actuators. It readily adapts to many mounting configurations. Scientific Technologies Inc, Fremont, CA....

Solenoid switch. (Switches).
November 1, 2001... This Electronic Solenoid switch uses circuitry to eliminate mechanical action and electrical arcing. It withstands heavy electrical loads and used in 12 or 24 VDC applications. Encapsulated construction adds protection. Cole Hersee Co, South...

Keeping production rolling: durable urethane rollers reduce downtime. (Revision X).
November 1, 2001... When Phil Cagiano's pager goes off in the middle of the night, he knows it's work, but he's sure it's not his assembly line rollers again. Prior to replacing his metal compliant rollers with those made of urethane, Phil's late night pages would...

Going worldwide, 24-7: Ingersoll-Rand helps build the world by manufacturing around the world.
November 1, 2001... All of us have an affinity for some man-made contrivance, to the point that it's nearly unthinkable to be without a toothbrush, a washing machine, or something so basic as a roof over our heads. Scaling up, it becomes difficult to imagine...

Heavy-duty enclosure. (Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... * durable inject/eject plate * maximum cooling airflow The MaxAir.10 enclosure features a stainless steel inject/eject plate that significantly increases performance in applications where high connector pin count and numerous...

Edge protection. (Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... Available in either L- or U-shaped channels, extruded polyethylene Edge-Foam protectors protect and cushion product edges from damage. Its flexible shape enables the product to wrap around corners and edges with a snug fit. Pactiv Corp, Lake...

Modular fixtures. (Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... Modular T-slotted aluminum extrusions offer lightweight, easily-machinable fixturing that can be used as a pressure manifold for air tools, for C-Frame presses, drilling fixtures, camera positioning, sub-assembly etc. 80/20 Inc, Columbia City,...

Server slide. (Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... The 2807 slide for 1U and 2U chasses is only 0.375-in, wide and 1.06-in. high. It can be positioned at the top, middle or bottom of the chassis side to leave room for cooling vents, hot swapping and diagnostic work. It carries up to 50 lbs and...

Closures. (Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... Offering quick access and a positive seal, Rapidoor closures are available in a variety of hinged and sliding configurations. Custom design can include remote operation, safety interlocks and various materials. WSF Industries Inc, Buffalo, NY....

Computer chassis. (Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... The customizable RKT series chassis is an EIA 19-in. rack mount configuration accepting up to a 14-slot passive backplane or ATX motherboard. Fan, filter and removable shock-mounted drive bay are included. Interlogic Industries, Melville, NY....

Enclosures & accessories. (Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... DC-100 four-color full-line catalog features server and co-location cabinets, turnkey cabinet assemblies, distribution cabinet assemblies, open rack servers, wall-mount racks and open double racks. There is also a complete line of UL/NEMA/IEC...

Hinges. (Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... This company introduces 5 new hinges for outdoor and indoor enclosures, featuring low-cost installation and a wide range of sizes. The 30% glass-reinforced nylon withstands weathering, chemical and corrosion resistance and toughness. EMKA Inc,...

Handheld enclosure. (Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... Industry-standard Model CTPE859 T-shape handheld enclosure eliminates the battery door and compartment in order to allow more internal space while increasing weather protection. Connect-Tech Products Inc, Carson City, NV. Free info--Circle 212....

Card cages brochure. (Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... This color brochure provides charts and illustrations describing the company's self-extinguishing ABS plastic card cages and guides. R10 models are available in 5 heights and 4 widths, and feature 0.08-in. end panels and extruded aluminum...

System chassis. (Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... Offering up to 4 PMC/PCI sites in a sub-1U chassis, the Multi-Node chassis has a higher computing density than traditional packaging strategies. A single-Node version is also available. Tracewell Systems Inc, Westerville, OH. Free info--Circle...

Door latch. (Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... Designed for thinner access- and personnel-door applications, No. 1-475 R/L low-profile rotary latch is offered in right- and left-hand configurations. A two-stage automotive latch design has both primary and secondary latch features. Eberhard...

Computer cabinet. (Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... This heavy-duty computer cabinet features an acrylic window door that houses the monitor for easy viewing. A pullout keyboard drawer with hinged drawer front allows easy access. A full-length hinged lockbar allows padlock attachment. Side...

Heavy equipment with a soft interior. (Enclosures & Fixtures).
November 1, 2001... * improved appearance * reduced costs Savvy employers are constantly looking for ways to enhance the work environment while cutting costs. Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL, now offers such service to heavy equipment operations. For their...

Safe sacks: packaging program prevents oxidation in overseas shipments. (Tech Upgrade).
November 1, 2001... The relative humidity within a seagoing shipping container can stay pretty close to 100% during transit. With daily temperatures fluctuating as much as 50[degrees]F or more, a virtual microclimate is created within a shipping container that may...

