Medical Design articles from March 2006

Medical Design archives from March 2006

Filling the holes on placing orifices and filters: a custom retrofit may be the best way to place an orifice and filter into medical equipment.
March 1, 2006... In the rush to get new designs to production, engineers often sacrifice uniformity of design, ergonomics, and accuracy because they perceive limited choices. This perception is fueled by fitting manufacturers that offer few filters or fixed...

Catalog of actuators.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The 2006 Solutions catalog contains information on PHD's standard products including powered slides, grippers, rotary actuators, cylinders, multi-motion actuators, escapements, switches, and sensors. The catalog also contains information on...

Laboratory Design Handbook.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The Laboratory Design Handbook covers the basic goals of laboratory design, including safety, energy efficiency, and comfort. The handbook covers concepts in laboratory ventilation and controls, fume-hood testing and controls, as well as...

Smallest linear motion guide.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The RSR1M linear motion guide has a rail width of 1 mm making it the only LM Guide of its size. The Ultra-Compact RSR Series features minimal rolling resistance and 4-way equal-load ratings. Martensitic stainless steel blocks, rails and balls...

Linear encoder for press brakes.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The LS 1679 is a sealed linear-scale encoder with an integrated roller guide. The encoder is available in standard lengths to 470 mm and up to 720 mm by special request. Resolution is 5 [micro]m or 1 [micro]m after fourfold evaluation. The...

Streamline 8-bit application development.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The CodeWarrior Integrated Development Environment goes beyond basic code generation and debugging by streamlining the product development process. Fast Track CodeWarrior tools include an intuitive, state-of-the-art project manager and build...

Low-power multimedia ARM computer.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The SBC1670 combines a flat-panel display with a fast, yet low-power ARM processor in a PC/104 footprint that operates from -40 to 85[degrees]C. The CPU has multimedia capabilities, which includes support for an 800 x 600 color flat panel...

Miniature beam couplings.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... Beam couplings now include miniature sizes suitable for microcomponent applications. Beam couplings come as standard parts in 20 body sizes with outside diameters as small as 38 in. (9 mm) and bores as small as 332 in. (3 mm). They feature...

Durable acrylic multipolymer.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... Cyrolite G-20 Hiflo acrylic-based multipolymer compound is chemical and lipid resistant. The impact-modified compound produces tough reliable parts. Cyrolite G-20 Hiflo compound does not craze or leach out after repeated contact with fatty,...

How to pack 45 bags/min.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The AB 145 bagging system is ideal for high-productivity applications where counters, scales, and other infeeds are not required. The system bags at speeds up to 45 bags/min in a semi-automatic fill and seal operation. Package-size changeovers...

Cartridge produces pyrogen and nuclease-free water.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... BioPak disposable ultrafiltration cartridges dispense ultrapure water for up to three months without a loss of flow rate. The cartridge connects to the outlet of any Milli-Q, Direct-Q, or Synergy water purification system as a final...

Machine inserts cotton fast.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The Cotton Star provides up to 120 inserts/min of cotton, rayon, or polyester. With feed screw indexing, it can be quickly changed over (tool-less) to handle other bottle sizes. The Cotton Star can be set to produce inverted U-shaped insertion...

Manufacturing with PEEK.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... Upchurch specializes in molding, extruding, machining, and assembling medical device implants, disposables, and instrument components from engineering polymers such as PEEK. As a large designer and processor of PEEK components, the company...

Molding more in Mass.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... A new facility in Massachusetts extends its elastomer molding capabilities. The plant has 12 injection molding machines for molding commodity and engineered thermoplastics, TPE, insert molding/over molding, and cable connector over-molding....

Valves monitor manifolds.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... A comprehensive range of manifold-mounted valves simplifies installation, replacement, and interchangeability of solenoid valves without removing lines or fittings. The KIP Series manifold assemblies allow gang mounting of Series 1, 2, 6, and 9...

Electric linear actuators ready for lab automation.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... SLME electromechanical linear actuators feature a precision-rolled, fine-pitch ball screw and recirculating ball-bearing guide to deliver positioning accuracy to [+ or -] 0.01 mm and repeatability to [+ or -] 0.005 mm. Steel U-shape guide rails...

Turning center for 7-mm dia. parts.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The R07 Swiss-style turning center is for fast and precise machining of parts up to 7-mm in diameter. It cuts at speeds of 12,000 rpm, with a sub-spindle that delivers 10,000 rpm. Linear motors drive slide and tool posts, eliminating thermal...

