Medical Design articles from April 2005

Medical Design archives from April 2005

Slow reimbursement for rapid prototypes.(MEDICAL Edge)(rapid-prototyping machine )
April 1, 2005... Dr. Jon Wagner is a man on a mission. The associate professor at the University of New Mexico bought a $30,000 rapid-prototyping machine for his office. He's convinced he can improve surgical outcomes by practicing on accurate physical models...

What really ticks you off?(MEDICAL Edge)
April 1, 2005... As we begin planning for the second half of 2005, we'd like to slate a few spot-on Web casts and articles dealing with design and manufacturing issues that are the biggest thorns in your side. We'd like to know: * What design problem has...

MEMS monitor aortic aneurysms.(INDUSTRY News)
April 1, 2005... The Endosenor from CardioMEMS, Atlanta, (www.cardiomems.com) provides a low-cost and safe way to check stents inserted to treat abdominal aneurysms, a weakening of the lower aorta. A person can die within minutes after it ruptures. Until now,...

Steris Corp. has acquired the Cosmed Group's medical device sterilization facilities.
April 1, 2005... Steris Corp. has acquired the Cosmed Group's medical device sterilization facilities. The five ethylene oxide sterilization facilities increase the total number of Steris Isomedix Services network locations to 21 in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and...

Eastman Kodak Company uses the NI LabVIEW graphical development environment and NI Vision software from National Instruments to analyze image quality for a variety of Kodak products including digital cameras, printers, and scanners.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Eastman Kodak Company uses the NI LabVIEW graphical development environment and NI Vision software from National Instruments to analyze image quality for a variety of Kodak products including digital cameras, printers, and scanners. Kodak...

Minarik Corp.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Minarik Corp., a national motion distributor and manufacturer of ac and dc drives and motors for over 50 years, had record sales in 2004 of over $100 million. The company, headquartered in Glendale, Calif., has two subsidiaries: Minarik...

Voltage regulators: keep MRIs stable.(INDUSTRY News)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... A stand-up MRI uses voltage regulators to linearly control voltage without reflected or added harmonic distortion. MRIs from Fonar Corp., Melville, N.Y (fonar.com) let doctors scan patients in a weight-bearing state, in a recumbent position, or...

We're the problem, we're the "cure".(Letters to the Editor)(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2005... I think your editorial (Preventable Diseases on My Mind and Hands, Jan/Feb 05) misconstrues the data. Studies about hand washing and the spread of communicable diseases have to do with ways to prevent health care workers from contracting...

More CAD tips.(Letters to the Editor)(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2005... Readers might like to know that in addition to 3DCADtips.com (Jan/Feb MEDICAL DESIGN), the Web site www.b2-design, biz/tuts.html also provides tutorials for a couple engineering programs. Other sites of interest include mcadforums.com/forums,...

FEA: easily meshes tiny skull details.(INDUSTRY News)(Future Educators of America )
April 1, 2005... It took over a year to find a pair of engineering programs that let evolutionary biologist Elizabeth Dumont at U Mass, Amherst, convert, mesh, and simulate loads on small bat skulls. Dumont's process starts with a mi-croCT scan of the skulls...

SUDs get the go ahead.(Regulations & FDA)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... The FDA approved 510(k) clearance of reprocessed diamond bur drill bits from Alliance Medical Corp., Phoenix, (alliance-medical.com). The clearance covers drill bits used in surgery to cut and shape bones. This marks the first 510(k) clearance...

IVD 510(k) workshop.(Regulations & FDA)
April 1, 2005... The Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices at the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) of the FDA, and the Association of Medical Diagnostics Manufacturers (AMDM) will co-sponsor the IVD Roundtable 510(k) Workshop on April 19 and 20...

Nanotechnology regulation Web site.(Regulations & FDA)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... The FDA's Office of Science and Health Coordination has created a Web site devoted to the agency's regulation of products that use nanotectmology--research and development at the atomic, molecular, or macromolecular level. The site links to...

Positioning with nanometer accuracy.(MOTION CONTROL NEWS)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Many medical devices such as blood analyzers, cell imagers, MRI, and microelectronics require resolutions in the nanometer range, and long travel distances. These requirements are traditionally met by combining two motion mechanisms, one for...

