Medical Design articles from April 2007

Medical Design archives from April 2007

Who should die to cure your Alzheimer's?(MEDICALEdge)
April 1, 2007... An aunt of mine died recently after a three year bout with Alzheimer's disease. Her deterioration was not pretty to watch. The ability to walk went first, then bowel control. All this while her memory faded until even close relatives became...

Haptics give surgical-assist device more feel.(INDUSTRYNews)
April 1, 2007... Surgical-assist devices let doctors remotely perform medical procedures with small tools and great precision. But the devices, which some mistakenly call robots, have no sense of touch. That means pull too hard on a stitch, and the thread...

Letters to the editor.(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2007... Paul Dvorak's editorial about the machinists shortage was spot on. I am a tool maker for Intuitive Surgical and I run the tool room. It's challenging to get people who can handle the day to day machining problems that come up in complex medical...

Nail guns could fix broken bones.(INDUSTRYNews)
April 1, 2007... In the same way a carpenter shoots nails into wood, surgeons might shoot bio-compatible nails into fractured bones to hold the pieces together. Gary Farley at the U.S. Army Research Lab at Langley Research Center says biocompatible-composite...

EPA considering new hearing regulations.(Regulations & FDA)
April 1, 2007... The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Air and Radiation will update hearing protector testing and labeling regulations which have been pending since 2003. Brad Witt, Audiology and Regulatory Affairs Manager for the...

ISO 14971 helps manufacturers comply new version of IEC 60601.(Regulations & FDA)
April 1, 2007... If the EU approves the third edition of the IEC 60601 standard as expected, medical-device manufacturers will be required to have an approved risk-management system. Even more significant, this risk management system must apply to the entire...

Control software tells where to point the laser.(INDUSTRYNews)
April 1, 2007... A recent technique for treating tumors, photodynamic therapy, uses light and light-activated drugs. The treatment first injects a patient with a photosensitized drug that alone is harmless. But shining a laser on tissue saturated with the drug...

Rapid prototyping Webcast is fast approaching.(INDUSTRYNews)
April 1, 2007... Sign up now for a Webcast that will bring you up-to-date on industrial and medical applications for rapid-prototyping technologies. Desktop Engineering Editor Tony Lockwood and Medical Design Editor-in-Chief Paul Dvorak will share the mike in a...

Heat triggers tumor-killing drug.(INDUSTRYNews)
April 1, 2007... Researchers at Duke University have begun testing encapsulated chemotherapy drugs using a thermal system that provides precision heat therapy in women whose breast cancers have spread to their chest wall. BSD Medical Corp., Salt Lake City,...

Engineers behind five brands unite to build custom sensors.(NEWS FROM / Contract Manufacturers)
April 1, 2007... Several custom sensor companies have joined to form Custom Sensors & Technologies, Moorpark, Calif., (customsensors.com). "CST is a business unit of Schneider Electric and made of brands Crouzet, Kavilco, and Crydom along with Newall and...

Think small says medical manufacturer.(NEWS FROM / Contract Manufacturers)
April 1, 2007... Designers can improve product performance with miniaturized molded components says ISO-13485:2003-certified supplier Minnesota Rubber and QMR Plastics, Minneapolis, (www.mnrubber.com). Miniaturization of components in a broad range of polymers...

Saint-Gobain buys Consolidated Polymer.(NEWS FROM / Contract Manufacturers)
April 1, 2007... Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, Aurora, Ohio, (plastics.saint-gobain.com), will acquire the assets of Consolidated Polymer Technologies, Clearwater, Fla., a manufacturer of thermoplastic elastomer tubing, resin, molded products, and...

SMC buys India-based electronics firm.(NEWS FROM / Contract Manufacturers)
April 1, 2007... Design, mold, and medical contract-manufacturing firm SMC, Somerset, Wisc., (smcltd.com) has acquired Laxmi Electronics, a Bangalore, India-based manufacturer with similar skills. The division in India will be called SMC Laxmi Electronics....

Metal injection technology, and more.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING UPDATE)
April 1, 2007... In the late 1970s, a group of engineers in Southern California got the idea to combine powdered metals, sintering technology, and plastic injection molding to produce what most call metal injection molding (MIM). Another firm spent the next ten...

More than metal injection.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING UPDATE)
April 1, 2007... Over the years, we found that parts made by MIT were sent to contract manufacturers for further assembly. To streamline operations for all involved, the company has expanded its services by adding overmolding, laser welding, laser marking, pad...

