Medical Design articles from July 2007

Medical Design archives from July 2007

Are patents worth their bother?(MEDICAL Edge)
July 1, 2007... New research and rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court might make companies and inventors wonder if patents are worth the trouble to file. The debate is fueled by an upcoming book from former Boston University Law School professors, James Bessen...

Diabetes therapy is in the bag.(INDUSTRY News)
July 1, 2007... Johns Hopkins undergraduates invented a pouch that improves cell therapy for diabetes patients by anchoring transplanted insulin-producing cells inside a major blood vessel. The pouch sandwiches a porous band of nylon mesh between two...

Online parts for prototypes, on-time parts for production.(INDUSTRY News)
July 1, 2007... Misumi's online configurator lets users customize components.A manufacturer of biological analysis equipment configures parts online for R&D prototypes and confidently schedules production because parts arrive when the supplier says they will....

CAD adds more ways to reuse designs.(INDUSTRY News)
July 1, 2007... A sneak peek at the latest release of SolidWorks 2008 from SolidWorks Corp., Concord, Mass, (solidworks.com) shows several ways engineering teams can store and reuse tried-and-true designs to cut time off projects. The software now includes a...

A clarification.(INDUSTRY News)(Reprint)
July 1, 2007... The article, "How to machine flat brittle parts", June 2007, incorrectly credited authorship to Howard Friedman who is no longer employed at Fotofab, although much of the article was taken from material published by him while he was an...

House passes FDA amendments of 2007.(Regulations & FDA)
July 1, 2007... In July the House of Representatives passed HR 2900, the Food and Drug Administration Amendments of 2007. The bill includes provisions that would reauthorize the device user-fee program, establish a device registry and results database, and...

Guide turns IEC standard into english.(Regulations & FDA)
July 1, 2007... Rigel Medical offers a free guide to the electrical safety testing requirements of the IEC 62353 international test standard. 'IEC 62353 Medical Electrical Equipment -recurrent test and test after repair of medical electrical equipment,'...

Software says focus the X-rays this way.
July 1, 2007... A 3D version of electromagnetic-modeling software capable of simulating charged-particle beams is helping develop an X-ray machine with "active optics". Software developer Vector Fields Inc, Aurora, Ill, (vectorfields.com) says active optics is...

How to cut eccentric parts at high speeds.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING UPDATE)
July 1, 2007... Until recently, it was unfeasible to machine pr e c i s ion, compl e x parts at high spindle speeds. Spindle vibration would cause rough part surfaces and short tool life. A new technology called the Adaptive Balancer from machine- tool builder...

Air-powered spindle gives micromachining a boost.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING UPDATE)
July 1, 2007... A recent spindle that runs on compressed air lets companies perform ultra high-speed and precision micromachining on existing machining centers. The RBX Air Power Spindle built by Big Daishowa Seiki Co. Ltd.in Japan and available from Big...

Robot works upside down and bending backwards.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING UPDATE)
July 1, 2007... A robot for cutting, spot welding, machine-tool tending, and injection molding saves space by mounting in several positions: on a floor, shelf, or even upside down.The compact IRB 6620 from ABB Robotics, Auburn Hill, Mich., (abb.com) thus lets...

Cutting tools for medical implants.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING UPDATE)
July 1, 2007... Recent ISO-9000-certified cutting tools that target medical-implant manufacturing include those for turning, grooving, parting, threading, milling, and drilling. The tools from Iscar Metals Inc., Arlington, Texas, (iscar.com) are intended for...

Viking Medical adds 1,500 [ft.sup.2] cleanroom.(NEWS FROM Contract Manufacturers)
July 1, 2007... Viking Medical Products has added 1,500 [ft.sup.2] of clean room to its manufacturing facility in Rancho Dominquez, Calif. (irpi.com/viking/default.aspx). The expandable cleanroom holds two state-of-the-art injection-molding machines and...

