Medical Design articles from November 2007

Medical Design archives from November 2007

Get ready for when the gray hairs go.(MEDICAL Edge)
November 1, 2007... A recent business article suggested conventional management methods won't work on kids coming out of college today. The reason: Modern youths are so digitally adept and Web savvy, they're all out-of-the-box thinkers. OK, stop smirking....

CCF unveils 2008's top 10 medical innovations.(INDUSTRY News)
November 1, 2007... The Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland-clinic. com/innovations) unveiled its annual list of breakthrough devices and therapies at this year's Medical Innovation Summit. The list was assembled by a panel of Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists,...

Cheap nanotubes for tough light materials.(INDUSTRY News)
November 1, 2007... A simpler, safer, and less costly way to produce bundles of single-wall carbon nanotubes without a metal catalyst promises to spur development in medical, materials, manufacturing, and imaging. A carbon nanotube is a graphite sheet one atomic...

Finer focus finds bad brain cells.(INDUSTRY News)
November 1, 2007... By precisely positioning and focusing a microscope on specific brain tissues, researchers can identify and analyze cells of interest, and detect changes in neurological diseases. One such microscope, the Stereo Investigator 7 from MBF...

MDUFMA small-business guidance now available.(Regulations & FDA)
November 1, 2007... FDA's "FY 2008 Medical-Device User Fee Small-Business Qualification and Certification" guidance explains how businesses may qualify as a "small business" and pay most FY 2008 medical-device user fees at substantially discounted rates. If you...

User fees reduced but new fees added.(Regulations & FDA)
November 1, 2007... In September the President signed an act reauthorizing medical-device user fees for fiscal years 2008 to 2012. The FDA will provide updated information at www.fda.gov/cdrh/mdufma/092807-reauthorized.html as updates become available. One change...

LXI-equipped products hit $200 million in annual sales.(Regulations & FDA)
November 1, 2007... The LXI Consortium says a survey of member manufacturers shows that annual sales of LXI-equipped test and measurement equipment now exceeds $200 million. LXI is a LAN-based standard with capabilities for reducing the time it takes to set up,...

Gabby digital couple tells what it's like to repair your equipment.(INDUSTRY News)
November 1, 2007... Jack and Jill, a digital man and woman, can examine your proposed CAD designs and tell what they can see and reach, how comfortable they are working on it, when and why they are get t ing hurt, when they are getting tired, and other ergonomic...

Tiny motors help designers think small.(INDUSTRY News)
November 1, 2007... A recent microdrive called the penny motor, and for good reason, may be useful in getting designers to think small. "Although the brushless motor measures only about 12-mm diameter by 2-mm thick, it uses high-precision ball bearings, multipolar...

Laser zaps blood viruses.(INDUSTRY News)
November 1, 2007... A father-son research team has found a way to zap viruses out of blood with a low-power laser beam in pulses lasting tiny fractions of a second. It holds promise for disinfecting blood for transfusions. Johns Hopkins University student Shaw-Wei...

How bone is built may lead to new materials.(INDUSTRY News)
November 1, 2007... A researcher at Massachusetts Institute of Technology has revealed the role of bone's smaller structures in making bones tough and lightweight. The body seems to sacrifice a small piece of bone to save the rest, which helps explain why bones...

Microspec adds R&D facility.(NEWS FROM Contract Manufacturers)
November 1, 2007... A supplier of extruded medical components, Microspec Corp., Peterborough, N.H. (microspecorporation.com) opened a 4,500 ft2 state-of-the-art research and development facility in September. The R&D group, adjacent to the manufacturing facility,...

Polymer Technology Group triples its R&D and manufacturing capacity.(NEWS FROM Contract Manufacturers)
November 1, 2007... Biomaterials firm Polymer Technology Group (www.polymertech.com) says it has tripled its R&D and manufacturing capacity by expanding existing operations in the Temescal Business Park of Berkeley, Calif., to 53,000 [ft.sup.2]. The company...

Motorola and Avery Dennison to cooperate on RFID tags.(NEWS FROM Contract Manufacturers)
November 1, 2007... Avery Dennison RFID will supply its EPCglobal Gen 2 RFID tags to Motorola to increase the speed of RFID deployments and make RFID products available to larger markets. The agreement aligns Avery Dennison's inlay manufacturing capabilities with...

Minnesota Rubber to manufacturing FasTac Flex.(NEWS FROM Contract Manufacturers)
November 1, 2007... EN ISO 13485:2003 certified supplier Minnesota Rubber and Plastics, Minneapolis, (mnrubber. com) will manufacture the FasTac Flex, a tool for implanting epicardial lead. The device is owned by Enpath Medical, Plymouth, Minn....

