Medical Design articles from June 2006

Medical Design archives from June 2006

Checklist assists in designing for automation: the multi-axis Cartesian robot handles optical lenses and has a good balance of reach, speed, and precision; the acronym Lostped stands for load, orientation, speed and four other factors that need attention when designing robotic assemblies.
June 1, 2006... Most high-volume manufacturing involves some form of linear motion and often robots. Recently, manufacturing engineers have been transforming linear-motion modules into Cartesian robots with three or more axes. Doing so builds high-throughput...

Lambda Research executive earns optics industry honor.(NEWS FROM / Contract Manufacturers)
June 1, 2006... Lambda Research Corp., Littleton, Mass., (lambdares.com) developer of optical engineering software TracePro and Oslo, says vice president G. Groot Gregory has been honored as a new SPIE fellow this year for his achievements in the development...

Unison establishes precision grinding service.(NEWS FROM / Contract Manufacturers)
June 1, 2006... Unison Corp., a designer and builder of manual and CNC precision grinding machines, Ferndale, Mich., (newunison.com), has established Unison Precision Machining to serve precision component manufacturers. The company produces short, medium, and...

Back-surgery device wins design award.(NEWS FROM / Contract Manufacturers)
June 1, 2006... The SpineJet MicroResector from HydroCision Inc., Billerica, Mass., (hydrocision.com), is recognized as a winner in the 2006 "Medical Design Excellence Awards" (MDEA) at the Medical Design & Manufacturing East 2006 Conference and Exposition in...

ASCP acquires cytology courses.(NEWS FROM / Contract Manufacturers)
June 1, 2006... The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Chicago, (ascp.org) a non-profit organization for pathologists, cytotechnologists, and laboratory professionals, acquired the complete cytology product line of the Midwest Institute for...

Implementing manual lean production.(DESIGN Solutions)
June 1, 2006... A line of manual production components speeds and simplifies the implementation of lean manufacturing. The Manual Production Systems (MPS) delivers an array of configurable units to make production systems for all industries. MPS is based on a...

Small-diameter boring bars reduce down time.(DESIGN Solutions)
June 1, 2006... Twenty-seven different diameter and length configurations are possible with 0.250-in. dia solid carbide boring tools. The tools feature a length tolerance of +.000/-.010-in. to minimize down time when changing a tool during a production run....

Microdrives have 6-mm dia.(DESIGN Solutions)
June 1, 2006... The microdrive product range includes brushed and brushless dc motors with diameters from 6 to 10 mm. Ironless windings used in these motors are marked by the absence of magnetic detent, rapid acceleration thanks to a low moment of inertia, low...

Brushless micromotors hit 16,000 rpm.(DESIGN Solutions)
June 1, 2006... The Series 1525 BRC and 3153 BRC brushless dc micromotors have built in electronics. The 1525 has a 15-mm diameter, 25-mm length and puts out 1.8-mNm continuous torque with speeds to 16,000 rpm. The 3153 has a 31-mm diameter, 53-mm length, and...

Low-profile backplanes.(DESIGN Solutions)
June 1, 2006... Low-profile PICMG 2.16 compact backplanes feature pluggable connectors positioned to save horizontal rack space. The units are 9U long, horizontally mounted in a chassis to save one slot of rack space. Pluggable 47-pin power connectors are in...

Custom-made surgical devices.(DESIGN Solutions)
June 1, 2006... Custom injection-molded tubes and rods with custom grips are for use in surgeries. The devices feature grips made from materials including silicone, polypropylene, polysulfone, polycarbonate, polystyrene, TPE, TPR, PEEK, PAEK PEK, acetyl, and...

Coiler creates burr free wire cuts.(DESIGN Solutions)
June 1, 2006... The Micro Continuous Coiler can replace many winding machines to produce coils as small as 175-micron diameter from wire as small as 25 microns. It is primarily for close wound coils or coils of constant pitch. They produce a close wound coil...