What's the biggest part an RP machine can make?(NEWS FROM Contract Manufacturers)
July 1, 2007... Engineers at RedEye RPM, Eden Prairie, MN (redeye.com) say they answer the question with: What's the biggest part you need? The largest rapid prototyping (RP) machine can build an ABS part close to 24 X 20 X 24 in. But size is not a limit...

Solectron manufacturing for CSA Medical.(NEWS FROM Contract Manufacturers)
July 1, 2007... After eight years of invention, testing, product development and clinical trials, CSA Medical's CryoSpray Ablation system is rolling off an assembly line at Solectron Corp., Charlotte, N.C. manufacturing facility. Solectron manages orders and...

Busak + Shamban is now Trelleborg Sealing Solutions.(NEWS FROM Contract Manufacturers)
July 1, 2007... Seal manufacturer Busak+Shamban has changed its name to Trelleborg Sealing Solutions. Busak+Shamban, acquired by Trelleborg in October 2003, shares expertise in polymer science with the Sweden-based parent.The marketing arm continues to operate...

Making the right moves in ball-screw selection.(MOTION CONTROL NEWS)
July 1, 2007... Introducing a linear drive into a new or existing medical or laboratory application is challenging for two reasons.First, medical and laboratory applications are usually accompanied by a cluster of application demands, ranging from reliability...

Preventing tubing misconnections.(TODAY'S TUBING TECHNOLOGY)
July 1, 2007... Tubing and catheter misconnections between patients and medical devices or between devices can lead to serious injury or death. The Joint Commission (jointcommission.org), a standards-setting and accrediting body, issued several alerts...

Quick connects include shutoff valves.(TODAY'S TUBING TECHNOLOGY)
July 1, 2007... XQC Series quick-connect fittings are said to feature an ergonomic grip and convenient release button for ease of use. According to manufacturer Value Plastics, Fort Collins, Colo., (www.valueplastics.com) the fittings include a single-barb...

Three types of clamps for connecting tubes.(TODAY'S TUBING TECHNOLOGY)
July 1, 2007... Clamps are usually a necessary part of plastic tubing and hoses, because, in most applications, the tubing or hose must be attached to another component. Fittings work but typically must be secured with a clamp. To simplify purchasing, NewAge...

Tailoring materials to the task.(DESIGNING WITH ADVANCED MATERIALS)
July 1, 2007... The high cost of forming advanced materials frequently stalls the effort to make a better product. For example, the wide range of properties in metal alloys often makes them a best material candidate. But it turns out that the higher the values...

Making better sense of physiological signals.(ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS)
July 1, 2007... Physiological signals are those from sensors placed on the body or implanted. Although a challenge to interpret, several physiological signal-processing (PSP) systems have been developed. Some, such as electrocardiograms and electronic...

A few guidelines for prototyping PCBs.
July 1, 2007... A lot can go wrong when PCBs have insufficiently separated analog and digital planes, or there are no return-path connectors. Taking preventive steps during the design, fabrication, and assembly stages of PCB manufacturing keeps the process...

New ideas in machine vision.
July 1, 2007... Machine vision is more efficient than a person for certain inspection and guidance tasks. Although people are usually easy to train, they cannot make precision measurements by eye. People are also slow and fatigue easily. But vision systems...

Brush or brushless motors?
July 1, 2007... Selecting dc motors for medical equipment often starts with off-the-shelf designs. The details of the application will then steer the selection more toward a brush-commutated or brushless dc design. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Some medical...

Selecting capacitors for medical applications.
July 1, 2007... Power supplies, switch-mode regulators, and dc-to-dc converters all work better with capacitors based on recent technology. A few guidelines help select the right one for the job. Capacitors in medical devices are quite different than those...

FDA ready for electronic reports.(Product Spotlight Compliance Software)
July 1, 2007... TrackWise eMDR Submission Manager software, an add-on for TrackWise, lets companies electronically submit Medical-Device Reports (MDRs) to the FDA. The software electronically tracks and manages product complaint and adverse-event assessment...