VMC for high-speed mold machining.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The Super Hi-Net SHV-1000 VMC by Johnford is for high-speed mold machining. Its heavy casting provides the strength and vibration dampening required for excellent surface finishes and extended cutting-tool life. Large diameter, pretensioned...

CMM for micro components.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The F25 3D coordinate measuring machine (CMM) measures dimension, form, and position of components such as micromotors and microswitches. The unit's measuring volume is one cubic decimeter and the device has a 250-nm measuring uncertainty at a...

Free upgrade to waterjet-control software.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... FlowMaster 6.01 is a free upgrade to the recent Windows-based 6.0 waterjet-control software. The upgrade lets waterjets cut up to 10% faster, depending on material and part geometry, and features an Active Tolerance Control that lets users...

Bar feeder handles 12-ft stock.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The Hydrobar Sprint 555 feeds bar stock into high-precision turning machines that make cylindrical medical parts such as orthopedic screws, rods and pins, and implant-device components. The unit's patented hydrostatic feature lets users cut up...

5-axis VMC sports dynamic fixture offset.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The Dynamic 5-Axis Fixture Offset function on the 550-5X, a 5- axis vertical machining center, lets it handle high-precision 4 and 5-axis simultaneous machining of prismatic parts. Operators apply a work-coordinate offset and the control...

Workholder eliminates bolt-down tasks.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The VB DockLock zero-point workholding system works with new and existing vises and fixtures to eliminate time-consuming setup, alignment, and bolt-down tasks. Its patented hydraulic-actuated locking cylinder has a clamp force of 12,500 N and a...

Laser spindle-alignment kit.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The PLS-SAK003 laser spindle-alignment kit lets users check parallelism, concentricity, and wear on lathes, turning equipment, and spindle drilling-systems. The kit's laser transmitter fits into spindles and chucks. A digital receiver secures...

Design and order online.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... A machine shop lets users download free CAD software. Users can then create designs by selecting a material from a list, and drawing basic shapes such as lines, circles, and arcs to create a 3D part and view it. A built-in "machinist" checks...

Encoder boasts linear resolution to 5 nm.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The Mercury series of high-performance motion-feedback encoders is available in programmable, digital or analog output, multiaxis, and vacuum styles. The encoder's sensor is just 8.4-mm tall. Linear resolution ranges from 5 [micro] to 5 nm....

Rapid prototyping system.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The Eden500V, part of the PolyJet line, is a rapid prototyping system with a build envelope that measures 19.7_15.7_7.9 in. The machine uses four jumbo-size material cartridges to support the large builds. In high-speed mode, the system's speed...

Compact connector sports 78 poles.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The PL-1200 Series has up to 78 contact positions in a package measuring slightly over 1-in. diameter and is available in both low-cost disposable and rugged reusable models. The connector features the pulseLok coupling, a push and click...

Online search finds 3D parts.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... 3Dseek is the beta release of a search engine that lets users locate parts and products based on 3D shapes. Results are displayed with a thumbnail model of the part and a link to supplier websites. An interactive 3D model of the part can be...

Indexer assembles, counts, and inspects parts.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The Toggle-Aire Multi-Station Indexer, which is pneumatically operated and PLC controlled, works with 3 to 10-ton presses to perform a variety of parts-assembly operations including swaging, broaching, crimping, and pressing inserts. The unit...

Tiny linear rail includes belt drive.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The Minimodule compact linear module includes a tooth-belt drive and is based on the Schneeberger Minirail sizes 9, 15, and 42. Combining the drive design minimizes overall dimensions. The stainless steel rail and carriage form the main...

Linear stage pushes 100 lb.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The PR95-F series of linear stages for precision linear positioning achieve accuracies to 0.0005 in. thanks to their composite linear bearings, stainlesssteel lead screws with composite nuts, and aircraft-alloy, extruded-aluminum bases and...

Precision fittings in stainless.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... A line of precision orifices, check valves, flow controls, and fittings are available in stainless steel. The fittings come in many configurations such as set screws, pressed-in inserts, 10-32 threads, pipe threads, quick connects, and...

Stainless leadscrews with coatings.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... Leadscrew assemblies include many acme leadscrews, advanced coatings, and technically advanced antibacklash nuts. These items improve axial system stiffness. They are manufactured from 303 stainless steel with Haydon's proprietary precision...

50-mm thermal printer.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The XE-50 is a 50-mm-wide chart recorder that exceeds ANSI and AAMI standards for precision chart recording. This printer operates in harsh environments and meets helicopter-vibration standards. It's available with standard communication...

