Medical Design articles from September 2005

Medical Design archives from September 2005

How to grow good ideas.(Career Corner)
September 1, 2005... Most American companies today are pursuing Lean or Lean Six Sigma but few understand the critical other part: getting people involved. Hearing what employees have to say makes their work easier, more interesting, and lets them build skills and...

More companies may undertake Six Sigma.(Career Corner)
September 1, 2005... Although Six Sigma programs totaled only 5% of all performance-improvement initiatives undertaken in the past three years, the program may be in for major growth this year. The trend emerged in a study conducted by the U.K.-based Economist...

Quick turnaround for prototypes.(NEWS FROM Contract Manufacturers)
September 1, 2005... Potomac Photonics, Lanham, (potomac-laser.com) says its F2M program emphasizes the quick delivery of quality prototypes with the goal of reducing product development time. The company needs only a customer's CAD file for lead-times as short as...

Aging population driving health market.(NEWS FROM Contract Manufacturers)
September 1, 2005... Increasing care requirements of an aging population and movements to address health-related issues throughout society are driving the market for biomedical products. Market research firm Frost & Sullivan estimates the size of the industry...

IC Foundry offers 0.35 [micro]m.(NEWS FROM Contract Manufacturers)
September 1, 2005... The Full Service Foundry of austriamicrosystems San Jose, Calif., (austriamicrosystems. com) now provides its CMOS 50V high voltage process for 0.35[micro]m technology. The H35 high voltage process offers 20V and 50V HV MOS devices with low...

50,000 RFQs for online market.(NEWS FROM Contract Manufacturers)
September 1, 2005... MfgQuote.com has taken its 50,000th Request for Quote (RFQ). The site provides a way to buy and sell engineered-to-order parts. The milestone is evidence of the increasing value of online sourcing in the manufacturing industry. MfgQuote...

New selector guide features Adhesives and selection assistance for more efficient medical disposable device assembly.(DATA files: PRODUCT LITERATURE ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... The DYMAX Corporation offers a new MD[R] Medical Device Adhesives Selector Guide. Included is a comprehensive adhesive/substrate selector chart. A typical properties guide offers several standard formulations, each with a unique set of...

Medical pressure gauges.(Data files: PRODUCT LITERATURE ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Accuaire can provide multiple designs for medical oxygen applications and other inert compressed gas service products. UL approvals now assigned to 0-3000 and 0-4000psi gauges. Bronze and stainless steel gauge measuring elements available....

Interactive precision mechanical components.(DATA files: PRODUCT LITERATURE ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Over 50,000 Precision Components: bearings, belts & pulleys, shaft couplers, gears, hardware, slides, lead screws & nuts, positioning tables, linear motion systems and more. * Easy Online Ordering * Design Wizards * Application Guides *...

Custom-foot operated controls.(DATA files: PRODUCT LITERATURE ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... 74 page capability brochure details full range of capabilities for custom design; featuring multifunction analog/digital cabled or Bluetooth[R] wireless operation. Choice of microswitch contacts, long-life reed contacts, actuator styles,...

Manufacturer/converter of pressure-sensitive flexible materials.(DATA files: PRODUCT LITERATURE ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Manufacturer/converter of pressure-sensitive flexible materials since 1974. Adhesive Coating, Slitting, Sheeting, Laminating, Rotary and Steel Rule Die-Cutting plus Laser Cutting (for prototype and small volume production) capabilities to...

Caplugs offers production protection solutions for medical devices.(DATA files: PRODUCT LITERATURE ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Caplugs has released a new product sheet designed specifically to meet the needs of the medical field. Caplugs is the leading supplier of protective closures to the medical device industry. Caplugs also offers a full line of standard protective...

Medical device Smart Technology connectors.(DATA files: PRODUCT LITERATURE ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... MEDCONX, Inc., innovators of minimally invasive medical device Smart Technology connectors, has developed reusable and disposable products such as SmartBlock[TM], Smart Connector[TM] and Smart Cable[TM]. Manufactured with embedded electronic...

Flexible Shaft Couplings.(DATA files: PRODUCT LITERATURE ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Servometer[R] bellows type, Flexible Shaft Couplings are zero backlash, low wind-up, precision couplings for use with electromagnetic resolvers, digital encoders, servos, computers, tachometers, precision positioning, robotics and other...

