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EQUIPMENT NEWS

Multifunction tester achieves 0.001-psi resolution

The latest addition to a family of leak, flow, and package testers is a single-port, high-resolution benchtop instrument that can be supplied as a leak tester, a leak and flow tester, or a leak and occlusion tester. The TME Worker from TM Electronics Inc. (Boylston, MA, USA) is available in versions that perform either pressure-decay or vacuum-decay leak testing. With the instrument configured for leak and flow testing, pressure-decay leak tests and mass-flow tests can be performed in isolation or combination; the same possibilities apply with the leak and occlusion configuration.

The economical, reliable, and easy-to-use instrument offers a resolution of 0.001 psi, supports high repeatability, and has storage capacity for 100 test programmes and 5000 results. The system also features a two-line vacuum-fluorescent display with light-emitting-diode indicators, a programmable logic controller, and an RS-232 communications port.

Coefficient-of-friction tester displays results in real time

A coefficient-of-friction tester can be used to determine the static and kinetic friction of plastic film and sheet materials. When equipped with optional software, the device from IDM Instruments (Dandenong, Australia) provides a fast, reliable, and accurate method of determining friction in various manufacturing areas.

Data acquisition software can display coefficient-of-friction results in real time. The software also allows users to alter sled weights for R&D applications. In addition, before a test is performed, users have the option of autoscaling the graph. When autoscaling is enabled, the force axis on the graph is automatically adjusted with relevance to a particular test. Graphs can be saved in an Excel format for later use, and the test results can be printed. Results can be displayed in grams or as a coefficient of friction.

Compact NIBP simulator is designed for portable biomedical applications

A battery-powered device can accurately test all types of NIBP monitors. The 311c unit from Rigel Medical (Peterlee, Co. Durham, UK) incorporates calibration tables from all major monitor manufacturers, enabling test results to be automatically corrected and verified. The tables can be upgraded quarterly in line with individual manufacturers’ recommendations. The tester incorporates an internal pump for static reduction, leak tests, and overpressure tests. Other special features include independent systolic and diastolic pressures, high-resolution cuff and pulse pressure waveform displays, and a closed-loop servo for system-accurate pulse generation.

The firm also offers a range of other portable biomedical test equipment, including electrical-safety analyzers, ventilator testers, defibrillator testers, SpO₂ simulators, and patient simulators.

Coating test system gauges durability of drug-eluting stents

The new version of the coating durability tester (CDT) from Dynatek Dalta (Galena, MO, USA) simulates real-life conditions when conducting durability testing on drug-eluting and other coated stents. The system produces pulsations that allow the stent to expand and contract as it would in the body. In turn, the system can accurately evaluate particulate loss and durability in real time, according to the firm.

The precise time during which the particles were shed, as well as their size and number, is reported. Operators can set parameters such as the size of particles to be detected or can opt to group the particles by size range. Capable of testing up to five samples at once, the tester has a particle-size range from 4 to 250 µm and a particle-count range from 4 to 1000 µm. The CDT is equipped with a bypass filtration system that removes the filters without affecting the test. This updated model also allows for a range of sample lengths and diameters, as well as for complicated sample designs.

Quality assurance equipment suited for testing catheters

Systems suitable for performing quality assurance testing of catheters is available from a supplier of engineering and scientific equipment for medical device and pharmaceutical product manufacturing. Air-pressure testers, vacuum-decay testers, multilumen testers, an ultrasensitive hydrogen leak tester, and in-line and audit-type package testers are available from Medical Engineering Technologies Ltd. (Folkestone, Kent, UK). As an example, the PLC 820 IS instrument is suited for testing complex products and collating collected data. This tester provides multilumen capability, data storage, and networking options, along with a simple operator interface.

The company’s range of products includes induction-heat catheter-processing machines, automation equipment, pouch-packing machines, blister-tray sealers, device and packaging testers, and sterilization indicators. All equipment is supported by the firm’s validation and maintenance services. The company is certified to ISO 9002 and focuses exclusively on the medical device, biotech, and pharmaceutical industries.

The firm works in partnership with companies that are experts in their chosen fields.

Redesigned torque measurement system minimizes distortion

An entry-level motorized torque-testing system is available in a reengineered version that features a sleek modular design and an extended range of load-cell capacities. The Vortex potentiometer-controlled torque tester from Mecmesin Ltd. (Slinfold, W Sussex, UK) offers high accuracy owing to a redesign of the torque sensor support that minimizes distortion of measurement results and allows the system to operate smoothly. Capable of determining torque parameters of small rotary components, the instrument accommodates medical devices, parts, screw closures, and electronic rotary switches. The versatile system is suited for use in the testing laboratory, yet is rugged enough for the factory floor. Load cells are available in capacities of 1.5 to 10 N•m of torque.

The company also designs and manufactures force measurement instruments, systems, and software for evaluating the response of medical devices to applied tensile, compressive, and torsional loads. Typical testing applications of the equipment include adhesives, sutures, syringes, seals, dressings, and surgical gloves. Tensile force test equipment that can perform retention testing on lancet needles in cleanroom conditions is also available from the firm.

Multilumen catheter tester bundles leak and flow test capabilities

Multilumen catheter leak test equipment uses dry air to perform external and interlumen leak tests as well as flow tests to detect occlusions. Each result is shown digitally on the front panel and can be permanently recorded with an optional printer. The device offered by Vacuum Instrument Corp. (Dourdan, France) uses a dynamic mass-flow test method to rapidly and accurately provide direct readings of leakage in cubic centimetres per minute and flow rates in litres per minute. Designed for easy operation, the unit only requires the operator to place the catheter in the built-in fixture, attach appropriate fittings, and press the “start” button. The device then individually tests lumens in a matter of seconds.

An optional second station is available, allowing one station to be loaded and unloaded while the other is used for testing. Automatic removal of the fittings from the tester is also offered. A menu-driven touch screen operator interface can be used to access individual test data and batch reports.

Load cells suited for medical applications

Miniature beam load cells that can measure forces from 5 to 250 lb are available from Interface Inc. (Scottsdale, AZ, USA). When coupled with the company’s Model 9820 digital indicator, the load cells can be used in insulin pumps, haemoglobin scales, and a variety of other medical product applications. The load cell converts force measurements to an electric signal that can be read by a display unit, data acquisition device, or computer. Force and weight measurements can be used to determine the durability of medical devices.

The company also manufactures instrumentation for use in materials testing, electronic weighing, and process control. The firm focuses on producing reliable, accurate, low-profile load cells and beam cells, all of which use proprietary thermally matched strain gauges. All low-profile load cells are compensated for eccentric-load sensitivity.