Free manufacturing Webinars.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING UPDATE)
April 1, 2007... To compete in today's fast-paced and rough-and-tumble business environment, shops must set themselves apart by using new technologies and processes. Makino (makino.com) says it can help shops do just that with a series of free Webinars that...

Online metalforming forum, en Espanol.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING UPDATE)
April 1, 2007... The Precision Metalforming Association has launched an online forum for Spanish-speaking companies involved in assembly, metal stamping, tool and die, and sheet-metal fabricating. Manufacturers can ask questions and share information on common...

Motor makes ultrasound portable.(MOTION CONTROL NEWS)
April 1, 2007... The Ultrasound Probe developed by Interson Corp., Pleasanton, Calif., has the capabilities of a standard probe without the six-figure price tag. The device is a complete ultrasound imaging system built into a small probe weighing only 7.5...

Miniature ball screw can hit 375 mm/sec.(MOTION CONTROL NEWS)
April 1, 2007... The size 40 PSK Precision Module ball screw is the smallest in its product line and aimed at applications that need high stiffness and rapid cycle times. The PSK 40 module from Bosch Rexroth Corp., Charlotte, N.C. (boschrexroth-us.com) provides...

Conveyor gate simplifies control and power.(PACKAGING WRAP-UP)
April 1, 2007... A multi-pole conveyor stop gate for Rexroth's TS conveyors makes it easier to set up power and signal lines. The VE2/MP stop gate from Bosch Rexroth Corp, Charlotte, NC (boschrexroth-us.com) combines all the functions of the previous design...

Microcapsules carry vitamins and tell temperatures.(PACKAGING WRAP-UP)
April 1, 2007... Microcapsules filled with delayed-release substances can be printed on labels, decals, and textiles using technology developed by the French firm Euracli. Microencapsulation wraps liquids or solids in a membrane of a synthetic or natural...

Exact quantity labels in about three days.(PACKAGING WRAP-UP)
April 1, 2007... Lean labeling is a way to get labels in about three days. In addition, it delivers exact quantities. Industry norm delivers [+ or -]10% of the number ordered. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Label printer Labeltronix, Orange, Calif....

Titanium RP parts build a better implant.(MEDICAL MATERIALS NEWS)
April 1, 2007... Stratasys says it installed its first Arcam EBM S-400 rapid manufacturing and prototyping system at Medical Modeling LLC, Golden, Colo. Arcam EBM (Electron Beam Melting) systems manufacture real parts and prototypes from metal. ...

Designing with Monprene.(MEDICAL MATERIALS NEWS)
April 1, 2007... Design details and processing characteristics of custom-formulated Monprene thermoplastic elastomers are available in an eight-page brochure from Teknor Apex Inc., Pawtucket, R.I., (teknor.com). Text, application photos, and property tables in...

How do strain rates affect tensile tests?(MEDICAL MATERIALS NEWS)
April 1, 2007... Ever wonder why the speed of a tensile test after yield varies from material specification to material specification? Does that produce a significant difference in results? Engineers at Instron Corp. Norwood, Mass., (instron.com) say most...

Designer tubing: reinforce your walls, increase performance.(TODAY'S TUBING TECHNOLOGY)
April 1, 2007... What is reinforced tubing? At first glance, it looks like any another piece of tubing used to manufacture catheters and similar medical devices. Reinforced tubing is frequently used for support devices that provide access or a delivery conduit...

5 tips for designing with flexible circuits.(ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS)
April 1, 2007... Flexible circuits offer compact, low-mass packaging that can reduce space and weight by some 75%. While flexible circuits have been around for years, the clamor from medical-device manufacturers for smaller and lighter applications are bringing...

Fastest pipette in the West.(INNOVATIONS)
April 1, 2007... The Pipet-Aid Elite 400 from Drummond Scientific Co., Broomall, Pa., (drummondsci.com) rapidly and repeatedly dispenses up to 50 ml of liquids. And with the 10-ml pipette attachment, it dispenses from 0 to 10 ml at 0.1-ml increments. Users...

Designing outside the part catalog: think of standard or stock parts as a place to start a design.
April 1, 2007... One of my more memorable college classes, Machine Design, was taught by the Director of Engineering from Brown and Sharp. A rule for class projects was that any component used must have an identified source and cost. So for three years we...

A little help with heaters: selecting the right heater can make a good device better. Here's how.
April 1, 2007... Medical practitioners want near perfect conditions for patient recovery and so pay close attention to applying ideal temperatures in new medical devices. For example, injecting fluids into a patient at room temperature and in post-operative...