Linear guides for high-speed motion.(MOTION CONTROL NEWS)
April 1, 2005... QuickTrak Linear Guides reduce design and installation costs because they are easily built into equipment and are available off-the-shelf from Bishop-Wisecarver Corp., Pittsburgh, Calif., (bwc.com). The guides provide long length, antifriction...

Portable X-ray uncovers flaws in opaque parts.(Machine Of The Month)
April 1, 2005... The FDA's demand for 100% inspection of medical pails is easy enough when critical details are visible. But how do you check overmolded electrical connections or the proper seating of springs in sealed +assemblies? The MedaScope Desktop X-ray...

Ultrasonic welder easy on the hands.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING UPDATE)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... A fast, ergonomic, and user-friendly handheld ultrasonic welder has economic and portable advantages when joining thermoplastics. The HSG Handheld Welder from Herrmann Ultrasonics, Schaumburg, Ill, (herrmannultrosonics.com) is aimed at lower...

EDM hole maker works faster on less power.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING UPDATE)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... A small hole EDM drill (0.2 to 3 mm diameters) works faster than previous EDM hole makers, is easier to control, and needs only tap water rather than deionized water, according to inventor Tetsuro Ito. In addition, the ED-2000M combines high...

Bar-feeder changeovers in less than two minutes.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING UPDATE)
April 1, 2005... The Express series of automatic bar feeders changes over fast, thereby improving the productivity of Swiss-style and fixed-headstock lathes. Express 220 and 320 from LNS America Inc., Cincinnati, (lnsamerica.com), make partial changeovers in as...

Company sports upgrades from CAD to QC.(NEWS FROM Contract Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... New capabilities for materials research and development, product design, engineering and product testing, and a quality-management system ISO/TS-16949 will govern improved communication with customers, says Minnesota Rubber, Minneapolis,...

Firm ready to perform ISO 13485 audits.(NEWS FROM Contract Manufacturers)
April 1, 2005... To apply for or maintain a valid license for Class II, Class III, or Class IV medical devices, all manufacturers are required by Health Canada to register to ISO 13485:2003 under CMDCAS by March 15, 2006. Audits for ISO 13485:2003 can now be...

CEO exposes validation myths.(NEWS FROM Contract Manufacturers)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... There are three myths about software validation, says David A. Vogel, president of Intertech Engineering Associates Inc., Norwood, Mass., (inea.com). "The myths are that validation is the same as testing, verification is the same as testing,...

Ready to make large diameter parts.(NEWS FROM Contract Manufacturers)(MicroGroup purchased Puma 230MS CNC)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... MicroGroup of Medway, Mass., (microgroup.com) has purchased a Puma 230MS CNC capable of producing precision parts from tube and bar stock with ODs between 1 and 2.5 in. The company can now make precision parts as small as 0.039 in. (1mm) and up...

Keeping clamps simple.(INNOVATIONS)
April 1, 2005... Clamps on IV lines and other tubing carrying liquids can be clumsy to operate. Hospital staff opening some clamps can inadvertently tug on the tubing and dislodge them or hurt patients. The Easy Open Pinch Clamp from Z-Man Corp., Kentwood,...

ZigBee networks: open the door to more wireless medical devices: one IEEE standard has led to networked devices that can wake up sensors, put them to sleep, and reshape the network when necessary.(Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers )
April 1, 2005... Imagine a hospital so well connected that a computer turns off lights and dials down the heat in rooms it senses are unoccupied. A patient regaining mobility can wander the halls alone and the computer will monitor vital medical alerts. And in...

Remote monitoring: lets medical equipment call home: remote monitoring and diagnostics keep watchful eyes on critical medical equipment to report use trends, track consumables, and spot trouble before it happens.
April 1, 2005... Several trends are shaping the need for remote diagnostics in medical equipment. For one, medical devices are growing more sophisticated all the time. It would be difficult to find a machine without some sort of computer control. Another...

Better living through pumps: recent advances in pump technology increase battery life, shrink device size, and work with better efficiency than the last generation.(Cover Story)
April 1, 2005... Portable medical devices are changing the way doctors and patients deal with pain and illness. Developments in battery life let devices run long periods without a recharge. Pumps with microchips control the release of medications that relieve...

