The Top 40 Products & Services
You may not realize it, but as a regular reader of EMDM, you have spent the past year voting for the 40 most useful and innovative products and services from hundreds of candidates. Each time you fill out a product information card, you are, in essence, casting a ballot for the companies that will appear in this annual section. Here then, back by popular demand, are your choices for the third annual Top 40, culled from issues of EMDM published between May 1996 and April 1997. Congratulations to the winners, but don't thank us . . . thank the readers.
Oxygen transducer
A miniature paramagnetic oxygen transducer is fast enough to follow the variations of peak oxygen concentration at the end of expiration. Designed for anesthetic and respiratory-care equipment OEMs, the Pm1111D is nondepleting and uses no consumable gases or chemicals. The oxygen transducer is reportedly the smallest of its kind, and because it does not require frequent replacement, the cost of ownership over several years is low. Servomex International Ltd., Crowborough, E Sussex, UK.
Piezo transducers
Piezo transducers are produced for a variety of OEM and medical applications. Transducer types include dual-element units 0.250 to 0.750 in. diam with frequency ranges of 1 to 10 MHz as well as imaging models with frequency ranges from 1.0 to 10 MHz. The company implements strict quality control in the production of medical diagnostic transducers for Air-In-Line, therapeutic, and blood-flow applications. Data on all transducers are stored in a confidential permanent record for exact product/reorder duplication.Etalon Inc., Lebanon, IN, USA.
Light-cured adhesives
Recommended for use in assembling face masks, solvent-free adhesives cure rapidly upon exposure to visible or UV light at room temperature. The MSK formulations achieve a tough, environmentally resistant structural bond without crazing or impairing the clarity of plastic substrates. The adhesives are commonly used on process lines operating at a rate of 5 m/min; the fluorescing materials enable in-line flow-through detection, allowing device packaging to follow immediately. Formulations range in viscosity from 45 to 1000 cp. Cured adhesives range in hardness from 65 to 80 Shore D and exhibit a tensile strength at break ranging from 2000 to 7000 psi. Dymax Europe, Frankfurt, Germany.
Arterial-pressure sensor
Mounted on a 0.014-in. guidewire, a pressure sensor is designed for intravascular pressure measurement in coronary arteries. The PressureWire sensor has a nominal diameter of 0.36 mm and is located behind a 3-cm radiopaque soft platinum tip. The linear working range extends from 30 to 300 mmHg, the frequency range from 0 to 200 Hz. The PressureWire sensor is controlled by the PressureWire interface, which can be connected to an ordinary pressure-monitoring system. The interface enables the user to calibrate the sensor, record pressure curves, calculate pressure gradients, and print sampled results. The unit can also be disconnected from the interface and used as a regular guidewire for balloon angioplasty or stent implantation. RADI Medical Systems, Uppsala, Sweden.
Flowmeter
A PVDF flowmeter incorporates a removable cartridge that can be cleaned or replaced without affecting the accuracy or repeatability of the device. Cleaning or maintenance is performed efficiently by simply removing the inner cartridge assembly. Within a minute the flowmeter is completely renewed without technical assistance, increasing product life and reducing service costs. The IR-Opflow achieves an accuracy of 1% and repeatability of 0.1%. Units can be specified in measurement ranges from 0.12.0 to 4.0120.0 L/min. Tecflow International B.V., Wijchen, Netherlands.
LCD monitor
With resolution of 1024 X 768 pixels, a 30.734-cm active-matrix LCD monitor provides graphics and image size comparable to that of a 35.56-cm CRT but with a smaller size and lower power consumption. The PowerScreen weighs 12.5 lb, measures 3.81 cm thick, and is not affected by magnetic induction. The screen can be supplied as a stand-alone monitor or provided without plastics for embedded applications. Connecting directly to workstations or PCs without additional hardware or software, the PowerScreen supports VESA and Sun timing platforms as well as custom monitor timings. The unit permits on-screen programming and setup, with parameter settings displayed as bar graph images. Operating from 30 W, the LCD achieves a brightness of 110 cd/m2 with a contrast ratio of 80:1 and a screen-aspect ratio of 4:3. The PowerScreen emits no significant x-ray or magnetic fields that could interfere with sensitive electronic equipment. RDI Computer Corp., Aalen, Germany.