Bellows pump works cleanly and quietly: a pump with a metal bellows operates cleaner, more reliably, and longer than conventional piston pumps.
April 1, 2007... Pump technology that comes from the aircraft industry outperforms conventional piston pumps in medical applications that require high reliability and clean operation. These so-called bellows-type pump compressors can generate partial vacuum or...

Seven different dispensing valves: where does each work best? Understanding how valves work and interact with the material they dispense makes it easier to select the right one.
April 1, 2007... Selecting a valve that will apply a lubricant, adhesive, or coating calls for at least three considerations: knowing how valves work, fluid characteristics, and how the material will be applied. That sounds simple. But it's complicated by at...

Adhesives survive harsh conditions.(Product Spotlight Adhesives)
April 1, 2007... Polymer system AC85 is a highly conductive silver-filled adhesive and sealant. Its non-oxidizing, silver particles give it good conductivity. It also features long term durability even when exposed to adverse environmental conditions due to its...

An alternative to rubber adhesives.(Product Spotlight Adhesives)
April 1, 2007... MACdots, pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes, are available in acrylic or rubber-based adhesive systems. The acrylic adhesive (TM2044) is for medical applications where rubber adhesives cannot be tolerated, such as diagnostic testing or...

Silicone adhesives cure at room temp.(Product Spotlight Adhesives)
April 1, 2007... SnapSil RTV230A/B adhesive is a two-component, room-temperature cure silicone adhesive that features a fast tack free time, primerless adhesion to many substrates, and greater flexibility in usage and storage. The condensation-cure silicone...

Charts show foam-bonding options.(Product Spotlight Adhesives)
April 1, 2007... Adchem publishes foam bonding charts (now 10 in all) to help customers select the appropriate pressure-sensitive tape. Their line of double-coated, single-coated, and transfer tape adhesive tapes range from economical rubber-based to the most...

Quick disconnect couplings won't spill.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... The NS2 non-spill quick disconnect couplings ensure fast, safe, and leak free fluid-line connections. They are suitable for analytical instruments, dialysis, and sterilizing and reprocessing equipment. The couplings have hose barb terminations...

No slip rings in rotary torque sensor.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... Rotary torque sensors without slip rings rotate inline with a part or shaft and without worry of tangling cables. A key feature: a noncontact signal transfer eliminates conventional slip rings that eventually wear down brushes and rings. The...

A design guide for flexible heaters.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... The Minco Flexible Heaters Design Guide assists design engineers from initial concept to the end application, and provides a repeatable design-process checklist for integrating flexible heaters into designs. The design guide provides step by...

Peristaltic pump moves toxic substances.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... Precisely dispensing dangerous or toxic substances can be controlled by the PPD-130 Peristaltic Pump Dispenser. It maintains a clean and safe bench environment while providing accurate and repeatable deposits of low viscosity fluids. It pumps...

Single output 2W DIP dc/dc converters.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... The A200RWT series combines miniature size with industrial strength performance. Featuring a wide input voltage range and miniature DIP packaging, the series operates from -55 to 125[degrees]C. Twenty single output models operate from wide 2:1...

Wireless foot-operated controls.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... New wireless foot-operated controls with BlueTooth technology operate without crosstalk or interference. The custom, CE, TUV, and UL-compliant devices provide up to 14 digital and 2 analog control functions. The devices are powered by...

How to model electromagnets.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... Electromagnetic modeling software simulates permanent magnet characteristics in 3D. Its for developers of magnetic components and a range of electrical and other equipment. The Demag solver accurately simulates magnetization and subsequent...

Masterbatches in translucent colors.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... The tQ line of color masterbatches for liquid silicone rubbers has a translucent-color palette that meets USP and ISO biological testing requirements. The MED50-4800-X and MED50-4900-X series consist of pigments dispersed in a...

Steam sterilizers for research.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... Finn-Aqua Life Sciences Research (LSR) steam sterilizers are specifically for comparative-medicine facilities that need various sizes and configurations of chambers and doors. They have fully jacketed stainless steel chambers in sizes from 10...

Silicone replacement tubing is free of contaminants.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... K-4156 thermoplastic rubber tubing, an extruded silicone replacement compound, is for applications where high temperature stability is not vital. The translucent tubing includes a low coefficient of friction, good vapor and gas permeability, is...

One footswitch, three pedals.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... A new wireless linear infrared foot switch comes in single, twin, or triple pedal variations. The linear wireless provides exceptional linear variable speed control of a variety of applications and all without the nuisance of wires under foot....