Need positioning speed and accuracy? Think lead screws: for positioning in medical equipment, lead screws have a lot to offer, mainly speed, efficiency, cost, and cleanliness.(lead screws)(ScrewRail)
April 1, 2005... Lead screws transform rotary motion into linear motion to quickly and efficiently position loads. They use sliding surfaces between the nut and screw. Ball screws, a competing design, recirculate ball bearings between the nut and screw. ...

Variable-frequency ac drives.(Product Spotlight: Motors)
April 1, 2005... SECO-brand Bronco VFD Series variable-frequency ac drives include an isolated front end and a voltage doubler circuit that can send 230 Vac to a motor from a 115-Vat power supply. These dual-voltage inverters also accept speed reference signals...

Nema 11 vacuum motors.(Product Spotlight: Motors)
April 1, 2005... Nema size 11, 1.8-degree vacuum motors exert up to 16 oz-in holding torque, depending on stack size, and are ideal for commercial grade vacuums of [10.sup.-4] Tort to [10.sup.-7] Torr. The motor measures 1.1-in. square and is available in three...

Coreless dc motor.(Product Spotlight: Motors)
April 1, 2005... The Faulhaber 0615 6-mm diameter coreless dc motor is available with a matching diameter planetary gearhead. Designed with a high-energy rare-earth magnet and Faulhaber skew winding, it is available in 1.5, 3, and 4-V versions. The motor has a...

Stainless steel servomotors.(Product Spotlight: Motors)
April 1, 2005... The SSBSM series of stainless-steel brushless servomotors handle 1,500 psi washdown conditions. The motors can be used in harsh, corrosive environments and have UL. CSA CE, and BISSC approvals. They are rated IP67 and are available in standard...

Linear positioner uses stepper motor.(Product Spotlight: Motors)
April 1, 2005... EZ Limo EZS and EZHS motorized sliders are linear positioners driven by stepper motors and ball-screws. Units come with stroke lengths of 50 to 500 mm (1.97 to 19.7 in.) with a maximum load of 30 kg (66 lb). EZS and EZHS reaches maximum...

High-power, high-acceleration brushless dc motor.(Product Spotlight: Motors)
April 1, 2005... The 000-0358 high-performance, brushless DC frameless motor is for low-volt age applications that need high acceleration, and high torque at low speeds. At 48 volts, this motor turns al 200 rpm and delivers 600 oz-in of torque with an...

High-precision miniature gearhead.(Product Spotlight: Motors)
April 1, 2005... The CSF-XHF Size 8 gearhead delivers 2 arc-min positional accuracy in a package size just 32-[mm.sup.2] x 29-mm long. It has a rated torque of 21 in-lb and maximum torque of 80 in-lb. The gearhead has a flange output for compact axial length....

Machining center sports 40,000 rpm spindle.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... The FZ08KS tilt vertical machining center uses a swivel-head spindle for single set-up machining of complex parts. It has a swiveling range of -20 to 115[degrees], and it only takes a second to swivel from 0 to 90[degrees]. The 6-axis machining...

Laser diodes.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... A variety of specialized diodes have wavelengths from 730 to 1120 nm and output powers from 10 mW to 200 mW. A new single mode, DFB, DBR, and broad-area laser diodes work in applications that need a single fundamental mode operation, ultra-high...

Apply fluids without waste, mess, or fatigue.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... The Ultra 870 Dispensing System is an economical way to apply neat, controlled beads of sealants, silicones, brazing pastes and other thick assembly fluids without waste, mess, or hand fatigue. The compact system uses controlled air pressure to...

Amplifier powers ultrasonic transducers.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... This power-amplifier pair drives piezo and ultrasonic transducers for industrial and medical applications. The MP111 controls a pulsed 50-A output current on a 100-V single-ended supply and 500-kHz bandwidth. The MP108 controls a 10-A...

Desktop mill machines parts for prototypes.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... A desktop Subtractive Rapid Prototyping (SRP) system, the MDX-40, cuts prototypes out of a wider variety of non-proprietary materials with greater precision and better surface finish. Materials include ABS, delrin, nylon, and tooling board....

Adhesive peels easy to reposition contact devices.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... An ultra-low adhesive (ULA) offers low peel and repositionability. The hypoallergenic, medical-grade pressure-sensitive adhesive is well suited for medical devices, wound care, cosmeceutical, and nutraceutical applications, such as eye drapes,...