Complying by web.(Product Spotlight Compliance Software)
July 1, 2007... CompliantPro for medicaldevice manufacturers lets design teams comply with the FDA's QSR requirements, ISO 13485, and ISO 14971. The software includes integrated Corrective and Preventative Actions (CAPA) capabilities, document control,...

Adapter lets software work with Oracle applications.(Product Spotlight Compliance Software)
July 1, 2007... The SmartConnector is an Oracle Applications adaptor for the Oracle e-Business Suite. SmartConnector lets companies that use Pilgrim's SmartSolve software integrate those programs with any Oracle application through an intuitive visual...

Reduce CAPAs by assessing and managing risk.(Product Spotlight Compliance Software)
July 1, 2007... A stand-alone Risk Assessment module lets users configure and integrate risk-based assessment tables within all of EtQ's modules, or as an independent risk event. Users create risk assessment templates, with tables and charts to identify...

Optical system measures parts within 0.0001[degrees].(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... The Helio-Scope optical system measures turned parts up to 750-mm long,120-mm dia., and 30-Kg in weight. The system uses a high-resolution CCD camera to capture lengths to within 0.0001 mm and angles to 0.0001[degrees]. The unit measures a wide...

Direct-acting solenoid valves.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... The 10 and 15-mm direct-acting solenoid valves come in two or three-way configurations as normally open or normally closed. Available flow rates are 0.5 to 3.0 scfm depending on the orifice size. Features include a highly visible LED indicator...

Linear bearing works quietly.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... The recent Type SRS-N linear bearing features a longer block, and a higher load rating and moment capacity compared to the company's Type SRS LM guide. The block body on the new bearing consists of resin molding for reduced weight, and lengths...

Micro-machine cuts round holes to within 0.20-[micro]m diameter.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... The M2I7-[micro] micro-EDM and nanogrinding machine is capable of cutting complex 3-D contoured shapes and round holes to within 0.20-[micro]m diameter and positional tolerance. Grinding results produce a mirror surface finish. The positional...

Inverters for harsh environments.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... SE/SE2 and E200II Series inverters for CCFL-backlit LCDs are vacuum-encapsulated to provide maximum reliability and resistance to shock, vibration, and humidity. The devices target medical diagnostic equipment and handheld instrumentation for...

Software tests to the latest IEC codes.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... Version 4.0 of Compliance 3 emission and immunity test software has been updated to ensure compliance with the recent changes made in the IEC 61000-4-3 field uniformity calibration process. Because the new process requires performing...

How to display and store digital data.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... The Quadra-Chek 300 (QC300) digital-readout device now includes image archiving. This lets users store measured part features, including test data and descriptive text, as JPG images for quality, documentation, and testing-inspection purposes....

Does the fitting leak? The tester tells.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... The Uson Sprint iQ, a multi-function leak and flow tester, checks up to four parts simultaneously using a range of methods, a high-resolution display, and advanced communication capabilities. Sprint iQ uses a 24-bit analog-to-digital converter...

Motor catalog on interactive CD.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... The interactive Maxon motor CD catalog includes new products such as three brushless motors with 10 and 13-mm dia., a sterilizable planetary gearhead, and the programmable standalone positioning controller. The technical data pages were revised...

No PLC needed for this sensor.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... The Checker 101E machine-vision sensor directly accepts encoder signals, eliminating the need for a PLC when tracking and rejecting parts on variable-speed production lines. The sensor uses patterns to detect and inspect parts, acquiring and...

Primer-less is more.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... The KE2090 and KE2095 series Select- Hesive is a liquid injection-molding system that provides primerless adhesion to a variety of thermoplastic resins. It's optimal for multi-component silicone-to-plastic molding. Both products adhere to the...

Software simplifies Spice simulations.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... Multisim 10.0 and Ultiboard 10.0 are interactive Spice simulation and circuit analysis software for schematic capture, interactive simulation, board layout, and integrated testing. The software extends the flexibility of virtual instrumentation...