Etching and bonding builds thin channels.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... A supplier of precision thin metal and polyimide components has added vacuum diffusion bonding to its list of fabrication capabilities. Chemical etching forms small channels into a material and vacuum diffusion bonding fuses another layer atop...

Scanner turns models into CAD surfaces.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The LPX-600 3D laser scanner turns physical objects into watertight surface models, at the touch of a button. The scanner works at high resolutions and without damaging the objects. Users can choose a rotary mode for rapidly scanning spherical...

Hydrophobic and hydrophilic 50-mm filters.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... ProVent, a line of 50-mm filters, are hydrophobic and made for venting applications. Hydrophilic ProFlows are filters for liquids in biotechnology and pharmaceutica venting tasks. The 50-mm products come in either an over molded or welded...

Gage measures parts on the move.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... Precision gages mount on gantry and robot end-effectors, measuring parts during load and unload cycles. The gages can be set-up in less than 30 sec. for part sorting, tool compensation, statistical process control, and Cpk analysis. They have a...

Ball rail for light-duty machines.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... An economical linear rail handles heavier payloads and simplifies handling and assembly tasks on light-duty machines. The new eLine Ball Rail System provides options for machine builders. Its aluminum design, coupled with ball raceways made...

Cleaning system for cleaner air.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The F-500 Series Bi-Solvent Cleaning System works with 3M's Novec 7200 Engineered Fluid and methyl soyate. Both clean-air solvents are certified by California's South Coast Air Quality Management District. This precision-cleaning system removes...

Software automates reports.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... Syspro Reporting Services automates the generation of standard reports. Reporting Services ships with an array of predefined reports that work "out-of-the-box." Its flexibility lets businesses design custom reports to almost any level of...

Pull tester for low-force materials.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The BioPuls is a testing device for a wide variety of biomedical testing applications. It has submersible pneumatic side-action grips and temperature-controlled bath with a pneumatic lifting-and-lowering mechanism. A single-cylinder pneumatic...

Servomotors for packaging.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... SH Series servomotors target the latest generation of packaging machines. The servomotors use salient-pole winding technology for low rotor inertia, high power density, and high resistance to winding damage. The units are available from 0.5 to...

Precise, miniature bearings.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... EZO-SPB precision miniature and medium-size ball bearings are so small that several can sit inside the loop of a paper clip. The company says it has the skilled craftsmen and state-of-the-art equipment required to consistently produce a...

Six-axis robots.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... Pro Six robots move faster, carry heavier payloads, and make longer reaches than previous models and are IP65-rated. The robots are intended for small-parts assembly, dispensing, lab automation, machine tending, material handling,...

Laser-drilled holes to 0.2 microns.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... A laser drilling company says its proprietary process drills holes as small as 0.2 microns with aspect ratios greater than 50 to 1 in a wide variety of metals and plastics, while generating over 100 holes/sec. The process is geared towards...

Bearing rated to 45,000 psi.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The iglide Z510 plastic bearing withstands extreme temperatures of up to 500[degrees]F, while delivering high resistance to pressure and retaining dimensional stability. It is also the first bearing to offer a maximum load of 43,000 psi versus...

LEDs with 0.4-in. character height.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... The Dual Blue SMD LED display has a 0.4-in. character height for applications requiring brilliant and crisp display features with high maneuverability. The item comes in alphanumeric and single-digit APSA series with blue color selection. The...

Actuator hits 125 ipm, pushes 1,3500 lb.(DESIGN Solutions)
March 1, 2006... Linearmech LMR screw-driven linear actuators come with maximum dynamic load capacities of 1,350 lb and speeds to 125 ipm thanks to their highefficiency DC gear motors and wellmatched acme screws and nuts. The LMR's compact design offers...

Pay attention to measurement signals on direct drives: when a control, motor, machine frame, and position encoder are adjusted to one another, productivity should take off.
March 1, 2006... Automated lab equipment needs precise and dependable subsystems to meet demands for accuracy, speed, and lower cost. Direct drives for linear and torque motors are one way to deliver on these demands. In addition to higher productivity,...

Who needs national healthcare?(MEDICAL Edge)
March 1, 2006... Debating the question of whether or not the U.S. should nationalize healthcare could go on forever because there are worthy considerations for and against it. This is your chance to land a knock-out blow for one side or the other. I'll present...

Medical-grade accessory power strips.(ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS)
March 1, 2006... Medical-grade NEMA socket strips are rated for a maximum 15 amps with service at 125Vac. They are available with four or six NEMA 5-15 outlets, a C14 inlet with connector lock, and a guard protected circuit breaker switch. It is manufactured...