Meeting critical fluid sensing requirements.(DATA files: PRODUCT LITERATURE ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... For over 20 years, Introtek has designed and manufactured non-invasive fluid sensors for applications such as air bubble, air-in-line and liquid level detection. Introtek's core ultrasonic technology allows for highly reliable fail-safe sensing...

Adhesives, sealants & coatings.(DATA files: PRODUCT LITERATURE ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Master Bond Inc. manufactures a line of adhesives, sealants, coatings and encapsulants employed for the manufacture of both disposable and reusable medical devices. Our product line consists of epoxies, silicones, polyurethanes, cyanoacrylates...

Caplugs' new catalog released.(DATA files: PRODUCT LITERATURE ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Caplugs' new product catalog features more than 80 new parts along with our existing product lines of caps, plugs, edge liners, grommets, wraps, nettings, and Clearview[TM] tubing. The 150-page, full-color catalog highlights more than 100...

Presicion begins with a Linemaster switch.(DATA files: PRODUCT LITERATURE ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... This 6-page brochure presents a variety of Linemaster foot switches for medical applications. Many are UL, CSA, TUV Certified and CE Marked. Linemaster offers numerous models including light duty, explosion-proof, potentiometers, multi-pedal...

Ceramic Injection Molding technology.(DATA files: PRODUCT LITERATURE ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Small Precision Tools (SPT) is a world leader in Ceramic Injection Molding (CIM) of complex components with micron tolerances in high volume. With over 30 years experience, SPT has advanced processing capabilities and a worldwide network in the...

The power of plasma.(DATA files: PRODUCT LITERATURE ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2005... Do you struggle with Adhesion and Bonding problems with your materials? Gas plasma may be the solution you've been looking for. Bond the Unbondable! Wet the Unwettable! Coat the Uncoatable! For over 25 years PVA TePla America, formerly...

Solid gold electroforms.(DESIGN Solutions)
September 1, 2005... Solid gold electroforms are thin-walled, lightweight, structurally-rigid hollow shells that can be made in many shapes and forms to fit into specific applications. Electroforms can be made as small as 0.020-in. (0.5mm), with walls as thin as...

Cri-Bore modular boring system.(DESIGN Solutions)
September 1, 2005... The Cri-Bore modular boring system is available with the widely-used 80--diamond insert pocket as well as a triangular insert pocket. These boring heads are designed for Criterion's Dual Insert Pocket so they accept either a 7 or...

Regulator has clean service certificate of conformance.(DESIGN Solutions)
September 1, 2005... The PH-3200 is an ultra-clean pressure reducing regulator specifically for low flow specialty gas and clean-steam applications in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. FDA and USP-compliant designs are available and the PH-3200...

Ball bushings feature light preload.(DESIGN Solutions)
September 1, 2005... Misumi bushings come standard with a light preload for the increased precision and rigidity for processes that demand precise positioning. Bushings are available in both inch and metric standards. Users can configure sizes and download native...

Gas spring provides safe, reliable position adjustment.(DESIGN Solutions)
September 1, 2005... The rigid locking Bloc-o-life gas spring is suited for medical applications such as recline and vertical-height adjustment of hospital beds, wheelchairs, and stretchers. The rigid-locking effect is obtained when the gas spring is filled with...

Decoder tracks surgical tools and instruments.(DESIGN Solutions)
September 1, 2005... The Piati_Sti reads ECC200 Data Matrix codes lasermarked on medical/ dental tools and instruments in accordance with HIBCC (Health Industry Business Communication Council) specifications. The encoder is housed in a compact (130 x 84 x 132 mm),...

Sensor's mulit-coil design allows flexible mounting.(DESIGN Solutions)
September 1, 2005... Uprox+ sensors precisely detect materials such as iron, steel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and brass at higher sensing distances without reduction in the rated sensing distance. Multiple coils and lack of ferrite core lets them sense all...