A small enclosure.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... A 1U MicroTCA called MicroBox was developed in cooperation with the company MicroBlade, a developer of MicroTCA infrastructure products. The MicroBox has the smallest form factor of any deployable MicroTCA unit. Most applications do not require...

Lead screws for high loads.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... The VHD series anti-backlash assembly eliminates drag and wear associated with high pre-load forces. The assembly provides low drag torque by using a patented Kerk axial take-up mechanism, creating a stiff spacer which continually expands to...

Protection and access to hoses and cables.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... The "zipper" Energy Chain System makes it easy to access cables and hoses. The typical Energy Chain design features sidelinks and crossbars. Zipper chains, however, are built with interconnected lids which pull back like a zipper, removing the...

Custom optics up to 10-in. dia.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... Custom sapphire optics are manufactured to specs for applications requiring a clear, durable, and chemically inert window, lens, or cover impervious to water and able to withstand high pressures.Features include drilled holes, slots, wedges,...

Machine controller works directly with CAM.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... PCNC 1100 milling machines come with a starter edition of SheetCAM, and a PC-based controller that converts CAMproduced G-code into machine movements. The controller works directly with the CAM, as well as TurboCAD/CAM and SprutCAM. Other...

Tiny dc motor 3-mm dia. 8-mm long.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... The Smoovy Series of small dc brushless motors now includes the 0308 B. This motor uses the company's skewed winding in combination with a rotor of Neodymium rareearth magnets for cog-free motion. The 3-mm dia., 8-mm long motor runs on jewel...

High quality water for the lab.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... A water purification device provides consistent and reliable purified water for low-volume clinical analyzers. The easy-to-use RiOs-DI system is best for low-volume clinical analyzers requiring 10 to 30 liters/day. It is a reliable alternative...

Elastomer cures fast with no extractables.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... Bromobutyl Elastomer has lower leakage and moisture ingress characteristics than alternatives. It demonstrates comparable leachables and shot-weight profiles. Metered-dose inhalers are one application. Chosen for its inertia to both ethanol and...

More terminals with touchscreens.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... Magelis HMI products include the Smart iPC, Compact iPC, and a graphical touchscreen terminals. The updated Smart and Compact iPCs, now available in 12 and 15-in. sizes, make for simpler HMI installations. User-friendly XBT-GT graphical touch...

Placing exactly the right amount of adhesive.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... The Relius Tube Coating System provides fast, way to apply accurate, repeatable amounts of solvents or UV-cure adhesives on tubing, fittings, and other cylindrical components. The compact, pneumatically operated benchtop system provides...

Microcontrollers pack plenty of memory.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... The PIC24F line now includes microcontrollers that come with 28 or 44 pins and have 16 to 64 Kbytes of Flash program memory and up to 8 Kbytes of RAM. According to the company, PIC24FJ64GA002 microcontrollers provide more onboard memory than...

85 to 264 Vac in and three precise voltages out.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... Open frame medical-grade power supplies are aimed at designers who want to build the ac/dc power supply into their system, delivering a complete, compact package. Inputs can span 85 to 264 Vac and deliver single, dual, and triple...

Software generates confidentiality agreements.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... ConfidentialityWizard is software that helps attorneys, businesses, and inventors prepare solid confidentiality agreements (a.k.a non-disclosures or NDA).Unlike attorneys who can charge $500+ for a single confidentiality agreement, users can...

Instruments for process control.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... The G4 line of process-control instruments target applications including force vector calculations, process weighing and control, and high dynamic-force measurement. The units' modular structure comes in DIN rail, panel, desktop, and...

Roller screws or belts drive these actuators.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... The Extrak RM and LM Series rodless actuators use roller screws or high-speed belt drives to provide electromechanical reliability. Roller-screw versions deliver higher thrust loads and longer life than ball-screw driven rodless actuators. The...

Testing spots safety concerns.(DESIGNSolutions)
July 1, 2007... Independent EMC and safety testing for U.S., Canada, CE, and other global standards tell clients that equipment meets required regulations. Testing combined with certified engineering design and mitigation assistance streamlines the compliance...

