Versatile Data Matrix Reader Offers Accurate Scanning Capability
A 2-D Data Matrix (DM) code reader emits light from an array of angles and uses advanced software to enable accurate scanning of DM codes. The device is equally effective reading labels or markings applied directly to product surfaces. The manufacturer recently sold several of its Witness Surgical Instrument readers to a supplier of cochlear implants. By capturing the unique DM code that is marked on each audio component, the readers allow the OEM to identify individual implants and track their progress through the supply chain. This process ensures that each product exactly matches the customer’s unique prescription. Absolute Vision, Meriden, Warks, UK.
Bubble Removal System Supports a Variety of Configurations
Designed for low-pressure applications, an active bubble removal and transfer-line degassing system is suited for use with diagnostic and life science products. Available in three configurations—active debubbler, degasser/debubbler, and transfer-line degasser—the Systec system offers users the choice of removing bubbles with or without removing dissolved system gases. Online active debubbling can improve dispense precision, reduce sample loss and reagent use, and enhance analytical accuracy in high-throughput diagnostic applications. The debubbler design features a semipermeable degassing membrane to remove gases from dispense liquids. Idex Health & Science, Oak Harbor, WA, USA.
Energy-Efficient Sensor Detects Minute Pressure Changes
To accommodate demand for energy-efficient compact devices that can detect minute changes in blood and air pressure, a company has developed a thin-wall capacitance-type pressure sensor. Measuring 4.8 mm long × 4.8 mm wide × 1.8 mm high, the sensor is the smallest of its type, according to the manufacturer. Capacitance technology allows a high-sensitivity sensor such as this one to require and consume minimal power. In fact, products integrating this sensor can reduce power consumption to the microampere level. Ceramic packaging technology minimizes the influence of temperature changes on pressure detection. ALPS Electric Europa GmbH, Düsseldorf, Germany.
New Chip Technology Yields More Powerful Diode Laser
New chip technology has resulted in the development of a reliable diode laser that is less expensive and twice as powerful as previous-generation products. Providing 808-nm brightness—qualified by the manufacturer as the highest level available among single-emitter fibre-coupled diode lasers—the product is suited for a range of industrial, medical, and dental applications.
Typical medical uses for the laser include the treatment of diseased gum tissue and the stimulation of damaged muscle tissue to relieve pain and discomfort.
For industrial applications, the 2495-L3 laser optically pumps Nd-doped material to generate a 1064-nm output. The beam can be used directly or converted to green or UV light via harmonic conversion for material-processing applications.
A provider of communications test and measurement devices and optical products, the firm is seeking to leverage its telecom expertise to medical technology and other markets. JDSU UK Ltd., Basingstoke, Hants, UK.
Plug-and-Play Dispenser Can Be Reconfigured in the Field
Suited for stand-alone or in-line use, a dispensing system aimed at the mid- to high-end market can be reconfigured in the field to meet evolving requirements.
The Speedline Camalot FX-D dispenser can be retrofitted with servo-driven pumps, jetting valves, weight scales, conveyors, and other options. The system can support two independently controlled z heads for sequential dispensing. This enables different materials to be dispensed within a single process, providing 20% greater throughput with no loss of accuracy, according to the manufacturer. For in-line applications, a conveyor mode that transfers products in parallel can reduce handling time by up to 50% compared with other techniques.
The dispense pumps are equipped with closed-loop dc servomotors. Compared with previous designs, these motors provide finer dispense resolutions and speed adjustments. Different auger screw pitches are available for applications that have especially stringent volume requirements.
Zarlink Semiconductors’ Advanced Packaging group recently purchased one of the new dispensers to support the development of miniaturized electronic components for implanted medical devices and other products. Contax Ltd., Fareham, Hants, UK.
Ultrastiff Compounds Introduced for Injection Moulding
Compounds containing high-modulus carbon fibre are designed to replace metal alloys as well as many composites in a number of applications. The materials can be injection moulded on conventional equipment, do not require curing, and can be recycled.