Software for large point clouds.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... Version 4.0 of the FARO family of scanning software works with the company's Laser Scanner LS machines for viewing, administrating, calibrating, filtering, and managing large, 3D point clouds. Features include simpler export of slices, export...

Aluminum sealing tapes.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... A line of 3M 427 and 439 aluminum tapes are suited for a variety of microplate sealing applications in the healthcare industry. The tapes combine an aluminum film with a pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive, and are supplied on an easy release...

Submit medical-device reports electronically.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... The beta version of TrackWise eMDR Submission Manager software lets companies electronically submit Medical Device Reports (MDRs) to the FDA. The software tracks and manages product complaints and investigations, assesses potential adverse...

Microcontrollers make migration easy.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... The PIC18F88X family of microcontrollers work with other 28/40-pin PIC microcontrollers. This allows for easy migration during later stages of the design cycle, without writing all new code. Features include up to 14 ADC channels, dual internal...

International socket assemblies.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... Interpower IP 65 international socket assemblies are rated for Australia, Continental Europe, Denmark, France and Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and North America. Each device has the same mounting hole cut out and is IP 65 and...

Small, fixed-mount ID reader.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... The DataMan 100 fixed-mount ID reader is smaller than a flip phone and reads everything from printed barcodes to 2D direct-marked codes. The reader is easy to set up with beeper, built-in illumination, adjustable optics, and a push-button...

Jack screws for connectors.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... A line of jack screws are specifically for mounting "D" type subminiature connectors. These parts are used primarily with new OEM equipment or as replacements for AMP, Cannon, Tyco, and TRW connectors. Slotted-head jack screws are used where...

Control software handles 64 axes.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... PiCPro Software can control up to 64 axes of high-performance motion. The software simplifies combining demanding machine and motion control applications. PiCPro can program newly released MMC-D64 Machine and Motion Controllers and provides...

Black dual spiral swabs.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... Dual spiral cotton tip swabs, part 10219, are 3-in long and good for cleaning many surfaces because the black tips clearly show removed debris. The tightly wound tips won't leave fibers behind and the multiple spirals grab more dust and dirt....

Small load cells for 50 gm and more.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... Sensotec miniature and subminiature load cells come in tension and compression models with capacities from 50 grams to 10,000 lb, and enhanced accuracies. Small sizes can be incorporated into existing machines or space-restricted areas. Rugged...

Handheld indicator is TEDS plug & play ready.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... The 9320 handheld battery-powered indicator is a microprocessor based portable instrument designed to be compatible with any load cell. If the load cell includes a self ID TEDS (Transducer Electronic Data Sheet) chip, the instrument will...

Miniature solenoid valves.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... A line of 10 and 15 mm direct-acting valves work in small spaces. They are available in 2 or 3-way configurations, as normally open or normally closed, and with flow rates from 0.5 to 3.0 scfm. Other features include highly-visible LED...

Rotary modules set up quick.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... Compact and lightweight rotary modules have strong ball bearings for smooth and precise movement. Intermediate positions are also possible. Units come standard with stops and shocks and an ultra-precise flange interface. A standard mounting...

Detector sniffs for many gasses.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... The Series 3000 XPIS (Explosion Proof, Intrinsically Safe) gas detector for industrial applications uses a two-wire system to monitor for toxic and oxygen-gas hazards in potentially flammable environments. The device's Intrinsic Safety (IS) and...

Contaminant-free plastic components.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... Precision machined plastic components are available without the contamination of metallic debris or coolants. Polished polycarbonate parts are near optical quality. ABS, PEEK, PVC, acetal, and other materials are also available for custom...

Device server puts equipment online.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... The EDS16/32PR high density device server lets IT managers and engineers connect, access, and monitor up to 32 serial devices over existing management or production networks. The equipment can range from medical equipment to POS terminals, and...

Protective closures.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... A 172-page full-color brochure features more than 150 new parts, as well as 175 different series including existing caps, plugs, edge liners, grommets, wraps, nettings, and Clearview tubing. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caplugs, 2150 Elmwood...

Analog camera for detailed surface inspections.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... When used with an IR LED illuminator, the CS8620Hi analog camera achieves highly detailed surface inspection of superficial irregularities, blemishes, and defects not easily observed in the visible spectrum. The near-IR, RS-170 device features...

Piezo-driven stage.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... The sleek, low-profile design of the MT 84-25-PM high-precision linear stage gives it an overall width of 27.5 mm, length of 84 mm, and standard travel of 25 mm. The table is made from high-strength anodized aluminum, weighs 600 gm, and offers...