Young surgeons.(RECOVERYRoom)
July 1, 2007... A highly interactive online program lets kids (and adults) perform surgery. Users make decisions and take part in a virtual version of total knee replacement, total hip replacement, or hip resurfacing surgery. The educational, and innovative...

Student design contest.(RECOVERY Room)
July 1, 2007... Autodesk Inc. has announced the winners for its latest Inventor Student Design Contest. Postsecondary students from around the country submitted designs they created using Autodesk Inventor--the foundation for Digital Prototyping. Winner...

Bringing legacy devices into compliance.(INDUSTRYViewpoint)
July 1, 2007... There are no standard guide lines for changing legacy medical products, but there are proven approaches. The best of these include the expectations of business, customers, and regulators. Assessing the state of a device when planning product...

Meetings&shows.(Calendar)
July 1, 2007... Worst-case circuit analysis workshop Sept. 6 and 7 -The course provides participants with fundamental skills and knowledge required to perform a Worst Case Circuit Analysis (WCCA or WCA). The proper documentation format for communicating...

What the world needs now is an ISO RoHS.(MEDICALEdge)
July 1, 2007... The Ministry of Information Industry Order 39 went into effect March 1. It's China's RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) regulation, and like most state issued edicts, it is ambiguous, unclear, and incomplete. But get ready to memorize...

Thin film keeps ICs cool.(ELECTRONICS NEWS)
July 1, 2007... A thin-film thermoelectric cooler works like a solid-state heat pump for cooling hot spots on ICs. The eTEC film, from Nextreme Thermal Solutions, Research Triangle Park, N.C. (nextreme.com) is manufactured using semiconductor processing...

Four new digital signal controllers.(ELECTRONICS NEWS)
July 1, 2007... Four digital signal controllers (DSCs) let manufacturers add a single device to products that previously required separate digital and analog control algorithms and circuits. DSC manufacturer Freescale Semiconductor, Austin, Texas...

Help for designing dc motors.(ELECTRONICS NEWS)
July 1, 2007... Software for designing electric motors focuses on brushless dc versions and in variations referred to as interior permanent magnet, spoke, and bread loaf. MotorSolve, from Infolytica Corp., Montreal, Canada, (infolytica.com) is said to include...

Tyco Electronics separates from Tyco International.(ELECTRONICS NEWS)
July 1, 2007... Tyco Electronics Ltd., Berwyn, Pa. (tycoelectronics.com) has officially split from Tyco International to become an independent, publicly-traded company. "We are a $12.8 billion global provider of electronic components, network solutions, and...

Software simulates electric fields and more.(ELECTRONICS NEWS)
July 1, 2007... FEA software QuickField V5 simulates electromagnetic, stress, and thermal characteristics, and users need no specialized training, according to developer Tera Analysis Ltd, Svendborg, Denmark, (quickfield.com). Improvements to V5 include...

Is that tiny bolt torqued? Sensor tells.(SENSORS)
July 1, 2007... The TAT200 reaction torque sensor based on a metalfoil- strain gage can check residual torque on fasteners or monitor in-line running torque on servo and stepping motors. In one example, according to developer Futek Advanced Sensors Inc.,...

Sensor measures 2.5 to 100 psi.(SENSORS)
July 1, 2007... A pressure sensor (less than 3-cm long) is said to be an economical option for engineers seeking accurate sensors for dry media medical applications such as respirators and oxygen concentrators. The P6000, from Kavlico Inc, Moorepark, Calif.,...

Temperature sensor sports 27 addresses.(SENSORS)
July 1, 2007... A digital temperature sensor is said to allow up to 27 addresses on one [I.sup.2]C communication bus. Combinations on the DS75LX from Maxim Integrated Products, Sunnyvale, Calif., (maximic.com) are made possible by three dedicated address pins...

Pressure sensor eliminates common-mode errors.(SENSORS)
July 1, 2007... Millivolt Output pressure sensors reduce all output offset or common-mode errors. The sensors use a silicon, micromachined, stress-concentrationenhanced structure to provide a linear output to measured pressure. The devices, from All Sensors...