Custom interconnects for disposable electronic probes.(ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS)
March 1, 2006... A custom electronic probe interconnect that is also disposable can be used in minimally-invasive applications such as electro-physiology catheters, endoscopes, and intravascular ultrasounds. The disposable electronic probe side of the...

8-bit microcontroller in a 28-pin package.(ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS)
March 1, 2006... The PIC18F45J10 family of microcontrollers provide 16 or 32 kB of Flash memory in a 28-pin package. This family offers 40 MHz performance at 3 V, a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter with 10 or 13 channels, two comparators, an enhanced USART,...

Desktop manometer kit tests and records data.(ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS)
March 1, 2006... A desktop manometer comes with hardware and software to simulate and display an instrument-grade manometer. The package comes with a pressure sensor, small housing, interface cables (RS232 and USB), and software. Versions are available for...

Walk this way.(INDUSTRY News)
March 1, 2006... Skeletal abnormalities and cerebral palsy often lead to abnormal walking patterns. But changing where muscles attach to bones alters the way the muscles work across the joint, and in turn, alters the patient's gait. However, it is difficult to...

Steris Isomedix Services.
March 1, 2006... Steris Isomedix Services (isomedix.com) launched SteriLink, an Internet-based Customer Interface that provides an interactive service and real-time visibility into Steris processing facilities. The interface shortens time between manufacturing...

The College of Engineering at San Jose State University has initiated a graduate level interdisciplinary curriculum in Biomedical Devices as a concentration area within the Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) Program.
March 1, 2006... The College of Engineering at San Jose State University has initiated a graduate level interdisciplinary curriculum in Biomedical Devices as a concentration area within the Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) Program. The Biomedical Devices...

Point Technologies Inc.
March 1, 2006... Component manufacturer Point Technologies Inc., Ft. Collins, Colo., has been acquired by American Medical Instruments Holdings Inc. (AMIH) in a stock purchase deal. Point Technologies will become the contract manufacturing division of AMIH.

Gems Sensors.
March 1, 2006... Gems Sensors, in a joint venture with parent company Danaher Sensors and Controls, has acquired Senstronics Ltd., a manufacturer of high performance sputtered, thin film pressure transducers based in the United Kingdom. Senstronics'...

Why ISO 14971 and risk management are essential for manufacturers.(Regulations & FDA)
March 1, 2006... A white paper from Master Control addresses common questions concerning ISO 14971. Topics include an explanation of ISO, benefits to ISO certification, a discussion of ISO 14971, risk management, and the connection between ISO 13485 and ISO...

Strengthening medical-device safety.(Regulations & FDA)
March 1, 2006... The FDA launched a program to transform and strengthen the way it monitors the safety of medical devices after they reach the market--both new technology and existing products. The FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH)...

Site answers questions about medical device recalls.(Regulations & FDA)
March 1, 2006... What exactly is involved when medical devices are recalled from the market? What kinds of recalls are there? Should consumers stop using recalled devices? These questions and many others are answered on the FDA Web site "Learn About Medical...

Interphex 2006[TM]: conference & exhibition.(INDUSTRY News)
March 1, 2006... The site includes links to regulatory information for device industry users. In its 27th year, Interphex, the world's largest and most comprehensive pharmaceutical conference and exhibition, will take place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention...

Is the tube and filter OK to use? Memory tab checks.(INDUSTRY News)
March 1, 2006... An electronic key for a body-fluid-removal device "knows" whether or not the tubing and filter have been used, and tracks their period of use. Medical-device manufacturer CHF Solutions, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, (chfsolutions.com) builds the...

Over $600 million in sales at MD&M West.(INDUSTRY News)
March 1, 2006... The co-located Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) West, WestPack, PLASTEC West Pavilion, Electronics West, Pacific Design & Manufacturing, and Automation Technology Expo (ATX) West shows held in January, had record-breaking performance at...

Reducing waste by design.(INDUSTRY Viewpoint)
March 1, 2006... Finding ways to lower production costs has traditionally been the job of manufacturing engineers. But as companies have increasingly focused on streamlining the manufacturing process, the trend is to look upstream to design for possible...

Putting just the right heat right where it's needed.(INNOVATIONS)
March 1, 2006... Medical-device manufacturers often need to heat areas for reagents, to speed chemical processes, or to keep patients comfortable. One economical way to do this is to use Theramofoil heating elements from Minco Products Inc., Minneapolis...