Keyboard and mouse keep germs out.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... The InduProof keyboard and mouse series are for applications where ease of cleaning or disinfecting is a must. The rounded keytops of the InduProof make it easy to wipe clean. The keyboards have a wear and tear resistant silicon top part with...

Foam gaskets are conductive on X, Y, and Z axes.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... 2700 Series conductive foam has X, Y, and Z axis conductivity for maximum EMI shielding attenuation. The material is ideal for computer, router, and telecom I/O shielding. It is offered with or without pressure-sensitive conductive adhesive...

Adhesives hold electronics together.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... A line of Araldite high-strength epoxy and polyurethane adhesives encapsulate, insulate, and bond electronic components as well as printed circuit boards. The advanced adhesives are RoHS-compliant, UL-recognized, high-temperature materials that...

Architectural RF shielding for facilities.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... EMI/RFI conductive shielding fabrics protect from the unwanted effects of radio frequencies (RF). They are good for architectural applications, such as medical facilities, where RF shielding is essential. They can be easily applied to ceilings,...

Caster keeps hospital beds low.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... To increase the level of comfort and safety for patients, hospital beds should be as low as possible. The Linea series of twin wheel casters combines clear lines and high-grade materials with an overall height which is only a few millimeters...

Fire-retardant terminals.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... Fully insulated, fire-retardant insulated terminals come in flag and straight styles and feature high integrity "F" crimp connections. The insulated disconnects feature an open barrel "F" crimp wire attachment to assure a high integrity...

5-axis retrofitable flexible pallet system.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... An automatic flexible pallet system increases productivity at most 5-axis vertical and 400 mm horizontal machining centers. Adaptable to new or existing machines, these systems allow unattended, automatic exchange of pallets in seconds. Its...

HMI Software uploads and downloads.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... Windows-based HMI software can now upload input list items from a PLC to InteractX V2.2 software, complementing an existing download feature. Machine builders will find this useful for customizing machine applications without special VBA...

Two heads on plasma generator.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... The dual head Dyne-A-Mite IT is a blown-ion air plasma system that provides a safe and effective way to clean surfaces and raise surface energy to promote adhering and bonding to a wide variety of materials. The unit delivers a high-velocity...

Software simplifies data logging.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... LabVIEW SignalExpress, interactive measurement software, simplifies data logging, instrument control, and academic instruction. The software is built on the basic measurement, analysis, and reporting capabilities of NI LabVIEW graphical...

Miniature brushless gear pumps.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... A line of magnetically driven brushless gear pumps combines the best principles of gear and magnetically driven pumps. Engineered without any drive seals, the QDM brushless series offers leak free, pulse-less, magnetically driven operation. The...

Pump dispenses picoliter-sized drops.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... The Nano-Pump, a nanometer-resolution syringe pump, is for scientific and industrial applications requiring precision metered dispensing. The pump operates under positional control rather than timed intervals. Resolution is typically 640,000...

Helical coupling customizes for other work.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... The Heli-Cal Flexure is a power transmission component made from single bar of homogeneous high-strength material. The helical coil configuration eliminates elastomeric elements such as rubber bushings, spiders, rubber discs, and pads. The unit...

Scalable connector a drop in replacement.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... HyperGrid, a scalable interconnector, provides a high performance and rugged "drop-in" replacement for pogo pin, elastomer-based, and fuzz-button connectors. It's suitable for mezzanine level, IC-to-board, or board-to-board interconnect...

How to synchronize several multi-axis machines.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... TwinCAT Remote Synchronization comes with a new software library of function blocks so users can more easily synchronize several multi-axis machines (or only a few) that have TwinCAT control systems. The software for PLC and motion control...

Solid 16-Gbyte drive in 1.8-in. form factor.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... The SiliconDrive product line offers a 1.8-in. form factor and in capacities up to 16 Gbytes. The smaller form factor, ideal for size and weight constrained applications, is engineered for high performance, high reliability and multi-year...

Low cost, high efficiency power supplies.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... Slim Line 10 and 15 W power supplies deliver lower wattage at a lower cost in a design just 90 x 22.5 x 95 mm. The 10-W units output 5V, and 15-W models, 12 and 24 V. The lightweight, compact designs are only half the size of standard DIN-rail...

Stopper cylinders come in several bores.(DESIGNSolutions)
April 1, 2007... Lever-style stopper cylinders come with single or dual rollers and bores of 32, 40, and 50 mm. Roller direction is adjustable. Units include built-in shock absorbers for extended life and magnetic pistons for activating externally mounted...