Gaging applications "smarten" up with multi-axis amplifiers.(DESIGN Solutions)
September 1, 2005... The 776 Gage-Chek series of multi-axis gaging amplifiers accepts up to eight probe/gaging inputs and provides more than 40 math calculations and readout versatility, for outputs of up to 16 valves. A straight-forward go/no-go hard gaging...

Flat flex cable assemblies.(DESIGN Solutions)
September 1, 2005... Flat flex cable assemblies fold and flex to easily solve the most difficult routing requirements. The laminated cables save space and are easy to install. Flat Flex is ideal for board-to-flat panel display and board-to-board connections....

Lubricant rinse speeds assembly.(DESIGN Solutions)
September 1, 2005... XC025 dry-lubricant rinse is mix of two technologies: a microdispersion lubricant or coating that forms a thin, uniform, dry film over almost any hard surface, and a nonflammable carrier fluid that evaporates away almost instantly. Together,...

Rapid prototypes for Baghdad show engineering at its best.(MEDICAL Edge)
September 1, 2005... Once in a while the benefits of an engineering effort are so out of the ordinary they deserve more attention than a press release. A case in point: A band of companies have set aside profit motives and shareholder interests to support a small...

Logic level, PC mounted pushbuttons.(ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS)
September 1, 2005... Pushbutton switches range in size from ultra-miniature to miniature with logic level ratings of 0.4VA maximum at 28V ac/dc. The terminals feature 0.100 x 0.100 pin spacing in all ultra-miniature and subminiature models and 0.185-inch spacing in...

Touch-proof lead wire set.(ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS)
September 1, 2005... Touch-proof lead wire sets are used in biomedical applications on EEG, EKG, stress analysis, sleep studies, and neo-natal instruments. The assembly and contacts conform to IEC-60601-1 and AAMI specifications. The assembly is available in...

Latched sinking bit drivers.(ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS)
September 1, 2005... The A6800 Series of latched sinking drivers spec a 3.3V logic supply, 10 MHz data rate, and are RoHS compliant. The A6800 and A6801 is composed of 4 to 8 D-type data latches with CMOS inputs and power outputs of 50 V at 350 mA using bipolar...

Class 2 transformer powers halogen lamps.(ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS)
September 1, 2005... Survivor CT Class 2 transformers with short circuit and overload protection are capable of withstanding a direct short circuit for more than 15 days. With a center-tap to the secondary winding, the Survivor CT is ideal for use with 12 V halogen...

PLC couplings use IdentiQuik technology.(ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS)
September 1, 2005... IdentiQuik PLC series couplings use RFID to electronically verify line connection accuracy and capture fluid and product data from point-of-origin through point-of-use. This helps medical-device manufacturers and processors comply with 21 CFR...

Hello RoHS, goodbye lead: six hazardous materials on PCBs must go, so get ready to design them out of your electronic products.
September 1, 2005... A mandate coming out of the European community, the Restriction of Hazardous Substances or RoHS, bans lead, mercury, cadmium, and three other hazardous substances from electronic equipment sold in Europe. Adhering to this international...

Hitting the right nerve: bowel control, hand grip, and pain relief are real-life applications of electrical stimulators that are changing people's lives.(Cover Story)
September 1, 2005... In a famous commercial a few years ago, the world watched Christopher Reeve overcome his spinal-cord injury by standing up and walking across a room. The scene lead viewers to believe that with a little money and research, functional electrical...

Improving the artificial knee.(INDUSTRY News)
September 1, 2005... Researchers at the University of Florida are using software for prototyping mechanical systems to study stress and motion in natural and artificial knees. It lets them combine a range of imaging and computational techniques with traditional CAD...

Product lifecycle management: solves global business problems.(INDUSTRY News)
September 1, 2005... A global medical equipment manufacturer Datex-Ohmeda needed an FDA-compliant data management system that would shorten the time to market and knit together its international engineering teams. To meet those goals, the company connected its...

California here we come for medical devices.(INDUSTRY News)
September 1, 2005... The region in Southern California known as the Inland Empire has become a hot zone for medical-device companies. Comprised of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties and including the cities of Temecula and Corona, the region boasts affordable...

The innovation gap--a disconnect between idea and product.(INDUSTRY Viewpoint)
September 1, 2005... It's always a challenge to move technology out of the lab and into the marketplace, particularly for medical devices. And the challenge has only increased in the last decade. Federal funding for healthcare R&D has more than doubled during this...