The compounds’ tensile elastic modulus attains 50,000 MPa (per ASTM D256); other carbon-reinforced thermoplastic compounds typically have a threshold of 15,000 MPa. Load at break for the newly developed materials is 300 MPa.
A low elongation-to-applied-load ratio ensures that parts will be subject to minimal deformation. Thermoplastic base resins such as PA, PPS, PPA, and PEEK allow the compounds to withstand aggressive chemical environments and temperatures above 200°C. Lati Industria Termoplastici S.p.A., Vedano Olona (VA), Italy.
Irish Manufacturer Launches Guidewire for Stenosed Lesions
A guidewire for highly stenosed lesions has been added to a company’s range of OEM products. The Olympian Plus guidewire can be supplied packaged, sterile, and labelled, or in bulk nonsterile quantities.
The guidewire’s one-piece core construction removes abrupt transitions and ensures that torque is transmitted along a central axis. This enables the physician to achieve canalization and advance the guidewire without excessive torquing until the lesion has been traversed, according to the manufacturer. The guidewire is also available with a micro J-tip to facilitate the location of microchannels within a lesion.
Available in 3, 4.5, 6, 9, and 12 g-force versions, the guidewire tip can vary in stiffness to assist penetration through highly stenosed lesions. A radiopaque distal platinum coil allows the physician to identify where the guidewire is in relation to the lesion at all times.
The firm will soon be introducing hollow-guidewire technology, which will allow measuring and sensing companies to mount their products on a 0.014-in. platform. Brivant, Galway, Ireland.
Small-Footprint Thermoform, Fill, and Seal Machine Aims for Sustainability
A horizontal thermoform, fill, and seal (HTFS) machine produces high-quality vacuum, modified atmosphere, reclosable, flexible, foil-foil, semirigid, and rigid packaging for medical and other products. The servo-driven 8000S system is designed to rein in energy consumption while enhancing productivity.
The HTFS system attains speeds up to 25 cycles per minute. The use of servo technology to control the forming and sealing presses and the web feed conveying system allows a reduction in the use of compressed air and its related costs.
Hinged access to sealing components, a flexible and spacious loading area, and easily serviced parts that are prone to wear, such as cross-cut knives, are among the maintenance-friendly features. The stainless-steel unit is suited for cleanroom use. Ossid, Rocky Mount, NC, USA.
Cam-Driven Assembly Machines Offer Flexibility
Cam-driven assembly and process units from one company are comprised of standard modules, which can be modified, added, or removed to meet evolving production demands without compromising the main drive and transmission of the machine. Suited for a range of medical technology applications, the design of the machines does not rely on levers, slide, or multiple pivot points for motion. Each movement operates on a one-to-one ratio with the cam responsible for motion, which provides the accuracy and speed of each movement combines with modular flexibility.
Custom and standard equipment can be supplied to perform automated assembly and material-handling operations. Services extend from equipment design, construction, and installation through maintenance at the customer's manufacturing facility. The international company has more than 80 years of experience of designing assembly machines for the medical device industry. Kahle Automation, Caravaggio, BG, Italy.
New Safety Analyzer Helps Companies Meet IEC 62353 Standard
A new hand-held safety analyzer is designed to ensure the in-service safety of electromedical devices and systems in accordance with IEC 62353. Although the standard is designed to complement IEC 60601, it is less complex and incorporates tests other than type tests. Notably, it acknowledges that the lab conditions described in IEC 60601 may not always be relevant to actual working conditions, and it permits the use of a minimum 200-mA earth bond test current. The analyzer has been developed in line with these requirements as well as those of IEC 60601.
The unit provides manual, semi-, or fully automatic safety testing of electromedical equipment. Preset or custom test programs can be selected to enable users to comply with individual, local, or international standards outside the scope of the IEC standards cited above. Rigel Medical, Peterlee, Co. Durham, UK.