Disinfects medical devices.(DESIGN Solutions)
June 1, 2006... The Sterinis disinfection system for medical devices combines a special dry-fog diffusion technology with ultra-high performance hydrogen-peroxide-based disinfectant and meets all requirements of biocide directive CE 98/8. The device...

Safety gloves for sharp parts.(DESIGN Solutions)
June 1, 2006... The HyFlex line of safety gloves are for manufacturing applications such as maintenance, injection molding, glass handling and assembly, and tasks in which workers handle small, sharp parts. Gloves include the CR 11-501 foam-nitrile-dipped,...

Compact cylinders.(DESIGN Solutions)
June 1, 2006... The RLQ series of compact cylinders combine a locking mechanism and different style of air cushions while maintaining a short overall length. Typical applications include drop prevention, workpiece clamping, and emergency stopping. The RLQ...

Photo etching and laser machining of light-gauge parts.(DESIGN Solutions)
June 1, 2006... A brochure describes how the photo etching process lets Tech-Etch produce intricate parts for many diverse mechanical and electrical applications. Custom light-gauge parts are produced with intricate patterns, precise tolerances and burr-free...

Vision system monitors manufacturing.(DESIGN Solutions)
June 1, 2006... The SmallFrEye PC enhances the efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of operations routinely carried out during the manufacture of electronic devices and components. The SmallFrEye PC's architecture supports multi-tasking, while its modular...

DC-powered piston pumps engineered for long life.(DESIGN Solutions)
June 1, 2006... TA Series articulated piston pumps combine a range of heavy-duty features to provide high pressure and long, service-free life in tough applications. Powered by permanent magnet low-voltage direct current motors, pump models TA-2101DC,...

Heaters delivered fast.(DESIGN Solutions)
June 1, 2006... Watlow's Rapid Ship program has it shipping various Watrod heating elements, screw-plug immersion heaters, flange immersion heaters, circulation heaters, over-the-side heaters, duct heaters including modular duct heaters, and thermostats and...

Cable carrier can twist 360[degrees].(DESIGN Solutions)
June 1, 2006... The Triflex R Light Multi-Axis, a cable carrier that works well on robots, uses a pioneering ball-and-socket design. The unit is a low-cost alternative for robotic applications that don't require a completely enclosed cable carrier. The Triflex...

Diagrams for medical tasks.(DESIGN Solutions)
June 1, 2006... SmartDraw Healthcare Solution software is an easy-to-use graphics program that requires no artistic talent or technical expertise to create diagrams for medical tasks such as case and facilities management, and patient and staff education....

Rotary sensors measure 13 x 20 mm.(DESIGN Solutions)
June 1, 2006... The RSC 1300 series of miniature noncontact sensors is for use in robotics, medical devices, and applications requiring dependability and precision in the smallest possible package. The sensor is based on vertical Hall technology but with a...

Joystick boasts 10-million cycles.(DESIGN Solutions)
June 1, 2006... Panel-mounted 9000 Series Joysticks target applications needing long life in a low-profile package, such as wheelchairs and security cameras. The joysticks use inductive sensing and monitoring circuitry for accurate operation and control. The...

Shhhh. (We're talking stem cells).(MEDICAL Edge)
June 1, 2006... Don't let anyone see you reading this. It's a topic hotter than an autoclave: stem cells. Two institutions we approached, a prominent cardiac research center and a well-known medical school, declined interviews on the topic because it's so...

Duplexer meets new FCC standards.(ELECTRICAL: COMPONENTS)
June 1, 2006... The Federal Communications Commission recently set forth a mandate for signal spectrum separation among incompatible Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radio (ESMR) technologies. In response, K&L Microwave Inc., a part of Dover Corp.'s Microwave...

Subminiature connectors provide 360[degrees] shielding.(ELECTRICAL: COMPONENTS)
June 1, 2006... The 712 series of subminiature circular connectors are suitable for medical and industrial applications that require a high level of EMI protection and IP67 sealing capabilities. The small connectors from Binder-USA Camarillo, Calif.,...