Thermoplastic material
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer withstands continuous temperatures of up to 284°F and is resistant to chemicals. PEEK polymer can be injection moulded into durable medical and dental components that can be steam sterilized. The material is well suited for other applications requiring heat resistance, such
as heater housings, pressure transducer housings, and electrovalve seats for dialysis machines. Victrex plc, Thornton Cleveleys, Lancs, UK.
Sensors, transducers, and interface circuits
Standard or custom ultrasonic sensors, transducers, and instrumentation components are produced for medical use. The firm's noninvasive ultrasonic air-bubble detectors, which are designed for critical infusion applications including intravenous pumps and dialysis machines, sense the presence of air or foam in any type of solution and at any flow rate. Liquid-level detection systems are noninvasive and can be configured to indicate a precise liquid-level measurement or simply to detect the presence of liquid at a specified level. The firm can produce transducer drivers or sensor interface circuits at any level of sophistication, from surface-mount PCBs to complete electronic instruments. The company is certified to ISO 9001 and EN 46001. Zevex Inc., Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
Catheters
Products for cardiovascular use are designed with CAD technology and produced in cleanrooms. Items include catheters for temperature-controlled RF ablation, defibrillation systems, and intravenous pacing leads. Facilities are ISO 9000certified and products are CE approved. VascoMed GmbH, Weil am Rhein, Germany.
Disposable sensors/electrodes
Employing high-speed multilayer screen-printing techniques along with SMT assembly, specialty laminations, and gel dispensing, a manufacturer produces custom disposable medical sensors, electrodes, and temperature sensors. Products can incorporate flexible substrates and inks that conform to a patient's body and foldable circuitry to broaden the selection of connectors and package styles. The use of printed thermistors can lead to lower assembly costs, and lamination and application of conductive adhesives can be performed prior to die-cutting to minimize cost and improve quality. Automated SMT assembly techniques yield thin, relatively inexpensive sensors without the need for solders, flux, or hazardous cleaning materials. Double-sided through-hole technology imparts a high degree of design flexibility. Heat forming can be used to permanently affix sensor heads at the necessary angle. Poly-Flex Circuits Ltd., Newport, Isle of Wight, UK.
Dialysis catheters
Polyurethane single-lumen 8 F and double-lumen 10 and 11 F dialysis catheters are available individually or in a set including needle, guidewire, and dilator. The double-lumen catheters have two extensions with female L-lock and colour-coded clamps (red for the arterial channel, blue for the venous). The products are available in bulk for customer packaging and sterilization, or they can be supplied sterile. MediSyst, Rheinstetten, Germany.
Miniature pumps
Miniature gas or liquid diaphragm pumps feature a corrosion-resistant plastic envelope. The self-priming pumps can perform system-vacuum and waste-pumping operations simultaneously. Single-head, twin-head, and low-flow models are available. An optional diaphragm relief valve can be mounted directly on the pump. Motor types include ac, dc, brushless dc, and ironless-core dc. KNF Neuberger GmbH, Freiburg-Munzingen, Germany.
Radiation-resistant plastics
Polypropylenes blended with small amounts of a metallocene-catalyzed plastomer resist embrittlement after irradiation and resist softening at elevated temperatures. Clear compounds made by blending Escorene PP with Exact 3024 plastomer exhibit strong resistance to sterilizing doses of high-energy radiation; subjected to doses up to 75 kGy, the materials retain 50% of their ductility as compared with samples that were not irradiated. The improved performance results from the extremely narrow molecular-weight and comonomer distribution of the metallocene-catalyzed Exact plastomer; Escorene blends that contain as little as 7.512.5% of the plastomer benefit from increased radiation resistance while acquiring only a negligible increase in haze. The blends also remain whiter than homopolymers both before and after irradiation. Exxon Chemical Europe, Brussels, Belgium.
Flowmeters
Disposable, sterilizable flowmeters cover flow ranges of 0.0725 L/min for doses as small as 0.1 ml with an accuracy of ±0.5%. The rotor assembly and all wetted surfaces are moulded from PVDF, and the unit can accommodate operational temperatures to 100°C and pressures to 700 psi. The flowmeters come with standard hose-barb connections; custom configurations are also available. Digiflow Systems B.V., Malden, Netherlands.