Privacy monitor lets only those in front see.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... The 3M Privacy Monitor helps organizations comply with legislation regarding data confidentiality. The Privacy Monitor integrates proprietary, Vikuiti Light Control Film from 3M into an LCD monitor to help protect sensitive on-screen data from...

Latch kit for aesthetic looks.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... A mounting-bracket kit for the Vise Action Series of compression latches let designers take advantage of the aesthetic and physical benefits of flush-mounted latches, even on thin-profile, sheet-metal doors. The bracket makes a cleaner, more...

Six new I/0 modules.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... Six new modules expand the I/O capabilities of the NI CompactRIO reconfigurable embedded platform for industrial vibration monitoring and control. The modules let engineers perform high-fidelity acoustic and vibration measurements, achieve...

Wireless foot switch frees hands.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... An IR wireless switch system eliminates the problems of wires under foot while invisible infrared light transmits signals to relay pedal action. The EN 60529 IP68 Foot Switch uses light waves because they are less prone to interference than...

Cutter cuts cleanly.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... The MMC100 is an automatic cutter that cleanly cuts a variety of materials, including round or flat material up to 3.94-in. wide and 0.63-in. thick (100-mm wide and 16-mm thick). With a maximum cutting force of 600 pounds, the unit can cut...

Intelligent motion Ics.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... The Magellan family of motion processors with real-time servo trace capture improves servo tuning performance, optimizes motion trajectories, and can be used to capture time-sensitive data. Intelligent motion Ics control dc brush, brushless dc,...

Dc-dc converters.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... The PAF600F280 series is a high-efficiency family of 600-watt full-brick de-de converters with a nominal input of 300 volts de. The converters are ideal for systems using distributed high-voltage dc power architecture and for engineers...

On-demand micro-coiler system.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... The On Demand coil production unit assembles tiny coils or springs from wire as small as 0.0015-in. diameter (40 micron) which may tangle or be damaged in conventional feed units. The system produces and transfers micro-coils into an assembly...

Isolated diaphragm solenoid valves.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... Liquid X, a 12-mm isolated diaphragm solenoid valve, provides high reliability and low-power consumption. Efficient packaging and miniature size make this valve ideal for manifold mounting. Liquid X offers perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) and ethylene...

Flow-control valves.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... JFC Series flow-control valves are combination needle and check valves typically used to control airflow from air cylinders. This, in turn, controls the speed at which the piston strokes while extending or retracting, depending on location in...

Temperature controllers.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... Hot and cold temperature controllers offer high-accuracy electronic temperature control for hot, cold or cold/defrost cycling for a variety of refrigeration and heater applications. The Model 2696-C controller provides cold on/off applications....

Face and eye protection.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... Eye shields and full-face shields can be worn over surgical masks or eyeglasses. The downward angle of the shield protects wearer from splashes and sprays. Top and bottom openings prevent fogging by letting air circulate. These disposable...

Custom instrument cases.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... Custom-designed medical endoscope cases with foam inserts accommodate endoscopic instruments of varying sizes. The cases feature a durable, scratch-resistant ABS plastic housing that protects instruments from damage when stored, and transports...

Silver conductive epoxy adhesive.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... EP77M-F, a two-component, silver filled, electrically conductive epoxy adhesive bonds metals, glass, ceramics, vulcanized rubbers, and most plastics. The compound has a low-volume resistivity of [10.sup.03] ohm-cm. It will set up in 5 to 10...

Japanese socket strips.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... Japanese Socket Strips are rated for a maximum 15 amps with service at 125Vac. Strips are configured with six outlets, a lighted reset switch, and power cord of 2.07 meters. It has PSE approval and is used with equipment for multiple temporary...

Wide soft-magnetic alloy strips.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... Hiperco 50 and 50-HS alloys come in strip widths up to 12.5 in (320 mm) and thickness up to 0.02-in (0.5 mm). These wider strips allow increasing power and reducing the weight of high-speed electrical motors, generators, alternators, and...

Tubing parts eliminate leaks, improve flow.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... Custom-molded tubing parts are manufactured from PVC-based plastisol. The dip-molded parts eliminate potential leaks, and are ready to install. There are no connections to obstruct flow, parts fit into tight areas, and they weigh less. Tubing...

Service designs, manufactures MEMS.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... A recent service lets designers more quickly, easily, and affordably design and test sophisticated microelectro-mechanical systems (MEMS), microdevices, and microscopic mechanical parts. SolidWorks Corp. has joined forces with Microfabrica...