Prototyping plastic parts: cut, mold, or build?(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING UPDATE)
November 1, 2007... There are at least three ways to prototype plastic parts. Which way is best? Each of our company's two divisions focuses on a separate method: Protomold provides rapid injection molding, while First Cut Prototype provides CNC prototyping. Also...

One motor moves two axes.(MOTION CONTROL NEWS)
November 1, 2007... Researchers at Philips Applied Technologies, Dallas, Tex., (www.apptech. philips.com) have developed a technique that lets standard linear motors simultaneously provide movement along two axes rather than along a single axis. In equipment such...

Packaging electronics in modular enclosures.(PACKAGING WRAP-UP)
November 1, 2007... Size is a critical issue in medical electronics because space is at a premium in hospital rooms, labs, and clinics. So when designing instrument cases, it's important to maximize density and performance. Modular enclosures let engineers do so...

Thermoplastic elastomers.(DESIGNING WITH ADVANCED MATERIALS)
November 1, 2007... Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) combine the high-volume molding capability of thermoplastics with elastomeric properties of thermoset rubber, so they lend themselves to a broad array of medical devices, equipment, and packaging. TPEs offer...

An introduction to blood-pressure monitors and their electronics.(Electrical components)
November 1, 2007... The blood-pressure monitor is one of the more common medical devices found in homes. Although this type of equipment has been around for decades, designers keep changing it. Monitors now come in many flavors. Those that focus on low cost...

A rocket-powered prosthetic arm.(INNOVATIONS)
November 1, 2007... Researchers at Vanderbilt University, working under auspices of Darpa's Revolutionizing Prosthetics 2009 program, are using rocket technology to power a prosthetic arm. Hydrogen peroxide is mixed with a catalyst in pencil-sized chambers to...

Print electronics comes of age: The printing of circuits and electrical devices on thin films allows making permanent and disposable medical devices.
November 1, 2007... Imagine printing useful circuits that include switches, batteries, displays, sensors, and antennas on thin films, paper, foil, or plastic substrates--and producing them at high-speeds. A technology called print electronics (PE) can do exactly...

Simulating stresses in stents, tension in tissue: FEA and CFD software can simulate expanding stents, reveal surface pressures on aneurysms, and show the FDA that not all designs need lab testing.
November 1, 2007... Two natural phenomena hamper the use of FEA (finite-element analysis) and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) when it comes to physiological tasks: biologic shapes with nary a straight line are difficult to model by conventional methods, and...

Placing lubrication with precision: As devices get smaller, dispensing the right amount of material in the right location--and doing it consistently--becomes increasingly important.
November 1, 2007... Many medical devices require some type of coating, ranging from lubricants that keep parts moving smoothly to reagents on point-of-care test strips. While a device may be cutting edge, the method to coat it may be less so. This is especially...

Treating surfaces with low-pressure plasma.(Product Spotlight)
November 1, 2007... Plasma-enhanced, chemical-vapor deposition (PECVD) thin-film coatings include lubricious, hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and interface coatings for bonding like or different materials. Conventional plasma treatments include ultra-pure cleaning and...

Clean surfaces with [CO.sub.2] plasma.(Product Spotlight)
November 1, 2007... The Dyne-A-Mite IT [CO.sub.2] Plasma uses gas or liquid-phase carbon dioxide with an atmospheric plasma discharge surface pretreatment to remove micron and submicron particulates and hydrocarbon-based contaminations on plastics and metals. The...

Coating covers complex components.(Product Spotlight)
November 1, 2007... The IsoDyn LPCVD (low pressure chemical vapor deposition) process applies specialized, durable coatings onto complex shapes and multifaceted substrates. The proprietary LPCVD is a high-temperature process (about 500C) that features uniform...

Machine cures several materials.(Product Spotlight)
November 1, 2007... The SCS Precision IRT is a curing system that quickly and safely cures a wide variety of coatings using convection and long-wave infrared heat sources. Combining the heat sources provides an energy-efficient process that is less expensive and...

Try coatings before ramping to full production.(Product Spotlight)
November 1, 2007... The Pilot Coating Line lets customers run trials on new processes and materials before scaling up to production equipment. The line runs water-based coatings and is capable of handling roll diameters of 24 in. and web widths to 26 in. A variety...

Flat cables in most any shape.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... Custom shaped flat silicone cables are available for space-sensitive electronics in almost any configuration. Custom shaping allows for precise cable routing without folding, kinking or pinching. Custom shapes also help eliminate signal...