Miniature DC servo actuators. (Harmonic Drive Actuators from HD Systems).
November 1, 2001... HD Systems offers a line of miniature DC servo actuators for use in applications such as robotics, instrumentation, and factory automation where precise motion control is required. The RH mini actuators combine zero backlash harmonic drive...

Hollow shaft brushless DC servo actuators. (Harmonic Drive Actuators from HD Systems).
November 1, 2001... The FHA Series of actuators feature a through-bore up to 45 mm in diameter and provide high torque and exceptional positioning accuracy. This performance is achieved in a compact design using a patented "S' tooth harmonic drive gear coupled to...

Miniature brushless DC servo actuators. (Harmonic Drive Actuators from HD Systems).
November 1, 2001... Featuring an extremely compact design, HO Systems offers their product line of miniature brushless harmonic drive actuators. The RS Mini series consists of harmonic drive gearing attached to a brushless DC motor with electronic commutation, and...

Pneumatic cylinder. (Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... * Suits high-speed apps * Easy maintenance The Series P1L Cylinder is a round-body, repairable pneumatic cylinder that offers full-flow ports, standard bumpers, and optional adjustable cushions. Suited to applications with piston...

Cable cylinders. (Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... This company offers three series of cable cylinders--totally enclosed, standard and guided. The totally enclosed cylinder removes the main wearable parts from the operating environment and encapsulates them within a protective body. They are...

Distribution valves. (Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... A range of large manual rotary distribution valves for high precision gas and fluid control are available. Pressure rated up to 500 psi, the valves are offered in 5-, 7-, 9- and 11-port versions for 4-, 6-, 8- and 10-way distribution, as well...

Remote valve operator. (Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... The Flexi-Drive can be applied to virtually any type of industry where valves are in use. The cable system can drive a valve up to 200 ft. away, and can accommodate up to 540 degrees of bends between stations. Smith Flow Control Ltd, Witham,...

Non-tie-rod cylinder. (Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... The extruded body design of the DM2 cylinder line eliminates the need for tie-rods. Available in 1 1/2-, 2-, 2 1/2-, 3 1/4 and 4-in. bore sizes, the units are suited for clean environments such as food and drug processing. Mead USA, Chicago,...

Ball value. (Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... Manufactured from high-strength; fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene, this high capacity 4 in. full port ball valve has a pressure rating of 100 psi at 70[degrees]F. Features include S-bolt assembly and a self-aligning ball for full flow. The...

Ball valve. (Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... The Triad Series 3-piece valve comes standard as fire safe certified to API 607 4th Edition standards. The valve is offered in full and standard port models, and is suited for high pressure, high temperature, severe service and high cycle...

Pneumatic control valves. (Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... Type V15 directional control valves offer easy installation and maintenance, corrosion resistance, and custom valve bank configuration. Features include integrated tube fittings and fast response times. Bosch Rexroth Corp, Hoffman Estates, IL....

Miniature isolation valves. (Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... These high-pressure isolation valves feature full corrosion resistance, high cycle life, low power requirements and fast response times. Inert construction materials include PEEK, PPS and Teflon. The valves can substitute for more expensive...

Poppet valves. (Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... The SV73 Series of 3-way double diaphragm, inert balanced poppetinert solenoid valves are designed for the control of corrosive fluids. Two rolling diaphragms act as isolating barriers and balancing areas. Valcor Engineering Corp, Springfield,...

Barbed check valves. (Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... These valves have been tested functional at pressures up to 150 psi and as low as 1 psi. The devices are offered in Kynar, polycarbonate, nylon or polypropylene, covering a wide range of chemical resistance. Ark-Plas Products Inc, Flippin, AR....

Solenoid valve. (Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... The Type 330 direct acting valve with isolating diaphragm is unaffected by tough media. It is offered with a brass body, or a stainless steel body and seat for corrosive and contaminated fluids, and 1/4-in. ports. Rating is for 150 psi max....

Barbed luers. (Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... This company offers samples of their barbed male and female luers, which can be made from nylon, polypropylene, radiation-stable polycarbonate, medicalgrade polysulfone and PEEK, in tube ID sizes from 1/16- to 1/4-in. Value Plastics Inc, Fort...

Control valve. (Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... The VC-210 Mini-Max valve is single-seated and bellows-sealed to prevent stem leakage. The stainless steel cast bodied-unit, is constructed with an anti-torque shaft, for use in water, steam, gas and vacuum systems. Robertshaw Industrial...

Solenoid valve. (Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... This 2-way extended-performance solenoid valve (EPSV) is designed to handle higher temperatures and pressures, while minimizing out-gassing. A Spike and Hold function permits hold-open at a lower voltage. The Lee Company, Westbrook, CT. Free...