High-performance elastomers.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... The recently redesigned Web site for Stockwell Rubber Co., includes information on materials, design services, production capabilities, industry applications, technical tips, and more. For example, the brochures and literature section has...

Rapid prototypes in high def and color.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... Spectrum Z510 3D Printing System introduces high-definition rapid prototyping to designers, engineers, and product developers. The system supports 24-bit color, 600 x 540 dpi print-head resolution, large build sizes (10 x 14 x 8 in.), improved...

Wireless foot control immune to interference.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... A compliant (CE, TUV, UL) wireless, foot-operated control uses a proprietary BlueTooth module for safe, interference-immune performance. This short-range technology (up to 10 meters) continuously monitors the integrity of the bidirectional...

EMI-proof pulses, triggers, and timing signals.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... V730 provides fast, low-jitter, EMI-proof distribution of pulses, triggers, and precision tinting signals when used with compatible Highland Technology optical transmitter modules such as the V720. The V730 is packaged as a single-width, 6U VME...

Polymer-metal composite as lead alternative.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... Gravi-Tech polymer-metal composites are a high-performance thermoplastic-based alternative to lead and other traditional metals. The compounds use a variety of metallic fillers to deliver similar densities to traditional metals, while offering...

High-efficiency actuator.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... VLA actuators use caged technology to separate rolling elements with a synthetic resin cage that retains grease and reduces maintenance costs. Contamination from lubricants, audible noise, and damaging friction are greatly reduced. The VLA's...

Fiber optic amplifiers.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... SU17 series fiber optic amplifiers feature simple push-button teach modes and include digital displays indicating incoming light level, adjustment steps, and scanning conditions. The SU17 has three sensitivity settings to meet application...

Compliance at lower cost.(DESIGN Solutions)
April 1, 2005... V1.2 of EtQ Reliance makes compliance management easy and efficient. It streamlines time consuming, paper-based routing, approval, and distribution of forms and documents, replacing them with automated transaction management. This automation...

Machine vision seminars.(MEETINGS & Shows)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... A series of seminars from Cognex Corp. will help engineers understand and apply machine-vision sensors. Participants will learn how to improve manufacturing to reduce production costs. Live vision sensor demonstrations will show how...

Clinical Device Group presentations on CD.(MEETINGS & Shows)
April 1, 2005... Clinical Device Group's e-conferences are now available on CD. Titles include What's Up with Monitoring at the FDA, Contract Concerns for Sites, Sponsors, and CROs, and An Introduction to FDA and the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The CD includes...

Mini MBA in medical technology management.(MEETINGS & Shows)
April 1, 2005... May 2 to 6--The collaborative effort developed and delivered by Medical Alley and the University of St. Thomas provides a neutral forum to discuss the needs of the medical-technology industry. The program addresses a range of topics that will...

The future of motors and drives.(MEETINGS & Shows)(Calendar)
April 1, 2005... May 4 to 6--The Motor and Motion Association's Spring management conference discusses the future of the motors and drives industry. It includes presentations, group discussions, and networking. Programs scheduled include power negotiating,...

Rapid prototyping and manufacturing.(MEETINGS & Shows)(Calendar)
April 1, 2005... May 10 to 12--This event is for design, prototyping, tooling, and manufacturing professionals involved in management, engineering, purchasing, product development, and production. The event will focus on real-world applications, help maximize...

On-shore manufacturing may work in the U.S.(INDUSTRY Viewpoint)
April 1, 2005... Many factors driving U.S. companies to take manufacturing overseas center on cost containment. Labor, capital-equipment expenditures, needs for new technology, and quality issues are but a few. Accelerating costs have simply outstripped...

How to know when it's time to change jobs.(Career Corner)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2005... Job dissatisfaction is an indication of needed change. There are ten sure signs you are dissatisfied with your job. If you: * Dread Mondays or coming to work * Can't wait for Friday * Are often bored at work * Feel tired or...

Hot Medical Designs.(RECOVERY Room)(Industrial Design Excellence Awards)(Pty. Ltd)
April 1, 2005... The top designs for 2004 were selected by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) and Business Week magazine, cosponsors of the Industrial Design Excellence Awards (IDEA). There were 130 winners in 12 categories receiving Gold,...