Postcards from your GI tract.(INNOVATIONS)
September 1, 2005... Engineers at Given Imaging Ltd, Israel (given-imaging. com) have developed a pill that could replace some endoscopic exams. The pill, which measures 11 x 26 mm is swallowed and travels through the digestive tract taking color pictures of the...

Manufacturing technology: there has been much hand-wringing over America no longer being a manufacturing nation or, at least, its losing what was once a lead in that area. But in the medical field, manufacturing is still viewed as a strategic skill, and new manufacturing technologies are usually cloaked in secrecy.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING: PART 1)
September 1, 2005... Not long ago, companies making devices for the medical industry pretty much had a blank check when it came to manufacturing processes for producing new products. With a growing customer base of aging and sickly people, companies building...

Equipment and FE models make for better implants.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING UPDATE)
September 1, 2005... Engineers at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. have developed specialized hydraulic machines and software that will let industry make better and longer-lasting implants for people suffering from spinal injuries, disease, or age-related...

Wire EDM pumps-out parts 24/7.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING UPDATE)
September 1, 2005... With new high-speed PM4 controls that allow full automation from rough to finish machining, MD+PRO wire EDMs are specifically for 24/7 medical-hardware production. The machines, from MC Machinery Systems Inc., (www.roku-roku.com), let users...

Grinders handle nano-precision work.(MEDICAL MANUFACTURING UPDATE)
September 1, 2005... Studer S12cncs from United Grinding Technologies, (grinding.com), are cylindrical grinders that handle small and medium-size components requiring nanometer precision grinding. The machines have a new, patented, drive/guide system based on...

Linux and robot team up for fast work.(MOTION CONTROL: NEWS)
September 1, 2005... Here's an idea: Use an inexpensive PC to control the axes of a robot but do so in a way that avoids the cost of a Windows operating system. This is the model Automated Assemblies Corp., Clinton, Mass., (aac-robot.com) followed in fielding a new...

Lubed bearing ready for dental handpieces.(MOTION CONTROL: NEWS)
September 1, 2005... Stainless-steel rings, specialty component materials, and an extended-life bearing retainer are several bearing improvements that extend their life in high and low-speed dental and surgical handpieces. Extended-life bearings from Pacamor Kubar...

Think modular for changing conveying tasks.(PACKAGING WRAP-UP)
September 1, 2005... An often overlooked solution to material-handling tasks that change frequently is the modular conveyor system, according to Muskegon, Mich.-based Dynamic Conveyor Corp., (dynamicconveyor.com). The company says modular units improve process...

Banding many products as one.(PACKAGING WRAP-UP)
September 1, 2005... Heat-shrinkable film can band several single products together as multi-packs, bogo-packs or on-packs. The clarity of shrink sleeves allows keeps the product visible. Sleeve printing can be used to print logos, barcodes, and text messages such...

480W DIN rail power supplies.(Product Spotlight: Power Supplies)
September 1, 2005... Two 480-watt DIN rail-mount power supplies comes with a choice of single or three-phase inputs. The mid-power DHP480 series are rated at 24 volts at 20 amps and feature a low ripple and noise performance of less than 50 millivolts. The output...

Medium power source.(Product Spotlight: Power Supplies)
September 1, 2005... The ACE Series has universal input PFC front end, high reliability and efficiency, plus convenient control and monitoring functions. They have four different chassis 300, 450, 650, and 900 watt, module slots 4, 5, 5, and 6 respectfully and the...

Low-power input power supply.(Product Spotlight: Power Supplies)
September 1, 2005... A low power (60 Watt) ac-dc universal input power supply has a compact footprint (51 x 102 mm or 4 x 2 x 0.97-in.) and meets EN60601-1 and EN60950. It also meets all UL, CSA, and EN standards. Three models cover 100 to 240 Vac input range and...

Network addressable outlet power control.(Product Spotlight: Power Supplies)
September 1, 2005... IPC36xx and IPV42 series Intelligent Power Controllers are available in both rack mount and a 42-in. vertical strip. These power distribution series provide individual on-off control of eight outlets. Power is controlled remotely by Ethernet...