Connectors fit all 0.250-in. receptacles.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... Etco 0.250 Fast Test Tab connectors, suitable for use with force-measurement equipment, are made from brass and feature a dimple that lets them mate with all standard 0.250-in. receptacles. They come in a variety of configurations including...

Software simulates robot movements in SolidWorks.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... RobotWorks software works in SolidWorks lets users simulate and program industrial robots. RobotWorks can do reach studies and collision tests to help choose appropriate robots and fixtures. Simulations run with security functions activated so...

Medical connectors.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... The CPC Medical line of circular plastic connectors for wire-to-panel use targets medical applications such as surgical instruments and electronic and ultrasoundablation patient monitors. The sterilizable connectors come in 5, 6, 7, and...

Motor mount comes as a kit.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A new line of motor mounts is intended to work with the company's wide range of linear actuators. Each mount comes as a kit, complete with shaft coupling and necessary hardware. The manufacturer provides all...

Indicators for load measurement.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... DS-2100 load-indicators work with the developer's patented capacitive sensors so users can easily build a load-measurement system. The indicators accept input from up to four CS Series load sensors, sum loads from all connected sensors, and...

Connect USB devices to the Internet.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... The UBox 2100 is the first USB-to- Ethernet device server to support the USB isochronous- data transfer standard, typically used for audio and video applications. Isochronous data transfers are typically used for time-dependent applications,...

Software for optical design.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... Code V optical-design software features a diffraction-based imagesimulation feature that lets users access the simulated pixel data. Built-in macros manipulate the data and let users combine multiple images (for example, separate red, green,...

Pick a molded color, any color.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... Molded components such as grips, handles, housings, sleeves, and similar parts, when designed and colored properly, increase sales appeal and add value to a brand. When coordinated with functional and environmental design features, the molded...

Temperature sensor almost immune to freeze-thaw cycles.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... A rugged sensor monitors temperature in tough applications, such as high-moisture environments where devices frequently freeze and thaw. A swaged end design provides a moisture seal between the cable and housing to isolate the thermistor...

Tag reader comes with stretch wrapper.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... An RFID tag-reader is an option on all semiautomatic pallet-stretch wrappers. Capable of reading Gen 1 and 2 tags, the battery-powered system can read tags at the pallet or case level. As a drop-in option, the compact reader eliminates...

Perfect positioning for medical flat panels.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... Precisely engineered position-control hinges make flat screens easier for users to position and view. Larger screens, unusual mounting styles, and varying forces require answering more complex questions to guide the selection, such as the...

It's easy to replace this switch.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... The V-Basic Standard electromechanical switch (V15 series) is for "low cost of failure" operations, where the cost to replace a failed switch is minimal. It is part of the V-Basics Premium switch line and is available with a variety of...

LED for optics.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... The OTLA-0130 white LED is intended for instrumentation that measures color, flourescence, absorbance, transmittance, and reflectance. Each LED wavelength (white, as well as 395, 470, 630, and 660 nm) can be individually addressed for separate...

Website makes ordering easier.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... Misumi USA Inc. has updated its automation components and web ordering sites. Improvements include updates to its search engine and order processing systems, including a quick order feature. Searches now work with keywords or part numbers, the...

Valves for low flow.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... The LS04 pneumatic valve series sets itself apart with a 10-mm width and a flow rate of 200 l/min (0.2Cv) up to a maximum of 330 l/min (0.33Cv). The LS04 series comes in a mini valve with a flow rate of 200 l/min (0.2Cv), a standard valve with...

Linear-motion catalog and design guides.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... Motion control technology developer Parker's Electromechanical Automation Division has released a new catalog for its Trilogy brand of linear motors and linearmotor positioners. This 114-page, color guide covers linear-motor technologies,...

Low-profile linear guide.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... The Mini Rail linear guide uses an anodized aluminum rail and polymer slider with molded-in stainless-steel thread inserts. The slider has a UL 94 HB flammability rating. The guide resists dyes, fuels, weak acids, and lubricants, and it has a...

Stable table lifts with its legs.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... The ErgoSwiss TA ergonomic table-frame system automatically adjusts height from sitting to standing and has great stability. Patient care equipment such as massage tables, beds, and examination tables often require adjustable height capability,...

Printers work with or without computers.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... Tharo H-Series thermal-label printers work with and without a computer. For example, users can download label formats, graphics, and databases to the printer's Flash Memory, disconnect the printer from the PC, plug in a standard PC keyboard,...

Dissolving suture anchors.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... Lupine BR and Bioknotless BR suture anchors are made from proprietary Biocryl Rapide, a biocomposite material that has been proven in pre-clinical use to dissolve and be completely replaced with bone in 24 months. The anchors provide...