Solenoid globe valves. (Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... The high temperature and pressure capabilities of Laurence solenoid operated valves make them well-suited for demanding process applications. Available in 1/2- through 6-in. sizes, the valves are offered with flanged, threaded or weld end...

Control valve. (Valves & Cylinders).
November 1, 2001... The Doctor Series of MD control valves may be applied to mixing or diverting dirty or viscous liquids, gases or steam. Dual port and balanced plug design provide smooth, high-pressure control, and permit use of compact actuators for...

A survey of plastics finishing methods. (Design in Plastics).
November 1, 2001... PART 6 Previous articles examined design considerations for injection-molded parts (August 2000), physical and mechanical properties (November 2000), thermal, electrical and chemical properties (February 2001,) injection molding and design...

Electromechanical actuator. (Advertisment).
November 1, 2001... A linear actuator translates rotary motion to linear motion. These units use high power output rare-earth permanent magnet brush or brushless motors: spur or planetary gearing; embedded or separate modulated smart analog or digital servo...

Fiber Optic Rotary Joint. (Advertisment).
November 1, 2001... A multi-pass Fiber Optic Rotary Joint (FORJ) allows optical signals to pass from a stationary structure to a rotating mechanism in a fiber optic system. The assembly is available with 2 to 7 optical passes and a combination at single or...

Slip ring. (Advertisment).
November 1, 2001... A slip ring provides solutions for moving data and power from a stationary structure to a rotating device. The through-bore design provides space for routing at hydraulic or pneumatic lines and a compact outside diameter for minimal space...

Surface treatment. (Films & Coatings).
November 1, 2001... * leather-like feel * formable laminate Designed as an alternative for soft touch paint on ABS, TPO and polycarbonate components, Soft-Touch formable thermoplastic sheet provides a soft, leather-like feel for automotive interior trim...

Composite coating. (Films & Coatings).
November 1, 2001... Offering a Rockwell hardness rating in the high 80,s--[+ or -]25% harder than hard chrome plating--Dia-Clust diamond-chrome coating has a low plating temperature of 100-120[degrees]F and is 0.00004- to 0.002-in, thick. Bales Mold Service Inc,...

Packaging film. (Films & Coatings).
November 1, 2001... Designed to protect ferrous and non-ferrous parts against heat, moisture and corrosive gases generated during foam-in-place packaging, lightweight flexible Cor-Pak VpCI liners resist tears and punctures. Cortec Corp, White Bear Lake, MN. Free...

Conformal coating. (Films & Coatings).
November 1, 2001... Requiring no solvent for maximum performance, the ambient moisturecured IC49LV silicon conformal coating for PC assemblies raises no VOC concerns. Its low viscosity enables it to coat hard-to-reach areas. The coating withstands high heat in...

Chromium-free coating. (Films & Coatings).
November 1, 2001... Comprised of zinc and aluminum flake within an inorganic binder, EPA- and OSHA-approved Geomet VOC-compliant coating provides 3-times greater corrosion protection than pure zinc. Metal Coatings International, Chardon, OH. Free info-Circle 250....

Non-glare sheets. (Films & Coatings).
November 1, 2001... Coated to prevent light reflection on display panels, Clarex AR optical-quality acrylic sheets enhances image clarity on LCDs, CRTs LEDs and other displays typically viewed in direct sunlight. Astra Products Inc, Baldwin, NY. Free info--Circle...

Temperature indication. (Films & Coatings).
November 1, 2001... This catalog highlights the company's temperature indication and high-temperature coatings. Included are Temp-Alarm[degrees] time/temperature signaling paint, Chromonitor[degrees] reversible temperature-indicating paint, Pyromark[degrees] high...

Graphite protection. (Films & Coatings).
November 1, 2001... Titanium boride-based Graphi-Coat 623 coating protects graphite electrodes, crucibles and continuous casting fixtures used in metallurgical processing applications up to 2500[degrees]F. Aremco Products, Valley Cottage, NY Free info--Circle 253....

Thread-masking process. (Films & Coatings).
November 1, 2001... High-speed powder Nycote process repels weld splatter and prevents adhesion of electrodeposited paints, primers and coatings that can fill the threads of screws and nuts, and interfere with proper clamp loads. Nylok Fastener Corp, Macomb, MI....

Metal coating. (Films & Coatings).
November 1, 2001... Blending thermosetting powder coating with polytetrafluoroethylene, Epflor reduces the coefficient of friction by over 1/3 compared to pure epoxy, and has an increased resistance to corrosion or abrasion. The coating can be applied with...

PTFE-coated wire. (Films & Coatings).
November 1, 2001... * no VOC concerns * versatile durability First developed by Roy J. Plunket at DuPont in the late 1930's, PTFE is perhaps best known for its trade name Teflon, and its popular use in preventing food from sticking to cookware. Yet the...