SPOTLIGHT
Conductive PSA systems
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A full line of customizable electrically conductive pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) systems is available to provide reliable interconnections of devices such as electrodes, defibrillators, and biosensors. The products feature patented, uniformly conductive adhesive technology that offers high levels of stability and consistency with high bond strength, even under conditions involving mechanical and environmental stress. Among the several tape configurations available are thin transfer films and single- and double-faced constructions using the manufacturer’s EC-2 conductive acrylic adhesive. Specific products include ARcare 8881 conductive nonwoven material coated on both sides with conductive adhesive and protected on both sides with a kraft liner, and ARcare 90447 nickel-free nonwoven coated on both sides with conductive adhesive and featuring a white double-coated release liner. Adhesives Research Ireland Ltd., Limerick, Ireland
Power supplies
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A range of medical-grade power supplies, power cords, and battery packs is available from an ISO 9001–certified specialist manufacturer. Standard products have UL, cUL/CSA, VDE, and TÜV approvals and carry the CE mark and T-Mark. Most models comply with the CB Scheme and thus can qualify for further global certification. In addition, the company can supply Energy Star and RoHS-compliant designs. Mean time before failure for the standard product models averages 200,000 hours. Thus, the manufacturer offers all supplies, cords, and batteries with a 5-year warranty. GlobTek Inc., Northvale, NJ, USA
Contract manufacturing
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A company specializes in the design, moulding, and assembly of plastic components and electronics for the medical device industry, including connectors, cable systems, and custom plastic parts. Components are designed with tight tolerances to enable good fit within even the smallest devices. Capabilities of the US FDA–registered contract manufacturer range from parts so small they are assembled under a microscope to components in above-standard sizes. The firm offers in-house engineering, design, mould making, repair services, and cleanroom operations. Custom injection moulding of thermoplastics is also available. Plastics One Inc. Roanoke, VA, USA
Laser diode drivers
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A series of laser diode drivers has been augmented by the addition of a model that does not incorporate a heat sink and thus is available in a smaller OEM package. The PLD10K-CH 10-A laser diode, manufactured by Wavelength Electronics Inc. and supplied in Europe by a regional distributor, differs from the PCB-mounted 10-A PLD10000 in having a chassis-mount configuration. The PLD units offer user adjustability, status indicators, and cabling and can drive any type of laser diode in constant-power or constant-current mode. When an option to use a high-compliance voltage is exercised, they permit multiple diodes to be run in series, useful in applications where current stability is critical and space restricted. AMS Technologies AG, Martinsried/Munich, Germany
USB-compatible spectrometer
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A spectrometer that gets its power directly from the universal-serial-bus (USB) port of a computer needs no external power supply or battery. The Tristan USB contains a 3648-pixel charge-coupled-device (CCD) detector that provides the highest spectral resolution available in the manufacturer’s Tristan range of spectrometers. The USB model comes in four different spectral ranges. The UV/Vis/NIR version, with a range of 190–1100 nm, makes the fullest use of CCD line detection; the UV/Vis and Vis/NIR models are configured to optimize optical resolution in the ultraviolet and near-infrared wavelength ranges; and the Vis version is engineered for taking visible-light, colour, and lighting measurements.
Laser Components (UK) Ltd., Chelmsford, Essex, UK
Brushless dc motors
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A range of slotted brushless dc motors incorporate internal Hall sensor feedback for linear speed-torque characteristics, high starting torque, and, with the appropriate control electronics, variable speed control. The six-slot lamination design of these Pittman-brand Elcom ST Series 2300 motors makes possible high power, fast acceleration, consistent operation, and long service life in medical and biotechnology device applications that require high performance and reliability. Measuring 2.3 in. in diameter, the motors come in standard stack lengths of ½, 1, 1½, and 2 in. and include high-energy neodymium-iron-boron magnets. They can achieve speeds to 8000 rpm and continuous torque up to 40 oz-in. Their mounting configuration is consistent with NEMA 23 standards. Ametek Technical & Industrial Products, Kent, OH, USA
Microminiature contacts
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A specialist in microminiature and precision stampings serves the medical device and electronics industries. Supporting client projects from early product prototypes through full-scale high-volume production, the company is able to process materials ranging from 0.013 to 2.54 mm thick. It stamps all metal alloys, including such exotics as titanium, niobium, platinum, iridium, tantalum, and MP35N. The company promises to supply the most cost-effective stamping solutions that will satisfy product requirements. Wauconda Tool & Engineering, Algonquin, IL, USA
Disposable-device connectors
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Hybrid connector configurations have been added to a line of connectors specifically designed for use with disposable medical devices. Offered as a complement to the connectors already available in the L.U.C. limited-use connector series, the new connectors can have electrical contacts mixed with fluid or gas contacts or with polymer optical fibres for transmitting light. Mounted into a handpiece, onto a cable, or overmoulded, the limited-use connectors suit disposable applications ranging from catheters to surgical hand tools. The disposable plug in this series mates with the manufacturer’s high-performance panel and cable receptacles, enabling permanent medical equipment to keep working with the long-lifetime receptacles. The parts can withstand EtO and gamma sterilization processes. Fischer Connectors S.A., Apples, Switzerland