Lithium battery packs boost safety.(Product Spotlight: Power Supplies)
September 1, 2005... SecuraPack is a combination of custom-battery pack technology and specialized manufacturing processes. It produces a primary or rechargeable lithium battery system that eliminates the risk of unwanted electrochemical reactions and electrical...

Flip-plug wall adapter.(Product Spotlight: Power Supplies)
September 1, 2005... The PSM04A is a 4-W flip-plug wall plug adapter that saves storage and travel space. The unit measures 2.73 x 1.89 x 0.98 in. and weighs 5.12 oz. Power consumption is less than 0.5 W and dc output voltage is 5 V. The streamlined flip-plug...

Diabetic neuropathy.(RECOVERY Room)
September 1, 2005... It's estimated that one out of every two diabetics suffer from diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage), a common serious complication of the disease. Symptoms, which can be debilitating, include sensations of pain and/or numbness, tingling, or "pins...

Stork humor.(RECOVERY Room)
September 1, 2005... I was sitting in the waiting room of the hospital after my wife had gone into labor and the nurse walked out and said to the man sitting next to me, "Congratulations sir, you're the new father of twins!" The man replied, "How about that, I...

Avoiding tragedy.(RECOVERY Room)
September 1, 2005... Over 260 children have died inside a car from heatstroke since 1996. Mark Warschauer lost his son, Mikey, when he went to work and forgot Mikey was in the car. With the help of the National Safe Kids Campaign and General Motors, Mark...

Sleep apnea.(RECOVERY Room)
September 1, 2005... Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious disorder that more than 18 million Americans suffer from. It's estimated that 80% of sleep-apnea cases go undiagnosed due to the fact that people are unaware of the symptoms or don't believe they have a...

Humorous headlines.(RECOVERY Room)
September 1, 2005... Here are headlines that have been printed in newspapers and medical journals "Lung Cancer in Women Mushrooms" "New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group" "New Vaccine May Contain Rabies" "Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot...

Ideas for validating production software: high-risk production software doesn't always need an elaborate testing program.
September 1, 2005... The FDA requires medical-device manufacturers to validate software that is part of production or a quality system. But what does that mean? Those charged with the job are often not software engineers nor do they have backgrounds in validation...

Convoluted tubing for high temperatures.(TODAY'S TUBING TECHNOLOGY)
September 1, 2005... A brochure describes PTFE, FEP, and PFA convoluted tubing in a variety of designs and configurations in sizes from 1/8 up to 4-in. Superior heat resistance (up to 500[degrees]F, 260[degrees]C) couples with excellent chemical resistance and...

Fluoropolymer heat-transfer tubing.(TODAY'S TUBING TECHNOLOGY)
September 1, 2005... Extruded HTTT high heat-transfer tubing has up to three times the thermal conductivity of its fluoropolymer resin. The tubing is blended with an inert inorganic filler to enhance heat transfer between two liquids. The inertness of the filler...

Stainless-steel tubing in custom sizes.(TODAY'S TUBING TECHNOLOGY)
September 1, 2005... Stainless-steel tubing in grades 304 and 316 is available along with hypodermic, fractional, and medical grades in a large assortment of sizes. Titanium, nickel-based alloys, and other exotic alloy products are available on request. For custom...

Color silicone tubing instantly identified.(TODAY'S TUBING TECHNOLOGY)
September 1, 2005... Color silicone tubing works in fluid and air transfer applications. The solid-color tubing offers quick recognition of individual tubing lines while it retains the performance characteristics for which silicone is known. The colors can be used...

Filtration tubes.(TODAY'S TUBING TECHNOLOGY)
September 1, 2005... OEMs can take advantage of custom machined plastic and stainless-steel tubular components with precisely drilled holes and precision O.D and I.D. features for use in water and other liquid filtration. The company can drill up to 296 holes in 6...

New ideas for marking and tracking parts: direct part marking lets manufacturers tell where parts come from and where they are going.
September 1, 2005... Many medical-device manufacturers ensure complete quality control over their production by marking parts and products with machine-readable codes and tracking the items as long as they are useful. This process, called Direct Part Mark (DPM)...