Five lines of power supplies for medical equipment.(POWER SUPPLIES)
July 1, 2007... Several power supply lines from Lambda Americas Inc., (lambdapower. com) come with medical approvals. The NV Series of configurable supplies, for example, is capable of delivering 175 to 180 W at 0.9 to 28 V output, and up to 15 A and up to...

Three voltage outputs from one power supply.(POWER SUPPLIES)
July 1, 2007... The Model 209 PC/104 power supply converts 12 to 24 Vdc nominal input to several outputs such as +5 Vdc at 5 A maximum rating, +12 Vdc at 0.5 A maximum rating, and -12Vdc at 0.5 A maximum rating. The 209, from Sensoray Co., Tigard, Oreg.,...

Power interface boards deliver enclosure power.(POWER SUPPLIES)
July 1, 2007... Power Interface Boards, separate units for the power section of backplanes, facilitate pluggable power supplies, headers, and utility connectors.The interface boards, from Elma Bustronic, Freemont, Calif., (bustronic.com) use power taps and...

Dc/dc converters rated to 300 W.(POWER SUPPLIES)
July 1, 2007... A line of compact, isolated dc/dc converters is suitable for equipment with 24 to 160 Vdc inputs that need 12 or 24 Vdc outputs. The Sevcon dc/dc converters, from Sevcon Inc., Southborough, Mass. (sevcon.com) deliver a stable, isolated high...

6,876 dc-to-dc converters and more.(POWER SUPPLIES)
July 1, 2007... Supply company Mouser Electronics lists thousands of items under the power heading section in its catalog. There are some 1,459 battery selections, about 85 battery chargers, and 169 bench top power supplies. Dc-to-dc converters are covered in...

Durable cable keeps signals clear.(ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS & CABLES)
July 1, 2007... Internally Ruggedized Medical Cable from W.L. Gore & Associates, Elkton, Md., (www.gore.com/medicalcable) is said to have good crush, torque, and kink resistance, extending cable life and reliability in medical applications such as video...

High-flex cables withstand wet or dry conditions.(ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS & CABLES)
July 1, 2007... A "glass-clear" silicone cable is said to deliver good environmental protection. Inherent water-repellent characteristics make silicone cables impervious to immersion, high humidity, fungus, and damp operating environments, according to cable...

Inlets and outlets meet IEC 60320 regulations.(ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS & CABLES)
July 1, 2007... Filtered electrical inlets and outlets are for a wide variety of applications such as computer, medical, and custom indoor equipment. The devices are rated from 6 to 20 amps and either 120 or 250Vac. The IEC 60320 class I inlets or outlets...

Up to 85 pins on these connectors.(ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS & CABLES)
July 1, 2007... A line of electrical connectors has been expanded to include more configurations, and designs with 20 (HG3), 34 (HG4), or 85 (HG6) pin positions. The connectors from Hypertronics Corp., Hudson, Mass., (www.hypertronics.com) are aimed at the...

LED says the tiny switch is "on".(CIRCUITS & SWITCHES)
July 1, 2007... Two LEDs illuminate ultrasubminiature switches from the inside. The NL switch series from CIT Relay and Switch, Minneapolis, Minn., citswitch.com is intended to work with other low-profile surface-mount components. Contact resistance is less...

Low-current, low-profile tactile switch.(CIRCUITS & Switches)
July 1, 2007... A recent low-current, dual-action tactile switch comes sealed, protecting internal components from exposure to the environment.The SMT (surface-mount technology) TL3350 switch from ESwitch Inc., Brooklyn Park, Minn., (e-switch.com) has a low...

Making packages smaller.(CIRCUITS & Switches)
July 1, 2007... Flex circuits give designers an almost unlimited freedom to size packaging geometry, while retaining the precision density and repeatability of printed circuits.Flex-Coils from Minco, Minne-apolis, Minn., (minco.com) target implantable medical...