Medical components
Pump connectors are made with 2- and 2.5-mm-diam fittings for heparin lines and 5.5-mm-diam fittings for monitoring lines. Lengths vary from 28.2 to 37 mm; pump connectors for silicone tubing are available in lengths ranging from 27 to 30.5 mm. The company also manufactures a range of IV infusion and blood transfusion components, including drip chambers, luer-lock caps and connectors, and vented and nonvented spikes. Comef S.r.l., Carpi (MO), Italy.
Injection moulding
Services for the production of injection-moulded parts extend from product development through final packaging. Using CAD/CAM and prototyping techniques, staff engineers can help identify the most appropriate materials, designs, and process technologies to suit a particular application. A recently built cleanroom enables the company to meet Class 100,000 demands for product cleanliness. Moulds are constructed in-house to minimize lead times, and initial samples are provided to verify product design and mould accuracy. Moulding operations, which draw upon expertise in insert moulding, multiple-cavity tooling, and hot-runner systems, are monitored via electronic control systems and SPC protocols; QA systems are certified to ISO 9001. Downstream operations include printing, subassembly, and final packaging. ERTA CMS, Tielt, Belgium.
Photoelectric sensors
Photoelectric position sensors and controls are available in over 100 versions. Through-beam sensors deliver the most positive signal, detecting objects that pass between a light source and separate photodetector; reflective sensors combine a light source and a photodetector in a single housing. Standard products include the Skan-A-Matic L60 miniature sensors for use in tight spaces; the LED/infrared sensors can detect objects as small as 0.5 mm at a distance of 915 mm. Special-purpose sensors can also be provided for sensing liquid levels, colours, and other phenomena. CTL Components Ltd., London, UK.
Ceramic pressure sensors
Ceramic pressure sensors are supplied in a miniature dual-in-line PCB package. The Novasensor NPC series of solid-state sensors is based on a proprietary process that ensures stable output signal and performance over a temperature range of 0°60°C. The NPC 410 is supplied uncompensated, the NPC 1210 is compensated with a gain-set resistor, and the NPC 1220 is compensated with a current-set resistor. Units can be specified in gauge- and differential-pressure ranges from 05 to 0100 psi and absolute-pressure ranges from 015 through 0100 psi. An opaque cap over the sensing element eliminates light-sensitivity problems. Lucas Control Systems Products, Keighley, W Yorks, UK.
Pressure-sensitive adhesives
A family of pressure-sensitives are coated with a nonirritating acrylic multipolymer adhesive. Rx100P is a single-coated spun-laced polyester fabric that is conformable and lightweight. The adhesive is covered with a polycoated stay-flat release liner for easy die-cutting. Typical applications include bandages and ECG electrodes. Rx137P, recommended for transdermal use, is coated with a hypoallergenic acrylic adhesive that adheres firmly to the skin yet removes cleanly without causing skin trauma. The vinyl material conforms to body contours. Designed for such applications as surgical drapes, ostomy bags, and related medical devices, Rx268S is a double-coated polyethylene film with an 80-lb release liner to facilitate die-cutting. Scapa Tapes Medical Products Group, Manchester, UK.
Infusion-pump transducer
A force/pressure transducer is specifically designed for use in infusion-pump monitors. The Model 1865 registers the pressure exerted by an IV solution on a flexible membrane, then transmits the pressure reading through the sensor diaphragm to a silicon piezoresistive die. Units can be supplied for constant-current or voltage excitation, with output amplification and signal conditioning as required. When supplied with current excitation, the sensor's full-span output is 100 ± 2 mV; voltage excitation generates an output of 40 ± 2 mV. The Model 1865 exhibits nonlinearity of 0.25% and hysteresis and repeatability of 0.015% or better. Foxboro/ICT, San Jose, CA, USA.