Belt conveyor reconfigures easily.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... The 5200 Series modular plastic belt conveyor platform changes quickly with manufacturing needs. Conveyor length or curve is easily modified based on line requirements. Users can change a 90-degree curve that used to go left, and make it go...

Dispenser for a wide range of viscosities.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... The Autobonder 2101 is a tabletop dispenser for low-volume production and repair operations. It dispenses a widevariety of liquids from low to high viscosities which include an array of adhesives and sealants including anaerobics,...

Back-cut bevel eases catheter insertion.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... The Introcan Safety IV catheter is now available with a back-cut bevel. The geometry gives a back-cut incision without the high angle of insertion typically required of other back-cut needles. The bevel makes a clean, V-shaped, tricuspid...

Free kit for adding touch-sensing user interfaces.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... Download the free mTouch kit from the Microchip Touch Sensing Design Center at microchip.com/ mtouch for a way to add a touch-sensing user interface to applications using PIC microcontrollers. The kit includes a manual with a Quick-Start Guide,...

Batteries go beyond RoHS standards.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... Though batteries and battery packs are exempt from requirements of the RoHS Directive, Panasonic has voluntarily eliminated lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers from its...

FDA-compliant tubing.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... Medical tubing is available in Texflour PTFE, FEP, PFA, ETFE, and PEEK and is offered in a variety of products and sizes. Compounds of filled Barium Sulfate, Bismuth Trioxide and other additives allow X-Ray viewing of medical devices. Texflour...

Pressure transducers take what you throw at them.(DESIGN Solutions)
November 1, 2007... Two low-cost pressure sensors, the 3100 and 3200 series offer an all stainless-steel design, less than 1-in. dia. that delivers pressure sensing ranges from 0 to 30,000 psi (2,200 bar), various outputs and pressure ports, and withstand shock...

Preparing for a voluntary recall.(INDUSTRY Viewpoint)
November 1, 2007... In the world of developing products and getting them out to consumers, the last thing anyone wants is a recall. Planning for a recall may seem almost as bad--w h o wants to plan for some - thing negative when every possible precaution has been...

Medica.(MEETINGS & Shows)(Calendar)
November 1, 2007... Nov. 14 to 16 -- The world's largest medical trade fair, Medica, includes Compamed, an international trade fair for upstream supplies for medical manufacturing - in Dusseldorf. More than 4,200 exhibitors are expected to take part at Medica 2007...

Critical Path executive briefing: Opportunities for working with the FDA.(MEETINGS & Shows)(Calendar)
November 1, 2007... Dec. 6 and 7 -- FDAnews is sponsoring an opportunity to interact with Janet Woodcock, FDA Deputy Commissioner/ Chief Medical Officer, and other industry leaders, to talk about the Critical Path Initiative. The issues include moving drugs to...

The Pacemaker: Past, Present, and Future.(MEETINGS & Shows)(Calendar)
November 1, 2007... Dec. 13 -- This seminar covers history of the batterypowered pacemaker, state-of-the-art pacemakers, biventricular pacing, current indications for use, and future trends. Other topics include tools for cardiac resynchronization therapy,...

Thermal-management methods in electronics cooling.(MEETINGS & Shows)(Calendar)
November 1, 2007... Dec. 15 -- This tutorial familiarizes the audience with the basic principles of measuring temperature, velocity, and pressure in electronics systems. The tutorial covers principles of measurement, and instruments for measuring P, V, and T...

LabAutomation2008.(MEETINGS & Shows)(Calendar)
November 1, 2007... Jan. 26 to 30 -- LabAutomation 2008 is a five-day event in which over 5,000 business leaders and scientists meet to talk about laboratory automation. Meet colleagues from around the world, forge new relationships, find innovative ways to...

Medical history--Kidney dialysis.(RECOVERY Room)
November 1, 2007... The artificial kidney-dialysis machine was invented by Willem J. Kolff, although he never patented his original design. More than 55,000 people in the U.S. benefit from these machines. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Kolff, born and raised in...

Medical humor.(RECOVERY Room)
November 1, 2007... * A man swallowed a mouse while sleeping on the couch one day. His wife quickly called the doctor and said, "Doctor, please come quickly. My husband just swallowed a mouse and he's gagging and thrashing about." "I'll be right over," the doctor...

Contamination-free IV storage.(RECOVERY Room)
November 1, 2007... The first aseptic IV-administration set that can be swabbed and reused is available from Baxa Corp., Englewood, Colo. Designed for sterile set disconnections, the PadLock Set Saver prevents touch contamination and secures IV lines in...