RFID inlays to hit 250 million a year.(ELECTRICAL: COMPONENTS)
June 1, 2006... Omron RFID plans to support 250 million high-yield Gen2 RFID inlays at its Minakuchi factory in Shiga, Japan. It will continue to produce these inlays using its patented "Jomful" technology which ultrasonically welds the chip and strap to the...

Brace yourself for changes at the FDA: the FDA's Opportunities List outlines 76 projects to make it more nimble. Here's what the list means to you.
June 1, 2006... Expect to hear speeches and proclamations aplenty as the FDA celebrates its 100th anniversary this month. Many of those speeches will discuss the administration's future, including plans to update its procedures and collaborate more with...

Better healthcare through better data management: microprocessors promise to improve data flow, make equipment smarter, and possibly assist in alleviating the nursing shortage.
June 1, 2006... It's not surprising that state-of-the-art healthcare systems generate huge volumes of information. The quantity and its growth is spurring a range of improvements in electronics. For instance, the increase in patient-controlled medical devices...

Get to know JCAHO and its standards.(INDUSTRY: Viewpoint)
June 1, 2006... Most readers are familiar with the need for standards to establish basic levels of comparison, quality, and compatibility between similar products or services. Standards in the manufacturing world are established by the International...

Considerations for selecting a cleanroom.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING: UPDATE)
June 1, 2006... Manufacturers that have traditionally focused on industrial applications might find they need a more controlled environment in which to make parts for medical devices. Cleanrooms provide this environment in part with positive pressure to guard...

How to make a $5 part for $1.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING: UPDATE)
June 1, 2006... A rolled tube manufactured with a progressive die replaces traditional drawn tubing and eliminates secondary operations in a proprietary process which targets parts in high-production applications not requiring a high-pressure, airtight seam....

Benchtop laser welder.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING: UPDATE)
June 1, 2006... An easy to use, benchtop laser welder is aimed at small and medium-size labs with light workloads and larger facilities requiring multiple welding stations for intermittent use. The The Orotig XXS welder from Harris Discount Supply Ltd.,...

Special mill cuts titanium faster.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING: UPDATE)
June 1, 2006... Machining a titanium synovial cavity for an artificial hip joint took Stryker Orthopedics in Ireland (stryker.com) 13.4 min/piece using a lathe and milling machine. To speed things up, the company replaced these with a Jabro 4-mm diameter,...

An intro to designing with advanced polymers.(MEDICAL MATERIALS: NEWS)
June 1, 2006... Any guide to designing with advanced polymers could be a book. So this introduction will be limited to tips for finding appropriate polymers and considerations for strength and wear. Finding the right polymer can be daunting because...

Meetings & shows.(Calendar)
June 1, 2006... CAPA: Finding a problem's root cause June 27 and 28--Compliance-Alliance in conjunction with Weaver Consulting will present a two-day seminar in Arlington, Virginia on determining the root cause of product problems. Participants will learn...

Mr. Roboto, M.D.(MOTION CONTROL: NEWS)
June 1, 2006... Researchers are developing less expensive, portable, and versatile surgical robots that could become common in operating rooms. A goal is to incorporate tactile sensors into robots so surgeons can feel tissue and better diagnose medical...

Look here for assistance with automation.(MOTION CONTROL: NEWS)
June 1, 2006... LocalAutomation.com, is an interactive, online tool that brings together engineers and industrial automation technology companies. The site is geared towards specific markets, letting users search for component suppliers and automation...

Updated controllers get the message loud and clear.(MOTION CONTROL: NEWS)
June 1, 2006... Allen-Bradley SLC 500 controllers from Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee, (rockwell.com) have been updated for improved messaging performance over CIP-based networks and higher levels of security in control system programming. The improved...

Controllers for high torque and smooth motion: a sample-tube-handling application shows how closed-loop algorithms with high pole-count, permanent-magnet AC-servo motors provide smooth motion and a low cost, simple mechanical design.
June 1, 2006... Stepping motors supply the high torques necessary to directly drive many mechanisms, with most others only requiring a single-stage gear or pulley. Simple systems such as this provide a large safety margin for a long operating life. But...