Acrylic polymers
Acrylic polymers for medical applications are presented in a six-page product brochure. Featured products include Acrylite moulding compounds, which offer good optical qualities and UV transmission, and Cyrolite multipolymer compounds, which are chemically resistant, easy to bond, and suitable for sterilization via gamma and EtO. Additional formulations include XT multipolymer compounds, which are recommended for use in thermoformed packaging, and Cyrex opaque alloy, which is the toughest and most chemically resistant compound in the brochure. A selection chart rates each product for processing ease, toughness, optical qualities, chemical resistance, and suitability for gamma sterilization. The brochure also compares the compounds to medical-grade polycarbonate for resistance to alcohol and lipids. Cyro Industries, Rockaway, NJ, USA.
Ceramic pressure sensors
Specializing in thick-film strain-gauge technology, a manufacturer provides ceramic pressure sensors characterized by high linearity and repeatability with no hysteresis. The chemically pure and inert ceramic sensors withstand aggressive media and can be steam cleaned. Units are also suitable for sterile applications. Thick-film technology ensures long-term stability and operation across temperatures ranging from 55° to 150°C. City Sensors S.A., Plessis-Robinson, France.
Micropump
A solenoid-operated Teflon micropump is designed for medical applications that entail the handling of aggressive and high-purity fluids. The pump delivers a maximum of 50 ml per stroke against a 152/203-mm head. The maximum number of strokes per minute is approximately 400. Factory set for maximum flow, the pump can be supplied preadjusted by the manufacturer to dispense smaller volumes. Bio-Chem Valve Inc., Boonton, NJ, USA.
Potentiometers and encoders
Potentiometers and encoders for position measurement are created through a proprietary process that entails screen-printing a layer of glass onto a ceramic substrate, firing it, and then screen-printing a cermet conductor onto the glass and firing the substrate a second time. The conductor sinks into the glass layer to form an extremely smooth surface finish. By combining the silver-on-glass technology with traditional potentiometric technology, secondary safety circuits can be incorporated into a single device. Signal-conditioning electronics can also be added at relatively low cost. The manufacturer is currently using the technology to develop a contacting incremental encoder with a two-channel quadrature output and optional index pulse. Spectrol Reliance Ltd., Swindon, Wilts, UK.
Component catalogue
A 112-page catalogue features more than 400 fluid control and fluid-power products for analytical and medical applications. The products include generic miniature solenoid-operated valves and a wide range of micropneumatics. All products combine high performance ratings and long service lives with low power consumption and rapid response times. The catalogue, which includes a chapter on fittings and hose connections, gives technical specifications for the products, including cross-sectional and dimensional drawings, flow rates, compatible fluids, sealing materials, and installation information. Asco Joucomatic, Rueil Malmaison, France.
Conductive tapes
Pressure-sensitive tapes are made with a patented electrically conductive acrylic adhesive that resists environmental stress and maintains long-term aging stability. The adhesive is highly conductive in the z-axis, exhibiting 10-mW/sq-in. volume resistance. Good bond strength and tack are additional benefits. The adhesive forms the basis for several tapes designed for shielding, grounding, and interconnection, including ARclad 8001, Flexshield 8269, and ARclad 8257. The double-sided ARclad 8001 readily bonds to rounded and irregular surfaces and is recommended for low-amperage electrical interconnections. Flexshield 8269 has a flexible backing of nickel-copper-metallized fabric that provides 70-dB shielding effectiveness from 10 MHz to 1 GHz. ARclad 8257 provides a reliable method for attaching and grounding EMI shields and can be laminated selectively or with full coverage onto various metallized fabrics, foils, or films. Adhesives Research Inc., Glen Rock, PA, USA.
Infrared thermometer
A portable infrared thermometer provides instant noncontact readings of temperatures ranging from 30° to 400°C. The handheld THI-400N measures only 170 * 40 * 36 mm and operates from four AAA batteries. Two visible Class II laser beams make it easy to locate a target and specify the diameter of the surface to be measured. Results are presented on an LCD. Useful features include hold and maximum/minimum readings along with adjustable emission levels, selectable Fahrenheit or Celsius scales, and visual/audible warning indicators. Telatemp Corp., Fullerton, CA, USA.