When to use Nd:YAGs.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING UPDATE)
March 1, 2006... Pulsable Nd:YAG lasers are well suited for manufacturing miniature and highly precise medical devices, instruments, and implants. Conventional machining manufacturing processes usually can't handle the unusual geometries and hard-to-machine...

Technology adds and subtracts material to make complex parts.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING UPDATE)
March 1, 2006... A recently developed technology uses both additive and subtractive processes to make complex 3D parts. The developer says the special method, initially developed for prototyping and production tooling, shows great promise in making "smart"...

Simple CAD handles complex designs.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING UPDATE)
March 1, 2006... Companies don't always need complex CAD systems to handle the design and manufacture of plastic-injection molds for the medical-products industry, says Electromoulds president Tony Creti. He says a simple and less-expensive system can manage...

Cast two parts in one.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING UPDATE)
March 1, 2006... A newly developed process casts stainless-steel parts without the costs associated with investment casting and machining. The developer says multiple-part assemblies can be cast in one step, details usually left for secondary operations can be...

Nickel-free stainless-steel alloy for medical implants.(MEDICAL MATERIALS: NEWS)
March 1, 2006... A new, essentially nickel-free, biocompatible stainless steel alloy for implantable orthopedic devices meets the needs for high levels of strength, toughness, and resistance to corrosion and fatigue. BioDur 108 alloy, developed by Carpenter...

Medical foams cushion, absorb, and seal.(MEDICAL MATERIALS NEWS)
March 1, 2006... A family of foams for the medical device and appliance market extends Rogers Corp., Rogers, Conn. (rogerscorporation.com) healthcare product lines. They include Poron Medical Urethanes and Bisco Medical Silicones for cushioning, shock...

Ultra-pure plastics ready for work.(MEDICAL MATERIALS NEWS)
March 1, 2006... Ultra-pure engineering plastics and elastomers are available for manufacturers of nonimplantable healthcare products and equipment. DuPont Engineering Polymers, Wilmington, Del, (www2.dupont.com/plastics), has launched 12 materials combining...

The book on Recycling.(MEDICAL MATERIALS NEWS)
March 1, 2006... The book Recycling of plastic materials, from Research and Markets Ltd. In the U.K. (researchandmarkets.com), covers the state-of-the-art, analysis of processes successfully implemented in industrial practice, production ideas for recycling,...

Is the product legit? Markers tell.(MEDICAL MATERIALS: NEWS)
March 1, 2006... Marker tags are microscopic identifiers added to thermoplastics. They were originally developed for the explosives industry to track terrorist devices and have found applications in high-warranty-cost devices such as medical, electronics,...

Meetings & shows.(Calendar)
March 1, 2006... Machine-Vision Seminars Learn how vision sensors, ID readers, and presence sensors help improve quality and boost productivity. See vision sensor demonstrations and how to set them up quickly. cognex.com/seminar 510(k) Submissions...

Weighing medical metals: weighing the pros and cons of stainless steel, titanium, and Nitinol allows picking a best fit for a medical application.(Cover story)
March 1, 2006... One of the biggest complaints from engineers at metal companies is that designers are stingy with information on their applications. Too little knowledge can lead to a wrong choice. Some designers simply call and ask for a quote for different...

Membranes simplify sanitization.(PACKAGING: WRAP-UP)
March 1, 2006... SureVent hydrophobic and super-hydrophobic membranes offer high gamma stability for improved sanitization capabilities. Developed by Millipore, Billerica, Mass., a maker of membrane and chromatography media products, ( millipore.com/surevent),...

Robot simplifies cap removal.(PACKAGING: WRAP-UP)
March 1, 2006... Removing nonscrew 13 and 16-mm specimen-container caps can be done with The Decapper, a four-axis robot that removes caps and drops them into a biohazard container. The test-tube cap puller is an electrified pneumatic clamp with positioning...

Connecting barcode readers to industrial Ethernet.(PACKAGING: WRAP-UP)
March 1, 2006... Users can connect and control up to 16 barcode readers over a single Ethernet address with the use of the DeviceServer from factory and process-automation productmaker Pepperl+Fuchs, Twinsburg, Ohio, (am.pepperlfuchs. com). It lets 1D or 2D...

Welding software tracks changes.(Product Spotlight: Compliance Software)
March 1, 2006... Add-on software makes ultrasonic welders compliant to FDA standards CFR 21 part 11 for login and traceability. The FDA System Component features login screens that let only authorized personnel operate the system, with administrator,...