NASA discovers endotoxin killer.(INDUSTRY News)
June 1, 2006... NASA's research into protecting space craft from the highly reactive atomic oxygen in low-Earth orbit has lead to a decontamination method that removes endotoxins from medical implant surfaces. Endotoxins are fragmented remains of bacteria that...

RP machine builds custom titanium implants.(INDUSTRY News)
June 1, 2006... Rapid manufacturing equipment that builds prototypes and functional parts by electron beam melting will be distributed by Stratasys Inc., a rapid-prototyping system supplier in Minneapolis (stratasys.com). The machine is designed and...

How to source and build a 400-part machine in 90 days.(INDUSTRY News)
June 1, 2006... A manufacturer of drug-discovery equipment took a robotic imager from concept to customer in just 90 days. The company credits MFG.com, Atlanta, with shaving two months off the delivery cycle. MFG.com, an online service that helps companies...

Noisy centrifuge: plastic bearing quiets.(INDUSTRY News)
June 1, 2006... Replacing a squeak-prone metal bearing with a plastic one solved a noise problem and cut production costs for a centrifuge manufacturer. The company reduced bearing-associated costs by 93%. Assembly time, for instance, was trimmed by 10 min....

FDA wants to know more about nanotech.(Regulations & FDA)
June 1, 2006... The FDA will hold a public meeting in the fall to learn how nanotech materials might be used in regulated products. The agency wants to further understand nanotech developments and hear about new types of nanotech products under development...

FDA's investigations operations manual now available.(Regulations & FDA)
June 1, 2006... The Investigations Operations Manual (IOM) is the primary source regarding FDA policy and procedures for field investigators and inspectors. The 2006 edition of the IOM has been significantly revised by reorganizing content, expanding the...

A guide to FDA thinking on postmarket surveillance.(Regulations & FDA)
June 1, 2006... The FDA released a new policy statement for postmarket surveillance, Guidance for Industry & FDA Staff Postmarket Surveillance Under Section 522 of the Federal FD&C Act. This guidance consolidates three separate documents on postmarket...

Widespread electronic records in 10 years.(Regulations & FDA)
June 1, 2006... The FDA is adopting the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine (SNOMED) as a standard medical-vocabulary system as its way to electronically code important terms for prescription-drug labeling. This move lets healthcare professionals...

Tape: a simple solution for placing sensors.(INDUSTRY News)
June 1, 2006... Up to 30% of patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries and more than 50% of those who have suffered a stroke lose some hand functions. Insurance companies and government agencies are looking to measure the effectiveness of various...

A better way to select motors.(INDUSTRY News)
June 1, 2006... A recent Web site uses smart algorithms to search for more appropriate electric motors based on user inputs than other search sites that use generic algorithms. Motioninfo. com asks users to apply a weighing scale along with the motor...

Quick disconnects: prevent leaks and exposure to biohazards.(INDUSTRY News)
June 1, 2006... A new automated diagnostic device lets physicians more quickly gauge a cancer patient's response to prescribed treatment. The CellTracks Auto Prep system manufactured by Astro Instrumentation, Strongsville, Ohio, and Immunicon Corp., Huntingdon...

Conveyor ready for cleanrooms.(PACKAGING: WRAP-UP)
June 1, 2006... A recent low-profile conveyor system is well-suited for cleanroom environments. The flexible Quickdraw conveyor system from MagStar Technologies, a maker of modular conveyor systems, Hopkins, Minn., (magstar.com) features minimal moving...

Material handler tells how well it's doing.(PACKAGING: WRAP-UP)
June 1, 2006... A Boss PC-based control system brings high-tech flexibility to material handling for fast, accurate, and efficient operations. The Boss comes from material-handling company FKI Logistex, Cincinnati, (fkilogistex.com) and features a built-in...

A plasma for hard-to-treat surfaces.(PACKAGING: WRAP-UP)
June 1, 2006... A machine that generates a variable-chemistry plasma treats surfaces to improve adhesion of coatings, adhesives, inks, labels, and other markings. The Dyne-AMite VCP system is an inline treatment that eliminates costly chemical priming,...