Miniature motor
An ironless dc motor measures only 8 mm in diameter by 16 mm long and weighs only 3.5 g. The Type 0816 motor can be specified in nominal voltages of 3, 6, and 8 V dc. The unit is capable of no-load speeds up to 17,800 rpm, output power up to 177 mW, and stall torque as high as 0.43 mN-m. The motor uses NdFeB magnets and coreless rotors with a patented self-supporting skew winding. Typical inertia is 0.03 g/cm2, and mechanical time constant is less than 13 milliseconds. Vacuum-impregnated sintered sleeve bearings are standard; miniature ball bearings are optional. Motors can be supplied with matching planetary gearheads also measuring 8 mm in diameter. Gear ratios ranging from 4:1 to 4096:1 achieve a maximum output torque of 120 mN-m. Constructed with precision-machined gears and housings, the all-metal gearheads operate in temperatures up to 100°C. Minimotor S.A., Croglio, Switzerland.
Miniature pump
Operating without pistons, stepper motors, or wiping seals, a miniature solenoid pump provides a service life exceeding 10 million operations. The NRP-500P can accommodate both sterile and aggressive fluids. Shot volume can be manually adjusted between 10 and 500 ml. Shot-to-shot repeatability is ±1% for quantities ranging from 50 to 500 ml and ±2% for quantities from 10 to 50 ml. Shot rate ranges from 0 to 2 Hz. The pump body measures 83 mm long by 40 mm diam. Takasago-Mindsmeet, St. Neots, Cambs, UK.
Movement sensor
Measuring just 0.35 in. long by 0.14 in. diameter, a movement sensor employs fully sealed gold-plated contacts and can be fitted with two extra pins for PCB assembly. A metal case protects the sensitive gold contacts from shock and maintains a hermetic seal. The switching sensor does not contain mercury, but is filled with an inert gas to achieve highly reliable performance throughout a service life of 100,000 operations. The switch is rated at 60 V ac, 250 mA maximum. The unit is typically used in small electronic assemblies for monitoring patient movement. Assemtech Europe Ltd., Thorpe-le-Soken, Essex, UK.
Peristaltic pump
A peristaltic pump's head features a single roller/rotor that is eccentrically attached to the cam. In its highest position, the roller/rotor simultaneously opens a static inlet and outlet valve while pushing the fluid forward. This new pump design permits dosing applications down to 1 ml/min while maintaining high precision and low pulse rates. The proprietary system can be adjusted to handle nearly any volume. The pump is suited for medical dosing devices and scientific analysis instrumentation. KBL GmbH, Karlstein, Germany.
Sterile packaging
Medical packaging is manufactured using proprietary control systems to ensure conformity with current and proposed international regulations. The Stericlin family of packaging materials includes medical paper for dispensing and machine rolls, which can be supplied with specialized coatings. Register printing in up to six colours and overprinting of up to three different identification labels indicating steam, EtO, and formaldehyde sterilization are also offered. Composite foil is available for flat-pack and deep-drawing machines along with coated or uncoated Tyvek and specialty composites. In order to minimize environmental impact, only water-based inks are used for printing and only solvent-free dispersion and hot-melt systems are used for seal coatings. The company's QA systems are certified to EN 29001. VP Papier GmbH, Feuchtwangen, Germany.
Pressure sensors
Miniature pressure sensors can be placed in line with the media flow path, eliminating the need for T connections and additional bypass tubing. The factory-calibrated flow-through sensors are temperature compensated, allowing part interchangeability while maintaining reliability and accuracy. Minimal dead space results in reduced flow turbulence and facilitates cleaning and disinfection. Medical-grade sensor ports accept standard tubing sizes as well as many standard connectors. A variety of pressure ranges are available and the operating temperature range is 40° to 85°C. The 20PC sensors are suited for the measurement of dynamic and static pressure in kidney dialysis machines, blood-gas analyzers, respirators, ventilators, and related devices. Honeywell Micro Switch, Newhouse, Scotland, UK.
Miniature pumps
Miniature rotary-vane pumps measure 3.5 in. long by 1.8 in. diam. The oilless pumps feature low levels of noise and vibration, high flow performance, and low power consumption. Two models are available specified at either 7 psi with 12.5-in.Hg vacuum and 0.4 cfm open flow or 9 psi with 15-in.Hg vacuum and 0.4 cfm open flow. The 0332-series pumps are suited for a variety of applications including blood-pressure monitors and portable aspirators. Gast Manufacturing, High Wycomb, Bucks, UK.