Treat the packaging as an accessory: regulatory authorities view medical packaging as an accessory to the product it carries. Here's what happens when you don't.
June 1, 2006... Packaging for medical devices play a key role in safely delivering specialized treatment to patients. Most single-use, sterilized medical devices can be opened with a high degree of confidence that it has remained sterile throughout storage,...

Tapes say goodbye to screws, rivets, and welding.(Product Spotlight Adhesives)
June 1, 2006... A line of double acrylic-foam tapes is used to attach, bond, fasten, and seal a range of product assembly and attachment applications. VST acrylic-foam tapes feature a solid foam that will outlast air-filled foams, and acrylic adhesive capable...

Double-coated tape bonds to over 30 widely-used materials.(Product Spotlight Adhesives)
June 1, 2006... The 5944M double-coated tape has a high tack, high peel, moderate shear rubber-based adhesive coating on the liner side. The exposed side is coated with a high-tack, low-shear acrylic adhesive. The carrier is a 0.5-mil polyester film for easy...

Custom adhesives at the click of a mouse.(Product Spotlight Adhesives)
June 1, 2006... A Web site from Adhesives Research shows all its high-performance pressure-sensitive adhesives, tapes, specialty coatings, films, and laminates. The site includes detailed information about capabilities for custom products and features a...

Heat-cured adhesive has unlimited working time.(Product Spotlight Adhesives)
June 1, 2006... A one-part epoxy adhesive, SC 2002 NS (nonsagging), bonds to a variety of substrates including dissimilar substrates such as fabrics, wood, steel, aluminum, ceramics, glass, and concrete. The self-leveling gel (60,000 cps) has good gap-filling...

Computer mobility.(Recovery Room)
June 1, 2006... Health-care educator Joy Goldberger trains health-care workers to assist parents of children with life-threatening illnesses. Joy has a progressive neurodegenerative disease that results in diminished strength, coordination, and stamina. As the...

Inventions of the year.
June 1, 2006... A mask that detects an infectious disease before it spreads, a device that allows amputees to control a prosthetic device with their brain, a next-generation microsensor that helps satellites perform multiple measurements, and a dust-storm...

Slippery layer lets guidewires insert smoothly.(TODAY'S TUBING: TECHNOLOGY)
June 1, 2006... A two-layer extruded tubing allows inserting guidewires faster and more efficiently during vascular procedures. The PEXglide tubing from Filtrona Extrusion, Athol, Mass., (filtrona.com) consists of an outer layer of medical-grade high-density...

Hose feels like silicone without the weight.(TODAY'S TUBING: TECHNOLOGY)
June 1, 2006... A flexible Hytrel-style hose for use with respiratory equipment features injection-molded alloy cuffs that are adhesive and odor free. Hi-Tech Type 888 Hytrel-style hose, from Hi-Tech Medical, Georgetown, Mass., (www.hitechmedical.net) is made...

Laser marks help track tubing.(TODAY'S TUBING: TECHNOLOGY)
June 1, 2006... Fluoroplastic tubing can be permanently laser marked with part numbers, text, barcodes, or logos. Parker/TexMed, Ft. Worth, Tex., (texmed.us) offers laser-markable fluoroplastic smooth bore, beading, and heat shrinkable tubing. Once lasered,...

Hose keeps in shape in high-stress jobs.(TODAY'S TUBING: TECHNOLOGY)
June 1, 2006... Pharmaline flexible hose works well in applications where high purity is important, such as pharmaceutical, biotech, chemical, and foodstuffs. Aflex Hose Ltd, www.aflex-hose.com) makes the smoothbore PTFE-lined hose based on its other patented...

16-mm sterilizable motor for medical tools.(INNOVATIONS)
June 1, 2006... Designing surgical, dental, and dermatological tools is difficult enough. But engineers must also ensure the motors they specify for such devices can be cleaned and sterilized when needed. That's why designers at Maxon Precision Motors Inc.,...