Linear motors
A line of linear actuator motors now includes an antibacklash nut configuration designed to improve bidirectional positional accuracy. Based on 1.8° step motor technology, the motors are driven by unipolar or bipolar stepper-drive electronics. The bidirectional actuators produce linear motion from 0.79375 to 3.175 mm per step. Their maximum linear force ranges from 25 to 35 lb. Standard models are available with voltage ratings of 1.912 V dc. The motors feature permanently lubricated ball bearings. Options include leadscrew shafts with custom ends in many lengths, custom threads, windings, connectors and lead wires, encoders, and tapped-hole mounting plates. Servo Control Technology, Taunusstein, Germany.
Adhesives handbook
A reference manual on adhesive, sealant, coating, and dispensing technology has been published by a global manufacturer of industrial adhesives and equipment. The 464-page book is available in nine languages--English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean--with the page content identical in each version. This format facilitates communication among manufacturers, who can use the manual as a common reference tool. The handbook is organized into 14 sections covering such topics as adhesive engineering, gasketing, sealing, and the retention of cylindrical metal assemblies. Plastics compatibility tables, fluid- and gas-resistance charts, and industry definitions are also included. Loctite, Garching-Hockbruck, Germany.
Platinum-cured silicone
Platinum-cured, flexible, unreinforced silicone tubing does not react with body tissues or fluids, resists bacteria growth, and contains no materials that can leach into critical streams. Silicone Med-X, made of virgin silicone gum, is extruded and finished under GMP guidelines in a facility certified to ISO 9001. Tubing is available in 29 sizes ranging from 0.012 in. ID with a 0.007-in. wall to 0.750 in. ID with a 0.125-in. wall; lengths offered are 50 ft in IDs up to 0.375 in., and 25 ft for larger diameters. The company can supply tubing in client-specified sizes, tints, durometers, and imprints. NewAge Industries Inc., Willow Grove, PA, USA.
Air-bubble and fluid detection system
A detection system using proprietary pulsed ultrasonic technology monitors patient-connected devices for the presence of air bubbles, foam, or fluids. A sensor, which contains piezoelectric crystals, is attached to the outside of the tubing or other small-diameter vessel. Because there is no interaction between the sensor and the fluid, liquid compatibility and sterility are not affected. The pulsed electronics design makes the system less dependent on wet-to-dry ratios than air and bubble detectors that operate in a continuous-wave mode. Magnetrol International, Introtek Div., Zele, Belgium.
Humidity sensor
A ceramic-based humidity sensor suited for process control and instrumentation operates within a relative humidity range of 1090%. The unit can tolerate temperatures up to 250°C. Unlike polymer-based sensors, this device does not drift or lose accuracy over time, which eliminates the need for recalibration of monitoring equipment. The sensor does not clog and is unaffected by temperature and most gases. The firm, which is ISO 9001certified, develops and manufactures a line of bimetal thermostats, thermal fuses, packaged temperature sensors and related thermal protection devices, and custom and standard heaters. Elmwood Sensors Inc., North Shields,
Tyne and Wear, UK.
Peristaltic pumps
Peristaltic pumps are supplied in dc and ac versions. Depending on the voltage, the reversible 36-V-dc pumps have flow rates that range from 5 to 12 ml/min when 0.078-in.-ID tubing is used, and from 2 to 5 ml/min with 0.062-in.-ID tubing. The 24-V, 50-Hz ac pumps have average delivery rates of 2, 2.8, 4.2, and 6.5 ml/min depending on the rpm and tubing diameter. Both models are available in single-, double-, or triple-line configurations. Analox Instruments Ltd., London, UK.
Feeling Neglected?
If you manufacture a product or provide a service that you feel has Top 40 potential, send a press release and photo, if available, to the editor. If appropriate, we will publish a review in an upcoming issue. Then, it's up to the readers.
In order to qualify for next year's Top 40, the product or service review must have been published in EMDM between May 1997 and April 1998. Don't delay! You may send press material in care of the editor to either the German or US office.
